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:
BILLBOARD
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.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE
Any wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER
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.
FLAG
Any fabric or bunting containing colors, patterns or symbols used as a symbol of a government or other noncommercial entity or organization.
SIGN
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:
A. 
Flags, except when displayed in connection with a commercial message.
B. 
Legal notices or informational devices erected or required by public agencies.
C. 
Standard gasoline pumps bearing thereon in usual size and form the name, type, and price of gasoline.
D. 
Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or parts internally illuminated or decorated with gaseous tube or other lights.
E. 
On-premises devices guiding and directing traffic and parking not exceeding two square feet in area, and bearing no commercial message.
SIGN AREA
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.