Sign Regulations in Bedford Town, New Hampshire
Bedford Town, New Hampshire has specific sign regulations covering 25 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Advertising Sign (Lease or Sale of Lot/Building), Projecting Sign, Wall Sign/Freestanding Sign (Distance Modification Option). 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 Bedford Town, New Hampshire
Sample Sign Requirements in Bedford Town
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising Sign (Lease or Sale of Premises) | — | 4 sq ft (unless otherwise specified by district) | 10 feet from right-of-way |
| Directional Sign (Non-advertising) | — | 4 sq ft | — |
| Temporary Sign (Painter or Artisan) | — | 4 sq ft | 10 feet from right-of-way |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
25
- Advertising Sign (Lease or Sale of Lot/Building)
- Projecting Sign
- Wall Sign/Freestanding Sign (Distance Modification Option)
- Wall Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Bedford Town
Other Cities in New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Bedford 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 Bedford 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 Bedford Town, regulated sign types include Advertising Sign (Lease or Sale of Lot/Building), Projecting Sign, Wall Sign/Freestanding Sign (Distance Modification Option), Wall Sign, 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 Bedford 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 Bedford Town are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Bedford Town has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Bedford Town, New Hampshire Sign Rules at a Glance
Bedford Town, New Hampshire regulates 25 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Commercial District,Commercial-2 District,Office District zoning district are capped at 10 ft tall and 32 sq ft, with a 50 ft from side/rear, 10 ft from street setback (Sec. § 275-74C(2), § 275-73C, § 275-73L). Most commercial signs in Bedford Town require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Bedford Town, New Hampshire
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Bedford Town (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | — | 15 sq ft | — |
| General Residential District,Residential and Agricultural District | 2 | — | 8 sq ft | — |
| Civic and Institutional District | 1 | — | 50 sq ft | — |
| Commercial District,Commercial-2 District,Office District | 6 | 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Service Industrial District | 4 | 10 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial District | 4 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Highway Commercial District | 5 | — | 32 sq ft | — |
| Performance Zoning District (PZ) | 5 | 10 ft | 18 sq ft | — |
| Historic District | 2 | — | — | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Bedford Town(sample of 3 of 9 zones)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising Sign (Lease or Sale of Premises) | — | 4 sq ft (unless otherwise specified by district) | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | One per parcel | Set back at least 10 feet from the edge of the right-of-way. | — | Unlock | § 275-73I |
| Directional Sign (Non-advertising) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | — | Location approved by Planning Director | — | Unlock | § 275-73E |
| Temporary Sign (Painter or Artisan) | — | 4 sq ft | — | 10 feet from right-of-way | One per artisan | Set back at least 10 feet from right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 275-73J |
| Political Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Must conform to all NH state statutes | — | Unlock | § 275-75 |
| Portable Sign | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 275-73G, § 275-73P |
| Rooftop Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Prohibited in all districts | — | Unlock | § 275-73N |
| Open Sign (General Districts) | — | 2.5 sq ft | — | — | One per business | On or within building | — | Unlock | § 275-73S(1)(a),(2) |
| Open Flag (General Districts) | — | 15 sq ft | — | Must meet sign height and setback requirements for zone | One per business | On or within building or on site if meets all other sign requirements | — | Unlock | § 275-73S(1)(b),(2) |
Commercial District,Commercial-2 District,Office 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 50 ft from side/rear, 10 ft from street | One per lot | On premises | — | Unlock | § 275-74C(2), § 275-73C, § 275-73L |
| Wall Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | See requirements; multiple tenants—max 4 wall signs per structure (Office District) | Attached to or painted on wall of building | — | Unlock | § 275-74C(2),(3),(5), § 275-73L |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | One per tenant space | On building (projecting) | — | Unlock | § 275-74C(2), (Office): § 275-74C(1) |
| Center Identification Sign (Shopping Center/Professional Park) | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | One per shopping center/professional park | On premises | — | Unlock | § 275-74C(3) |
| Advertising Sign (Lease or Sale of Lot/Building) | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | One per lot/building | On lot/building for lease or sale | — | Unlock | § 275-74C(3) |
| Wall Sign/Freestanding Sign (Distance Modification Option) | — | — | — | — | — | As specified | — | Unlock | § 275-74C(4) |
Highway Commercial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Ground or Pole Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per business | — | — | Unlock | § 275-74G(1)(a) |
| Flat Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per business unit | On business unit | — | Unlock | § 275-74G(1)(b) |
| Projecting Sign | — | — | — | — | One per business | — | — | Unlock | § 275-74G(1)(c) |
| Advertising Sign (Lease or Sale of Lot/Building) | — | 18 sq ft | — | — | One per lot/building | On lot/building for lease or sale | — | Unlock | § 275-74G(2) |
| Wall Sign/Freestanding Sign (Distance Modification Option) | — | — | — | — | — | As specified | — | Unlock | § 275-74G(3) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Bedford Town — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Bedford Town — start freeProhibited Signs in Bedford Town
- Posting of signs on trees, utility poles, vehicular control standards (stop signs, etc.), or fences is expressly prohibited.
- Portable signs shall not be allowed in any district except as specifically noted.
- Permanent and temporary off-premises signs shall not be allowed in any district, except as specifically noted.
- A sign shall not be so placed as to cast reflection upon any dwelling unit.
- Animated, moving, flashing, and noisemaking signs are prohibited.
- Changeable readerboard signs, whether manual or electronic, are prohibited in all zoning districts.
- Rooftop signs shall not be allowed in any district.
- Prohibited signs: Animated, moving, flashing, and noisemaking signs are not permitted.
- Advertisements, notices, and signs other than for traffic control shall not be displayed on or attached to any barricade or fence in any highway.
Exempt Signs in Bedford Town
- One unlighted sign offering premises for sale or lease for each parcel in one ownership shall be allowed, provided it shall not exceed four square feet in surface area unless otherwise specified, and is set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way.
- One unlighted temporary sign of a painter or artisan, erected during the work on the premises, allowed up to four square feet and set back at least 10 feet from the right-of-way.
- Directional signs not exceeding four square feet and bearing no advertising or site identifying information may be approved by the Planning Director.
- Political signs are exempt when they conform to all New Hampshire state statutes, including RSA 664:14 et seq.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Bedford Town
- The Planning Board may grant a conditional use permit (variance) to modify the requirements of Article IX (Signs) if criteria are met.
- Vehicles, trailers, or equipment with commercial signage routinely parked or stored must be shown on a site plan and approved by the Planning Board in certain nonresidential districts.
- Where specific requirements are not indicated, the Planning Board may establish signage requirements on an individual basis.
- In the Historic District, a certificate of approval from the Historic District Commission and a sign permit from the Bedford Building Department is required prior to erecting or resurfacing a sign.
- The location of all new signs on a building must be shown on proposed architectural elevations.
- Where there is more than one sign per site, all signs should be complementary and their location and design coordinated, which may require approval.
Source: ecode360 municipal code