Sign Regulations in Andover Town, Massachusetts
Andover Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign or Awning/Canopy Sign, Internally Illuminated Sign. 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 Andover Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Andover Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Sign (Attached or Freestanding) | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Open Space Sign | — | 35 sq ft | — |
| Exterior Sign(s) (Aggregate 15 sq ft) | — | 15 sq ft (aggregate) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
21
- Freestanding Sign
- Wall Sign or Awning/Canopy Sign
- Internally Illuminated Sign
- Awning/Canopy Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
18
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Andover Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Andover Town 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 Andover 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 Andover Town, regulated sign types include Freestanding Sign, Wall Sign or Awning/Canopy Sign, Internally Illuminated Sign, Awning/Canopy Sign, 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 Andover Town 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 Andover Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Andover Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Andover Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Andover Town, Massachusetts regulates 21 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the General Business Districts (GB) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 12 sq ft, with a 5 ft from property line setback (Sec. §5.2.8.2). Most commercial signs in Andover Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Andover Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Andover Town (18 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 4 ft | 35 sq ft | — |
| Single Family Residential Districts (SRA, SRB, SRC) | 3 | 5 ft (freestanding), 10 ft (attached) | 15 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Districts (APT) | 2 | 10 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| General Business Districts (GB) | 6 | Top: 25 ft, Bottom: 8 ft above ground | 25 sq ft | — |
| Mixed Use Districts (MU) | 6 | Top: 25 ft, Bottom: 8 ft above ground | 25 sq ft | — |
| Office Park Districts (OP), Limited Service Districts (LS) | 4 | 8 ft (up to 16 ft by special permit) | 25 sq ft (by special permit up to 16 ft tall) | — |
| Industrial G Districts (IG) | 3 | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Industrial A Districts (IA) | 3 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft (wall); 25 sq ft (canopy) | — |
| Industrial D Districts (ID), Industrial D2 Districts (ID2) | 3 | 12 ft | 200 sq ft (wall); 25 sq ft (canopy) | — |
| SRA, SRB, SRC | 3 | 5 ft (freestanding), 10 ft (attached) | 15 sq ft | — |
| APT | 2 | 10 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
| GB | 6 | Top: 25 ft, Bottom: 8 ft above ground | 25 sq ft | — |
| MU | 6 | Top: 25 ft, Bottom: 8 ft above ground | 25 sq ft | — |
| OP | 4 | 8 ft (special permit up to 16 ft) | 25 sq ft (special permit up to 16 ft tall) | — |
| LS | 4 | 8 ft (special permit up to 16 ft) | 25 sq ft (special permit up to 16 ft) | — |
| IG | 3 | 8 ft | 80 sq ft (wall), 25 sq ft (canopy) | — |
| IA | 3 | 25 ft | 200 sq ft (wall); 25 sq ft (canopy) | — |
| ID, ID2 | 3 | 12 ft | 200 sq ft (wall); 25 sq ft (canopy) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Andover Town(sample of 3 of 18 zones)
General Business Districts (GB)
| 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 (Facade, Street Oriented) | — | 15% of facade, max 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street or parking lot frontage with entry or window | On facade facing street with window or entry | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.1.a-e |
| Awning/Canopy Sign | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | — | On body of awning or canopy | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.1.f |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 per building | Setback at least 5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.2 |
| Projecting Sign | Top: 25 ft, Bottom: 8 ft above ground | 9 sq ft (by special permit up to 15 sq ft) | — | — | 1 per facade | Each facade with entry or window | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.3 |
| Multi-Use Building Sign | — | 1 sq ft per occupant | — | — | 1 per multi-use building | Building occupied by multiple business uses, attached or projecting | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.4 |
| Unlighted Window Graphics/Lettering | — | — | — | — | — | Inside of windows or transparent doors | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.5 |
Mixed Use Districts (MU)
| 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 (Facade) | — | 10% of facade, max 80 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street or lot frontage | On facade facing street or parking lot with window or entry | — | Unlock | §5.2.9.1.a-c |
| Awning/Canopy Sign | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | — | On body of awning/canopy | — | Unlock | §5.2.9.1.d |
| Freestanding Sign | 8 ft | 25 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 per building | Building set back at least 5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | §5.2.9.2 |
