5.1.1.
Location. Required off-street parking facilities shall be provided
on the same lot as the principal use they are required to service,
with the following exceptions:
1.
In the case of multifamily apartments having more than 16 dwelling
units, the required parking facilities may be provided on lots any
part of which is not more than 500 feet away from an entrance to the
building to be served.
2.
In Industrial A and B Districts, and in the case of institutional
uses in any district, the required parking facilities may be provided
on lots not more than 1,000 feet away from an entrance to the building
to be served.
3.
In the case of a dormitory of a nonprofit educational institution,
the required parking facilities may be provided on lots not more than
1,000 feet away, measured along a walkway, from the dormitory to be
served.
4.
In Business B and C Districts, the required parking facilities may
be provided on lots any part of which is not more than 300 feet away
from the building to be served.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
5.1.2.
Ownership or control. Off-street parking facilities shall be
under the same ownership or control as the building or buildings which
they serve. Where an occupancy permit has been issued conditional
to the maintenance of off-street parking facilities, such occupancy
permit shall lapse in the event of the sale or conveyance of the land
used for such parking facilities for the required parking.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
1.
In the case of control (not ownership), the applicant shall demonstrate
that control is conclusive for the period of intended use.
5.1.3.
Ownership; two or more buildings. Parking required for two or
more buildings or uses under the same ownership may be provided in
combined facilities on the same or adjacent lots, subject to approval
by the Planning Board pursuant to Section 9.5, where it is evident
that such facilities will continue to be available for the several
buildings or uses.
5.1.4.
Setbacks. Parking facilities shall be at least 10 feet from
a street line, except that Residence A and Residence B Districts shall
have no setback requirement from the street line. Parking facilities
in a Residence A and in a Residence B District shall be at least three
feet from any other lot line, except that unenclosed parking facilities
shall be at least three feet from lot lines and at least five feet
from that part of a building having windows of habitable rooms. Means
of egress shall not be obstructed. Parking facilities in all other
districts shall be at least 10 feet from any other lot line and shall
be at least 10 feet from any building and shall not be located between
the street line and the required setback line. In Residence A and
Residence B Districts, enclosed parking facilities shall not be located
in a front yard.
1.
Driveways/parking facilities shall not exceed, in Residence A and
Residence B districts, 30% of the front yard setback and in no event
shall exceed 20 feet in width. Parking facilities in said districts
shall not exceed 40% of the rear yard.
5.1.5.
Prohibited uses. Parking areas shall not be used for automobile
sales, gasoline sales, dead storage, repair work, dismantling or servicing
of any kind.
5.1.6.
Lighting. Lighting for parking facilities shall be installed
in a manner that will prevent direct light from shining onto any street
or adjacent property.
5.1.7.
Parking space requirements. Buildings and uses in existence
prior to the effective date of this chapter shall not be subject to
the requirements stated herein. All other buildings and uses shall
comply with the requirements of this section.
1.
Two or more uses. Where a building or land area is used by two or
more activities that fall into different classes of use, the facilities
required shall be the sum of the requirements for the individual establishments.
2.
Required spaces; rounding of fractions. Where the computation of
required parking spaces results in a fractional number, the fraction
shall be counted as one.
3.
Parking space requirements for urban renewal uses. The provisions
of Section 5.1 shall not apply to parking spaces developed in connection
with urban renewal uses. In lieu thereof, the number of parking spaces
and the design, ownership and location of parking facilities developed
in connection with urban renewal uses shall be reviewed by the Planning
Board as part of the certification of consistency granted pursuant
to the Urban Renewal Plan.
5.1.8.
Table of Off-Street Parking Requirements. Parking shall comply
with the following:
[Amended 4-22-2019 by Order No. 2019-034]
|
Table of Parking Requirements
| ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Residence (1,2,8)
|
Assembly (3,4)
|
Institution (5,6,7)
|
Retail
|
Office
|
Factory and Warehouse
| |
|
Minimum number of spaces per dwelling unit
|
Number of seats requiring 1 space
|
Number of square feet of gross floor area requiring 1 space,
by type of use
| ||||
|
Residence A
|
2 per dwelling with 1-2 bedrooms; 3 per dwelling with 3-4 bedrooms;
4 per dwelling with 5 or more bedrooms
|
5
|
600
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|
Residence B
|
2.0 per 1.0
|
5
|
600
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|
Residence C
|
2.0 per 1.0
|
8
|
1,000
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|
Business A
|
1.5 per 1.0
|
4
|
1,000
|
200
|
300
|
—
|
|
Business B
|
1.5 per 1.0
|
4
|
1,000
|
200
|
300
| |
|
Business C
|
1.5 per 1.0
|
4
|
2,000
|
400
|
600
|
—
|
|
Industrial A
|
—
|
10
|
1,000
|
500
|
500
|
2,000
|
|
Industrial B
|
—
|
10
|
1,000
|
500
|
500
|
2,000
|
|
Marina
|
0.50 per approved slip and/or mooring
| |||||
5.1.9.
Notes to Table of Off-Street Parking Requirements. For parking
requirements in the Quincy Center Districts and the Planned Unit Development
Districts, see Section 8.0.
1.
One space for each sleeping room in a lodging house, bed-and-breakfast,
or motel.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
2.
One space for each two sleeping rooms in a hotel.
3.
Place of public assembly, including school and church auditoriums
but excluding places of worship, where no fixed seats are utilized,
each 20 square feet of public floor area shall equal one seat.
