Wrentham City Zoning Code
ARTICLE XVIII
Sign Regulations
[Added 10-4-1993 STM]
§ 390-18.1 Purpose and intent.
This article establishes the comprehensive regulations and conditions under which signs are permitted in the Town of Wrentham in accordance with the powers permitted set forth in MGL c. 40A and MGL c. 93, § 29. It is intended that these regulations shall act as guidelines for the protection of the visual environment of the Town; the safety, convenience, and welfare of the public.
§ 390-18.2 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
Any sign which uses actual movement or the illusion of movement.
To neglect, abandon or fail to perform maintenance upon a sign or fail to obtain all necessary licenses and permits to erect and maintain a sign.
To neglect, abandon or fail to perform maintenance upon a sign or to fail to obtain all necessary licenses and permits to erect and maintain a sign.
A sign which identifies or advertises a business, service, product, activity, or lessor which no longer exists at that location and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
See "sandwich sign".
An area determined by multiplying the extreme width by the extreme height, including borders, but excluding supports which do not bear advertisement. Where a sign consists of individual characters, letters, symbols, plaques or illustrations, the area shall be considered to be the smallest rectangle which encompasses all the characters, letters, symbols, plaques or illustrations. Where sign design or shape is not flat, but is geometric in concept (i.e., spherical, balloon, triangle, etc.), standard geometric and/or trigonometric formulas for the calculation of the surface area shall be used. Only one face of a double-faced sign shall be used in computing the area of that sign. See also "double-faced sign".
A sign attached to or printed upon textile, fabric, or similar flexible or solid material supported by framing and which is attached to a building, whose purpose is to protect, cover, screen or shelter persons or structural components located beneath, or adjacent to them.
See "inflatable sign".
A piece of cloth, plastic, or similar material attached at one or more points to a pole, staff, or other support.
A sign that is designed so that characters, letters, symbols, plaques or illustrations can be changed or rearranged.
A temporary sign identifying an architect, builder, contractor (subcontractor), material supplier, or others participating in the construction, alteration, or maintenance on the property on which the sign is located. See also "temporary sign".
Illumination by means of a light source that is external to the sign being lit. See also "internal lighting (indirect lighting)".
An on-premises sign which identifies the premises, or the activity, or business conducted upon such premises and/or which provides directions for the safe and efficient flow of traffic. Directional signs shall include those marking entrances, exits, parking areas, loading areas, or other operational features of the premises.
Any sign placed inside a door or window facing the outside with characters that exceed 2.5 inches in height, and which is intended to be read from a public way.
A sign lettered on both sides.
A piece of cloth, plastic, or similar material which may have symbols, letters, words, logos or graphics printed or affixed to the surface, attached at one or more points to a pole, staff, or other support. May represent a governmental unit, trade, avocation or hobby, fraternal or club allegiance or to inform the public of an action or event. See also "pennant".
A sign which is illuminated by an intermittent or sequential light source.
A sign supported upon the ground by poles or braces and not attached to any building or structure.
Any temporary or permanent sign erected and maintained by a governmental agency.
The vertical distance measured, in the unit of measure specified, from the highest point of a sign to the mean ground grade beneath the sign.
A sign whose principal system of structural support is by means of compressed gases, air blower, hot air or similar methodology. Such sign may be in the shape of a "balloon" or other three-dimensional shape and may be freestanding, supported or tethered and may be constructed of flexible and/or solid materials.
Illumination by means of a concealed light source, whereby all incandescent, fluorescent, or neon devices are shielded from view by opaque or translucent materials and are located inside of the structure of the sign, resulting in the message being illuminated from within.
A freestanding sign with two vertical supports and two or more crosspieces serving as individual signs.
A sign whose purpose is to convey a noncommercial message, showing or demonstrating the owners' opinion, support or opposition to particular cause, entity or person.
A sign that was erected legally but which does not comply with subsequently enacted regulations locally or otherwise (state or federal).
