New Sign Ordinance – This copy is a re-write of the combined works of the EDIC Sign
Committee and the Ordinance Sub Committee of the City Council,
only agreed upon deleted text was removed and agreed upon new text
was added from the working draft copy.
Section X. Additional Land Use Regulations
10.0 Signs
10.01 Purposes
The purposes of these sign regulations are: to protect public health, safety and welfare: to
encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in Easthampton; to maintain
and enhance the aesthetic environment and Easthampton’s ability to attract sources of economic
development; to protect property values; and to reduce potential traffic hazards to motorists and
pedestrians, and to allow on-premise sign owners the ability to adequately identify their locations
and promote their goods, services and/or products.
10.02 Applicability
a) The provisions of this section shall apply to the construction, erection, alteration, use,
location, and maintenance of all signs located out of doors, to those signs affixed on any
part of a building.
b) No sign shall be permitted except those which refer to a permitted use or an approved
accessory use as set forth in Table 5-1 (Easthampton Table of Use Regulations) of this
ordinance, provided such signs conform to the provisions of this Section.
c) A sign permit application including building and sign dimensions, colors, and attachment
methods, may be made at the time of building permit. When a building permit is not
required, a sign permit may be issued in conjunction with an application for
Certificate of Occupancy.
d) Street and apartment numbers are not regulated under this ordinance.
e) Fees (see Andrea’s suggestions)
f) A “Special Permit” from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is required for exemptions
to this ordinance related to sign area, number or type of sign. The ZBA shall review the
request in accordance with section 12.7 and shall find that the exemption is not detrimental
to the zoning district and surrounding neighborhood and is necessary to meet the purpose
of this sign regulation.
10.03 Definitions
Banner: Any temporary sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted at two or
more edges.
Building sign: Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.
Business Flag: Any temporary sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted at one edge.
Business Sign: A sign used to direct attention to a service, product sold, or other activity performed the
same premises upon which the sign is located.
Canopy Sign: Any permanent sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric,
plastic, or structural protective cover. (A marquee is not a canopy.)
Changeable sign: A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote operation.
This includes the following types of usage: (a)Manual exchange of separate
component parts on a display surface as in “changeable letters” (b)Electronic change
or switching of multiple lighting components, as in lamps or LEDs (light emitting
diodes) producing Electronic Message Centers (see Electronic Message Centers)
(c)Electronic change of charged microscopic particles suspended within a nonilluminated display film, as in “eInk” (d) Projection of images transmitted (as by
means of light) onto a solid or fabric surface or atmospheric diffusion.
Commercial message: Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly,
names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other
commercial activity.
Community information sign: Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or
indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a community
sponsored product, service or other even.
Construction sign: A temporary sign of an architect, engineer, or contractor, erected during the period
such a person is performing work on the premises on which such sign is erected.
Development sign: A temporary sign used to direct attention to a construction site which includes a lot
or lots considered as a unit for development purposes of three or more units of
housing or commercial/industrial development where the lot or lots is occupied by
more than one use whether in the same structure or not.
Directional sign: An off-premises sign, permanent or temporary, which indicates the direction or
distance to a geographic area or destination.
Electronic Message Center: An exterior computer programmable sign capable of displaying words.
Symbols, figures or picture images that can be altered or rearranged by
remote means without altering the face or surface of the sign. The lighting
of these signs is by means of discrete electrically charged lighting units or
lamps, including but not limited to “LED” technology to produce the
characters and graphics of this display. Does not include non-illuminated
signs, as in “e-ink”.
For sale, rent or lease sign: A temporary sign advertising real property for sale, rent or lease.
Free-standing sign: Any sign supported by structure or supports that are placed on, or anchored in, the
ground and that are independent from any building or other structure. Freestanding signs do not include movable or trailer type signs.
Gateway sign: A permanent sign used to direct attention to a site which includes a lot or lots considered
as a unit for development purposes. For example, permanent subdivision, apartment or
condominium project signs, campus of an academic institution or industrial park.
Incidental sign: A sign generally informational that is subordinate and complementary to the primary
sign. It has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as “No
Parking”, “Entrance”, “Loading Zone”, “Telephone” or other similar directives.
Identification sign: A sign used simply to identify the name, address, and title of an individual family
or firm occupying the premises on which the sign is located.
Marquee: Any permanent, roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and
projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to provide
protection from the weather.
