Sign Regulations in Nantucket Town, Massachusetts
Nantucket Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Any Sign Exceeding 2' x 6", Street Name Sign, Traffic/Directional 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 Nantucket Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Nantucket Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Name Sign | 5.5 inches | — | — |
| Traffic/Directional Sign | — | 1 sq. ft. | — |
| Street Name Sign - Rural Format | 30 inches (mounting height) | 12" high x 42" long (sign face) | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Any Sign Exceeding 2' x 6"
- Street Name Sign
- Traffic/Directional Sign
- Street Name Sign - Rural Format
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Nantucket Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Nantucket 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket Town, regulated sign types include Any Sign Exceeding 2' x 6", Street Name Sign, Traffic/Directional Sign, Street Name Sign - Rural Format, 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 Nantucket 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 Nantucket Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Nantucket Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Nantucket Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Nantucket Town, Massachusetts regulates 16 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Wall Sign (First Floor Businesses)s in the Commercial Buildings zoning district are capped at 2 ft. (horizontal format) tall and 20 sq. ft. (Sec. Chapter 340-35B, C, D & Article V). Most commercial signs in Nantucket Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Nantucket Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Nantucket Town (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nantucket Historic District, Old and Historic Nantucket District, Old and Historic Siasconset District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Residential Old Historic (ROH) District | 2 | 5.5 inches | 1 sq. ft. | — |
| Areas zoned LUG-2, Areas zoned LUG-3 | 1 | 30 inches (mounting height) | 12" high x 42" long (sign face) | — |
| Commercial Buildings | 9 | 2 ft. (horizontal format) | As per first-floor standards; aggregate area not to exceed §340-35(B) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | — | 15% of the window area (or 10% of glass area at exit doors) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Nantucket Town(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential Old Historic (ROH) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street Name Sign | 5.5 inches | — | — | — | — | Intersection of streets, can be attached to fence, wall, or on post 7'6" above grade. | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-28B, 340-28F(4) |
| Traffic/Directional Sign | — | 1 sq. ft. | — | — | — | As determined by DPW standards for street signage. | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-32B, C |
Commercial Buildings
| 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 (First Floor Businesses) | 2 ft. (horizontal format) | 20 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per entrance; 2 for corner lot with restrictions | At or near public entrance | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-35B, C, D & Article V |
| Wall Sign (Second Floor Businesses) | — | 10 sq. ft. (above first-story window trim/cornice/lintel) | — | — | — | Above first-story window trim/cornice/lintel or at second floor as measured | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-35E |
| Wall Sign (Basement Level Businesses) | — | As per first-floor standards; aggregate area not to exceed §340-35(B) | — | — | — | Basement level; building where first floor is above street grade and basement partially below street grade | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-35F |
| Projecting Sign (One-Story Building) | — | 4 sq. ft. per sign face | — | — | 1 per entrance (max 1 per business) | At or near public entrance; separated at least 3" from building face, not to project >4' or 2/3 of sidewalk width | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-25 |
| Projecting Sign (Building >1 Story) | — | 5 sq. ft. per sign face | — | — | 1 per entrance (max 1 per business) | As above | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-25B(2) |
| Directory Sign (Two Businesses) | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per common entrance | Entrance of a building with multiple businesses/common entrance | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-20B(2) |
| Directory Sign (Three or More Businesses) | — | 6 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per common entrance | Entrance of a building with multiple businesses/common entrance | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-20B(2) |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | Max 2 per business | On awning; max two awnings per business on first floor | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-18 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window Sign | — | 15% of the window area (or 10% of glass area at exit doors) | — | — | — | Affixed or visible through window (<1 foot from glass) and visible from traveled way. | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-37 |
| Temporary Sign | — | ≤11" x 17" (otherwise requires application); banners as per wall sign size | — | — | One per event per location. | On building, window, or location per type. | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-31 |
| Construction Sign | — | 1 sq. ft. | — | — | One per lot | Affixed to structure or building; not freestanding. | — | Unlock | Chapter 340-19 |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Nantucket Town
- Signs with flashing, moving, or intermittent lighting of any kind, including backlit, electric, or neon signs.
