[5-7-1998 ATM, Art. 28; amended 5-8-2017 ATM, Art. 35; 2-10-2020 STM, Art. 9]
A. 
A sign is a unique type of accessory structure, which, because of its potential impact on adjacent lots and on adjacent public streets and lands, warrants the regulation contained in this Zoning Bylaw. Signs communicate messages essential for public safety and general welfare, provide information about types of goods and services available at permitted uses, and provide orientation. Therefore, it is hereby found and declared that regulation of signs is necessary to promote the health, safety, and general welfare by:
(1) 
Lessening hazards to vehicular and pedestrian traffic;
(2) 
Preventing unsightly and detrimental development which is a potential blighting influence upon residential, public business, and industrial uses, and detrimental to property value;
(3) 
Preventing signs from becoming so excessive in number, size, intensity, brilliance, or impact that they obscure or distract from:
(a) 
Public signs essential to the orderly and safe movements of goods and persons in the Town; or
(b) 
One another to the detriment of all concerned;
(4) 
Facilitating easy recognition and immediate legibility of permitted signs; and
(5) 
Integrating and securing certain fundamentals of good and appropriate design complementary to the Town's rural environment.
A. 
Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer. The Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer, and their duly authorized agents, may, at reasonable times and upon presentation of credentials, issue a written order of repair or removal of any sign and its supporting structure which is erected contrary to this bylaw. In the event the owner of the sign fails to comply with the order, the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer and his duly authorized agents may issue a complaint and fine pursuant to § 201-2.3 and/or take enforcement action in accordance with MGL c. 40A, § 7. All expenses incurred by the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer relating to the enforcement of this bylaw may be assessable against any person who failed to obey such order and shall be recoverable in a court of competent jurisdiction. The Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer is further authorized to remove and dispose of signs placed in violation of the Town bylaws on public property and public ways.
B. 
Permits and fees.
(1) 
Except for signs permitted in a residential area, and temporary signs to be placed in a window, no sign shall be erected, enlarged, reworded, redesigned or structurally altered without a sign permit issued by the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer.
(2) 
The Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer is authorized to grant a permit for a sign in compliance with this bylaw. After reviewing a sign application, the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer may deny such application if he determines that the erection of the sign will be injurious or offensive to the area because of lighting, noise, or obstruction of vision or hazardous to the public good because of color or the creation of visual confusion in the area.
(3) 
The Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer shall make their determination to approve or disapprove an application for a sign permit within 15 days of receiving it. If the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer does deny an application, the applicant may appeal the decision to the Board of Appeals.
(4) 
A schedule of fees for the permits for authorized signs may be determined from time to time by the Select Board.
[Amended 5-9-2022 ATM, Art. 16]
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT
Any nonresidential use consisting of one or more buildings. In a building with more than one nonresidential tenant, each tenant is considered a separate business establishment.
CLEARANCE
A completely open and unobstructed space measured from the ground level to the lowest portion of a hanging sign.
FACADE
See "lineal building frontage."
FLAG
Any fabric or bunting containing colors, patterns, or symbols used as a symbol of an organization.
LINEAL BUILDING FRONTAGE
The length of a building or storefront, which abuts a street or public right-of-way at its first floor or entrance level, as shown in Diagram #4; also referred to as a "facade."
PROJECTION
An extension forward or out from a wall of a building.
SIGN
Any privately owned permanent or temporary structure, billboard, device, fixture, illuminated fixture, electric bulb, tube, or similar contrivance, medal, placard, painting, drawing, poster, letter, word, banner, pennant, insignia, trade flag or any other representation used as, or which is in the nature of, an advertisement, attraction, announcement, or direction that is affixed to, supported by, or suspended by a stationary object, building or the ground that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to communicate information which is on a public way, or on private property within public view of a public way, or public property. Specific sign types are further described as follows:
A. 
ACCESSORYAdvertises, calls attention to, or indicates the person occupying the premises on which the sign is erected or maintained, or the business transacted thereon, and which contains no other matter.
B. 
ADDRESSIndicates the numeric and street location of a particular property or establishment.
C. 
FRAME/SANDWICH BOARD— Mobile and structurally separate from a building and supported by itself.
D. 
