Wayne, NJ Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Two chapters work together. Chapter 59, § 59-1, permits temporary noncommercial signs displaying messages including political messages, advocacy messages, public questions and public statements, subject to § 134-68.1(I)(2) of the land development chapter. That subsection covers signs and banners on residential properties and permits them without any permit.

The limits in § 134-68.1(I)(2) are specific. Each sign must be clearly marked with the name of the person or organization responsible for it. Signs cannot be illuminated, and cannot be affixed by tacking, pasting or otherwise mounting upon utility poles, light stands or trees. Signs and banners together can total no more than 12 square feet in area per residential property. They can stand in the front or side yards of private property, but never in the public right-of-way, and any sign in the right-of-way is subject to removal by the Township. Signs must also meet the maintenance standards in Chapter 99. Garage sale signs fall under Chapter 151, § 151-4.

Section 59-2 adds a paperwork step. The candidate, organization, group or citizen, or a designee, obtains a Temporary Non-Commercial Sign Information Sheet from the Township Clerk's Office or the Township website, completes it and returns it before any sign is erected, and signs to acknowledge the rules in § 134-68.1(I)(2). If a designee files it, the Township Clerk mails a copy to the candidate or group. Where several candidates' names appear on one sign, only one candidate or designee needs to sign the sheet.

Removal deadlines are tight. The designated person must remove a sign found within or affixed upon any right-of-way, public place or public facility within 24 hours of receiving notification, and the same 24 hours applies to a sign on private property that breaks the rules. If no sheet is on file or the designee fails to act, the property owner is notified and has 24 hours. Subsection (I)(1) of the same section separately regulates temporary signs on commercial properties through a zoning permit.