Sign Regulations in Ogunquit Town, Maine
Ogunquit Town, Maine has specific sign regulations covering 13 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Wall Sign - Option 1 (One Business on Lot), Collective Sign (All Businesses with Common Entrances, No Direct Outside Access). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Ogunquit Town, Maine
Sample Sign Requirements in Ogunquit Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 42 inches | 6 sq ft | No closer than the front yard setback |
| A-frame Sign (Sandwich Board) | 42 inches | 6 sq ft | No closer than the front yard setback |
| Business/Residential Sign (General) | 15 ft | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
13
- Awning Sign
- Wall Sign - Option 1 (One Business on Lot)
- Collective Sign (All Businesses with Common Entrances, No Direct Outside Access)
- Freestanding Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Ogunquit Town
Other Cities in Maine
Frequently Asked Questions
In Ogunquit Town, monument signs are limited to 42 inches. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Ogunquit Town, 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 Ogunquit Town, regulated sign types include Awning Sign, Wall Sign - Option 1 (One Business on Lot), Collective Sign (All Businesses with Common Entrances, No Direct Outside Access), Freestanding Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Ogunquit Town, monument signs typically require a No closer than the front yard setback setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Ogunquit Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Ogunquit Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Ogunquit Town, Maine Sign Rules at a Glance
Ogunquit Town, Maine regulates 13 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 42 inches tall, 6 sq ft, and 27 inches wide, with a No closer than the front yard setback setback (Sec. 225-8.12A(1)(a)-(e), (f), (c)). Most commercial signs in Ogunquit Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Ogunquit Town, Maine
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Ogunquit Town (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 42 inches | 6 sq ft | — |
| Business districts (DB, GB1, GB2, LB, SG1, SG2, SG3, Shoreland Zone) | 1 | 18 inches (vertical band only for letters/symbols) | Max 25% of permitted sign area | — |
| Downtown Business District, General Business District 1, General Business District 2 | 3 | 15 ft (per general regulation) | 40 sq ft (total for all signs on lot) | — |
| Limited Business District, SG1, SG2, SG3 | 3 | 15 ft (per general regulation) | 12 sq ft (total for all signs on lot) | — |
| Residential districts (OFR, R, RR1, RR2, F) | 2 | 18 inches (vertical band only) | 2 sq ft | — |
| Farm District | 1 | 15 ft | 40 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Ogunquit Town(sample of 3 of 6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 42 inches | 6 sq ft | 27 inches | No closer than the front yard setback | Each lot with a nonresidential use and each multifamily development may have no more than one freestanding sign | On private property, no closer to the street than the front yard setback allows | — | Unlock | 225-8.12A(1)(a)-(e), (f), (c) |
| A-frame Sign (Sandwich Board) | 42 inches | 6 sq ft | 27 inches | No closer than the front yard setback | — | On private property, no closer to the street than the front yard setback allows | — | Unlock | 225-8.12A(1)(a)-(e), (f), (c) |
| Business/Residential Sign (General) | 15 ft | — | — | — | No business may have a total of more than six signs. See also collective sign rules for multi-tenant buildings. | On building or property as allowed by zone | — | Unlock | 225-8.12A(1)(d)-(f), (c) |
| Temporary Business Sign | — | No larger than permanent sign it will replace | — | Must comply with all permanent sign location requirements | — | Same location as permanent sign would be allowed | — | Unlock | 225-8.12A(1)(h) |
| Advertising Sign | — | 6 sq ft (aggregate per establishment) | 3 ft (any dimension) | — | — | On property or in windows | — | Unlock | 225-8.12E(1) |
| Nonconforming Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 225-8.12F |
Downtown Business District, General Business District 1, General Business District 2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - Option 1 (One Business on Lot) | 15 ft (per general regulation) | 40 sq ft (total for all signs on lot) | — | — | All signage combined up to 40 sq ft | On building, affixed to facade | — | Unlock | 225-8.12D(2)(a)[1] |
| Collective Sign (All Businesses with Common Entrances, No Direct Outside Access) | 15 ft (per general regulation) | 40 sq ft total for all tenants, all signage combined on collective or freestanding signpost | — | — | One collective sign or signpost per side facing public way | One collective sign per building side facing public way | — | Unlock | 225-8.12D(2)(a)[2], 225-8.12C(3) |
| Collective and Additional Wall Sign (More Than One Business, Some with Direct Outside Access) | 15 ft (per general regulation) | Collective sign/post: 40 sq ft; Each business with outside entrance: 1 sign up to 6 sq ft in close proximity to entrance | — | — | Collective sign/post plus one additional sign (max 6 sq ft) per business with own outside entrance | Collective sign identifying building, lot, or development; individual sign at individual outside entrance | — | Unlock | 225-8.12D(2)(a)[3], 225-8.12C(3) |
Limited Business District, SG1, SG2, SG3
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - Option 1 (One Business on Lot) | 15 ft (per general regulation) | 12 sq ft (total for all signs on lot) | — | — | All signage up to 12 sq ft | On building, affixed to facade | — | Unlock | 225-8.12D(2)(b)[1] |
| Collective Sign (All Businesses with Common Entrances, No Direct Outside Access) | 15 ft (per general regulation) | 12 sq ft total for all tenants, all signage combined on collective or freestanding signpost | — | — | One collective sign or signpost per side facing public way | One collective sign per building side facing public way | — | Unlock | 225-8.12D(2)(b)[2], 225-8.12C(3) |
| Collective and Additional Wall Sign (More Than One Business, Some with Outside Access) | 15 ft (per general regulation) | Collective sign/post: 12 sq ft; Each business with outside entrance: 1 sign up to 6 sq ft in close proximity to entrance | — | — | Collective sign/post plus one additional sign (max 6 sq ft) per business with own outside entrance | Collective sign identifying building, lot, or development; individual sign at individual outside entrance | — | Unlock | 225-8.12D(2)(b)[3], 225-8.12C(3) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Ogunquit Town — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Ogunquit Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Ogunquit Town
- No person shall paste, glue, tack or otherwise post any sign, placard, advertisement, or inscription whatever, nor shall any person erect or cause to be erected any sign whatever, on any Town-owned lands or highways or roads, except as provided by ordinance or with Town Manager approval.
