Sign Regulations in Gloucester, Massachusetts
Gloucester, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 10 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Menu Sign/Speaker Board (Drive-Through), Identification Sign (Home Occupation), Freestanding Sign (Shopping Center). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Gloucester, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Gloucester
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Menu Sign/Speaker Board (Drive-Through) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Shopping Center) | — | — | No sign within required setbacks from Route 128 |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
10
- Menu Sign/Speaker Board (Drive-Through)
- Identification Sign (Home Occupation)
- Freestanding Sign (Shopping Center)
- Building Sign per Business (Shopping Center)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Gloucester
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Gloucester 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 Gloucester, 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 Gloucester, regulated sign types include Menu Sign/Speaker Board (Drive-Through), Identification Sign (Home Occupation), Freestanding Sign (Shopping Center), Building Sign per Business (Shopping Center), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Gloucester, monument signs typically require a No sign within required setbacks from Route 128 setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Gloucester are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Gloucester has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Gloucester, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Gloucester, Massachusetts regulates 10 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Menu Sign/Speaker Board (Drive-Through)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 30 sq ft (Sec. Section 5.17.5(e)(1)). Most commercial signs in Gloucester require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Gloucester, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Gloucester (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 6 ft | 30 sq ft | — |
| Shopping Center (Major Project) (districts as applicable by project type) | 2 | — | — | — |
| Drive-Through Facilities Districts (CB, NB, EB, VB, MI, GI, BP) | 1 | 6 ft | 30 sq ft | — |
| Hotel Overlay District (HOD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| 107 & 125 Atlantic Road Hotel Overlay District (ARHOD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Mixed Use Overlay District (MUOD) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Major Project (districts as applicable by project type, e.g. multi-family, shopping center, assisted living, commercial, etc.) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Medical Marijuana Treatment Center and Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facility (as permitted in Community Service Use districts per Table 2.3.2 and with Site Plan Approval/Special Permit) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Marijuana Establishments (as permitted in zoning districts identified in Section 2.3, including those requiring Site Plan Approval and/or Special Permit) | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Gloucester(sample of 3 of 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification Sign (Home Occupation) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Exterior wall or lot for home occupation | — | Unlock | Section 5.3.3 - 5.3.7 |
| Menu Sign/Speaker Board (Drive-Through) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | — | Physically shielded from any public street and residential properties by landscaping or other means | — | Unlock | Section 5.17.5(e)(1) |
Shopping Center (Major Project) (districts as applicable by project type)
| 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 (Shopping Center) | — | — | — | No sign within required setbacks from Route 128 | 1 | On the shopping center premises | — | Unlock | Section 5.7.5(f)(12) |
| Building Sign per Business (Shopping Center) | — | — | — | — | 1 per business | On the shopping center premises, building mounted | — | Unlock | Section 5.7.5(f)(12) |
Drive-Through Facilities Districts (CB, NB, EB, VB, MI, GI, BP)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menu Sign/Speaker Board (Drive-Through) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft | — | — | — | Physically shielded from any public street and residential properties by landscaping or other means | — | Unlock | Section 5.17.5(e)(1) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Gloucester — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Gloucester — start freeProhibited Signs in Gloucester
- No sign shall be located within required setbacks from Route 128 (see Section 5.7.5(f)12).
- No signage or advertising for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers or Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facilities shall be misleading, deceptive, or false or designed to appeal to minors (Section 5.27.7).
- Marijuana plants, products, and paraphernalia shall not be visible from outside the building of any marijuana establishment (Section 5.31.5.5).
- It is unlawful to operate a marijuana establishment without a valid state license and without required City Council Special Permit or Planning Board Site Plan Approval (Section 5.31.10).
- No Hotel, or portion thereof, in the Hotel Overlay District may be used as a condominium, cooperative, time share, or allow any guest to occupy a room for more than 90 consecutive days. No casino is allowed (Section 5.25.3.3).
Exempt Signs in Gloucester
- Menu signs and speaker boards for drive-through facilities up to 30 square feet and 6 feet in height do not require a separate sign permit, but must comply with Section 4.3 sign requirements (Section 5.17.5.e.1.a).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Gloucester
- Shopping Center parking areas must comply with Section 4.3. No part of any sign shall be located within required setbacks from Route 128 (Section 5.7.5(f)12).
- Site Plan submittal for non-residential developments/major projects must include the design of any freestanding signs (Section 5.8.5.1.D).
- All on-premise signage in the Hotel Overlay District and Mixed Use Overlay District must comply with Section 4.3, which governs signage standards citywide (Sections 5.25.6 and 5.29.7).
- In drive-through facilities, menu signs and speaker boards must follow zoning sign requirements (Section 4.3), but do not require a separate permit under the sign ordinance (Section 5.17.5.e.1.a).
- Wireless Communication Facility applications must include the design/details of any permitted signs (Section 5.13.5.5.d).
Source: municode municipal code