Sign Regulations in Massena, New York
Massena, New York has specific sign regulations covering 17 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, All Signs, Construction/Directional/All Signs. 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 Massena, New York
Sample Sign Requirements in Massena
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Sign | May not project above the peak | 40% of roof area occupied | — |
| Nameplate Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Home Occupation/Professional Residence Wall Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
17
- Wall Sign
- All Signs
- Construction/Directional/All Signs
- Roof Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Massena
Other Cities in New York
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Massena 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 Massena, 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 Massena, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, All Signs, Construction/Directional/All Signs, Roof 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 Massena 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 Massena are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Massena has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Massena, New York Sign Rules at a Glance
Massena, New York regulates 17 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Roof Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at May not project above the peak tall and 40% of roof area occupied (Sec. §300-21D(3)). Most commercial signs in Massena require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Massena, New York
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Massena (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | May not project above the peak | 40% of roof area occupied | — |
| Residential Districts (Residential A, Residential B, Residential C) | 3 | — | 20 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Districts | 7 | — | 80 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Transition Districts (CTD) | 2 | 18 ft | 60 sq ft | — |
| Commercial Auto-Related Districts (CAR) | 2 | 24 ft | 120 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Massena(sample of 3 of 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Signs | — | — | — | — | — | Not in public right-of-way; not on property other than where permitted use or sale is being conducted. | — | Unlock | §176-3A, §300-21B(2)(b), §300-21B(3), §300-21C(3) |
| Construction/Directional/All Signs | — | — | — | — | — | Must not impair public safety, restrict visibility, create confusion with traffic signals, or block access to doors/windows/fire escapes (§300-21B(2)(a)). | — | Unlock | §300-21B(1)-(3) |
| Roof Sign | May not project above the peak | 40% of roof area occupied | — | — | — | Attached to the roof | — | Unlock | §300-21D(3) |
| Double-Face Freestanding Sign | — | — | 3 ft (for width between the two faces) | — | — | Freestanding | — | Unlock | §300-21D(4) |
Residential Districts (Residential A, Residential B, Residential C)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | On the same lot as principal use; attached or freestanding | — | Unlock | §300-21C(1)(a) |
| Home Occupation/Professional Residence Wall Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Attached to building face on same lot as principal use | — | Unlock | §300-21C(1)(b) |
| Nonresidential Use Sign | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per nonresidential use | On the same lot as the principal use | — | Unlock | §300-21C(1)(c) |
Commercial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nameplate Sign (Residential Equivalent) | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per lot | Where applicable, see residential districts | — | Unlock | §300-21C(2)(a), §300-21C(1)(a) |
| Home Occupation/Professional Residence Wall Sign (Residential Equivalent) | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building | Attached to building face, where applicable | — | Unlock | §300-21C(2)(a), §300-21C(1)(b) |
| Nonresidential Use Sign (Residential Equivalent) | — | 20 sq ft | — | — | 1 per use | On the same lot as the principal use, where applicable | — | Unlock | §300-21C(2)(a), §300-21C(1)(c) |
| Principal Business Sign | — | 80 sq ft | — | — | 1 per business establishment | On building frontage per separate and distinct business establishment | — | Unlock | §300-21C(2)(b) |
| Principal Sign (Multiple Businesses) | — | See formula | — | — | — | On building(s) occupied by multiple businesses | — | Unlock | §300-21C(2)(c) |
| Accessory Business Sign | — | 50% of principal sign; or 25% of window area or 9 sq ft (whichever is less) for window sign | — | — | 1 per principal sign; or 1 window sign | Not on the same building face or lot side as principal sign, or in window | — | Unlock | §300-21C(2)(d) |
| On-premises Directional Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | As necessary as determined by Planning Commission | On-premises, locations as approved by Planning Commission | — | Unlock | §300-21C(2)(e) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Massena — 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 Massena — start freeProhibited Signs in Massena
- No sign shall be placed on the public right-of-way or on property other than where the sale is being conducted.
