Sign Regulations in Fairhaven Town, Massachusetts
Fairhaven Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 40 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Balloon (less than 24 inches), Building Marker or Historic/Commemorative Plaque, Construction 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 Fairhaven Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Fairhaven Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 6 ft (residential), 15 ft (other districts) | 32 sq ft | — |
| Home Improvement Sign | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| Real Estate Sign (Single- or Two-Family Residential) | — | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
40
- Balloon (less than 24 inches)
- Building Marker or Historic/Commemorative Plaque
- Construction Sign
- Flag (Noncommercial)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Fairhaven Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Fairhaven 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 Fairhaven 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 Fairhaven Town, regulated sign types include Balloon (less than 24 inches), Building Marker or Historic/Commemorative Plaque, Construction Sign, Flag (Noncommercial), 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 Fairhaven 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 Fairhaven Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Fairhaven Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Fairhaven Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Fairhaven Town, Massachusetts regulates 40 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Temporary Banners in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Not higher than highest outside wall tall and 100 sq ft per banner, with a 20 ft from street line setback (Sec. §198-26E(1)). Most commercial signs in Fairhaven Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Fairhaven Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Fairhaven Town (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 19 | 6 ft (residential), 15 ft (other districts) | 100 sq ft per banner | — |
| Residential, Agricultural and Park Zoning Districts (RA, RB, RC, A, P) | 8 | 8 ft | 40 sq ft each | — |
| Business and Industrial Zoning Districts | 13 | 22 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| 1 more zone in PermitPal — start free | ||||
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Fairhaven Town(sample of 3 of 4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | 6 ft (residential), 15 ft (other districts) | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per project site per street frontage | Each project construction site per street frontage | — | Unlock | §198-26C(2)(c) |
| Home Improvement Sign | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | One per lot | — | Unlock | §198-26C(2)(f) |
| Real Estate Sign (Single- or Two-Family Residential) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, max 2 per lot | On the lot for sale or lease | — | Unlock | §198-26C(2)(m)[1] |
| Real Estate Sign (All Other Uses) - Option 1 | — | — | — | — | See permanent identification sign | May incorporate into permanent identification sign | — | Unlock | §198-26C(2)(m)[2][b][i] |
| Real Estate Sign (All Other Uses) - Option 2 | 6 ft | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per street frontage, max 2 per site | Onsite; one per street frontage, up to two per site | — | Unlock | §198-26C(2)(m)[2][b][ii] |
| Window Sign | — | 25% of any retail display window | — | — | — | Retail display window or attached thereto | — | Unlock | §198-26C(2)(o) |
| Temporary Banner | Not higher than highest outside wall | 100 sq ft per banner | — | 20 ft from street line | 1 per street frontage | Onsite, per street frontage | — | Unlock | §198-26E(1) |
| Temporary Sandwich Board, Commercial Flag, Stringers, Balloon (24 inches or more, for promotion) | No higher than applicable district height | Must comply with banner (100 sq ft) | — | 20 ft from street line | 1 (combined with temporary banner allowance) | Onsite, per street frontage | — | Unlock | §198-26E(1)(a)-(e) |
Residential, Agricultural and Park Zoning Districts (RA, RB, RC, A, P)
| 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 Identification Sign (Residential Use - Neighborhood Identification) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft each | — | See §198-26G(3): 14 ft from street line, not in ROW; 5 ft from side/rear lot line | 2 per neighborhood | On the site of the use | — | Unlock | §198-26D(1)(a)[3][a], §198-26D(1)(a)[2][a], §198-26D(1)(a)[4] |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Nonresidential Use, single frontage) | 8 ft | 40 sq ft | — | See §198-26G(3) | 1 per site | On the site of the use | — | Unlock | §198-26D(1)(a)[3][b][i], §198-26D(1)(a)[2][a], §198-26D(1)(a)[4] |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Nonresidential Use, two street frontages) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft per sign | — | See §198-26G(3) | 1 per street frontage | One per street frontage | — | Unlock | §198-26D(1)(a)[3][b][ii], §198-26D(1)(a)[2][a], §198-26D(1)(a)[4] |
| Wall Sign (Residential Name Plate) | — | — | — | — | — | On wall facing public street | — | Unlock | §198-26D(1)(b)[1][a][i], §198-26D(1)(b)[1][c], §198-26D(1)(b)[1][d] |
| Wall Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | — | — | — | — | On wall facing public street | — | Unlock | §198-26D(1)(b)[1][a][ii], [b], [c], [d], §198-26G(4) |
| Projecting/Hanging or Suspended Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | Minimum 10 ft above sidewalk | — | Unlock | §198-26D(1)(b)[1][a][ii][B] |
| Awning Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | — | — | — | — | On first floor facade (nonresidential) | — | Unlock | §198-26D(1)(b)[1][a][ii][C] |
| Canopy Sign (Nonresidential Use) | — | — | — | — | — | On facades of canopy fronting on a public street | — | Unlock | §198-26D(1)(b)[1][a][ii][D] |
Business and Industrial Zoning Districts