Movable sign: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign
designed to be transported, including but not limited to, signs converted to A or T
frames; menu and sandwich board signs; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles
parked and visible from the public right-of-way, said vehicle must be registered and used
in the normal day-to-day operations of the business. Movable refers to the sign as a
whole. Interchangeable letters are not moveable parts.
Municipal Gateway Sign: A permanent sign on arterial city streets used to promote the entrance or exit
to the city.
Nonconforming sign: Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this ordinance.
Off-premise sign: Any sign that advertises or indicates someone other than the person occupying the
premises on which the sign is erected or maintained, or some business or businesses
other than that transacted thereon, or advertises another property or any part thereof
as for sale or rent.
On-premise sign: Any sign that advertises or indicates the usage, activity, or event conducted on the
premises on which the sign is erected or maintained.
Permanent sign: A sign that is permanently mounted, including its support structure, and is intended to
be used for permanent, continuous display.
Political sign: A noncommercial sign erected to show support for a candidate for public office or to
express a political opinion.
Primary sign: The principal permanent sign of a business, institution, service or other occupant.
Projecting sign: Any sign affixed perpendicularly to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading
edge extends more that six (6) inches beyond the surface of such a building or wall.
Public celebration:
Public event, temporary public event:
Public Way:
Recreational facilities:
Roof sign: A sign which is located above, or projected two (2) feet above, the lowest point of the eaves
of the top story or the top of a parapet wall of any building, or which is painted on or
fastened to a roof.
Sandwich Board: Sandwich Board Signs are self-supporting A-shaped or T-shaped moveable signs
with only two visible sides.
Secondary sign: Supporting sign, commercial or non-commercial that is descriptive of the usage and
subordinate and complimentary to the primary sign.
Setback: Distance measured horizontally from the curb line to the nearest point of the sign.
Shared Commercial development:
Sign: Any permanent or temporary structure, device, letter, word, model, banner, pennant, insignia,
trade flag, or representation used as, or which is in the nature of an advertisement, announcement,
or direction.
Special event sign: A temporary sign used in connection with a circumstance, situation, or event (i.e.
church bazaar, circus, competition, festival, grand opening, open house,
performance) that is expected to be complete within a reasonably short or definite
period of time.
Surface area of a sign: The surface area of a sign shall include all lettering, wording, and
accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background, whether
open or closed, on which they are displayed, but not including any supporting
framework and bracing which are incidental to the display itself.
1) For a freestanding sign, the area shall include the frame, if any, but shall not include a pole or
other structural components unless such parts are internally illuminated or otherwise designed to
constitute a display device, or a part of a display device.
2) For a sign consisting of individual letters, designs and symbols attached to or painted on a surface,
building, wall or window, the area shall be defined as the smallest geometric area with no more
than six sides or an oval or circle which encompasses all of the letters, designs and symbols.
Temporary sign: Any sign that is not permanently mounted, including its support structure, and is
intended to be used temporarily, for not more than ninety (90) days in any calendar
year, unless otherwise stated in this ordinance.
Wall sign: Any sign attached parallel to, but within twelve (12) inches of, a wall, painted on the wall
surface, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or
structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign
surface. Window or door lettering, murals, decorative artwork are not to be considered or
regulated as Wall Signs.
Way-finding sign: A permanent off-premises display of one or more directional or community
informational signs, regulated by the Board of Public Works. Commercial,
industrial, or recreational development districts, e.g. Cottage Street Shops,
Industrial Park, Manhan Trail, Nonotuck Park. Way-finding signs may provide
direction to: (1) Public, municipal or community institutions, e.g. schools, City
offices, Post Office. (2) Shared Commercial developments, e.g. Eastworks, Paragon
Building, One Cottage Street. (3) Individual businesses, agencies and farms on
appropriately zoned properties, which are sited off a main artery and hidden from
view. (4) Temporary public events which are expected to draw significant numbers
of visitors, e.g. open studios, fireworks, festivals, farmers markets.
Window sign: A sign physically adhered to the inside or outside of a window surface. Window signs
are not considered primary or secondary signs.
10.04 General Standards
A) All signs shall comply with the regulations for the erection and construction of signs contained in
other applicable city regulations, except as shall be under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts General
Laws, Chapter 93, Section 29 through 33, inclusive, and Chapter 93D and as may be regulated under
Massachusetts State Board of Building Regulations and Standards 780 CMR 120 H. Any sign deemed
deteriorated or unsafe may be ordered removed by the Building Commissioner by notice to the owner.
B) Any traffic or direction sign owned and installed by a governmental agency shall be permitted.
