Andover City Zoning Code
SECTION 5
GENERAL REGULATIONS
5.1 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING.
[Amended 4-30-2024 ATM by Art. 28]
5.1.1 Purpose.
The objectives of this section are as follows:
1.
Promote traffic safety by assuring adequate places for storing of motor vehicles and for their orderly access and egress to and from the streets;
2.
Increase the traffic-carrying capacity of streets and highways and obtain a more efficient utilization of parking;
3.
Reduce hazards to pedestrians on sidewalks and bicyclists;
4.
Promote clean air, and sustainability, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels; and
5.
Protect adjoining lots and the public from nuisances and hazards such as:
5.1.2 Applicability.
No building permit or certificate of occupancy shall be issued for the construction of a new building, the enlargement of an existing building, the development of a use not located in a building, the redevelopment of an existing building, or the change from one type of use to another, unless off-street parking is provided in accordance with this Section 5.1.
5.1.3 Interpretation of this Section.
The following rules for interpretation of this section shall apply:
1.
Fractional Numbers. In the computation of required parking spaces, only the fraction of 1/2 or more shall be counted as one space.
2.
Number of Employees. Where the parking requirement is based on the number of employees, the number shall be based on the number of employees on the largest shift.
3.
Change of Use. For the purposes of this section 5.1, a change of use shall be a change in part or all of an existing building or lot from one use category to another as permitted in the Table of Use Regulations.
4.
Maximum Rate Occupancy. The maximum floor area allowances permitted per occupant as required in the Massachusetts State Building Code.
5.1.4 Parking Space Requirements.
Appendix A, Table 3, Off-Street Parking Requirements, establishes the minimum number of parking spaces required for the corresponding type of use. Where a use is not specifically included in Table 3, the regulations for the most nearly comparable use, as determined by the Building Commissioner, shall apply.
5.1.5 Design Standards.
[Amended 4-29-2025 ATM by Art. 27]
The following design standards shall apply to vehicular parking areas for uses other than a one-family or two-family dwelling:
1.
Parking Dimensions. The minimum dimensions of parking spaces and maneuvering aisles shall be as shown in Appendix A, Table 4, Parking Dimensions.
2.
Parking Layout.
a.
Access to and egress from all parking areas shall be only via driveways that meet the design standards of Section 5.1.5.4;
b.
All portions of all parking spaces, loading areas, and maneuvering aisles shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any street or way and a minimum of five feet from any property line. Curbs, wheel stops, screening, or similar barriers shall be installed along the setback line for parking and loading to prevent vehicles from being parked or driven within required setback areas or required landscaped areas;
c.
Each required off-street parking space and loading area shall be designed so that any motor vehicle may proceed to and from it without requiring the moving of any other vehicle or the passing over any other parking space or loading area;
d.
The circulation system in each parking area shall be designed so that all vehicles may exit from and enter into the adjacent street or way by being driven in a forward direction and no vehicle shall be required to enter or leave by backing out; and
e.
All required parking areas shall be paved, use a permeable system, or combination of the two in order to achieve an all weather surface that is load bearing, can be plowed, supports stormwater management, and will be free of dust and debris. All parking spaces shall be marked to delineate parking spaces and aisles; and
f.
Snow storage areas shall be designed in the parking lot layout. They shall not be placed in such a way as to prevent clear sight lines along the exit or entrance.
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3.
Parking for People with Disabilities.
a.
Parking facilities shall provide parking spaces designed for people with disabilities in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB);
b.
Each parking space shall be clearly marked by a sign and shall be located near the entrance of the building served.
4.
Driveways.
a.
The maximum number of driveways permitting entrance to and exit from a lot shall be limited to two per street line;
b.
The minimum width of a driveway used for two-way traffic shall be 24 feet. The minimum width of a driveway used for one-way traffic shall be 14 feet. The maximum width shall not exceed 30 feet;
c.
Driveways shall be located to minimize conflict with traffic on the street and where good visibility and sight distances are available to observe approaching pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
5.
Loading Areas.
a.
An adequate number of off-street loading areas shall be provided for any use that may be serviced by delivery vehicles;
b.
Loading areas shall be located in the side or rear yards only;
c.
Each loading area shall be located separately from employee and customer parking and shall be designed to protect pedestrian and bicycle safety and avoid traffic conflicts with vehicles within, without, and entering and leaving the lot where the loading area is located;
d.
