Abandoned sign means any sign which identifies or advertises an entity which is no longer available at the indicated location or no longer available on the premises or for which no legal owner can be found.

Attached sign means any sign which is affixed directly to or otherwise inscribed or painted on a wall, parapet, awning, canopy, or similar attached device of any building with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of such wall or device and extending therefrom less than 12 inches.

Awning sign means a permanent sign painted on, printed on, or attached flat against the surface of an awning or canopy projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building. An awning sign is a type of attached sign.

Banner sign means a temporary sign made of vinyl, fabric or other generally flexible material and attached to a frame on more than one side.

Billboard means any off-premise sign that is greather than 125 feet ² and the bottom of the sign is higher than eight feet above the ground.

Campaign sign means a sign that is designed to influence issues subject to public voting.

Canopy sign means the same as awning sign.

Incidental home business sign means any sign advertising an incidental home business.

Marquee sign means an awning, canopy, or roof-like projected permanent sign that stands perpendicular to the ground and is normally anchored at its base. A marquee sign is a type of attached sign.

Mobile sign means any sign mounted on wheels or chassis or similarly constructed in a manner that would allow easy relocation to an alternate site.

Obsolete sign means the same as abandoned sign.

Off-premise sign means a sign not located on the property that it advertises.

On-premise sign means a permanent sign located on the subject property, but not attached to the building that it advertises.

Pennant sign means a temporary sign made with flexible material and attached on one side only with a frame, allowing movement in the wind.

Permanent sign means a sign permanently anchored to a building or support structure, or attached to the ground utilizing a footing. Permanent signs shall not be made of canvas, vinyl, paper products, or other flexible material that may move or wave in the wind.

Portable sidewalk sign means a portable, light sign, normally constructed in a "sandwich-type" manner that may be placed in front of a business during working hours.

Projecting sign means a permanent sign which is attached to and projects perpendicular from a building.

Real estate sign means a temporary sign used for the sole purpose of displaying information regarding the sale, rental or lease of any real property.

Sign means any object, device, graphic design or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors and which object, device, graphic design or the effect produced is used to advertise, announce, identify, declare, demonstrate, display, instruct, direct or attract attention by any means including words, letters, figures, designs, fixtures, colors, motion, illumination, sound and projecting images. Any sign requiring a permit is considered to be a structure.

Suspended awning sign means a sign suspended from an awning or canopy, displayed perpendicular to the plane of the building and being a minimum of eight feet above the ground.

Temporary sign means a sign affixed to the ground without a prepared footing, or affixed to a permanent structure by temporary means, such as rope, wire, or other easily removable support and includes all signs made of flexible material such as canvas, vinyl or various paper products allowing some movement with the wind.

Vehicular sign means any sign painted or attached onto a vehicle not in operable condition and parked continuously in one location with the purpose of advertisement of any sort.

The purpose of this section is to establish a system for the control of the size, location, type and number of signs located in the Town of Somerville according to reasonable and nondiscriminatory standards. Such regulation is deemed necessary to enhance the quality of the visual environment, thereby promoting commerce, improving community identity, conserving property values, improving traffic safety, and promoting the health, safety and general welfare of the people. Usage of signs not otherwise exempted throughout this zoning ordinance shall be required to be permitted by the town, and application for sign permits shall be accompanied by a site plan which shall include all necessary information to allow proper deliberation by the town. Applicants may meet with the town planner to determine information necessary for deliberation by the planning commission. Signs which were legally permitted prior to passage of the current zoning ordinance shall be permitted to continue usage as nonconforming signs. With the exception of minor repairs, maintenance, and alterations allowed pursuant to state law, no alterations to a nonconforming sign shall be allowed. Unless otherwise allowed by law, any structural or substantial improvement to a nonconforming sign shall be deemed an abandonment of the nonconforming status and shall result in the reclassification of such sign as a prohibited sign. Notwithstanding the above, no sign shall continue to be exhibited that presents a hazard to the safety and well-being of the citizens of the town, at the sole discretion of the town. Definitions for terms in this section that are technical in nature or that otherwise may not reflect a common usage of the term are defined at the beginning of this section. Generally, those terms that are specifically defined in this section shall be highlighted in italics to indicate that a definition specific to this section is included; however, failure to italicize terms shall not be construed to indicate the absence or applicability of said defined terms. Terms not specifically defined in this section shall be accorded their commonly accepted meanings. However, notwithstanding the above, interpretations of the definitions and terminology within this section shall be made by the town planner and said interpretations shall be enforceable and final.

