# Sign Regulations in Sturbridge Town, Massachusetts

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Sturbridge Town, Massachusetts, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Sturbridge Town, Massachusetts (MA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/massachusetts/sturbridge-town
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-28
- **Source:** [ecode360 municipal code](https://ecode360.com/35317935#35317935)

## At a glance

Sturbridge Town, Massachusetts regulates 13 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Residential District zoning district are capped at 18 feet or height of principal building, whichever is less tall and 30 sq ft (other business uses); 20 sq ft (identification signs); 1.5 sq ft (professional name); 50 sq ft (multi-tenant, 1 only), with a 25 feet front, 15 feet side/rear setback (Sec. § 300-17.6A, § 300-17.6B). Most commercial signs in Sturbridge Town require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 2 | 18 feet or height of principal building, whichever is less | — | — |
| Residential District | 3 | 18 feet or height of principal building, whichever is less | 30 sq ft (other business uses); 20 sq ft (identification signs); 1.5 sq ft (professional name); 50 sq ft (multi-tenant, 1 only) | — |
| Rural Residential, Suburban Residential | 4 | — | 50 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District, Commercial II District, Commercial Tourist District, Historic Commercial District, Special Use District, General Industrial District, Industrial Park District | 9 | 48 inches | 50 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### Residential District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 18 feet or height of principal building, whichever is less | 30 sq ft (other business uses); 20 sq ft (identification signs); 1.5 sq ft (professional name); 50 sq ft (multi-tenant, 1 only) | — | 25 feet front, 15 feet side/rear | No more than 4 total, only 2 on the property, only 1 of those may be freestanding | On property; not within required setbacks | — | § 300-17.6A, § 300-17.6B |
| Wall Sign | — | 30 sq ft (other business uses); 20 sq ft (identification signs); 1.5 sq ft (professional name); 50 sq ft (multi-tenant, 1 only) | — | Signs must be on building, subject to general setback for structures | Included in 4 total, max 2 on property | On building | — | § 300-17.6A, § 300-17.6B |
| Changeable Copy Sign | — | 30 sq ft (only as part of Other business uses); 50 sq ft (multi-tenant sign) | — | — | See above | — | — | § 300-17.6B |

### Rural Residential, Suburban Residential

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Professional Name Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | 25 feet front, 15 feet side/rear | 1 | Freestanding or wall/projecting | — | § 300-17.6B |
| Identification Sign (estate/school/farm/etc.) | — | 20 sq ft | — | 25 feet front, 15 feet side/rear | 1 | Freestanding or wall/projecting | — | § 300-17.6B |
| Other Business Use Sign | — | 30 sq ft | — | 25 feet front, 15 feet side/rear | 2 | Freestanding or wall/projecting | — | § 300-17.6B |
| Multi-tenant Sign (business use) | — | 50 sq ft | — | 25 feet front, 15 feet side/rear | 1 | Freestanding only | — | § 300-17.6B |

### Commercial District, Commercial II District, Commercial Tourist District, Historic Commercial District, Special Use District, General Industrial District, Industrial Park District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Professional Name Sign | — | 1.5 sq ft | — | 10 feet front, 10 feet side/rear (except Commercial Tourist: 0 front, see site requirements) | 1 | — | — | § 300-17.7B |
| Identification Sign (estate/school/farm/etc.) | — | 20 sq ft | — | 10 feet front, 10 feet side/rear (except Commercial Tourist: 0 front, see site requirements) | 1 | — | — | § 300-17.7B |
| Business and Advertising Sign (building-mounted and/or freestanding) | 18 feet or height of principal building, whichever is less (freestanding) | 30 sq ft | — | 10 feet front, 10 feet side/rear (Commercial Tourist: see note above) | Max 4 per use, max 2 on property, max 1 freestanding | Building or property | — | § 300-17.7A(1)-(2), § 300-17.7B |
| Multi-tenant Sign (business use) | — | 50 sq ft | — | 10 feet front, 10 feet side/rear (Commercial Tourist: see note above) | 1 | Freestanding only | — | § 300-17.7A(4), § 300-17.7B |
| Changeable Copy Panel (as part of freestanding sign) | — | — | — | 10 feet front, 10 feet side/rear (Commercial Tourist: see above) | As part of permitted freestanding sign | Freestanding sign | — | § 300-17.7A(3), § 300-17.7B |
| Sandwich Board Sign (permanent) | 48 inches | 10 sq ft (table, but also 30"x48" = 10 sq ft in main text; physical limits also stated as 30 inch width, 48 inch height) | 30 inches | — | 1 per business | Immediately outside business | — | § 300-17.7A(5), § 300-17.7B |
| Drive-thru Menu Board | 7 feet | 40 sq ft | — | — | 1 per drive-thru lane | Each drive-thru lane | — | § 300-17.7A(6) |
| Business Flag | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business | On lot; must not overhang public way or sidewalk | — | § 300-17.7A(7) |

