Sign Regulations in Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 26 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Master Planned Development Sign, Commercial Sign, Architectural Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 20, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Plymouth, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Plymouth
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | Not less than 10 feet from the street layout. |
| Temporary Commercial Sign | — | 10 sf | — |
| Special Event Sign | — | 5 sf | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
26
- Master Planned Development Sign
- Commercial Sign
- Architectural Sign
- Secondary Architectural Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Plymouth
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Plymouth 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth, regulated sign types include Master Planned Development Sign, Commercial Sign, Architectural Sign, Secondary Architectural 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 Plymouth, monument signs typically require a Not less than 10 feet from the street layout. 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 Plymouth are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Plymouth has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Plymouth, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Plymouth, Massachusetts regulates 26 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Permanent Commercial Sign - Freestanding (within 10 ft of street)s in the Mixed Use & Commercial Districts - (GC, HC, AC, MC, NC, TC) zoning district are capped at ≤25 feet tall and 30 sf (Sec. §203-3 D. Table 1). Most commercial signs in Plymouth require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Plymouth, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Plymouth (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 19 | — | 10 sf | Yes |
| Mixed Commerce (MC), Arterial Commercial (AC), Highway Commercial (HC), Industrial Waterfront (LI/WF) | 1 | — | — | Yes |
| Mixed Use & Commercial Districts - (GC, HC, AC, MC, NC, TC) | 7 | ≤25 feet | 100 sf | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Plymouth
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached parallel to the wall of a Structure in which the main entrance is located. | — | Unlock | §203-3 C.3. |
| Secondary Architectural Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached parallel to the wall of a Structure other than the wall where the main entrance is located. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D.2. |
| Hanging Architectural Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Attached perpendicular to the wall of a Structure above or adjacent to the main entrance. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D.2. |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | Not less than 10 feet from the street layout. | — | Does not use a building for structural support. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D.4.d. |
| Temporary Commercial Sign | — | 10 sf | — | — | 2 signs at 5 sf each or 1 sign at 10 sf | On-premises | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
| Special Event Sign | — | 5 sf | — | — | No limit | See C(4) above | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
| Mobile Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On-Premises | Yes | Unlock | §203-3 D.2. |
| Master Planned Development Sign | — | — | — | — | — | For developments with more than 100,000 square feet of building space or multiple buildings on adjacent lots. | Yes | Unlock | §203-3 G.1. |
Mixed Commerce (MC), Arterial Commercial (AC), Highway Commercial (HC), Industrial Waterfront (LI/WF)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Planned Development Sign | — | — | — | — | — | For developments with more than 100,000 square feet of building space or multiple buildings on adjacent lots. | Yes | Unlock | §203-3 G.1. |
Mixed Use & Commercial Districts - (GC, HC, AC, MC, NC, TC)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Commercial Sign - Hanging Architectural | — | 10 sf | — | — | 1 | Hanging over sidewalk/public way. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
| Permanent Commercial Sign - Architectural Façade | — | 100 sf | — | — | 1 | Parallel to wall. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
| Permanent Commercial Sign - Secondary Architectural Façade | — | 40 sf total | — | — | 2 | Parallel to wall. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
| Permanent Commercial Sign - Freestanding (within 10 ft of street) | ≤25 feet | 30 sf | — | — | 1 | Within 10 ft of street. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
| Permanent Commercial Sign - Freestanding (10-20 ft from road) | ≤25 feet | 50 sf | — | — | 1 | 10-20 ft from road. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
| Permanent Commercial Sign - Freestanding (>20 ft from road) | ≤25 feet | 75 sf | — | — | 1 | >20 ft from road. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
| Permanent Commercial Sign - Building Directory | — | 20 sf | — | — | 1 | On wall adjacent to main entry. | — | Unlock | §203-3 D. Table 1 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Plymouth are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Plymouth
- Billboards
- Moving Signs
- Architectural Signs which project more than one foot above the wall of a structure (i.e. roof top signs)
- Non‑municipal signs shall not be located on public property, with the exception of a location to be designated by a policy of the Select Board.
- No sign or sign structure shall interfere in any way with a paved roadway or sidewalk on a public way.
- Lighting that is Animated or flashing Signs shall not be permitted in any district.
- Strings of flags, spinners, reflectors, lights or similar devices that tend to unduly divert driver attention from the road shall not be permitted.
- No red or green lights shall be used on any Sign if such light would create a driving hazard.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Plymouth
- Quantities in excess of the limit established in Table 1 require a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Signs in excess of the Maximum Size require a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- For Master Planned Developments that include more than 100,000 square feet of building space or multiple buildings on one or more adjacent lots, the Zoning Board of Appeals may grant a Special Permit for Master Planned Signage to govern the size, quantity, location, illumination and nature of Signs within the Master Planned Development.
- A Special Permit for Master Planned Signage shall be subject to approval by the Zoning Board of Appeals based on detailed submissions by the applicant as set forth herein.
Source: other municipal code