C) A sign or its illuminator shall not, by reason of its location, shape, or color interfere with traffic or be
confused with or obstruct the view or effectiveness of any official traffic sign, traffic signal or traffic
marking.
D) A business in the Downtown Business zone may divide its maximum allowable square footage
(area) of primary wall signage into two signs. A business in the Highway Business zone with two or
more frontages shall be allowed one forty (40) sq. ft. sign per frontage.
E) Occupants in a multi-use building in the Mixed Use Mill Industrial district shall be allowed up to 5
sq. ft. of primary exterior wall signage per every 1000 sq. ft. of occupied interior floor space up to a
maximum of forty (40) sq. ft. per occupant (subject to landlord approval).
F) Occupants in a multi-use building in the Mixed Use Mill Industrial district shall be allowed to divide
the total allowable square footage of exterior signage for the entire building at the discretion of the
building owner. The total allowable area for occupants in such buildings shall be calculated at 5 sq. ft.
per 1000 sq. ft. of occupied interior floor space up to a maximum of forty (40) sq. ft.
G) A special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals is required for any exceptions to this
ordinance.(Stuart had written something to go here)
H) Traffic or directional signs which are necessary for the safety and direction of residents, employees,
customers, and visitors, whether in a vehicle or on foot, of any business, institution, industry or
residence shall not be limited.
I) Unless following specific guidelines of this ordinance, no private sign shall be permitted on public
property.
J) Signs necessary to warn of a hazard shall be permitted as required to accomplish these purposes.
K) No sign, together with any supporting framework, shall extend to a height above the maximum
building height in the underlying zoning district.
L) No free-standing sign shall project over or into any public sidewalk or public way. Unless permitted
elsewhere in the ordinance.
M) If any sign is illuminated, whether internally or externally, it shall be with non-flashing lights only.
N) Neon signs which meet all requirements of this ordinance are allowed without restriction to color.
O) Electronic Message Centers (EMC) shall be limited to the Highway Business, Mill Industrial and
Industrial districts only, under the following restrictions:
a) Operation controls:
i) Changes: The duration of each message shall be at least 30 seconds as recommended by the U S
Dept of Transportation. Transition between messages shall be less than one second. A change
of message must occur simultaneously on the entire face. Messages shall not contain flashing,
animation, scrolling, rolling or running images or letters.
ii) Brightness: The sign’s brightness must have the ability to respond to changes in the ambient
light levels. Signs shall be equipped with brightness dimming controls. Brightness levels must
be no more than Federal Highway standards.
iii) Non-message and background lights shall be “off”, message lights shall be one color.
b) Location:
i) One message center shall be permitted per property in allowed districts.
ii) The location shall conform to all other regulations with regard to freestanding signs. Electronic
Message Centers must be free standing signs.
c) The allowable area of and EMC shall be limited to no more than 60% of the total allowable area
for any sign by code.
d) EMC sign messages may relate only to goods and services offered on the premises.
e) In Mixed Use Industrial Districts, signs are only permitted on properties with over one hundred
thousand (100,000) sq. ft. of floor area.
f) EMCs shall not be illuminated between the hours of 11pm and 7am or operating hours.
P) Gateway signs:
a) Gateway signs shall be limited to forty (40) sq. ft. in industrial zones, and thirty-two (32) sq. ft.
in mill industrial and (20) sq.ft. in neighborhood business and residential districts.
b) The sign shall be placed at the entrance to a public way, but shall not be placed within the public
way or property. There may be more than one entrance.
c) The signs must be set back at least twenty (20) ft. from the street(s) unless in line with a lawful
existing fence, or does not interfere with line of sight or visibility of traffic or pedestrians.
Gateway signs shall be landscaped.
d) The maximum height is six (6) ft. Gateway signs shall be owned and maintained by a homeowners
association, or institution it identifies. The sign shall display the name and logo of the
development/institution only.
Q) Secondary signs: No restrictions shall be placed on the number, placement or size of secondary
signs, as long as the height of all lettering is no more than 4 inches in all zones except Highway
Business. In Highway Business zones the height of the lettering on secondary signs shall be no
more than six (6) inches. The aggregate area of secondary signs is limited to an equal number of
square feet permitted for primary signs.
R) Way-finding Signs:
a) Shall provide a welcoming, uniform, consistent, highly-visible and easily-identifiable system.
b) Shall facilitate the safe and efficient orientation and guidance of visitors, newcomers and
commercial traffic to various sites of economic, recreational, seasonal and cultural value to the
community.
c) Encourage, highlight and celebrate the cultural and economic life and prosperity of the community.
