Sign Regulations in Plympton Town, Massachusetts
Plympton Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Sign (pertaining to allowed principal or accessory use), Wall, Roof, Projecting or Hanging Sign (combined), Freestanding 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 Plympton Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Plympton Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign (pertaining to allowed principal or accessory use) | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — |
| Wall, Roof, Projecting or Hanging Sign (combined) | — | 50 sq ft total per building (combined including wall, roof, projecting and hanging signs) | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft | 25 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
19
- Sign (pertaining to allowed principal or accessory use)
- Wall, Roof, Projecting or Hanging Sign (combined)
- Freestanding Sign
- Directory Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Plympton Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
In Plympton Town, monument signs are limited to 15 ft. 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 Plympton 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 Plympton Town, regulated sign types include Sign (pertaining to allowed principal or accessory use), Wall, Roof, Projecting or Hanging Sign (combined), Freestanding Sign, Directory 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 Plympton 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 Plympton Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Plympton Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Plympton Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Plympton Town, Massachusetts regulates 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Directory Signs in the Business and Light Manufacturing Districts zoning district are capped at 15 ft tall, 12 sq ft per allowed use, and 8 ft wide (Sec. § 300-6.1C(2)(c), (f)). Most commercial signs in Plympton Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Plympton Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Plympton Town (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural-Residential District | 1 | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — |
| Business and Light Manufacturing Districts | 4 | 15 ft | 50 sq ft total per building (combined including wall, roof, projecting and hanging signs) | — |
| Industrial District | 3 | 15 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | — | Underlying district provision, or up to 32 sq ft for one sign or 50 sq ft for two by special permit | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Plympton Town(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
Business and Light Manufacturing Districts
| 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, Roof, Projecting or Hanging Sign (combined) | — | 50 sq ft total per building (combined including wall, roof, projecting and hanging signs) | — | — | No explicit limit on number, but combined area limited. | Shall not extend beyond corners of building or above roofline (peak). | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1C(2)(a), (d), (f) |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft | 25 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | 1 per building pertaining to an allowed use. | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1C(2)(b), (f) |
| Directory Sign | 15 ft | 12 sq ft per allowed use | 8 ft | — | Single directory sign for multiple buildings/businesses/uses | Premises with multiple buildings, businesses or uses. | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1C(2)(c), (f) |
| Projecting or Hanging Sign | — | — | — | — | — | No projecting or hanging sign shall extend into any street right-of-way. | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1C(2)(e), (f) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign (per establishment/occupancy; total signage any type) | — | 250 sq ft | — | — | 2 per establishment/occupancy | — | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1C(3)(a) |
| Freestanding Sign - Main Use | 15 ft | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per establishment/occupancy | — | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1C(3)(a)[1], (b) |
| Freestanding Sign - Unimproved Lot | 15 ft | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per unimproved lot | — | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1C(3)(a)[2], (b) |
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 | — | 30% of total window area | — | — | — | Window (interior or exterior, within 12 inches of window) | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1D |
| Temporary Sign - For Sale/For Rent | — | 6 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per premises | Only on the premises advertised | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1E(1) |
| Temporary Sign - Contractor's Sign | — | 6 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per contractor; max 5 | On premises while under construction | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1E(2) |
| Temporary Sign - Special Event | — | Underlying district provision, or up to 32 sq ft for one sign or 50 sq ft for two by special permit | — | — | 1 per event unless special permit by Board of Selectmen | — | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1E(3) |
| No Trespassing/Hunting/Fishing Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | Unlimited | — | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1F(1) |
| Address Sign (Street Numbers) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1F(2) |
| Directional (Traffic Flow) Sign | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | Unlimited | As needed for traffic and safety | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1F(3), (7) |
| Political Sign | — | Underlying district provision | — | — | 1 per candidate & 1 per issue per premises | — | — | Unlock | § 300-6.1F(6) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Plympton 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 4 zones for Plympton Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Plympton Town
- Any sign that is placed so as to impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic or otherwise impair public safety is expressly prohibited.
- No sign shall be placed on or in a public way except for traffic flow signs as defined above, and any such signage shall be safely placed and maintained.
- Animated or flashing signs, LED signs, exposed illuminated gas tube (such as neon), signs containing moving parts or moving lights, and non-safety signs containing reflective elements are prohibited.
- Illuminated features, other than approved signs, on the exterior of a building that call attention to the building, product, or services available within the building are prohibited.
- Canopies illuminated from behind in such a way that light shines through canopy material creating the effect of an internally illuminated sign are prohibited.
- Any sign advertising or identifying a business or organization which is either defunct or no longer located on the premises is prohibited.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited.
- Streamers, pennants, ribbons, spinners or other similar devices that are designed to attract attention and have the capacity to distract motorists and hinder public safety are prohibited; provided, however, that such devices shall be allowed by special permit in conjunction with the grand opening of a business and for 20 days thereafter.
- When visible from a public way, a sign on any permanently located and/or on any mobile unit, including a trailer regularly located for fixed display, a storage tank or any similar type of container is prohibited. This prohibition shall not apply to a properly registered van, panel truck, trailer, or any other business vehicle that is used on a regular basis on public ways.
- Any sign painted on or affixed to any tree, fence, or utility pole is prohibited.
- Any sandwich board sign (such as A-frame or similar style) is prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Plympton Town
- Multiple displays of No Trespassing, Hunting, Fishing and similar signs are allowed as of right without a sign permit in any district, provided that any such sign so displayed shall not exceed two square feet in area.
- Street numbers (used to identify the physical location of the property) are allowed as of right without a sign permit in any district, provided that no such number shall exceed two square feet in area.
- An unlimited number of directional signs for traffic and safety purposes are allowed as of right without a sign permit, provided that no such sign shall exceed three square feet per sign and no such sign shall contain advertising or information other than for traffic and safety purposes, and provided that each sign shall be safely displayed and shall not hinder safe traffic.
- Any sign owned by the Town of Plympton and located on Town property is allowed as of right without a sign permit, provided that any such sign shall be approved by the Board of Selectmen.
- An historical marker is allowed as of right without a sign permit and shall not count against the total number of signs or the sign square foot limit allowed within the zoning district of which the sign is mounted, provided that said sign has been approved for display and placement by the Historical Commission.
- Political signs are allowed as of right without a sign permit in any district, provided that they conform in size to the provisions for the underlying district in which they are displayed, are displayed not more than a total of 30 calendar days before or five days after the event, and provided that only one sign per candidate and per issue shall be allowed on any one premises.
- Any traffic flow sign, as defined above, is allowed as of right without a sign permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Plympton Town
- A sign permit is required for any permanent sign, unless otherwise expressly exempted.
- No sign, unless otherwise exempted, shall be erected, displayed, altered or enlarged until a sign zoning permit for such action has been issued by the Planning Board.
- Applications for sign permits shall include a scale drawing specifying dimensions, materials, illumination, letter sizes, color, support systems, and location on land or buildings with all relevant measurements.
- A special permit to exceed the number, size, and/or illumination of signs may be granted by the Planning Board acting as the special permit granting authority.
- Temporary 'for sale' or 'for rent' signs, certain contractor's signs, and certain other exempted signs do not require a sign permit.
- Signs not conforming to the bylaw that are altered trigger the immediate need for compliance and a permit.
- Special event signs on Town property or special circumstances may require a special permit from the Board of Selectmen.
- Nonconforming signs that are altered or whose permit expires must obtain a new sign permit under the bylaw.
Source: ecode360 municipal code