Paterson, NJ Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Max area, private lot
- 8 sq ft
- Required setback
- 10 ft from sidewalk
- Campaign HQ sign
- up to 20 sq ft
- Posting window
- 30 days before election
- Removal deadline
- 14 days after election
Summary
Paterson caps yard political signs at 8 square feet and requires a 10-foot setback from the sidewalk, with a 20-square-foot allowance at campaign headquarters.
Except as provided in Subsection B hereof below, any such political signs shall be a ground sign or a sign placed on or in private property, with the consent of the owner, and no such sign shall exceed eight square feet in total display area nor have a setback less than 10 feet from the inner line of the sidewalk upon which fronts the lot on which such sign is situated or, where no sidewalk exists, less than 20 feet from the street line upon which fronts the lot on which such sign situated.
B. Any privately owned building or part thereof designated and serving as the campaign headquarters of any candidate or group of candidates for election for public office or as headquarters of a person or entity supporting or opposing a public question may display one political sign not exceeding 20 square feet in total area.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 414, Article II, political signs placed on private property with the owner's consent may not exceed eight square feet in total display area, and must sit back at least 10 feet from the inner sidewalk line (20 feet from the street line where there is no sidewalk). A privately owned building serving as campaign headquarters may instead display one sign up to 20 square feet. Signs and campaign material may go up no more than 30 days before an election and must come down within 14 days after.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $50 per violation plus $30 court costs at the Violations Bureau; each day a sign stays up in violation is a separate offense, and owners get a warning before any summons after an election.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a political yard sign be in Paterson?
When must Paterson political signs come down?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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