Administration: Applications, approvals, sitting, installation and removal of permanent
way-finding signs as described above, on all streets under City of Easthampton jurisdiction will be
within the authority of the Easthampton Dept. of Public Works. On highways maintained and
administered by Mass Highway Dept., state standards, regulations and authority will apply to all
way-finding signs. The Board of Public Works shall establish regulations for the placement,
location and size of way-finding signs, along with any fees associated with design and installation.
S) Window signs and images are limited in aggregate to forty percent (40%) of each window area.
T) Roof signs are permitted where the top of the sign does not exceed a fifteen (15) ft. height above
grade. Roof signs may not extend above the peak of the roof and no more than two (2) ft. above
the eaves.
U) All signs must be maintained by the property owner in accordance with this ordinance. Signs that
are not maintained may be ordered removed by the zoning enforcement officer, said notice shall be
a written notice to the owner.
i) If the sign is deemed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer to be in an unsafe condition, the owner
of the business shall be immediately notified in writing, and shall, within forty-eight (48) hours
of receipt of such notification, respond to the city with a plan to correct the unsafe condition,
remove the unsafe sign, or cause it to be removed.
ii) If after 60 days, the unsafe condition has not been corrected through repair or removal, the
Zoning Enforcement Officer may cause the repair or removal of such sign, at the expense of the
property owner or lessee.
iii) If the total costs are not paid in full within 120 days of the repairs or removal, the amount owed
shall be certified as an assessment against the property of the sign owner, and lien upon that
property, together with an additional percentage penalty for collection, the same as prescribed for
unpaid real estate taxes, shall be applied.
V) Only sign types in Table 10-1 (Types of Permitted Signs) shall be permitted.
W) Temporary signs for architect, engineer or contractor may only be erected during the period such
person is performing work in the premises on which such sign is erected and he/she shall have
written permission of the owner.
X) Any sign for multiple use lots in the Highway Business, Mixed use Mill Industrial, and Industrial
Districts must include the street number at the top of the sign.
Y) Protection of First Amendment Rights – Any sign authorized with or without a permit under this
Ordinance may, in lieu of any specified copy, contain any lawful message.
10.05 Signs on Public Property
Purpose:
If carefully regulated, the placement of signs on city sidewalks by private individuals can provide a
useful outlet for the expression of ideas and communication of information related to beneficial
commercial activity, including, but not limited to, the advertisement of real estate open house events
and sandwich boards.
It is the desire of the City Council to enact standards that would allow for the regulated use of city
sidewalks and areas near public ways for these communication purposes.
In enacting these regulations it is not the intention of the City Council to regulate the content of
messages on signs to be placed on city land, but, instead, it is the City Council’s intention to enact
reasonable time, place and manner restrictions aimed at insuring the safety of those using the public
sidewalks and those driving on adjacent streets, and to achieve the city’s aesthetic interests by
reducing visual clutter that would result from the unregulated posting of signs on sidewalks.
Restrictions applicable to signs on public property
a) Except as otherwise provided in this section it shall be unlawful for any person to place a sign on
public property where such sign fails to comply with any of the restrictions stated in this section.
b) Annual and or monthly permits and appropriate fees (see fee schedule) will be required for
placement of signs on public property.
c) Restrictions applicable to signs:
1) No sign shall exceed forty-eight (48) inches in height.
2 ) No sign shall exceed six (6) sq. ft. in area on each side.
3) All signs shall be constructed or anchored to prevent movement of the sign by the wind, except
that an anchoring shall not be permanent and shall not damage the property on which it is placed.
d) Restrictions applicable to the placement of signs:
1) Signs on public property are only allowed in the DB, HB, NB and MI unless otherwise
exempted in this ordinance.
2) No sign shall be placed within the median of any public street, including Pulaski Park Rotary
and other traffic islands.
3) No sign shall be attached to, or leaned against, any street furniture, utility facility (including poles
and boxes), street light or any other sign.
5) No sign shall be placed in such a manner as to reduce the unobstructed path of travel on any
sidewalk to less that forty-eight (48) inches, and if the existing unobstructed path of travel of a
sidewalk is forty-eight (48) inches or less, no sign shall be placed on that sidewalk.
6) No sign shall be placed within a curb cut or ramp installed to provide improved access to a
sidewalk to the disabled.