| Projecting Sign | Top: 25 ft, Bottom: 8 ft above ground | 9 sq ft (by special permit up to 15 sq ft) | — | — | 1 per facade | Each facade with entry or window | — | Unlock | §5.2.9.3 |
| Multi-Use Building Sign | — | 1 sq ft per occupant | — | — | 1 per multi-use building | Attached or projecting, for multiple business uses | — | Unlock | §5.2.9.4 |
| Unlighted Window Graphics/Lettering | — | — | — | — | — | Inside window/door | — | Unlock | §5.2.9.5 |
GB
| 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 (Facade, Street Oriented) | — | 15% of facade, max 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street or parking lot frontage with entry or window | On facade facing street with window or entry | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.1.a-e |
| Awning/Canopy Sign | — | 25 sq ft | — | — | — | On awning/canopy | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.1.f |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq ft | — | 5 ft from property line | 1 per building | Setback at least 5 ft from property line | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.2 |
| Projecting Sign | Top: 25 ft, Bottom: 8 ft above ground | 9 sq ft (by special permit, up to 15 sq ft) | — | — | 1 per facade | Each facade with entry or window | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.3 |
| Multi-Use Building Sign | — | 1 sq ft per occupant | — | — | 1 per multi-use building | Attached or projecting, for multiple business uses | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.4 |
| Unlighted Window Graphics/Lettering | — | — | — | — | — | Inside of windows or transparent doors | — | Unlock | §5.2.8.5 |
PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Andover 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 18 zones for Andover Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Andover Town
- No sign shall be lighted, except by a steady external and stationary light source which is shielded and directed solely at the sign, unless specifically provided for in this Bylaw.
- No illumination shall be permitted which casts glare onto any residential premises or onto any portion of a way so as to create a traffic hazard.
- No signs shall be illuminated in any residential district, or within 200 feet of a residential district, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless the establishment is open to the public.
- No sign shall be illuminated by any color other than colorless or white light, except for temporary holiday lighting.
- No animated, revolving, flashing, backlit, exposed neon or similar exposed gaseous tube illuminated signs shall be permitted.
- No signs shall be attached to motor vehicles, trailers, or other movable objects regularly or recurrently located for fixed display.
- Visibility for motorists and pedestrians shall not be obstructed at any intersection, driveway, or crosswalk.
- No portable or removable sign shall be allowed in any zoning district except as permitted under § 5.2.6.
- No attached exterior sign shall cover any portion of a window or door casing.
- No signs shall be allowed on the uppermost roof of any building.
- No portion of a sign shall extend above the highest point of the roof or parapet of the building to which it is attached.
Exempt Signs in Andover Town
- One sign, either attached or freestanding, does not require a sign permit if it does not exceed two square feet in area.
- A sign on open space or other undeveloped property open to the public requires no sign permit if the sign is less than 35 square feet in area.
- Interior signs that do not exceed 30 percent of the transparent area of the window and/or door on which they are affixed or displayed do not require a sign permit.
- One or more exterior signs not exceeding 15 square feet in aggregate area do not require sign permits. Each residential unit in multiple-family residences and each unit in multiple-unit nonresidential properties may erect such signs. No additional signs are allowed beyond the 15 square feet in aggregate area because of the existence of a customary home occupation at a residence.
- One exterior sign per property does not require a sign permit if it shall have an area not to exceed six square feet and is set back a minimum of 15 feet from the nearest vehicular public or private way, and does not obstruct the line of sight for vehicles entering or exiting the property or adjacent properties.
- Unlighted graphics, lettering, or symbols with transparent background mounted on the inside of windows or transparent entry doors require no sign permit if their area does not exceed 30 percent of the glass or transparent area.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Andover Town
- A sign permit is required for any sign unless specifically exempted or provided for elsewhere in this section. No sign shall be installed, erected, enlarged, redesigned, or structurally altered without a sign permit issued by the Building Department.
- A projecting sign always requires a permit.
- Prior to the issuance of a sign permit, the Design Review Board (DRB) reviews municipal signs in any district, and any sign greater than four square feet in the General Business (GB) and Mixed Use (MU) Districts.
- Applications for review by the Design Review Board shall be submitted on a standard application form specified by the DRB.
- Signs not exempted may require additional review or a special permit, as noted in § 5.2.3.2 and § 9.6.4.
Source: ecode360 municipal code