- Portable signs, including any sign mounted on wheels.
- Signs erected in such a way as to obstruct a door, window, or fire escape of the building to which the sign is affixed.
- Signs that are tacked, posted, or painted to poles, benches, barrels, buildings, posts, trees, sidewalks, curbs, rocks, or any structure.
- Off-premises signs which advertise commercial activities taking place or businesses located on another lot.
- Signs that are placed on public sidewalks or public property (e.g., sandwich boards, menu boards, chalkboards), except for signs erected by the Town.
- Vending machine signs.
- Roof signs.
- Signs that name a complex of buildings or businesses.
- Freestanding signs, except for those grandfathered.
- Vehicle signs, except when the vehicle is parked in a legal parking space.
- Attachment signs.
- Real estate signs.
- Subdivision signs.
- No sign shall be positioned on a structure so that it obscures any architectural feature, including cornices, window/door trim, or porch railings.
- A sign shall not interfere with or obstruct any official traffic sign, signal, or marking.
- No sign shall include the telephone number, e-mail, or web address of a business, rates, other business locations on/off the Island, or list more than one specific product or service.
- Signs must be made of wood except as required by state or federal law; no particleboard, plastic, or baked enamel on metal is allowed.
- No vinyl lettering is permitted.
- Any sign that is moved to another location shall be considered a new sign and requires a new permit.
- No sign shall project beyond the bracket on which it is hung.
- Attachments to suspended signs are not permitted.
- Rocks and stone posts are not permitted as street name signs.
- Metal signs and posts are not permitted as street name signs.
- Traffic/directional signs shall not carry the name of any business or product.
Exempt Signs in Nantucket Town
- Quarterboards for residential structures do not need formal approval and may only provide the name of a residence.
- Removable window signs indicating hours of operation, business affiliations, emergency information and the like (excluding product or service information), provided aggregate area does not exceed one square foot per entrance and without bright or fluorescent colors.
- Preexisting on-premises signs erected prior to the effective date of the Historic District Act may continue to be maintained unless altered, enlarged, reworded, redesigned, or repainted in a different color.
- Signs under two feet by six inches do not require an application but must conform to general design guidelines.
- Temporary window signs pertaining to special sales or events are permitted for no more than 15 days, provided the total area does not cover more than 15% of the window area.
- Political signs, as temporary signs, are permitted for up to 30 days.
- Historical markers on residential properties may be combined with one other historical marker without additional application as per HDC permission.
- Menu boxes, when under specified size and not freestanding, may be exempt from certain placement or type combination restrictions.
- Certain temporary signs for date-specific events if under 11 in. x 17 in. in size.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Nantucket Town
- Any property owner or tenant wishing to display a sign exceeding two feet by six inches or a second sign of any size must apply for approval from the Historic District Commission; each sign requires an application.
- Signs displayed on a building or window and visible from a traveled way, including temporary signs or relocation/alteration of existing signs, require approval from the Historic District Commission.
- Master sign plans may be required for large projects involving many signs.
- A Master Sign Plan is required for all multiple-tenant commercial buildings before sign applications for individual tenants may be submitted.
- No permit shall be issued for an individual sign in a multiple-tenant commercial building until a Master Sign Plan has been approved by the HDC.
- After approval of a Master Sign Plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, or modified except in conformance with such plan or amended plan.
- Existing signage as of January 1, 2005, is considered part of a Master Sign Plan for any changes of use.
- Sign plans (including Master Sign Plans) must contain a detailed listing of all sign types and locations, location proposals, elevations or photos, and accurate plot plans.
- Changes to approved signs require a new application; changes made without prior approval are deemed violations.
Source: ecode360 municipal code