Hackensack, NJ Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max size
- 12 square feet
- Location
- Private property only
- Posting window
- 30 days before election
- Removal deadline
- 5 days after election
- Public poles/trees
- Specifically prohibited
- Permit
- Exempt from sign permit
Summary
Political and election signs are exempt from Hackensack's sign permit but capped at 12 square feet, must sit entirely on private property, and may go up only 30 days before an election, coming down within five days after. A separate clause bans any political sign on a public pole or tree or within the public right-of-way outright.
Election or political signs, provided that said signs are placed entirely on private property and do not exceed 12 square feet in area and that such signs are placed no earlier than 30 days prior to the date of election and removed within five days following the date of the applicable election. ... Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to permit the erection or installation of any political signs upon any pole or tree located on public property or within the public right-of-way within the City of Hackensack, and their erection or installation is hereby specifically prohibited.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4592721; v20 updated 2026-01-06; through 01-06-2026).
Full Breakdown
4B(4)(u) lists "election or political signs" among the signs exempt from permits and fees, but the exemption carries three conditions in the same sentence: the sign must be placed entirely on private property, it cannot exceed 12 square feet in area, and it cannot be placed earlier than 30 days before the election or remain more than five days after. 4L(6)(a), in the temporary-sign insurance provisions, states outright that nothing in the chapter permits erecting political signs on any pole or tree located on public property or in the public right-of-way, and specifically prohibits it.
Because the exemption in B(4)(u) only ever covered private land, the two provisions work together rather than conflicting; there is no path to a lawful political sign on a utility pole, street tree, or municipal right-of-way anywhere in the City. 4E(3).
Violations & Fines
A political sign that exceeds 12 square feet, sits on public property, goes up more than 30 days before the election, stays up longer than five days after, or is attached to a pole or tree on public property or in the right-of-way can be ordered removed by the Zoning Officer under § 175-13.4F. Enforcement runs through § 175-13.4G(1), with Chapter 1, § 1-15 penalties, each day a separate offense, heard in Hackensack Municipal Court; § 175-13.4L(6)(a) independently and specifically prohibits the public-pole and public right-of-way placement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a political yard sign be in Hackensack?
When can I put up an election sign, and when must it come down?
Can I attach a campaign sign to a utility pole or street tree?
Do I need a permit for a political sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hackensack
Compare Hackensack to another location·View the New Jersey sign regulations overview
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