Stafford Township, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)

The sign subsection of the zoning chapter, § 211-35P, defines a billboard sign as a structure used to advertise an establishment, activity, product, service or entertainment that is sold, produced or furnished off the premises where the sign stands. The illumination rules in the subsection are written for illuminated signs as a class, so billboards fall under them, and within the sign subsection there is no lighting standard written only for billboards. Paragraph (4), headed General sign regulations in nonresidential zones, carries the main rule.

The core rule is § 211-35P(4)(k). Illuminated signs have to be arranged to prevent light spillage, overwash and glare upon adjoining properties and rights-of-way. All exterior-lighted signs have to be shielded or have fixtures that prevent those negative off-site effects. The measurable limit is a maximum offsite intensity of 0.5 footcandle at ground level or on a vertical plane at the property line. The definition of an illuminated sign covers any sign lit by an artificial light source, whether from the interior or exterior of the sign, and neon signs count as internally illuminated.

Other lighting limits apply to every sign. Under P(4)(i), signs using mechanical or electrical devices to revolve, flash or display movement or the illusion of movement are prohibited in all zones; only the portion showing time, date or temperature is exempt from the flashing prohibition. Under P(4)(j), no sign with red, amber, green or blue illumination in a beam, beacon or flashing form resembling an emergency light can be erected where it could be confused with a railroad, traffic control or emergency vehicle signal. Under P(8)(a), beacons are prohibited signs.

Digital billboards carry extra conditions in P(12). Under P(12)(j), all multiple message sign types have to be shielded so that light is not directed at any portion of the main traveled way of the highway, and they have to be constructed so as not to glare or impair the operation of a motor vehicle. Under P(12)(f), they cannot contain, include or be illuminated by any flashing, intermittent or moving light.

An applicant for a separate sign permit submits a detailed sketch of the proposed sign indicating its illumination, among other features, under P(13)(b).