The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that the design, construction, installation, and maintenance of all exterior Signs in the Town of Dedham are compatible with the unique character and environment of the community through a comprehensive system of reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and non-discriminatory Sign standards and requirements, including the following specific purposes:
A. 
Ensure that all Signs are compatible with the unique character and environment of the Town of Dedham, and that they support the desired ambiance and development patterns of the various districts, overlay districts, and historic areas within the town.
B. 
Balance public and private objectives by allowing adequate avenues for both Commercial and non-Commercial Messages.
C. 
Improve pedestrian and traffic safety by promoting the free flow of traffic and the protection of pedestrians and motorists from injury and Property damage caused by, or which may be fully or partially attributable to, cluttered, distracting, and/or illegible Signage.
D. 
Prevent Property damage, personal injury, and litter caused by Signs that are improperly constructed or poorly maintained.
E. 
Protect Property values, the local economy, and quality of life by preserving and enhancing the appearance of the streetscape.
F. 
Provide consistent Sign design standards that enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these Sign regulations.
G. 
Assist with the implementation of adopted plans, guidelines, and regulatory requirements of the town, including the town's master plan and zoning bylaws.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the provisions of G.L. c.43B.
A. 
A Sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created, or maintained in the town only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions, and other requirements of this chapter.
B. 
The effect of this chapter as more specifically set forth herein is:
(1) 
To establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of Signs subject to the standards and the permit procedures of this chapter.
(2) 
To allow Signs that are not expressly prohibited by this chapter; and
(3) 
To provide for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
C. 
Non-communicative aspects of all Signs, not related to the content of the Sign, must comply with the provisions of this article. "Non-communicative aspects" include the time, place, manner, location, size, height, illumination, spacing, and orientation of Signs.
This Section is not intended to, and does not, restrict speech on the basis of its content, viewpoint, or message. No part of this chapter shall be construed to favor commercial speech over non-commercial speech. A non-Commercial Message may be substituted for any commercial or non-Commercial Message displayed on a Sign without the need for any approval or Sign permit, provided that the Sign is otherwise permissible under this Section. If a Commercial Message is substituted for any other Commercial Message, a Sign permit is required pursuant to § 237-5. To the extent any provision of this Section is ambiguous, the provision will be interpreted not to regulate on the basis of the content of the message.