AWNING/CANOPYFixed or retractable, of any material, which extends over a sidewalk, courtyard, walkway, eating area, driveway, or other area or space, whether that area or space is intended for pedestrians, vehicles, or other purposes.
E. 
BANNERConstructed of fabric or flexible material. For regulatory purposes, banners are considered wall signs.
F. 
DIRECTIONALDirects or sets out restrictions for vehicular or pedestrian traffic relative to the use of sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas. A directional sign may be freestanding, wall mounted, or a pavement marker.
G. 
DIRECTORYWall-mounted and utilized by multiple business establishments occupying a single building with a shared public entrance.
H. 
FREESTANDINGStructurally separate from a building that is supported by itself, on a stand, or on legs.
I. 
HANGINGAttached to, and projects from, the wall or face of a building, including an arcade or marquee sign.
J. 
ILLUMINATEDLit by an external light source directed solely at the sign (i.e., externally illuminated, which may include a reverse lit source mounted within an opaque component of a sign so that no light passes through it) or an internal light source (i.e., internally illuminated, utilizing translucent panels, canvas or other fabric, letters, devices, or other similar components to create an image by allowing light to pass through).
K. 
MOVINGMoves or is designed to move, in whole or in part, by any means.
L. 
OFF-PREMISESDraws attention to, or communicates information about, a business, service, product, event, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that exists or is conducted, manufactured, sold, offered, maintained, or provided at a location other than on the premises where the sign is located.
M. 
PENNANT/STREAMER/FEATHER BANNERAny sign made of lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing any writing, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.
N. 
PLAQUE or HISTORIC MARKERIdentifies a structure or site recognized by the Norwell Historical Commission as being historically and/or architecturally significant.
O. 
ROOFErected or projecting above the lowest point of the eave or the top of a parapet wall of any building, or which is painted or otherwise affixed to a roof.
P. 
SANDWICH BOARDSee "A-frame."
Q. 
STANDARD INFORMATIONALIntended for nonpermanent display, such as a real estate, construction, or political sign, which contains no reflecting elements, flags, or projections.
R. 
TEMPORARYIntended for a limited period of display, and by design and/or use is temporary in nature and thus not permanently mounted.
S. 
WALLPainted on or affixed to, but which does not project from, a building wall, including those that consist of three-dimensional letters applied directly to a building surface.
T. 
WINDOWEither affixed to the surface of the glass on the windows of a building, or located in the building interior within three feet of the window and visible from the outside of the building. Window displays of actual products or merchandise for sale or rent on the business premises are not considered window signs.
SIGN, AREA OF
The area, including all lettering, wording, and accompanying designs and symbols together with the background on which they are displayed, any frame around the sign and any "cutouts" or extensions, but not including any supporting structure or bracing if such structure or bracing is incidental to the function of the sign. See § 201-14.5A(3) below for illustrative purposes in calculating area.
A. 
General requirements: The following general requirements shall apply to all signs in all Business Districts, except as otherwise noted:
(1) 
Illumination:
(a) 
Timing: Illumination is permitted only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., except that signs may be illuminated during any hours the establishment is open to the public. The U.S. flag may be illuminated in accordance with Title 4, United States Code ("The Flag Code").
(b) 
Style: Illumination shall be external white steady stationary light or interior nonexposed white light only. Exposed sources of illumination, such as neon or gaseous tubes, are prohibited, as are signs that cause harmful glare to motorists, pedestrians, or neighboring premises.
(c) 
Intensity: All illuminated signs shall be Dark Skies compliant and shall be so shielded, shaded, directed, and maintained at a sufficiently low level of intensity and brightness so that the illumination does not adversely affect neighboring properties or the safe and convenient use of public ways.
(2) 
Movement: Animated, moving, flashing and revolving signs, beacons, searchlights, pennants, portable signs and balloons shall be prohibited, except for those signs that are sole indicators of time and/or temperature.
(3) 
Area measurement: The area of a sign shall be calculated as follows:
(a) 
For two-dimensional double-faced hanging and freestanding signs, the area shall be based on the largest face.
(b) 
For two-dimensional signs affixed to, or fabricated from, a mounting background or signboard, the area shall consist of the smallest rectangular area that wholly contains the sign, as shown in Diagram #1.
