Sign Regulations in Biddeford, Maine
Biddeford, Maine has specific sign regulations covering 29 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Home Occupation Sign, Permanent Project Sign, Electronic Message Center (EMC). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Biddeford, Maine
Sample Sign Requirements in Biddeford
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (Sandwich Board or Similar) | 36 inches | 24 inches width x 36 inches height | — |
| Window Sign | — | 20% of window area; up to 4 sq ft may be illuminated | — |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) | — | 40 sq ft (EMC portion) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BiddefordFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
29
- Home Occupation Sign
- Permanent Project Sign
- Electronic Message Center (EMC)
- Any Sign (Height Limitation)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
8
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Biddeford
Other Cities in Maine
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Biddeford vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Biddeford, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Biddeford, regulated sign types include Home Occupation Sign, Permanent Project Sign, Electronic Message Center (EMC), Any Sign (Height Limitation), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Biddeford vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Biddeford are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Biddeford has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Biddeford, Maine
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Biddeford (8 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 36 inches | 40 sq ft (EMC portion) | — |
| Suburban Residential, R-1-A, R-1-B, C-R, W-1, W-3 | 5 | 8 ft (unless otherwise permitted) | 32 sq ft | — |
| MSRD-2, R-2, R-3, OR | 5 | 10 ft (unless otherwise permitted) | 32 sq ft | — |
| B-2, MSRD-3, Industrial Districts | 5 | 20 ft max (measured from street grade) | 72 sq ft max per sign, or 72 sq ft per business up to 210 sq ft if multiple businesses per pole | — |
| Rural-Farm, Limited Rural-Farm | 4 | 20 ft (unless otherwise permitted) | 32 sq ft | — |
| B-1, MSRD-1, W-2 | 2 | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| MSRD-1, MSRD-2, MSRD-3 (Historic Preservation Sign Standards) | 2 | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| IN Zone | 7 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Biddeford(sample of 3 of 8 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonconforming Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 59.B.2, B.3 |
| Temporary Sign (Sandwich Board or Similar) | 36 inches | 24 inches width x 36 inches height | 24 inches | — | 1 per establishment per frontage | On sidewalk/front of business where no private land exists between building and ROW; only on street frontage with public entrance. | — | Unlock | Section 59.B.12.e |
| Window Sign | — | 20% of window area; up to 4 sq ft may be illuminated | — | — | — | In/on windows or doors of business | — | Unlock | Section 59.B.8.l, B.15 |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) | — | 40 sq ft (EMC portion) | — | — | — | Where permitted; all types except gas pumps | — | Unlock | Section 59.B.16 |
| Temporary Sign (Real Estate, Construction, etc.) | — | Real estate: 8 sq ft; Subdivision real estate: 64 sq ft; Rental: 2 sq ft; Construction: 16 sq ft; Directory: 4 sq ft; Door/menu: 2 sq ft; Awards: 32 sq ft; Temporary sale: 10 sq ft (off-premises); Project sign: 32 sq ft | — | — | Usually 1 per property (except as otherwise specified) | On or near premises being advertised/used | — | Unlock | Section 59.B.13, 14 |
| Landmark Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Specific address/landmark as listed | — | Unlock | Section 59.B.18 |
MSRD-2, R-2, R-3, OR
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.2.a |
| Nonresidential Use Sign (R-2, R-3) | — | 8 sq ft | — | No closer than 10 ft to street ROW or side lot lines. | 1 per permitted nonresidential use | — | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.2.b |
| Nonresidential Use Sign (MSRD-2, externally illuminated) | — | 8 sq ft (MSRD-2), 12 sq ft (OR) | — | No closer than 10 ft to ROW or side lot lines unless exception met. | 1 per permitted nonresidential use | — | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.2.c |
| Permanent Project Sign | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per project/subdivision | Must not interfere with traffic. | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.2.e |
| Any Sign | 10 ft (unless otherwise permitted) | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.2.d |
IN Zone
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institution Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per campus | Center of campus or key campus location | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.7.a |
| Gateway Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per main entrance | At principal campus entrances | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.7.b |
| Building/Facility Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | At each principal and major entrance | On building/facility at principal or major entrances, or ground mounted or attached to landscape feature. | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.7.c |
| Directional Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Within campus as appropriate | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.7.d |
| Safety/Regulatory Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Within campus as appropriate | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.7.e |
| Informational Kiosk | — | — | — | — | — | Within campus as appropriate | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.7.f |
| Temporary Sign/Banner (Campus Events) | — | — | — | — | — | Within campus as appropriate | — | Unlock | Section 59.C.7.g |
PermitPal covers all 8 zoning districts in Biddeford — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 8 zones for Biddeford — start freeProhibited Signs in Biddeford
- Posting, pasting, gluing, tacking, or otherwise affixing any sign, placard, advertisement, or inscription on any City-owned lands or highways or roads adjacent to a park, except as required by ordinance.
- Erecting any sign on City-owned lands or highways or roads adjacent to a park, except as required by ordinance.
- Removing, defacing, or tampering with a sign placed in accordance with Sec. 62-84 (street signs placed by the Director).
- Setting or planting any sign or structure within the limits of any right-of-way without the written consent of the Council or the Director, except as otherwise permitted.
- Erecting, enlarging, or replacing a sign without a sign permit, unless specifically exempted.