(1)

The board of zoning appeals may choose to permit large murals, decorative paintings on structures, or other unique signage as deemed appropriate and in keeping with the established decor of the neighborhood.

(2)

Supports and braces shall be an integral part of the sign design. Angle irons, chains, or wires used for supports or braces shall be hidden from public view to the extent technically feasible.

(3)

All signs shall be constructed to withstand wind loads of 30 pounds per square foot on the largest face of the sign and structure.

(4)

Electrical service to signs shall be concealed whenever possible.

(5)

Electrical power to all signs shall be permanently installed.

(6)

Every sign, including, but not limited to, those signs for which permits are required, shall be maintained in a safe, representable and good structural condition at all times, including replacement of defective parts, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for the maintenance of such sign.

The following signs shall be allowed throughout the town provided that the sign conforms to the regulations of this chapter. A sign permit is not required to erect exempt signs described below:

(1)

Signs less than or equal to two feet ² which identify street numbers, owner names, occupant name, and professional names, as allowed herein.

(2)

Official national, state, or municipal flags properly displayed.

(3)

Architectural signs constructed as a part of the permanent facade.

(4)

Signs identifying merchandise, or manufacturer, offering sale if on a dispensing or vending machine, or on windows.

(5)

Signs wholly within buildings, doors, or windows.

(6)

Public signs by any government-owned entity.

(7)

Private property informational signs such as "No Parking," "Exit," "No Trespassing," etc. less than or equal to four feet ² .

(8)

Campaign signs; however, they must not be exhibited more than 90 days prior to any election, and must be removed within ten days following said election. Each candidate or the candidate's organization must obtain a general sign permit, at no charge, covering all of the candidate's signs in the town.

(9)

Real estate signs (on-premise); however, residential real estate signs are limited to no more than one sign per street frontage of the lot and each sign is limited to less than or equal to 20 feet ² and shall have a height not to exceed eight feet above the ground. Business real estate signs are limited to less than or equal to 32 feet ² . Real estate signs must be removed from the property within 20 days of closing or removal from the market.

Each lot shall be limited to three signs per lot for the first 300 feet of road frontage except as specifically approved within planned unit developments (PUD). One additional sign shall be allowed for each additional 100 feet of road frontage. Signs identifying or advertising residential areas (i.e. manufactured home park, subdivision, etc.) shall be limited to one sign per street front.

(1)

Attached signs are allowed by permit; however, in no case shall any single building side be covered by more than 25 percent of that particular building side.

(2)

Awning signs are allowed by permit. By definition, awning signs are attached signs.

(3)

Banner signs are allowed by permit, but they must be less than or equal to 32 feet ² .

(4)

Canopy signs are allowed by permit. By definition, canopy signs are attached signs.

(5)

Off-premise signs:

A.

Off-premise signs advertising personal property sales are allowed by permit, but they must be less than or equal to four feet ² . They shall not be exhibited more than two days prior to the sale and must be removed each day at the close of the sale activities or by the end of daylight, whichever comes first. Written permission by the owner of the sign site must accompany the application.

B.

Off-premise signs advertising the sale of individual lots are allowed by permit, but they must be less than or equal to 4 feet ² , they may only be exhibited during weekends, must be removed during week days, and written permission from the owner of the sign site must accompany the sign application.

C.

