8.3 Sign Regulations:

This section is adopted pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 40A, M.G.L. Chapter 93, Section 29, M.G.L. Chapter 143, Section 3 and governs the placement of signs within the Town of ____________. No sign(s) shall be attached, erected or otherwise installed on any property without first obtaining a sign permit from the Building Inspector.

8.3.1 Purpose- The purpose of this section is to provide standards for the installation of signs so as to reduce traffic safety hazards, protect property values, promote economic development and protect the aesthetic appearance of the town.

8.3.2 General Requirements- A sign permit may be granted only in accordance with the following requirements:

A. No sign shall extend above the roof line of a building to which it is attached;

B. Roof signs shall not be permitted;

C. Flashing, shimmering and /or rotating lights shall not be permitted.

D. All signs shall be limited to the identification of premises, their occupants or users, the placement or the business conducted therein.

E. No sign shall be placed which prevents the driver of a vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view of approaching or merging traffic.

F. No signs shall be internally illuminated.

8.3.3 Exemptions - The following signs shall be exempted for these regulations:

A. Signs of less than two (2) feet in surface area identifying occupancy of a residence;

B. Historic or commemorative plaques;

C. No Trespassing, no hunting or similar ownership signs not exceeding two (2) feet in surface area.

D. Temporary signs including; contractor signs, realtor signs, political signs, garage sale signs, community service announcements. Said temporary signs shall not exceed one (1) sign per street frontage , shall not exceed six (6) square feet in surface area per side and shall be erected so that no portion is above four feet above ground level above the ground level beneath the sign. Political signs shall be removed within ten (10) days following an election.

8.3.4 Industrial sign regulations - The display of one (1) free standing sign pertaining to the use or uses of the premises with a total area of less than twenty (20) square feet in surface area per side. Said free standing sign shall be limited to two (2) sides and not exceed twenty (20) feet in height. In addition one (1) wall sign with a total area not to exceed twelve (12) square feet in surface area shall be allowed per business.

8.3.5 Commercial District A (Like a Highway Commercial District) - The display of one (1) free standing sign pertaining to the use or uses of the premises with a total area of not more than sixteen (16) square feet in surface area per side. Said free standing sign shall be limited to two (2) sides and not exceed eighteen (18) feet in height. In addition one (1) wall sign with a total area not to exceed nine (9) square feet in surface area shall be allowed per business. Window signs or displays shall not exceed twenty-five (25%) of the total window area of the building.

8.3.6 Commercial District B - The display of one (1) free standing sign pertaining to the use or uses of the premises with a total area of not more than twelve (12) square feet in surface area per side. Said free standing sign shall be limited to two (2) sides and not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. In addition one (1) wall sign with a total area not to exceed nine (9) square feet in surface area shall be allowed per business. Window signs or displays shall not exceed twenty (20%) of the total window area of the building.

8.3.7 Residential - The display of a sign pertaining to the use or uses of the premises with a total area of not more than nine (9) square feet. Lighting, if any, shall be by indirect white light only.