# Sign Regulations in Suffern, New York

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Suffern, New York, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Suffern, New York (NY)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/new-york/suffern
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/13753388#13753388)

## At a glance

Suffern, New York regulates 10 sign types across 3 zoning districts. A-Frame Freestanding Business Signs in the Nonresidential District zoning district are capped at 36 inches (3 feet) tall and 32 inches wide, with a Must provide minimum pedestrian clearance of 4 feet, and not block vehicular sight lines or pedestrian traffic. setback (Sec. § 235-5B(3)(a)-(e)). Most commercial signs in Suffern require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (3 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential District | 3 | 6 inches | 12 square feet | — |
| Nonresidential District | 3 | 36 inches (3 feet) | 30 square feet | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | — | 12 square feet | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements

### Residential District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Customary Incidental Home Occupation/Professional Office/Studio Sign | 6 inches | 2 feet in length, 6 inches in height | 2 feet | — | — | — | — | § 228-26C(9) |
| Temporary 'For Sale' or 'For Rent' Sign | — | Less than 6 square feet | — | — | One per lot | Each lot in a residence district | — | § 228-26C(10) |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | — | Affixed to the wall or to a post identifying the project | — | § 228-26C(12) |

### Nonresidential District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Temporary 'For Sale' or 'For Rent' Sign | — | 30 square feet | — | — | One per frontage; one per each 500 ft | Each street frontage of each lot; each 500 feet of frontage considered as separate frontage. | — | § 228-26C(11) |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | — | Affixed to wall or to a post identifying project | — | § 228-26C(12) |
| A-Frame Freestanding Business Sign | 36 inches (3 feet) | — | 32 inches | Must provide minimum pedestrian clearance of 4 feet, and not block vehicular sight lines or pedestrian traffic. | One per retail or restaurant premises | Sidewalk immediately adjacent to the business establishment, provided four feet of clearance for pedestrians. | — | § 235-5B(3)(a)-(e) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Signs, Freestanding Signs, All Signs (except window signs, for permitted uses and special permit uses) | — | — | — | — | — | On the property where the use is conducted | — | § 228-26D(1)(a-c); § 228-26F(1) |
| Governmental/Traffic/Legal/Public Safety Signs | — | — | 4 square feet for flags, banners (see below) | — | — | As directed by proper governmental authority | — | § 228-26C(1)-(2), (4), (7) |
| Civic, Philanthropic, Educational or Religious Organization Name/Banner Flag | — | 4 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | § 228-26C(3) |
| Small Directional/Public Convenience Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | Parking areas, restrooms, entrances, exits | — | § 228-26C(8) |
| Temporary Signs (Civic/Political/Philanthropic/Religious Events) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | § 228-26C(5) |
| Memorial Plaques, Cornerstones, Historical Tablets | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | § 228-26C(6) |
| Temporary Construction Sign | — | 12 square feet | — | — | — | Affixed to wall or post; project site | — | § 228-26C(12) |

## Prohibited signs in Suffern

- No sign shall be erected or installed upon or within any structure or upon any land nor shall any existing sign be changed until sign plan approval has been obtained from the Planning Board and a sign permit has been issued by the Building Inspector. (Except exempted signs.)
- All signs must pertain to a use conducted on the same property on which they are located, except signs of service groups and religious institutions.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs attached to buildings that extend above the roofline are prohibited.
- Flashing or intermittently illuminated signs (including those exhibiting changing light or color effects) are prohibited.
- Signs where the source of illumination is visible, including neon-type electric signs, except as permitted for window signs, are prohibited.
- Searchlights to attract attention to a sign or permitted use are prohibited.
- Strings of incandescent lights are prohibited.
- Moving or rotating signs are prohibited.
- Pennants, streamers, banners or other eye-catching devices are prohibited.
- Awnings (as signs) are prohibited.
- Portable signs, whether with or without wheels, easel type, A-frame or other, or any sign not permanently affixed to a building or the ground, are prohibited.
- Inflatable signs and tethered balloons are prohibited.
- Signs may not be erected that are not in compliance with a duly issued sign permit.
- Signs not conforming to an approved sign plan are a violation.
- No sign plan or sign permit shall be issued for any sign which does not conform to an approved sign plan or site development plan.
- Obstructions: No person shall place or deposit any structure, material, stand, sign, or other substance for the sale or display of merchandise or advertisement of any kind on any public street or sidewalk except as otherwise provided.
- A-frame signs may not be illuminated, may not be moving, may not have anything attached, and may not be affixed to any object.
- A-frame signs must be removed at business close daily, prior to 8:00 p.m., and in case of snowfall or excessive winds.
- No temporary freestanding business sign shall be placed so as to interfere with vehicular traffic by obstructing sight lines.
- All signs, together with their supporting braces, guys, anchors, etc., must be kept in repair and in a proper state of preservation.
- All sign surfaces must be kept neatly painted or maintained at all times.
- Signs shall not be confused with any traffic signal or other safety device nor be composed of elements depicting exaggerated size or grotesque style of the use upon the lot.
- After notification, any sign which no longer identifies a use on the premises or is not being maintained must be removed within 10 days.
- Unsafe signs must be secured or removed within 5 days of written notice (or immediately if hazardous).