- Freestanding and/or A-frame signs shall only be allowed on private property and must conform to front yard setback requirements; otherwise, similar signage must be affixed to the building.
- Freestanding and/or A-frame signs can be no larger than six square feet and no wider than 27 inches or taller than 42 inches.
- No business or residential signs may be erected, altered, or relocated without a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
- All business and residential signs must be made of wood, metal, or high-density urethane board; no fluorescent, day-glow, or other reflective materials permitted (except for awnings and temporary signs where allowed). Gold leaf is permitted.
- Sign illumination is permitted only by steady, uncolored, external, dark sky compliant lighting.
- Signs shall not be more than 15 feet high.
- Any sign which no longer advertises an active business, product, or activity must be removed within 30 days by the property owner or tenant, except for seasonal business signs at end of season.
- Signs (regulated or exempt) shall not be placed in rights-of-way or on Town properties without Select Board authorization.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Strings of pennants, inflated signs, tethered balloons, or banners are prohibited unless expressly allowed elsewhere in the chapter.
- Flags (except those of any nation, state, city, coalition, or other political unit, including military/veterans groups) are prohibited; no flag may exceed 50 square feet.
- Internally illuminated signs (including neon, LED, digital, or electronic message center) are prohibited, including those inside buildings visible to the public.
- Signs which move, rotate, create the illusion of movement, or emit audible sound/noise are prohibited.
- Signs that appear animated, projected, intermittently illuminated, or have scrolling/sequential lighting, or contain flashing/animated lights (including LED/digital/electronic message center signs) are prohibited.
- Any signs placed within the public way right-of-way without Select Board authorization are prohibited and subject to removal.
- Freestanding A-frame or other portable signs on public or private property are prohibited unless exempted or authorized by the Select Board.
- Signs which attempt to direct, imitate, or interfere with official traffic controls or signals are prohibited.
- Signs that may prevent a driver from having a clear view of an official sign or other traffic are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited unless exempted elsewhere in the section.
- Advertising or business signs attached to or painted on vehicles (car, truck, trailer, etc.) are prohibited if parked or used in a manner suggesting purpose as an off-premises sign.
Exempt Signs in Ogunquit Town
- One sign not exceeding one square foot in area bearing only street number, property name, or occupant name.
- Signs erected and maintained as part of governmental functions or required by law/ordinance/government regulation.
- Flags (less than 50 sq ft) of any nation, state, city, coalition, or other political entity, including military and veterans groups.
- Signs within buildings oriented solely to patrons who have entered the premises.
- Directional/parking signs (on private property, not over 4 sq ft, without commercial matter—business name allowed if needed to avoid confusion).
- One on-premises real estate sign (for sale, lease, or rent) per lot/dwelling unit not exceeding six square feet, removable upon sale/occupancy.
- Inside window-type displays or paraphernalia necessary/incidental to the business (e.g., jewelry cases, mannequins, clothing layouts).
- Outside-mounted, glass-front display cabinets (no greater than six sq ft, menus, real estate ads, etc.).
- Memorial signs/tablets, historic building names/dates when engraved or constructed of permanent material.
- One permanent, freestanding, joint off-premises identification sign for civic group meetings at Town entrances (max 32 sq ft, integrated and landscaped).
- Temporary signs (erected for ≤30 days), on or off premises, for educational, charitable, philanthropic, civic, professional, religious, or similar events.
- Off-site directional signs for nonprofit museums, theaters, or houses of worship in Ogunquit.
- Warning signs ('Posted', 'No Trespassing', etc.) no greater than 2 sq ft.
- One contractor/tradesman sign (no larger than six sq ft) during work, removed within five days after completion.
- Ogunquit Playhouse may maintain certain existing signage and marquees, not subject to sunset and allowed changeable lettering.
- Movie theaters may maintain certain billboards/marquees/banners in use at adoption; not subject to sunset and allows changeable lettering.
- Specific cultural/Town organizations may erect limited portable/freestanding/A-frame signs, up to a town-wide maximum, with Select Board/Town Manager approval.
- Businesses may erect one compliant temporary 'Grand Opening' or similar sign (≤3 sq ft, compliant materials/illumination) for ≤30 days.
- Businesses may have a sign at entrance indicating open/closed (≤3 sq ft, compliant materials/illumination).
- Political signs about elections, primaries, or referenda are exempt from regulation and governed by state law and specific Town Code.
- No more than two yard sale signs on the property and two on the street where the sale occurs (max four signs, each ≤ six sq ft, displayed only during sale dates as per permit).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Ogunquit Town
- No business or residential signs may be erected, altered, or relocated without a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer. Before issuing a permit, the Code Enforcement Officer may submit the application to the Planning Board for review, interpretation and possible approval.
- Awnings in business districts may be erected, altered, or relocated with issuance of a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer. Before issuing a permit, the Code Enforcement Officer may submit the application to the Planning Board for review, interpretation and possible approval.
- The content and placement of certain cultural and civic group portable/freestanding/A-frame signs, as well as the allocation of signs among groups, must be approved annually by the Town Manager, as authorized by the Select Board.
- Any sign replacing a nonconforming sign must conform to the current ordinance provisions.
- Any sign(s) on a lot with a multiple-tenant building must be brought into compliance within one year of the effective date of amendments.
Source: ecode360 municipal code