Select Board reviews proposed changes to Chapter 38 sign rules; temporary sign length cut to six weeks, new definitions added

Town staff presented a set of proposed edits to the town’s sign ordinance (Chapter 38, Article 10), explaining new and revised definitions, measurement rules and permit practices that will be on the warrant for voters to consider at the Sept. 16 town meeting.

Why it matters: the sign ordinance changes affect commercial frontage, municipal signage and permitted temporary displays; the board said clearer definitions and a numerical formula for multiple businesses on a single lot should reduce enforcement ambiguity.

Key changes presented: staff described added definitions (for example, “animated sign” and “changeable sign”), a new permit-label requirement, and a shortened maximum period for temporary signs (six weeks rather than 90 days). Changes clarify which municipal fixtures qualify as municipal facilities and remove banner/pennant allowances from the current draft. The update explains how to calculate allowable sign area when multiple businesses share a lot (a base allowance of 32 sq. ft. plus 12 sq. ft. for each additional business was provided as an example in the draft).

Implementation and next steps: staff said internally illuminated signs would be addressed in a separate section and will not be finalized until a later cycle (the annual town meeting cycle was mentioned). Visual aids and a permit appendix are planned so applicants and enforcement staff have clear examples for permit review. Legal review and planning consideration of any enforcement penalties were also discussed; staff said additional language and penalties under the traffic and lighting rules may be brought back to the board.

Ending: The sign ordinance amendments were presented during the public hearing and are set to appear on the Sept. 16 warrant for voter consideration. Staff recommended additional clarify materials (visual aids and an appendix) be added after adoption where appropriate.