A sign identifying a business or residential use facility or service, which is not located on the premises where such activity is located.
A sign identifying a business or residential use, facility or service which is located on the premises where such activity is located.
A flag that is triangular in shape. See also "flag".
One or more signs affixed to a common background.
A sign which extends from a wall of a building or structure.
A sign, which may or may not be carved, designed to imitate a sign such as might be found attached to the stern of a vessel.
A temporary sign which advertises property as being for sale, rent or lease.
Any sign part of, painted or erected upon, or above a roof or parapet wall of the building or structure on which it is partially or wholly supported.
A self-supporting, double-paneled, temporary sign, which panels are not parallel but which are connected along one edge and separated along the opposite edge. If connected on a vertical edge, it is a V-shaped sign. If connected at the top edge it is an A-frame sign.
Any permanent or temporary billboard, sign, display, light, figure, painting, drawing, poster, object or device, whether fixed or movable, which advertises, promotes or calls attention to any business, article, substance, idea or any thing or concept, including both the supporting structure and informative contents thereof; provided that each sign face or message shall be considered a separate sign for purposes of permit and renewal applications, fees and permit numbers.
The person appointed by and accountable to the Select Board and responsible for the enforcement of this article of the bylaw. The term of appointment, powers and any compensation for this position shall be fixed by the appointing authority, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Town Personnel Bylaws and the procedures set forth in MGL c. 40A and MGL c. 93, §§ 29 through 33. The duties may be delegated, but not the responsibilities, by the Sign Inspector to one or more persons; said persons shall have the title of "Assistant Sign Inspector"; such delegation shall be done with the consent and approval of the appointing authority and may be subject to the conditions and/or term of appointment of the Sign Inspector.
[Amended 11-21-2022 STM by Art. 3]
A temporary sign advertising or pertaining to a civic, patriotic, educational, or other event taking place within the Town.
A freestanding sign or wall sign identifying a subdivision, condominium complex or residential development.
A temporary sign depicting the lot plan of a subdivision.
A small sign attached to another sign, naming a business or giving other information.
A sign intended for a limited-term use, not to exceed 90 days.
The primary unit of measurement shall be U.S. Government Standard expressed as decimals (i.e., 2.25 feet); the secondary standard shall be the metric system.
See "sandwich sign".
A single-faced sign attached parallel to or painted on a vertical exterior wall surface not projecting more than 12 inches beyond the wall surface to which the sign is attached and not extending beyond the edges of the wall to which the sign is attached.
See "door sign".
§ 390-18.3 Noncommercial message signs.
Signs bearing noncommercial messages shall be allowed in all districts and are subject to the rule that no sign shall be posted more than 30 days in advance of the date of the subject to which it refers and shall be removed within seven days of the subject to which it refers, if the subject matter (issue) is of topical/temporal matter. (No permit required.)
Residential Districts (R-30, R-43 and R-87). Noncommercial signs in residential districts, excluding those permitted by § 390-18.4A, shall be no more than 14 square feet in area.
Business (B-1) and Commercial (C-1 and C-2), and Route 1 (C-1N and C-1S) and Village Zone (VZA and VZB) Districts. The provisions of § 390-18.5A notwithstanding, noncommercial signs in business and commercial districts shall be governed by the same size and setback restrictions which govern commercial signs permitted by § 390-18.5B through D.
[Amended 11-21-2022 STM by Art. 9]
§ 390-18.4 On-premises signs permitted in Residential Districts (R-30, R-43 and R-87).
Residential uses (No permit required.):
One sign per lot which displays the name of the house or the names of the people residing therein and the Assessor's residence number or street/road/lane/way number, not to exceed two square feet in area on each side and located on the lot; or
Two signs not to exceed two square feet in area placed on either side of an entrance drive and located on the lot; or
One quarterboard sign attached to a building or fence, not to exceed six square feet in area.