4.
Bowling alleys shall provide four spaces for each alley.
5.
Institutions shall include public and private schools, colleges and
all institutional uses listed in the Table of Use Regulations. Schools
intended primarily for children under 16 years of age need not provide
more than 1/2 the requirements specified in the above table. Where
an institution provides dormitory residence accommodations, the number
of parking spaces furnished for that purpose may be deducted from
the requirements established for the educational buildings normally
used by students in residence.
6.
Hospitals shall provide one space for each 2 1/2 patient beds.
7.
Nursing or convalescent homes primarily providing long-term custodial
care for patients need not provide more than one space for each five
patient beds.
8.
In Residence B and C Districts, the parking requirements for two-family
and multifamily dwellings shall be increased by 1/4 parking space
per dwelling unit for guest parking. Guest parking must be clearly
marked or striped to the satisfaction of the Director of Inspectional
Services.
5.1.10.
Driveway grades. No permit shall be issued to construct a two-family
or multifamily dwelling in Residence B or C Districts showing a proposed
driveway or accessway with a grade exceeding 10% or less than 1/2
of 1%. Transition from one grade to another shall be accomplished
by means of a vertical curve.
5.1.11.
Parking spaces. The minimum size for parking spaces shall be
in accordance with the Table of Parking Dimensions; provided, however,
that for parking facilities with a minimum of 50 parking spaces or
more, up to 10% of parking spaces may be allocated to compact car
parking with minimum dimensions of 8.5 feet by 17 feet.
|
Table of Parking Dimensions
| |
|---|---|
|
Type of Parking
|
Requirements
|
|
90-degree parking
|
9 feet wide, 18 feet long with a 24-foot turning radius
|
|
Parallel parking
|
8 feet wide, 22 feet long with a 20-foot turning radius
|
|
45-degree parking
|
9 feet wide, 19 feet deep with a 22-foot turning radius.
|
|
60-degree parking
|
9 feet wide, 20 feet deep with a 22-foot turning radius
|
5.1.12.
Construction. Required off-street parking facilities may be
enclosed in a structure or may be open. Parking facilities shall be
graded, surfaced with tar, asphalt, concrete or other nondusting paving,
drained and suitably maintained to the extent necessary to avoid the
nuisance of dust, erosion or excessive water flow onto public ways
or adjoining property.
5.1.13.
Landscaping requirements for parking areas. Parking facilities
for more than five automobiles shall be screened, except as limited
by Section 6.3, by plantings which shall be maintained in a healthy
growing condition. Such plantings shall not be less than 2 1/2
feet in height and shall not be less than 50% opaque when viewed from
directly in front.
5.1.14.
Paving permit. No part of any yard or premises shall be paved
or repaved for parking facilities unless a paving permit is first
issued by the Director of Inspectional Services.
1.
Permit application. Application for a paving permit shall be made
to the Department of Inspectional Services and shall include a plan
to be approved by the Director of Inspectional Services showing:
a.
The dimension of each side of the lot.
b.
The boundaries, with dimensions, of existing and proposed paving
on the lot and the location and dimensions of parking spaces.
c.
The location and dimensions of any buildings or other structures
on the lot.
d.
The nature of the paving material or materials to be used and
the nature of adjacent ground cover.
e.
A landscape plan, if requested by the Director of Inspectional
Services.
f.
A drainage plan, if requested by the Director of Inspectional
Services.
2.
Permit issuance. The paving permit shall identify the property upon
which the paving is to be done and describe the specific area which
is to be paved and the type of surface to be used. The paving permit
shall be posted in a conspicuous location on the lot during the paving
operation. No paving permit shall be issued to place new paving, or
paving expansion, unless all parking and access facilities on the
property and the construction thereof meet the standards of this section
of the Quincy Zoning Ordinance.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
3.
Nonconforming paving. A paving permit may be issued to reconstruct
a driveway/parking facility which legally exists at the time of adoption
of this provision. When such paving, or any portion thereof, can feasibly
be done in greater conformity with the Zoning Ordinance in the opinion
of the Director of Inspectional Services, the Director shall so require
in any paving permit. In determining such feasibility, the following
provisions shall apply:
5.1.15.
Paving contractor licensing. Any contractor engaging in the
installation of any paving of a yard or premises as defined within
this section of the Quincy Zoning Ordinance must register with the
Director of Inspectional Services and be licensed by the City to provide
such services within the geographic boundaries of the City. The fee
for such license shall be established at $50 per annum.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
1.
Each such contractor shall be provided with a copy of the City of
Quincy Zoning Ordinance governing paving and parking facilities at
the time of licensing. Each such contractor shall have an affirmative
obligation to provide a copy of its license to any prospective client
within the City of Quincy and to provide services as defined within
the provisions and limitations of the Zoning Ordinance governing paving
and parking facilities.
2.
No paving of any yard or premises shall be permitted in any residential
zone except between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through
Saturday.
3.
Violations. Any contractor who violates any provision of this Section
5.1.15 shall be liable for a fine of $100 per offense, each day to
be considered a separate offense, and shall be liable for any costs
entailed to correct any violation of the provisions established by
this Section 5.1.15.
4.
Enforcement. For the purpose of this section, the Director of Inspectional
Services, local building inspectors, the Code Enforcement Officer,
or Quincy police shall have enforcement authority.
5.1.16.
