Sign Regulations in Harwich Town, Massachusetts
Harwich Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include All Signs, Wall Sign (Single-Tenant), Cluster 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 Harwich Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Harwich Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Single-Tenant) | Cannot exceed height of building; projecting wall sign: At least 8 ft ground clearance | 48 sq ft per public entrance facade | — |
| Cluster Sign | — | 60 sq ft | — |
| Ground Sign | 12 feet unless otherwise specified | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
24
- All Signs
- Wall Sign (Single-Tenant)
- Cluster Sign
- Ground 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 Harwich Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
In Harwich Town, wall signs can be up to Cannot exceed height of building; projecting wall sign: At least 8 ft ground clearance. 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 Harwich 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 Harwich Town, regulated sign types include All Signs, Wall Sign (Single-Tenant), Cluster Sign, Ground 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 Harwich 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 Harwich Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Harwich Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Harwich Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Harwich Town, Massachusetts regulates 24 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Portable Signs in the Commercial District, Industrial District zoning district are capped at 3 ft tall, 6 sq ft per side, and 3 ft wide (Sec. §325-26K). Most commercial signs in Harwich Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Harwich Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Harwich Town (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Commercial District, Industrial District | 6 | 12 feet unless otherwise specified | 60 sq ft | — |
| Residential District | 6 | 18 inches | 20 sq ft | — |
| Municipal Property | 3 | 6 ft (4 ft at Doane Park) | Ground/Cluster: 60 sq ft; Wall: 48 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | min 5 ft, max 8 ft (to top of sign) | 6 sq ft (all signs combined) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Harwich Town(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Commercial District, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Single-Tenant) | Cannot exceed height of building; projecting wall sign: At least 8 ft ground clearance | 48 sq ft per public entrance facade | — | — | 48 sq ft per public entrance facade | On building facade (wall sign), parallel or perpendicular to face | — | Unlock | §325-27D, §325-29F, §325-26A-H |
| Cluster Sign | — | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development (more by special permit) | Ground sign for multiple tenants | — | Unlock | §325-27E, §325-26I |
| Ground Sign | 12 feet unless otherwise specified | — | — | — | — | On ground, supported by poles or uprights | — | Unlock | §325-27C, definition |
| Freestanding Portable Sign | 3 ft | 6 sq ft per side | 3 ft | — | 1 per business per frontage (max one per business) | On property, one per business per frontage; must not block walkways or public right-of-way | — | Unlock | §325-26K |
| Temporary Sign | 4 ft | 9 sq ft | — | — | — | On commercial property | — | Unlock | Temporary Signs definition; §325-31O |
| Off-Premises Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Within commercial or industrial district; requires property owner permission | — | Unlock | §325-29A(3)(a)-(e) |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterboard, Residential | 18 inches | — | 10 ft | — | — | Wall mounted | — | Unlock | §325-29A(5), §325-31H |
| Home Occupation Sign (Residential Use) | — | 9 sq ft | — | — | — | Attached to any structure and/or fence | — | Unlock | §325-29A(2), §325-31C |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Not within public right-of-way | — | Unlock | §325-29A(6), §325-31G |
| Subdivision Sign | 6 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street entrance | At each street entrance | — | Unlock | §325-29A(7) |
| Off-Premises Sign (Agricultural Uses) | — | — | — | — | — | Residential district, opposite exit ramps for Route 6 on Routes 124 and 137 | — | Unlock | §325-29A(3)(b) |
| Temporary Sign (Political Signs, Construction Signs, Special Event Flyers) | — | 8 sq ft (Construction Sign), see below for others | — | — | Political: as authorized by owner; Construction: 1 per parcel | On private property (political), on parcel under construction (construction sign) | — | Unlock | §325-29A(4), (6), (G); §325-31F, §325-31I |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Hour Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises | — | Unlock | Definitions; §325-31A |
| Directional Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On premises only, not for advertising | — | Unlock | Definition |
| Cautionary Sign | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | Unlimited (but min 100 ft apart) | On each lot line | — | Unlock | §325-29A(1); §325-31B |
| Parking Sign (Accessibility) | min 5 ft, max 8 ft (to top of sign) | — | — | — | 1 per designated space or pair | At or near designated parking spaces | — | Unlock | §208-4A |
| Flyer | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | Not in windows, not attached to trees/poles/ROW | — | Unlock | §325-31I, §325-29C |
| Umbrella Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On umbrellas at establishment | — | Unlock | §325-29D, §325-31J |
| Vending Machine | — | — | — | — | 1 per premises (more by special permit) | On premises; must be internally shielded for exemption | — | Unlock | §325-29E, §325-31K |
| Luminous Tube/Neon/Internally Illuminated Sign (Window/Vending Machine Only) | — | 6 sq ft (all signs combined) | — | — | — | In window or on vending machine | — | Unlock | §325-26J |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Harwich 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 Harwich Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Harwich Town
- Sign placement shall not create a hazard or interfere with snow removal or vision or movement of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.
