Sign Regulations in Edison, NJ

If you live in Edison or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Edison has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Political Signs

Edison Township exempts temporary political preference or event signs from zoning permits, but caps them at 32 square feet, allows posting only 60 days before the election or event, and requires removal within 14 days after.

Key details: Posting window: 60 days before event. Removal deadline: 14 days after event. Max size: 32 sq ft per side. Permit required: No: exempt sign.

Zoning violations under Chapter 37, including oversized or overdue political signs, can draw fines up to $1,250 per sign, up to 90 days in jail or community service, with steeper penalties for repeat offenders.

Holiday Displays

Edison Township's sign code classifies all banners and inflatables, including holiday displays, as temporary signs, meaning any inflatable decoration on a property requires a sign permit under the Zoning Code.

Key details: Inflatables classified as: temporary signs. Permit required: before display. Holiday exemption: none in code. Permits issued by: Building Inspector.

Displaying an unpermitted inflatable is treated as an unpermitted temporary sign; the Zoning Officer can order it removed and the property owner is subject to the Code's general sign-violation penalties.

Window Signs

Edison Township caps temporary window signs in commercial windows at 25% of the window's area and requires them to come down within 30 days of posting, dated visibly on the sign itself.

Key details: Max coverage: 25% of window area. Removal deadline: 30 days from posting. Must display: Posting date on the sign. Fine for violation: Up to $1,250 per sign.

Exceeding the 25% coverage cap, missing the 30-day removal deadline, or omitting the posting date forfeits the exemption; Zoning Officer enforcement under § 37-67.5 can bring Municipal Court fines up to $1,250 per sign.

Garage Sale Signs

Edison Township exempts on-premises garage sale signs from zoning permits, but caps them at 2 square feet, requires the sale date on the sign, and mandates removal within 24 hours after the sale ends.

Key details: Max size: 2 sq ft. Location: On sale premises only. Removal deadline: 24 hrs after sale. Permit required: No: exempt sign.

Sign violations under Chapter 37 carry fines up to $1,250 per sign, up to 90 days in jail or community service, and added fines for repeat offenders within a year.

Digital Billboards

Edison Township bars off-premise billboards from carrying electronic, digital, or automatically changing images: they're limited to manual changeable copy that can be swapped no more than once per day.

Key details: Electronic/digital displays: Prohibited. Change frequency: Once per day, manual only. Zone allowed: L-I Light Industrial only. Video/animation/scrolling: Banned.

Billboard and sign violations under Chapter 37 can bring fines up to $1,250 per sign, up to 90 days in jail or community service, with added fines for repeat offenses.

This is one of the stricter rules in Edison's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Edison's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Edison is broadly strict or permissive.

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