Sign Regulations in Ridgewood, New Jersey
Ridgewood, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 35 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Street Signs (Dedication), Emergency No-Parking Signs, Exit Signs. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Ridgewood, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Ridgewood
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Signs (Dedication) | — | 6 inches by 30 inches | — |
| Pay Telephone Identification Sign | — | 2.5 square feet | — |
| Fire Lane Signs | 7 feet (measured from ground to bottom of sign) | 12 inches by 18 inches | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for RidgewoodFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
35
- Street Signs (Dedication)
- Emergency No-Parking Signs
- Exit Signs
- Information Signs (Interior Stairways/Elevators)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Ridgewood
Municipal Code1 permit application link available
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Ridgewood 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 Ridgewood, 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 Ridgewood, regulated sign types include Street Signs (Dedication), Emergency No-Parking Signs, Exit Signs, Information Signs (Interior Stairways/Elevators), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Ridgewood vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Ridgewood are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Ridgewood has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Ridgewood, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Ridgewood, New Jersey regulates 35 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Freestanding Principal Signs in the B-1 Zone District, B-2 Zone District, C Zone District zoning district are capped at 10 feet tall and 12 square feet, with a Min 5 feet to property line setback (Sec. § 190-122E(2)(c)). Most commercial signs in Ridgewood require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Ridgewood, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Ridgewood (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 7 feet (measured from ground to bottom of sign) | 12 inches by 18 inches | — |
| Residential zone districts | 2 | 10 feet | 30 square feet | — |
| P Zone District, P-2 Zone District, T Zone District | 2 | 10 feet | 30 square feet | — |
| B-1 Zone District, B-2 Zone District, C Zone District | 12 | 42 inches (up to 72 inches if affixed temporarily to building) | 75% of window unit in aggregate (with multitenants) | — |
| OB-1 Office Building Zone District, OB-2 Office Building Zone District | 3 | 15 feet | 30 square feet per side, or 60 square feet total (both sides) | — |
| H District | 2 | — | 30 square feet | — |
| HC Zone District | 7 | 20 feet | 75 sq ft | — |
| B-3-R Zone | 1 | 42 inches (up to 72 inches if affixed temporarily to building) | 5 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Ridgewood(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street Signs (Dedication) | — | 6 inches by 30 inches | — | — | — | At all street intersections; subject to approval by Director of Public Works. | — | Unlock | § 129-5, § 190-86 |
| Emergency No-Parking Signs | — | — | — | — | — | Posted temporarily on streets during emergencies. | — | Unlock | § 265-44 |
| Exit Signs | — | — | — | — | — | At all exits, as required by building code. | — | Unlock | § 223-141 |
| Information Signs (Interior Stairways/Elevators) | — | — | — | — | — | In interior stairways more than 3 stories above grade and at elevator lobbies above 75 feet. | — | Unlock | § 223-142 |
| Pay Telephone Identification Sign | — | 2.5 square feet | — | — | One per telephone | Attached to the pay telephone structure. | — | Unlock | § 249-75F |
| Fire Lane Signs | 7 feet (measured from ground to bottom of sign) | 12 inches by 18 inches | — | — | — | Installed 50 feet apart, visible from another sign, at angle points, starts and ends of fire lanes; 45° angle facing traffic. | — | Unlock | § 151-7 |
B-1 Zone District, B-2 Zone District, C Zone District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attached Principal Sign | Top-to-bottom edge of sign: 24 inches; message height: 16 inches (descender up to additional 4 inches) | — | 75% of store front or wall; if store front is <15 ft, then max width is 90% of store front | — | One per retail use, up to two in specific instances on corner/secondary entrances | Parallel to face of wall; not extending more than 6 inches; rigidly and securely attached. | — | Unlock | § 190-122E(2)(b) |
