Article 2-3 Signs

[Amended 3-7-2017]

The provisions of this article apply to all signs placed or erected on private property, signs located on or overhanging public property that relate to adjacent private property, and signs on public property that relate to a governmental use of that property unless specifically exempted by the provisions of this article. Signs and other advertising displays not specifically allowed by this article are hereby prohibited.

For the purposes of this article, "occupant" means any distinct use that occupies a separate and identifiable space within a building. Any activity that involves at least two of the following characteristics shall be considered to be an occupant for the purposes of these provisions:

(1)

Separate cash registers or checkout/payment/service facilities that serve the use exclusively.

(2)

Employees that work exclusively for the use.

(3)

Occupancy of an area that is physically separated by walls, doors and hallways from other occupants.

(4)

A lease on or ownership of an identifiable space.

(5)

A separate entrance and identifiable building frontage associated with the occupant.

When a property is occupied by a single occupant, the sign provisions for a single-occupant property shall apply. When a property has more than one occupant, the sign provisions for a multi-occupant property shall apply.

§ 300-2.15 Computation of sign area and height.

The following principles shall be used to determine the area and/or height of signs:

Area of wall signs. The area of a wall sign that is painted onto a building or structure or in which the letters or elements of the sign are attached directly to a building or structure shall be the area of the smallest square, rectangle, triangle or circle that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color that forms an integral part of the background of the display or that is used to differentiate the sign from the building or structure on which it is placed. The area of a wall sign does not include any border or framing around the display area, provided that the area of the border or framing is less than 50% of the area of the sign and does not contain any graphics, logos or other advertising features. In general, the area of a wall sign shall include the entire graphic representation as a single sign unless there are clearly discrete and separate elements such as a name and logo/graphic, in which case the sign area of each may be calculated separately. In this case, each area that is calculated separately shall be considered to be a sign with respect to limits on the number of signs on the property.

Area of all other signs. The area of all other signs shall be the area of the sign face, but not including any supporting framework or bracing or any base or pedestal for supporting the sign face that does not contain any advertising features, lettering, logos or distinctive color scheme associated with the subject of the sign as a brand identification. If the sign is irregularly shaped, contains openings in the sign face or is a "constructed" sign made up of separate, attached pieces or components, the area of the sign shall be the area of the smallest square, rectangle, triangle or circle that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display.

Area of double-faced or multi-faceted signs. The area of a double-faced or multi-faceted sign shall be the area of one sign face, provided that the other sign faces are identical, cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and are part of the same structure.

Height of sign. The intention of this limitation is to allow signs that can be seen from the street(s) from which the property has vehicle access but to prevent signs that are designed or located so as to be able to be seen from streets from which the property does not have vehicle access. The height of a freestanding sign shall be the distance from the normal grade of the site under the sign to the highest point on the sign face. "Normal grade" means the established grade after construction of the portion of the site where the sign will be located, but shall not include any mounding, berming or base done for the location of the sign.

Address exclusion/inclusion. The inclusion of the address of the property as part of a sign is encouraged. If a sign includes the address of the property (221 Overland Street), the address area is excluded from the calculation of the area of the sign unless the address is a part of the occupant's or project's name (i.e., 14 Main Restaurant or 400 Main Plaza).

§ 300-2.16 Exempt signs.

The provisions of this article shall not apply to the following types of nonilluminated signs: public safety and information, political, traffic control and directional that contain no advertising, "no trespassing," real estate development or site signs during the period of construction, project identification signs with the name of a municipal or community building or facility or residential subdivision or development that is located at the entrance to the site, real estate sale and rental signs except as limited in this article, building markers, signs required by law or court order, gasoline price signs attached to or part of a pump for the dispensing of gasoline or other fuels having less than one square foot of sign area, signs displaying only the address of the property, and temporary signs in conjunction with a yard sale or community or other special event with a limited duration.

§ 300-2.17 Prohibited signs, displays and related materials.

The following are prohibited anywhere in the Town unless specifically allowed under § 300-2.19 or § 300-2.20:

Signs with moving or rotating pieces or parts. Any sign that has any moving or rotating pieces or parts that creates the appearance of motion. If there is uncertainty as to whether this restriction applies to a specific sign, the Planning Board shall make the determination. Readerboard signs, including electronic message boards, with interchangeable or moveable lettering that comply with the performance standards of § 300-2.18 are excepted from this limitation. This restriction also does not apply to clocks, thermometers, barber poles and similar displays that change in response to the information being monitored, provided that the display does not flash.

Illuminated signs. Any sign that is illuminated by flashing or blinking lights or in which the illumination changes color.

Inflatable signs/displays. Inflatable signs or advertising displays except in conjunction with special events not more than two times in a calendar year for no more than 30 consecutive days, provided such periods of use are separated by at least 30 days. Temporary inflatable signs or displays are allowed only with a sign permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer.

Awning signs. Signs on an awning or the use of the awning as an advertising feature to draw attention to the premises. Awnings may not contain any color scheme or graphic treatment that is used to identify a particular business or brand, may not be made out of reflective, florescent or translucent materials, may not be back lit, and must be primarily a solid color that is not intended to draw attention to the property.

