This article shall be known as the "Sign Ordinance of Nashua, New Hampshire."
A. 
Definitions. The "Applicability" subsection of each sign structure described in §§ 190-96 to 190-110 provides a definition of the type of sign subject to this section. See § 190-264 for additional definitions. To the extent that a provision of this article and another section of the Code of the City of Nashua conflict, the provisions of this article control.
B. 
No content restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no sign shall be subject to any limitation based on the content of the message contained on such sign. Any sign authorized in this article may contain any noncommercial copy in lieu of any other copy.
Any sign not specifically authorized by this chapter is prohibited unless required by law. The following signs and conditions are prohibited:
A. 
Any sign located within, on, or projecting over a property line which borders a public or private street, highway, alley, lane, parkway, avenue, road, sidewalk, or other right-of-way, except as provided in this chapter. The Administrator may cause to be removed any temporary or portable sign erected or displayed upon or projecting into public property. This subsection shall not be interpreted so as to prohibit any umbrella, awning, or canopy displaying advertising signage from being used and erected in connection with outdoor dining so long as vehicular and pedestrian traffic is not obstructed thereby.
[Amended 7-14-2020 by Ord. No. O-20-023]
B. 
Any sign attached to any public utility pole or structure, streetlight, tree, fence, fire hydrant, bridge, curb, sidewalk, park bench, or other location on public property, except as provided herein.
C. 
Any sign placed, which by reason of its location, will obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign, signal or other traffic control device or which by reason of shape, color, or position interferes with or could be confused with any authorized traffic signal or device.
D. 
Any sign which is placed so as to prevent or inhibit free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or any exit way required by the Building Code or the Fire Code.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 105, Building Construction, and Ch. 156, Fire Prevention.
E. 
Any flashing sign or other sign or lighting device, whether on the exterior of the building, or on the inside of a window which is visible beyond the boundaries of the lot or parcel, or from any public right-of-way, with intermittent, flashing, rotating, scintillating, blinking, or strobe light illumination, including an electronic message device, except as provided in § 190-97B, or the regulations applicable to a particular sign structure.
F. 
Any sign with unshielded incandescent, metal halide, or fluorescent light bulbs.
G. 
Any sign which emits audible sound, odor, smoke, steam, laser or hologram lights, or other visible matter, including any sign that employs any stereopticon or motion-picture projection.
H. 
Any sign animated by any means, including fixed aerial displays, balloons, pennants, including strings of flags, streamers or devices affected by the movement of the air.
I. 
Any rotating sign.
J. 
Any banners or temporary signs, except as provided for in § 190-106.
K. 
Any portable sign or attention-getting device, including but not limited to sandwich, A-frame, tire rim, animated sign, stuffed animal, or vehicle used as a sign or sign structure; and/or string of lights arranged in the shape of a product, arrow, or any commercial message, except as provided for in § 190-106, or where permitted in the D Downtown District. A-frame signs may be used on a public sidewalk in the D Downtown District where approved by the Board of Public Works.
L. 
Any sign mounted, attached or painted on a trailer, boat, or motor vehicle when parked, stored, or displayed conspicuously on the public right-of-way or private premises in a manner intended to attract attention of the public for advertising purposes. Such signs or devices are considered portable signs within the meaning of these regulations and are prohibited. This provision expressly excludes business signs that are permanently painted on or magnetically attached to motor vehicles or rolling stock that are regularly and consistently used to conduct normal business activities.
M. 
Any sign painted, attached or mounted on fuel tanks, outdoor storage containers and/or solid waste receptacles or their enclosures.
N. 
Any unauthorized sign attached to existing signs, outdoor light poles, or other structures.
A. 
Applicability. No sign may be established without a sign permit issued by the Administrator, unless exempted by this subsection.
B. 
Permit not required. The following signs do not require sign permits and are permitted in all zoning districts:
(1) 
Signs installed by government bodies.
(2) 
Utility signs.
(3) 
Real estate signs not to exceed eight square feet for single-family residential properties, 16 square feet for multifamily residential properties and 32 square feet for all other uses in all other zoning districts. Real estate signs are limited to one per each side of the property abutting a public right-of-way and must be removed within 30 days after the sale, rental or lease.
(4) 
National, state or corporate flags. Corporate flags shall not exceed a maximum area of 40 square feet.
(5) 
Nameplates and historic markers, a maximum area of two square feet.
(6) 
Building name sign, a maximum sign area of 12 square feet.
(7) 
Alterations that include repainting, changing copy, or replacement of the existing sign face, except this shall not apply to signs located in the Historic District.
[Amended 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. O-12-024]
(8) 
(Reserved)[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Former Subsection B(8), Signs that are clearly shown on a site plan approved by the Planning Board, was repealed 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. O-23-051.
