Passaic, NJ Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Section 219-17 of the Property Maintenance Code sets exterior-appearance standards for nonresidential storefronts, and subsection D is the operative window-sign limit: outside of an active repair or alteration, no more than 33⅓% of the square footage of any single window or window-display area may be devoted to signs or other temporary advertising material attached to the glass or otherwise visible from the street. Any temporary sign or paper advertisement, apart from a 'for rent' sign, which is exempt, must come down at the end of the sale or event it promotes, or within 60 days of being put up, whichever happens first.

The same section requires permanent signs and billboards exposed to public view to be kept in good repair, with excessively weathered, faded, peeling or cracked signs removed or restored, and any broken or nonoperative electrical sign repaired or taken down. Subsection B additionally requires that windows exposed to public view stay clean and free of marks, and bars using window-display areas for storage of stock or inventory unless the area is first screened from public view with drapes, blinds or another permanent covering that itself stays clean and in repair.

Because these are property-maintenance standards, violations are handled through the Housing Officer's inspection and notice process in Chapter 219, Article IX, rather than through the city's separate Sign Code, Chapter 247.