Canopy signs. Signs on a canopy (such as a canopy over a fueling island or drive-through facility). Canopies located in a village environment may not include any color scheme or graphic treatment that is used to identify a particular business or brand. Canopies in a roadside or industrial/business park environment may include a brand-related color scheme or graphic treatment but may not include the name of the product or business.

Pennants, banners, streamers, etc. Pennants, banners, streamers, advertising flags, other than one "open" flag per business or occupant, whirligigs and similar devices intended to draw attention to a specific property, except in conjunction with special events not more than two times in a calendar year for no more than 30 consecutive days, provided such periods of use are separated by at least 30 days. Temporary displays are allowed only with a sign permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer.

Strings of lights or lighted tubing. Strings of lights or lighted tubing that outlines a sign or a building or its major features such as roof lines, windows or doors or that is used as an advertising feature to draw attention to the premises, except for temporary holiday lighting and decorations.

Temporary signs. Plastic, fabric, cardboard, wooden, paper or similar signs that are not part of the permanent signage of the premises, including those advertising products or services available on the premises, except in conjunction with special events not more than two times in a calendar year for no more than 30 consecutive days, provided such periods of use are separated by at least 30 days. Temporary signs are allowed only with a sign permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer. The date upon which the sign permit expires and the sign permit number must be affixed to the sign in a way that allows this information to be easily read. Any sign that is a part of the permanent signage of the premises is subject to the sign requirements and limits of the environment in which it is located.

Reflective or luminous surface materials. Any sign with reflective or luminous surface materials, including luminous paint.

Signs prohibited by state law. Any sign prohibited by state law or regulation.

Appendages to signs. Any extensions or additions to a sign or appendages that hang or extend from a sign or its supporting structure that are not an integral part of the design of the sign unless approved by the Town of Gorham Planning Board as part of the site plan review for the project.

Building or roofing materials as signs. The exterior materials of a building, including the roofing materials, may not be used as a sign or a brand-specific advertising element, except for "roof art" approved in accordance with § 300-2.18F. The color or ornamentation of the building or the roof may not have the effect of the building or roof functioning as a sign as a result of its distinctive appearance.

Prohibited content. Signs that contain hate speech as defined by the criminal statutes of the State of Maine or that express an obscene message.

Sandwich board/A-frame signs. Freestanding signs that meet the definition of a sandwich board sign are prohibited within street rights-of-way.

Off-premises signs. All signs must be located on the same lot as the use or occupant that is the subject of the sign or where the goods or services are available, except as specifically provided for in this section. Off-premises signs are allowed only for exempt signs in accordance with § 300-2.16; official business directional signs in accordance with § 300-2.21; business park identification signs in accordance with § 300-2.22; farm stand signs in accordance with § 300-2.18, Performance standards, Subsection M; farm stand directional signs and village shared entrance signs in accordance with § 300-2.18, Subsection N.

§ 300-2.18 Performance standards.

In addition to the standards set forth in the preceding sections, signs shall conform to the following performance standards as applicable:

Readerboard signs.

(1)

A readerboard may be incorporated into a new project or business sign. The area of the readerboard shall be less than 75% of the total sign area of the sign and shall be counted in both the size of the sign and the total allowed sign area for the property. The readerboard must be integrated into and be compatible with the overall design of the sign. A readerboard may not be added to an existing sign. The message on the readerboard may not change more than once in any twelve-hour period. If the readerboard includes an electronic time or temperature display, that display is exempt from this requirement. A readerboard that alternates a time or temperature display with other information is not permitted unless the change frequency conforms to the twelve-hour interval. An electronic readerboard that incorporates a time or temperature display may not be located within 2,000 feet, as measured along the same street, of any other electronic readerboard with a time or temperature display.

(2)

In the roadside and industrial/business park environments, the readerboard may be an electronic message board illuminated by LEDs or other similar light sources, provided the electronic message board conforms to all of the following requirements:

(a)

The message shall be limited to alphanumeric characters, but the background of the message board may include graphics, pictures or other visual features.

(b)

The LEDs or other light elements that make up the message board shall be a single color in the amber or red spectrums.

(c)

The intensity of the illumination shall be consistent for the entire board and shall be constant during the daytime and nighttime periods unless the intensity of illumination is programmed to adjust to ambient light levels.

(d)

When the message on the board is changed, all changes to any of the elements on the face of the sign, including any background graphics or pictures, shall occur simultaneously. This provision does not preclude keeping some elements of the sign, including background graphics or pictures, constant while other elements are changed.

(e)

The display, including time or temperature displays and background graphics or pictures, may not flash, scroll or appear to move.

(f)

The numbers or letters shall consist of a single row of pixels.

(g)

The illumination level or brightness of the face of the sign shall not exceed 500 nits from the period from 1/2 hour before sunset to 1/2 hour after sunrise and 3,500 nits from 1/2 hour after sunrise to 1/2 hour before sunset. The Planning Board may allow an increase in the daytime illumination level to not more than 5,000 nits if the applicant demonstrates during site plan review that the higher level is necessary for the sign to be readable in anticipated ambient light levels.