(9) 
Charitable and public service signs.
(10) 
Political signs.
(11) 
Contractor signs not to exceed 32 square feet, except on projects that exceed one acre in size where the maximum sign area shall be 64 square feet. Such sign shall be removed within 30 days after completion of the project.
(12) 
Directional, directory and on-site, internal, traffic control signs in accordance with § 190-100.
(13) 
Temporary signs, no greater than 12 square feet, advertising on-site employment opportunities.
(14) 
Signs affixed to the interior side of a window so as to be visible from the exterior that advertise products or services available within the building, prices, payment methods, or sales. However, such signs shall not cover more than 25% of the total visible window area.
(15) 
Lettering, logos or graphics affixed to products or packaging displayed for on-site sales.
(16) 
Lettering, logos or graphics identifying or describing products or their manufacturers, vendors or distributors which are affixed to the exterior of equipment such as vending machines, gasoline pumps and other similar equipment.
(17) 
Lettering, logos or graphics affixed to registered motor vehicles or equipment that identify the business owners or operators of the vehicle or equipment or their manufacturers.
(18) 
Temporary signs, which advertise garage or yard sales or lost pets.
(19) 
On-site temporary signs advertising the opening of a new business.
(20) 
Customary signs that give warning, no larger than two square feet in area, bearing messages such as "Beware of Dog" or "No Trespassing."
C. 
Initiation. A sign permit application shall be submitted to the Administrative Officer. The application shall include a sign plan as set forth in Article XLIII.
D. 
Completeness review. The Administrative Officer shall determine whether the sign permit application is complete (as provided in § 190-125) within 10 days after the application is filed.
E. 
Notice. No notice is required for a sign permit application.
F. 
Decision.
(1) 
The Administrative Officer shall approve or deny the application within the time periods prescribed below after it is determined to be complete. Applications found to be incomplete shall be denied. If the application is denied, the Administrative Officer shall provide notice to the applicant in writing, which notice shall explain any deficiencies in the application and how an applicant may proceed under this section and Part 3 of this chapter.
(2) 
Upon a finding by the Administrative Officer that the application complies with the provisions of this article, the Administrator shall cause to be issued a sign permit for installation by the applicant. Such issuance shall be made within 15 working days of the City's receipt of the completed application unless a variance is requested.
(3) 
If a sign permit for the sign location or design applied for shall be denied, the applicant shall be notified within 15 working days of the City's receipt of the completed application. The Administrator shall advise the applicant of the specific cause of such denial, and may suggest alternative locations or design modifications.
(4) 
Any aggrieved individual may appeal the decision of the Administrative Officer regarding the interpretation of this article or subsequent action with respect to the issuance or denial of a permit. All appeals must be submitted within 30 calendar days after a decision or action. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall consider the appeal and shall render a decision approving or denying the sign application within 45 days after the notice of appeal is filed. If a decision is not rendered within this time period, the application shall be deemed approved.
G. 
Approval criteria. The Administrative Officer shall issue the requested sign permit if the sign permit application complies with this article. Otherwise the Administrative Officer shall deny the sign permit application as specified above in § 190-94F(1).
H. 
Subsequent applications. When a sign permit application is denied by the Administrative Officer, an applicant may resubmit the application when the specific cause(s) for denial by the Administrative Officer have been addressed in a revised application. The revised sign permit application must include revised drawings, measurements, illumination, and any other items required by Article XLIII to remedy the causes for initial denial.
I. 
Amendments. No new sign or modification of the size, materials, or design characteristics of a sign shall occur unless a new sign permit is issued in accordance with the procedures established in Subsections A through F above.
J. 
Scope of approval. Following issuance of a sign permit, the applicant shall comply with the requirements of the Sign Ordinance.
A. 
Number of signs per district. The maximum cumulative number and maximum cumulative area of all sign structures permitted for any lot, parcel or business within a zoning district is set forth in the following sections.
B. 
Exemption. This section does not apply to political signs or any other sign displaying a noncommercial message.
C. 
Historic District.
Purpose and findings: the Historic District is an overlay district distinguished by a large number of houses of the late Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, second Empire and Queen Anne styles of architecture, and some Italianate commercial buildings. The scale, type and materials of signs should respect the unique character of the district and architectural integrity of the historic structures.
D. 
The following signage is not permitted within the Historic District:
(1) 
Internally illuminated signs.
(2) 
Electronic message centers.
(3) 
Portable, changeable copy signs.
(4) 
Flashing signs and changing signs (electronic).
E. 
Any change to the size, location, design, color, texture, lighting, materials or outer appearance of a sign will require a sign permit, and Historic District Commission review for approval.
[Added 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. O-12-024]
Sections 190-97 through 190-108 contain standards for different types of sign structures. These standards regulate the dimensions, location and design of signs based upon their structural characteristics or location. Each section follows a common format in order to enhance readability.
