Sign Regulations in Medford, Massachusetts
Medford, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Freestanding Sign, Primary Wall Sign. 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 Medford, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Medford
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | Top: 20 feet above grade OR top of sills of first level of windows above first story. Bottom: 8 feet above grade (min) | 4 sq ft | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent, Nonresidential Use) | 6 ft above grade (topmost point of sign or structure) | 12 sq ft | 6 ft from any lot line |
| Freestanding Sign (Real Estate, Temporary) | 6 ft above grade | 12 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Projecting Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Primary Wall Sign
- Secondary Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Medford
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
In Medford, monument signs are limited to 6 ft above grade (topmost point of sign or structure). 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 Medford, 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 Medford, regulated sign types include Projecting Sign, Freestanding Sign, Primary Wall Sign, Secondary Wall Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Medford, monument signs typically require a 6 ft from any lot line 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 Medford are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Medford has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
Ready to Research Medford Sign Permits?
Stop spending hours searching through municipal codes. Get instant access to Medford, Massachusetts sign regulations with PermitPal's AI-powered platform.
No credit card required · Get results in seconds
Medford, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Medford, Massachusetts regulates 17 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Permanent, Nonresidential Use)s in the SF-1, SF-2, GR, APT-1, APT-2, APT-3 zoning district are capped at 6 ft above grade (topmost point of sign or structure) tall and 12 sq ft, with a 6 ft from any lot line setback (Sec. 94-6.2.11.5). Most commercial signs in Medford require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Medford, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Medford (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF-1, SF-2, GR, APT-1, APT-2, APT-3 | 6 | Top: 20 feet above grade OR top of sills of first level of windows above first story. Bottom: 8 feet above grade (min) | 35% of glassed area attached | — |
| SF-1, SF-2, GR, APT-1, APT-2, APT-3 (Permitted Nonconforming Commercial Use) | 9 | 30 inches | 200 sq ft (with setbacks), 100 sq ft (no setbacks) | — |
| C-1 | 1 | 6 ft above grade (topmost point) | 30 sq ft (each of up to 2 faces) | — |
| C-2, O, I | 1 | 20 ft above grade (topmost point) | 60 sq ft per face (max 2 faces), 90 sq ft per face in shopping centers/multi-business parcels | — |
| Commercial Zones, Office Zones, Industrial Zones, Multi-use Zones | 9 | 30 inches | If installed simultaneously with primary sign, total sign copy area may not exceed 110% of primary sign area; or 10% of primary wall sign area if awning installed after wall sign of max size | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | — | 5 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Medford(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
SF-1, SF-2, GR, APT-1, APT-2, APT-3
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Sign | Top: 20 feet above grade OR top of sills of first level of windows above first story. Bottom: 8 feet above grade (min) | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per residence | At or near primary entrance to residence; right angle to wall | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.11.4 |
| Freestanding Sign (Permanent, Nonresidential Use) | 6 ft above grade (topmost point of sign or structure) | 12 sq ft | — | 6 ft from any lot line | 1 per lot | On lot in conjunction with a permitted nonresidential use | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.11.5 |
| Freestanding Sign (Real Estate, Temporary) | 6 ft above grade | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On lot | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.11.5, 94-6.2.14.1 |
| Window Sign (with Nonresidential Use) | — | 35% of glassed area attached | — | — | 1 per residence | On window | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.11.6 |
| Subdivision Identification Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per each street/building/entrance/exit | Per separate street/building/entrance/exit | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.11.10 |
| Temporary Sign | — | — | — | — | See type-specific rules in 94-6.2.14 | As applicable | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.14 |
SF-1, SF-2, GR, APT-1, APT-2, APT-3 (Permitted Nonconforming Commercial Use)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Wall Sign | — | 200 sq ft (with setbacks), 100 sq ft (no setbacks) | 90% of building frontage or 50 linear feet; may increase by 1 linear ft per 25 ft of setback, max 65 linear ft | — | 1 per business | Affixed to the building; can be split across primary and secondary facades in certain cases | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.13.2 |
| Secondary Wall Sign | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business (see citation for further options) | On secondary facade if applicable | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.13.3 |
| Projecting Sign | Top: 25 ft (or top of sills of first level of windows above first story); bottom: 10 ft above grade | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | At/near primary entrance; right angle to wall | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.13.4 |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft above grade (topmost point) | 12 sq ft (each of up to 2 faces) | — | 6 ft from front lot line | 1 per lot | On lot, min 6 ft from front lot line | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.13.5 |
| Window Sign | — | 35% of window glassed area | — | — | Varies, per glass area | On window | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.13.6 |