7) No sign shall be placed upon any public property other than a public sidewalk, except that signs
may be placed in unimproved right-of-way with the written consent of the owner of the adjoining
property.
e) No person shall display a sign that would otherwise be in violation of any of the standards provided
in subsections (b) and (c) by placing upon, attaching to, or leaning such sign against, a vehicle parked
within a public street. This prohibition shall not apply to vehicles upon which advertising or other
messages are painted, or to signs that are placed within the interior of the vehicle.
Types of signs allowed:
1) Moveable signs/sandwich signs for use by adjacent entities (owners, tenants, etc.) may be
allowed on public property subject to the following restrictions:
a) An annual license issued by the City of Easthampton. Sandwich signs may be displayed only
during hours and days of operation.
b) On a public sidewalk, curb, curb strip or pavement adjacent to the property owned, leased or
used by the applicant. May not obstruct pedestrian access, movement, or vehicular traffic (see d5).
c) Movable signs shall not be illuminated, nor shall they contain moving parts (exclusive of
changeable letters) nor have balloons, streamers, pennants or similar adornment attached to
them. Attaching movable signs to structures, poles, objects, signs etc. by means of chains,
cords, rope, wire, cable is prohibited.
8) Temporary Directional (Arrow) signs are allowed on public property with permit granted by
building agent or designee subject to the following restrictions:
a) Maximum size two (2) sq. ft.
b) Must be removed no more than two (2) days after the event.
c) Minimum one (1) ft. from the curb or pavement. Three (3) ft. from a street
intersection. No sign shall interfere with sightline for drivers or pedestrians.
d) Shall be no more than 2 miles from the destination sign is pointing to.
e) Failure to follow any of these guidelines will result in a revocation of permit and a 30 day
freeze of subsequent permits for similar signs.
9) Special Event signs providing guidance of the public to a specific location and event are allowed
on public property with permit granted by building agent or designee subject to the following
restrictions:
a) No more than one (1) week prior to the start date of the event, and no more than two (2)
days after the event.
b) As per table #10-2.
c) Minimum two (2) ft. back from the (curb or pavement) and 5 ft. from a street intersection.
d) No more than 2 miles from the destination.
25.04.030 Exemptions: Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, the following
signs are permitted:
a) Signs being held by one or more persons on public property.
b) Traffic safety signs placed on public property by private persons as directed by a public official
as part of the authorization to perform work on public property, or in connection with an event
taking place on public or private property.
c) Signs placed by a public officer or employee acting in their official capacity, including such signs
as traffic signs, public transit signs, public restroom signs, public parking signs, warning signs, or
signs identifying the location of emergency centers, public facilities or places of public interest.
10.06 Prohibited Signs
a) Flashing signs, signs containing moving parts, inflatable signs and tethered balloon signs (greater
than 24 inches in diameter) are prohibited. This does not prohibit interchangeable letters, characters
or Electronic Message Centers.
b) Off-premise signs are generally prohibited except for political off-premise signs or temporary special
event signs, directional, way-finding, municipal gateway or gateway signs, community
announcements and messages are permitted use.
c) Any sign advertising or identifying a business or organization which is either defunct or no longer
located on the premises is not permitted.
d) Billboards are prohibited.
e) Signs on wheels are prohibited. This does not apply to signs on registered vehicles.
Table 10-1 Types of Permitted Signs
Sign Type
Gateway
Canopy
Free standing
Marquee
Projecting
Roof
Sandwich Board
Wall
Wayfinding
Window
Business Flag
Banner
Freestanding
Movable
Development
Directional
Y = Permitted
N = Prohibited
All Residential
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
N
N*** See note below
Y
Y*
N
N
N
Y
N*** See note below
Y
Y
Districts
All Business and Industrial
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y**
Y
Y
Y*
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
*** except for businesses along State numbered routes
**Roof signs permitted in accordance with Section 10.
* Along State numbered routes
1) Sandwich signs, being used as temporary signs, are allowed in residential areas when being used
to provide traffic, pedestrian and safety guidance.
2) Movable signs, being used as temporary signs, are allowed in residential areas when being used to
Provide traffic, pedestrian and safety guidance.