A. 
Applicability. This section applies to any sign that is either electronically or electrically controlled to illustrate different copy changes on the same sign. This sign's message may be changed by electronic switching or automatic switching of lamps or alteration in the level of illumination or other illumination source to form words, letters, designs, figures, numerals and pictures often through the apparent vertical or horizontal movement of light. Such signs shall not include a flashing light source. In the case of a changing sign (electronic), "flashing" shall be defined as an interval of illumination less than five seconds in duration. These signs are commonly used to display time, temperature, date and message centers or reader boards, indexing signs, and those known as electronic message centers.
B. 
Electronic message center. Where electronic message centers are permitted, they shall be subject to all of the following restrictions:
(1) 
The changing sign (electronic) may not exceed 50% of the area of the sign or 52 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(2) 
The changing sign (electronic) shall be restricted to three lines of text only, and no additional symbols, graphics or images shall be allowed. Signs which are restricted to the display of the current local time and the current local temperature shall be restricted to one line of text.
(3) 
All illumination elements on the face of a changing sign (electronic) shall remain at a fixed level of illumination for a period of not less than five seconds.
(4) 
Changes from one message to another shall be accomplished by the change of all illumination elements on the face of a changing sign (electronic) simultaneously, with the provision that the sign may fade to complete darkness and then re-illuminate with or fade to the new message.
(5) 
Changing signs (electronic) shall be equipped with the ability to adjust the brightness of the sign and shall not be operated at a brightness which is substantially greater than other sources of illumination in the area.
(6) 
The applicant for a sign permit for a changing sign (electronic) under the provisions of this chapter shall provide with his application an affidavit, sworn or attested by the land owner and by the applicant, attesting to the facts that:
(a) 
The sign to be installed meets all of the criteria set forth in this chapter; and
(b) 
That the sign shall be operated in a manner consistent with the criteria set forth in this chapter; and
(c) 
That the land owner and applicant agree to be held liable, separately or collectively, if these provisions are not met, for any fines arising from such violation. This provision shall not be construed to relieve any other responsibility or remedy for such violation set forth in this chapter.
A. 
Applicability. Nonelectric awning, canopy and marquee signs are permitted in all nonresidential zoning districts. A building permit is required.
B. 
R-B and R-C Districts. In the R-B and R-C Districts, an awning or canopy sign not exceeding five feet in horizontal width is permitted for quadruplexes and apartments.
C. 
Copy area.
(1) 
The copy area on any awning sign, canopy sign, electronic awning sign, or marquee sign is computed as all or a portion of the allowed wall sign area.
(2) 
Copy located on the canopy or awning sign shall not exceed 1/2 of the area bounded by the edges of the canopy or awning visible from the public right-of-way. If copy is only found in fringe drip-flap portion of the canopy, the entire portion of said area may be utilized for signage.
D. 
Right-of-way. If the awning or canopy sign projects into the right-of-way, an encroachment permit may be required by the Board of Public Works.
E. 
Electric awning signs.
(1) 
A fireproof space frame structure with translucent covering designed in awning form, but whose purpose and use is signage. Such signs are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources in fixtures approved under national and local Electrical Codes.
(2) 
Electric awning signs shall be located on multistory buildings between the first- and second-story windows or, on single-story buildings, above the first-story windows. Electric awning signs located on multiple storefronts shall be allowed copy space no more than 80% of the individual storefront width, in order to maintain adequate separation between tenant spaces.
(3) 
A fireproof space frame structure with translucent covering designed in awning form, but whose purpose and use is signage. Such signs are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources in fixtures approved under national and local Electrical Codes.
F. 
Height/clearance. Awning, canopy and marquee signs shall not exceed five feet in height and shall maintain a minimum of eight feet clearance.
A. 
Applicability. A banner sign is a temporary sign of lightweight material (paper, plastic or fabric) hung either with or without frames. A permanent banner sign is a sign constructed of lightweight material (paper, plastic or fabric) attached by means of rigid frames to a pole in a permanent or semipermanent fashion.
Comment: Flags and insignias containing markings of any government, corporation or business are not considered banners, and are defined separately as flags.
B. 
Generally. Permanent banner signs are only permitted on properties that have a minimum of 10,000 square feet of exterior display space for retail sales as delineated on a site plan approved by the Nashua Planning Board in accordance with Part 3, Procedures, of this chapter and only if they meet the following conditions:
(1) 
Signs must be located within an outside display area as delineated on an approved site plan.
(2) 
Properties containing at least 10,000 square feet of outside display area for retail sales shall be allowed to install no more than two such signs.
(3) 
One additional sign shall be permitted for each additional 10,000 square feet of outside display area, to a maximum of four per property.
