Sign Regulations in Southwick Town, Massachusetts
Southwick Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 20 sign types across 1 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Awning Sign / Canopy Sign. 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 Southwick Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Southwick Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | 10 feet from nearest property line. |
| Contractor Sign | — | 12 sq. ft. | — |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
20
- Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Awning Sign / Canopy Sign
- Address Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
1
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Southwick Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Southwick 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 Southwick 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 Southwick Town, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Awning Sign / Canopy Sign, Address 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 Southwick Town, monument signs typically require a 10 feet from nearest property 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 Southwick Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Southwick Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Southwick Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Southwick Town, Massachusetts regulates 20 sign types across 1 zoning district. Contractor Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 12 sq. ft. (Sec. §185-29C, §185-29H(1)(f)). Most commercial signs in Southwick Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Southwick Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Southwick Town (1 zone)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 20 | — | 32 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Southwick Town
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Incorporated into, or affixed to the wall of a building or structure. Must be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the wall of the building. Cannot project more than 1 foot from the wall if parallel, or more than 4 feet if perpendicular, and may not project into, on, or over a public sidewalk, street, or way. | — | Unlock | §185-29C, §185-29F, §185-29G, §185-29K(2), §185-29J(7) |
| Freestanding Sign | — | — | — | 10 feet from nearest property line. | — | Must be located on the same lot as the principal building unless a way-finding sign permitted by the Department of Public Works or Mass DOT. | — | Unlock | §185-29K(1), §185-29J(1), §185-29F, §185-29G |
| Awning Sign / Canopy Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Mounted on the facade of the business establishment owned or leased by the permit applicant. | — | Unlock | §185-29C, §185-29H(1)(c), §185-29K(3) |
| Address Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Side of building facing the street. | — | Unlock | §185-29C, §185-29H(1)(d) |
| Contractor Sign | — | 12 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per construction site | Displayed at a construction site. | — | Unlock | §185-29C, §185-29H(1)(f) |
| Directory Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Located on a building. | — | Unlock | §185-29C, §185-29H(1)(h) |
| Real Estate Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per premises | On the premises for sale, rent, or lease. | — | Unlock | §185-29C, §185-29H(1)(n) |
| Real Estate Development Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per subdivision | On site of subdivision or development. | — | Unlock | §185-29C, §185-29H(1)(o) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Southwick Town are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Southwick Town
- Abandoned signs identifying abandoned or discontinued business are prohibited and must be removed within 60 days following abandonment or discontinuance as ordered by the Building Inspector.
- Any non-exempt sign not specifically identified in Tables 1 to 6, Signage Allowances Based on Zone, District or Use, is prohibited.
- Animated, moving or flashing signs are prohibited.
- Audible signs are prohibited.
- Banners are prohibited.
- Imitation traffic signs which contain or are an imitation of an official traffic sign or signal, or contain words such as 'stop', 'go', 'slow', 'caution', 'warning', etc. in a manner resembling official traffic control signs, are prohibited.
- Movable signs are prohibited.
- Promotional beacons, laser lights or images are prohibited.
- Signs in the public right-of-way are prohibited except as permitted by the Department of Public Works or Mass DOT.
- Signs mounted or located on a tree, utility pole, or other similar structure are prohibited.
- Signs which depict obscene matter, or are considered obscene matter as defined in M.G.L. Chapter 272, § 31, are prohibited.
- Signs which advertise an activity that is illegal under federal, state or local laws are prohibited.
- Signs not in good repair, in violation of codes, or containing/exhibiting broken panels, visible rust, visible rot, damaged support structures, or missing letters are prohibited.
- No permanent sign is permitted in any district which does not relate to the identity or business of the legal occupant of the premises upon which it is located unless it is a way-finding sign.
- Open face channel letter illumination is prohibited.
- Exposed neon tubing or exposed LEDs are prohibited except for interior window signs.
Exempt Signs in Southwick Town
- Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or statute.
- Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door.
- Awning and canopy signs (see Table 4).
- Address signs.
- Barber poles.
- Contractor sign (one sign allowed per construction site).
- Directional sign (see Table 4).
- Directory sign (see Table 4).
- Drive-thru menu board sign (see Table 6).
- Menu board sign (see Table 6).
- Pennant/flag for non-commercial use.
- Political sign (displayed only on private property with consent of the property owner).
- Portable sign (see Table 5).
- Real estate sign (one sign allowed per premises).
- Real estate development sign (one sign allowed per subdivision).
- Seasonal sign (see Table 4).
- Signs located on property owned by the Town and approved by the Board of Selectmen.
- Temporary sign (see Table 5).
- Traffic control sign.
- Way-finding sign.
- Works of art that do not include a commercial message.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Southwick Town
- Unless a sign permit is specifically not required by the standards of this bylaw, it is unlawful to erect or replace a sign outdoors without first having obtained a sign permit.
- All signs requiring a sign permit must also go through design review by the Planning Board, which issues an advisory recommendation regarding the design to the Building Inspector.
- Sign permit application must include substantial detail, including plans, drawings, property photos, and in the case of free standing signs, a location plan or survey.
- No sign permit can be issued before 45 days unless the positive advisory recommendation of the Planning Board has been received.
- A new permit application is required and a new fee paid if a sign is not installed within six months (subject to one possible extension).
- Permit transfer is allowed for the same-sized sign with a change in sign face only.
- Enforcement, rejection, and appeals procedures are specified for all sign permits.
- The section does not specifically reference a Master Sign Plan, but comprehensive design and zone/district-based requirements and Planning Board review function similarly.
Source: ecode360 municipal code