Sign Regulations in Wakefield Town, Massachusetts
Wakefield Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Temporary Subdivision Sign, Temporary Political Sign, Accessory Sign (One- and Two-Family Residence). 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 Wakefield Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Wakefield Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Sign (One- and Two-Family Residence) | — | 1 sq ft | — |
| Accessory Sign (Building housing more than two families / group housing) | — | Primary: 3 sq ft; Secondary (per separate building): 1 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Sign (Construction, unlighted) | — | 9 sq ft | 8 ft from any lot line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
22
- Temporary Subdivision Sign
- Temporary Political Sign
- Accessory Sign (One- and Two-Family Residence)
- Accessory Sign (Building housing more than two families / group housing)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Wakefield Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Wakefield 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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield Town, regulated sign types include Temporary Subdivision Sign, Temporary Political Sign, Accessory Sign (One- and Two-Family Residence), Accessory Sign (Building housing more than two families / group housing), 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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Wakefield Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Wakefield Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Wakefield Town, Massachusetts regulates 22 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Building Signs in the Business District, Limited Business District, Neighborhood Business District, Industrial District, Limited Industrial District zoning district are capped at 3 ft overall tall, 50 sq ft, and No more than 3/4 of the width of the wall wide, with a Meets building setback requirements setback (Sec. §190-77B(2)(a), §190-77E(1)(a), §190-77D(1)-(2)). Most commercial signs in Wakefield Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Wakefield Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Wakefield Town (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential District, Multiple Residence District, General Residence District, Single Residence District, Special Single Residence District | 9 | — | 25 sq ft | — |
| Business District, Limited Business District, Neighborhood Business District, Industrial District, Limited Industrial District | 14 | 20 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 1 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Wakefield Town
Residential District, Multiple Residence District, General Residence District, Single Residence District, Special Single Residence District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Sign (One- and Two-Family Residence) | — | 1 sq ft | — | — | One sign per residence | Attached to building | — | Unlock | §190-77A(1), §190-80B(2) |
| Accessory Sign (Building housing more than two families / group housing) | — | Primary: 3 sq ft; Secondary (per separate building): 1 sq ft | — | — | One primary sign per housing establishment, one secondary sign per separate building | Attached to building | — | Unlock | §190-77A(2), §190-80B(2) |
| Temporary Sign (Construction, unlighted) | — | 9 sq ft | — | 8 ft from any lot line | One per lot | On each lot | — | Unlock | §190-77A(3), §190-77G(1)(a), §190-80B(3) |
| Temporary Sign (Sale or Rental, unlighted) | — | 9 sq ft | — | 8 ft from any lot line (temporary sign, see §190-77G(1)) | One per lot | On each lot | — | Unlock | §190-77A(4), §190-77G(2), §190-80B(3) |
| Window Sign (Accessory) | — | 10% of individual window area or 5% of glass area of any exit door | — | — | Restriction by percentage of window area | On or inside windows visible from street | — | Unlock | §190-77A(5), §190-80B(2) |
| Accessory Sign (Permitted nonconforming or nonresidential use) | — | To be determined by Board of Appeals | — | — | To be determined by Board of Appeals | On premises | — | Unlock | §190-77A(5) |
| Home Occupation Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | One sign per home occupation | Single permitted home occupation sign per premises | — | Unlock | §190-77A(8), §190-80B(2) |
| Temporary Political Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | 8 ft from any lot line | Not specified | Freestanding | — | Unlock | §190-77G(4) |
Business District, Limited Business District, Neighborhood Business District, Industrial District, Limited Industrial District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Sign | 3 ft overall | 50 sq ft | No more than 3/4 of the width of the wall | Meets building setback requirements | One per street frontage | Oriented to each street on which premises has frontage; attached | — | Unlock | §190-77B(2)(a), §190-77E(1)(a), §190-77D(1)-(2) |
| Occupancy Sign | 3 ft overall | 50 sq ft | No more than 3/4 of the width of the wall | Meets building setback requirements | One per occupancy per street or parking area | Oriented to each street or parking area on which the premises has frontage | — | Unlock | §190-77B(2)(b), §190-77D(5), §190-77E(1)(a) |
