Sign Regulations in Dartmouth Town, Massachusetts
Dartmouth Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Window 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 Dartmouth Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Dartmouth Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence Identification Sign | — | 2 sq ft per face; may be double-faced | 5-ft front and side yard setbacks |
| Home Occupation or Similar Use Sign (Boarders, Earth Removal) | — | 2 sq ft per face; double-faced | 5-ft front and side yard setbacks |
| Protected Non-Agricultural Use Sign | — | 12 sq ft per face; double-faced | 5-ft front and side yard setbacks |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Window Sign
- Message 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 Dartmouth Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth Town, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Window Sign, Message 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 Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Dartmouth Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Dartmouth Town Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Dartmouth Town, Massachusetts sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Dartmouth Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Dartmouth Town, Massachusetts regulates 17 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Neighborhood Business District, Village Business District, Limited Business District zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall and 8 sq ft per side, with a No part of any sign may be less than 5 ft from any property line (§ 375-25.7A); generally 10 ft from ROW for freestanding per § 375-25.9A(2) setback (Sec. § 375-25.12C, § 375-25.6A(3)). Most commercial signs in Dartmouth Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Dartmouth Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Dartmouth Town (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Residence District, General Residence District | 3 | — | 12 sq ft per face; double-faced | — |
| Neighborhood Business District, Village Business District, Limited Business District | 6 | 8 ft | No more than 30% of awning area and total not exceeding 8 sq ft per building | — |
| Bliss Corner Mixed Use District | 6 | 12 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Business District, Office Park District, Maritime Industrial District, Limited Industrial District, Office Industrial District, General Industrial District | 7 | 35 ft | 32 sq ft (if within front setback or for free-standing buildings); otherwise, formula applies | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 35 ft | 32 sq ft (other types); 10 sq ft (A-frame); 20 sq ft (flag) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Dartmouth Town(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Neighborhood Business District, Village Business District, Limited Business District
| 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 | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building or 1 per building wall for free-standing buildings | On building wall | — | Unlock | § 375-25.12B, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Freestanding Sign | 8 ft | 8 sq ft per side | — | No part of any sign may be less than 5 ft from any property line (§ 375-25.7A); generally 10 ft from ROW for freestanding per § 375-25.9A(2) | 1 per lot | Anchored to the ground; location per general setback requirements | — | Unlock | § 375-25.12C, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Window Sign | — | 8 sq ft per business and not covering more than 25% of the window or 50% of a door window | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | § 375-25.12D, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Message Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | — | — | Unlock | § 375-25.12E, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Awning Sign | — | No more than 30% of awning area and total not exceeding 8 sq ft per building | — | — | — | On awning | — | Unlock | § 375-25.12F, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 8 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per business | Projecting 90° off building wall | — | Unlock | § 375-25.12G, § 375-25.6A(3) |
Bliss Corner Mixed Use District
| 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 | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business; or 1 per wall for free-standing buildings | On building wall | — | Unlock | § 375-25.13A, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft | 32 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per lot | Anchored to the ground | — | Unlock | § 375-25.13B, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Window Sign | — | 8 sq ft per business; no more than 25% of a window, 50% of a door window | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | § 375-25.13C, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Message Sign | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | — | — | Unlock | § 375-25.13D, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Awning Sign | — | No more than 30% of awning area; up to 8 sq ft total | — | — | — | On awning | — | Unlock | § 375-25.13E, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Projecting Sign | — | 8 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per business | Projecting 90° off wall | — | Unlock | § 375-25.13F, § 375-25.6A(3) |
General Business District, Office Park District, Maritime Industrial District, Limited Industrial District, Office Industrial District, General Industrial District
| 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 | — | 1 sq ft per side per 2 linear ft of frontage | — | No part of any sign may be less than 5 ft from any property line (§ 375-25.14D) | See formula based on frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 375-25.14A, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Wall Sign | — | 32 sq ft (if within front setback or for free-standing buildings); otherwise, formula applies | — | — | See requirements | On building wall | — | Unlock | § 375-25.14B, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Window Sign | — | Up to 10% of gross glazed area of building | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | § 375-25.14C, § 375-25.6A(3) |
| Freestanding Display Sign | 35 ft | — | — | No part less than 5 ft from any property line | — | — | — | Unlock | § 375-25.14D |
| Site Identification Sign (Under Construction) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per construction site | On site under construction | — | Unlock | § 375-25.14E |
| Parking Facility Directional Sign | — | 16 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | Parking facility | — | Unlock | § 375-25.14F |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 structure per premise; 2 faces max | — | — | Unlock | § 375-25.9I |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Dartmouth 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 5 zones for Dartmouth Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Dartmouth Town
- No off-premise commercial signs.
