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Select Board forwards clarified sign bylaw language to planning board and town meeting
Summary
The board approved sending revised zoning bylaw language that clarifies sign area, height and which structural elements are counted toward size to the planning board for a public hearing and then to the town‑meeting warrant.
The Select Board voted Nov. 3 to forward a set of clarifications to the town zoning sign bylaw to the planning board and place the matter on the next town‑meeting warrant after the planning board’s public hearing.
The proposed changes aim to remove ambiguity around sign measurements: sign area would be calculated by width times height to include text and graphics, clearance (airspace) beneath a sign would be excluded from size calculations to allow visibility and landscaping, and support structures under specified dimensions would not be included in sign area so long as they are visually subordinate. The motion passed after board members said the rewritten text was easier to read.
Why it matters: the revisions address recurring confusion about how to measure primary and secondary signs in different zoning districts and set a maximum freestanding sign height of 10 feet. Board members said clearer language should reduce future enforcement disputes and simplify permit review.
What was decided: the board instructed staff to forward the draft language to the planning board; planning will hold a public hearing before the article is placed on the town meeting warrant.