C. 
Size. Each sign shall be no larger than nine feet in the vertical dimension and no larger than three feet in the horizontal dimension.
D. 
Location and orientation. Such signs shall be installed on single vertical poles, in a vertical orientation. Such signs shall be located 10 feet further from a public right-of-way than any permanent ground sign on the property. Signs must be located within an outside display area as delineated on an approved site plan. No permanent banner sign shall be located closer than 100 feet to any other such sign.
Table 99-4
Banner Signs
Zoning District
Standard
Residential
LB
GB
HB
PI/AI
GI
D-1/D-3
A.
Permitted?
N
P
P
P
N
N
N
B.
Permit required?
—
—
Y
Y
—
—
—
C.
Number per site
0
0
2
2
0
0
0
Dimensions
E.
Area per sign
—
—
27
27
—
—
—
F.
Height
—
—
9
9
—
—
—
Location
G.
Clearance (minimum)
—
—
7
7
—
—
—
H.
Clearance (maximum)
—
—
20
20
—
—
—
I.
Right-of-way setback
—
—
20
20
—
—
—
A. 
Applicability. A "directional sign" means a sign that is necessary for on-site public safety and convenience. Examples include signs located next to a driveway and reading "in," "out," "entrance," "parking," or "exit."
B. 
Supplemental standards for directional signs.
(1) 
These signs are allowed in addition to other permitted signage on site.
(2) 
A sign permit is required for directional signs that are setback less than 15 feet from a property line, or located so as to be visible from a public right-of-way.
(3) 
Directional signs may be located adjacent to a driveway, provided it does not impede sight visibility.
(4) 
Corporate emblems or logos on directional signs must be incidental and must not exceed 33% of the total area of the sign.
(5) 
Directional signs shall conform to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices where applicable.
Table 100-6
Directional Signs
Zoning District
Standard
Residential
LB
GB
HB
PI/AI
GI
D-1/D-3
A.
Permitted?
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
B.
Permit required?
Dimensions
C.
Area per sign
6
6
9
9
9
9
6
A. 
Applicability. This section applies to any ground sign. A ground sign is a sign established on a freestanding frame, mast or pole and not attached to any building. Where such signs are established back to back, the larger face shall be calculated for the purposes of determining allowable area.
B. 
Reduction in setbacks. The minimum setback of the signs may be reduced to 10 feet from right-of-way where the sign does not exceed 20 feet in height.
C. 
Nonresidential districts abutting residential districts. The maximum sign height shall be reduced to 15 feet when a lot within a nonresidential district abuts a residentially zoned lot.
D. 
Landscaping. All ground signs shall be installed in a landscaped area of not less than 12 square feet.
E. 
Supplemental standards for General Business (GB), Highway Business (HB) and Park Industrial (PI) Districts. For a corner lot, a permitted ground sign may be replaced with two ground signs, each meeting all of the following conditions:
(1) 
Each sign shall be visible from a different right-of-way.
(2) 
The maximum area of each sign is restricted to 100 square feet for the GB and HB Districts and 75 feet for the PI District, provided that the cumulative area of all signs is subject to § 190-95 and this section.
(3) 
The signs shall not be located closer than 75 from an intersection, as measured from the point of intersecting rights-of-way.
(4) 
The minimum setback may be reduced to 20 feet from the right-of-way where the sign does not exceed 30 feet in height.
F. 
Supplemental standards for PI and AI Districts. Within the PI or AI Districts, where the lot frontage does not abut a residential zoning district, the sign height may be increased to 20 feet.
G. 
Supplemental standards for General Industrial (GI) District. If the district does not abut a residential zoning district, the maximum area for a ground sign may be increased to 100 feet.
Table 101-7
Ground Signs
Zoning District
Standard
Residential
LB
GB
HB
PI/AI
GI
D-1/D-3
A.
Permitted?
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
B.
Permit required?
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
C.
Number per site*
1
1
1*
1*
1*
1
1
D.
Frontage
—
50
90
90
100
100
100
Dimensions
E.
Area per sign
10
32
150
150
100
75
50
F.
Height
6
6
40
40
15
20
10
Location
G.
Right-of-way setback
10
10
20
20
20
10
10
H.
Intersection setback (feet)
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
I.
Exterior wall plane setback
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Design Characteristics
J.
Electronic message center
—
—
P
P
—
—
—
K.
Changeable copy
—
—
P
P
P
P
—
*
See § 190-101E for corner lots.
H. 
Address number(s) must be displayed on each face of the ground or identification sign so as to be visible from the nearest right(s)-of-way, with Arabic numerals or alphabet letters, a minimum of four inches in height, a maximum of eight inches in height, and total square footage not to exceed 10 square feet. Address identifier is not considered as part of the total allowable sign area calculation.