(h)

The message board shall be equipped with an automatic dimmer to control the changes from the daytime illumination levels to the nighttime levels.

(i)

The owner of the sign shall provide a written certification from the supplier or installer of the message board that the sign conforms to the standards for maximum illumination levels.

(j)

The system shall not allow the owner of the sign to independently change the illumination levels.

Projecting signs. A projecting sign may be located over a public sidewalk or other public space only with the approval of the Code Enforcement Officer and proof of liability insurance to protect the Town. A projecting sign located over a sidewalk or pedestrian way or space must provide a minimum of eight feet of clearance beneath the lowest element or component of the sign, including the supporting structure.

Business identification signs. A business identification sign may be attached to or hung from the underside of a canopy over a pedestrian walkway that provides access to the occupants of the building. Each sign must be located immediately adjacent to the entrance to the occupant to which it applies.

Illumination of signs. Illuminated signs in the roadside environment and the industrial/business park environment may be either internally or externally illuminated. Illuminated signs in the village environment and residential environment may only be externally illuminated. Signs in the residential environment may only be illuminated during the normal hours of operation of the occupant(s). The source of the illumination for externally illuminated signs must be shielded so that the bulb, reflector or other light source is not directly visible from public streets. The use of visible lights or light emitters such as LEDs as part of the sign is prohibited except as part of a readerboard meeting the requirements of Subsection A above. If a sign is internally illuminated, the use of a white or light-colored background should be avoided or minimized, but if white or a light color is used in the background, not more than 40% of the internally illuminated area of the sign face may be of such color.

Orientation of signs. The intention of this limitation is to allow signs that can be seen from the street(s) or access roads on which the building fronts or from which the property has vehicular access but to prevent signs that are designed or located so as to be able to be seen from streets on which the property does not front or from which it does not have vehicular access. Therefore, signs must be placed so that they can be seen from streets or private access drives from which the property has vehicular access and/or to which the front of the building is oriented. Signs on corner lots may be orientated to both streets. Signs may not be placed in locations where they are intended to be seen from streets from which the property does not have access nor which the front of the building does not face.

Signs on roofs. Signs on roofs are generally not permitted for residential or nonresidential uses. The Planning Board may permit the installation of a vertical wall sign on a mansard or similar roof which essentially serves as the exterior wall of a portion of the building or on a pitched roof if the Board finds as part of the site plan review for the project that there is no other reasonable location for the sign on the wall of the building. Any sign placed on a roof must not extend above the peak or ridge of the roof surface upon which it is placed. The Planning Board may allow the installation of "roof art" in which a sign or advertising feature is incorporated into the roof or roofing material if the Board finds that the roof art is thematically or historically appropriate for the building and the environment in which it is located.

Location of additional signs on properties with vehicle access from more than one street. If a property is permitted to have additional signs because it has vehicular access from more than one street, not more than one sign of any type (project, directory, business) may be placed adjacent to any access. The additional signs must be located adjacent to the access points from the other streets.

Location of additional signs on properties with multiple vehicle accesses from one street. If a property is permitted to have additional signs because it has more than one vehicular access from a street, not more than one sign of any type (project, directory, business) may be placed adjacent to any access. The additional signs must be located adjacent to other accesses.

Master sign plan. For a new multi-occupant, nonresidential building or the renovation or expansion of an existing multi-occupant building that requires major or minor site plan review, the owner shall submit a master sign plan as part of the application for site plan review. The master sign plan shall identify the proposed location and size of signs to be allowed on the site, including provisions for how individual business signs will be treated. The master sign plan should demonstrate how the signs on the property will be coordinated in conformance with the requirements of this article to create a harmonious visual environment. This plan must specify any conditions or limits that will be applied to future signs or changes in signs to conform to these requirements. Once a master sign plan has been approved for a building, all future signs, including the replacement of existing signs, shall conform to the approved plan. The approved master sign plan may be revised with the approval of the Planning Board.

Interior window signs or displays. Interior window signs or displays may be visible from outside of the building through not more than 40% of the glazed area of the window. If a permanent sign is painted on the window, the area of that sign must be included in the 40% limit. Signs or displays may not be illuminated except for "open" signs or signs indicating the operating hours of the occupant. The area of each sign or display shall be calculated in accordance with § 300-2.15B and the area of the individual signs and displays aggregated to determine the total sign area.

Location of freestanding signs. Freestanding signs, including any supporting structures, bases or related landscaping, must be located so that they do not encroach on street rights-of-way or other parcels. The signs must be located so they do not obstruct the vision of drivers on public streets or private driveways or access roads or the visibility of pedestrians. The location of a freestanding sign must be shown on the sign permit and is subject to review by the Town after installation to determine if this standard is met. If the Code Enforcement Officer determines that the sign obstructs the visibility of drivers or pedestrians or otherwise creates a safety concern, the sign must be relocated to a location consistent with this requirement.

