Ramapo, NY Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Section 376-82 opens with a blanket rule: any signs not expressly permitted by this chapter are prohibited, then lists specific categories barred outright regardless of what else the chapter might allow. Subsection A bars flashing signs, defined as any sign or device on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use, ruling out strobing, cycling or color-changing displays. Subsection B prohibits exterior advertising signs and billboards by name, the category that covers a commercial digital billboard advertising off-site businesses.

Subsection E extends the ban to animated signs, whether by mechanical or electrical processes, including signs with banners, streamers, spinners or other paraphernalia attached to or associated with such signs, sweeping in electronic message displays that scroll or change images. Subsection D separately bars signs which emit noise, sounds or smoke, closing off audio-equipped digital displays too. Subsection G bans illuminated signs outlining any part of a building, such as a gable, roof, sidewall or corner, and Subsection C bars signs representing or depicting to any degree official traffic signs or signals.

Because § 376-81 requires a sign permit for any sign the chapter does allow, and § 376-82 lists billboards, flashing signs and animated signs among the categories the chapter does not allow, no permit process in Ramapo can authorize a digital or electronic billboard: the prohibition is categorical, not something a permit can waive.