Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sign Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staff presents comprehensive draft of new Cambridge sign ordinance for Planning Commission review
Summary
Planning staff presented a lengthy proposed rewrite of the City of Cambridge sign ordinance covering purpose, applicability, permit processes, prohibited sign types, sign categories that require or do not require permits, and detailed dimensional, materials, illumination and enforcement provisions.
Planning staff presented a comprehensive draft of a revised sign ordinance intended to regulate sign placement, type, size, number and duration in the City of Cambridge and to align the code with federal and state content‑neutral standards. The draft, introduced as new language in many sections of Chapter 6.5 of the Unified Development Code, addresses purpose and community intent, administration and permit procedures, measurement and sign area rules, construction and wiring standards, setbacks, compatibility and materials, illumination limits, prohibited signs and enforcement processes.
Key elements of the draft ordinance include: a stated purpose to preserve historic character and public safety while permitting creative signage; a content‑neutral approach to regulation; a requirement that signs in the Historic District receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Commission before a sign permit may issue; new processes for enforcement of impaired or blighted signs (courtesy letters, notices of violation, fines and potential abatement after multiple notices); and a list of prohibited signs including billboards, feather flags, inflatable signs and moving or flashing signs in most districts.
The draft also enumerates sign types that do not require a permit (address numerals, limited banners, directional signs, flags, window signs, stationary electronic window signs like “open” displays), and many categories that do require permits with specific dimensions and material standards (awnings, canopies, marquees, monument signs, murals, projecting and suspended signs, rooftop signs, wall signs and yard signs). The proposed rules include numeric limits such as a typical 35% maximum electronic changeable area for certain signs, maximum area limits for wall and monument signs in different zoning contexts, and specific clearances and construction materials.
Enforcement provisions set graduated steps — courtesy letters, notices of violation, fines (a $500 penalty referenced in the draft), potential court dates and, ultimately, revocation of legal nonconforming status and permits if owners do not comply. The draft additionally proposes standards for temporary signs, sidewalk signs, and special signage for live‑work units, drive‑through establishments and upper‑story access points.
The Commission packet contained the draft text and numerous tables of technical standards. May 5 proceedings recorded the staff presentation of the draft text; no final adoption occurred at that meeting. Planning staff will return with further direction and the Commission will consider public comment and revisions under the normal ordinance process.
