How Babylon Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Babylon maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Babylon falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Political Signs

Political signs in Babylon are protected First Amendment speech and are generally allowed on private residential property without a permit. Town Code limits size to 6 square feet in residential zones and requires removal within 7 days after the election under Chapter 175 (Zoning) sign regulations.

Key details: Max Size: 6 sq ft residential. Removal: 7 days after election. ROW: Prohibited. Permit: Not required.

Signs in the right-of-way may be removed by Highway Department without notice. Oversized or post-election signs can result in fines of 50-250 dollars per sign.

The rules around political signs in Babylon lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Garage Sale Signs

Garage sale signs in the Town of Babylon are allowed on private property only, with a maximum of 4 square feet under Chapter 213, and must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Signs in the public right-of-way or on utility poles are prohibited.

Key details: Max Size: 4 sq ft. Removal: 24 hours after sale. ROW: Prohibited. Utility Poles: Prohibited. Placement: Private property only.

Illegal signs in ROW are removed without notice. Fines up to $250 per sign per day under Chapter 203. Repeat offenders may face escalating penalties up to $500.

Holiday Displays

Temporary holiday decorations and lights are permitted in the Town of Babylon without a sign permit under Chapter 213, provided they do not create traffic hazards, block sidewalks, or violate NYS electrical code. Displays should be removed within a reasonable period after the holiday.

Key details: Permit: Not required residential. Electrical: Must meet NYS code. Duration: Reasonable seasonal. Hazards: Prohibited. Commercial: 32 sq ft cap.

Code enforcement typically issues a warning and removal request first. Refusal to correct unsafe or obstructive displays may result in fines up to $250 per day under Chapter 203.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Babylon gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Babylon gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Babylon's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.