Paving of yards. Except when required for facilities to serve
a resident governed by the Architectural Access Board under 521 CMR
1.00 et seq., the amount of paving in a front yard shall not exceed
in Residence A and Residence B Districts 30% of the front yard setback.
The amount of paving in a rear yard shall not exceed in Residence
A and Residence B Districts 40% of the rear yard. Any paving in the
front yards of any property in Residence A and Residence B Districts,
except for the paving of walkways not to exceed 48 inches in width,
regardless of whether such paved area is to be used as driveway/parking
facility, shall require a permit in accordance with the provisions
of Section 5.1.14 and shall be graded, drained and suitably maintained
to the extent necessary to avoid the nuisances of dust, erosion or
excessive water flow onto public ways or adjoining property.
5.1.17.
Special permit. These off-street parking requirements under
Section 5.1 may be varied by the Planning Board as per Section 9.4
by the grant of a special permit upon a finding that substantial detriment
will not result.
5.2.1.
Requirements. Each required loading bay shall be no less than
10 feet in width, 40 feet in length, and 14 feet in height, such requirements
to be exclusive of drives and maneuvering space, and all required
bays, drives and maneuvering space shall be located entirely on the
lot with immediate and direct ingress to the building intended to
be served.
1.
A bay need not be enclosed in a structure, provided that any yard
used as a loading bay shall not infringe on front, side and rear yard
requirements as indicated in Section 4.0.
2.
All such facilities shall be designed with appropriate means of vehicular
access to a street as well as maneuvering area.
3.
Where a building or land area is used by two or more activities that
fall into different classes of use under the Table of Loading Requirements,
the facilities required shall be the sum of the requirements for the
individual establishments.
4.
Where the computation of required loading bays results in a fractional
number, only the fraction of 1/2 or more shall be counted as one.
5.
Loading facility requirements for urban renewal uses. The provisions
of Section 5.2 shall not apply to loading facilities developed in
connection with urban renewal uses. In lieu thereof, the number of
loading bays and the design, ownership and location of loading facilities
developed in connection with urban renewal uses shall be reviewed
by the Planning Board as part of a certification of consistency granted
pursuant to the Urban Renewal Plan.
|
Number of Loading Bays Required by Gross Floor Area Structures
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
5,000 to 15,000 square feet
|
15,001 to 30,000 square feet
|
Each additional 15,000 square feet
| |
|
Retail trade
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|
Consumer services
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|
Wholesale and jobbing establishments
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|
Warehouses
|
1
|
2
|
1
|
|
8,000 to 20,000 square feet
|
Each additional 50,000 square feet
| |
|---|---|---|
|
Office buildings
|
1
|
1
|
|
Hotels and motels
|
1
|
1
|
|
Restaurants
|
1
|
1
|
|
Manufacturing
|
1
|
1
|
5.2.2.
Proximity to residence districts. Required off-street loading
bays may be enclosed in a structure and must be so enclosed if located
within 100 feet of a residence district where the use involves regular
night operation, such as that of a bakery, restaurant, hotel or similar
uses. Any lighting provided shall be installed in a manner that will
prevent direct light from shining onto any street or adjacent property.
5.2.3.
Accessory driveways. All accessory driveways and entranceways
shall be graded, surfaced, drained and maintained to the extent necessary
to avoid nuisances of dust, erosion or excessive water flow across
public ways.
5.2.4.
Serving two or more facilities. Required off-street loading
space may be provided by facilities designed to serve jointly two
or more buildings on adjoining lots, provided that the number of berths
in such joint facilities is not less than the number required for
the total combined floor area of such buildings under the Table of
Loading Requirements.
5.2.5.
Reduction in size. Loading facilities shall not be reduced in
total extent or usability after their installation, except when such
reduction is in conformity with the requirements of this section.
5.2.6.
Special permit. These loading requirements under Section 5.2
may be varied by the Planning Board as per Section 9.4 by the grant
of a special permit upon a finding that substantial detriment will
not result.
5.3.1.
Definitions. See Section 10.0, definition of "sign."
5.3.2.
Applicability. This Section 5.3 shall apply to all signs and
their supporting devices, including signs located in the historic
commercial districts. Signs in the historic district will require
an additional approval by the Historical Commission.[1] Unless exempted below, all permanent signs require a permit.
[1]
Editor's Note: Throughout this chapter, references to the
"Historic District Commission" were amended to "Historical Commission"
6-1-2020 by Order No. 2020-012.
5.3.3.
Exemptions. The following signs are exempt from the permit requirements
of this Section 5.3:
1.
Signs with a size of two square feet or less, except if such sign
conflicts with the location, number of signs allowed or other requirements
specified in this Section 5.3.
2.
Public safety devices or signs erected by government agencies for
the safety and direction of the public.
3.
The provisions of Section 5.3 shall not apply to signs provided in
connection with urban renewal uses. In lieu thereof, the location,
size, design and installation of signs developed in connection with
urban renewal uses shall be reviewed for approval by the Planning
Board as part of a certification of consistency granted pursuant to
the Urban Renewal Plan.
5.3.4.
Prohibited signs; performance standards. The following signs
are prohibited:
1.
Any sign which may be confused with or construed as a public safety
device or sign or traffic light, either because of its color, shape
or design.
2.
Any sign which indicates a business, activity, trade, product or
service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located
or any related frame, structure, or mounting device.
3.
Any sign which incorporates moving, flashing, animated or intermittent
lighting, excluding public service signs such as those that specifically
display time and temperature.