Signs identifying other lawful or lawfully nonconforming uses:
One nonilluminated sign for an approved accessory use (home occupation business or bed-and-breakfast), not to exceed eight square feet in area and located on the lot.
Permitted antique, secondhand, junk dealers shops are allowed one nonilluminated sign, not to exceed eight square feet in area.
One freestanding sign for each Town-owned community facility or other nonprofit facility, not to exceed 14 square feet and located on the lot; and one wall, projecting, or roof sign, not to exceed eight square feet in area.
One freestanding sign for each public road frontage of a Town conservation area, not to exceed 14 square feet in area and located on the lot.
A sign denoting the name of a way may be placed at the intersection of a public way and a private way and/or at the intersection of two nonposted private ways. Said sign shall not exceed one square foot in area; if more than one sign is necessary at such intersections, then all such signs shall be affixed to a single sign post, frame, structure, or other support. (No permit required.)
Public safety, informational, street and highway signs may be placed by the Select Board, Department of Public Works (DPW), Chief of Police, Fire Chief or School Committee. In addition, those boards or commissions where the majority of the members are appointed by the Select Board may cause signs to be placed, upon written approval of the Select Board. Wherever possible, the placement, size, type, construction of said sign shall be in the spirit and harmony of the regulations contained in this article. The repair and maintenance shall be at all times in conformance with this article. (No permit required.)
Note: Signs of a permanent nature placed on Town-owned land may require a public hearing in accordance with the provisions contained in the Town bylaws.
[Amended 11-21-2022 STM by Art. 3]
Site plan approval. Wherever site plan approval is required, it will include review and approval of sign; location, type, size, use and illumination plus any other criteria deemed appropriate by the approving authority.
§ 390-18.5 On-premises signs permitted in Business (B-1 and B-2) and Commercial (C-1 and C-2), Route 1 (C-1N and C-1S) and Village Zone (VZA and VZB) Districts.
[Amended 11-21-2022 STM by Art. 9]
Any sign permitted in the Residential Districts (R-30, R-43 and R-87) and subject to the same provisions.
In general, two signs are permitted for each business in a Business, Commercial, Route 1 or Village Zone District. For businesses that have frontage on more than one public way, one additional freestanding sign of not more than 1/2 the square-foot area of the first freestanding sign is permitted, but must be placed at least 200 feet away from the first sign. Freestanding signs shall be set back at least 20 feet from any lot line.
A single business on a single lot in a B-1 or VZA Districts are permitted one freestanding sign, not to exceed 10 square feet; and either one wall, projecting, roof, or awning sign not to exceed eight square feet. If a freestanding sign is not used, then the total square-foot area of the other sign shall not exceed 18 square feet. In a C-1, C-1N, C-1S or VZB District, signs may be increased by 50% in size. Freestanding signs shall be set back at least 20 feet from any lot line.
Sign permitted for row commercial and planned business developments (more than one business on a single lot):
Multiple business or activities on a single lot may establish one freestanding sign for the complex according to the following Table 18.5D(1):
Frontage (feet) | Size of Sign (square feet) |
|---|---|
Up to 160 | 20 |
Over 160 | 40 |
Freestanding signs shall be set back at least 20 feet from any lot line. Freestanding signs located at a corner shall have at least six feet of vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the sign, to allow for a line of sight through the sign. This area shall not be blocked with plantings or the like.
On lots with 320 feet frontage and over, two freestanding signs, not less than 160 feet apart, each not to exceed 40 square feet, are permitted. Freestanding signs shall be set back at least 20 feet from any lot line.
Each business is permitted one wall, projecting, roof, or awning sign. The square-foot area of said sign shall be dependent upon its distance from the center line of the nearest public way according to the following Table 18.5D(2):
Distance (feet) | Size of sign (square feet) |
|---|---|
Less than 50 | 6 is permitted |
More than 50 | 8 is permitted |
More than 100 | 10 is permitted |
Site plan approval. Wherever site plan approval is required, it will include review and approval of signs; location, type, size, use and illumination. The Planning Board shall have the authority to vary the terms of this Article XVIII in connection with the granting of any site plan approval upon finding that such variance shall not be detrimental to the intent of § 390-18.1
§ 390-18.6 Off-premises signs.
