Sign Regulations in Sunderland Town, Massachusetts

Sunderland Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Residence or Permitted Accessory Use Sign, Permitted Non-Residential Building/Use Sign, Temporary Construction/Lease/Sale 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 Sunderland Town, Massachusetts

Sample Sign Requirements in Sunderland Town

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Residence or Permitted Accessory Use Sign4 square feet
Permitted Non-Residential Building/Use Sign10 square feet
Temporary Construction/Lease/Sale Sign16 square feet (total area)

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for Sunderland TownFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

19

  • Residence or Permitted Accessory Use Sign
  • Permitted Non-Residential Building/Use Sign
  • Temporary Construction/Lease/Sale Sign
  • Wall Sign - Standard
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

4

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Official Resources for Sunderland Town

Municipal Code1 permit application link available

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Sunderland 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 Sunderland 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 Sunderland Town, regulated sign types include Residence or Permitted Accessory Use Sign, Permitted Non-Residential Building/Use Sign, Temporary Construction/Lease/Sale Sign, Wall Sign - Standard, 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 Sunderland 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 Sunderland Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Sunderland Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Sunderland Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance

Sunderland Town, Massachusetts regulates 19 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign - Business Complexs in the Commercial Districts, Village Center District (lots with primary access FROM Route 116) zoning district are capped at 15 feet tall, 20 square feet for main sign; sub-signs for businesses beneath, each with letters not over 3 inches wide by 4 inches high; total length of firm names not to exceed width of business complex sign, and 5 feet (for the main sign) wide, with a Minimum yard setback requirements setback (Sec. § 125-III-2.B(2)(a), (c)). Most commercial signs in Sunderland Town require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Sunderland Town, Massachusetts

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Sunderland Town (4 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
Residential Districts, Village Center District (lots with primary access NOT from Route 116)316 square feet (total area)
Commercial Districts, Village Center District (lots with primary access FROM Route 116)515 feet36 square feet (per sign), aggregate limit per formula
Village Center District (Sign Special Permit Options)1
General Regulations For All Zones107 to 8 feet from ground level50% of window area

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Sunderland Town(sample of 3 of 4 zones)

Residential Districts, Village Center District (lots with primary access NOT from Route 116)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Residence or Permitted Accessory Use Sign4 square feet1On property of the residential use or accessory useUnlock§ 125-III-2.A(1)
Permitted Non-Residential Building/Use Sign10 square feet1On premises for permitted buildings/structures/uses (other than one- or two-family dwellings and accessory uses)Unlock§ 125-III-2.A(2)
Temporary Construction/Lease/Sale Sign16 square feet (total area)On premises pertaining to construction, lease or saleUnlock§ 125-III-2.A(3)

Commercial Districts, Village Center District (lots with primary access FROM Route 116)

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Wall Sign - Standard36 square feet (per sign), aggregate limit per formula1 per firm or businessAttached flat against the wall of the buildingUnlock§ 125-III-2.B(1)(a)
Wall Sign - Marquee/Entrance4 square feet1 per firmMarquee or next to entrancewayUnlock§ 125-III-2.B(1)(b)
Freestanding Sign - Business Complex15 feet20 square feet for main sign; sub-signs for businesses beneath, each with letters not over 3 inches wide by 4 inches high; total length of firm names not to exceed width of business complex sign5 feet (for the main sign)Minimum yard setback requirements1 per business complexFreestanding, located per minimum yard setback requirementsUnlock§ 125-III-2.B(2)(a), (c)
Freestanding Sign - Single Business15 feet20 square feet5 feetMinimum yard setback requirements1 per business or firmFreestanding, located per minimum yard setback requirementsUnlock§ 125-III-2.B(2)(b), (c)
Above Roof Sign (In lieu of Freestanding Sign)15 feet above ground16 square feet1 per businessAbove one-story commercial building (in lieu of freestanding sign)Unlock§ 125-III-2.B(2)(d)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Announcement/Bulletin Board Sign (Public/Charitable/Religious)16 square feetAssociated with public, charitable, or religious useUnlock§ 125-III-2.C(1)
Street Name Sign at Intersection7 to 8 feet from ground level2 ft 6 in (length), 10 in (width)At intersection serving 3 or more dwelling unitsUnlock§ 125-III-2.C(7)
Temporary Sign - Sale/Rental16 square feetOn premisesUnlock§ 125-III-2.E(1)
Temporary Sign - Public/Charitable/Religious Event32 square feetUnlock§ 125-III-2.E(2)
Temporary Sign - Seasonal Farm Stand (Commercial District)32 square feetUnlock§ 125-III-2.E(3)
Temporary Sign - Seasonal Farm Stand (Residential/Village Center District)16 square feetUnlock§ 125-III-2.E(3)
Temporary Contractor Sign16 square feet1 per propertyOne sign per propertyUnlock§ 125-III-2.E(4)
Window Sign (Temporary)50% of window areaInside window, facing outUnlock§ 125-III-2.E(7)

PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Sunderland Town — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in Sunderland Town

  • No sign or advertising device shall project over any pedestrian or vehicular way customarily used by the public.
  • No exterior sign or advertising device shall incorporate motion or be lighted by flashing or blinking lights or utilize a change in light intensity.
  • All illumination of signs or other advertising devices shall be shielded or indirect. No uplighting of signs shall be permitted.
  • No nonaccessory sign or billboard shall be allowed.
  • No exterior sign shall be illuminated during the hours the business is not open.

Exempt Signs in Sunderland Town

  • Signs, announcements or bulletin boards not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area are allowed in all zoning districts in connection with public, charitable or religious uses.
  • Street signs at intersections for public or private ways serving three (3) or more dwelling units shall be allowed in all districts, not to exceed two (2) feet six (6) inches in length or ten (10) inches in width, placed not less than seven (7) feet nor more than eight (8) feet from ground level.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Sunderland Town

  • No explicit requirement for a master sign plan, sign plan, or sign-related variance meeting is stated in this ordinance text.

Source: ecode360 municipal code