No area may be utilized and counted as both a required parking space and a required loading area; and
e.
Each loading area shall consist of a bay measuring at least 30 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 14 feet high if covered and a maneuvering space equal to the length of the bay.
6.
Maintenance. Parking areas, loading spaces, and landscaping shall be continuously maintained, and whenever necessary, surfacing, lighting, parking space markings, and plantings shall be replaced or repaired, and drainage structures maintained. Failure to adequately maintain parking facilities shall be deemed a violation of this bylaw.
7.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations. In any residential or nonresidential development EV charging stations shall be installed as may be required by 780 CMR (Massachusetts State Building Code).
8.
Bicycle Parking. The following requirements shall apply to bicycle parking:
a.
For purposes of this bylaw, a bicycle parking space is an area within which one intact bicycle may be conveniently and securely stored and removed in an upright position with both wheels resting on a stable surface without requiring the use of a kickstand, and without requiring the movement of other parked bicycles, vehicles, or other objects to access the space;
b.
Long-term bicycle parking is intended primarily to serve residents, employees, or other people who would require storage of a bicycle for a substantial portion of the day, for an overnight period, or for multiple days. Short-term bicycle parking is intended primarily to serve visitors, such as retail patrons making trips of up to a few hours to a particular use;
c.
The Planning Board may adopt rules and regulations and guidelines for the design and placement of bicycle racks for long-term and short-term bicycle parking.
9.
Pedestrian Access and Walkways.
a.
Pedestrian access shall be provided through improved pathways, stairway access, or other physical improvements, and shall be clearly marked;
b.
Direct and vital pedestrian access shall be provided to other abutting commercial properties or open space or other recreation facilities, and shall serve to improve safe pedestrian circulation;
c.
Walking and biking paths shall be provided to connect the parking lot and sidewalks or open space or other recreation facilities in a manner that safely accommodates pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic.
11.
Lighting.
a.
Lighting shall provide safety and security for users and shall be designed and installed so as to prevent glare or overspill from the light source onto adjacent property or into public ways. The direction of lighting, intensity of lighting, and selection of fixtures and bulbs shall be consistent with Dark Sky best practices except where standard industry practices related to security measures for individual uses require more intense temporary lighting measures;
b.
Light fixtures shall be provided in the parking area for safe vehicular and pedestrian travel. The height and placement of fixtures shall be designed to distinguish parking areas from pedestrian walkways or sidewalks, and shall be placed so as to prevent conflict with landscaping.
5.1.6 Parking in Apartment Districts (APT).
[Amended 4-29-2025 ATM by Art. 27]
The following parking requirements shall apply to APT districts:
1.
Location. Required spaces shall be located either in an off-street paved area or in a garage or carport.
2.
Proximity to Dwelling. The spaces shall be located within 200 feet from the outside entrance to the dwelling unit served.
3.
Driveway. Any spaces located in a driveway providing access to more than one dwelling unit shall not reduce the effective width of the driveway to less than 12 feet.
4.
Applicability of Minor Residential Ways. Any way or driveway providing principal access to six or more dwelling units or eight or more parking spaces shall conform to applicable provisions of the Planning Board regulations for minor residential ways. To confirm the extent of conformity, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall request a report from the Planning Board before granting a special permit.
5.
Landscaping. Each paved parking area shall have interior landscaping areas, primarily planted with shade trees, equivalent in size to at least 5 percent of the parking area's total pavement area. The Planning Board may approve a smaller amount of interior landscaping where an alternative design better achieves the purposes of the Zoning Bylaw including, but not limited to, the use of landscaping as part of a stormwater management system.
5.1.7 Parking in General Business Districts (GB).
The following parking requirements shall apply to GB Districts:
1.
Location. The required number of off-street spaces shall be provided on the same lot as the use or uses in question except as provided below or unless the Planning Board grants a special permit for a change in parking space requirements pursuant to Section 5.1.9.
2.
No Additional Spaces. No additional parking spaces shall be required for a proposed use in an existing building if:
a.
The change of use or rearrangement of uses does not result in an increase in the number of required parking spaces;
b.
The total number of parking spaces required for a particular use, including a particular use in an existing multi-use building, is six spaces or less. This shall not apply to proposals involving the total renovation/redevelopment of a structure; and
3.
Multiple Uses Sharing a Common Parking Lot. For two or more uses on a common lot, the minimum required number of spaces shall be 75% of the sum of the spaces required for each use individually. The required number of spaces on a common lot may be further reduced by a special permit under Section 5.1.9 if it can be shown that a lower total number of spaces will serve all uses adequately, as determined by the Planning Board or special permit granting authority.
4.
Extension or Alterations of Nonconforming Buildings and Uses. Extensions or alterations of a preexisting, nonconforming building or use that requires a special permit under Section 9.4 shall provide only the additional number of parking spaces that would be required for the extension or alteration.
5.
Replacement After Catastrophe. The following parking requirements shall apply to a building or structure that has been damaged by fire, explosion, or other catastrophe:
a.
If a building or structure that did not conform to Table 3, Off-Street Parking Requirements, is rebuilt not to exceed its pre-catastrophe size and if no change in use occurs, continuance of that nonconformance will be allowed;
b.
Any change in use shall require the building or structure to conform to Table 3, Off-Street Parking Requirements;
c.
If a building or structure is rebuilt to exceed its pre-catastrophe size, the additional number of parking spaces that would be required for the excess floor area must be provided.
6.
Compact Car Spaces. In parking lots of more than 40 parking spaces, up to 30% of the spaces may be designed for compact cars to service all-day parkers in accordance with the design standards of Appendix A, Table 4. Compact car stalls shall be grouped in one or more contiguous areas and conspicuously identified by signs or pavement markings.
5.1.8 Parking in Industrial Districts.
[Amended 4-29-2025 ATM by Art. 27]
The following parking requirements shall apply to Industrial Districts:
1.
Adequate off-street parking must be provided on the premises to service all parking demand created by new construction, whether through new structures or through additions to existing ones, or by change of use creating higher parking demands.
2.
In applying for building or occupancy permits, the applicant must demonstrate that the minimum parking requirements set forth below shall be met for the new demand without counting existing parking.
3.
Only one driveway or entranceway will be permitted in any 150 feet of frontage unless the frontage is less, in which case, only a driveway or entrance way to the property will be permitted.
4.
Each parking area shall contain no more than 240 parking spaces.
5.
There shall be no more than 30 parking spaces in any uninterrupted row.
6.
Each parking area shall be enclosed (except for access points) by a landscaped buffer not less than 12 feet wide, planted with shade trees.
7.
Each parking area shall have interior landscaping areas, primarily planted with trees, equivalent in size to at least 5 percent of the parking area's total pavement area. The Planning Board may approve a smaller amount of interior landscaping where an alternative design better achieves the purposes of the Zoning Bylaw including, but not limited to, the use of landscaping as part of a stormwater management system.
8.
The size of a parking space may be reduced to a compact car space as presented in Appendix A, Table 4, for those spaces serving all-day parkers. Uses that generate frequent parking space turnover shall be required to have the standard size parking spaces.
9.
In the Industrial D District, no off-street parking shall be located within 50 feet of the street line of any public way or internal access road on which the building fronts.
5.1.9 Parking Requirement Special Permit.
1.
The Planning Board may grant a special permit to reduce the number of parking spaces required if the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates one or more of the following:
a.
Shared Private Parking Facilities. Shared private parking facilities for different buildings or uses:
i.
Up to 50% of the parking spaces serving a building may be used jointly for other uses not normally open, used, or operated during similar hours. The applicant shall have the burden of proof with respect to the suitability for uses to share a common parking facility.
ii.
A written common parking facility agreement defining the joint use acceptable to the Planning Board shall be executed by all parties concerned and approved by the Planning Board as part of the special permit process. The agreement shall be recorded with the Northern Essex Registry of Deeds; and
iii.
Any subsequent change in land uses for which the shared parking proposal was approved, and that results in the need for additional parking spaces, shall require a new special permit application under this subsection.
b.
Remote (Satellite) Parking Areas:
i.
The satellite parking spaces will be used solely by the employees and, where practicable, clientele of the commercial use; and
ii.
The off-site parking spaces shall be located to adequately serve the proposed use and shall be within 600 feet of the building served for clientele of the commercial use. Off-site parking for employees of the business may be located within 1,200 feet unless shuttle vehicle arrangements are provided as a condition of the special permit. The parking distance shall be measured by the shortest route of pedestrian access, entrance to entrance.
c.
Reserve Parking. The petitioner shall present a site plan showing that all parking spaces needed to meet the requirements of Appendix A, Table 3 could be built on the site. The spaces to be waived shall be marked "Reserve Parking Area(s)" on the plan, which shall be kept on file with a copy of the Planning Board's special permit decision. The reserve parking area(s) shall be maintained as landscaped areas unless the Planning Board determines within two years of the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy that the additional parking spaces are required, in which case the spaces shall be constructed. No improvement other than parking spaces will ever be allowed in this area except open air amenities for employee use, such as outdoor recreation facilities, park benches, and the like.
d.
Alternative Parking Lot Design. The design of a parking lot may differ from the requirements of Appendix A, Table 4 if approved by the Planning Board under Site Plan Review, provided that such design satisfies the objectives of Section 5.1. and the design is prepared by a professional engineer or landscape architect.
2.
Special Permit Decision. Remote parking lots, shared parking lots, or any enforceable alternatives that the Planning Board deems reasonable may be allowed based on the following criteria and other applicable provisions presented in this subsection:
a.
The capacity, location, and current level of use of existing parking facilities, both public and private;
b.
The efficient and maximum use of the General Business District in terms of parking needs and services provided;
c.
The relief of traffic and parking congestion;
d.
The safety of pedestrians;
e.
The provision of reasonable access either by walking distance or shuttle vehicle arrangements; and
f.
The maintenance of the character of the area.
5.1.10 Parking in Single-Family Residential A (SRA).
For the creation of new multifamily dwellings, family dwelling units, or the conversion to two-family or multifamily dwellings in the SRA District, all parking spaces shall be located in a side yard, rear yard, or garage. Only driveways may be located in the front yard. (Single-family houses are excluded from this regulation.)
5.2.1 Purpose.
The following sign regulations are intended to:
1.
Preserve the historical ambiance, small-town character, and aesthetic appeal of the town;
2.
Preserve views of greenery and landscapes;
3.
Maintain public safety by eliminating potential hazards to motorists and pedestrians;
4.
Preserve the value of private and public property; and
5.
Preserve the non-commercial character of residential neighborhoods.
The following sign bylaws are crafted to be compatible with the 2015 decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Clyde Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona and are intended to avoid constitutionally suspect regulations related to time limits on legal signs on private property. The Reed decision stated that content-based sign bylaws must withstand strict scrutiny. That is, the government must have a compelling reason to regulate speech based on content.
For definitions of terms used in this Section 5.2, see Section 10, Sign and Associated Definitions.
5.2.2 General Provisions.
1.
Exemptions. The following signs are exempt from the provisions of this Bylaw:
a.
Flags and insignia of any government, except when they are displayed in connection with the advertising or promotion of a commercial product or service;
b.
Legal notices or informational devices erected or required by public agencies;
d.
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except for lettering, trademarks, moving parts or parts internally illuminated or decorated with gaseous tube or other lights;
e.
On-premises signs intended to guide and direct traffic and parking, not exceeding two square feet in area and four feet in height and bearing no elements, as described in the definition of Sign in Section 10, that are not necessary to guide and direct traffic and parking, and having no internal illumination;
f.
On valances of awnings or similar devices, lettering, symbols, or graphic elements not exceeding six inches in height and not exceeding 75 percent of the height of the valance;
g.
On awnings or similar devices, one symbol or graphic element, without text, not exceeding five square feet per awning; and
h.
Signs located on facilities or land under the care and control of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
2.
Maintenance. All signs shall be maintained in a safe and neat condition to the satisfaction of the Building Department and in accordance with the Commonwealth of the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR.
3.
Nonconforming Signs.
a.
Any nonconforming sign and/or support structure, legally permitted and erected prior to the adoption of this provision, or any amendments thereto, which remains un-altered in any way, may be continued and maintained.
b.
Nonconforming signs shall not be enlarged, rebuilt, restored, or altered except in conformity with this Bylaw.
c.
Any sign which has been destroyed or damaged to the extent that the cost of repair or restoration will exceed 1/3 of the replacement value as of the date of such damage or destruction shall not be repaired, rebuilt, restored, or altered except in conformity with this Bylaw.
4.
Liability. No sign shall project more than five feet over any public right-of-way or other public property. Any sign projecting over a public right-of-way shall be covered by liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000 as verified by a certificate of insurance filed with the Town Clerk. The Town of Andover shall be named as additional insured on all such certificates.
5.2.3 Sign Permit.
Unless specifically exempted or provided for elsewhere in this section, no sign shall be installed, erected, enlarged, redesigned, or structurally altered without a sign permit issued by the Building Department.
1.
Application and Review.
a.
Sign Permit Application: A completed sign permit application, fulfilling all requirements for requested materials and documents and specifying all pertinent dimensions and materials, shall be submitted to the Building Department prior to the installation or alteration of any sign for which a permit is required.
b.
Review by the Design Review Board: Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the Design Review Board (DRB) shall, within 30 days of submission of an application for a sign permit, review an application for: (a) a municipal sign in any district; and (b) a sign greater than four square feet in the General Business (GB) and Mixed Use (MU) Districts. Applications for review by the Design Review Board shall be submitted on a standard application form specified by the DRB. See § 5.2.14, Design Guidelines for Signs.
2.
Criteria for a Special Permit. When acting on an application for a special permit, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall consider the following:
a.
The character of the proposed sign and its suitability to the building and the surrounding neighborhood;
b.
Its relationship to the architectural style, size, and scale of the building;
c.
The impact of the size and illumination of the sign on other establishments and the surrounding neighborhood; and
5.2.4 Prohibited Signs and Devices.
1.
No sign shall be lighted, except by a steady external and stationary light source which is shielded and directed solely at the sign, unless specifically provided for in this Bylaw.
2.
No illumination shall be permitted which casts glare onto any residential premises or onto any portion of a way so as to create a traffic hazard.
3.
No signs shall be illuminated in any residential district, or within 200 feet of a residential district, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless the establishment is open to the public.
4.
No sign shall be illuminated by any color other than colorless or white light, except for temporary holiday lighting.
5.
No animated, revolving, flashing, backlit, exposed neon or similar exposed gaseous tube illuminated signs shall be permitted.
6.
No signs shall be attached to motor vehicles, trailers, or other movable objects regularly or recurrently located for fixed display.
7.
Visibility for motorists and pedestrians shall not be obstructed at any intersection, driveway, or crosswalk. See also Article VIII, § 4.1.3.2.g.
8.
No portable or removable sign shall be allowed in any zoning district except as permitted under § 5.2.6.
9.
No attached exterior sign shall cover any portion of a window or door casing.
10.
No signs shall be allowed on the uppermost roof of any building.
11.
No portion of a sign shall extend above the highest point of the roof or parapet of the building to which it is attached.
12.
No commercial sign is allowed in zoning districts SRA, SRB, SRC and APT unless the sign pertains to an allowed commercial activity relating to or occurring on the property.
5.2.5 Signs Allowed without a Permit.
The following signs are allowed in addition to the signs allowed in other sections of these bylaws and not otherwise prohibited.
1.
Limitations.
a.
A sign allowed by Section 5.2.5.2.a may be lighted or illuminated. No other sign allowed in Section 5.2.5 shall be lighted or illuminated.
b.
A projecting sign always requires a permit.
c.
No sign allowed in Section 5.2.5 may be erected on premises occupied by a business or organization until a sign permit has been issued for at least one other sign on the premises, except in the following cases:
2.
Signs allowed without a permit in all zoning districts.
a.
One sign, either attached or freestanding, does not require a sign permit if it does not exceed two square feet in area.
b.
Open Space signs. A sign on open space or other undeveloped property open to the public, requires no sign permit if the sign is less than 35 square feet in area. For purposes of this Section 5.2., open space shall mean undeveloped land available to the public at no cost, for passive recreation such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, photography, picnicking, cross country skiing, biking, horseback riding, or other activities which do not alter or disturb the terrain and at the same time to conserve natural and scenic resources, protect air, streams or water supply, and enhance the value of the land to the public.
c.
Interior signs that do not exceed 30 percent of the transparent area of the window and/or door on which they are affixed or displayed do not require a sign permit.
d.
One or more exterior signs not exceeding 15 square feet in aggregate area do not require sign permits. Each residential unit in multiple-family residences and each unit in multiple-unit nonresidential properties may erect such signs. No additional signs are allowed beyond the 15 square feet in aggregate area because of the existence of a customary home occupation at a residence.
e.