Information/Direction signs. An information/direction sign shall only provide information or directions that relate to the use of the property and may not include any advertising such as prices or product information, but may include the name and/or logo of the occupant or the project. The area of the name and/or logo may not exceed 40% of the area of the sign. The sign may not be illuminated. The sign must be located in relationship to the information provided.

Farm stand directional signs. Farms which sell produce at the site where that produce is grown are eligible for a seasonal farm stand directional sign. This provision allows for a maximum of four signs to be installed within a five-mile radius of the farm. The signs may not exceed eight square feet, must be directional in nature, and must advertise only the agricultural product available for immediate purchase. Signs must be placed so they do not block sight distance for any road intersections or driveways and are not a traffic hazard. The signs cannot be illuminated by any means and must be removed once the agricultural product advertised on the sign is no longer available.

[Amended 3-1-2016]

(1)

A sign permit is required prior to placement of any farm stand directional signs. The sign permit application shall include a description and picture of the signs being installed and a map which shows the locations for all signs being installed and the distances from the farm. The sign permit shall be renewed annually.

(2)

Once the seasonal farm stand directional sign application is approved and permit issued, the Code Enforcement Office shall send written notification to the owners of property adjoining the location of the signs. The notification shall be sent within two business days after the permit is issued. The adjoining property owners shall have 14 days to submit a written request to the Code Enforcement Office for a change in the location of the farm direction sign(s). Such a request must include two alternate locations for the sign. The proposed alternate locations must adjoin the objecting property owner's lot. The alternate locations must also be visible from the roadway and provide the intended direction to the farm stand without causing a safety hazard to vehicular traffic movements and/or pedestrians. The Code Enforcement Office shall review the requested change in location and within seven days provide a written determination to the sign permit applicant and the adjoining property owner that shall establish the location of the farm stand directional sign. Any party aggrieved by the decision may appeal the Code Enforcement Officer's decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals within 30 days of the written decision.

(3)

Farms which are worked by the occupant are permitted two signs which shall not exceed 72 square feet in total sign area, provided the signs shall not be displayed for more than 180 days within a single calendar year and shall not be subject to a fee.

Village shared entrance signs.

[Amended 10-6-2015]

(1)

Lots that share entrance(s) as the only means of access into their lots are allowed to utilize a shared entrance sign(s). The sign will only advertise the businesses located on the lots utilizing the shared entrance, and a readerboard sign is not allowed as part of the sign. The sign shall only be an externally illuminated sign and must reflect village character in the design.

(2)

For lots with shared entrances located on more than one street, only one village shared entrance sign is allowed per street. No other freestanding signs are allowed for lots whose businesses utilize space on a shared entrance sign. Village shared entrance signs and any associated exterior lighting are required to be approved as part of a site's master sign plan.

Sandwich board/A-frame signs. In addition to the signs allowed under § 300-2.20, Permitted nonresidential signs, a single-occupant property is allowed one sandwich board sign with an area not to exceed eight square feet. A multi-occupant property is allowed to have up to three sandwich board signs in use at one time, with only one sign being used per occupant. The sandwich board signs must be taken inside when the business is closed. The signs cannot be located within any street rights-of-way, must be located on the same lot as the site, and cannot hinder or restrict pedestrian or vehicular traffic on or off the site.

§ 300-2.19 Permitted residential signs.

Residential uses may display a single sign not over six square feet in area attached to a building or detached and located in the front yard relating to uses or services rendered on the premises, the sale, rental or lease of the premises.

§ 300-2.20 Permitted nonresidential signs.

[Amended 4-5-2016; 8-7-2018; 7-2-2024 by Ord. No. 24-94; 8-5-2025 by Ord. No. 25-82]

General provisions.

(1)

Signs in conjunction with nonresidential occupants, including nonresidential uses in residential zones, shall conform to the following maximum standards. The standards for the maximum number of signs, maximum size and height of signs and maximum sign area per occupant vary depending on the environment within which the property and sign are located. There are four different environments, each with different standards. The four environments are:

(a)

Village environment. These standards apply to signs that are located in the Village Centers District, Urban Commercial District, Mosher Corner Mixed Use District, White Rock District and Office-Residential District.

(b)

Roadside environment. These standards apply to signs that are located in the Rural District, Roadside Commercial District, Narragansett Mixed Use Development District, South Gorham Commercial Corridor District and those portions of the Industrial District located outside of an industrial or business park.

(c)

Industrial/Business park environment. These standards apply to signs that are located in or are associated with an industrial or business park in an Industrial District that has been approved by the Planning Board as a coordinated development.

(d)

Residential environment. These standards apply to signs related to a nonresidential use in the Urban Residential District, Urban Residential Expansion, South Gorham Crossroads and Suburban Residential District.

(2)

The sign standards of the underlying environment shall apply to a contract zone unless the provisions of the contract zone specifically modify the sign requirements. The requirements for the type, number, size and height of signs or total sign area may be modified as part of the contract zone provisions.

The following maximum standards apply to the four environments:

(1)

Village environment.