A sign denoting the name of a way may be placed at the intersection of a public way and a private way and/or at the intersection of two nonposted private ways. Said sign shall not exceed one square foot in area and, if more than one sign is necessary at such intersections, then all such signs shall be affixed to a single sign post, frame structure, or support.
Signs indicating name of resident(s) or activity are not permitted.
Signs are permitted at the intersections of public ways which service commercial areas, lawfully nonconforming businesses in residential areas, or Town community facilities.
Signs shall be of a uniform design with a dark green background [Wrentham Department of Public Works (WDPW) Dark Green Glossy as used in WDPW/Town signs or equal], white letters all in a non "day-glo" paint, and supported by unpainted ground treated four-inches-by-four-inches post(s) or metal pole(s) or such as approved by the WDPW.
Signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in area and three feet in width between the support posts, nor be more than six feet in height.
Signs shall be constructed of a series of horizontal panels six inches in height and constructed in a manner that as many as eight panels may be placed above the other and be separately removable.
The subject matter of a sign shall be generic in nature such as "Drug Store", identifying an activity or service, not a specific business name.
Each six-inch-by-thirty-six-inch panel can identify several activities depending upon lettering requirements, and all lettering shall be of uniform character.
A sign may be installed by a single business or group of businesses and, whether one or several, it shall be the responsibility of the party or parties whose name(s) appear on the sign permit application(s) to ensure that the sign is maintained in good repair and appearance.
The lettering on the sign shall be simple block lettering as in the manner of recent signs installed by the WDPW with letters not more than 3.5 inches in height.
If the sign is to be located on a public way or on private property within public view of any highway, public park or reservation, a permit from the state shall be obtained by the applicant as required by MGL c. 93, § 29 before application is formally made to the Sign Inspector. A copy of said permit shall form part of the application.
If the sign is to be placed upon private property, written authorization therefor shall be obtained from the owner before application is formally made to the Sign Inspector. Said authorization shall form part of the application.
The location of all signs shall be selected by the Sign Inspector with the advice of Town highway safety experts (DPW and Police/Fire Departments) to assure traffic safety. No signs shall be placed on any public land without the prior consent of the governmental unit charged with responsibility for the use, care and responsibility for that land. Said authorization shall form part of the application.
There shall be no more than one sign at any intersection.
When the public convenience and necessity require it, the Board of Appeals may grant a special permit for signs at other intersections providing directions to scenic areas, recreational areas, nonprofit institutions other than educational or similar activities of a predominantly nonprofit nature.
Any traffic or directional sign owned and installed by a governmental agency shall be permitted.
All privately owned signs shall have the approval date and permit number affixed to it, and if space allows the permittee's name shall also appear. If no permit is required, then owner's name and phone number shall be affixed to the sign.
§ 390-18.7 Sign height.
No sign shall be in excess of 15 feet in height.
No sign shall be constructed in a manner that obstructs public passage. Freestanding signs located at a corner shall have at least six feet of vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the sign, to allow for a line of sight through the sign. This area shall not be blocked with plantings or the like.
§ 390-18.8 Regulations for specific types of signs.
[Amended 11-12-2013 STM]
Changeable-copy signs. When necessary to inform the public of changing events, activities, dates, times, and other matters of important interest; the Sign Inspector may issue a permit for a changeable-copy sign not to exceed eight square feet in area for a period of up to 14 days. No person(s) and/or group shall receive an additional permit prior to 30 days after the last permit granted to said person(s) and/or group. Permits may be granted without a waiting period to different users of a sign with common ownership; e.g., rental firm. Signs must be legible and in good repair at all times. Signs may be located either on-premises or off-premises.
