PLANNING AND ZONING

What about SIGNS…

New sign rules (2008) permit more types of signs and greater area of signs while requiring compatability with the architecture of a facility. Three principals guide sign review and permitting:

1. Signs should be simple in design and generally rectilinear in shape. The identification of the business or organization shall be the sole message.
2. The size, placement, color, style and height of signs shall be selected to effectively convey the identification message.
3. Sign location should be chosen to provide ready visibility while avoiding visual clutter and obstruction.

Maximum Permitted Signage:
                                                                    Total    Attached     Detached    Window
Residential Districts                                        n.a.      50      or       16                 --

Neighborhood Business Districts                      75        A                 16                 W
(Total = Attached + Detached + Window)

Business/Industrial Districts                             120      A                 20                W
(Total = Attached + Detached + Window)



Multi-Tenant Signs
Owners of non-residential facilities with two or more tenant spaces are required to obtain Planning Board approval of a multi-tenant sign plan prior to the issuance of a sign permit. Once such approval is granted, a new or modified sign may receive a sign (development) permit provided the sign drawings conform to the approved multi-tenant sign plan. See Site Plan Review Design Guidelines for details.

Commercial Real Estate Signs (CRES):
CRESign rules are intended to simplify and control real estate sale or lease signs. Generally, a parcel for sale or lease may have one CRESign which may be detached or attached to a building wall.
 
Window Signs:
Window signs are permitted in non-residential districts. These may be up to 25% of the total window area on a facade facing a street and counted in total sign area. Window signs, however, do not require a permit to install.