ARTICLE XVIII - SIGN REGULATIONS

Section 1800.Scope and Definitions.The restrictions contained herein relate to sign size, location, general type, and number of signs permitted in each separate zoning district within the City of Springfield. Construction, erection and maintenance requirements for signs, outdoor display structures and marquees with respect to safety, size, support and attachment or anchorage are contained in The Massachusetts State Building Code 780 C.M.R. In those cases where permits are required for the erection, construction, or alteration of signs, the application for a permit shall be submitted in such form as the Building Commissioner may prescribe, and shall include such information as he may require for a complete understanding of the proposed work. A permit shall not be issued until a bond, if required, has been filed with and approved by the City Treasurer.

1. "Sign," shall mean any name, identification, description, display, illustration, or device which is affixed to or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, structure or land in view of the general public, and which directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution or business.

2. "Accessory Sign," a sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold or offered upon the same premises as those upon which the sign is maintained.

3. "Non-Accessory Sign - Billboard," a sign (billboard) directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment not conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.

4. "Ground Sign," a sign which does not extend or project into or over a public way and is supported by one or more uprights or braces that are in or upon the ground.

5. "Roof Sign," a sign which is erected, constructed or maintained above the roof or architectural projection of a building and does not project more than twelve (12) inches beyond the wall line of the building.

6. "Wall Sign," a sign which is supported wholly or partially by an exterior wall of a building and extends not more than twelve (12) inches therefrom.

7. "Projecting Sign," a sign which is affixed to a building or structure and extends twelve (12) inches or more beyond the building wall, structure, or parts thereof.

8. "Real Estate Sign," an accessory sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which it is maintained.

9. "Professional Sign," an accessory sign indicating the name and occupation of a professional person or group of associated professional persons.

10. "Identification Sign," an accessory sign other than a bulletin board sign indicating the name of a permitted use, the name or address of a building, or the name of the management thereof.

11. "Bulletin Board Sign," a ground or wall accessory sign, other than a marquee sign, of permanent character, but with movable letters, words or numerals, indicating the names of persons associated with, or events conducted upon, or products or services offered upon the premises upon such sign is maintained.

12. "Construction Sign," a sign denoting the architect, builder, owner, or other business concern connected with the building operation.This sign is for use only with a duly authorized building operation and must be located on the same lot with such building.

13. "Temporary Sign," a sign of cloth or other combustible material, with or without a frame, which is usually attached to the outside of a building on a wall or store front.A temporary sign may remain in place for not more than sixty (60) days, and no more than two (2) temporary sign permits shall be granted an applicant within each calendar year.

14. "Instructional Sign," a sign conveying instructions with respect to the premises on which it is maintained, such as a sign designating the entrance to or exit from a parking area, a trespassing sign, a danger sign, and similar signs. Such signs shall not designate in any way any commercial advertisement of any merchandise or business EXCEPT in the case of a directional sign which may contain the name of the company or business involved.Instructional signs may be no larger than two (2) feet in height and five (5) feet in length, and the top of said sign may be no higher than five (5) feet from the ground.

15. "Lighted Sign," an illuminated sign or other sign designed to give forth any artificial light or reflect any light from an artificial source.

16. "Marquee Sign," a sign which is attached to a marquee.

17. "Sign Area," the area of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of any writing, emblem, representation, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it placed. Such sign area shall not include supporting bracing or framework which is not an integral part of the sign design; but in the case of a monument sign, the entire structure shall be considered an integral part of the background.

18. "Sign Area of Multiface Signs," the area computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more that three (3) feet apart at any point for accessory signs or more ten (10) feet apart at any point for non-accessory signs, the sign area is the measurement of one of the faces.

Section 1801.General Regulations.

1. No sign of any type may be erected or maintained visible from a street sign which:

a. Safety Hazards.Prevents the driver of a motor vehicle of a motor vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view of official traffic control signs and approaching or merging traffic.Such hazards shall be determined jointly by the Traffic Engineer and the Building Commissioner.

b. Flashing Lights.Contains, includes, or is illuminated by any flashing intermittent or moving lights, or moves, or has any animated or moving parts.This shall not prevent the erection of clocks.Signs indicating time and/or temperature, by means of white intermittent lighting will be allowed in non-residential districts. Their longest dimension will not exceed ten (10) feet.In the Business C District rotating signs and signs containing or displaying motion will be allowed as a matter of right in any instance where the permitted (see Section 1810) sign has an area of less than eighty (80) square feet.In the case of a permitted sign of eighty (80) square feet or more in size such signs containing or displaying motion shall be permitted only by special permit of the City Council in accordance with the provisions of Section 2005, but in no case shall a rotating sign rotate at a speed of greater than seven (7) RPM's.No flashing sign shall be permitted on the inside of the window of a building if it is located less than five (5) feet from the internal surface of any such window which fronts on a street or public pedestrian way and is placed so as to be principally viewable from the exterior of the building.

c. Painted and Posted Signs.Is located upon a tree, or painted or drawn directly upon any building.Any signs to be painted or posted upon a building must be securely affixed to a substantial intermediate removable surface, and such surface shall be securely affixed to the wall of the building.Unless specifically permitted, pennants, banners, streamers, reflectors, or other similar devices may not be displayed for advertising or attention getting purposes outside a building.

