West New York, NJ Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)

Billboard lighting in the Town of West New York is controlled by two chapters of the Code, and they do not read the same way. Chapter 414, Zoning, defines a billboard as a sign which directs attention to a product, business, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than upon the lot on which the sign is located. Section 414-24(G) prohibits billboards and other outdoor advertising displays in all districts except industrial districts. In an industrial district one is permitted only if it advertises the existing industry that occupies the site and conforms to all other requirements of the industrial district, and on a site contiguous to a residential district it cannot face that district. No billboard can be placed on the roof of any building.

Lighting limits come from § 414-22(D), which applies to all signs in all districts. Under § 414-22(D)(4), signs that cause direct glare into or upon a dwelling, or another use where persons live, are employed or conduct other activity, are prohibited where the glare would constitute a sustained nuisance. Under § 414-22(D)(5), all bare incandescent light sources (neon is not counted as such) and immediately adjacent reflecting surfaces must be shielded from view, and flashing, moving, intermittently illuminated, reflection or luminous signs and advertising devices are prohibited. Section 414-22(D)(6) also prohibits billboards advertising products or services other than those dispensed at the structure and location on which the billboard will be placed.

Chapter 338, Signs, adds illumination rules in § 338-12: no more than three floodlights per sign surface, lighting at grade and shielded against glare, no artificial illumination after 11:00 p.m. or before 7:00 a.m. unless the business is operating and/or attended and open to the public, and no illumination exceeding 8,500 nits. Chapter 338 also states in § 338-13(A)(1) that any billboard is prohibited. Because the chapters differ, the Zoning Officer, who acts on sign permit applications within 15 business days of receipt (§ 338-6), is the contact for any billboard proposal.