(c) 
For two-dimensional signs consisting of individual letters or symbols affixed directly to a building wall, window, freestanding sign supports, or awning, the area shall consist of the smallest area that encompasses all of the letters and symbols, as shown in Diagram #2. In the case of freestanding signs, the area is exclusive of the sign supports.
(4) 
Projection: Hanging signs shall hang at least 10 feet high over the sidewalk, and project no more than five feet from a building, as shown in Diagram #3.
(5) 
Location and setback:
(a) 
Except for freestanding signs, all signs shall be attached to the portion of the building that corresponds to the portion owned or leased by the sign permit applicant.
(b) 
Freestanding: All freestanding signs shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of the way line on which the building fronts, and at least 10 feet from all other property lines.
(6) 
Height:
(a) 
No part of a freestanding sign or its supporting structure shall exceed 25 feet.
(b) 
Mounting height: The highest part of wall, window and awning signs shall not exceed 20 feet.
(7) 
Color: Color shall be allowed on any sign. No sign shall contain colored lights, interior or exterior.
(8) 
Maintenance: All signs in all districts shall be maintained in a safe and neat condition to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer and in accordance with the State Building Code. Structural damage, missing letters, or other deterioration obscuring content shall be remedied or the sign removed within 60 days upon written notice received from the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer.
(9) 
Flags: Nothing in this bylaw shall prevent the flying of one American flag and/or one state and/or one military service flag; and one other rectangular flag not to exceed 12 square feet which incorporates a trademark, logotype, or similar device directly related to the business located on the lot; e.g., an "open" flag.
B. 
Requirements based on sign type.
(1) 
Awning: Awning signs shall be painted on, or attached flat against, the surface of the awning or canopy. Attaching a sign to an awning or canopy in any other manner is prohibited.
(2) 
Freestanding: Freestanding signs shall be mounted permanently on the ground, located on the same lot as the principal building, and set back at least 10 feet from any property line. Signs shall be situated so as to not impair visibility or restrict the ability to use any public way by impeding minimum sight distance requirements established by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and as interpreted by the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer, or at least four feet, whichever is greater. Freestanding signs shall not be mounted on trees, utility poles, light fixtures, or any other structure that is not built solely to accommodate signs.
(3) 
Hanging: Signs hanging over a public way or area accessible to the public shall provide at least 10 feet of clearance measured from the ground surface to the bottom of the sign, as shown in Diagram #3, and shall not impair visibility or restrict the ability to use any public way or area accessible to the public.
(4) 
Wall: Wall signs shall be mounted parallel to the wall of a building.
(5) 
Temporary: Temporary signs shall be permitted in all business districts in accordance with this section for purposes of promoting any business, or any charitable, civic, or municipal event.
(a) 
Before a temporary sign (other than a temporary sign placed in a window) shall be erected or displayed, there shall be a deposit in the sum of $75 for each commercial sign. The deposit shall be refunded upon the timely removal of the sign or signs. In the event of failure to remove the sign within the period prescribed, the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer shall apply the deposit towards the cost of removing the sign, and any balance of the deposit shall be forfeited to the Town.
(b) 
No temporary sign shall be erected or displayed until an application has been made to, and a permit specifying the date of removal has been issued by, the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer.
(c) 
The Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer may deny an application, and may require the removal of a temporary sign after permit, if he determines that the sign will be or is a threat to public safety; is offensive to the area because of color, material, or construction; or does not comply with § 201-14.5B(5)(e) through (k) below.
(d) 
The Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer shall approve or deny an application within seven days of receipt. The denial or approval may be appealed by the applicant or by an aggrieved party to the Board of Appeals.
(e) 
A sign authorized by this section shall be erected at ground level and shall be stationary. The sign shall be constructed to withstand strong winds and to the satisfaction of the Building Inspector/Zoning Enforcement Officer as to material, colors, and safety.
(f) 
The sign shall be freestanding, meaning that it shall not be attached to or supported by any natural or man-made object, nor shall any vehicle, trailer, balloon, kite, boat, pennant, flag, banner, or other contrivance be used as a temporary or permanent means of exhibiting a sign, so as to circumvent or derogate from the intent of this bylaw.
(g) 
No more than one temporary sign shall be permitted on any one lot at one time.
