Edison, NJ Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Political signs in Edison sit at the intersection of strong First Amendment protection and content-neutral zoning. Under Reed v. Town of Gilbert (576 U.S. 155, 2015), any sign regulation that treats political signs differently from other temporary signs based on their content is presumptively unconstitutional - so Edison's regulations must apply equally to all temporary non-commercial signs. The Edison zoning code (Chapter 37) generally allows temporary political signs on private residential property without a permit, subject to: (a) a size limit consistent with the township's temporary-sign schedule (typically 6 sq ft total face area in residential zones, larger in commercial), (b) placement only on the property of the candidate's supporter (not in the public right-of-way, not on utility poles, not in front-yard setbacks under the township's clear-sight-triangle rules at intersections), (c) removal within a reasonable time after the election (commonly 7 - 10 days in NJ municipal codes). The ACLU of New Jersey has consistently warned that more restrictive municipal rules (such as Reed-violating limits that allow political signs only during a 30-day pre-election window while permitting other temporary signs year-round) are unenforceable. Signs in the public right-of-way are subject to removal by the township without notice as an unlawful obstruction, and signs on utility poles violate N.J.S.A. 48:7-1 (utility-pole defacement).