Sign Regulations in Taunton, Massachusetts
Taunton, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Construction Site Sign, For Sale/For Rent Sign, Refer to Redevelopment and Historic District rules. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 22, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Taunton, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Taunton
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 30 ft. (if bottom of sign is >10 ft. above ground); otherwise max 3 ft. above ground | 200 sq. ft. (max), limited by formula | Min 10 ft from driveways, public ways, or rights-of-way |
| Facade Sign | — | Limited by formula and not to exceed total frontage | — |
| Projecting Sign | — | 12 sq. ft. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
21
- Construction Site Sign
- For Sale/For Rent Sign
- Refer to Redevelopment and Historic District rules
- Refer to Historic District Commission rules
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Taunton
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
In Taunton, monument signs are limited to 30 ft. (if bottom of sign is >10 ft. above ground); otherwise max 3 ft. above ground. 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton, regulated sign types include Construction Site Sign, For Sale/For Rent Sign, Refer to Redevelopment and Historic District rules, Refer to Historic District Commission rules, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Taunton, monument signs typically require a Min 10 ft from driveways, public ways, or rights-of-way 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 Taunton are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Taunton has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Taunton, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Taunton, Massachusetts regulates 21 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Nonresidential Districts zoning district are capped at 30 ft. (if bottom of sign is >10 ft. above ground); otherwise max 3 ft. above ground tall and 200 sq. ft. (max), limited by formula, with a Min 10 ft from driveways, public ways, or rights-of-way setback (Sec. § 440-706F). Most commercial signs in Taunton require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Taunton, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Taunton (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taunton Redevelopment Authority's Official Downtown, High Street and Court Street Revitalization Plans | 1 | — | — | — |
| Historic District (Historic District Commission) | 1 | — | — | — |
| Nonresidential Districts | 8 | 30 ft. (if bottom of sign is >10 ft. above ground); otherwise max 3 ft. above ground | 200 sq. ft. (max), limited by formula | — |
| Residential Districts | 5 | — | 24 sq. ft. max | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | — | 2 sq. ft. | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Taunton(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Nonresidential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 30 ft. (if bottom of sign is >10 ft. above ground); otherwise max 3 ft. above ground | 200 sq. ft. (max), limited by formula | — | Min 10 ft from driveways, public ways, or rights-of-way | 1 per lot | Min 10 ft from driveways, public ways, or rights-of-way; must not block sight lines | — | Unlock | § 440-706F |
| Facade Sign | — | Limited by formula and not to exceed total frontage | — | — | Unlimited, subject to area limits | Parallel to building wall; cannot project more than 8 in. from wall | — | Unlock | § 440-706G |
| Projecting Sign | — | 12 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per lot | At 90 degrees from building face; bottom must be at least 10 ft. above ground | — | Unlock | § 440-706I |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(4)(c) |
| Window Sign (Permanent) | — | No more than 30% of total storefront window area | — | — | — | Window | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(4)(d), § 440-706E(5) |
| Temporary Sign | — | 24 sq. ft. max | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(3) |
| Construction Site Sign | — | 24 sq. ft. in aggregate per site | — | — | — | On active construction site | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(b) |
| For Sale/For Rent Sign | — | 15 sq. ft. aggregate per premises | — | — | — | Premises being advertised | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(d) |
Residential 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Site Sign | — | 12 sq. ft. in aggregate per site | — | — | — | On active construction site | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(b) |
| For Sale/For Rent Sign | — | 6 sq. ft. aggregate per premises | — | — | — | Premises being advertised | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(d) |
| Accessory Sign for Home Occupation | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per premises | Premises of home occupation | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(e) |
| Permitted Temporary Sign | — | 24 sq. ft. max | — | — | 1 per business | — | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(3) |
| Permitted Permanent Sign (Residential use) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(4) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governmental Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(a) |
| Flag | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(c) |
| Informational Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | — | For institutions/schools/recreation/museum/library | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(g) |
| Legal Notice Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | — | e.g. "No Trespassing", "No Hunting" | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(h) |
| Noncommercial Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. per premises | — | — | — | House numbers, names, identification | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(i) |
| Political Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(j) |
| Vendor Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On machine/device | — | Unlock | § 440-706C(1)(l) |
| Directory Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Premises/building with multiple tenants | — | Unlock | § 440-706B (Definition), § 440-706C(4) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Taunton — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Taunton — start freeProhibited Signs in Taunton
- No sign shall be erected on or rise above the facade or vertical wall of the building (roof signs prohibited).