(a)

Single-occupant property.

[1]

Allowed freestanding signs.

[a]

Ground-mounted business signs. One ground-mounted business sign having not more than 24 square feet of sign area and being not more than eight feet high for each street frontage from which the property has vehicular access.

[b]

Sandwich board/A-frame sign. Per § 300-2.18, Subsection O.

[2]

Allowed building signs.

[a]

Wall business signs. Any number of wall business signs having a maximum total area of the greater of: 1) 36 square feet of sign area, or 2) 0.75 square foot of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade of the principal building facing the primary adjacent street as measured on the building footprint, to a maximum of 100 square feet. If the property does not have either a freestanding ground-mounted business sign or a projecting sign, the maximum total area of wall business signs may be increased by 24 square feet. If the property has a projecting sign and does not have a freestanding ground-mounted business sign, the maximum total area of wall business signs may be increased by 14 square feet. In accordance with the standards of § 300-2.25, the Planning Board, upon written request of the applicant, may waive or modify the 100 square foot cap on wall sign area up to the maximum sign area that would be allowed without the cap, and may increase the maximum total area of wall signs for buildings that have frontage on two or more streets or private accessways by up to 50%, provided that no facade may have more than the base amount of sign area. Each facade of the building may have a maximum of two wall signs, not including signs permanently painted on windows, unless a greater number is approved in accordance with § 300-2.25.

[b]

Projecting signs. One projecting sign having not more than 10 square feet of sign area, but only if the property does not have a freestanding ground-mounted business sign.

[3]

Allowed interior window signs or displays. Interior window signs or displays in any window that does not directly face an adjacent property in residential use in a residential zone, subject to the performance standards of § 300-2.18, Subsection J.

[4]

Allowed information/direction signs. Any number of information/direction signs, each having not more than four square feet of sign area.

(b)

Multi-occupant property.

[1]

Allowed freestanding signs.

[a]

Ground-mounted project signs. One ground-mounted project sign having not more than 24 square feet of sign area and being not more than eight feet high for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access.

[b]

Ground-mounted directory signs. One ground-mounted directory sign having not more than 24 square feet of sign area and being not more than eight feet high for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access.

[c]

Combination ground-mounted project/directory signs. One combination ground-mounted project/directory sign having not more than 48 square feet of sign area and being not more than eight feet high for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access, but only if the property has no other freestanding project or directory signs.

[d]

Village shared entrance signs. One shared entrance sign is allowed to be up to 72 square feet in total area for all businesses on the sign and no more than 16 feet in height. For properties with multiple shared entrances onto different streets, only one shared entrance sign is allowed to have up to 72 square feet in total area for all businesses on the sign and no more than 16 feet in height; all other shared entrance signs must conform to the height and sign area allowed under the village sign environment combination ground-mounted project/directory sign.

[i]

Business signage on any village shared entrance sign shall be restricted to the following sizes: One business shall be allowed a maximum of 28 square feet of sign area, with all other businesses being allowed a maximum of 16 square feet of sign area.

[ii]

Sign height. The bottom of the first business sign shall not be more than four feet off the ground. No spaces larger than one inch are permitted between business signs.

[e]

Sandwich board/A-frame sign. Per § 300-2.18, Subsection O.

[2]

Allowed building signs.

[a]

Project signs. One project sign having a maximum area of the greater of: 1) 18 square feet of sign area; or 2) 0.5 square foot of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade of the principal building facing the primary adjacent street as measured on the building footprint.

[b]

Directory signs. One directory sign having not more than six square feet of sign area at each public entry to the building that provides access to more than one occupant.

[c]

Wall business signs (first-floor occupants). Any number of wall business signs having a maximum total sign area of the greater of: 1) 36 square feet of sign area, or 2) 0.75 square foot of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade occupied by the occupant to which the sign relates (or width of the front facade of the occupied space if the space faces a parking area or internal roadway), for each occupant on the first floor in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable. If the property does not have a freestanding ground-mounted project sign and an occupant does not have a projecting sign, the maximum total area of wall business signs permitted for the occupant may be increased by 24 square feet. If the occupant has a projecting sign and the property does not have a freestanding ground-mounted project sign, the maximum total area of wall business signs for an occupant may be increased by 14 square feet. Not more than two wall signs for any occupant may be located on each facade of the building, not including signs permanently painted on windows, unless a greater number is approved in accordance with § 300-2.25.

[d]

Wall business signs (upper floor occupants). Any number of wall business signs having not more than 36 square feet of total sign area for each occupant on upper floors in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable. If the property does not have a freestanding ground-mounted project sign and an occupant does not have a projecting sign, the maximum total area of wall business signs permitted for the occupant may be increased by 24 square feet. If the occupant has a projecting sign and the property does not have a freestanding ground-mounted project sign, the maximum total area of wall business signs for an occupant may be increased by 14 square feet. Not more than two wall signs for any occupant may be located on each facade of the building, not including signs permanently painted on windows, unless a greater number is approved in accordance with § 300-2.25..