4.
Any sign which obstructs any door, window or fire escape of a building
or poses a danger to building occupants or pedestrians.
5.3.5.
Prohibited signs; by type. The following types of signs are
prohibited:
1.
Animated sign.
2.
Outdoor easel signs.
3.
Projecting signs. Those projecting signs still remaining at the time
of the adoption of this revised Section 5.3 shall be ordered to be
removed within one year of the effective date of this revision. If
the owners or landlords of such signs are able to produce a valid
sign permit issued by the Department of Inspectional Services for
such signs, then they will have two years from the adoption of this
Section 5.3 to remove them. The responsibility for removing such signs
shall fall upon either the store or business owner if they are the
sign owner of record; if not, it will be the responsibility of the
property owner to remove the sign(s). The permit fee for the removal
or replacement of projecting signs will be waived during the two-year
period mentioned above. When the projecting signs are removed, it
is not necessary to replace them with any other of the permitted types
of signs in this Section 5.3.
4.
Off-premises sign. The construction of new off-premises signs, including
billboards, is prohibited throughout the City, and the City may not
issue permits for their construction or relocation. No use variance
shall be granted to vary this provision.
5.
Portable sign.
6.
Revolving sign.
7.
Outdoor sandwich board sign.
8.
Signs mimicking the appearance or copy of traffic signs or signals.
Any sign which imitates an official traffic signal or uses the words
"stop," "look," "danger," "go slow," "caution" or "warning" is prohibited.
9.
Under canopy sign.
10.
Under marquee sign.
5.3.6.
Signs authorized by special permit. The following signs may
be authorized by special permit from the Planning Board:
1.
Permanent wind signs such as banners, pennants, spinners, streamers
or other wind-activated signs.
2.
Signs, such as a mural, painted or mounted directly upon the exterior
surface of any wall.
3.
Signs constructed or maintained upon the roof of any building.
4.
Changeable sign with rotating messages on a scheduled basis.
5.
Neon signs.
5.3.7.
General sign standards. The following standards shall apply
to all signs:
1.
Sign copy, including logos or symbols, may indicate the name and
type of establishment and the major product(s), goods or services
offered.
2.
A street or mailing address must be displayed for each ground floor
premises and at the main entry for multi-tenant buildings. The address
sign may be erected without permit if the sign copy and/or sign panel
is not greater than two square feet. If the street name is included
in the sign address copy, then the maximum size allowed increases
to four square feet.
3.
All signs erected in conjunction with this Section 5.3 and requiring
a building permit shall clearly display the number of said permit
permanently attached to the sign as required by the State Building
Code. The letters and numbers of said permit shall be no less than
one inch in height and shall be in a contrasting color.
4.
No sign shall be mounted in a manner which may obstruct traffic or
public safety devices or signs.
5.
No signs shall be affixed to trees, utility poles, fences fronting
on a public right-of-way, lampposts or any public street furniture
or placed in the public right-of-way, except public safety devices
and signs.
6.
All signs shall be securely affixed to a building facade or ground
structure.
7.
No sign shall be mounted on or attached to or obstruct a movable
door or window except as allowed in this Section 5.3.
8.
All sign faces shall be parallel to the horizontal plane of the building
except for allowed awning and canopy signs and marquees. All existing
signs which do not conform to the provisions of this Section 5.3 shall
be removed or brought into compliance within 30 days of the property
owner being notified by the Department of Inspectional Services that
a sign is noncompliant.
9.
Copy. No copy lettering is to be larger than two feet in height,
unless it is individual channel set lettering or graphics which may
be a maximum of three feet high. Where individual letters, symbols,
messages, or designs are attached to or painted on a building face
or window, the area shall be the smallest imaginary rectangle, circle,
square or other geometric shape which encompasses and fully contains
the extremities of all copy and graphics.
10.
All appurtenances shall meet the requirements of the State Building
Code.
5.3.8.
Specific types of signs; standards.
1.
Awning signs. May be the following:
a.
Retractable/nonrigid/crank-out. Shall extend no more than 72
inches from the front of the building if used as a sign; otherwise
consult State Building Code 780 CMR. Sign copy is permitted on the
slope, side or front fascia of the awning. Copy may include the type
of services offered or the name of the business or establishment.
If a business also has a storefront sign, the name of the business
is allowed on the front slope or side valances of the awning. The
front valance may not repeat any of the same sign copy that is on
the storefront sign. Sign copy may be affixed by epoxy or other gluing
agent or painted on.
b.
Nonretractable/rigid/permanent. Shall extend no more than 48
inches from the front of the building if used as a sign; otherwise
consult State Building Code 780 CMR. Sign copy is permitted on the
front or side fascia. Copy may include the type of services offered
or the name of the business or establishment. If a business also has
a storefront sign, the name of the business is allowed on the front
slope or side valances of the awning. The front valance may not repeat
any of the same sign copy that is on the storefront sign. This type
of awning may be lit by electric/neon/gas light. (See "backlit awning.")
Sign copy may be either painted on or affixed to the awning.
2.
Banner signs. All banner signs are to be considered temporary signs,
and a permanent structure shall be allowed only by special permit
from the Planning Board, with approval of the understructure by the
Department of Inspectional Services.
3.
