Sign Regulations in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 48 sign types across 95 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Free-standing Sign, Projecting Sign, Wall Sign (Parallel). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: December 12, 2024
Sign Regulation Overview for Boston, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Boston
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | Total permanent sign area on a sign frontage = sign frontage (linear feet) × factor (see formula below); individual wall sign area counts toward the total. | — |
| Projecting Sign (Right Angle to Building) | Bottom at least 10 ft above grade; top no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except one-story with continuous horizontal parapet may reach top of parapet). | Max 24 sq ft per face; an additional 10 sq ft per face allowed if including a public service device such as time/temperature. | — |
| Window Sign (Permanent Interior, Non-Illuminated) | — | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for BostonFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
48
- Free-standing Sign
- Projecting Sign
- Wall Sign (Parallel)
- Projecting Sign (Right Angle to Building)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
95
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Boston
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
In Boston, wall signs can be up to Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet).. 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 Boston, 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 Boston, regulated sign types include Free-standing Sign, Projecting Sign, Wall Sign (Parallel), Projecting Sign (Right Angle to Building), 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 Boston 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 Boston are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Boston has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Boston, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Boston, Massachusetts regulates 48 sign types across 95 zoning districts. Name/Address Signs in the Residential Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_R-0.8) zoning district are capped at 4 ft if on rod/post tall and 2 sq ft total area, with a at least 3 ft from street line. setback (Sec. Article 11 §11-1(a)). Most commercial signs in Boston require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Boston, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Boston (95 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed Use Districts (ART26_S0) | 7 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
| Mixed Use Districts (ART26_S1) | 7 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
| Mixed Use Districts (ART26_S2) | 7 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
| Mixed Use Districts (ART26_S3) | 7 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
| Mixed Use Districts (ART26_S4) | 7 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
| Mixed Use Districts (ART26_S5) | 7 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
| SC (Mixed Use District) | 7 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
| S3-6 (Mixed Use District) | 7 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; the top of the sills of the first level of windows above the first story; or the lowest point of the roof surface (except a one-story building with a continuous horizontal parapet may go to top of parapet). | 30% of applicable window glass area | — |
| Residential Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_R-0.8) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft total area | — |
| Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-1-50) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-1) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-2-65) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-2) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-3-65) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-3) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-4) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-5) | 10 | 4 ft if on rod/post | 32 sq ft | — |
| Business Districts - Local (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_L-0.5) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | If one use on lot: up to 65 sq ft per face; if two or more uses: up to 125 sq ft per face. | — |
| Business Districts - Local (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_L-1) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | If one use on lot: up to 65 sq ft per face; if two or more uses: up to 125 sq ft per face. | — |
| Business Districts - Local (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_L-2-65) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | If one use on lot: up to 65 sq ft per face; if two or more uses: up to 125 sq ft per face. | — |
| Business Districts - Local (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_L-2) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | If one use on lot: up to 65 sq ft per face; if two or more uses: up to 125 sq ft per face. | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-1) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | If one use on lot: up to 65 sq ft per face; if two or more uses: up to 125 sq ft per face. | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-2) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | 30% of window glass area | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-3-65) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | 30% of window glass area | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-4) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | 30% of window glass area | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-6-90A) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | 30% of window glass area | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-6-90B) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | 30% of window glass area | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-8-120A) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | 30% of window glass area | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-8-120B) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | 30% of window glass area | — |
| Business Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_B-8-120C) | 9 | Top of sign no higher than the lowest of: 25 ft above grade; first level window sill line above first story; or lowest point of roof (or top of continuous parapet for one-story). | 30% of window glass area | — |
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Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Boston(sample of 3 of 95 zones)
Residential Districts - General (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_R-0.8)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name/Address Sign | 4 ft if on rod/post | 2 sq ft total area | — | If freestanding on a rod/post: at least 3 ft from street line. | 1 per lot | Attached to the building or on a rod/post on the lot. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(a) |