[e]

Projecting business signs. One projecting business sign having not more than 10 square feet of sign area for each occupant in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable.

[f]

Business identification signs. One business identification sign having not more than three square feet of sign area for each occupant in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable, but only if the property has a canopy over a pedestrian walkway providing access to the occupants.

[3]

[4]

Allowed information/direction signs. Any number of information/direction signs, each having not more than four square feet of sign area.

(2)

Roadside environment.

(a)

Single-occupant property.

[1]

Allowed freestanding signs.

[a]

Ground- or pole-mounted business signs. One ground-mounted or pole-mounted business sign having not more than 36 square feet of sign area and being not more than 16 feet high for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access.

[b]

Additional ground- or pole-mounted business signs. One additional ground-mounted or pole-mounted business sign having not more than 36 square feet of sign area and being not more than 16 feet high for any property with more than 150 feet of street frontage that has two or more separate vehicular points of access.

[c]

Sandwich board/A-frame sign. Per § 300-2.18, Subsection O

[2]

Allowed building signs.

[a]

Wall business signs. Any number of wall business signs having a maximum total area of the greater of: 1) 48 square feet of sign area, or 2) one square foot of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade of the principal building facing the primary adjacent street as measured on the building footprint, to a maximum of 200 square feet. In accordance with the standards of § 300-2.25, the Planning Board, upon written request of the applicant, may increase the maximum total area of wall signs for buildings that have frontage on two or more streets or private accessways by up to 50%, provided that no facade may have more than the base amount of sign area. Each facade of the building may have a maximum of two wall signs, not including signs permanently painted on windows, unless a greater number is approved in accordance with § 300-2.25.

[3]

[4]

Allowed information/direction signs. Any number of information/direction signs, each having not more than six square feet of sign area.

(b)

Multi-occupant property.

[1]

Allowed freestanding signs.

[a]

Ground- or pole-mounted project signs. One ground-mounted or pole-mounted project sign having not more than 36 square feet of sign area and being not more than 16 feet high for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access.

[b]

[c]

Combination ground- or pole-mounted project/directory signs. One combination ground-mounted or pole-mounted project/directory sign having not more than 48 square feet of sign area and being not more than 16 feet high for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access, but only of the property does not have a freestanding project or directory sign.

[d]

[e]

Additional ground- or pole-mounted business signs. One additional ground-mounted or pole-mounted business sign having not more than 36 square feet of sign area and being not more than 16 feet high for the primary occupant of the property for any property with more than 150 feet of street frontage that has two or more separate vehicular points of access from that street.

[f]

Sandwich board/A-frame sign. Per § 300-2.18, Subsection O.

[2]

Allowed building signs.

[a]

Project signs. One project sign having a maximum area of the greater of: 1) 36 square feet of sign area, or 2) 1.0 square foot of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade of the principal building facing the primary adjacent street as measured on the building footprint.

[b]

Directory signs. One directory sign having not more than six square feet of sign area at each public entry to the building that provides access to more than one occupant.

[c]

Wall business signs (first-floor occupants). Any number of wall business sign having a maximum total sign area of the greater of: 1) 48 square feet of sign area, or 2) 1.0 square foot of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade occupied by the occupant to which the sign relates (or width of the front facade of the occupied space if the space faces a parking area or internal roadway) for each occupant on the first floor in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable. Not more than two wall signs for any occupant may be located on each facade of the building, not including signs permanently painted on windows, unless a greater number is approved in accordance with § 300-2.25.

[d]

Wall business signs (upper-floor occupants). Any number of wall business signs having not more than 36 square feet of total sign area for each occupant on upper floors in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable. Not more than two wall signs for any occupant may be located on each facade of the building, not including signs permanently painted on windows, unless a greater number is approved in accordance with § 300-2.25.

[e]

[3]

[4]

Allowed information/direction signs. Any number of information/direction signs, each having not more than six square feet of sign area.

(3)

Industrial/Business park environment.

(a)

Single-occupant property within an industrial/business park.

[1]

Allowed freestanding signs.

[a]

Ground- or pole-mounted business signs. One ground-mounted or pole-mounted business sign having not more than 36 square feet (SF) of sign area and being not more than 16 feet high for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access.

[b]

Sandwich board/A-frame sign. Per § 300-2.18, Subsection O.

[2]

Allowed building signs.

[a]

Wall business signs. Any number of wall business signs having a maximum total area of the greater of: 1) 48 square feet of sign area, or 2) 1.5 square feet of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade of the principal building facing the primary adjacent street as measured on the building footprint, to a maximum of 250 square feet. Each facade of the building may have a maximum of two wall signs, not including signs permanently painted on windows.

[3]

Allowed information/direction signs: Any number of information/direction signs, each having not more than eight square feet of sign area.

(b)

Multi-occupant property within an industrial/business park.

[1]

Allowed freestanding signs.

[a]

[b]

[c]

Combination ground- or pole-mounted project/directory signs. One combination ground- or pole-mounted project/directory sign having not more than 48 square feet of sign area and being not more than 16 feet high for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access, but only if the property has no other freestanding project or directory signs.