Canopy sign. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may
be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light,
similar to a marquee. If used as a sign, it may project no more than
six feet from the front of the building. If a business also has a
storefront sign, the name of the business is allowed on the front
slope or side valances of the canopy. The front valance may not repeat
any of the same sign copy that is on the storefront sign. Canopies
used as physical shelters, such as at gas stations, may be larger
than set forth above and may contain sign copy on the sign belt. For
further information, see the State Building Code.
4.
Changeable sign. A changeable sign shall not be construed to be an
animated sign. Such sign is allowed as long as the content does not
change on a scheduled basis, such as a flashing, programmed or other
continuous movement sign. The message copy must remain stationary.
5.
Commercial outdoor advertising sign. This type of sign requires a
state permit and is also referred to as a "billboard sign."
6.
Mural. Murals, whether used for business advertising or as an art
display, will require the proponent to obtain a special permit from
the Planning Board.
7.
Signs of religious institutions. Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples
and other religious buildings may have two signs, one on each street
frontage should that be the case. One sign may be a maximum of 20
square feet and the other a maximum of 10 square feet. One sign may
be a standing or bulletin board sign used for notices and announcements
of events at the institution.
8.
Signs for membership clubs, funeral homes, community buildings, and
extended care facilities. Each of these may have two signs. One may
be a maximum of 30 square feet and the other a maximum of 10 square
feet. If one of the signs is a ground sign on a lawn or frontage area
it must be set back no less than half the distance of the frontage.
9.
Roof sign. Roof signs are not allowed in the City of Quincy. Mansard
facades, pent eaves, and architectural projections shall not be considered
to be roof signs. The only exception for a roof sign is if its building
has no sign band as part of the structure and as such is a hardship
and said building meets the criteria to be located in a commercial
arterial area as provided in Section 5.3.11 and the proponent receives
a permit from the Planning Board.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
10.
Illuminated sign. Signs shall be illuminated by steady, stationary,
shielded light sources directed solely to the sign or internal to
it. They shall not cause glare for motorists, pedestrians or neighboring
premises. Such signs shall be turned off at night, 1/2 hour after
the last employee leaves the premises.
11.
Temporary sign. The design and location of temporary signs and
banners must receive a permit from the Department of Inspectional
Services before put in place. The date for removal shall be noted
by the Department of Inspectional Services when it approves the temporary
sign or banner desired by the businesses owner. That owner will clearly
post the date of expiration of that temporary sign or banner on the
back or side of it so that the inspector can clearly see the date
upon a site visit. Not more than one temporary sign per window shall
be allowed at one time per business. Temporary signs shall cover no
more than 15% of the total window space per window. The following
limits shall apply to the following types of temporary signs and displays:
a.
Festivals and special events, thirty-day maximum.
b.
Grand openings, sixty-day maximum.
c.
Identification sign (while permanent sign being made) must meet
City good repair and safety standard definition, sixty-day maximum.
d.
New product or service, thirty-day maximum.
e.
Promotional sales, thirty-day maximum.
12.
Political signs.
a.
No political signs may be affixed to any public property, including
utility poles, City trees, bushes, shrubs, fences, lampposts, mailboxes,
or any public street furniture. In the case of such violations, the
Department of Public Works or other appropriate City department may
remove such violating signs and be held harmless in doing so.
b.
All political signs located on private property shall be installed
only with the permission of the property owner(s).
13.
(Reserved)
14.
City or nonprofit signs. Temporary signs or banners used by
the City or for a nonprofit corporation for holidays, public demonstrations
or promotions of civic welfare or charitable purposes or civic events
shall be exempt from these regulations as long as they meet safety
considerations as determined by the Department of Inspectional Services.
15.
Real estate signs. "For sale" or "for lease" signs on commercial
property must be in accordance with the provisions of this section.
16.
Signs on businesses and storefronts without windows. Up to a
maximum of 25% or 50 square feet is allowed for main signage per the
current sign code. For example, a storefront of 10 feet by 50 feet
equals 500 square feet by 25% equals 125 square feet for the main
sign which would still be allowed a maximum of 50 square feet for
the largest main sign. For storefronts without windows, using the
above example, the 500 feet minus the fifty-square-foot maximum leaves
450 square feet allowed for additional signs for a store or business
with no windows. With no windows, a store or business may then have
additional signs equal to 10% of the remaining space. In the example
given, then, 45 more square feet of signs would be allowed for additional
exterior signs. It could be either one sign of 45 square feet or two
secondary wall signs of 22.5 square feet, for example.
17.
Business parking area signs. Where a business or store has its
own private parking lot, a sign or signs may be erected to alert the
general visitor that the parking space(s) is reserved for that business's
use only. These signs may be handled in two ways: by individual signs
at each designated parking space or by one large wall sign which is
meant to be read by all potential parkers. For individual spaces,
a sign with a maximum size of 12 by 18 inches is allowed per space,
such sign either wall mounted or in a freestanding mounting, such
as found in a parking meter. For one large wall sign, the amount of
space allowed is one square foot of sign per parking space to a maximum
of 50 square feet.
18.
Supermarket temporary paper signs. Supermarkets may have the
following temporary paper signs per each window:
a.
A sign or signs of any dimension and shape which comprise no
more than 60% of the total area of each window are allowed. In each
window, supermarkets will be permitted to use the largest paper sign
or combination of signs which comes closest to but does not exceed
60% of the total window surface. However, they must still remain within
the total allowable sign area permitted for the building.
19.
