Sign Regulations in Upper Township, New Jersey
Upper Township, New Jersey has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Attached Sign, Freestanding Sign, Information and Direction Sign. 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 Upper Township, New Jersey
Sample Sign Requirements in Upper Township
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information and Direction Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 32 sq ft (total, two signs) | — |
| Portable Sign - A-Frame | — | 2 ft x 3 ft (6 sq ft) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
29
- Attached Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Information and Direction Sign
- Real Estate Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Upper Township
Other Cities in New Jersey
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Upper Township 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 Upper Township, 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 Upper Township, regulated sign types include Attached Sign, Freestanding Sign, Information and Direction Sign, Real Estate Sign, 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 Upper Township 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 Upper Township are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Upper Township has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Upper Township, New Jersey Sign Rules at a Glance
Upper Township, New Jersey regulates 29 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Churches and Schools)s in the Residential Districts zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 20 sq ft, with a 25 ft from all street rights-of-way and lot lines setback (Sec. § 20-5.10b1(a)). Most commercial signs in Upper Township require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Upper Township, New Jersey
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Upper Township (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 13 | — | 32 sq ft (total, two signs) | — |
| Residential Districts | 8 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Resort Commercial "RC" District, Tuckahoe Village "TV" District | 2 | 35 ft or height of principal building, whichever is lower | 50 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District (MTCD, TC, TCC, WTC, CM2, CM4, CMP) | 6 | 35 ft or height of principal building, whichever is shorter | 100 sq ft | — |
| Conservation Zone "C" | 2 | 15 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Upper Township(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information and Direction Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | All zones | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10a5 |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 32 sq ft (total, two signs) | — | — | 2 | On property for sale/rent/lease | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10a8 |
| Portable Sign - A-Frame | — | 2 ft x 3 ft (6 sq ft) | 2 ft | — | 1 per business | Conforming commercial lot (front of business on sidewalk; not roadway) | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10a7, a7(e)(1), a7(f) |
| Portable Sign - Yard Sign | — | 2 ft x 2 ft (4 sq ft) | 2 ft | — | 1 per business | Conforming commercial lot (front of business on sidewalk; not roadway) | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10a7, a7(e)(2), a7(f) |
| Portable Sign - Variable Message Sign | — | 2 ft x 3 ft (6 sq ft) | 2 ft | — | 1 per business | Conforming commercial lot (front of business on sidewalk; not roadway) | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10a7, a7(e)(3), a7(f) |
| Banner | — | Not to exceed total sign area permitted for permanent wall signs on premises | — | On posts: setback as required for freestanding signs. | — | On wall, fence, or posts (posts with proper setbacks) | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10a14 |
| Contractor Service Sign | — | 4 sq ft per sign, or up to 32 sq ft for a common sign board | — | — | 5 per contractor Township-wide at any time | At residence where work is performed. | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10a15 |
| Billboard/Off-site Commercial Advertising Sign (Agricultural Commercial Establishment, Pinelands Area) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 2 per direction, per road | Along roads directly approaching agricultural commercial establishment (Pinelands Area) | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10a13 |
Residential Districts
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (Churches and Schools) | 10 ft | 20 sq ft | — | 25 ft from all street rights-of-way and lot lines | 1 | 25 ft from all street rights-of-way and lot lines | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b1(a) |
| Attached Sign (Churches and Schools) | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Attached to building | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b1(a) |
| Freestanding Sign (Golf Courses and Public Utilities) | 10 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 25 ft from street and lot lines | 1 | 25 ft from all street rights-of-way and lot lines | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b1(b) |
| Permanent Attached Sign (Residential Agriculture - Agricultural Commercial Establishment) | No higher than the establishment | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 permanent sign | Permanently attached to structure | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b1(c) |
| Temporary Sign (Residential Agriculture) | 5 ft | 4 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street and lot lines | 4 | 10 ft from all street and lot lines | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b1(c) |
| Freestanding Sign (Campgrounds) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 15 ft from street lines, 25 ft from side lot lines | 1 | 15 ft from all street lines, 25 ft from all side lot lines | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b1(d) |
| Name Plate Sign (Home Occupations) | 5 ft if freestanding | 6 sq ft | — | 10 ft from street rights-of-way and lot lines (if freestanding) | 1 | Attached to building or freestanding | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b1(e) |
| Freestanding Residential Sign | 3 ft | 4 sq ft (per § 20-5.10c6(j)) | — | 15 ft from street right-of-way or property line | 1 per premises | Min. 15 ft from street right-of-way or property line | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10c6(j) |
Commercial District (MTCD, TC, TCC, WTC, CM2, CM4, CMP)
| 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 Sign (Lot <3 acres) | — | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per occupant | Attached to building | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b3(a) |
| Freestanding Sign (Lot <3 acres) MTCD, WTC, TC, TCC Zones Only - Monument Sign | 8 ft | 75 sq ft | — | 20 ft from street lines; 50 ft from side property lines, exceptions for visibility. | 1 per principal building or group of attached principal buildings | At least 20 ft from street lines, 50 ft from side property lines; may be at street line if visibility provided. | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b3(b)(1)-(3) |
| Freestanding Sign (Lot <3 acres) CM2, CM4, CMP Zones | 35 ft or height of principal building, whichever is shorter | 75 sq ft | — | 20 ft from street lines; 50 ft from side property lines, exceptions for visibility. | 1 per principal building or group of attached principal buildings | At least 20 ft from street lines, 50 ft from side property lines; may be at street line if visibility provided. | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b3(b)(1)-(3) |
| Attached Sign (Lot ≥3 acres) | — | 75 sq ft | — | — | 1 per occupant | Attached to building | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b4(a) |
| Freestanding Sign (Lot ≥3 acres) MTCD, WTC, TC, TCC Zones Only - Monument Sign | 8 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 30 ft from street or lot line, exceptions for visibility. | 1 per principal building or shopping center | At least 30 ft from any street or lot line; may be at street line if visibility provided. | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b4(b)(1)-(3) |
| Freestanding Sign (Lot ≥3 acres) CM2, CM4, CMP Zones | 35 ft or height of principal building, whichever is shorter | 100 sq ft | — | 30 ft from street or lot line, exceptions for visibility. | 1 per principal building or shopping center | At least 30 ft from any street or lot line; may be at street line if visibility provided. | — | Unlock | § 20-5.10b4(b)(1)-(3) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Upper Township — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Upper Township — start freeProhibited Signs in Upper Township
- No sign shall be erected, altered or replaced which is not in accordance with the standards established in this chapter.