- No sign shall have any part which moves or is designed to move (moving signs prohibited).
- Signs mounted on vehicles and parked on a site for advertisement purposes, if not registered and utilized on a regular basis, are prohibited.
- No sign shall block the sight line of access driveways, parking lots, or public ways.
- No sign that flashes, shimmers, or scrolls is allowed.
- No animation, movement, or the appearance of movement (including flashing, scrolling, or movement of text or graphics/images) is allowed on illuminated changeable face signs or LED message centers.
- Text on illuminated changeable face signs or LED message centers shall not flash, scroll or move.
- Any person who willfully defaces, injures, moves, obstructs, or interferes with any official traffic sign, signal, or marking is subject to punishment.
- It is unlawful to injure, deface, or destroy any street sign, guidepost, or other structure set for the use or ornament of the City, or paint/draw any word or figure upon any curbstone or sidewalk.
- No person shall place, maintain, or display upon or in view of any street any unofficial sign, signal, or marking which purports to be or resembles an official traffic sign, or which attempts to direct traffic or hides from view any official sign or signal.
- No person shall park a vehicle on any street or highway for the sole purpose of displaying advertising signs.
- No temporary sign shall be placed in a manner that blocks visibility of motorists at intersections and driveways, or that impedes handicap accessibility.
- No sign may be erected, altered, or enlarged without a permit, unless otherwise exempted.
- No sign shall be illuminated so as to cause direct glare onto a public street or adjacent property.
- No flashing, shimmering, or scrolling illumination is allowed on signs.
- Permanent window signs shall not cover more than 30% of the total storefront window.
- No sign (including LED message centers) shall be left illuminated after closing.
- No more than one temporary sign per business is allowed, with a maximum square footage of 24 square feet.
Exempt Signs in Taunton
- Traffic or warning signs erected or required by governmental agencies or bodies, including signs directing traffic to hospitals, parking areas, highways, cultural institutions, and commercial areas.
- Signs on active construction sites denoting the contractor, architect, engineer, or funding agency, not exceeding 24 square feet in aggregate per site in nonresidential districts or 12 square feet in aggregate per site in residential districts.
- Governmental flags and government insignia, except when displayed with a commercial message or in conjunction with a commercial promotion.
- "For sale" or "for rent" signs, not exceeding 15 square feet (nonresidential) or 6 square feet (residential), advertising the sale or rental of only the premises on which the sign is located.
- One accessory sign per premises for home occupations, not to exceed 2 square feet.
- Holiday lights and decorations, without a commercial message, displayed for up to 60 continuous days and no longer than 100 days per year per premises.
- Informational signs giving directions to a religious institution, school, museum, community recreational facility, or library, not to exceed 2 square feet.
- Legal notices and identifications not exceeding 2 square feet, including "no trespassing" and "no hunting" signs.
- Noncommercial signs, bearing house numbers, post box numbers, names of residents, or identification of premises, not exceeding 2 square feet per premises.
- Political signs advertising a candidate, party, or ballot issue.
- Signs exempted by law, including those described in MGL c. 93, § 32.
- Permanent signs on vending machines, gas pumps, ice containers, or similar devices indicating only the contents.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Taunton
- No person shall place or maintain projecting signs, advertising devices, clocks, marquees, or awnings over any street or sidewalk without Municipal Council permission and filing plans satisfactory to the Building Commissioner showing size, type, and attachment method.
- A permit application must be submitted and approved by the City Planner and Building Inspector for any sign to be erected, altered, or enlarged (unless exempted).
- Any applicant must seek zoning approval from the City Planner before formally applying for a sign permit.
- Filing of plans is required to obtain a permit for projecting structures over the public way, such as projecting signs and awnings.
- Permit applications for signs must include all information required by the chapter and the State Building Code.
Source: ecode360 municipal code