Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Newark

Newark, NJ Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Digital billboards
Prohibited citywide
Electronic message signs
Not permitted absent variance
Static billboard height cap
40 feet (20 if roof-mounted)
Max ad area
650 square feet per direction
Billboard spacing
1,000 feet from another billboard

Summary

Newark bans digital billboards outright. Even where a billboard is otherwise allowed as a conditional use, § 41:6-2-11 forbids the digital format, and the citywide sign code's electronic message center provision confirms no electronic or digital display sign is permitted in the city absent a variance.

Visual impact on the surrounding areas shall be minimized through the use of landscaping, berming, and grading at the base of the unit. Dense all-season or evergreen landscaping shall be installed at the base of any freestanding billboard structure, and digital billboards are prohibited.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 5019615; v61 updated 2026-06-17; through 06-17-2026).

Full Breakdown

" That cross-referenced billboard section, adopted the same day (November 1, 2023, Ord. No. " Static billboards remain conditionally permitted subject to strict siting rules: none within the line of sight of a school, park, historic district or residential zone, none within 1,000 feet of such a use or of another billboard, a 40-foot height cap (20 feet if roof-mounted), and a 650-square-foot cap on advertising area visible from one direction. Digital technology is not an option for any billboard, static or otherwise, anywhere in the city.

Violations & Fines

Because digital billboards are barred outright rather than merely restricted, erecting or converting a billboard to an electronic or digital display is treated as an unpermitted structure under Title 41. The City can deny or revoke conditional-use approval, order removal, and prosecute under the general Title XLI penalty, § 41:18-3-1: a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days of imprisonment or community service, with each day of continued operation a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a business put up a digital billboard in Newark?
No. Section 41:6-2-11(3)(b) prohibits digital billboards outright, and § 41:9-7(1) separately bars electronic message center and digital display signs citywide absent a variance. Even where a static billboard is conditionally allowed, the digital format itself is never permitted.
Are any electronic signs allowed in Newark?
Only through a variance. Section 41:9-7 says electronic message center and digital display signs are not permitted within the city, though an applicant may seek a variance, in which case luminance, message-duration and one-per-property standards in that section apply.
What size billboard is allowed if it isn't digital?
A conforming static billboard under § 41:6-2-11 is capped at 40 feet in height (20 feet above the roofline if building-mounted), 650 square feet of advertising area visible from one direction, and must sit at least 1,000 feet from another billboard or from a school, park or residential zone.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Newark

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsHoliday DisplaysLight RestrictionsWindow SignsSome RestrictionsGarage Sale SignsSome RestrictionsPolitical SignsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesHeavy RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Newark rules

Compare Newark to another location·View the New Jersey sign regulations overview

Get notified when Digital Billboards in Newark, NJ changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.