- No sign of any type shall be permitted to obstruct driving vision, traffic signals, traffic direction and identification signs, other places of business, other signs or windows of the buildings on which they are located.
- No sign shall be attached to trees, fence posts, stumps, utility poles or other signs, but shall be freestanding or attached to buildings in an approved manner.
- No billboards or off-site commercial advertising sign shall be erected or replaced, except as specifically provided for agricultural commercial establishments in the Pinelands Area.
- Signs using mechanical or electrical devices to revolve, flash or display movement or the illusion of movement are prohibited.
- Electronic message signs shall not continuously stream or flash messages and/or pictures. Messages shall be static and shall not change for at least one minute.
- Freestanding signs must be supported by columns or uprights firmly embedded in the ground. Exposed guy wires, chains or other connections shall not be made in permanent support of freestanding signs.
- No freestanding or attached sign shall be higher at any point than the roofline of the building, unless a lower height is specified elsewhere.
- No attached sign shall project into or hang over a street right-of-way.
- No sign shall project beyond a building in a manner placing it above an area traversed by motor vehicles.
- Where signs project beyond a building facade or wall over a pedestrian way, the lowest portion shall be at least eight feet above the walkway.
- Illuminated signs must not reflect glare or light onto adjoining premises or highways.
- No sign with red, green or blue illumination in a beam, beacon or flashing form resembling an emergency light shall be erected in any location.
- Signs shall be maintained in good condition and not allowed to become dilapidated.
- Signs and sign structures of all types must allow a clear, unobstructed line of sight for 300 feet from the stop line of any intersection of streets and/or driveways.
- No sign shall be attached to or supported by a utility pole.
- Portable signs shall not be illuminated or electronic.
- Portable signs shall not be located in the sight triangle.
- Flags and flagpoles shall not be in the right-of-way.
- Temporary signs except political signs shall not be in use more than 60 days in any calendar year; temporary political signs shall not be in use more than 60 days in any official election.
- Signs must not be so located as to constitute a traffic hazard or interfere with visibility along public rights-of-way.
Exempt Signs in Upper Township
- No permit is required for any permitted sign in a residential area.
- No permit is required for temporary signs pertaining to the sale or lease of a lot or building or the construction of a building on the property on which such sign is placed.
- No permit is required for Federal, State, County and Municipal signs and historical markers.
- No permit is required for signs identifying a church, public building, playground or other permitted use, situated on the property to which such sign relates.
- On-site directional signs containing no advertising matter and not exceeding eight square feet in size do not require a permit and are not considered freestanding signs for calculation purposes.
- Temporary signs and banners advertising civic, social, and political events are permitted off-premises, provided they are used to advertise a temporary event, may be erected up to 30 days in advance and must be removed within 48 hours after the event.
- Political and social advertising signs and temporary signs advertising civic, social or political gatherings or activities are permitted in any zone, provided they do not exceed 32 square feet and comply with limitations on duration and safety.
- No permit is required for signs appearing on bona fide and approved public service or school bus shelters and public benches, provided the message area does not exceed 32 square feet.
- No permit is required for signs required by Federal, State, County and Municipal law, including signs advertising the price of gasoline.
- Residential freestanding signs are permitted provided they do not exceed four square feet in area, three feet in height, and are set back a minimum of 15 feet from a street right-of-way line or any property line.
- Information and direction signs (such as street number designations, postal boxes, on-site directional and parking signs, warning signs, 'private property,' or 'no hunting' signs) are permitted in all zones and are not counted towards sign area, provided no such sign exceeds two square feet in area.
- Temporary real estate signs (max two per premises, not exceeding 32 square feet total) do not require a construction permit.
- Certain banners (as described) and temporary contractor service advertising signs require only notification, not permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Upper Township
- The erection of any sign requires a construction permit, except as specifically exempted.
- Plans and detailed information must be submitted with each application for a sign permit, including dimensions, construction materials, methods of support, illumination, and exact location, as well as a scale sketch.
- The application for a permit must be accompanied by the written consent of the owner or lessor of the property.
- Where signs and/or banners are permitted with just written notification (e.g., for banners or temporary contractor service advertising signs), the Zoning Officer must be notified in writing prior to display or placement.
- There is no mention of a required master sign plan or sign plan for a group of signs except that plans and information are required with each sign permit application; no reference to sign plan review board or variance process for general sign approval.
- Nonconforming signs that are legally existing may remain but are subject to maintenance requirements and loss of status if not kept in good repair for over a year.
- Termination of a business requires sign removal within 30 days by the property owner.
Source: ecode360 municipal code