Sign Regulations in Great Barrington Town, Massachusetts
Great Barrington Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign (Residential Districts), On-Premises Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District), Institutional Use Sign (Hospital/Nursing Home/Institutional). 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 Great Barrington Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Great Barrington Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 8 square feet in aggregate | — |
| On-Premises Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District) | — | 12 square feet | — |
| Subdivision Sign (Per Entrance) | — | 12 square feet each | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
24
- Temporary Sign (Residential Districts)
- On-Premises Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District)
- Institutional Use Sign (Hospital/Nursing Home/Institutional)
- Subdivision Sign (Per Entrance)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Great Barrington Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Great Barrington 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 Great Barrington 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 Great Barrington Town, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign (Residential Districts), On-Premises Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District), Institutional Use Sign (Hospital/Nursing Home/Institutional), Subdivision Sign (Per Entrance), 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 Great Barrington 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 Great Barrington Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Great Barrington Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Great Barrington Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Great Barrington Town, Massachusetts regulates 24 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Business Districts, Industrial Districts zoning district are capped at 5 ft above grade or 5 ft greater than distance from traveled way or max 20 ft above traveled way tall and 24 square feet, with a Not within 10 feet of traveled way; special clearances apply if within 20 feet setback (Sec. §146-4.C; §146-8.E). Most commercial signs in Great Barrington Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Great Barrington Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Great Barrington Town (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts | 5 | — | 12 square feet | — |
| Business Districts, Industrial Districts | 13 | 5 ft above grade or 5 ft greater than distance from traveled way or max 20 ft above traveled way | Max 200 square feet (if hung on facade) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | — | 8 square feet | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Great Barrington Town
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 8 square feet in aggregate | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §146-5.L |
| On-Premises Sign (Nonresidential Use in Residential District) | — | 12 square feet | — | — | 1 | Per premises | — | Unlock | §146-7.B |
| Institutional Use Sign (Hospital/Nursing Home/Institutional) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §146-7.A |
| Subdivision Sign (Per Entrance) | — | 12 square feet each | — | — | 1 per entrance | At each entrance from public way to the subdivision | — | Unlock | §146-7.C |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential Districts) | — | 6 square feet | — | 3 feet from street line or 10 feet from traveled way, whichever is greater | 1 | On property being sold or rented | — | Unlock | §146-5.J |
Business Districts, Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 6 square feet per side; max width 2 feet, 2 sides | 2 feet | — | 1 | Adjacent to the building where the business is located or within 50 feet of main entrance | — | Unlock | §146-4.J, §146-6.I |
| Freestanding Sign | 5 ft above grade or 5 ft greater than distance from traveled way or max 20 ft above traveled way | 24 square feet | — | Not within 10 feet of traveled way; special clearances apply if within 20 feet | 1 per premises (unless corner lot) | At premises, not within 10 feet of traveled way; if within 20 feet of traveled way, 8 ft min clearance between grade and bottom or max 5 ft above grade | — | Unlock | §146-4.C; §146-8.E |
| Business Center Sign (Freestanding) | — | 100 square feet total (of which 24 sq ft for the center, 10 sq ft max per business) | — | — | 1 per business center | Along road frontage of business center | — | Unlock | §146-8.D |
| Projecting Sign | — | 15 square feet | — | — | 1 per business | Projecting from building, not to extend more than 3 feet from building, not less than 3 feet from curbline | — | Unlock | §146-4.H; §146-8.H |
| Awning Sign | — | 2 square feet per elevation, 4 square feet total per awning | — | — | — | On awning | — | Unlock | §146-8.A; §146-4.B |
| Building-Mounted On-Premises Signs (includes Wall, Window, Projecting, Directory) | — | 100 sq. ft. per sign (individual); 150 sq. ft. aggregate (per facade) | — | — | — | On facade facing public way or parking area | — | Unlock | §146-8.C |
| Canopy Sign (Gas Station) | — | 18 square feet total per premises | — | — | — | On vertical surface(s) of attached or freestanding canopy(ies) | — | Unlock | §146-8.F |
| Banner | — | Max 200 square feet (if hung on facade) | — | — | 2 per event | On building or spanning public way (with Board of Selectmen permit for spanning); allowed in business/industrial districts only | — | Unlock | §146-6.A |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incidental Sign | — | 2 square feet | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | §146-5.E; §146-2 |
| Directional Sign (General) | — | 2 square feet each (specified in §146-5.F); 2 sq. ft for institutions, also per §146-6.E | — | — | — | As needed for traffic control to parking, hospitals, etc. | — | Unlock | §146-5.F, §146-6.E |
| Memorial Sign | — | 8 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §146-5.H |
| Noncommercial Sign | — | 2 square feet in aggregate per premises | — | — | — | On-premises, may include professional office or home occupation | — | Unlock | §146-5.I |
| Real Estate Sign (All Districts) | — | 8 sq. ft per premises in nonresidential; 6 sq. ft in residential | — | 3 ft from street line or 10 ft from traveled way | 1 | On property for sale/rent | — | Unlock | §146-5.J |
| Holiday Decoration or Light | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §146-5.D |
Run a code check for your exact address to get the zone that applies to your property, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Great Barrington Town — with a free PermitPal account.