(h) 
A temporary sign shall not exceed 10 square feet. If a two-sided sign, the dimensions shall apply to each side separately.
(i) 
No temporary sign shall be permitted for more than 30 consecutive days. No applicant shall be permitted to maintain a temporary sign for more than 30 days in a single calendar year regardless of the number of permits obtained.
(j) 
Temporary signs shall be allowed only for specific purposes, not as semi-permanent displays. A "special sale" sign may be permitted (with a permit) for the actual duration of the sale or for two weeks, whichever is less, twice a year. A new business may utilize a temporary sign (with a permit) for a period not to exceed two weeks prior to opening and two weeks after opening. These permits for temporary signs are not renewable, nor shall new permits be granted for essentially the same sign in a slightly different guise.
(k) 
The purpose of a temporary sign, for purposes of this bylaw, is for a special application or need, and not as a means of circumventing the intent of this bylaw as to number, frequency, or duration of signs allowed on a property.
A. 
Business District A.
(1) 
One freestanding sign per lot not to exceed 30 square feet. The portion of the sign identifying the name and address of the site shall be excluded from the total area calculation, but shall not exceed 25% of said total area calculation.
The sign may dedicate a portion identifying tenant space as for sale or rent, or available vacancy. This portion of the sign shall be excluded from the total area calculation, but shall not exceed 20% of said total area calculation.
Regarding buildings with only one tenant, this sign shall identify that tenant by name. In buildings having multiple tenants, or on lots having more than one building, additional signs may be attached in a ladder fashion to the bottom of the freestanding sign.
In such cases of buildings having multiple tenants, the main sign would identify the major tenant. The portion of the sign identifying the name and address of the site shall be excluded from the total area calculation, but shall not exceed 25% of said total area calculation. In buildings with multiple tenants, the total area of the freestanding sign shall not exceed 40 square feet.
The sign may dedicate a portion of space identifying tenant space as for sale or rent, or available vacancy. This portion of the sign shall be excluded from the total area calculation, but shall not exceed 20% of said total area calculation.
(2) 
One awning sign per business, not to exceed 1/2 square foot per linear foot of storefront or building upon which the awning is attached, or eight square feet, whichever is less, with letter height not to exceed 14 inches.
(3) 
One directory sign per shared public entrance to a building occupied by more than one business establishment, not to exceed one square foot per business establishment occupying the building, or six square feet, whichever is less.
(4) 
One hanging sign per business, not to exceed eight square feet, with letter height not to exceed 14 inches.
(5) 
One wall sign per building not to exceed 20 square feet. Any such sign shall be flat against the wall of the building and shall not extend beyond the face of the building.
(6) 
Window signs either painted on or attached to the inside of a window, provided such signs do not cover more than 25% of the window glass.
Signs placed in a window to advertise sales or promotions may cover no more than 20% of the window glass but may not be posted for longer than 30 days. No window signs shall be illuminated or lighted.
(7) 
Accessory signs or devices of similar intent that advertise the property or any part thereof as for sale or rent, or available vacancy, shall be incorporated into the allotted signage area for the property or part thereof as advertised as for sale or rent, or available vacancy.
B. 
Business Districts B and C.
(1) 
One awning sign per business, not to exceed 1/2 square foot per linear foot of storefront or building upon which the awning is attached, or eight square feet, whichever is less, with letter height not to exceed 14 inches.
(2) 
One directory sign per shared public entrance to a building occupied by more than one business establishment, not to exceed one square foot per business establishment occupying the building, or six square feet, whichever is less.
(3) 
One freestanding sign per lot not to exceed 50 square feet. The portion of the sign identifying the name and address of the site shall be excluded from the total area calculation, but shall not exceed 25% of said total area calculation.
The sign may dedicate a portion of space identifying tenant space as for sale or rent or available vacancy. This portion of the sign shall be excluded from the total area calculation, but shall not exceed 20% of said total area calculation.
Regarding buildings with only one tenant, this sign shall identify that tenant by name. In buildings having multiple tenants, or on lots having more than one building, additional signs may be attached in a ladder fashion to the bottom of the freestanding sign.
