Are LED Signs Allowed in North Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes — but only in very limited circumstances.
Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs, LED, or digital message boards are generally prohibited across most zoning districts in North Brunswick. The one exception is in the I-1 Industrial Zone, where digital or changeable-copy billboards are permitted under strict regulations.
From the ordinance:
“Billboards with digital, electronic, LED, or changeable copy, and multiple message signs, shall be permitted provided that the dwell time for each message or message board is not less than eight seconds. A message change shall be accomplished completely within two seconds.”
For all other zones, EMCs are ❌ not allowed, and flashing, blinking, or animated signs remain prohibited.
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of North Brunswick Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of North Brunswick Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | I-1 Industrial (billboard use only) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Billboard / advertising structure |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ✅ Yes, billboards are inherently off-premise |
| EMCs in public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | 20 ft from ROW; 25 ft from buildings; 500 ft from residential; 1,500 ft from other billboards |
| Use restrictions | Billboard EMCs only, dwell time ≥ 8 sec, changeover ≤ 2 sec |
Zoning District Overview
North Brunswick’s sign code is regulated under Chapter 205, Article XXV (Signs and Outdoor Advertising).
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Residential districts (R-1 through R-7, R-M, R-T-D): Only small, nonilluminated signs (nameplates, real estate, event, and institutional signs) are permitted. No EMCs allowed.
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Commercial & nonresidential districts (C-1, C-2, G-O, E-R-R, O-R, I-1, I-2): Freestanding, wall, and tenant identification signs permitted — but digital/EMC formats prohibited.
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Industrial districts (I-1 only): Billboards (off-premise advertising structures) are permitted and may incorporate digital or changeable copy subject to size, spacing, and timing regulations.
Zoning-Specific Standards
Residential Districts
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Permitted: Small nameplates, real estate signs, temporary fundraising/event signs
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Max sizes: 1.5–20 sq. ft. depending on use
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Illumination: Nonilluminated only
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EMCs: ❌ Not permitted
Commercial / Office / Nonresidential Districts
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Permitted: Wall signs, freestanding tenant signs, directional and real estate signs
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Max sizes: 40–50 sq. ft. for freestanding, or 10% of front façade area
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EMCs: ❌ Not permitted
Industrial Districts (I-1 only) – Billboards / EMCs
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Max height | 40 ft |
| Max area | 672 sq ft per face |
| Setback | 20–100 ft from ROW; ≥25 ft from buildings |
| Spacing | ≥1,500 ft between billboards |
| Residential buffer | ≥500 ft from residential zone |
| EMC operation | Dwell time ≥8 sec; transition ≤2 sec |
Permit Filing Requirements
Most signs (except tiny nameplates or temporary ≤2 sq ft) require a sign permit.
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Review process: Zoning Officer + Construction Official
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Forms needed: Sign permit application, construction drawings, site plan
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Fees: Vary by sign size and type (check with township clerk or building department)
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Our filing service: We can manage the permit application process on your behalf to ensure compliance.
Local Project Example (Billboard EMCs)
While EMCs are not allowed for on-premise business signage in North Brunswick, digital billboards in I-1 zones are permissible. A typical project would include:
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A freestanding digital billboard up to 672 sq ft
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Located ≥500 ft from residential zones
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Programmed with static messages lasting at least 8 seconds
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Permitted after township zoning and construction approvals
If you’re a business outside of I-1, you will need to explore traditional illuminated signage instead of EMCs.
Full Ordinance Text (Relevant Excerpts)
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§205-103 (Prohibited Signs):
“Moving or revolving signs and signs using waving, blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, tracer or sequential lighting, except in the TMU Zone where such signs are permitted only to advertise a movie theater.” -
§205-105.I (Billboards / Advertising Structures):
“Billboards with digital, electronic, LED, or changeable copy, and multiple message signs, shall be permitted provided that the dwell time for each message … is not less than eight seconds. A message change shall be accomplished completely within two seconds.”
External Reference Links
🗺️ North Brunswick Zoning & Parcel View
📘 North Brunswick Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal