East Brunswick, NJ Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Political signs are covered by § 228-252, paragraph N, of the East Brunswick Township zoning chapter, the list of signs permitted without a permit. The window is fixed by the election date: signs and posts may be up for a period of 30 days prior to an election and must be removed five days after the election.

Size depends on the zone. In residential zones a political sign cannot exceed six square feet, the dimension cannot exceed 2 x 3 feet, and the sign cannot exceed the height limitation for residential zones. In all other zones a political sign cannot exceed the maximum size and height limitation for the zone in which it is placed, so a sign on a commercial lot is measured against that district's sign standards in Article XXXI rather than the residential cap. Freestanding signs elsewhere in the article are held to a shape limit, but § 228-246 exempts political signs regulated by § 228-252N from the three-inch relief rule.

Because § 228-247 requires a zoning sign permit for all signs other than those expressly provided for in § 228-252, a political sign inside these limits needs no permit from the Director of Planning and Engineering and carries no $25 zoning sign permit fee. Compare the neighboring paragraphs: temporary signs for public functions or charitable and religious fundraising events get 60 days before the event, removal within five days after, a 24 square foot cap and an eight foot height cap, while real estate signs in residential zones are limited to three square feet.

Section 228-253 still applies to every sign in the Township. It prohibits signs using flashing or sequential lighting, signs that imitate government signs, signs the Director of Public Safety finds distract drivers, and A type, sandwich, sidewalk and curb signs. Section 228-250 requires all signs to be kept in good order, with 20 days from the mailing of written notice to correct a dilapidated or hazardous sign before a Municipal Court summons issues. Anyone aggrieved by an order or decision can appeal to the East Brunswick Township Board of Adjustment under § 228-251.