Howell, NJ Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Section 256-5C(3) of the Howell Township Code sets the window sign standard for all business and industrial zones. Window signs are permitted on the first floor of the building only. Every window sign must be attached to the inside of the store window, and the total gross advertising area cannot exceed 10% of the principal facade of the ground story or 200 square feet, whichever is less. The lesser figure controls, so a small storefront hits the percentage first and a very large facade hits the 200 square foot cap.

Window signs sit alongside other business-zone limits in the same section. A wall facade sign cannot exceed 20% of the first or ground story facade in the Neighborhood Commercial Zone and 25% in the other business zones, and a story is counted as no more than 12 feet. Projecting signs cannot project further than 60 inches, cannot exceed 25 square feet and need 10 feet of clearance. Banners need a permit, can go up no more than 45 days before the event and come down no later than seven days after it, with a 32 square foot maximum, one banner per event and two events per year at a location. LED and electronic signs cannot contain animation or change their message faster than every five seconds.

Section 256-3 allows only the signs it exactly describes without a permit, and any other sign, temporary or permanent, needs a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer or an employee of the Construction Department; signs displayed within a store for directional and interior advertising purposes are listed in § 256-3J. Section 256-7B prohibits blinking, flashing, vibrating or flickering lights. Relief from the chapter comes from the Zoning Board of Adjustment, or the Planning Board on a site plan, under § 256-8.