[Added 4-23-2019 by Ord. No. O-19-038]
A. 
Generally. This section applies to any identification sign. An "identification sign" means any sign meeting the dimensional and design restrictions below that is necessary for indicating the name and purpose of a religious, educational, medical, public or quasi-public facility located on site.
B. 
Subdivision identification signs. See § 190-101 (ground signs).
C. 
Park industrial signs. A "park industrial sign" means a signs located adjacent to and intended to identify the entrance to multibuilding park industrial developments situated. In lieu of the requirements below, park industrial signs are permitted only on lot(s) or parcel(s) with a minimum land area of three acres. Minimum frontage shall be 300 feet on a public right-of-way. Maximum sign area shall be 200 square feet for one sign, or 125 square feet for each of two signs, and shall be allowed in addition to any ground signs for individual owners or tenants.
Table 102-8
Identification Signs
Zoning District
Standard
R-A, R-B, R-C R-C (Nonresidential Uses Only)
LB
GB
HB
PI/AI
GI
D-1/D-3
A.
Permitted?
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
B.
Permit required?
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
C.
Number per site
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Dimensions
E.
Area per sign
12
20
20
20
20
20
20
H.
Height
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
Location
L.
Intersection setback (feet)
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
D. 
Address number(s) must be displayed on each face of the ground or identification sign so as to be visible from the nearest right(s)-of-way, with Arabic numerals or alphabet letters, a minimum of four inches in height, a maximum of eight inches in height, and total square footage not to exceed 10 square feet. Address identifier is not considered as part of the total allowable sign area calculation.
[Added 4-23-2019 by Ord. No. O-19-038]
Purpose and findings: For the purpose of regulating excess signage, encouraging the positive economic development of the City, promoting the safety of the traveling public, protecting existing property values in both residential and nonresidential areas, preventing the overcrowding of land, promoting a positive community appearance as part of a concerted City-wide effort to protect and enhance the aesthetics of the City for the enjoyment of all citizens of New Hampshire, outdoor advertising signs are herein regulated.
The regulations are designed to prevent their overconcentration, improper placement, and excessive height, bulk, number, and area. It is recognized that, unlike on-premises identification signs which are in actually a part of a business, outdoor advertising is a separate and distinct use of the public thoroughfare. With a view to this distinction, outdoor advertising signs are regulated differently from on-premises signs. It is intended that outdoor advertising signs be located away from residential areas, and that such signs be regulated to protect the character of the area wherein outdoor advertising signs are located, and to conserve property values in these areas.
A. 
Applicability.
(1) 
This section applies to any outdoor advertising sign. An "outdoor advertising sign" means any billboard or off-premises sign. A "billboard" means any off-premises sign on a permanent structure on which the copy is periodically changed and which is not located on the premises to which such advertising copy pertains. An "off-premises sign" means any sign or structure, pictorial or otherwise, regardless of size or shape which directs attention to a business, commodity, attraction, profession, service or entertainment conducted, sold, offered, manufactured, existing, or provided at a location other than the premises where the sign is located or to which it is affixed (sometimes called "non-point-of-sale sign").
(2) 
All outdoor advertising signs shall be consistent with all definitions and shall comply with all standards and regulations of this code. Except for ordinary maintenance and repair, poster panel replacements, copy changes, or repair not involving structural, material, or electrical changes, no outdoor advertising signs, or part thereof, shall be erected, altered, constructed, changed, converted, re-erected, additionally illuminated, reduced in size, enlarged, or moved unless the entire outdoor advertising sign and structure are brought into conformity with this code.
B. 
Dimensional standards. See Table 103-10 below.
C. 
Construction standards.
(1) 
Compliance with Building Codes. All signs shall comply with the appropriate detailed provisions of the Nashua Building Code and Nashua Electrical Code (Chapter 105 of the City Code) and other provisions of the City Code of the City of Nashua.
(2) 
Clearance from high-voltage power lines. Outdoor advertising signs shall be located in such a way that they maintain horizontal and vertical clearance of all overhead electrical conductors in accordance with the Nashua Electric Code provided that no outdoor advertising sign shall be erected closer than 10 feet in any direction to any conductor or public utility guy wire.
D. 
Location and spacing.
(1) 
Corner lots. No part of an outdoor advertising sign may be located within a triangular area formed by the street right-of-way lines and a line connecting them at points 50 feet from the right-of-way intersection.
(2) 
Spacing of signs.
(a) 
No part of any outdoor advertising sign shall be located less than 1,000 feet from any part of another outdoor advertising sign when located within either of two two-hundred-foot corridors along each side of a roadway. The two corridors shall be delineated by connecting perpendicular measurements from all points along the road rights-of-way. No part of any permitted outdoor advertising sign which is located outside of the two-hundred-foot corridor areas may be located within a one-thousand-foot radius of any other outdoor advertising sign.
