Sign Regulations in Ridgewood, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Ridgewood or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Ridgewood has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.
Political Signs
Ridgewood Village regulates campaign and political signs through its land use code, controlling where signs may be placed and requiring timely removal after elections to maintain neighborhood appearance.
Key details: Code Section: Section 190-122. Authorizing Ordinance: Ordinance 3540. Removal Deadline: 20 days after election. Public Right-of-Way: Placement prohibited. Districts Covered: All zoning districts.
Violations can result in sign removal by the Village and code enforcement penalties under the general zoning enforcement provisions, including fines for noncompliance with placement and removal requirements.
Garage Sale Signs
Ridgewood Village restricts garage sale advertising signs to a maximum of two on the property hosting the sale, with each sign capped at four square feet, alongside required permits.
Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 163. Maximum Signs: Two on premises. Maximum Sign Size: Four square feet. Permit Fee: $5 from Village Clerk. Sales Per Year: Two per premises.
Conducting a garage sale without a permit, posting more than two signs, exceeding the four-square-foot size limit, or running unauthorized off-premises signs may result in code enforcement action and fines.
The Bottom Line
Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Ridgewood's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.