Sign Regulations in Southborough Town, Massachusetts
Southborough Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Sign, Standing Sign, 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: April 28, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Southborough Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Southborough Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing or Wall Sign | 6 ft. | 4 sq. ft. | — |
| Temporary Sign | 6 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — |
| Standing Sign | 10 ft. | 25 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
16
- Temporary Sign
- Standing Sign
- Wall Sign
- Awning 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 Southborough Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
In Southborough Town, wall signs can be up to 6 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 Southborough 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 Southborough Town, regulated sign types include Temporary Sign, Standing Sign, Wall Sign, Awning 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 Southborough 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 Southborough Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Southborough Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Southborough Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Southborough Town, Massachusetts regulates 16 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Standing Signs in the Highway Business, Industrial, Industrial Park Districts fronting streets other than Route 9 zoning district are capped at 15 ft. tall and 75 sq. ft. (Sec. §174-11D Table; §174-11C(9), (3)). Most commercial signs in Southborough Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Southborough Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Southborough Town (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District, Conservation District, Research, Scientific and Professional District | 2 | 6 ft. | 6 sq. ft. | — |
| Business Village District, Downtown District | 4 | 15 ft. | 25 sq. ft. | — |
| Highway Business, Industrial, Industrial Park Districts fronting streets other than Route 9 | 6 | 20 ft. | 75 sq. ft. | — |
| Highway Business, Industrial, Industrial Park Districts fronting Route 9 | 6 | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| Municipal, state, federal or private educational institution, religious institution within a Residential District | 4 | 15 ft. | 12 sq. ft. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | — | 32 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Southborough Town(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Highway Business, Industrial, Industrial Park Districts fronting streets other than Route 9
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Sign | 15 ft. | 75 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per lot | 1 per lot | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table; §174-11C(9), (3) |
| Wall Sign | 20 ft. | 50 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per business | 1 per business | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table; §174-11C(10) |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | 10 sq. ft. or 10% of total exterior window area exclusive of doors, whichever is less | — | — | 1 per business | 1 per business | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table, Note 3 |
| Awning Sign | — | 25% of awning/canopy or 10% of facade, whichever is less | — | — | 1 per business | At first floor level, painted or attached flat to face of awning/canopy | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table; §174-11C(15) |
| Temporary Window Sign | — | 25% of window area (paper or posterboard only) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table, Note 4 |
| Temporary Sign | 10 ft. | 25 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per lot | 1 per lot | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table; §174-11C(1)(i), (11) |
Highway Business, Industrial, Industrial Park Districts fronting Route 9
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standing Sign | 25 ft. | 100 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per lot | 1 per lot | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table; §174-11C(3); exceptions for internal illumination on Route 9 businesses. |
| Wall Sign | 20 ft. | 75 sq. ft. or 10% of facade, whichever is less | — | — | 1 per business | 1 per business | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table; §174-11C(3), (10) |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | 10 sq. ft. or 10% of total exterior window area exclusive of doors, whichever is less | — | — | 1 per business | 1 per business | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table, Note 3; §174-11C(3) |
| Awning Sign | — | 25% of awning/canopy or 10% of facade, whichever is less | — | — | 1 per business | At first floor level, painted or attached flat to face of awning/canopy | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table; §174-11C(15) |
| Temporary Window Sign | — | 25% of window area (paper or posterboard only) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table, Note 4 |
| Temporary Sign | 10 ft. | 25 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per lot | 1 per lot | — | Unlock | §174-11D Table; §174-11C(1)(i), (11) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Number/Name Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §174-11C(1)(a) |
| Flag (governmental, not for commercial promotion) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §174-11C(1)(b) |
| Decorative/Architectural Feature (non-sign elements) | — | — | — | — | — | Integral to building | — | Unlock | §174-11C(1)(d) |
| Private Parking/Directional Sign (no advertising) | — | — | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | §174-11C(1)(e) |
| Standard Gasoline Fuel Pump Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On fuel pumps at gas stations. | — | Unlock | §174-11C(1)(f) |
| Open/Closed Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. (2 feet x 3 feet) | 3 ft. | — | 1 per business | 1 per business | — | Unlock | §174-11C(1)(g) |
| Open Flag | — | 15 sq. ft. (3 feet x 5 feet) | 5 ft. | — | 1 per business | 1 per business | — | Unlock | §174-11C(1)(h) |
| Agricultural Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per premises | 1 per premises; wording may be changed | — | Unlock | §174-11C(14) |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Southborough 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 6 zones for Southborough Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Southborough Town
- Billboards and similar signs are specifically prohibited.
- Flashing, moving, changing message and animated signs are prohibited.
- No sign may be illuminated between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except signs identifying police or fire stations or businesses open to serve the public on site.
- "No hunting, fishing, etc.," signs exceeding one square foot are prohibited.
- No sign may depict or represent any sexual conduct or state of sexual excitement as defined in MGL c. 272, § 31, nor shall any such representations or depictions be placed upon or within the windows or walls of the premises so as to be visible to the public from the exterior of the premises.
- Banners, pennants, streamers, ribbons, spinners and other moving, fluttering, revolving or changing devices and strings of lights shall not be used as signs or parts thereof, with exceptions only for religious celebrations not connected to commercial promotion and temporary political signs.
- No sign may utilize translucent panels, canvas or other fabric, letters, devices or other similar components to create an image by allowing light to pass through, except for businesses fronting on Route 9.
- Illuminated signs are prohibited in residential and conservation districts.
- No sign shall be painted or posted directly on the exterior surface of any wall or roof; all signs must be attached to a substantial intermediary removable surface.
- No sign shall be erected or maintained on the roof of any building or structure in any district.
- No standing sign shall be erected if, in the opinion of the Building Inspector, it creates a safety hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
- A wall sign shall not project more than one-foot (parallel) or four feet (perpendicular) from the face of the wall; in no case shall a perpendicular sign project into, on, or over a public sidewalk, street, or way.
- Temporary signs shall not be maintained for more than a thirty-day period unless otherwise specifically provided or a proper permit is obtained.
- Paper or posterboard temporary window signs shall not be placed on any window with a permanent window sign.
- No sign shall be erected or altered on the exterior of any building or on any land unless and until application for the erection or alteration of such sign has been filed with the Building Inspector and a permit has been issued.
Exempt Signs in Southborough Town
- Signs not exceeding four square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, or names of residents of premises.
- Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
- Legal notices, identification information or direction signs erected by governmental bodies.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts or moving lights.
- Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising matter.
- Standard gasoline fuel pump signs on service station fuel pumps bearing thereon in usual size and form the name, type and price of the gasoline, in accordance with MGL c. 94, § 295C.
- Open/closed signs not exceeding two feet by three feet; one per business.
- Open flags, not exceeding three feet by five feet and not containing any promotional logos or advertising; one per business.
- Temporary signs.
- The regulations contained herein shall not apply to traffic signs not exceeding four square feet in area.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Southborough Town
- No sign shall be erected or altered on the exterior of any building or on any land unless and until application for the erection or alteration of such sign has been filed with the Building Inspector, with such information and drawings as he may require, and a permit for the erection of the sign has been issued.
- The Board of Appeals shall consider requests for special permits or variances and will not act on any special permit or variance application without first receiving a written report from the Planning Board; sign scale, design, placement, and harmony will be considered.
- A favorable report of the Planning Board for a variance or special permit shall indicate that sign scale, placement, materials, colors, illumination, and relation to architecture have been reviewed and found in compliance with set criteria.
- Any legal nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, reworded, redesigned, or altered in any way unless it is brought into conformity with current requirements.
Source: ecode360 municipal code