10.07 Non-Conforming Signs
a) Continuance – A non-conforming sign lawfully existing at the time of adoption or subsequent
amendment of this ordinance may continue, although such sign does not conform to the provisions
of this ordinance.
b) Replacement – Any sign replacing a non-conforming sign shall conform with the provisions of this
section, and the non-conforming sign shall no longer be displayed. Similar uses may maintain the
non-conforming size; the sign face may change. Different uses will require a special permit from
the Zoning Board of Appeals to maintain a non-conforming sign. If the sign is structurally altered,
then the non-conforming sign must become a conforming sign.
c) Abandonment – If a non-conforming sign associated with a permitted use of structure has been
abandoned for no less than two years (i.e. the structure has not been occupied for two years) then
the non-conforming sign shall be removed and its nonconformity shall not continue.
d) Signs for Non-Conforming Commercial Uses in Residential Districts – Non-conforming businesses
in residential districts may have business signs in conformance with Table 10-2.
10.08 Permit/license section
The following signs require a permit 1) Sandwich 2) Directional 3) Special event 4) all other signs
unless stated that no permit is required. Sign permits are required from the building inspector or
designee, or BPW for wayfinding signs. Without a proper permit being issued prior to the sign being
placed, the sign shall be in violation of this section and removed.
Requirements for a permit:
a) A sketch, explanation or photo of where the proposed sign will be placed.
b) Dimensions of the sign and materials to be used.
c) Date of installation and name and relevant information of the sign builder/installer.
d) The permit application must be approved and all fees must be paid in full before the sign may be
displayed.
e) Sandwich specific requirements: Only one sign permit for a sandwich board sign is allowed per business
and such permit is not transferable. If the sign is to be located within the public right-of-way, business
owners shall sign a disclaimer that indemnifies the City of any liability for use of said public right-ofway. Evidence of insurance in an amount established by the city shall be provided with the permit
application.
10.09 Temporary Signs
10.091 General Requirements (is this necessary?)
a) Permits for temporary signs are not required unless otherwise indicated herein.
b) Tethered hot air balloons, other inflatable objects, spinners and banners attached to temporary signs
are not permitted.
c) The size of the sign cannot exceed thirty-two (32) square feet on all non-residential zoned property.
d) Each temporary freestanding sign cannot exceed six feet in height above ground. The height
restriction does not apply to flags.
e) On temporary sign per lot, or one temporary sign per business on multi-tenant lots shall be permitted
unless other wise indicated. In Highway Business zones, no more than one temporary sign may be
displayed for each fifty (50) lineal feet of frontage.
f) All signs shall have a date written thereon indicating the date that the sign was installed.
g) “Event” Signs shall show the date of the event.
h) No sign shall be displayed for more than 14 days, unless otherwise indicated.
i) Any sign that is installed without a date shall be removed.
j) Forfeiture of signs – Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance
with the General Requirements, shall be forfeited to the public
and subject to confiscation.
k) Duration of signs
l) In addition to other remedies herein, the City shall have the right to recover from the owner or
person placing or maintaining such a sign the full cost of removal and disposal of such sign.
This cost shall be the same as that established by the building inspector for a sign permit application.
10.092 Business Flags – (not including political flags) Flag sizes allowed by zoning district:
a) Industrial, Mill Industrial – Maximum of five (5) ft. by eight (8) ft. or forty (40) sq. ft.
b) Downtown Business, Highway Business, Neighborhood Business – Maximum of four (4) ft. by
six (6) ft. or twenty-four (24) sq. ft.
10.093 Banners
a) Commercial banners are limited to Business and Industrial Districts. Banners shall be allowed
for a period not to exceed fourteen (14) calendar days at any one time. Banners displayed for
more than fourteen (14) days shall require a sign permit.
b) Street spanning banners are only permitted in the Downtown Business District. The maximum
size of a permitted street-spanning banner shall not exceed one-hundred (100) sq. ft.
c) Banners shall be securely attached to a building or other permanent structure.
10.094 Temporary Directional Signs
Directional, informational or public service signs erected for the convenience of the public, not
Identifying any commercial or public entity, are permitted.
10.095 Real Estate Signs
a) Signs must follow the items under General Requirements except as follows.
b) One real estate sign per property is permitted, and must be located on the property which is
advertised for sale or lease.
c) Real estate signs that indicate the sale, rental, or lease of the property, provided such signs
are located on private property, must be at least five (5) ft. from the paved portion of any
street or driveway.
d) The sign must be removed no later than seven (7) days after closing of sale, rental or lease
of the property.