## Signs exempt from permit in Suffern

- Signs required by duly constituted governmental bodies and their agencies, where such signs are established in the interest of safety, convenience or welfare of the general public.
- Traffic control signs required for traffic control purposes shown on an approved site plan or posted pursuant to the order of traffic control agencies and conforming to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices of the New York State Department of Transportation.
- Flags of the national, state, County or Town government; banners and emblems or name and meeting place signs of civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations or institutions, not exceeding four square feet.
- Signs and decals pertaining to the tenant's registration with or membership in a professional organization/affiliation or civic association.
- Temporary signs in any zoning district pertaining to and displayed during campaigns, drives or events of civic, political, philanthropic, educational or religious institutions, provided they are erected not more than four weeks prior to the event and are removed not later than two weeks after the event.
- Memorial plaques, cornerstones, historical tablets and the like.
- Signs required to be maintained or posted by law or governmental order, rule or regulation, unless specifically prohibited, limited or restricted.
- Small, nonilluminated signs, not exceeding two square feet in area, displayed strictly for the direction, safety or convenience of the public, including signs identifying rest rooms, entrances/exits, parking areas, etc.
- Signs for customary incidental home occupation, professional office or studio as permitted in the Village Zoning Law, not exceeding two feet in length nor six inches in height, indicating the name, d/b/a, or profession of such professional person, as the only display, and such sign may be internally illuminated limited to the hours of operation.
- One temporary, nonilluminated 'for sale' or 'for rent' sign for each lot in a residence district, provided such sign is less than six square feet and promptly removed when premises are sold or rented.
- Temporary, nonilluminated 'for sale' or 'for rent' signs in nonresidential districts not more than 30 square feet in area and promptly removed when sold/rented. One per street frontage, or per 500 feet of frontage.
- Temporary construction signs, not exceeding 12 square feet, affixed to project under construction, only during construction period and removed upon completion.
- Signs calling attention to a change in business status customarily painted on a window or constructed of paper, cloth, or light material, for not more than 90 days. Banners/streamers advertising opening of a new business may be permitted up to 30 days after opening, provided applicant posts a cash deposit for removal.
- Signs not visible outside a building.
- Signs displayed in a window indicating availability of a public telephone, notary public, and/or the possession of licenses required to conduct a business.
- Holiday decorations displayed in season.
- Temporary signs for tag or garage sales, containing seller's name and date, displayed only 7 days prior to and removed day after sale; not to be placed upon utility poles.
- 'No trespassing' signs.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No sign shall be erected or installed or any existing sign changed until sign plan approval has been obtained from the Planning Board and a sign permit has been issued by the Building Inspector (except exempted signs).
- Sign plan approval is required even if not part of a site plan application; must submit 10 copies of a professional quality drawing showing dimensions, design, location, color, existing signage, and a photo of the proposed location (with adjacent establishments if applicable).
- No permit shall be issued for any sign which does not conform to an approved sign plan or site development plan.
- The Zoning Board of Appeals is not permitted to vary the requirements of the sign section or decisions of the Planning Board related to signs.
- The erection of a sign not conforming to an approved sign plan is a violation.
- If a sign is erected without sign plan approval, the owner must take down the sign or obtain sign plan approval immediately, else a violation is issued.
- Adjustment of sign regulations (including for prohibited signs) may be granted by the Planning Board based on practical conditions, but no modification will nullify the intent and purpose of the Zoning Law, and conditions may be attached.
- Signs shall conform to any Village Design Plan for signs, which may be adopted by the Planning Board as an overall guide.
- Site plan approval is not required for an A-frame freestanding business sign for which a permit has been issued; only a permit is required.

## Full detail

Complete sign requirements for Suffern, including every field PermitPal tracks for each sign type, are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Suffern+NY&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-suffern

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