Are LED Signs Allowed in Toms River, Ocean County, New Jersey? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, but only in specific cases.
The Toms River sign ordinance states:
“As part of a freestanding/ground sign, a motor vehicle service station may display one changeable letter sign per frontage which lists the type and price of any motor fuels and the same shall not be considered in any calculation of items of information or sign area.” (§348-8.26, Township Sign Code)
At the same time, the ordinance also cautions:
“Reader boards, changeable-letter signs, electronic displays and similar type devices will not be permitted” in many zones (such as the Village Office Zone).
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Toms River Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Toms River Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Limited: Fuel stations (all zones), some special overlay districts |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Changeable copy/fuel price signs; traditional LED EMCs not broadly allowed |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in ROW | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | Standard ground sign setbacks apply (e.g., 15 ft from ROW) |
| Use restrictions | Primarily for fuel stations or where expressly permitted by special zoning |
Zoning District Overview
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Residential Zones: EMCs not allowed.
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Commercial Zones: Generally prohibit electronic display signs, except fuel price boards.
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Village Office Zone: Explicitly bans electronic displays, reader boards, and similar devices.
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Industrial Zones: No broad permission for EMCs; subject to standard sign limitations.
4. Zoning-Specific Standards
Fuel Service Stations (Special Allowance)
| Requirement | Fuel Stations |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Yes (for fuel pricing only) |
| Permitted sign types | Ground / freestanding |
| Changeable copy allowed | One per frontage |
| Items of information | Fuel price board excluded from info count |
| Illumination | Must not cause glare or hazard |
Village Office Zone
| Requirement | Village Office Zone |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ❌No |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Ground, Projecting (static only) |
| Electronic displays | ❌Prohibited |
Permit Filing Requirements
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Required permits: Zoning Permit + UCC (building) Permit
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Application materials:
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Sign drawings with dimensions
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Location relative to property lines and ROW
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Existing vs. proposed signage details
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Fees: Vary depending on size and review; check with the Zoning Office
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Submission: Toms River Zoning Office
Full Ordinance Text (Excerpts)
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Fuel Stations:
“As part of a freestanding/ground sign, a motor vehicle service station may display one changeable letter sign per frontage which lists the type and price of any motor fuels…”
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Prohibition in Other Zones:
“Reader boards, changeable-letter signs, electronic displays and similar type devices will not be permitted.”
External Reference Links
🗺️ Toms River Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Toms River Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal