Any traffic, informational or directional sign owned and installed by a governmental agency shall be permitted with the approval of the Town Manager.

A sign (including temporary interior window displays) or its illuminator shall not by reason of its location, shape, size, 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. A sign or any part thereof which moves or flashes, all signs of the traveling-light or animated type, and all beacons and flashing devices are prohibited; except such portions of a sign as consist solely of indicators of time and/or temperature or automatically changing messages shall be permitted by the Building Inspector, who shall seek the advice of the Planning Board and Chief of Police to determine that the sign is not a hazard to traffic and pedestrian safety. All illumination of signs must be so arranged as to prevent glare onto any portion of any public way or into any residential area.

No more than one sign shall be allowed for any one establishment in the R District.

The limitations as to the number of signs permitted does not apply to traffic or directional signs which are necessary for the safety and directions of residents, employees, customers and visitors (whether in a vehicle or on foot) of the business, industry, or residence. Such signs may carry the name of the business or project, provided that:

No sign, together with any supporting framework, shall extend to a height above the maximum building height allowed in the district in which the sign is located. The top of a sign, together with any supporting framework, shall not extend above the roofline. In the case of a building with a pitched roof, the eave line of the building shall be considered the roofline.

The supporting members for any pole sign, projecting sign or any other sign shall be in acceptable proportion to the size of the sign.

No sign shall be erected so as to obstruct any door, window or fire escape on a building.

At each boundary line of the Town and within a street right-of-way, not more than one sign not exceeding 25 square feet in area indicating the meetings of any Palmer civic organization may be erected, subject to the approval of the commonwealth, if such street is owned and maintained by the commonwealth.

No sign, except for a traffic regulatory or informational sign, shall be erected which uses the words "stop," "caution," or "danger," or other similar words in such a manner as to present or imply the need or requirement of stopping or caution or the existence of danger, or which, for any reason, in the opinion of the Chief of Police, is likely to be confused with any traffic regulatory or informational sign.

If lighting is provided, the source of light shall be either from within the sign or shall be exterior to the sign and shielded so as to prevent direct glare from the light source onto any public street or onto any adjacent property.

In any district, one unlighted temporary sign offering premises for sale or lease for each parcel in one ownership shall be permitted, provided it shall not exceed six square feet in surface area; and it shall be set back at least 10 feet from the street lot line or 1/2 of the building setback distance, whichever is less.

In any district, one unlighted temporary sign for an architect, engineer or contractor, erected during the period such person is performing work on the premises on which such sign is erected, shall be permitted, provided it shall not exceed four square feet in surface area; and it shall be set back at least 10 feet from the street lot line, or 1/2 of the building setback distance, whichever is less.

In particular instances, the Planning Board may issue a special permit allowing more than the number of signs herein permitted, or for signs of a larger size or height than herein permitted (but not in a location not ordinarily permitted by this chapter), if it determines that the architecture of the building, the location of the building or the land or nature of the use being made of the building or land is such that additional signs or signs of a larger size would not detract from the character of the neighborhood and should be permitted in the public interest. In the granting of such approval, the Planning Board shall specify in the permit the exact sign permitted, the size and location of the sign or signs, and impose such other terms and restrictions as it may deem to be in the public interest and in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this article. Special permits granted under this section are nontransferable (i.e., any change in said signs will require a new or revised special permit).

The Building Inspector is authorized to order the repair or removal of any sign and its supporting structure which, in his judgment, is dangerous or in disrepair or which is erected or maintained contrary to this chapter.

Signs painted or placed on the inside of the window shall be permitted, provided that the aggregate area of such signs does not exceed 20% of the area of the window glass.

For approved residential subdivisions, townhouse, multifamily, and open space developments:

Moving or portable signs, such as those commonly used in conjunction with gasoline or filling station operations and automobile dealers and garage activities, including banners and flags and any sign displayed on a vehicle when such vehicle is being used primarily for the purpose of such display, are prohibited.

Blimps, hot air balloons and like devices for advertising are prohibited.

All signs shall be removed within 30 days of the date from which they no longer serve their intended function (i.e., no longer provide the service, establishment or product being advertised).

Signs on public property are prohibited, with the exception of street and highway signs or as may be permitted by the Town Manager.

In all R Districts, the following exterior accessory signs and no others are permitted:

Signs permitted in Subsection C (R Districts), subject to the same regulations.

Business signs shall be permitted as follows:

In all I Districts, the following exterior signs, and no others, are permitted:

A preexisting nonconforming accessory sign may be changed, extended or altered if there is a finding by the Planning Board that such change, extension or alteration will not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming sign to the neighborhood, and provided that such change, extension or alteration will not make the sign any more nonconforming than it now is (i.e., higher, taller, bigger, closer, etc.).