How Hackensack Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Hackensack maintains 59 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 Hackensack falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Garage Sale Signs

Hackensack permits garage and yard sale signs as temporary signage under Chapter 175, with strict limits on placement, size, and post-sale removal. Signs in public rights-of-way are subject to removal by the city.

Key details: Permitted As: Temporary signage. Max Size: Approximately 6 sq ft. Public Property: Prohibited placement. Removal Required: Promptly after sale.

Improper sign placement can result in immediate removal and fines from $25 to $250 per occurrence under Chapter 175.

Holiday Displays

Hackensack generally permits residential holiday displays under Chapter 175 zoning without requiring permits. Displays must comply with property line setbacks, lighting, and noise rules to avoid neighbor complaints.

Key details: Permit Required: Generally no. Code Reference: Chapter 175 and 122. Lighting Glare: May trigger nuisance. ROW Encroachment: Not allowed.

Violations are typically handled through nuisance complaints, with fines from $50 to $500 for noise, lighting, or obstruction issues.

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

Political Signs

Hackensack regulates signage under Chapter 175 zoning provisions but cannot impose content-based restrictions on political signs. Reasonable time, place, and manner rules apply equally to all temporary residential signage.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 175 Zoning Signs. Typical Size Limit: 6 sq ft residential. Public ROW: Placement prohibited. Removal Window: Reasonable post-election.

Improperly placed political signs may be removed by the city; persistent violations can result in fines from $50 to $500 per sign.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Hackensack gives residents more flexibility on political signs.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Hackensack 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 Hackensack's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.