Accessory signs. Accessory signs are permitted. Total area cannot exceed seven square feet. No one sign can exceed six square feet in area. Must be on-premises only.
Directional, informational, or safety signs. In addition to the other permitted signs, directional, warning or traffic signs necessary for the safety and convenience of residents, customers, employees, and visitors are permitted in all areas. Signs shall not exceed one square foot in area, and a maximum of four will be allowed per site. The Sign Inspector may grant exceptions to this subsection on a case-by-case basis if he finds that the site requires more or larger signs. May be located either on-premises or off-premises. In addition, any SPGA may specify a larger sign during the site plan approval process. (No permit required.)
Inflatable sign. Permits for inflatable signs shall issue subject to the same regulations as for changeable-copy signs (Subsection A), except that total surface area cannot exceed 32 square feet and must be on-premises. The applicant shall state the size (dimensions) of the sign as follows: total surface area, maximum height of principal structure and length of any supports/tethers and, if the sign is to be flown above the ground, the height at which it is to be elevated, in the unit of measure specified.
Temporary signs. Temporary signs cannot be used for more than 90 days (except subdivision lot plan signs, which shall be removed within 30 days from the date of the last lot being sold), but temporary signs are permitted in all zones; some may require a permit from the Sign Inspector. The sign shall be removed at the end of the period unless a renewal application has been approved. The Sign Inspector shall ensure that signs shall be legible.
Construction signs and real estate signs. (No permit required.)
Signs are permitted in all zones.
Not more than one sign is permitted on a single site per street frontage.
Signs may not exceed five square feet in area for residential lots. Signs advertising the availability of land (lots) for a commercial or business site may not exceed 136 square feet. The Sign Inspector shall take into account the distance from the public way, in approving the size of the sign. The maximum size may only be used for those signs located at least 150 feet from the public way.
Signs must be placed on the site and in an appropriate manner.
Signs shall be removed within seven days of issuance of occupancy permit or transfer of ownership.
Subdivision lot plan signs. These are permitted if not in excess of 12 square feet in area on any subdivision with eight lots or more, provided no "For Sale" signs are placed on the individual lots. The sign shall be placed within the subdivision and not easily visible from the abutting way. Individual lot number signs not in excess of one square foot may be placed on each lot. Site plan approval, wherever site plan approval is required, will include review and approval of sign; location, type, size, use and illumination.
Door and/or window signs. Door and/or window signs are permitted as long as the total area of all such signs does not exceed 25% of all "glass" area on which the signs appear. (No permit required.)
Special event signs. When an activity is to be opened in a nonresidential district, the owner may put up informational sign not in excess of 12 square feet in area, which may remain in place for not more than 15 days.
Illumination of signs. If signs are illuminated, it shall be done so by an external or direct light source. Light bulbs or tubes shall not be visible to the motoring public from a public way. Signs may also be illuminated by internal lighting (indirect lighting), provided that the light source is shielded and focused not to extend beyond sign border. At no time shall the lighting of any sign constitute a safety hazard or a public nuisance. Directional signs, internally lighted, are permitted when not in excess of two square feet in area. No illumination of a sign shall interfere with an abutter's use of his property.
Animated and/or flashing signs. Animated and/or flashing signs or signs with beacons attached are prohibited.
Mailboxes. Numerals identifying street numbers and/or letters naming the occupant of a building may be placed on both sides of a mailbox or on a door; letters not to exceed 2.5 inches in height, numerals not to exceed four inches in height. Advertising on mailboxes is not permitted.
Banners or flags. The use of banners or flags to call attention to a business or activity are prohibited, unless determined to be an accessory sign by the Sign Inspector. Banners used for Town festivals are permitted. The use of established governmental flags is allowed, provided the use is consistent with the established standards of display and the intent is to demonstrate "patriotic" support for that governmental unit. The area of any governmental flags displayed shall not be included in the total square footage allowed at a site for signs. Flag-type signs for accessory use is permitted in accordance with the regulation for accessory signs.