- Altering, changing, enlarging, or replacing a nonconforming sign unless in accordance with regulations.
- Failing to keep all signs and sign structures properly maintained and in a neat and proper state of appearance.
- Failing to remove signs advertising activities or products no longer on site.
- Failing to remove signboards for businesses that have closed or relocated within 30 days.
- Erecting signs with visible moving, revolving, or rotating parts or visible movement, except barber poles.
- Erecting signs which create the effect of optical illusion.
- Erecting roof signs (i.e., signs mounted wholly or in part on any roof or above the highest exterior point of any building), unless integral to the roof structure.
- Erecting signs using fluorescent or phosphorescent paint which causes the sign to glow in the dark.
- Displaying temporary and/or portable signs that do not meet standards for setback, size, lighting, and use for the district (unless otherwise exempted).
- Erecting unshielded neon signs, except permitted window signs.
- Erecting blinking, flickering, flashing, or rotating signs (except compliant electronic message centers).
- Erecting animated-type signs that use movement or change of lighting to depict action or special effects.
- Displaying strings of lights for more than 45 days or without approval of the Code Enforcement Office (except for special occasions).
- Displaying bare bulbs (except for time/temperature signs and theater marquees).
- Posting window signs covering more than 20% of window area, or exceeding four square feet.
- Erecting inflatable signs.
- Erecting sexually explicit signs (obscene as defined by law including depictions of nudity).
- Placing signs in such a manner as to block visibility for motorists or pedestrians at public ways.
- Extending any sign, or parts thereof, over or into public ways, rights-of-way, or sidewalks unless specifically permitted.
- Violating other specific requirements for sign construction, size, projection, maintenance, lighting, and location as set in the regulations.
Exempt Signs in Biddeford
- On-premises real estate signs advertising the sale of property (not exceeding 8 square feet, max two per parcel, to be removed within 15 days after sale).
- Subdivision real estate signs approved by the Planning Board (not exceeding 64 square feet, after subdivision receives final approval).
- Temporary rental signs (not more than two square feet, no artificial lighting, on the premises).
- Temporary holiday or celebration decorations.
- Nameplates indicating the owner or occupant of a residential building (not exceeding two square feet).
- No trespassing, hunting/fishing prohibition signs (not more than two square feet).
- Signs for home occupations erected according to home occupation standards.
- Construction signs during construction (no more than 16 square feet, one per lot, not longer than six months unless extended).
- Directory signs for commercial establishments not on street level (not larger than four square feet).
- Door signs not larger than two square feet.
- Restaurant menus posted in windows not larger than two square feet.
- Official plaques or historic markers from the Maine Historic Preservation Commission or similar organizations.
- Temporary signs/banners for new business or occupant (max 45 days, subject to specific conditions).
- Signs recognized as "categorical signs" in the Maine Travelers Information Services Act (23 M.R.S.A. § 1913-A), Section 2 (outside right-of-way).
- Exempt off-premises categorical signs as defined in the Maine Travelers Information Services Act, Section 1.
- Publicly owned bus stop outdoor advertising signs meeting state law standards and specific City requirements.
- Signs on common carrier rolling stock or registered and inspected motor vehicles, except those determined to circumvent ordinance intent.
- Temporary unlit signs for non-business related sales (lawn/garage sales) up to 10 square feet, no more than one per parcel, for up to five days/week.
- Temporary signs for public/civic/religious events (auction, supper, lawn sale, fair, etc.) for not more than three weeks, with event date posted.
- Legal notices and regulatory/directional/informational signs required by governmental bodies.
- Flags and insignia of government.
- Signs directing traffic and parking on private property without advertising.
- Awards from state or federal governments or agencies (max two per property, up to 32 square feet, not more than two years, notification required).
- Traffic control/construction signs by/for Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine DOT, or City of Biddeford.
- Directional signage erected by the City for wayfinding.
- Political signs promoting elections, referenda, or policy matters, subject to specific time/place/manner restrictions.
- Landmark signs as explicitly recognized by the City.
- Sponsorship signs erected by the City per Recreation Commission guidelines.
- Street name signs and traffic control signs placed by the City or other governmental entities.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Biddeford
- Sign permits are required for all signs unless they are listed as exempt in B13 (on-premises) or B14 (off-premises). Permit applications must include a drawing with dimensions, materials, illumination details, and written property owner approval if the applicant is not the property owner.
- A plan showing street sign and street light placement, consistent with City guidelines, must be furnished for committee approval prior to installation (Sec. 62-113).
- Where permanent signage in the Historic District (MSRD-1, MSRD-2, MSRD-3) is sought, the Historic Preservation Commission must issue a certificate of appropriateness before the Code Enforcement Office will issue a sign permit.
- In the IN Zone, all signs must be consistent with the approved institutional master plan, and sign types/locations must follow the plan's design standards.
- For temporary signs installed pending a permanent sign that requires a certificate of appropriateness, the application for that certificate must be submitted within 15 days of temporary sign installation.
- Administrative appeal of sign permit decisions is available for cases of hardship, as described in Sec. 59.D.
- Special consideration (but not a master sign plan per se) is given for landmark signs as identified by the City.
- Setting/planting a sign in any right-of-way requires written consent of the Council or Director (Sec. 62-85).
Source: ecode360 municipal code