| Pedestrian Sign | Top no higher than 10 ft above sidewalk | 5 sq ft | — | — | One per occupancy per street or parking area | Oriented to each street or parking area | — | Unlock | §190-77B(2)(b), §190-77E(1)(b), §190-77D(3) |
| Freestanding Sign (≤100 ft from right-of-way) | 6 ft | 30 sq ft | — | At least 8 ft from edge of right-of-way | One per lot | Each lot, minimum 8 ft from edge of right-of-way, in landscaped island | — | Unlock | §190-77B(2)(c) |
| Freestanding Sign (>100 ft from right-of-way) | 20 ft | 50 sq ft | 10 ft in any linear dimension | At least 8 ft from edge of right-of-way | One per lot | Each lot, minimum 8 ft from edge of right-of-way, in landscaped island | — | Unlock | §190-77B(2)(c) |
| Freestanding Directory Sign | 6 ft from base to highest part | — | — | Minimum 100 ft from right-of-way | One per lot | Business or industrial zone lots | — | Unlock | §190-77C(2) |
| Temporary Sign (Construction, illuminated) | — | 25 sq ft | — | 8 ft from any lot line | One per lot | On each lot | — | Unlock | §190-77G(1)(b) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | 8 ft from any lot line | One per lot | On each lot | — | Unlock | §190-77G(2) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign (Event/Banner/Poster) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | §190-77H |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Wakefield Town are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Wakefield Town
- No new, reconstructed, or renovated sign shall be erected, displayed, or maintained except in conformance with the sign ordinance, unless specifically exempted under Massachusetts General Laws.
- No sign or light shall move, flash, or make noise, including commercial balloon devices and high-powered searchlights (except for time or temperature indicators).
- Colored lights and illuminated signs employing colors used in traffic signals are prohibited within view of any signalized intersection.
- Imitation of official traffic signs or signals and use of words such as 'stop,' 'look,' 'danger,' 'go slow,' 'caution,' or 'warning' are prohibited.
- No red or green lights or any lighting effect utilizing such colors shall be used on any sign if, in the opinion of the Chief of Police, it would create a hazard for motorists.
- Portable signs with or without replaceable letters that may be moved from one location to another are prohibited.
- Signs on unregistered vehicles visible from public rights-of-way (except temporary 'for sale' signs) are prohibited.
- No sign shall project over a public right-of-way or come within three feet of the curbline, except as specifically allowed for certain building-attached signs.
- No sign shall extend more than three feet above the roofplate line of the wall to which it is attached nor above the third floor of a building. No roof signs are allowed.
- No sign shall be painted or posted directly on the exterior surface of any wall; signs must be affixed to an intermediary removable surface.
- All signs must be kept safe, neat, clean, and in good repair.
- Operation or parking of a vehicle or trailer on any street or highway for the sole purpose of displaying advertising signs is prohibited.
- It is unlawful to place, maintain, or display on or in view of any street any unofficial sign, signal, marking, or device that imitates or resembles an official traffic sign or signal or that attempts to direct traffic or hide an official sign.
- Wilful defacement, injury, movement, obstruction, or interference with any official traffic sign is prohibited and penalized.
Exempt Signs in Wakefield Town
- Flags and insignia of any government, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion, are exempt from the definition of a sign.
- Legal notices or informational devices erected or required by public agencies are exempt.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings are exempt from the definition of a sign, except for letters, trademarks, moving parts, or internally illuminated or gaseous tube-lit parts.
- On awnings or similar devices, lettering not exceeding three inches in height or symbols up to four square feet in area in total are exempt.
- Nonprofit religious organizations, schools, and public uses are not subject to the sign ordinance but are asked to use it as a guide.
- Interior signs wholly within a building, except as specifically included for window signs, are not governed by this article.
- A standard type of gasoline pump showing gasoline type and price is not deemed to be a sign.
- State-exempt signs as provided by Massachusetts General Laws are exempt.
- Temporary signs described in §190-77G (e.g., certain construction, real estate, display window, and political signs meeting specified criteria) do not require a permit.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Wakefield Town
- No explicit requirement for a master sign plan or sign plan is mentioned in the ordinance text provided.
- The application for a sign permit requires submitted plans, structural drawings, and specifications as required by the Building Inspector.
- A variance (appeal) for a sign may be granted by the Board of Appeals after public hearing, with a written petition, in cases where strict enforcement would involve substantial hardship.
Source: ecode360 municipal code