In such cases of buildings having multiple tenants, the main sign would identify the major tenant. The portion of the sign identifying the name and address of the site shall be excluded from the total area calculation, but shall not exceed 25% of said total area calculation. In buildings with multiple tenants, the freestanding sign shall not exceed 60 square feet.
The sign may dedicate a portion of space identifying tenant space as for sale or rent, or available vacancy. This portion of the sign shall be excluded from the total area calculation, but shall not exceed 20% of said total area calculation.
(4) 
One freestanding directional sign per lot at the location of the curb cut, not to exceed four square feet and six feet in height.
(5) 
One wall sign per building not to exceed 10% of the area of the wall or facade upon which the sign is to be located. Any such sign shall be flat against the wall of the building and shall not extend beyond the face of the building.
(6) 
Window signs either painted on or attached to the inside of a window, provided such signs do not cover more than 25% of the window glass.
Signs placed in a window to advertise sales or promotions may cover no more than 50% of the window glass and may not be posted for longer than 30 days. No window signs shall be illuminated or lighted.
(7) 
Accessory signs or devices of similar intent that advertise the property or any part thereof as for sale or rent, or available vacancy, shall be incorporated into the allotted signage area for the property or part thereof as advertised as for sale or rent, or available vacancy.
C. 
All residential districts.
(1) 
All signs shall be permitted subject to the following restrictions:
(a) 
Compliance with illumination standards of § 201-14.5A(1)(a) through (c); movement requirements of § 201-14.5A(2); setback requirements of § 201-14.5A(5)(b); and height requirements of § 201-14.5A(6)(a).
(b) 
Signs that identify an accessory or professional office or other accessory use permitted in a residential district shall not exceed 12 square feet in area.
(c) 
Signs pertaining to the lease, sale or use of a lot or buildings shall not exceed a total of six square feet. These signs shall be taken down immediately after the sale or lease of the property.
(d) 
A bulletin or announcement board, identification sign, or entrance marker for a public entrance to the premises upon which a church, synagogue or other such institution is located shall not exceed 10 square feet, provided that there shall be no more than three such signs for each institution.
(e) 
One contractor's sign, not to exceed 10 square feet (except as otherwise required by law), maintained on the premises while construction is in progress and containing information relevant to the project. Such sign shall be removed within seven days after the certificate of occupancy is issued or upon completion of construction.
(f) 
One sign identifying each public entrance to a subdivision, not to exceed 10 square feet.
A. 
Exempt signs: The following are exempt from these provisions:
(1) 
Any public notice or warning required by applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, ordinance, or statute.
(2) 
Signs created and/or approved by the Norwell Historical Commission, Norwell Conservation Commission, or other such public entity that display information about historic properties, sites, areas, or other such public uses.
(3) 
Works of art that do not include or convey a commercial message.
(4) 
Holiday decorations.
(5) 
Political signs.
B. 
Prohibitions: The following are prohibited in all districts:
(1) 
Any sign not specifically allowed, or which has not obtained the appropriate approvals required by this bylaw;
(2) 
Illumination, except as described in § 201-14.5A(1)(a) through (c) above.
(3) 
Flashing signs;
(4) 
Pennants/streamers/feather banners;
(5) 
Portable signs on wheeled trailers;
(6) 
Signs which are attached in any form, shape, or manner to a fire escape;
(7) 
Signs on trash receptacles, benches, shelters, and any other similar structures or units;
(8) 
Exposed gaseous tubes;
(9) 
Billboards (off-premises signs);
(10) 
Roof signs and V-shaped signs;
(11) 
Movement, except as described in § 201-14.5A(2), above;
(12) 
Signs within a right-of-way, except for hanging signs which project over a right-of-way but otherwise comply with this section, and those signs belonging to, or approved by, a government, public service agency, or railroad;
(13) 
Signs which are considered obscene or depict obscene matter, as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31, or which advertise an activity that is illegal under federal, state, or local laws;
(14) 
Signs in violation of building codes, or containing or exhibiting broken panels, visible rust or rot, damaged support structures, or missing letters. Such signs shall be remedied or the sign removed within 60 days in accordance with § 201-14.5A(8);
(15) 
Signs identifying abandoned or discontinued businesses. Such signs shall be removed within 30 days following the abandonment or discontinuance.