[d]

Ground- or pole-mounted business signs. One ground-mounted or pole-mounted business sign having not more than 36 square feet of sign area and being not more than 16 feet high for the primary occupant of the property for each frontage from which the property has vehicular access.

[e]

Sandwich board/A-frame signs. Per § 300-2.18, Subsection O.

[2]

Allowed building signs.

[a]

[b]

Directory signs. One directory sign having not more than six square feet of sign area at each public entry to the building that provides access to more than one occupant.

[c]

Wall business signs. Any number of wall business signs having not more than 72 square feet of total sign area for each occupant in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable. Each facade of the building may have a maximum of two wall signs, not including signs permanently painted on windows.

[3]

Allowed information/direction signs. Any number of information/direction signs, each having not more than eight square feet of sign area.

(4)

Residential environment.

(a)

Single-occupant nonresidential property.

[1]

Allowed freestanding signs.

[a]

[b]

Sandwich board/A-frame signs. Per § 300-2.18, Subsection O.

[2]

Allowed building signs.

[a]

[3]

Allowed information/direction signs: Any number of information/directions signs, each having not more than two square feet of sign area.

(b)

Multi-occupant nonresidential or mixed-use property.

[1]

Allowed freestanding signs.

(Reserved)

Sandwich board/A-frame signs. Per § 300-2.18, Subsection O.

[2]

Allowed building signs.

[a]

Project signs. One project sign having a maximum area of the greater of: 1) 18 square feet of sign area, or 2) 0.5 square foot of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade of the principal building facing the primary adjacent street as measured on the building footprint.

[b]

Directory signs. One directory sign having not more than six square feet of sign area at each public entry to the building that provides access to more than one nonresidential occupant.

[c]

Wall business signs (first-floor nonresidential occupants). Any number of wall business signs having a maximum total sign area of the greater of: 1) 36 square feet of sign area, or 2) 0.75 square foot of sign area for each foot of width of the primary front facade occupied by the nonresidential occupant to which the sign relates (or width of the front facade of the occupied space if the space faces a parking area or internal roadway), for each nonresidential occupant on the first floor in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable. Not more than two wall signs for any occupant may be located on each facade of the building, not including signs permanently painted on windows, unless a greater number is approved in accordance with § 300-2.25.

[d]

Wall business signs (upper-floor nonresidential occupants). Any number of wall business signs having not more than 24 square feet of total sign area for each nonresidential occupant on upper floors in accordance with an approved master sign plan if applicable. Not more than two wall signs for any occupant may be located on each facade of the building, not including signs permanently painted on windows, unless a greater number is approved in accordance with § 300-2.25.

[3]

Allowed information/direction signs. Any number of information/direction signs, each having not more than two square feet of sign area.

Announcement signs or bulletin boards for the use of a public, charitable or religious institution in the Urban Residential District are permitted as set forth in Part 1, § 300-1.31, of this Land Use and Development Code.

§ 300-2.21 Official business directional signs.

Official business directional signs shall be allowed pursuant to the Maine Traveler Information Act[1] and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT). All official business directional signs must meet current MDOT standards regulating the installation of such signs. The background color of all such signs in the Town (including both reflectorized and nonreflectorized) shall be of uniform blue in accordance with Maine Department of Transportation regulations relating to off-premises signs, as may be amended from time to time.

[1]

Editor's Note: See 21 M.R.S.A. § 1901 et seq.

§ 300-2.22 Industrial park identification signs.

Gorham Industrial Park identification signs may be located off the Industrial Park premises at the entrances of the Industrial Park on Bartlett Road and at the entrance of any new public road that accesses the Gorham Industrial Park and must be approved by the Gorham Economic Development Corporation and the Gorham Town Council.

Granite signs identifying the Gorham Industrial Park and accompanying decorative wall shall not exceed 120 square feet on any one side.

Gorham Industrial Park directory signs may be located at intersections within the Industrial Park.

§ 300-2.23 Portable signs.

[Amended 8-5-2025 by Ord. No. 25-82]

Except as otherwise provided by ordinance, on-premises portable signs shall be allowed as provided for herein. All portable signs shall require a permit issued by the Code Enforcement Officer. The Code Enforcement Officer shall grant any such permit upon demonstration by the applicant that the sign is in full compliance with all laws and ordinances applicable to said permit, unless in the opinion of the Code Enforcement Officer granting such permit would endanger the public safety. The application for such permit shall contain the name and address of the applicant, the purpose for which the portable sign is requested, and the written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises on which the sign is to be located. The permit shall be granted for a period of 30 days, and not more than two such permits shall be issued for any particular property, business or location in any twelve-month period; provided, however, that there shall be a waiting period of not less than 30 days between the date of expiration of one such permit and the issuance of the next such permit. Upon expiration of the permit, the portable sign shall immediately be removed. In addition to the application fee in such amount(s) and for such purpose(s) as the Town Council may from time to time establish by Council order, the applicant shall pay in advance a deposit in such amount(s) and for such purpose(s) as the Town Council may from time to time establish by Council order, to be refunded upon removal of the sign in conformance with this article; provided, however, if the sign is not removed upon expiration of the permit, the Town shall notify the permit holder in writing of the violation and indicate that the permit holder has 10 days from mailing of the letter to appeal the proposed forfeiture to the Code Enforcement Officer. If the matter is not timely appealed to the CEO or, if appealed, the appeal is denied, the deposit shall be forfeited to the Town. Such forfeiture shall be in addition to any other remedies otherwise provided by law. The requirement of a deposit shall be waived for nonprofit organizations.

