Garfield vs Ridgewood
How do political signs rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not regulate political signs on private property. New Jersey law and the First Amendment protect political speech, and municipalities may impose only content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions on size, setback, and removal after elections.
View full Garfield rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
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.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Constitutional protection | First Amendment, Reed standard | - |
| Typical size limit | 6 to 16 square feet | - |
| Permit required | No, on private property | - |
| Post-election removal | 7 to 14 days | - |
| County roads | Signs prohibited | - |
| 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 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garfield FAQ
Can Bergen County restrict how long political signs stay up?
Only modestly. Municipalities may require removal within a reasonable time after the election, typically 7 to 14 days, but cannot impose pre-election display windows that restrict speech.
Can I put political signs on Bergen County roads?
No. Signs on county-maintained roads, medians, and rights-of-way are prohibited under N.J.S.A. 27:5-7 and will be removed by the county. Place signs on private property with the owner's consent.
Ridgewood FAQ
When must I take down my campaign signs in Ridgewood?
Campaign signs must be removed no later than 20 days after the General Election under Ridgewood's sign ordinance amendments.
Can I place political signs in the public right-of-way?
No. Section 190-122 restricts placement on public property, utility poles, and the right-of-way. Signs must remain on private property with the owner's consent.
Do the rules apply equally in all Ridgewood neighborhoods?
Yes. Ordinance 3540 applies political sign regulations across all zoning districts within the Village of Ridgewood.
Compare other topics
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