Sign Regulations in Hingham, Massachusetts
Hingham, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 18 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign - Parallel (As-of-Right), Wall Sign - Parallel (Building Permit Tier), Wall Sign - Parallel (Special Permit Tier). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 12, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Hingham, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Hingham
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign - Parallel (As-of-Right) | Mounted at least 5 ft above ground floor | 1 sq. ft. | Not applicable |
| Wall Sign - Parallel (Building Permit Tier) | Mounted at least 5 ft above ground floor | 4 sq. ft. | Not applicable |
| Wall Sign - Parallel (Special Permit Tier) | Mounted at least 5 ft above ground floor | 10 sq. ft. | Not applicable |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for HinghamFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
18
- Wall Sign - Parallel (As-of-Right)
- Wall Sign - Parallel (Building Permit Tier)
- Wall Sign - Parallel (Special Permit Tier)
- Ground Sign (Freestanding) - As-of-Right
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hingham
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
In Hingham, wall signs can be up to Mounted at least 5 ft above ground floor. 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 Hingham, 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 Hingham, regulated sign types include Wall Sign - Parallel (As-of-Right), Wall Sign - Parallel (Building Permit Tier), Wall Sign - Parallel (Special Permit Tier), Ground Sign (Freestanding) - As-of-Right, 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 Hingham 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 Hingham are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hingham has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hingham, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Hingham, Massachusetts regulates 18 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Directory Ground Sign (Development Directory)s in the Industrial District - I, Industrial Park District - IP, Limited Industrial Park District - LIP, Office Park District - OP zoning district are capped at Up to 10 ft tall, Up to 100 sq. ft. total area, and Up to 15 ft length wide, with a Safe location off main road or driveway; general setback rules and corner clearance apply setback (Sec. Section V-B.3, Footnote 4: Directory ground signs in Office Park, Industrial Park, Limited Industrial Park, and Industrial Districts (excluding retail groups), Special Permit A1; limits: ≤10' height, ≤15' length, ≤100 s.f. total area; location and parking requirements.). Most commercial signs in Hingham require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hingham, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hingham (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence District A - R-A, Residence District B - R-B, Residence District C - R-C, Residence District D - R-D, Residence District E - R-E, Official and Open Space District - OSD | 6 | 6 ft | 20 sq. ft. | — |
| Business District A - B-A | 12 | 12 ft | 45 sq. ft. | — |
| Business District B - B-B, Waterfront Business District - WBD, Waterfront Recreation District - WRD | 8 | 12 ft | 60 sq. ft. | — |
| Industrial District - I, Industrial Park District - IP, Limited Industrial Park District - LIP, Office Park District - OP | 7 | 12 ft | Up to 100 sq. ft. total area | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | Mounted to each wall with separate public entrance (other than wall with principal sign) | ≤50% of principal sign area | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hingham(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Business District A - B-A
| 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 - Parallel (As-of-Right) | Mounted at least 5 ft above ground floor | 1 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District A: Bldg.-Parallel, 1 s.f., 5' above ground floor, External, N; Footnotes 1, 3, 5, 6. |
| Window Sign (Aggregate Glass Area Limits) | Not applicable | 20% aggregate glass area; ≤45% of any individual window | — | Not applicable | Not numerically limited; subject to aggregate area limits | Window interior/exterior, visible from the exterior | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District A: Bldg.-Window and/or incidental, N, size limits: 20% glass area aggregate and ≤45% of any individual window; Definitions; Section V-B.9(k). |
| Projecting Sign - Perpendicular (Building Permit Tier) | Mounted to building; where over public sidewalk, lower edge ≥7 ft above ground (Footnote 7) | 4 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Projecting perpendicular from building facade | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District A: Bldg.-Projecting (Perpendicular), 4 s.f., External, B; Footnotes 1, 5, 6, 7. |
| Business Flag (Projecting) | Mounted to building; where over public sidewalk, lower edge ≥7 ft above ground (Footnote 7) | 15 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Projecting from building facade | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District A: Business flag 15 s.f. listed under Bldg.-Projecting; External, B; Footnote 7. |
| Awning Sign | Mounted on building facade | Counted within parallel building sign allowances | — | Not applicable | 1 | Awning attached to building facade | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District A: Awning (See Definitions) under Bldg.-Projecting group; Definitions; Footnote 7. |
| Wall Sign - Parallel (Building Permit Tier) | Mounted to building; height not specified beyond standard mounting | 30 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District A: Bldg.-Parallel, 30 s.f., External, B. |
| Projecting Sign - Perpendicular (Special Permit Tier) | Mounted to building; where over public sidewalk, lower edge ≥7 ft above ground (Footnote 7) | 9 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Projecting perpendicular from building facade | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District A: Bldg.- Projecting Perpendicular, 9 s.f., External, Z; Footnotes 1 and 7. |
