[Added 10-4-1993 STM]
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.
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".
A.
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.)
B.
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.
C.
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]
A.
Residential uses (No permit required.):
(1)
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
(2)
Two signs not to exceed two square feet in area placed on either
side of an entrance drive and located on the lot; or
(3)
One quarterboard sign attached to a building or fence, not to
exceed six square feet in area.
B.
Signs identifying other lawful or lawfully nonconforming uses:
C.
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.
D.
Permitted antique, secondhand, junk dealers shops are allowed one
nonilluminated sign, not to exceed eight square feet in area.
E.
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.
F.
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.
G.
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.)
H.
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]
I.
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.
[Amended 11-21-2022 STM by Art. 9]
A.
Any sign permitted in the Residential Districts (R-30, R-43 and R-87)
and subject to the same provisions.
B.
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.
C.
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.
D.
Sign permitted for row commercial and planned business developments
(more than one business on a single lot):
(1)
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
|
(a)
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.
(b)
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.
(2)
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
|
E.
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
A.
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.
B.
Signs indicating name of resident(s) or activity are not permitted.
C.
Signs are permitted at the intersections of public ways which service
commercial areas, lawfully nonconforming businesses in residential
areas, or Town community facilities.
(1)
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.
(2)
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.
(3)
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.
(4)
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.
(5)
Each six-inch-by-thirty-six-inch panel can identify several
activities depending upon lettering requirements, and all lettering
shall be of uniform character.
(6)
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.
(7)
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.
(8)
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.
(9)
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.
(10)
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.
(11)
There shall be no more than one sign at any intersection.
(12)
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.
(13)
Any traffic or directional sign owned and installed by a governmental
agency shall be permitted.
(14)
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.
A.
No sign shall be in excess of 15 feet in height.
B.
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.
[Amended 11-12-2013 STM]
A.
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.
B.
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.
C.
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.)
D.
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.
E.
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.
(1)
Construction signs and real estate signs. (No permit required.)
(a)
Signs are permitted in all zones.
(b)
Not more than one sign is permitted on a single site per street
frontage.
(c)
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.
(d)
Signs must be placed on the site and in an appropriate manner.
F.
Signs shall be removed within seven days of issuance of occupancy
permit or transfer of ownership.
(1)
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.
(2)
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.)
(3)
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.
G.
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.
H.
Animated and/or flashing signs. Animated and/or flashing signs or
signs with beacons attached are prohibited.
I.
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.
J.
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.
A.
Enforcement, permits, and penalty.
(1)
The Sign Inspector is hereby authorized to enforce this article.
(2)
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.
(3)
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]
(4)
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.
(5)
Citations. The Sign Inspector is authorized to issue citations
for violations of these regulations by the methods provided in MGL.
c. 40, § 21D.
(6)
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:
B.
Signs not complying with this article.
(1)
Signs without a valid permit shall be removed within 60 days
of passage of this article.
(2)
Signs with valid permits.
(a)
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.
(b)
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.
(c)
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.
(d)
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.
C.
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.
D.
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:
E.
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.
F.
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.
G.
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.
H.
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.