10.097 Development Signs
a) Signs must follow the items under General Requirements.
b) The development sign may be erected only after a special permit or subdivision approval has
been issued for the site.
c) Signs shall be used to identify the name of the project, architect, engineers, contractors, and
other individuals or firms involved with the construction.
d) No lighting of the sign is permitted.
e. Each temporary sign cannot exceed sixteen (16) sq. ft. in area on residential zoned property,
and cannot exceed thirty-two (32) sq. ft. on all non-residential zoned property. In addition,
up to three contractor signs are allowed at four (4) sq. ft. each.
f. Signs must be removed no later than seven (7) days after issuance of an occupancy permit by
the City.
10.098 Other Temporary Signs – Permit not required
a. Signs must follow the requirements under General Requirements.
b. Any other message a property owner wishes to display. (took out commercial message)
c. Temporary signs for special events or public celebrations are permitted without a permit.(can
probally just remove this)
d. Political & Non-Commercial Speech Signs – Political signs are allowed at any time of the year.
No permit is needed. Election signs shall be removed within seven (7) days of the completion
of the election.
e. Signs shall conform in appearance, size, and placement as specified in the General Requirements.
Enforcement
The City Council shall establish and update a fee schedule for the enforcement of this ordinance.
How about the building inspector?
Table 10-2
Permitted Sign Uses
SIGN USES
All Residential
Districts
Downtown
Business
ZONING DISTRICTS
Highway
Neighborhood
Business
Business
Industrial
Mixed Use/
Mill Industrial
Primary Signs
Residential Identification Sign
within buildings with 1-4 units:
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Number per Dwelling Unit
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
1 sq. ft.
None
1
1 sq. ft.
None
1
1 sq. ft.
none
1
1 sq. ft.
none
1
1 sq. ft.
none
1
1 sq. ft.
none
1
For Buildings with Five- or More
Family Dwelling Units:
Maximum Size
Maximum Height
Number Per Development
6 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
10 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
10 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
10 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
10 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
10 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
2 sq. ft.
None
1
2 sq. ft.
None
1
2 sq. ft.
none
1
2 sq. ft.
none
1
2 sq. ft.
none
1
2 sq. ft
none
1
Home Occupation Sign
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Number per Dwelling Unit
Table 10-2
Permitted Sign Uses
SIGN USES
ZONING DISTRICTS
Highway
Neighborhood
Business
Business
All Residential
Districts
Downtown
Business
Industrial
Mixed Use/
Mill Industrial
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
1 sq. ft.
none
1
1 sq. ft.
None
1
1 sq. ft.
none
1
1 sq. ft.
none
1
1 sq. ft.
none
1
1 sq. ft.
none
1
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
10 sq. ft.
None
1
40 sq. ft.
None
1
40 sq. ft.
None
1
40 sq. ft.
None
1
40 sq. ft.
None
1
40 sq. ft.
None
1
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
20 sq. ft.
10
1
10 ft
40 sq. ft.
10
1
10ft
40 sq. ft.
10
1
10ft
40 sq. ft.
10
1
10ft
40 sq. ft.
10
1
10ft
40 sq. ft.
10
1
10ft
Primary Signs (Continued)
Residential Accessory Use Sign
(Not including home
occupations)
Maximum Size
Maximum Height
Number
Government Use, Non-profit
agency, Community Facility
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Number
Agricultural Identification Sign
Maximum Size Area
Maximum Height
Number
Setback
Table 10-2 Permitted Sign Uses
SIGN USES
ZONING DISTRICTS
Highway
Neighborhood
Business
Business
All Residential
Districts
Downtown
Business
Industrial
Mixed Use/
Mill Industrial
Y
32 sq. ft.
6 feet
20 feet*
N
Y
40
6 feet
20 feet
Y
32
6 feet
20 feet
Y
40
6 feet
20 feet
Y
40
6 feet
20 feet
Numbered
highways only
Numbered
highways only
Numbered
highways only
Numbered
highways only
Numbered
highways only
Numbered
highways only
Y
32 sq. ft.
6 feet
20 feet
Y
32
6 feet
20 feet
Y
32
6 feet
20 feet
N
Y
32
6 feet
20 feet
Y
32
6 feet
20 feet
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Primary Signs (Continued)
Gateway signs
Max Area
Max Height
Setback
Way-finding Signs
Regulated by BPW
Municipal Gateway signs
Max Area
Max Height
Setback
Nonconforming signs*
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Business Sign for Commercial,
Retail or Service Use
Maximum Size Area in Total
16 sq. ft.
40 sq. ft.
40 sq. ft.
16 sq. ft.
40 sq. ft.
Maximum Height for Free10 ft
15 ft.
15 ft.