Signs for businesses with more than one main entrance. Where
a business has more than one main entrance (a regular facade or doorway
for the use of the general public or specific customers to enter to
do business at that establishment, but not incidental side door, employee
entrance, or a casual rear entrance), the business owner may erect
another main business sign at the other main entrance as long as the
business follows the general rules and size guidelines for main business
signs.
20.
Signs for businesses with rear wall(s) facing arterial roadways/state
highways/public parking lots/public ways. Where a business is located
in such a way that the rear or side of the business faces state highways,
major arterial roadways, public parking lots, or public ways, such
business shall be permitted to install signs that meet the requirements
of this Section 5.3 on said facades. Businesses wishing to apply for
such signs must obtain a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
5.3.9.
Special regulations; contiguous commercial areas. Contiguous
commercial areas are those characterized by a majority of the buildings
having (1) continuous building fronts or continuous frontage from
lot line to lot line; and (2) zero lot lines for the primary facade;
and (3) a pedestrian orientation, that is, buildings which have entrances
directly on a public way. Signs shall, wherever possible, be mounted
so as to either hide the supporting structure or incorporate the mounting
device or structure into the overall design of the sign. Within a
contiguous commercial area, the following permanent ground floor,
wall and freestanding signs and upper floor signs are allowed by right
or by special permit, as set forth herein:
1.
Ground floor sign. In addition to the main sign, no more than two
permanent business name signs may be erected on the premises to which
it (they) pertain(s). It (they) shall be located so as to leave visible
all major architectural features of the storefront. The sign panel(s)
shall fit within the framing elements of that portion of the storefront
to which it (they) is (are) attached. Signs shall be designed to be
compatible in scale, proportion and materials with the storefront.
The sign copy shall cover no more than 70% of the sign panel.
2.
Window sign. Permanent window signs may be affixed to, painted on
or hung inside storefront display windows. Those hung inside shall
be composed only of permanent type materials, that is, they shall
not be made from paper or cardboard products but rather of regular
durable sign materials such as glass, signage tubing, neon tubing,
metal, plastic or other such materials. (Also see temporary signs.)
3.
Door sign. Door signs may be painted on glass doors or affixed to
or painted on solid doors. Door signs on glass doors may not obscure
visibility into or out of the door and may cover no more than 10%
of the glass area. Door signs on solid doors may cover no more than
15% of the door surface.
4.
Entry sign. In cases where the entry to a ground or upper floor premises
is set back at least two feet from the plane of the facade, a sign
may be hung above the doorway provided it meets appropriate Building
Code and safety standards, the bottom of the sign is a minimum of
seven feet above the sidewalk, and it is no larger than four square
feet.
6.
Other ground signs. Within other commercial districts covered by
this subsection, ground signs are allowed if:
a.
The principal facade of the building is set back from the property
line at least 20 feet.
b.
The sign contains a maximum of two faces, and each face contains
no more than 24 square feet and is a maximum of eight feet above the
surface of the ground. Any larger sign requires a special permit from
the Zoning Board of Appeals. In no case may the sign be higher than
25 feet or more than 50 square feet in size.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
7.
Directory sign. Multi-tenant buildings shall be allowed a directory
sign listing the names and/or locations of the tenants. It shall be
located at the entry and affixed flat to a wall surface or be freestanding.
If affixed to the wall, the tenant directory shall not exceed eight
square feet in area. If it is freestanding, it shall adhere to the
provisions of Section 5.3 pertaining to freestanding signs. The owners
of multistory, multi-tenant buildings shall provide building identification
using a building name and street number to assist pedestrians and
motorists in finding the location.
8.
Awning sign. Awnings and canopies that extend over a public way shall
be a maximum of six feet in depth and must be at least one foot behind
a plane extending vertically from the face of the curb.
a.
Signs may be located only on the slope or valance of awnings
and the fascia and returns of canopies. Sign copy or panels may cover
no more than 30% of the slope or 50% of the valance of awnings and
no more than 70% of canopy fascia and returns.
9.
Marquee sign. Marquee signs may be authorized by a special permit
from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Marquee signs are not allowed in
historic commercial districts without the approval of the Quincy Historical
Commission.
10.
Upper floor sign.
a.
Window sign. Signs on upper floor windows shall pertain to the
businesses located on upper floors of buildings. Upper floor window
signs must be painted on the glass, covering no more than 25% of the
glass area per window opening with a letter height maximum of nine
inches. Signs shall be limited to two per business, per floor.
b.
Wall sign. Signs on walls are allowed. Wall signs must be designed
to be compatible with the architectural character of the facade to
which they are attached. Wall signs may be a maximum of 50 square
feet.
c.
Cornice sign. Signs located on a building cornice must fit within
the framing elements of the cornice and be designed to be compatible
with the architectural character of the cornice.
11.
Multistory/multi-tenant building identification signs. Any building
of four stories or higher, located in business parks or on business
or contiguous commercially zoned parcels, may have: two ground or
wall signs of permitted size within the permissible setbacks; one
directory sign of permitted size listing tenants and retail or commercial
users; one entry sign, if building entry is recessed; and one address
sign.
a.
Signs mounted upon the upper fascia of such buildings must be
horizontal to the building face and be located within some architectural
element of the building constructed to accommodate such signs. No
roof signs shall be permitted. The total amount of signage allowed
upon a face of any such building shall not exceed 25% of the total
area of the face of the building or 75 square feet, whichever is smaller.
b.