| Freestanding Principal Sign | 10 feet | 12 square feet | — | Min 5 feet to property line | One per eligible site | Permitted only where building is set back at least 40 ft from front curbline; not closer than 5 feet to property line; must not cause sight issues. | — | Unlock | § 190-122E(2)(c) |
| Nonilluminated Interior Window Sign | — | 20% of area of glass, up to maximum 50 sq ft per window unit. | — | — | Up to 2 per window unit per tenant | Within 48 inches of inside of window/door glass. | — | Unlock | § 190-122E(2)(d) |
| Awning Sign | 8 inches | — | 1/3 of flap length parallel to street | — | — | Flap/vertical plane of permitted awning. B-1 and B-2 Districts only. | — | Unlock | § 190-122E(2)(f) |
| Tenant Directory/Identification Sign | 8 inches | 2 square feet | — | — | 1 per tenant | Exterior wall, for retail uses with common entrance and other non-retail uses. | — | Unlock | § 190-122E(3) |
| Institutional Use Freestanding Sign (B-1/B-2/C) | 10 feet | 30 square feet | — | 5 feet | One freestanding and one per principal/accessory building | Min 5 feet from any property line; must not interfere with sight distance. | — | Unlock | § 190-122E(6) |
| Blade Sign | 16 feet max above sidewalk; min 8 ft above sidewalk | Within square of 32 inches x 32 inches | 32 inches | — | One per ground floor business (two if corner) | Affixed to facade; may encroach into right-of-way under agreement. | — | Unlock | § 190-122H(10) |
| Temporary Portable Sign/Sandwich Board (A-frame) | 42 inches (up to 72 inches if affixed temporarily to building) | 5 square feet | 24 inches | — | One per business | Front yard of storefront and/or public right-of-way in front; must maintain minimum 52 inches clear walkway. | — | Unlock | § 190-122H(9) |
HC Zone District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Sole Route 17 Access) | 20 feet | 50 sq ft max | — | — | One per use | On wall of premises accessed only from Route 17. | — | Unlock | § 190-122J(2)(a)(1)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Sole Route 17 Access) | 20 feet | 75 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | Premises accessed only from Route 17. | — | Unlock | § 190-122J(2)(a)(1)(a) |
| Wall Sign (Access from Other Streets) | 15 ft | 25 sq ft max | — | — | One per use | Buildings with access from streets other than Route 17. | — | Unlock | § 190-122J(2)(a)(2)(b) |
| Freestanding Sign (Access from Other Streets) | 10 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | One per lot | Premises with access from streets other than Route 17. | — | Unlock | § 190-122J(2)(a)(2)(a) |
| Interior Window Signs (Route 17 Access) | — | 15% of window area per tenant | — | — | One or more per business, aggregate area limit applies | Interior window signs for businesses with Route 17 access. | — | Unlock | § 190-122J(2)(b)(1)(a) |
| Awning Sign (HC with Route 17 Access) | 8 inches | — | 1/3 of flap length | — | — | Flap/vertical plane of awning | — | Unlock | § 190-122J(2)(b)(1)(b) |
| Interior Window and Awning Signs (Access from Other Streets) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 190-122J(2)(b)(2)(a) |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Ridgewood — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Ridgewood — start freeProhibited Signs in Ridgewood
- No poster, sign or other display or advertising matter shall be exhibited upon the windows or doors of premises conducting an auction or special sale so as to prevent the interior from being visible and observable from the street or side street for police and fire detection purposes.
- No signs shall be permitted in the area of the outdoor cafe except signs on the awnings complying with the Sign Ordinance.
- Outdoor umbrellas located in the outdoor cafe are exempt from the Sign Ordinance.
- No temporary signs are permitted on public property or within any public right-of-way or sidewalk. This extends to trees, telephone poles and street or traffic signs.
- No temporary signs, including political signs, shall be permitted to be placed on any publicly owned property, including, but not limited to, municipally owned property, library property, parks, rights-of-way trees, telephone poles, lighting stations, street or traffic signs, tree wells or planters, water utility property, and/or any other such publicly owned property within the Village.