15 ft
15 ft.
standing Sign
Minimum Setback
10 ft
5 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
from the Curb Line
Number of Primary Signs per
2
2
2
2
2
Single Use Building
* Unless in line with an existing fence.
**Signs for Nonconforming Uses must conform to the sign standards for the permitted sign use of similar conforming sign use.
***5 square feet pre 1000 square feet of floor area up to 40 sq. ft. per sign.
Y
40 sq. ft.***
15 ft
10 ft.
2
Table 10-2 Permitted Sign Uses
SIGN USES
ZONING DISTRICTS
Highway
Neighborhood
Business
Business
All Residential
Districts
Downtown
Business
N/A
N/A
2
1
2
1
N
-
Y
40
Y
40
Industrial
Mixed Use/
Mill Industrial
2
1
2
1
2
2
Y
16
Y
40
Y
40
Primary Signs (Continued)
Business Sign for Commercial,
Retail or Service Use (Continued)
Number Per Multi-Use
Commercial Building
Per Business Use
Per Development
Secondary Signage allowed
Max size of Secondary signage
Table 10-2 Permitted Sign Uses
ZONING DISTRICTS
Highway
Neighborhood
Business
Business
All Residential
Districts
Downtown
Business
Y
Y
Maximum Area
Number
N
(permitted for
allowed businesses)
6 sq. ft.
1
6 sq. ft.
1
Maximum Height
42”
SIGN USES
Primary Signs (Continued)
Sandwich Board Signs
Traffic or Directional Signs of
Governmental Body
Incidental Signs
Temporary Use
For Sale, Rent or Lease Sign
Maximum Size Area
Maximum Height
Number Per Permitted Use
Architect, Engineer or
Contractor Sign
Maximum Size Area
Maximum Height
Maximum Number Per Lot
Minimum Setback from
Curb Line
Real Estate Development Sign
(commercial, Industrial, or over 3
residential units)
Maximum Area
Maximum Height
Industrial
Mixed Use/
Mill Industrial
Y
Y
Y
6 sq. ft.
1
6 sq. ft.
1
42”
6 sq. ft.
1 per 50 feet
frontage
42”
42”
42”
6 sq. ft.
1 per 100 feet
frontage
42”
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
4 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
Y
4 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
Y
32 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
Y
4 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
Y
32 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
Y
32 sq. ft.
6 ft.
1
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
4 sq. ft.
6 ft.
3
10 ft.
4 sq. ft.
6 ft.
3
10 ft.
4 sq. ft.
6 ft.
3
10 ft.
4 sq. ft
6 ft.
3
10 ft.
4 sq. ft.
6 ft.
3
10 ft.
4 sq. ft
6 ft.
3
10 ft.
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
16 sq. ft.
6 sq. ft.
32 sq. ft.
6
32 sq. ft.
6
32 sq. ft.
6
32 sq. ft.
6
32 sq. ft.
6
Table 10-2 Permitted Sign Uses
SIGN USES
All Residential
Districts
Downtown
Business
ZONING DISTRICTS
Highway
Neighborhood
Business
Business
Industrial
Mixed Use/
Mill Industrial
Temporary Use (Continued)
(Continued)
Maximum Number Per
Development
Minimum Setback from
Lot Line*
BannerMax Size
Business Flag on poleMax Size
Minimum height at 12 inches from
building façade
Political Sign
Maximum Size Area
Maximum Height
Special Event Signs
Additional Conditions:
1
1
1
1
1
1
10 ft.
5 ft.
10 ft.
5 ft.
10 ft.
10 ft.
N
permitted for
allowed business
uses)
Y
40 sq ft (street
spanning banners
up to 100 square
feet)
Y
24 sq ft
Y
24 sq ft
Y
40 sq ft
Y
40 sq ft
N
Y
15sq ft
7 feet
Y
15 sq ft
7 feet
Y
15 sq ft
7 feet
Y
15 sq ft
7 feet
Y
15 sq ft
7 feet
Y
5 sq. ft.
6 ft.
Y
5 sq. ft.
6 ft.
Y
5 sq. ft.
6 ft.
Y
5 sq. ft.
6 ft.
Y
5 sq. ft.
6 ft.
Y
5 sq. ft.
6 ft.
Y - All Districts
Signs must be removed within 72 hours upon completion of the Special Event. . 32 square foot maximum size.
One permit per event is required. Permission from the property owner must be provided.
*Where not physically possible to meet the setback distance, the permitting authority may allow a lesser setback distance.