| Wall Sign - Parallel (Special Permit Tier) | Mounted to building; height not specified beyond standard mounting | 45 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | Not specified ("-") | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District A: Bldg.-Parallel, 45 s.f., External, Z. |
Business District B - B-B, Waterfront Business District - WBD, Waterfront Recreation District - WRD
| 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 - Parallel (As-of-Right) | Mounted at least 5 ft above ground floor | 1 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District B, Waterfront Business and Waterfront Recreation Districts: Bldg.-Parallel, 1 s.f., 5' above ground floor, External, N. |
| Projecting Sign - Perpendicular (Building Permit Tier) | Mounted to building; where over public sidewalk, lower edge ≥7 ft above ground (Footnote 7) | 4 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Projecting perpendicular from building facade | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District B, Waterfront Business and Waterfront Recreation Districts: Bldg.- Perpendicular, 4 s.f., External, B; Footnotes 1 and 7. |
| Wall Sign - Parallel (Building Permit Tier) | Mounted to building | 30 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District B, Waterfront Business and Waterfront Recreation Districts: Bldg.- Parallel, 30 s.f., External, B. |
| Projecting Sign - Perpendicular (Special Permit Tier) | Mounted to building; where over public sidewalk, lower edge ≥7 ft above ground (Footnote 7) | 9 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Projecting perpendicular from building facade | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District B, Waterfront Business and Waterfront Recreation Districts: Bldg.- Perpendicular, 9 s.f., External, Z; Footnotes 1 and 7. |
| Wall Sign - Parallel (Special Permit Tier) | Mounted to building | 60 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | Not specified ("-") | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District B, Waterfront Business and Waterfront Recreation Districts: Bldg.- Parallel, 60 s.f., External, Z. |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) - As-of-Right | 6 ft | 2 sq. ft. | — | Minimum setback 10 ft from property lines | 1 | Ground/freestanding | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District B, Waterfront Business and Waterfront Recreation Districts: Ground, 2 s.f., 6', Minimum Setback 10', External, N. |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) - Building Permit Tier | 12 ft | 15 sq. ft. | — | Minimum setback 10 ft; and at least 30 ft from Residential Zone | 1 | Ground/freestanding | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District B, Waterfront Business and Waterfront Recreation Districts: Ground, 15 s.f., 12', Minimum Setback 10' and 30' from Res. Zone, External, B. |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) - Special Permit Tier | 12 ft | 24 sq. ft. | — | Minimum setback 10 ft; and at least 30 ft from Residential Zone | 1 | Ground/freestanding | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In Business District B, Waterfront Business and Waterfront Recreation Districts: Ground, 24 s.f., 12', Minimum Setback 10' and 30' from Res. Zone, External, Z. |
Industrial District - I, Industrial Park District - IP, Limited Industrial Park District - LIP, Office Park District - OP
| 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 - Parallel (As-of-Right) | Mounted at least 5 ft above ground floor | 1 sq. ft. | — | Not applicable | 1 | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In All Industrial Districts and the Office Park District: Bldg.-Parallel, 1 s.f., 5' above ground floor, External, N. |
| Wall Sign - Parallel (Building Permit Tier) | Mounted to building | ≤10% of wall area | — | Not applicable | 1 | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In All Industrial Districts and the Office Park District: Bldg.-Parallel, not exceeding 10% wall area, External, B. |
| Wall Sign - Parallel (Special Permit Tier) | Mounted to building | ≤10% of wall area | — | Not applicable | Not specified ("-") | Exterior wall, mounted parallel to building face | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In All Industrial Districts and the Office Park District: Bldg.-Parallel, not exceeding 10% wall area, External, Z. |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) - As-of-Right | 6 ft | 2 sq. ft. | — | Minimum setback 10 ft from property lines | 1 | Ground/freestanding | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In All Industrial Districts and the Office Park District: Ground, 2 s.f., 6', Minimum Setback 10', External, N. |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) - Building Permit Tier | 12 ft | 50 sq. ft. | — | Minimum setback 10 ft from property lines | 1 | Ground/freestanding | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In All Industrial Districts and the Office Park District: Ground, 50 s.f., 12', Minimum Setback 10', External, B. |
| Ground Sign (Freestanding) - Special Permit Tier (Frontage-Based) | 12 ft | 50 sq. ft. per unit of 200 ft of frontage | — | Minimum setback 10 ft from property lines | Not specified ("-") | Ground/freestanding | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Schedule of Sign Regulations, In All Industrial Districts and the Office Park District: Ground, 50 s.f. per unit of 200' of frontage, 12', Minimum Setback 10', External, Z. |
| Directory Ground Sign (Development Directory) | Up to 10 ft | Up to 100 sq. ft. total area | Up to 15 ft length | Safe location off main road or driveway; general setback rules and corner clearance apply | One or more (per Footnote 4 with Special Permit) | Ground/freestanding within Office Park/Industrial developments (excluding retail groups) | — | Unlock | Section V-B.3, Footnote 4: Directory ground signs in Office Park, Industrial Park, Limited Industrial Park, and Industrial Districts (excluding retail groups), Special Permit A1; limits: ≤10' height, ≤15' length, ≤100 s.f. total area; location and parking requirements. |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Hingham — 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 Hingham — start freeProhibited Signs in Hingham
- Any sign not expressly permitted or exempted under Section V-B is prohibited, including A-shaped or V-shaped signs, trailer signs, and billboards.