Portable signs in excess of 32 square feet in surface area shall not be permitted.

Signs otherwise meeting the definition of portable signs and that are intended to be permanently placed shall be permanently anchored and regulated in accordance with the applicable provisions of this article for the type and location of the sign.

§ 300-2.24 Continuation and termination of nonconforming signs.

Removal of illegal signs. Signs that were previously installed without a permit from the Town or that are not legally nonconforming must be removed within 90 days of the adoption of this provision.

Continued use of legally nonconforming signs. Legally existing nonconforming signs may continue to be used in accordance with this section. Legally nonconforming signs may be repaired, but the sign may not be otherwise altered, enlarged or relocated except as provided for in Subsection C.

Discontinuation/Replacement of nonconforming signs.

(1)

Any legally existing nonconforming sign as of the date of adoption of this Article 2-3 shall be removed or brought into conformance with the applicable provisions of this article:

(a)

Prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for a building or premises that is substantially changed or altered in a manner that requires major site plan review;

(b)

Within 30 days of a change of the occupant of the building or space;

(c)

Within 30 days if a building is demolished, destroyed, or moved from the parcel;

(d)

Within 30 days if the sign is demolished, destroyed or moved from the parcel, and the extent of the repairs exceeds 90% of the cost of replacing the sign with a conforming sign or the sign is moved from the parcel.

(2)

The applicant shall be responsible for demonstrating to the Planning Board's satisfaction that all of these conditions are met.

(3)

The Planning Board shall approve the replacement of a nonconforming sign with a less nonconforming sign. This replacement is available only one time for each nonconforming sign.

(a)

The definition of "less nonconforming" is as follows:

[1]

The replacement sign may be greater in area and height than the maximum allowed for a conforming sign by up to 50% of the difference between the existing nonconforming sign and a conforming sign;

[2]

If a readerboard exists in the nonconforming sign that is not integrated into the sign, a replacement readerboard must be integrated into the new sign but may not be more than 75% of the area of the replacement sign; and

[3]

If the nonconforming sign is a wall sign and the area of all wall signs is greater than the maximum conforming area allowed, the replacement wall sign must reduce the nonconformance of the total wall sign area by at least half of the difference between the existing nonconforming total area and the maximum conforming area for wall signs.

(b)

In all other respects, including sign type, illumination, sign placement, and any other characteristic not specifically addressed in Subsection C(3)(a)[1], [2] or [3] above, the replacement sign must meet the requirements for a conforming sign for the sign environment in which the nonconforming sign is located.

(4)

The request for Planning Board approval must be accompanied by the following:

(a)

Full description of the existing nonconforming sign with drawings or photos identifying its type, size, height and method of illumination;

(b)

An analysis detailing how the existing sign does not conform to the current requirements;

(c)

A full description of the proposed replacement sign with drawings or photos identifying its type, size, height and method of illumination; and

(d)

An analysis of how the proposed sign complies with the definition of "less nonconforming" set forth above.

§ 300-2.25 Additional wall signs or wall sign area.

More than two wall business signs per facade or an increase to the total allowed wall sign area for properties that front on two or more streets or access roads may be permitted if the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of both the Code Enforcement Officer and the Town Planner that additional signs and/or sign area:

(1)

Are needed to provide appropriate visibility for the business;

(2)

Will be within the maximum area of wall business signs allowed for the property, including the allowed additional area;

(3)

If the project is located in the Village Centers or Urban Commercial Districts, the signs are compatible with Part 1, Article 1-9, § 300-1.48E(10), and Article 1-10, § 300-1.53J.

In the event the Code Enforcement Officer and the Town Planner do not agree that the applicant meets or exceeds the requirements of this section, the application will be forwarded to the Planning Board for consideration.

§ 300-2.26 Additional freestanding signs for corner lots.

Additional freestanding signs for properties that front on two or more streets but that have vehicular access from only one street may be permitted if the applicant has demonstrated to the satisfaction of both the Code Enforcement Officer and the Town Planner that:

(1)

The building faces or is primarily oriented to a street from which the parcel does not have vehicular access;

(2)

The additional sign is needed to provide appropriate visibility for the occupant(s) of the property or to safely direct vehicles to the access into the property;

(3)

The additional sign will be located so that there is only one sign of any type on each frontage; and

(4)

If the project is located in the Village Centers or Urban Commercial Districts, the sign is compatible with Part 1, Article 1-9, § 300-1.48E(10), and Article 1-10, § 300-1.53J.