Run a code check for your exact address — freeProhibited Signs in Great Barrington Town
- Abandoned signs must be removed within 120 days of abandonment or cessation of business.
- No sign, except for posters or temporary signs, shall use any day-glow or fluorescent colors on either its copy or background.
- All signs must be maintained in good repair, good structural condition, and in compliance with building and electrical codes.
- No sign shall be erected that obstructs any door, window, fire escape, or interferes with the proper functioning of any building.
- No sign shall constitute a hazard to public safety or health by its location, inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, abandonment, obstruction of sight distances, or interference with pedestrian safety.
- Sign posts and supports shall not contain lettering and shall be kept plumb and in good condition.
- No sign shall be erected that obstructs traffic sight lines for drivers or pedestrians.
- No sign shall be permitted on trees, light poles, telephone poles, or street identification signs, except those erected by the Town or Commonwealth for safety purposes.
- Animated signs, rotating signs, rotating beacons, electronic message signs or centers, and otherwise moving signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- Laser/holographic signs are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- Portable signs, including movable wheeled signs, are prohibited in all districts except as specified.
- No sign shall use amber, red, or green lights resembling traffic signals, or the words 'stop,' 'caution,' 'danger,' or similar that may be construed as a public safety warning or traffic sign.
- No illuminated sign shall employ flashing, intermittent, rotating, or moving light.
- No illuminated sign or lighting device shall be placed or directed to cause glare or reflection that may constitute a traffic hazard or nuisance.
- No roof signs shall be permitted in any zoning district.
- No building-mounted sign shall project above any eave, parapet, or roof surface.
- No sign shall be erected unlawfully imitating or resembling official traffic signs or signals, or hiding from view any such official sign.
- It is unlawful to place, maintain, or display upon or in view of any street any unofficial sign, signal, or device imitating or resembling official traffic devices.
- It is unlawful to willfully deface, injure, move, obstruct, or interfere with any official traffic sign, signal, or marking.
Exempt Signs in Great Barrington Town
- Governmental flags and insignia, except those displayed with a commercial message or for a commercial promotion, are allowed in all districts.
- Historic signs are allowed in all districts.
- Historical markers erected by a historical association, governmental agency, or for property on historic registers are allowed in all districts.
- Holiday lights and decorations without commercial messages and displayed for a limited time are allowed in all districts.
- Incidental signs (no larger than two square feet, secondary purpose) are allowed in all districts.
- Informational and directional signs no greater than two square feet each, directing traffic to hospitals, parking, cultural institutions, or permitted uses, are allowed in all districts.
- Legal notices and identifications not exceeding two square feet, including 'No Trespassing' and 'No Hunting,' are allowed in all districts.
- Signs with no commercial message bearing only house numbers, post box numbers, resident names, or identification of premises (up to two square feet aggregate per premises) are allowed in all districts; professional office or home occupation identification permitted.
- One real estate sign per premises ('For Sale,' 'For Rent,' or 'For Lease') is allowed in any district, with specific size and removal rules.
- Signs described in MGL c. 93, § 32 are allowed in all districts.
- Works of art not containing a commercial message are allowed in all districts.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Great Barrington Town
- Site plan review by the Planning Board includes ensuring compliance with sign regulations as part of the site plan approval process (see § 146-19).
- Marquee and marquee signs (for theaters or cinemas) require a special permit from the Planning Board including submission of stamped engineering drawings and inspection approval (§ 146-4F, § 146-9, § 146-9A).
- A special permit from the Planning Board (variance) is required to deviate from any sign requirement in Chapter 146 (§ 146-20).
Source: ecode360 municipal code