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Westborough EDC recommends condensed downtown signage guidelines to Planning Board
Summary
The town’s Economic Development Committee voted to recommend a simplified, pictorial packet of downtown signage guidelines developed by the Design Review Board to the Planning Board, aiming to make permitting clearer for small businesses while preserving downtown character.
Michael Haley of the Design Review Board presented a condensed signage guidance packet to the Westborough Economic Development Committee on June 4, saying the goal was to “simplify and rewrite some design guidelines” so business owners could more easily understand rules that had previously been scattered across a 40-plus page document.
Committee members heard a pictorial first two pages showing allowed sign types — wall, ground/freestanding, roof and projecting/hanging signs — and a downtown map indicating which addresses fall within the Design Review Board’s review circle. Haley said the packet includes dimensional limits, material and color guidance, examples of storefront and awning signs, and recommendations on lighting for legibility and public safety.
In the discussion that followed, members pressed how the packet would reduce the permitting burden for new and existing businesses. Haley and DRB members recommended businesses first contact the Building Department (they named Kristen), use the one-stop permitting meetings, and consult the printed handout. The packet proposes a 30-day temporary sign allowance for sales and events, with the possibility of extending approvals to 60 days to reduce administrative burden on small businesses.
Committee members and business owners urged the DRB to balance aesthetic standards with cost and practicality; several speakers noted that backlit or custom signage can cost thousands of dollars. Christian Hendricks of the Historical Commission clarified the packet is an interpretation and simplification of existing bylaws rather than a set of new rules.
Jenny and others explained the packet will be distributed on the town website and made available at one-stop meetings after Planning Board approval and required newspaper publication. Speaker 10 moved that the committee recommend the design guidelines for signage to the Planning Board; Speaker 5 seconded, and a roll-call vote recorded unanimous support.
The committee’s positive recommendation sends the condensed packet to the Planning Board for formal consideration and any required publication steps; committees interested in outreach and landlord distribution flagged their willingness to help with business-facing communications.