One exterior sign per property does not require a sign permit if it meets the following conditions:
3.
Signs allowed without a permit only in zoning districts SRA, SRB and SRC. One exterior sign per property does not require a permit if it meets the following conditions:
5.2.6 Portable or Removable Sign.
The Building Department may issue a permit for the placement of a portable or removable sign in any zoning district, subject to the following conditions:
1.
The sign shall be securely anchored so as not to be dislodged or blow over.
2.
The sign must be placed along a street, road, or parking lot on which the property has frontage and only one sign is allowed per tenant on each street, road, or parking lot.
3.
The sign shall have an area not to exceed six square feet and a height not to exceed four feet.
4.
The sign shall not obstruct a public or private walkway.
5.2.7 Signs in Residential Districts (SRA, SRB, SRC, and APT).
1.
Single Family Residential Districts (SRA), (SRB), and (SRC). In addition to the signs allowed in § 5.2.5 and § 5.2.6, the following signs are allowed:
a.
One sign, either attached or freestanding, does not require a sign permit and shall not exceed two square feet in area.
b.
Any sign, either attached or freestanding, that exceeds two square feet in area may be allowed by special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals. In no case, however, shall the sign area exceed six square feet or the sign height exceed four feet.
2.
Apartment Districts (APT). In addition to the signs allowed in § 5.2.5 and § 5.2.6, the following signs are allowed:
a.
One freestanding sign on each street on which the complex has street frontage, provided that the frontage also provides vehicular or pedestrian access to the complex. The sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet and the sign height shall not exceed eight feet.
5.2.8 Signs in General Business (GB) Districts.
In addition to the signs allowed in § 5.2.5 and § 5.2.6, the following signs are allowed for commercial or business uses:
1.
One attached sign shall be allowed, oriented to each street and parking lot on which the commercial or business use has a facade, providing that such facade has either a window or a direct entryway into the use's space.
a.
The sign may be either attached flat against the wall or placed on an awning or fixed canopy of the building.
b.
No portion of the sign shall extend above the highest point of the roof or parapet of the building to which it is attached.
c.
The sign area of a flat attached sign for any individual commercial or business use shall not exceed 15 percent of the portion of the facade associated with that use.
d.
Flat attached signs oriented to the street shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
e.
Flat attached signs oriented to a parking lot shall not exceed 25 square feet in area unless they mark the primary entrance to a building or establishment, in which case the sign area shall not exceed 50 square feet.
f.
Attached signs displayed on the body of awnings or canopies shall not exceed 20 percent of the area of the awning or canopy, and in no case shall they exceed 25 square feet.
2.
In addition to the above, each building that is set back a minimum of five feet from the property line may install one freestanding sign, with a sign area not to exceed 12 square feet and a sign height not to exceed six feet above ground level.
3.
In addition to the above, each commercial or business use may install one projecting sign on each facade providing that such facade has either a window or a direct entryway into the use's space, subject to the following conditions:
a.
The sign area shall not exceed nine square feet, excluding sign support structure.
b.
The bottom of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the ground, and the top of the sign shall be no more than 25 feet from the ground.
c.
No sign shall project more than five feet from the facade to which it is attached.
d.
A larger sign may be allowed by special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals; in no case, however, shall the sign area exceed 15 square feet.
4.
A building occupied by multiple commercial or business uses may install a single sign, either attached to or projecting from the building. The total area of the sign shall not exceed one square foot per occupant.
5.
Unlighted graphics, lettering, or symbols with transparent background mounted on the inside of windows or transparent entry doors shall require no sign permit if their area does not exceed 30 percent of the glass or transparent area.
5.2.9 Signs in Mixed Use (MU) Districts.
1.
One attached sign shall be allowed, oriented to each street and parking lot on which the commercial or business use has a facade, providing that such facade has either a window or a direct entryway into the use's space.
a.
The sign may be either attached flat against the wall or placed on an awning or fixed canopy of the building.
b.
No portion of the sign shall extend above the highest point of the roof or parapet of the building to which it is attached.
c.
The sign area of a flat attached sign for any individual commercial or business use shall not exceed 10 percent of the portion of the facade associated with that use and in no case shall the sign area exceed 80 square feet.
d.
