Sign Regulations in Chatham Town, Massachusetts
Chatham Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 35 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground/Building Face/Post Sign (Name Sign), Wall or Ground Sign (Public Use). 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 Chatham Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Chatham Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 3 feet | 10% of building face (including window area) | — |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of individual window area; 10% of glass area of any required exit door | — |
| Ground Sign (0-15 ft setback) | 18 feet | 20 sq ft | Within 15 ft of street or boundary |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
35
- Wall Sign
- Ground/Building Face/Post Sign (Name Sign)
- Wall or Ground Sign (Public Use)
- For Sale/For Rent Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Chatham Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
In Chatham Town, wall signs can be up to 3 feet. 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 Chatham 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 Chatham Town, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Ground/Building Face/Post Sign (Name Sign), Wall or Ground Sign (Public Use), For Sale/For Rent 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 Chatham 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 Chatham Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Chatham Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Chatham Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Chatham Town, Massachusetts regulates 35 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Ground Sign (0-15 ft setback)s in the General Business Area, General Business Area (GB-1), General Business Area (GB-2), General Business Zones zoning district are capped at 18 feet tall and 20 sq ft, with a Within 15 ft of street or boundary setback (Sec. §225-4C). Most commercial signs in Chatham Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Chatham Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Chatham Town (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Business Area, General Business Area (GB-1), General Business Area (GB-2), General Business Zones | 14 | 18 feet | 40 sq ft | — |
| Industrial Zones | 3 | 18 feet | 20 sq ft (0-15 ft setback); 30 sq ft (15-20 ft setback); 40 sq ft (>20 ft) | — |
| Residential Zones | 9 | 10 feet | 24 sq ft | — |
| Small Business Zones | 9 | 10 feet | 18 sq ft per sign face | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | — | 3 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Chatham Town(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
General Business Area, General Business Area (GB-1), General Business Area (GB-2), General Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | 3 feet | 10% of building face (including window area) | — | — | One per established business per street frontage | On building face, parallel to or painted on wall | — | Unlock | §225-4A |
| Ground Sign (0-15 ft setback) | 18 feet | 20 sq ft | — | Within 15 ft of street or boundary | One per property | Within 15 feet of road boundary | — | Unlock | §225-4C |
| Ground Sign (15-20 ft setback) | 18 feet | 30 sq ft | — | Between 15 and 20 ft from road boundary | One per property | Between 15 and 20 feet from road boundary | — | Unlock | §225-4C |
| Ground Sign (over 20 ft setback) | 18 feet | 40 sq ft | — | Over 20 ft from road boundary | One per property | Over 20 feet from the road boundary | — | Unlock | §225-4C |
| Ladder Sign (also see Ground Sign) | 18 feet | Same as Ground Signs: 20/30/40 sq ft depending on setback | — | See Ground Sign regulations | One per applicable property type | Same setbacks as ground signs | — | Unlock | §225-4C, §225-4E |
| Roof Sign | 3 feet, not to exceed the ridgeline of the structure | — | — | — | One per established business, in lieu of wall sign | Affixed to roof of building | — | Unlock | §225-4D |
| Projecting, Overhanging Sign | — | 6 sq ft per sign space | — | At least 10 ft. above ground | One per store occupancy | Projects over public way (GB-1, GB-2 only) | — | Unlock | §225-4F |
| Awning Sign | — | — | No limit on width; may not extend beyond 12 in inside curb | At least 7 ft above sidewalk, ≤12 in inside curb | — | Over sidewalk or public right-of-way | — | Unlock | §225-4K(1) |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground/Building Face/Post Sign (Name Sign) | — | 2 sq ft per face | — | — | One per dwelling unit | Ground, suspended from post or attached to building face | — | Unlock | §225-5A, §225-15C(1) |
| Home Occupation/Profession Sign | — | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | One per dwelling unit | Ground, suspended from post or attached to building face | — | Unlock | §225-5B |
| Wall or Ground Sign (Public Use) | — | 18 sq ft per face | — | — | One per building | On premises of church, library, school or other public building | — | Unlock | §225-5D |
| Entrance/Exit/Warning Sign (Residential) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | Wall or ground, driveway entrance/exit or for warning | — | Unlock | §225-5D, §225-15C(7) |
| For Sale/For Rent Sign | — | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | One per property | On property for sale/rent, not on trees or rocks | — | Unlock | §225-5E, §225-15C(2) |
| Temporary Group Construction Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per site | Construction site (single- or multiple-unit) | — | Unlock | §225-5F |
| Real Estate Developer Long-Term Sign | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | One per appropriate junction | Appropriate road junctions in project | — | Unlock | §225-5G |