§ 390-18.9 Administration and enforcement; violations and penalties; removal.
Enforcement, permits, and penalty.
The Sign Inspector is hereby authorized to enforce this article.
Permits and certificates of appropriateness. All signs regulated by this article require a sign permit issued by the Sign Inspector, with the exception of §§ 390-18.3A, 390-18.4A, G, H, 390-18.8C, E(1) and E(3). All signs which require a sign permit shall be marked with an identification sticker supplied by the Sign Inspector. All signs which require a sign permit and lie within an accepted and defined historical district or exterior architectural control district must first obtain a certificate of appropriateness and/or approval from any commission or board having design or appearance jurisdiction over the district. A sign without a permit is illegal.
Fees. Fees for sign permits shall be set by the Select Board as required and may be based on use, size, type or any other criteria it deems appropriate.
[Amended 11-21-2022 STM by Art. 3]
Repair. The Sign Inspector is authorized to order the repair or removal of any sign and its supporting structure which the Sign Inspector judges dangerous or in disrepair or erected or maintained contrary to this article and 711 CMR 3.17.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: 711 CMR 3.00 has been rescinded. See now 700 CMR 3.00.
Citations. The Sign Inspector is authorized to issue citations for violations of these regulations by the methods provided in MGL. c. 40, § 21D.
Failure to respond to a properly issued citation within 21 days will make the person, trust or other enterprise exhibiting a sign not in compliance with the article, unless afforded protection under these bylaws, subject to the following penalties:
Signs not complying with this article.
Signs without a valid permit shall be removed within 60 days of passage of this article.
Signs with valid permits.
A sign with a valid permit issued prior to enactment of this article must remain in compliance with the requirements and conditions that enabled the valid permit to be originally issued.
Where a sign identifying a business has approved subsidiary signs, the subsidiary signs may be replaced, provided they remain in compliance with the requirements and conditions that enabled the valid permit to be originally issued.
Failure of compliance will result in automatic revocation of the prior issued valid permit and require compliance with this article for the issuance of a current valid permit.
Upon termination of any business or use which has employed a sign, that sign shall be removed. Any subsequent use shall use signs that are in compliance with this article.
Maintenance. A sign shall be maintained in a safe and secure manner and in a good state of repair, including paint or surface material. If the Sign Inspector finds that a sign does not comply with this (maintenance) section of this article, written notice of noncompliance and the reasons therefor shall be sent, by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person or persons to whom the permit was issued. If the specified defects in the sign have not been corrected or the sign removed within 30 days, the Sign Inspector shall revoke the permit and shall notify the person(s) to whom the permit was issued that the sign is now in violation of this article and must be removed.
Abandoned signs. When the Sign Inspector finds that a sign has been abandoned, whether or not a permit has been issued, written notice ordering its removal shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested:
Removal of abandoned signs or signs in violation of this article. If a sign on public property is not removed within 21 days of issuance of an order, the Sign Inspector shall remove or arrange for the removal of the sign. The sign shall be stored by the Sign Inspector in a safe location for 60 days, after which time it may be appropriately disposed of. Any costs incurred shall be borne by the sign owner.
Appeals. Any individual aggrieved by a decision of the Sign Inspector may appeal to the Wrentham Zoning Board of Appeals as provided under MGL c. 40A.
Severability. Should any provision of the article be held invalid, such provision shall be considered severable and such invalidity shall not affect the remainder of the provisions herein.
As part of any site plan approval application for a project in a Business or Commercial Zone, the Planning Board shall have the authority to waive strict compliance with the terms and provisions of Article XVIII, provided such waiver will not be detrimental to the intent of § 390-18.1; provided, further, that the Planning Board shall have no authority to grant by waiver an off-premises sign located in any Residential District in Town.