| 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 Identification Sign (Building ≥15,000 sf) | 22 ft | 100 sq ft | — | See §198-26G(3): 14 ft from street line, not in ROW; 5 ft from side/rear lot line | 1 per public street frontage | One per public street frontage, per site | — | Unlock | §198-26D(2)(a)[1][a]-[d] |
| Freestanding Identification Sign (Building <15,000 sf) | 16 ft | 60 sq ft | — | See §198-26G(3): 14 ft from street line, not in ROW; 5 ft from side/rear lot line | 1 per public street frontage | One per public street frontage, per site | — | Unlock | §198-26D(2)(a)[2][a]-[d] |
| Wall Sign / Building Identification Sign | — | — | 80% of facade linear frontage (linear dimension only) | — | No set limit, as long as area requirements met | On primary public entrance facade | — | Unlock | §198-26D(2)(b)[1][a]-[d] |
| Projecting or Suspended Sign (per business unit) | — | 10 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per separated business unit | Minimum 10 ft above sidewalk | — | Unlock | §198-26D(2)(b)[1][c][ii] |
| Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per theater premises | Premises or entrance of theater or group of theaters | — | Unlock | §198-26D(2)(b)[1][c][v] |
| Spandrel Sign (Gas Station) | — | 2 sq ft per dispensing station (may combine for total on one sign per spandrel) | — | — | — | Spandrel | — | Unlock | §198-26D(2)(c)[2] |
| Pump Island Sign / Pump Topper (Gas Station) | — | 2 sq ft or less | — | — | — | Pump island | — | Unlock | §198-26D(2)(c)[3] |
| Operator Identification Sign (Gas Station) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On building only | — | Unlock | §198-26D(2)(c)[6] |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Fairhaven 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 4 zones for Fairhaven Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Fairhaven Town
- No sign shall interfere with official signs and traffic control devices.
- No sign shall be placed where it prevents the driver of a vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view of any official sign or approaching or merging traffic.
- No sign or sign structure shall attempt or appear to attempt to direct the movement of traffic or interfere with or obstruct the view of, or can be confused with, imitates or resembles any official traffic sign, signal or device.
- No rotating beam, moving letter signs (in which the letters change more often than once per hour, except for time or temperature), beacon or flashing illumination resembling any emergency light, shall be used except for traffic control signs, public utility signs, or public notices.
- No sign or sign structure shall be located so as to materially impede the view of any street or highway intersection.
- No sign shall be painted on, attached to, or maintained upon utility poles, trees, shrubs, rocks, or other natural features except as specified for historical or commemorative plaques, or regulatory signs.
- Portable billboards not allowed except for grand openings and not to exceed seven calendar days.
- Flashing signs are prohibited.
- Shimmering signs are prohibited.
- Any sign emitting sound is prohibited.
- Any off-site identification sign or advertising sign unless otherwise provided is prohibited.
- Signs that exceed the requirements listed below are prohibited.
- Signs to which MGL c. 93 § 30 applies, displaying commercial messages, are prohibited.
- Signs not listed as permitted are prohibited.
- Freestanding signs, building identification signs, sign structures, poles and other related equipment that have been abandoned for more than two years shall be removed.
- No lighting shall be used in connection with a sign unless effectively shielded to illuminate only the sign surface and to prevent light from being directed at any portion of a public roadway or onto any residential property, or if it is of such low intensity as not to cause glare or impair driver vision or interfere with driver operation.
- All illuminated freestanding identification signs shall have underground electrical service unless evidence is provided that the local electric utility will not permit such underground service.
- Any sign which is externally illuminated shall be at least 100 feet from an adjoining residential property line.
- If sign setback requirements in front of residential uses or districts cannot be met, illumination of signs must be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Exempt Signs in Fairhaven Town
- Balloons less than 24 inches in diameter.
- Building markers and historic or commemorative plaques.
- One temporary freestanding construction sign or wall sign per project construction site per street frontage (subject to maximum size and height conditions).
- Noncommercial flags.
- Garage sale signs.
- Home improvement/home construction/home remodeling signs (with conditions on number, size, and height).
- Interior signs.
- Murals.
- Official signs and notices.
- Political campaign signs (must be removed within 10 days following an election).
- Political signs.
- Public utility signs.
- Real estate signs (under detailed size, number, and location conditions depending on type of property).
- Residential nameplates.
- Window signs within a retail display window (not exceeding 25% of any retail display window).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Fairhaven Town
- A sign permit application requires filing a plan to scale showing the intended location of all proposed and existing signs, distances to lot lines, pavement edges, intersections, adjacent signs, traffic control devices, and sidewalks.
- Complete drawings and specifications drawn to scale covering the size of the sign must be filed as part of the sign permit application.
- No person may obtain a sign permit (except for temporary signs) while a nonconforming sign remains on the property unless the permit also includes bringing the nonconforming sign into compliance (with certain exceptions).
- There is no provision for variances for signs, as variances are not granted for signs under this ordinance.
Source: ecode360 municipal code