ZBA approves larger signs for Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, citing emergency wayfinding

The Nashua Zoning Board on Dec. 9 approved variances allowing Southern New Hampshire Regional Medical Center to increase wall sign area on multiple frontages to improve wayfinding around its multi‑block campus.

Applicant Justin Parker, representing Classic Signs, and Scott Cody, vice president of facilities for Southern New Hampshire Health System, told the board the hospital campus spans roughly eight city blocks and is difficult to navigate. Parker said the total proposed sign areas (including existing signage and new additions) would exceed the 100‑square‑foot limit on several frontages but argued the larger signs are intended to aid emergency vehicles and patients in locating entrances. “The increased visibility that these signs would provide would help emergency services find the hospital and the emergency room faster,” Parker said.

Scott Cody added that legislation in a neighboring state and recent incidents have prompted hospitals to revisit wayfinding and emergency access. Board members and staff discussed an apparent discrepancy between advertised square footage and total proposed signage; staff confirmed the advertisement described the newly proposed sign additions while drawings show the cumulative totals. After deliberation, the board found the safety and public‑health justification persuasive and approved the variances, with members noting the complex zoning and multiple frontages around the campus.

The board recorded the motion to approve; the applicant was advised to follow permit and sign‑installation procedures with city staff.