Attached signs displayed on the body of awnings or canopies shall not exceed 20 percent of the area of the awning or canopy, and in no case shall they exceed 25 square feet.
2.
In addition to the above, each building that is set back a minimum of five feet from the property line may install one freestanding sign, with a sign area not to exceed 25 square feet and a sign height not to exceed eight feet above ground level.
3.
In addition to the above, each commercial or business use may install one projecting sign on each facade of the building, subject to the following conditions:
a.
The facade shall have either a window or a direct entryway to the premises.
b.
The sign area shall not exceed nine square feet, excluding any sign support structure.
c.
No sign shall project more than five feet from the facade to which it is attached. The bottom of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the ground, and the top of the sign shall be no more than 25 feet from the ground.
d.
A larger sign may be allowed by special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals; in no case, however, shall the sign area exceed 15 square feet.
4.
A building occupied by multiple commercial or business uses may install a single sign, either attached to or projecting from the building. The total area of the sign shall not exceed one square foot per occupant.
5.
Unlighted graphics, lettering or symbols with transparent background mounted on the inside of windows or transparent entry doors shall require no sign permit if their area does not exceed 30 percent of the glass or transparent area.
5.2.10 Signs in Office Park (OP) Districts and Limited Service (LS) Districts.
1.
One freestanding sign shall be allowed for each street upon which a building or complex has frontage, subject to the following conditions:
a.
The sign area shall not exceed 25 square feet and the sign height shall not exceed eight feet.
b.
The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant, subject to the criteria of § 5.2.3.2, a special permit for a larger sign if required for legibility, up to 16 feet in height, if the property fronts on a high-speed, limited access highway.
2.
In addition to the above, one attached sign for each street upon which a building or complex has frontage. The sign may be either attached flat against the wall or placed on an awning or fixed canopy of the building. No portion of the sign shall extend above the highest point of the roof or parapet of the building to which it is attached. The sign area of a flat attached sign shall not exceed 25 square feet. Attached signs displayed on the body of awnings or canopies shall not exceed 20 percent of the area of the awning or canopy, and in no case shall they exceed 25 square feet.
3.
In addition to the above, each business or tenant shall be limited to one sign (attached or projecting) for each street and parking lot on which the business or tenant has an entryway. The sign area shall not exceed three square feet.
4.
The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant, subject to the criteria of § 5.2.3.2, a special permit for a second sign on a building facing a limited access, high-speed highway.
5.2.11 Signs in Industrial G (IG) Districts.
1.
One sign attached flat against the wall or placed on an awning or fixed canopy of the building, subject to the following conditions:
a.
The sign area of a flat attached sign shall not exceed 20 percent of the area of the side of the building to which it is attached, or 80 square feet, whichever is less. Attached signs displayed on the body of awnings or canopies shall not exceed 20 percent of the area of the awning or canopy, and in no case shall they exceed 25 square feet.
b.
No portion of the sign shall extend above the highest point of the roof or parapet of the building to which it is attached.
2.
In addition to the above, one freestanding sign for each street on which the property fronts, subject to the following conditions:
3.
The Zoning Board of Appeals may grant, subject to the criteria of § 5.2.3.2, a special permit for a larger or an internally illuminated sign.
5.2.12 Signs in Industrial A (IA) Districts.
1.
One or more signs attached flat against the wall or placed on an awning or fixed canopy of a building, subject to the following conditions:
a.
The total area of all such signs on a building shall not exceed 20 percent of the area of the side of the building to which they are attached, or 200 square feet, whichever is less. Attached signs displayed on the body of awnings or canopies shall not exceed 20 percent of the area of the awning or canopy, and in no case shall they exceed 25 square feet.
b.
No portion of the sign shall extend above the highest point of the roof or parapet of the building to which it is attached.
2.
One freestanding sign for each street on which the property fronts, subject to the following conditions:
3.
Internally illuminated signs are allowed.
5.2.13 Signs in Industrial D (ID) and Industrial D2 (ID2) Districts.
1.
One or more signs attached flat against the wall or placed on an awning or fixed canopy of a building, subject to the following conditions:
a.
The total area of all such signs on a building shall not exceed 10 percent of the area of the side of the building to which they are attached, or 200 square feet, whichever is less. Attached signs displayed on the body of awnings or canopies shall not exceed 20 percent of the area of the awning or canopy, and in no case shall they exceed 25 square feet.
b.