## Prohibited signs in Sturbridge Town

- Moving or animated signs (except signs designed to align themselves with the wind for structural reasons).
- Flashing, moving and animated signs, including oscillating, rotating lights, strings of lights, whirligigs and signs containing reflective elements which sparkle in the sunlight.
- Graphics which by color, location or design resemble or conflict with traffic control signs or signals.
- Signs that are mounted on vehicles or other moveable devices or objects except as specifically permitted.
- Temporary signs, except as provided in the pertinent ordinance section.
- Internally illuminated signs.
- Devices, structures or symbols that are meant to attract attention in excess of the number otherwise permitted.
- Neon or tube signs or outlining, except hotel/motel vacancy or no-vacancy signs.
- Advertising signs tacked, posted, painted or otherwise attached to poles, posts, trees, sidewalks, curbs, rocks, radio, television or water towers, lighting structures or other similar poles or structures.
- Temporary colored string light displays used to outline or ornament buildings, trees or shrubbery except between November 15 and January 15; such lighting if used during this period shall only be illuminated from dusk to midnight.
- Outdoor internally illuminated vending machines.
- Halo signs, being signs that are illuminated from behind, creating a silhouette or outline.
- Banners or signs painted on or temporarily affixed to nonregistered motor vehicles or trailers for business or commercial purposes.
- No commercial or industrial sign shall be erected on, or attached to, any vehicle except for signs applied directly to the surface of the vehicle; such vehicles are primarily for business operation, not for the purpose of advertising/identifying the business premises, and shall not be parked in public right-of-way for advertising.
- Any sign advertising a business or organization which is either defunct or no longer located on the premises.
- Digital or electronic signs.
- Balloon signs or inflatable signs except as may be permitted for grand openings.
- Signs containing noise-making devices.
- Laser or holographic signs.
- Strings of pennants.
- No sign shall cause visual confusion, glare or offensive lighting in the neighborhood.
- No sign shall obstruct the view of traffic entering or leaving the premises.
- No freestanding sign shall exceed 18 feet in height above natural grade or project above the ridge line of the primary building.
- No sign shall be attached to a utility pole, street sign, fence, tree or light post.
- Signs for defunct businesses/entities must be removed within 30 days of business closing.

## Signs exempt from permit in Sturbridge Town

- Signs bearing the name of a dwelling occupant not to exceed 1.5 square feet.
- Real estate signs not exceeding 6 square feet in residential districts or 30 square feet in nonresidential districts, with specified placement and timing conditions.
- Signs accessory to the use of the premises by churches, educational, or charitable institutions (must conform to spirit and intent of bylaw).
- Signs erected by municipal, county, state, or federal governments as may be necessary for their functions (expected to conform to spirit and intent of bylaw).
- Directional signs such as 'entrance', 'exit', 'parking', etc., on-premises and not exceeding 5 square feet, with restrictions on business/trade/product identification unless necessary.
- On-premises private drive signs limited to one per drive entrance, not exceeding 2 square feet.
- Contractor signs during construction, not exceeding 12 square feet, not installed in setback, and to be removed within 7 days after work completion.
- Signs required by federal or state law.
- Signs erected within a building.
- Nonilluminated window signs not to exceed 25% of window area or 16 square feet (whichever is less), with restrictions on entrance/exit doors except for public safety/security/information.
- Political signs displayed up to 6 weeks prior to elections and removed within 14 days following, expected to conform to spirit and intent of bylaw.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No sign (except for those qualifying for permit exceptions) shall be constructed, erected, remodeled, refaced, relocated, expanded or otherwise altered until a sign permit has been obtained from the Building Inspector.
- Permits for signs serving uses dependent upon special permits, exceptions or design review approval shall not be granted until such permits/approvals have been issued by appropriate boards or committees.
- Special permits may be granted by the Planning Board (SPGA) for more/larger/different signs if consistent with bylaw intent and requirements; a site plan and detailed information (plans, renderings, elevations, photos) must be submitted with the application.
- All signs serving a commercial or industrial use require approval of the Design Review Committee; sandwich board signs used on a regular basis are considered permanent and require design review approval.
- All sign permit applications are subject to administrative/site plan review and may require additional information as outlined in the bylaws.
- Site inspection may be required (unless waived by Building Inspector) for permitted signs to ensure compliance and safety.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 4 zoning districts in Sturbridge Town — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Sturbridge+Town+MA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-sturbridge-town

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