(b) 
No part of any outdoor advertising sign is permitted within 400 feet of a residential zoning district.
Table 103-10
Outdoor Advertising Signs
Zoning District
Standard
Residential
LB
GB
HB
PI/AI
GI
D-1/D-3
A.
Permitted?
N
N
P
P
P
P
N
B.
Permit required?
—
—
Y
Y
Y
Y—
C.
Number per site
—
—
1
1
1
1
—
D.
Frontage
—
—
90
90
100
100
—
Dimensions
E.1
Area per sign, signs facing streets with 4 or more traffic lanes
—
—
150
150
150
150
—
E.2
Area per sign, signs facing streets with fewer than4 traffic lanes
—
—
75
75
75
75
—
F.
Height
—
—
30
30
30
30
—
Location
G.
Right-of-way setback
—
—
20
20
10
10
—
H.
Intersection setback (feet)
—
—
25
25
25
25
—
Design Characteristics
J.
Electronic message center
—
—
N
N
N
N
—
K.
Changeable copy
—
—
N
N
N
N
—
A. 
Applicability. A projecting sign is a sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and projects in a perpendicular fashion more than 12 inches beyond the surface to which it is affixed. A projecting sign is meant to be viewed from a position other than directly facing the building.
B. 
Height.
(1) 
For purposes of this section, "height" shall mean the distance from the top of the sign to the finished grade.
(2) 
Projecting signs shall not extend above parapet or roofline.
C. 
Clearance. Minimum clearance shall be 10 feet, except where a sign projects over a traffic area, such as a driveway, then the minimum clearance between the bottom of the sign and the ground shall be no less than 14 feet.
D. 
Projection. Maximum sign projection shall be five feet and shall not project closer than three feet to the curbline.
Table 104-11
Projecting Signs
Zoning District
Standard
Residential
LB
GB
HB
PI/AI
GI
D-1/D-3
A.
Permitted?
N
P
P
P
P
P
P
B.
Permit required?
—
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
C.
Number per site
—
1
1
1
1
1
1
D.
Frontage
—
—
90
90
—
100
—
Dimensions
E.
Area per sign
—
10
24
24
24
24
10
H.
Height (see special rules below)
—
19
30
30
30
30
19
Location
I.
Clearance (minimum)
—
10
10
10
10
10
10
J.
Right-of-way setback
—
10
10
10
10
10
10
K.
Intersection setback (feet)
—
25
25
25
25
25
25
A. 
Applicability. A roof sign is a sign established upon, against, or directly above a roof, or on the top of or above the parapet of a building. See definition of "parapet" in § 190-264.
Table 105-13
Roof Signs
Zoning District
Standard
Residential
LB
GB
HB
PI/AI
GI
D-1/D-3
A.
Permitted?
N
N
P
P
N
N
N
B.
Permit required?
—
—
Y
Y
—
—
—
C.
Number per site
—
—
1
1
—
—
—
Dimensions
D.
Area per sign
—
—
150
150
—
—
—
E.
Height (measured from roof)
—
—
10
10
—
—
—
Location
F.
Exterior wall plane setback
—
—
3
3
—
—
—
A. 
Applicability. A building permit is required for all temporary signs except for those specifically excluded under § 190-94.
B. 
General standards. The following restrictions apply to all temporary signs, unless otherwise indicated in § 190-94:
(1) 
Only one ground or wall sign used as a temporary sign is permitted per premises. However, there is no restriction on the number of signs used for political speech.
(2) 
No temporary sign shall be located in the public right-of-way or on public property.
(3) 
Minimum setback shall be 10 feet from public right-of-way and 25 feet from point of intersecting street rights-of-way.
(4) 
No temporary sign shall be located so as to obstruct traffic or create a hazard.
(5) 
Height and setbacks shall comply with the underlying zoning district, unless otherwise indicated.
[Amended 3-28-2006 by Ord. No. O-06-05]
(6) 
The maximum duration is 30 days.
(7) 
Maximum sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(8) 
The sign shall not be flashing.
(9) 
Maximum height shall be eight feet as measured from grade.
(10) 
The date of establishment of the temporary sign shall be clearly posted on the sign.
A time-and-temperature sign is a sign that typically refers to the current time and temperature only. Such signs are permitted in all zoning districts except residential. Maximum area of such signs shall not exceed 50% of the total allowable sign area.
A. 
Applicability. A "wall sign" means any sign attached parallel to the building wall, false wall or false roof, or other facade surface that does not extend more than 12 inches from said surface, or does not vary more than 30° from the plane of the building's parallel wall, and that has only one sign face that is intended to be read parallel to the wall or other surface to which it is mounted. A wall sign includes any sign established on a penthouse above the roof of a building, as long as the wall of the penthouse is on a plane parallel to the wall of the building.