- Billboard or billboard signs are prohibited, except display signs customarily erected on the premises of a railroad station or on the railroad right-of-way in the vicinity of such station.
- Signs placed or located or displayed upon or within any traveled way, pedestrian or vehicular, public or private, unless affixed to the wall of a building and located above the traveled way, are prohibited, except temporary portable signs as specifically permitted elsewhere.
- Roof signs, known also as sky signs, are prohibited.
- Signs projecting on or over a sidewalk are prohibited, except barber poles.
- Freestanding signs or similar devices are prohibited except as otherwise specifically permitted.
- Signs erected or painted or composed of fluorescent or phosphorescent or similar material are prohibited.
- Signs in whole or part moving, mobile or revolving are prohibited except for barber poles.
- Strings or streamers of flags, pennants, spinners or other similar devices strung across, upon, over or along any premises or building are prohibited, except as specifically permitted.
- Signs which are unsafe, insecure, or a menace to the public are prohibited.
- A sign which falsely identifies the premises or occupant, or falsely advertises any product or service not available therein, is prohibited.
- Signs with flashing or intermittent illumination are prohibited.
- No sign may have electric conduit located on the exterior facade of a building used to provide electric power to any sign.
- Neon signs with visible neon tubes, as well as signs with visible LED illumination or similar illumination devices, are prohibited unless specifically permitted.
- Highly reflective or refractive materials, fluorescent or luminescent materials are prohibited on specific sign types (e.g., temporary portable signs).
- Balloons, pennants, flags, streamers, banners and similar items are prohibited as part of temporary portable signs.
- Offensive language is prohibited on temporary portable signs.
- No person shall maintain, erect, place or construct any sign, awning, lamp or other thing over any sidewalk in the Village unless it shall be at least seven feet above the sidewalk.
- No advertising, signs or publicity purposes other than those dealing with the actual use of the pay telephone shall be permitted on the pay telephone or its surround.
- No real estate sign shall state that the property has been sold or leased; such signs are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Ridgewood
- Signs for residential uses permitted by § 190-122C(1).
- Professional nameplates affixed to the door or adjacent wall of premises so used.
- Memorial signs or tablets or signs indicating the name of a building or the date of its erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.
- Lettering on buildings displayed over individual entrance doors such as 'washing', 'lubrication', 'repairing' or words of similar import for service stations.
- Lettering or other insignia which are a structural part of a gasoline pump, consisting only of brand name, lead warning sign and other signs as required by law.
- Credit card signs for service stations.
- Sign attached to each gas pump, with the price of the product, as required by law.
- Movable freestanding signs specifically advertising the price of fuel at gas stations.
- Signs for public convenience and welfare erected by or on behalf of the United States, the state, county, and the Village, traffic signs in private ways and parking lots, legal notices, railroad crossing signs or other similar signs as required by law.
- Temporary signs necessary in connection with the erection of buildings or other construction work.
- The interior contents of lawfully permitted signs specifically designed to be changed from time to time, such as church announcement boards, theater marquees, restaurant menus, etc., whether freestanding or attached to a building.
- Temporary, nonilluminated political signs advancing the candidacy for elective office or political causes, subject to regulations.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Ridgewood
- No sign shall be constructed or displayed unless a sign permit shall have been issued in accordance with the provisions of § 190-97C.
- No permanent freestanding sign shall be permitted until a site plan for the sign is approved by the Planning Board.
- All signs to be installed that are accessory to any site plan processed by the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment shall be reviewed and the intensity of light of all such signs approved by the Board.
- Prior to the placement of any temporary portable sign/display, a permit shall be applied for and obtained in accordance with § 190-97C. The permit shall be approved by the Zoning Official, Assistant Zoning Officer, Code Enforcement Officer and Village Planner.
- All blade signs that encroach into the public right-of-way require an encroachment agreement with the Village.
Source: ecode360 municipal code