- No roof signs.
- No signs that are moving, mobile, or revolving, either in whole or in part.
- No strings, streamers, flags, pennants, revolving or flashing lights, spinners, projecting image signs, or other similar devices attached or strung across, upon, over, or along any premises or building, whether as part of a sign or not.
- No inflatable signs, tethered or simulated balloons, or blow-up figures.
- No signs painted on the exterior surface of any wall or roof.
- No signs, letters, posters, and advertisements attached to any tree, utility pole, or natural feature on any street, highway, or right-of-way.
- No permanent signs placed on vehicles or trailers parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the signs, and from which no other business is being conducted. (Exception: Lettering on buses, taxis, or other vehicles, including food trucks, operating in the normal course of business.)
- No advertising cloth, vinyl, or paper banners or signs of similar character suspended or hung on any property, except for temporary banners.
- No sign shall be erected within the right-of-way lines of a public or private street, nor placed closer than five feet from such right-of-way lines or property lines of abutting properties.
- No sign illumination shall be intermittent, nor have traveling, flashing or animated lighting, nor rotate.
- No person shall affix any bill, placard, or poster nor paint, draw or write any words, figures or devices upon any property in the town bordering on the highway on land not their own without permission of the owner or lawful controller, nor upon any town property without consent of the Selectpersons.
- No person, other than a duly authorized agent of the Town, shall remove, deface, or otherwise obstruct any Town safety sign, barricade or warning device placed for public safety.
Exempt Signs in Dartmouth Town
- Signs required to be erected or maintained pursuant to federal, state, or local law, such as notices related to public health and safety, or official traffic signs required by a law, regulation, or by-law.
- Highway directional or traffic control signs required or allowed by law.
- Signs exempt under Massachusetts General Laws c. 93, Section 32.
- Any sign inside a building that is not a window sign.
- Government signs, the copy and message of signs, product dispensers, point of purchase displays, scoreboards on athletic fields, gravestones, religious symbols other than flags, display of street numbers, or commemorative plaques.
- Signs relating to any political election, candidate or issue.
- Building markers that only include building name, date of construction, or historical data on an historical site, provided there is only one per building and the sign does not exceed six square feet.
- Political, ideological and religious flags or insignia, provided they are not used for commercial promotion, display, or as an inducement to promote or attract attention to a particular business or person, do not exceed 60 square feet in area, and are flown from a pole not more than 40 feet in height.
- Nameplate signs on private residences that do not exceed one square foot in display area.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Dartmouth Town
- Permit required: Except as otherwise provided or for signs indicating occupant or property for sale/to-let (when lawfully exempt), all signs visible from public or private ways or parks require a permit issued by the Building Commissioner.
- Political signs and signs expressing an opinion or sentiment in the exercise of free speech are allowed without a building permit by the owner or person in control of the property (with conditions).
- Parking facility signs that provide directions to roads or businesses, or that provide traffic directions (not business advertising), must be approved by the Planning Board as part of a Site Plan Review under Article 24 of the Zoning By-Laws. Amendments for such signage follow the same process limited to sign approval.
- Temporary event signs may be allowed only by approval from the Board of Selectmen.
Source: ecode360 municipal code