B. 
Supplemental standards:
(1) 
Wall signs shall be located in those areas designed for signage on a site plan or building permit.
(2) 
Wall signs shall not cover or obliterate windows, doors, or architectural details. Architectural details shall include but not be limited to arches, sills, moldings, cornices and transoms, or any features that are identified on the City's cultural resource survey sheets.
C. 
Copy:
(1) 
In the GB Zone, the maximum sign area measured in square feet shall be two times the building frontage if there are no other sign types; 1 1/2 times the building frontage if there is a ground sign; one times the building frontage if there is a wall sign or projecting sign; or 150 square feet, whichever is smallest.
(2) 
In the HB Zone, the maximum sign area measured in square feet shall be two times the building frontage if there are no ground, projecting or freeway-oriented; 1 1/2 times the building frontage if there is a ground sign or freeway-oriented sign; one times the building frontage if there is a projecting sign; or 150 square feet, whichever is smallest. The maximum sign area shall be further reduced to 125 square feet if a roof or freeway-oriented sign is utilized.
(3) 
In the PI Zone, the maximum sign area measured in square feet shall be two times the building frontage if there are no other sign types; 1 1/2 times the building frontage if there is one other sign type; or 150 square feet whichever is smallest. The maximum sign area shall be further reduced to 150 square feet if a ground or freeway-oriented sign is utilized.
(4) 
In the AI Zone, the maximum sign area measured in square feet shall be two times the building frontage if there are no other sign types; 1 1/2 times the building frontage if there is one other sign type; or 150 square feet, whichever is smallest.
(5) 
In the GI Zone, the maximum sign area measured in square feet shall be two times the building frontage if there are no other sign types; 1 1/2 times the building frontage if there is one other sign type; or 100 square feet, whichever is smallest.
(6) 
In the D/H Zones, the maximum sign area per City right-of-way shall be 1 1/4 times the building frontage, or 100 square feet, whichever is smallest.
(7) 
In the LB Zone, the maximum sign area shall be one times the building frontage, or 32 square feet, whichever is smaller. The maximum sign area shall be further reduced to 12 square feet if a ground sign is utilized.
(8) 
In the residential zones, each premises located in the residential district and that is a legally authorized business use may have one wall sign with a maximum sign area of six square feet established in lieu of a ground sign.
D. 
Height.
(1) 
Wall signs may not project above the top of a parapet, wall or the roofline at the wall, whichever, is highest.
(2) 
Within LB, D-1, D-3, H, or FU Zoning District, the top of a wall sign shall be located within 20 feet of ground level unless the sign identifies the name of the building or project name.
E. 
Alternative number and area restrictions:
(1) 
A building with or proposing more than one business establishment within the LB, GB, HB, PI, AI, GI, or D-1, D-3 Zoning Districts is permitted wall sign area, measured as set forth above, in proportion to the total building frontage occupied by the individual business. Every business shall be allowed at least one wall sign with a maximum of 40 square feet in the GB and HB Zoning Districts, 32 square feet in the PI or GI Zoning Districts, and 12 square feet in the D or LB Zoning Districts.
(2) 
As an alternative, the total allowed wall sign area for any one business may be subdivided into a maximum of three separate wall signs, except in the LB and AI Districts, where only one wall sign per business is allowed.
F. 
Supplemental standards in Downtown (D1 and D3) Districts. For a building with or proposing more than one business establishment, the allowable wall sign area, measured as set forth above, shall be proportionate to the total building length occupied by the individual business, except that every business shall be allowed at least one wall sign per street frontage.
G. 
Supplemental standards for PI or AI District:
(1) 
Where the lot frontage zoned PI or AI does not abut a residential zoning district, the sign area may be increased to the lesser of (1) two times the building frontage if there are no other sign types; or (2) 1 1/2 times the building frontage if there is one other sign type; or (3) 150 square feet.
(2) 
For a building with or proposing more than one business establishment, the allowable wall sign area, measured in accordance with Subsection C above, shall be in proportion to the total building frontage length occupied by the individual business, except that every business shall be allowed at least one wall sign with a maximum sign area of 50 square feet. Where the lot frontage abuts residential districts the maximum wall sign area shall be 32 square feet.
H. 
Supplemental standards for General Industrial (GI) District. If the district does not abut a residential zoning district, the maximum area for a wall sign may be increased to 100 feet.
A. 
Applicability. Where groups of three or more contiguous commercial or industrial units are to be located together in a development, where a lesser number of businesses total not less than 20,000 square feet of gross leasable area, or where three or more individual businesses on contiguous lots so elect, the development may adopt a sign master plan to govern advertising. The intent of this section is to promote a uniform and aesthetic message presentation that is designed to provide information to the general public through its design and coordination of elements.