Off-premise signs advertising subdivision developments are allowed by permit, but they must be less than or equal to 32 feet ² . Each subdivision development shall be limited to two off-premise sign permits. Subdivision development off-premise sign permits must be renewed annually.

D.

All other off-premise signs are allowed by permit, but they must be less than or equal to four feet ² .

(6)

Marquee signs are allowed by permit. By definition, marquee signs are attached signs.

(7)

On-premise signs:

A.

On-premise signs shall be allowed by permit. Each on-premise sign shall be less than or equal to 60 feet ² in the CB central business district and LB limited business districts and less than or equal to 100 feet ² in all other districts and shall not be any higher than the height of the corresponding building. If a building has more than one on-premise sign, they must be separated by greater than or equal to 100 feet. Signs advertising gas stations with flat roofs may have a height that extends ten feet above the top of said flat roof.

B.

On-premise signs advertising yard, estate, or garage sales are allowed by permit and are limited to less than or equal to four feet ² . They must not be exhibited more than two days prior to the sale and must be removed each day at the close of the sale activities or by the end of daylight, whichever comes first.

C.

On-premise signs advertising apartment complexes, subdivisions, churches, schools, and similar entities are allowed by permit but are limited to one on-premise sign on each public street frontage with each on-premise sign consisting of a maximum of 100 feet ² .

(8)

Suspended awning signs are allowed by permit in the central business district, but must be less than or equal to four feet ² and must be at least eight feet above sidewalks.

(9)

Portable sidewalk signs are allowed by permit in the CB central business district only; however, said signs shall only be displayed during working hours and they must be situated to allow a minimum of four feet of sidewalk area to remain unobstructed, and must not restrict visibility higher than two and one-half feet above sidewalk level.

(10)

Projecting signs are allowed by permit, but they shall be less than or equal to 25 feet ² .

The town planner, or his duly authorized representative, may cause any sign or sign structure to be removed immediately upon written notice at the expense of the owner of the sign and the owner of the premises on which the sign is located if the sign is an immediate hazard to persons or property by virtue of its construction at the sole discretion on the town planner or if the sign is displayed within any public right-of-way.

(1)

Abandoned signs.

(2)

Incidental home business signs.

(3)

Mobile signs.

(4)

Obsolete signs.

(5)

Pennant signs.

(6)

Vehicular signs.

(7)

Signs on public property, excluding public signs in conjunction with town, state, and federal government uses; and excluding temporary signs upon permission by the public authority having jurisdiction; however, any temporary signs allowed by public entities must not be displayed for more than 14 consecutive days per quarter. Signs illegally placed in any public right-of-way shall be forfeited to the public and shall be immediately confiscated.

(8)

Signs which obstruct vision between two and one-half and ten feet above ground level within 14 feet of the edge of pavement of any street or alley.

(9)

Signs attached to existing supports, such as utility poles or traffic control sign supports.

(10)

Signs mounted on berms, etc. for the sole purpose of increasing the height of the signs.

(11)

Signs obstructing any fire escape, required exit way, window or door opening.

(12)

Signs which are not permanent are limited to one per lot.

(13)

Signs which interfere with any opening required for ventilation.

(14)

Signs with lighting considered to constitute a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of vehicles upon a street or highway or to pedestrian traffic.

(15)

Signs erected in the general area of streets or alleys in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or in any location where, by reason of the position, shape or color, it may interfere with, obstruct the view of or be confused with any authorized traffic signs, signal or device, or which makes use of the words Stop, Look, Drive-In, Go Slow, Caution, or similar wording or other symbols that could interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic.

(16)

Signs which blend with or can be confused with traffic signals.

(17)

Signs which contain reflective materials which may present a hazard or danger to traffic or the general public.

(18)

Signs which display thereon or advertise any obscene, indecent or immoral matter.

(19)

Inflatable characters, lighter than air devices or similar balloon-type devices, and hand-held signs displayed within the public right-of-way.