The Township's Zoning Ordinance (Article XXIII) requires ALL signs to have a permit. Regulations for each type of sign differ depending on the zone where the sign will be located. Sign permits are available for a fee but must be renewed each year. (Click the article name above to download the ordinance.)

Temporary signs are prohibited in Cherry Hill, except to promote charitable events. Applications for temporary signs are available in the Township Clerk's Office.

Before Applying for a Permit

Taking care of these preliminary steps before applying for a sign permit will help the process move swiftly:

1. Make sure taxes are paid in full and up to date on the property where the sign will be located.
2. Determine the zoning designation for the property and make sure the use of the property is consistent with the Zoning Ordinance or any subsequent resolutions of the Planning or Zoning Boards. An existing business or owner seeking a sign permit must demonstrate that the property's use is permitted by right, variance, or pre-existing, non-conforming status.
3. Each new business or new owner of a business must obtain a Zoning Approval for a Certificate of Occupancy. This is obtained at the Zoning Office in the Township Department of Community Development. A fee of $25 will be charged.
4. Review Article XXIII of the Zoning Ordinance to verify that the proposed sign is allowed. If not, then the proposal should be altered to be made consistent with the zoning Ordinance. Otherwise, a variance must be obtained prior to application for a sign permit.
   The Department of Community Development is available to assist in review of the ordinance provisions.

Applying for a Sign Permit

Visit the Department of Community Development to fill out an appropriate application, or download a copy online. Attach all required submission items as described below.

Types of Sign Permits of Application Forms

FACADE SIGN PERMIT (available online)
A Facade sign is one which is attached to or painted on the building. It may not be above the roofline and is usually a certain percentage of the facade area, including the door and the walls. Each zone has a maximum size it can be.

FREESTANDING SIGN PERMIT (available online)
A Freestanding sign is one which is attached to a structure where the sole purpose of such structure is to support the sign. A property with a frontage of less than 50 feet is not normally permitted a freestanding sign. The location of the sign must adhere to strict guidelines and not obscure the view of traffic on either street.

TEMPORARY SIGNS

Temporary signs are prohibited in Cherry Hill. The only exception is for charitable events, which can be applied for in the Clerk's Office.

Submission Items

The following submission items are needed to apply for a sign permit:

• A plot plan, which must be on file in the Township Community Development Department or brought with the application. The plan must show site and sign related dimensions, structural design, method of illumination, and intensity of light, and precise location.
• A photograph showing the proposed location of the sign.
• In the case of a Facade Sign; building exterior wall dimensions.
• A letter from the property owner stating owner's consent to the proposed erection of the sign.
• Fees: Non-refundable application fee = $10
  New Sign = $1 per square foot
  Change of Copy = $10 per sign
  

Fee Schedule

Fees are set by ordinance and approved by Township Council. These fees may be amended periodically.

After Approval

Once the sign permit has been approved, the applicant must take it to the Township Department of Building Inspections, 820 Mercer Street, Cherry Hill, NJ, Room 205.

Annual Renewal

Sign permits must be reviewed every year. Notice of renewal will be sent to permit holders by the Department of Community Development. A nominal fee of $10 per year per sign for renewal will be charged.