No ground or wall sign on a multistory building shall exceed
75 square feet in total area, nor shall it exceed 25 feet in overall
height. The copy on any such ground sign shall be 24 inches above
grade level. No more than one ground sign visible to the major artery
or street front shall be permitted. The ground sign shall contain
the name and address of the building or user. One ground sign visible
to the road or motorist and pedestrian at the entryway which provides
direct access to the property shall be permitted, provided that it
is no larger than 50 square feet and no more than 20 feet in total
height. The copy on any such ground sign shall be no less than 24
inches above grade level. The total of all ground signs visible to
arteries and access roads shall not exceed 150 square feet. In the
case of a building, such as a hotel, other outside signs designating
parking, lobby, pickup and delivery areas, function room entries,
health clubs and so forth shall be permitted as such design is submitted
to the Planning Board.
c.
Signs located inside such buildings will not be subject to this
Section 5.3, but they will be subject to all other applicable regulations
as enforced by the Department of Inspectional Services.
12.
New construction or alteration of existing building facades.
When a permanent sign is to be erected in conjunction with a newly
constructed building, the design and location of the signs and sign
panels shall be considered an integral part of the facade design.
a.
When a building is undergoing exterior alterations to its facade,
the design and location of the signs and sign panels shall be considered
an integral part of the facade design.
b.
All new and altered buildings intended for retail and/or commercial
use shall provide appropriate storefront sign bands and other appropriate
facade areas to allow for the safe, reusable and proper installation
of signs in conformance with requirements of this section.
5.3.10.
Design standards; contiguous commercial areas. The following
design standards shall apply in contiguous commercial areas and supersede
all other requirements:
1.
Sign copy. Permanent business name signs covered in this section
may contain the following information: the name of the establishment
and/or identification of the primary product or service; appropriate
symbols, slogans or logos may be used.
a.
A trademark may be used where its coverage of the sign panel
does not constitute more than 25% of the total sign panel.
b.
The same sign copy, slogan, logo, symbol or trademark shall
not be repeated on a single sign panel or series of panels on the
same or similar architectural element unless it is repeated ordinarily
as part of the usual business identification, or unless it contributes
to the overall design of the facade.
c.
Signs for businesses above the ground floor are to be used for
on-premises identification purposes only and may include the business
name and that of the primary product or service provided.
2.
Number of signs. Each ground floor business establishment shall be
allowed a maximum of three business name signs as follows: one storefront,
wall, awning or window sign which is meant to be the main name sign
for the business; two additional signs of the following types may
also be mounted by the establishment: awning, sign belt, box, ground,
freestanding, canopy, flag, V, window, door, entry, directory, product,
logo, time/temperature, changeable, electronic, electronic message,
business hours/goods/services sign.
a.
Whatever combination of the above sign styles a business establishment
chooses to use, all signs must conform to the size, materials and
copy requirements of this Section 5.3.
b.
A maximum of two temporary signs per business establishment
shall be allowed. Those signs shall conform to the rules for temporary
signs.
3.
Size of signs. Signs covered in this section shall be regulated according
to the size of the sign copy and the panel or size requirements established
in previous sections. Where no constraining architectural features
otherwise exist, the maximum sign copy or sign panel area shall be
25% of the building facade area.
5.3.11.
Special regulations; commercial arterial areas. Commercial arterial
areas are highway-type establishments, set back on what is called
an arterial roadway. An arterial roadway is normally one which is
characterized by having at least four lanes of two-way traffic, generally
with a street width of at least 60 feet. Such areas generally possess
the following attributes: (1) a deep setback from the property line,
usually at least 20 feet; and (2) a highway orientation with provision
for on-premises, off-street parking, generally for a minimum of cars;
and (3) buildings on these ways are usually freestanding, that is,
they are generally separated from each other and not physically connected
with lot lines normally allowing for space between the individual
buildings; and (4) building frontage on a commercial arterial way
normally does not extend fully to the edges of the entire lot frontage.
Signs in commercial arterial areas shall conform to all of the other
sign regulations for the entire City as previously listed in this
Section 5.3 except as may be superseded below:
1.
For a single business located in one building on a lot:
a.
One freestanding sign (ground, pole or like type sign) per building,
such sign set back a minimum of six feet from the property line. Such
freestanding sign may have a maximum of two faces. No freestanding
sign on a building shall exceed 75 square feet in total area, nor
shall it exceed 25 feet in overall height from the top of the sign
to the pavement. The copy on any such sign shall be a minimum of 24
inches above grade level. No more than one ground sign visible to
the major artery is allowed. Each single business may have up to three
additional other signs (from the approved list) affixed directly to
the building. If the business chooses not to erect a freestanding
sign, it shall however be limited to the maximum of three signs referred
to above.
2.
For multiple businesses located in one building:
a.
One freestanding sign (ground, pole or like type sign) per building.
Such freestanding sign may have a maximum of two faces. No freestanding
sign on a building shall exceed 75 square feet in total area, nor
shall it exceed 25 in overall height from the top of the sign to the
pavement. The copy on any such sign shall be a minimum of 24 inches
above grade level. No more than one ground sign visible to the major
artery is allowed. Each individual business may have its own recognition
on the pole sign.
b.
Each individual business may also affix up to the three signs
(from the approved list) allowed in commercial contiguous areas; however,
these businesses being located in the same physical building must
have the same type of sign design for the entire building structure.
All signs on the main building sign band or comparable architectural
feature must be of the same type. The determination of the main sign
type on such buildings will be the decision of the building owner/landlord.