| Awning Sign | — | Can split copy area with wall sign for total of 110% of allowable primary sign area; if awning added later, up to 10% of primary sign area as copy; similar for wall sign added later to pre-existing awning with sign copy | — | — | 1 per display window and primary entrance | Over each display window and primary entrance | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.13.9 |
| Time and Temperature Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.13.11 |
| Barbershop Pole Sign | 30 inches | — | — | — | 1 per business | On facade | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.13.12 |
Commercial Zones, Office Zones, Industrial Zones, Multi-use 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Wall Sign | — | 100 sq ft (no setback), 300 sq ft (with setback) | 90% of facade frontage or 50 linear ft, may increase by 1 linear ft per 25 ft of setback up to 65 linear ft | — | 1 per business (may be split in specific cases) | On building; can be split across two walls (primary or primary/secondary facades) if certain requirements met | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.12.2 |
| Secondary Wall Sign | — | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business (if eligible) | On secondary street or parking lot side, if eligible | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.12.3 |
| Projecting Sign | Top: 25 ft (or top of first level of windows above first story), bottom: min 10 ft above grade | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | At/near primary entrance, at right angle to building | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.12.4 |
| Window Sign | — | 35% of window area | — | — | Based on window/glassed area, and sign size limits | On window | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.12.6 |
| Awning Sign | — | If installed simultaneously with primary sign, total sign copy area may not exceed 110% of primary sign area; or 10% of primary wall sign area if awning installed after wall sign of max size | — | — | 1 per display window/primary entrance | On awning over each display window/primary entrance | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.12.9 |
| Time and Temperature Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.12.11 |
| Marquee Sign | — | 40 sq ft (may increase by 20 sq ft per additional theater, max 100 sq ft) | — | — | 1 per theater/cinema/hotel/motel | On theaters, cinemas, hotels, motels | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.12.12 |
| Barbershop Pole Sign | 30 inches | — | — | — | 1 per business | On building facade | — | Unlock | 94-6.2.12.13 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Medford — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Medford — start freeProhibited Signs in Medford
- No private sign, billboard, or other advertising device shall be erected, enlarged, displayed, altered (except for repainting in the colors and format as depicted in the original application), or permitted, except in accordance with this chapter.
- All signs shall comply with building codes and applicable state laws and city ordinances.
- No sign shall be erected or displayed whose configuration could be construed as a facsimile of a traffic control device or which could create a motor vehicle driving hazard.
- No sign may be illuminated between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless the premises is open for business (some zones also have 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. restrictions for residential uses).
- No sign shall have moving parts or convey changing images and messages, except as specifically allowed (such as time/temperature signs).
- No sign shall display flickering or flashing lights.
- Billboards, roof signs, inflatable signs, and off-premises commercial signs are prohibited in all zones unless specifically permitted.
- No part of any sign may obstruct vision within the corner visibility space, creating a hazard.
- No temporary sign shall be internally illuminated or make use of neon.
- Signs shall not be placed or maintained in a manner that obstructs vision at a corner.
Exempt Signs in Medford
- Signs not visible from a public or private way.
- Official traffic signs and official directional signs.
- Signs identifying public buildings, or necessary for public safety, convenience, and information, not exceeding six square feet per sign face, provided such signs contain no advertising.
- Flags of a city, state or county.
- Memorials such as gravestones and cornerstones.
- Historical site plaques installed or approved by a public agency or duly established historical society.
- Window displays of merchandise or signs incidental to such displays, in all zones.
- Alarm/security sign. One sign per premises not to exceed one square foot. May be freestanding.
- Temporary signs as defined in section 94-6.2.14 (including real estate, contractor, political, noncommercial, garage/yard sale, and certain banners).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Medford
- An application for a sign permit must include a site plan indicating building setback and proposed sign setback from property lines.
- Sign applications are reviewed for conformity to guidelines by the office of community development before issuance of a sign-design certificate.
- Any enlarging, altering, or replacing an existing permitted sign must undergo the design review process with the building commissioner.
- Any appeal of permit applications or enforcement actions may be reviewed by the city council.
- Larger or additional on-premises signs may be approved by special permit or through site plan review by the SPGA or community development board, if warranted.
- Permit renewals/reinspections are required every three years with submittal of a color photograph and required fee.
- No explicit reference is made to a required 'master sign plan', but site plans and special/site plan review are consistently referenced for sign approval and modifications.
- Special permits, site plan review, or community development board approval may waive or alter requirements in certain cases.
Source: municode municipal code