- No lighted signs shall be used (in context of sale signs).
- All signs must be constructed of durable material, maintained in good condition, and not allowed to become dilapidated or in a state of disrepair.
- Any sign no longer maintained in a satisfactory state of repair must be improved or removed within 30 days from notification by the Code Enforcement Officer.
- Any sign for a business, service or activity no longer in existence must be removed within one year of discontinuation.
- Any wall, surface or area from which a sign is removed must not show any remnant of the sign.
- The back or reverse side of a single-face sign visible from any public right-of-way must be finished in an appropriate manner and all structural members must be covered as appropriate.
- All construction, fixtures, wiring, and installation must conform to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, where applicable.
- All wiring to new freestanding signs must be underground and transformers or similar installations must be located and screened to the Planning Board's satisfaction during site plan review.
- Owners of any sign overhanging the public right-of-way must provide evidence of liability insurance coverage.
- Every sign must be designed and located so as not to physically or visually impair vehicular or pedestrian traffic by design, illumination, color or placement.
- Signs must not impair public safety.
- Signs must not restrict clear vision for vehicles entering and leaving the highway or between sidewalk and street.
- Signs must not create confusion relative to any traffic sign or signal.
- Signs must not prevent free access to any door, window, or fire escape.
- No sign illumination shall be directed toward any public street or adjacent uses in a manner that would interfere with safe travel or enjoyment of abutting properties.
- No lights or string of lights may be used to advertise or attract attention to premises unless part of a sign or approved street/outdoor lighting.
- No moving, flashing, rotating or otherwise nonstationary or intermittently lighted sign shall be permitted, except time and temperature signs (with no commercial message in lighted portion) and standard barber poles.
- Neon shall not be permitted to exceed 20% of the total permissible size of any sign.
- No sign shall contain or consist of banners, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners or similar moving, fluttering or revolving devices.
- No portable sign shall be permitted except up to 72 hours without a permit from the Code Enforcement Officer.
- No temporary signs of any design shall be allowed on Village property or in the Village right-of-way in any zone within the Village of Massena.
- No such temporary or special event sign shall be attached to any fence, utility pole, tree, or any natural feature of the landscape.
Exempt Signs in Massena
- Flags, emblems or insignia of a nation, municipality, service organization or school may be displayed in any district without a permit, except in connection with a commercial purpose.
- Handbills, posters, flyers, announcements or advertisements of special sales or events do not require a permit. Such temporary signs must be removed within 15 days of the date relating to their original purpose or 60 days following placement (whichever occurs first).
- One sign, either attached or freestanding, indicating only the name of the owner/occupant and street number (max 2 sq ft), on same lot as principal use, in residential districts or for residences in other districts, requires no sign permit.
- One memorial sign or tablet indicating the name of the building and/or date of construction (built in as an integral part thereof) requires no sign permit.
- Temporary unlighted real estate signs (max 3, each not larger than 6 sq ft) advertising sale, rental or lease of premises or subdivision.
- Single temporary unlighted sign not larger than 15 sq ft indicating name and address of parties involved in construction on the premises.
- For developments of six or more lots or dwelling units, real estate sign not larger than 25 sq ft at each visible street entrance from an existing street.
- Exception to temporary sign prohibition: Not-for-profit organizations may place temporary signage on Village property/in right-of-way for up to three days with Code Official approval.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Massena
- All signs, except those specifically exempted (see Subsections C(1)(a), E, F, and G), require a sign permit and are subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission according to the site plan review process set forth under § 300-31 prior to erection or alteration.
- During site plan review, all wiring to new freestanding signs and screening of installations must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Board.
- In cases where multiple business/professional tenants share a building, total allowable sign size may be distributed among one or more principal signs as preferred by applicant and determined satisfactory by the Planning Commission under site plan review process.
Source: ecode360 municipal code