| Bulletin/Announcement Board, Name Sign, or Entrance Marker (Church or Institution) | — | 20 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 by right; up to 3 with long frontage per formula | On the lot of the church or institution. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(b) |
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale/For Rent) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On the property being advertised. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(c) |
| Contractor/Developer Sign (During Construction) | — | 32 sq ft total area | — | — | 1 | On the lot under construction. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(d) |
| Subdivision/Tract Entrance Sign | — | 20 sq ft per entrance | — | — | 1 per entrance | At each entrance to the tract. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(e) |
| Accessory Sign to Nonconforming Use | — | Up to 1/2 of the area allowed in non-residential districts under §11-2 for a comparable sign type and frontage. | — | — | — | On the lot with the nonconforming use. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(f) and §11-2 illumination |
| Official/Government/Utility/Danger/Transit Sign | — | — | — | — | — | As installed by public officers or utilities. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(g)-(h) |
| Temporary Campaign/Civic/Health/Safety/Welfare Display | — | — | — | — | — | On-premise displays | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(i) |
Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-1-50)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name/Address/Professional Identification Sign (H District allowance) | 4 ft if on rod/post | 2 sq ft total area | — | 3 ft minimum from street line if freestanding. | 1 per lot | Attached to the building or on a rod/post at least 3 ft in from the street line if freestanding. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(a) (H district provision) |
| Bulletin/Announcement Board, Name Sign, or Entrance Marker (Church or Institution) | — | 20 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to 3 per frontage formula | On the lot of the church or institution. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(b) |
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale/For Rent) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On the subject property. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(c) |
| Contractor/Developer Sign (During Construction) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On the lot under construction. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(d) |
| Subdivision/Tract Entrance Sign | — | 20 sq ft per entrance | — | — | 1 per entrance | At entrances to tract of building lots. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(e) |
| Accessory Sign to Nonconforming Use | — | Up to 1/2 of the area allowed in non-residential districts under §11-2 for comparable sign type. | — | — | — | On the lot with the nonconforming use. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(f); §11-2 illumination |
| Official/Government/Utility/Danger/Transit Sign | — | — | — | — | — | As installed. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(g)-(h) |
| Temporary Campaign/Civic/Health/Safety/Welfare Display | — | — | — | — | — | On-premise displays | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(i) |
Apartment Residential Districts (ARTUNDERLYING-ZONING_H-1)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name/Address/Professional Identification Sign (H District allowance) | 4 ft if on rod/post | 2 sq ft total area | — | 3 ft minimum from street line if freestanding. | 1 per lot | Attached to the building or on a rod/post at least 3 ft in from the street line if freestanding. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(a) (H district provision) |
| Bulletin/Announcement Board, Name Sign, or Entrance Marker (Church or Institution) | — | 20 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to 3 per frontage formula | On the lot of the church or institution. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(b) |
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale/For Rent) | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On the subject property. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(c) |
| Contractor/Developer Sign (During Construction) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On the lot under construction. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(d) |
| Subdivision/Tract Entrance Sign | — | 20 sq ft per entrance | — | — | 1 per entrance | At entrances to tract of building lots. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(e) |
| Accessory Sign to Nonconforming Use | — | Up to 1/2 of the area allowed in non-residential districts under §11-2 for comparable sign type. | — | — | — | On the lot with the nonconforming use. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(f); §11-2 illumination |
| Official/Government/Utility/Danger/Transit Sign | — | — | — | — | — | As installed. | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(g)-(h) |
| Temporary Campaign/Civic/Health/Safety/Welfare Display | — | — | — | — | — | On-premise displays | — | Unlock | Article 11 §11-1(i) |
PermitPal covers all 95 zoning districts in Boston — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 95 zones for Boston — start freeProhibited Signs in Boston
- No sign may be reconstructed, extended, structurally changed, changed in content, or replaced except in accordance with Article 11; repairs to a nonconforming sign are limited to 35% of the sign’s replacement cost, except that an electric time-and-temperature component integral to a nonconforming sign may be repaired or replaced without a cost cap.
- Electronic signs are forbidden citywide, except as conditional uses only within the Theater District, Lansdowne Street Entertainment District, and the Seaport Convention Center District.
Exempt Signs in Boston
- Official public notices and notices posted by public officers in the performance of their duties.
- Government signs for traffic control and other regulatory purposes, street signs, danger signs, railroad crossing signs, signs indicating transit stops or entrances to transit or railroad stations, and public service company signs indicating danger or aids to service and safety.
- Temporary, non-structural display posters for political campaigns and for noncommercial civic, health, safety, and welfare campaigns, provided they are removed within 30 days following the conclusion of the campaign; temporary displays of a patriotic, religious, charitable, or civic nature.
- Legal display of flags, emblems, and insignia of any nation or political subdivision.
- Historical or scenic markers approved by a recognized historical or conservation agency.
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Boston
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Sign permits (Short-Form Building Permit) | $20.00 primary fee plus $10.00 per $1,000.00 of the estimated cost of work. | ISD Building Division Fee Schedule (May 2023) |
| Standard Review | No published timeline. Contact ISD directly: 617-635-5300 or isd@boston.gov. (starts when Sign permit application submitted to ISD) | — |
| See all Boston sign permit fees & timelines — start free | ||
Source: municode municipal code