- Flashing, moving, or animated signs, or signs designed to attract attention by changes in light intensity or repeated motion generated by or internal to the sign, are prohibited.
- Internally illuminated (backlit) signs are prohibited; lighting must be exterior, white, steady, stationary, shielded, and directed solely at the sign.
- Non-accessory signs promoting commercial activities are prohibited; non-accessory signs promoting non-commercial activities are permitted only if they comply with Section V-B.
- No sign may be erected at or near street or driveway intersections where it obstructs clear vision, interferes with or could be confused with authorized traffic control devices, or constitutes a pedestrian/vehicular hazard due to intensity or direction of illumination, position, shape, color, or wording.
- No sign shall be mounted on or form a part of a roof, cupola, tower, spire, chimney, enclosure, or other object or structure located on or above the roof of any building.
- Parallel wall signs may not extend beyond the face of the wall horizontally or vertically and may not project more than 12 inches from the wall.
- Perpendicular wall signs may not extend above the top of the wall and may not project more than 3 feet from the wall.
- Projecting signs installed over a public sidewalk must have at least 7 feet of clearance from the ground to the lower edge of the sign.
Exempt Signs in Hingham
- Signs required or authorized by any law, rule, regulation, or permit of the federal or state government or any agency thereof or any public authority created thereby.
- Signs erected or placed on Town premises under Town By-Law or Building Code or by direction or order of the Town board or committee having lawful jurisdiction over such premises.
- Nonconforming signs legally erected prior to adoption of this By-Law (subject to the nonconforming sign provisions of Section V-B.11).
- Signs not exceeding 4 square feet that are limited solely to directing traffic within a parking area, indicating parking restrictions in the use of such parking area, or indicating the location of building or unit numbers in a multi-unit complex.
- Memorial building sign or tablet denoting the name of a building and/or date of erection, not to exceed 2 square feet in residential districts or 6 square feet in other districts (subject to Historic Districts Commission authority in local historic districts).
- Customary signs on gasoline pumps indicating in usual size and form the name and type of gasoline and the price thereof.
- Seasonal holiday decorations and lights when in season.
- One unlighted ground sign advertising the sale, rental, or lease of the premises or any part thereof, not exceeding 8 square feet.
- One unlighted ground sign in a residential subdivision of six or more approved lots advertising the sale, rental, or lease of individual lots therein, not exceeding 40 square feet.
- One unlighted ground sign on each lot advertising the name and address of the owner, architect, engineer and/or contractor responsible for construction on the premises, not exceeding 12 square feet.
- Paper or cardstock window signs not exceeding 11 inches by 17 inches advertising any campaign, drive, event, or activity of a civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization for noncommercial purposes, provided they are removed within thirty days of initial display.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hingham
- No master sign plan requirement is specified in the provided text.
- Signs not meeting the regulations in all respects require a Variance from the Board of Appeals in accordance with M.G.L. c. 40A, §10.
- Special Permits A1 for signs meeting all Special Permit limitations may be granted by the Board of Appeals; in granting a Special Permit, the Board must make findings and will specify size, height, type, and location and may impose conditions.
- After public hearing and requisite findings, the Board of Appeals may grant a Special Permit to allow more or larger signs up to the maximum total square footage allowed in the table for individual businesses.
- Directory ground signs in Office Park, Industrial Park, Limited Industrial Park, and Industrial Districts (excluding retail groups) require a Special Permit A1; placement and size limits are specified.
- Temporary signs: The Select Board may grant permits for one unlighted ground sign (maximum 4 square feet) for a public function/activity for up to 30 days; temporary signs do not require Building Permits and applications must include sign details and display dates.
Source: other municipal code