B. 
General requirements:
(1) 
Total sign area permitted for the entire development or center shall be calculated at the rate of two square feet of sign per foot of lineal building front.
(2) 
Each master planned development may have one common freestanding sign denoting the name of the facility not exceeding 80 square feet per side and with bottom panel not less than five feet above road level and a maximum height of 15 feet.
(3) 
All other signs shall be awning signs, canopy signs, or wall signs.
(4) 
All signs shall be coordinated in material, shape, lettering, color and/or decorative elements.
(5) 
Information and directional signage, with the exception of uniform traffic control devices, shall be consistent with the general sign design of the development and is exempt from the sign area calculation provided that it does not contain advertising.
(6) 
The master sign plan shall include standards designed to achieve the following objectives:
(a) 
Signs shall be appropriate to the architectural character of the building on which they are placed.
(b) 
Sign panels and graphics should relate with and not cover architectural features, and should be in proportion to them.
(c) 
Signs should be appropriate to the types of activities they represent.
(d) 
Layout should be orderly and graphics should be of simple shape, such as rectangle, circle or oval.
(e) 
The number of colors used should be the minimum consistent with the design and must provide a reference or relationship to the enterprise or activity being advertised.
(f) 
Illumination should be appropriate to the character of the sign and surrounding and shall bear a relationship to the operating hours of the enterprise or activity being advertised. Illumination of signs permitted only from one hour before opening until one hour after closing.
(g) 
Groups of related signs shall express uniformity, create a harmonious appearance, and provide a visual and aesthetic coordination of the information presented to the public.
(h) 
Height and physical placement shall be consistent throughout the master planned area.
C. 
Procedures:
(1) 
The sign master plan shall be approved by the Planning Board as part of an application for site plan approval. The sign master plan shall depict the placement, design, color coordination, visibility, information messages and compatibility with the general design of the development.
(2) 
The master sign plan shall include the following elements:
(a) 
Proposed sign locations.
(b) 
Materials.
(c) 
Type of illumination.
(d) 
Design of freestanding sign structures.
(e) 
Size.
(f) 
Quantity.
(g) 
Uniform standards for nonbusiness signage, including directional and informational signs.
(3) 
All applications for sign permits on a lot or parcel subject to a master sign plan shall comply with the master sign plan.
A. 
Applicability. This section applies to any nonconforming sign. A "nonconforming sign" means a sign lawfully existing at the time of adoption or subsequent amendment of this article.
B. 
Continuance. A nonconforming sign may continue, although such sign does not conform to the provisions of this article. Portable signs with permanent and/or changeable copy (including trucks and trailers) are exempt from treatment under this section for continuance and shall, therefore, require sign permits and comply with provisions of this article. In the Historic District, any change to the size, location, design, color, texture, lighting, materials, or outer appearance of a sign shall cause that sign to lose any nonconforming status.
[Amended 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. O-12-024]
C. 
Maintenance. A nonconforming sign must be maintained in good repair for reasons of public safety and aesthetics. Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs shall not include replacement of the structural framing and supports, enlargement of the area of a sign face, or relocation of the sign.
D. 
Alteration, relocation and replacement. Alterations, relocation, and/or replacement of a legal nonconforming sign structure is permitted when damage or deterioration does not exceed 50% of the appraised value of the sign. Any sign which is structurally altered, relocated or replaced may exceed the maximum allowable sign area (as prescribed in this article) by no more than 1/2 the difference between that maximum allowable sign area and the previously existing nonconforming sign area. It is the intention that, over time, any nonconforming signs that are altered will eventually be brought into compliance with the provisions of this article currently in effect.
E. 
Removal.
(1) 
A nonconforming sign shall be removed with 180 days if any of the following conditions exist:
(a) 
If the damage of the sign structure exceeds 50% of the appraised value.
(b) 
If the building to which the sign structure is accessory is damaged or demolished to an extent exceeding 50% of the building's appraised value and no plans have been submitted for reconstruction or restoration of the building in accordance with applicable codes and ordinances.
(c) 
If the sign has been abandoned for 180 days.
(2) 
Any sign that has been removed due to any of the above-listed conditions shall not be replaced, and shall conform to this article. If any portion of the sign structure is removed, then all parts and components of the sign shall also be removed.
[Added 5-9-2023 by Ord. No. O-23-051]
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, signs proposed to be erected by the City of Nashua related to a government use are permitted in every zoning district by special exception by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in accordance with § 190-134. "Governmental use" shall be as defined by RSA 674:54, I. In addition to all application requirements of § 190-134 and any other provisions of this chapter, an individual special exception application shall be submitted for each provision of this article which but for this section would prohibit such sign.