Sign Regulations in Whitman Town, Massachusetts
Whitman Town, Massachusetts has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Any Sign (over 4 sq ft), Animated or Flashing Signs, Directional 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 Whitman Town, Massachusetts
Sample Sign Requirements in Whitman Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Any Sign (over 4 sq ft) | — | over 4 square feet requires permit | — |
| All Signs | 20 feet | — | — |
| Street Number/Occupant Name Sign | 6 feet (if on post or rod) | 2 square feet | Not less than 3 feet from street line |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Any Sign (over 4 sq ft)
- Animated or Flashing Signs
- Directional Sign
- All Signs
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Whitman Town
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Whitman 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 Whitman 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 Whitman Town, regulated sign types include Any Sign (over 4 sq ft), Animated or Flashing Signs, Directional Sign, All Signs, 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 Whitman 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 Whitman Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Whitman Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Whitman Town, Massachusetts Sign Rules at a Glance
Whitman Town, Massachusetts regulates 17 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Street Number/Occupant Name Signs in the Residential Districts zoning district are capped at 6 feet (if on post or rod) tall and 2 square feet, with a Not less than 3 feet from street line setback (Sec. § 240-9.3A). Most commercial signs in Whitman Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Whitman Town, Massachusetts
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Whitman Town (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 20 feet | over 4 square feet requires permit | — |
| Residential Districts | 5 | 6 feet (if on post or rod) | 20 square feet | — |
| Business Districts, Industrial Districts | 7 | 20 feet max; 8 feet min above ground | 100 square feet (overall sign) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Whitman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any Sign (over 4 sq ft) | — | over 4 square feet requires permit | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 240-9.1.A-B |
| Animated or Flashing Signs | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 240-9.2A |
| Directional Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Along traveled ways | — | Unlock | § 240-9.2E |
| All Signs | 20 feet | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 240-9.2F |
| All Projecting Signs | — | — | — | — | — | May not project over public streets; up to 4 feet over public walks | — | Unlock | § 240-9.2G |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street Number/Occupant Name Sign | 6 feet (if on post or rod) | 2 square feet | — | Not less than 3 feet from street line | 1 per premises | Attached to building, or on rod/post at least 3 ft from street line | — | Unlock | § 240-9.3A |
| Bulletin/Announcement Board or Identification Sign (Nonresidential/Institutional) | — | 10 square feet per board | — | — | 1 per building | On each permitted nonresidential building or use | — | Unlock | § 240-9.3B |
| Real Estate Sign (For Sale/For Rent) | — | 6 square feet | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 240-9.3C |
| Subdivision/Multifamily Development Entrance Sign | — | 20 square feet | — | — | — | At street entrance to subdivision or development | — | Unlock | § 240-9.3D |
| Contractor/Owner/Designer/Engineer Sign (Construction Site) | — | — | — | — | — | On active construction site | — | Unlock | § 240-9.3E |
Business Districts, Industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (Standard) | — | Based on building frontage (1 sq ft per linear ft); projections limited to 12 inches perpendicular to facade | — | — | 1 per establishment | Attached flat to facade; parallels street | — | Unlock | § 240-9.4B(1) |
| Wall Sign (Open Lot Business) | — | Max 32 sq ft per 100 ft of lot frontage | — | — | — | Wall sign area calculated from lot frontage for open-lot businesses | — | Unlock | § 240-9.4B(2) |
| Wall or Freestanding Sign (Entrance/Perpendicular) | — | 40 square feet per side | — | — | 1 per establishment | Immediately adjacent/over entrance; or freestanding at parking lot entrance | — | Unlock | § 240-9.4B(3) |
| Iconic/Symbolic Sign (No Advertising Text) | — | 15 square feet (cross-section) | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 240-9.4C |
| Shopping Center/Cooperative Directory Sign | 20 feet max; 8 feet min above ground | 100 square feet (overall sign) | — | — | 1 cooperative sign per shopping center or business group | Next to public way; adjacent to parking entrance | — | Unlock | § 240-9.4D |
| Freestanding Sign (Setback > 30 ft) | 20 feet max; 8 feet min above ground | 100 square feet per side | — | Minimum 10 feet from lot line | — | Edge of sign not less than 10 feet from lot line | — | Unlock | § 240-9.4E |
| Exterior Signs (General Limit) | — | — | — | — | 3 per store/business (excluding exit/entrance signs) | — | — | Unlock | § 240-9.4F |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Whitman Town are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Whitman Town
- No sign in excess of four square feet in area shall be erected, replaced, located or relocated within the Town without first obtaining a sign erection permit from the Building Commissioner/Inspector of Buildings.
- All signs shall be nonanimated, nonflashing, and permanently fixed, except for short-term displays not to exceed 14 days each year.
- Signs or their illuminator shall not interfere with traffic or obstruct the view or effectiveness of any official traffic sign, traffic signal or traffic marking.
- No sign shall obstruct visibility in such a way as to constitute a hazard to the safety of persons traveling upon a public way.
- No commercial advertising shall be affixed upon or painted upon any rock, tree or utility pole within the Town.
- Signs may be no higher than 20 feet in height.
- Private signs shall not project over public streets and no more than four feet over public walks.
- No signs, whether permanent or temporary, shall be erected or affixed to any object in a public right-of-way.
- The lowest point of the sign shall be at least 10 feet above the finished grade.
- All signs shall be maintained in a safe condition to the satisfaction of the Building Commissioner/Inspector of Buildings.
Exempt Signs in Whitman Town
- Interior window displays or signs.
- A community bulletin board for the purpose of displaying notices such as public events, schedules and personal notices; such bulletin boards are not to be used for the purposes named in § 240-9.3B and may be 10 square feet on each side.
- Customary signs necessary to the operation of a filling or service station, including lettering over entrance doors not exceeding 10 inches in height and signs as part of the gas pumps and other signs required by law.
- A memorial sign or tablet indicating the name of a building or the date of its erection when cut into any masonry surface or constructed of bronze or other incombustible material.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Whitman Town
- Applications for signs not in accord with the specifications set forth in this article shall be referred to the Board of Appeals for a special permit.
- Signs placed along traveled ways for the purpose of indicating directions to business or institutional facilities require a special permit from the Board of Appeals.
Source: ecode360 municipal code