| Subdivision Entrance Ground Name Sign | 10 feet | 18 sq ft per face | — | — | One per subdivision major entrance | Major entrance of subdivision | — | Unlock | §225-5H |
Small Business 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground/Building Face/Post Sign (Name Sign) | — | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | One per dwelling unit | From the ground, suspended from a post or attached to the building face | — | Unlock | §225-24A, §225-15C(1) |
| Business Use Ground/Wall/Post Sign | — | 6 sq ft per face | — | — | One per property | From ground, suspended from post or attached to building face | — | Unlock | §225-24B |
| Multi-Use Commercial Use Sign (Low Ground or Wall plus Wall) | 6 feet (ground sign) | 8 sq ft for ground sign; 1 sq ft for each wall sign per business | — | — | One per property plus one per allowed commercial use | On property with multiple commercial uses | — | Unlock | §225-24C |
| Wall or Ground Sign (Public Use) | — | 18 sq ft per sign face | — | — | One per building | On premises of church, library, school or public building | — | Unlock | §225-24D |
| For Sale/For Rent Sign | — | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | — | One per property | On property for sale/rent | — | Unlock | §225-24E, §225-15C(2) |
| Temporary Group Construction Sign (Small Business Zone) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per site | Construction site (single-/multi-unit) | — | Unlock | §225-24F |
| Real Estate Developer Long-Term Sign (Small Business Zone) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | One per appropriate junction | At road junction in development | — | Unlock | §225-24G |
| Subdivision Entrance Ground Name Sign | 10 feet | 6 sq ft per sign face | — | — | One per subdivision major entrance | Major entrance of subdivision | — | Unlock | §225-24H |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Chatham Town. Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property and its full sign requirements — illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Chatham Town
- No person shall post, erect, display or maintain within public view from a highway any off-premises billboard signs or other advertising device except as provided for in the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or otherwise limited herein.
- Roof signs or display signs placed above or supported on the top of a building or structure are prohibited, except as elsewhere permitted.
- Advertising signs tacked, posted, painted or otherwise attached to poles, posts, trees, sidewalks, curbs or rocks are prohibited.
- Banners, streamers and advertising flags are prohibited, except as elsewhere permitted.
- No exposed neon or similar tube type of illumination, including open light bulbs, shall be permitted.
- No flashing, blinking or rotating lights shall be permitted for either permanent or temporary signs.
- Internally lighted signs are prohibited in all zones. Existing internally lighted signs must come into conformance within three years of the effective date of the amendment (July 5, 1983).
- No sign shall be permitted which moves by any means.
- No sign shall be erected or attached to any vehicle except for signs applied directly to the surface of the vehicle. The vehicle shall not be parked in a public right-of-way for the purposes of advertising.
- Signs in violation of the bylaw or that become dangerous, unsafe, abandoned, or not maintained as required may be ordered removed or repaired by the Select Board or their agent.
- Temporary or moveable signs of any and every type are specifically prohibited for gasoline stations, garages, and commercial boating facilities.
Exempt Signs in Chatham Town
- Signs bearing the name of the occupant of a dwelling do not require a permit.
- Real estate signs advertising 'For Sale' or 'For Rent' not exceeding six square feet do not require a permit.
- Signs prohibiting trespass, hunting, or warning of danger (such as 'High Voltage') and necessary public utility signs do not require a permit.
- Window signs as described in §225-4B do not require a permit.
- Street name signs, public or private, and signs erected by the Town, County or Commonwealth do not require a permit.
- Signs designating historical places or points of interest erected by governmental authority or historical organizations do not require a permit.
- Signs indicating 'Entrance,' 'Exit,' 'Parking,' or similar, for the direction of persons or vehicles on premises do not require a permit.
- Quarter boards attached to buildings other than commercial or retail establishments do not require a permit.
- Signs not exceeding one square foot bearing the words 'For Sale' and the item price or phone number do not require a permit.
- Signs erected by municipal, county, or federal government are exempt from the provisions of this bylaw but are expected to conform to its intent.
- Signs promoting the election of a political candidate are exempt from permit and bond requirements for temporary signs, banners, and posters.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Chatham Town
- No sign shall be erected, altered, or enlarged until an application on the appropriate form furnished by the sign agent has been filed, including photographs, plans and scale drawings as the sign agent may require, and a permit has been issued confirming compliance with the bylaw.
- Substantial changes of sign design, ownership, type or content may require a new permit at the discretion of the sign agent.
- Plans and scale drawings may be required as part of the permit application process.
- For certain approvals (e.g., roof signs, projecting/overhanging signs), approval by the Select Board or their agent, or proof of insurance may be required.
- Permits for off-premises directional signs may be refused by the sign agent and can be appealed to the proper authority.
Source: ecode360 municipal code