A.
This bylaw shall be known as the "Sharon Sign Bylaw," and is adopted
under the authority of Chapters 93 and 43B of the General Laws of
Massachusetts.
B.
This bylaw is intended to serve these objectives:
(1)
Facilitate efficient communications to ensure that people receive
the messages they need or want; and
(2)
Promote good relationships between signs and the buildings and environment
to which they relate; and
(3)
Maintain visual diversity by avoiding requirement of uniformity;
and
(4)
Support business vitality within business and industrial zones by
avoiding burdensome procedures and restrictions.
As used in this bylaw, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A sign which directs attention to a business, product, service
or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than
the premises on which the sign is located.
Any wording, logo or other representation that, directly
or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business,
product, service or other commercial activity.
A sign on which the characters, letters or illustrations
can be changed automatically or through electronic or mechanical means.
Electronic message centers exclude time and temperature signs.
Any fabric or bunting containing colors, patterns or symbols
used as a symbol of a government or other noncommercial entity or
organization.
Any device designed to inform or attract the attention of
persons who are not on the premises on which the device is located.
Any exterior building surfaces which are internally illuminated or
decorated with gaseous tube or other lights are considered signs.
The following, however, shall not be considered signs within the context
of this bylaw:
Flags, except when displayed in connection with a commercial
message.
Legal notices or informational devices erected or required by
public agencies.
Standard gasoline pumps bearing thereon in usual size and form
the name, type, and price of gasoline.
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings,
except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or parts internally illuminated
or decorated with gaseous tube or other lights.
On-premises devices guiding and directing traffic and parking
not exceeding two square feet in area, and bearing no commercial message.
The area of the smallest horizontally or vertically oriented
rectangle which could enclose all the display area of the sign, together
with any backing different in color or material from the finish material
of the building face, and together with any decorative framing or
other elements whose judged intent is to extend the effective sign
area, exclusive of minimal supporting framework, but without deduction
for open space or other irregularities. Only one side of flat, back-to-back
signs need be included in calculating sign area.
