Sign Regulations in Paterson, New Jersey
Paterson, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 1 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign, Political Sign - Ground or Freestanding, Political Sign - Campaign Headquarters. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Paterson, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Paterson
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Sign - Ground or Freestanding | — | 8 sq ft | 10 ft from inner line of sidewalk or 20 ft from street line if no sidewalk |
| Political Sign - Campaign Headquarters | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| Awning Sign | — | — | Projection limited to a point 18 inches inside the curbline |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
10
- Real Estate Sign
- Political Sign - Ground or Freestanding
- Political Sign - Campaign Headquarters
- Awning Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
1
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Paterson
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Paterson vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Paterson, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Paterson, regulated sign types include Real Estate Sign, Political Sign - Ground or Freestanding, Political Sign - Campaign Headquarters, Awning Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Paterson, monument signs typically require a 10 ft from inner line of sidewalk or 20 ft from street line if no sidewalk setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Paterson are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Paterson has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Paterson, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Paterson, New Jersey regulates 10 sign types across 1 zoning district. Political Sign - Ground or Freestandings in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 8 sq ft, with a 10 ft from inner line of sidewalk or 20 ft from street line if no sidewalk setback (Sec. § 414-4(A), § 414-5, § 414-7). Most commercial signs in Paterson require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Paterson, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Paterson (1 zone)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | Not less than 8 feet | 20 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Paterson
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 | On the lot or building offered for sale or to let; may be freestanding or attached | — | Unlock | § 414-1(A)-(F) |
| Political Sign - Ground or Freestanding | — | 8 sq ft | — | 10 ft from inner line of sidewalk or 20 ft from street line if no sidewalk | — | On or in private property, with owner consent | — | Unlock | § 414-4(A), § 414-5, § 414-7 |
| Political Sign - Campaign Headquarters | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On a privately owned building or part thereof designated as campaign headquarters | — | Unlock | § 414-4(B), § 414-5, § 414-7 |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | Projection limited to a point 18 inches inside the curbline | — | Affixed to building; may not project beyond a line drawn perpendicularly upward from 18 inches inside the curbline; awning must be 8 feet clear above the sidewalk. | — | Unlock | § 435-107(A)-(B) |
| Canopy Sign (Apartment House Canopy) | Not less than 8 feet | — | At least 10 feet wide | — | — | Entrances of apartment houses accommodating 30 families or more | — | Unlock | § 435-108 |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | Cannot project beyond 2 ft inside curbline; min 9 ft clearance below sign | — | Projecting from a building into/over a public street or sidewalk; may not project beyond a line 2 feet inside the curbline | — | Unlock | § 435-109--§ 435-112, § 183-11 |
| Flat/Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Affixed to building | — | Unlock | § 183-11(A)-(B) |
| Parking Lot Entrance Sign | — | — | — | — | At least one per entrance | At each entrance to licensed open-air parking lot | — | Unlock | § 359-9 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Paterson are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Paterson
- No campaign material or political sign shall be attached to or affixed upon any public place, public facility or on public property by any means.
- No person shall draw, write or print or permit or suffer to be drawn, written or printed upon any street or sidewalk or upon any public place or facility any slogan, motto, name or symbol whether written with chalk, paint or any other substance.
- No campaign material or political sign shall be painted or affixed upon private property or private fence or a private tree without the consent of the owner thereof.
- No person shall remove, tear down, deface or destroy any lawfully erected political sign on private property without the consent of the owner.
- No awning shall be erected or maintained in the City unless it is eight feet clear above the sidewalk level and entirely supported from the building to which it is attached.
- No awning shall project beyond a line drawn perpendicularly upward from 18 inches inside the curbline.
- No person shall erect or maintain any sign or signs projecting 18 inches or more beyond the building line in any street or highway in the City without first obtaining a license.
- No sign shall contain or be made of any inflammable or combustible material unless otherwise permitted by the State Uniform Construction Code.
- No projecting sign shall project from the face of a building or structure on or over streets and sidewalks in the City beyond a line drawn perpendicularly upward from two feet inside the curbline.
- Signs, banners, flags, or other similar decorations advertising alcoholic beverages are prohibited except for signs directly affixed to the building constituting the licensed premises or contained in the windows of such buildings.
- Signs or banners affixed to fences surrounding the building or freestanding signs located on the sidewalk or adjoining area of the building which constitutes the licensed premises advertising alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Paterson
- Real estate signs customarily necessary in the offering of real estate for sale or to let by the owner or agent are permitted when requirements are complied with.
- A second sign stating 'open house' may be added to the on-premises real estate sign during an open house.
- Political signs posted or displayed on existing commercial billboards by or with the consent of the owner and signs on licensed motor vehicles in operating condition (except when the vehicle is parked primarily to display such signs) are expressly exempted from the Article II definition of political signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Paterson
- No specific mention of a required master sign plan, sign plan, or required variance meeting is found in the provided ordinance text.
- Licenses and permits are required for certain signs, particularly projecting signs, from the Director of Public Works and/or the Construction Official, and must comply with the State Uniform Construction Code and Zoning Ordinance, but no reference to a comprehensive sign plan or master sign plan is found.
Source: ecode360 municipal code