- All signs shall be reasonably placed so as to not obscure other signs.
- No signs shall be located in a public right-of-way nor shall they be located so as to block a public or private sidewalk, stairway, driveway or parking lot or impair sight distances for motorists or pedestrians.
- No sign shall be affixed to or posted in front of any guardrails located in a public right-of-way.
- Signs must be externally lit or backlit only, designed, installed and maintained to eliminate or minimize upward-directed light and glare, and should illuminate only the sign (not adjoining or nearby property).
- No animated signs are permitted.
- Freestanding portable signs must be unlit, inaudible, have no moving parts (except necessary hinges), and must be stable with no external supports.
- All signs and sign structures must be constructed of materials of sufficient strength and quality to withstand weathering or deterioration, and be maintained in good repair.
- Old signs and related hardware/structural supports must be removed before new signs are erected, unless incorporated into the new sign and approved.
- No sign (except as specifically provided for municipal or accessibility) shall be posted within a public right-of-way.
- Flyers not displayed in windows shall not be attached to trees, utility poles or be located within a public right-of-way.
- Sign area cannot be transferred between buildings or facades within a project; signage must be tied to a specific space via lease or purchase agreement.
- Permanent, noncommercial, nonmunicipal signs are not allowed on municipal property, except as allowed by ordinance.
- No temporary, noncommercial, nonmunicipal sign shall be chained, locked, or permanently affixed to any surface, structure, or landscape feature.
- No temporary, noncommercial, nonmunicipal sign may block a sidewalk, driveway, or impair sight distances for motorists.
- No temporary, noncommercial, nonmunicipal sign may block any other sign already in place.
- No sign exempted under § 325-31 shall be allowed on specified municipal properties.
- No sign may be located so as to block a public or private sidewalk, stairway, driveway or parking lot or impair sight distances for motorists or pedestrians.
- No sign may be placed so as to block any other sign already in place.
- No sign shall be affixed to or posted in front of any guardrails located in a public right-of-way.
Exempt Signs in Harwich Town
- Business hour signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Cautionary signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Home occupation signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Municipal signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Temporary municipal signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Political campaign signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Real estate signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Residential quarterboard signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Special event flyers do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Umbrella signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Vending machines: one per premises unless more allowed by special permit; do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Water Department signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Town Meeting/election signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Open house and tag sale signs if displayed for not more than 48 hours do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
- Temporary signs do not require a permit or notification and do not count towards total permitted signage.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Harwich Town
- Nonmunicipal developments having more than one tenant or use within a project or premises shall provide a master sign plan for the entire structure or project for review and approval by the Planning Department staff prior to any sign permit approval by a Building Official.
- Total sign area within the master sign plan is subject to the size limitations of the ordinance. Sign area cannot be transferred to a single building or facade from other buildings in the project. In addition, the amount of signage assigned to a specific space in a building shall be tied to that space through the lease or purchase agreement.
- Additional cluster signs or signage in excess of maximum area requirements may be allowed by special permit from the Planning Board.
- Applicants appealing permit denials or requiring a variance to sign regulations may request review at a Board of Appeals meeting.
Source: ecode360 municipal code