3.
For multiple businesses located in more than one building:
a.
One freestanding sign (ground, pole or like type sign) per business
center. Such freestanding sign may have a maximum of two faces. No
freestanding sign on a building shall exceed 75 square feet in total
area, nor shall it exceed 25 feet in overall height from the top of
the sign to the pavement. The copy on any such sign shall be a minimum
of 24 inches above grade level. No more than one ground sign visible
to the major artery is allowed. Each individual business may have
its own recognition on the pole sign.
b.
Each individual business may also affix up to three signs (from
the approved list) as allowed in commercial contiguous areas. The
main sign band type allowed on each building shall be the decision
of the landlord/building owner.
5.3.12.
Administration and enforcement.
1.
Maintenance of signs. All signs and their appurtenances shall be
kept in good repair and safe condition. Low-maintenance materials
shall be used for permanent signs. The surface to which the sign is
affixed shall be properly maintained. It shall be repaired so as to
provide a safe, structurally sound, noneroding, nondeteriorating surface,
with no loose or dangling parts. If any sign is deemed to be unsafe
by the Department of Inspectional Services, it shall be repaired,
or removed immediately by the property owner.
2.
Inspection. The Department of Inspectional Services shall require
compliance with the standards and conditions set forth in this Section
5.3. If a sign is found to be in noncompliance, the owner shall be
so notified by the Department of Inspectional Services and the owner
shall bring the sign into compliance within 30 days of notification.
In the case of abandoned signs, the current property owner of record
shall be responsible for removing the sign.
3.
Temporary signs. If a business owner or landlord does not remove
temporary signs as required by this Section 5.3, then the Department
of Inspectional Services will issue a warning ticket to that person
regarding removal. If there is no action taken by the owner or landlord
to remove the sign within two business days, the Department of Inspectional
Services may then issue a ticket for violation of this Section 5.3
for $50. If no action is taken within two further business days, another
ticket may be issued for $100 and each day thereafter until the business
is in compliance. Should there then be no action by the owner or landlord
after the second ticket, the Department of Inspectional Services will
be empowered to issue an order to the owner or landlord for immediate
removal of the temporary sign.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
4.
Good repair. Signs shall be kept in good repair or they shall be
ordered to be removed by the Department of Inspectional Services,
which is the signage enforcement department.
5.
Abandonment. Any sign or any related frame, structure, or mounting
device deemed to be abandoned by the Department of Inspectional Services
must be removed from the premises by the owner of the premises upon
cessation of the business, activity, trade, product or service unless
the sign has been declared historic by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Historic Commission. After three months, the sign and its attachments
and/or appurtenances must be taken down immediately or made to blend
in with the existing building facade. In the event that the owner
fails to comply, the City may enter onto the property to implement
the measures set forth above. In the event the City incurs expense,
the owner shall promptly reimburse the City for all reasonable expenses
associated therewith; if the owner fails to so reimburse the City,
the City may place a lien on the property or any improvement thereon
to secure such payment.
5.3.13.
Special permit. By special permit pursuant to Section 9.4, the
Planning Board may authorize signs of greater size or number than
otherwise set forth in this Section 5.3, provided that such relief
shall not result in substantial detriment. Signs of a different type
than that otherwise allowed shall require a variance.
5.4.1.
Lighting. In a residence district, no outdoor decorative or
floodlighting shall be permitted except lighting primarily designed
to illuminate walks, driveway, parking areas, doorways, outdoor living
areas or outdoor recreational facilities, and except temporary holiday
lighting, except decorative floodlighting of institutional, public
or historic buildings. Any such permanent lighting shall be continuous
indirect light installed in such a manner that will prevent direct
light from shining onto any street or adjacent property. No neon type
or exposed illuminated gas tube type light shall be allowed.
5.4.2.
Fencing and screening in the industrial and business districts.
In an industrial or business district, the outdoor storage of goods,
products, materials or equipment shall, if visible at normal eye level
from any point beyond the boundaries of the premises and less than
500 feet distant, be screened from such view. Screening, as defined
herein, shall be an ornamental lattice, opaque fence, plantings or
sight-obscuring screening which shall not be less than six nor more
than 10 feet high and not less than 50% opaque. Plantings shall be
at least 10 feet in width and contain at least two rows of alternate
live deciduous and evergreen trees. Said trees shall not be more than
five feet apart, shall have an original planting height of at least
six feet, shall be able to attain a height of at least 10 feet, and
shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition by the property
owner. Any existing open storage in any district shall within one
year of the effective date of this Section 5.4 be properly screened
or removed.
5.4.3.
Screening adjacent to residential districts. Where an industrial
district or business district is located adjacent to a residence district
or a public park or playground and is not separated therefrom by a
public way, a compact planting screen as defined in Section 5.4.2
along the property or lot line adjoining said district boundary shall
be provided and maintained by the owners of said premises. Said screening
shall contain no structures or parking and shall not be devoted to
any other use or purpose and shall be maintained in a healthy growing
condition by the property owner.
[Amended 6-1-2020 by Order
No. 2020-012]
5.4.4.
Maintenance and replacement. Required landscaping shall be maintained
in a healthy condition. In the event that such required landscaping
dies, it shall be replanted forthwith or at the start of the next
growing season.
5.4.5.
Urban renewal use. An urban renewal use is exempt from the provisions
of Section 5.4.
