Westfield Adjusts Policy On Displaying Advertisements And Signs Around Community

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Town of Westfield amended its town code as to what can, and can't, be shared on public property.

Town Council unanimously voted to approve changes to Ordinance 2025-21 on Tuesday night with updates to terminology regarding signs and messages that can be posted on Town grounds.

The vote followed a letter from the nonprofit law firm "Institute for Justice" sent to Westfield leaders calling for the adjustment to the language in the ordinance. The organization said terminology within the ordinance limited the free speech of residents by over-governing what can be shared around neighborhoods.

Amended Language On Ordinance 2025-01

No plastic, wood, metal, or other material in the form of a banner, sign, or other similar display can be placed on or around the following areas:

• Municipal Building
• Fire House No. 1
• Fire House No. 2
• Westfield Conservation Center
• Westfield Public Works Center
• Any Westfield public school
• Memorial Pool
• Any other facility leased or owned by the Town or Westfield Board of Education

This includes advertising, obscene language and images, threats, and messages that encourage illegal activity.

A group, organization, or individual is not allowed to post more than 10 banners, signs, or other displays, regardless of content. All materials must be five feet wide by three feet high or smaller.

All displays must be removed within 60 days.

Staff with the Town, Board of Education, or others acting in official matters are not affected, notwithstanding any other provision within the Town Code.

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