No portion of the sign shall extend above the highest point of the roof or parapet of the building to which it is attached.
2.
In addition to the above, one freestanding sign for each street on which the property fronts, subject to the following conditions:
3.
Internally illuminated signs are allowed.
5.2.14 Design Guidelines for Signs.
The following are further means by which the objectives for signs stated in Section 5.2.1 can be served. These guidelines are not mandatory, but the degree of compliance with them shall be considered by the Special Permit Granting Authority in acting upon special permits, and by the Design Review Board as authorized hereunder.
1.
Efficient Communication.
2.
Environmental Relationship. Sign brightness should not be excessive in relation to background lighting levels, e.g., averaging not in excess of one-hundred-foot-lamberts in the downtown or similarly bright areas and not in excess of twenty-foot-lamberts in unlighted outlying areas.
3.
Relationship to Buildings.
a.
Signs should be sized and located so as to not interrupt, obscure or hide the continuity of columns, cornices, eaves, sill lines, or other architectural elements of the building and, wherever possible, should reflect and emphasize the building's architectural form.
b.
Sign materials, colors, and lettering should be representative of and appropriate to the character of the building to which the sign relates, just as sign size should be related to building size.
5.3.1 Office Park (OP) District.
In the Office Park District, landscaping shall be provided and maintained in accordance with planting approved by the Planning Board and incorporated as part of the plans on which the special permit of the Zoning Board of Appeals is based.
5.3.2 Industrial Districts.
In the Industrial Districts, landscaping shall be provided and maintained in front yards and in side yards abutting public ways for aesthetic reasons to break up lines of buildings, in parking areas (as per Section 5.1.8), and for screening accessory facilities under the requirements discussed below.
1.
Specifically, in Industrial Districts IA and ID, landscape screening shall be provided adjacent to:
2.
Landscape screening shall consist of plantings, including evergreens, of sufficient height and depth to screen from view from abutting area any unshielded light source, either inside or outside a building, or to screen parking lots, tanks, loading bays, outdoor storage and work areas, and similar accessory operations or facilities not hidden by building. Fences or walls may be included in the screening where deemed necessary but shall not be a substitute for landscaping or left unscreened from abutting areas. The adequacy of the screening and landscaping shall be approved by the Building Commissioner on the advice of the Planning Board and shown on planting plans that shall be incorporated in the Building Department records. In cases requiring a special permit, these plans shall also be incorporated as part of the findings of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
5.3.3 General Business (GB) and Mixed Use (MU) Districts.
In the General Business District and Mixed Use District, all lots in use other than solely as single-family residential shall meet the following standards:
1.
A buffer area shall be provided for screening purposes along the entire length of each property line (excluding driveway access points) that abuts either a lot zoned Single Residence A, B or C or a lot that contains a residential use, regardless of the district in which the lot is located. The following standards shall apply:
b.
If a landscaped treatment is selected, minimum requirements are plantings of evergreen shrubs measuring at least four feet high at time of planting and which may be expected to form a six-foot high screen within three years, the entire length of the buffer area to be 80 percent or more opaque when viewed horizontally.
c.
If a fencing treatment is selected, minimum requirements are a solid fence six feet in height with 20 percent or more of the fence face planted with evergreens, such screening to be compatible with the character of the neighborhood.
2.
Where landscaped areas abut parking areas or driveways, the landscaped areas shall be protected from vehicular encroachment by curbs or berms.
3.
The owner of the property shall be responsible for the proper maintenance and replacement of all landscape materials. All fences shall be maintained in a safe condition. Planted screening shall be maintained, and dead portions of any natural screening shall be promptly replaced.
5.3.4 Limited Service (LS) District.
[Amended 4-30-2024 ATM by Art. 28]
In the Limited Service District, parking and landscape screening shall be provided and maintained as required in Sections 5.1 and 5.3.2 of this Bylaw. Parking areas shall be enclosed (except for access points) by a landscaped buffer not less than 12 feet wide, planted with shade trees. Each parking area shall have interior landscaping areas, primarily planted with trees, equivalent in size to 5 percent of that parking area's total pavement area.
5.3.5 Exterior Lighting.
Where exterior lighting is installed on a lot, it shall be designed and installed so as to prevent glare or overspill from the light source onto adjacent property or into any public way.