2. Gasoline Filling Stations and Garages.Gasoline filling station, garage, variety store or any other permitted use on that property, may, if they elect to do so, divide the one exterior accessory sign affixed to the front wall of the building, to which they are entitled to as herein above provided into separate accessory signs affixed to and parallel to such wall over each bay door, to indicate the separate operation of each bay or department of business, PROVIDED, however, that the total area of the separate signs shall not exceed the maximum area permitted under the section of this ordinance pertaining to the size of accessory wall signs. In addition, one illuminated or non-illuminated ground sign may be erected.The maximum face area of such a sign shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet per side for a double-faced ground sign or a total face area, all sides included, of one hundred sixty (160) square feet for a sign with more than two faces or sides.Its allowed height shall be thirty (30) feet, however, it shall not exceed a height equal to one foot high for each foot of setback.Except that in no case shall the height exceed fifty (50) feet.Said measurements shall be computed from the center line of the principal street upon which the sign is located and measured to the column or columns nearest the street front.If the sign is on a corner, the above measurement shall be from the center of the principal street and not the intersection of the two center lines.The height shall be measured vertically from the average grade nearest the supporting columns to the highest point of said sign.

3. Shopping Centers.Any group of five (5) or more commercial establishments, planned and developed as a unit for the site upon which they are built and owned as a unit, or any group of three (3) or more stores of this type with a minimum floor area of twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet will be allowed the following signs:

a. One (1) multi-faced ground sign at each major street providing access to the property identifying the shopping center, but not any specific use or occupancy within the shopping center.This sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet if the building area is one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet or less.If the building area exceeds one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet, the sign shall not exceed three hundred fifty (350) square feet.

b. Accessory wall signs may be placed on top of covered walkways, PROVIDED they do not project more than two (2'-0") feet above the main roof line.

4. Signs Located Near Public Parks.It shall be unlawful to erect any roof sign within a distance of one hundred (100) feet of any public park of two (2) acres or more, measured from the inner curb line of the street which bounds the park.

5. Non-Accessory Signs. Purpose. To preserve and promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Springfield by maintaining and enhancing the visual environment, by protecting areas of scenic beauty or of historic interest, by minimizing the possible adverse effect of non-accessory signs on nearby residences, public resources, or private property. There shall not be more than 250 non-accessory signs in the City of Springfield. These signs must be properly permitted by the City of Springfield and by the Outdoor Advertising Division of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Existing signs which are so properly permitted may be maintained and repaired but not enlarged. The Code Enforcement Commissionermay issue a permit for a new sign allowed under this cap or for the relocation of a pre-existing sign permitted by the City and Commonwealth provided the new sign or new location comply with the following provisions:

a. One (1) non-accessory sign with an area less than one hundred (100) square feet shall be allowed for each parcel only if such sign is a "wall sign." Such a sign shall not project more than twelve (12) inches from the surface of the wall to which it is attached, or vertically past the roofline or parapet, or horizontally past the extent of the wall to which it is attached. Height from the top of the sign to finished grade shall not exceed thirty (30) feet.

b. A non-accessory sign shall not be located within a five hundred (500) foot radius of an existing non-accessory sign.

c. A non-accessory sign shall not be erected in:

(1) Any location where it obstructs a view of scenic beauty and interest or places of historic interest. In making this determination, the Code Enforcement Commissioner may consult the Springfield Park Commission and Springfield Historical Commission.

(2) Any location within five hundred (500) feet of, and visible from, the grounds of a school, place of worship, college, public library, public park, public conservation area, museum, cemetery, or property or district listed on the State Register of Historic Places, or from an American Heritage River.

(3) Any location within five hundred (500) feet of, and visible from, a residential zoning district or a building containing residences.

(4) Any location within an authorized urban renewal area which prohibits non-accessory signs.

d. A non-accessory sign of one hundred (100) square feet or larger may be either a "ground sign" or "wall sign." As a "ground sign," it may be a double-faced sign provided the distance between the two faces shall not exceed ten (10) feet at any point. Height from the top of the sign to finished grade of the roadway it faces shall not exceed thirty (30) feet.

e. A relocated sign shall not exceed its size at its current location. In no case shall a relocated sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet in Business A districts or seven hundred (700) square feet in Business B or Industrial A districts. Relocated signs are not allowed in any other zoning district. Relocated signs are not allowed on roofs.

f. When an existing sign is removed under this cap, a new sign may be permitted but shall not exceed the size of the removed sign. In no case shall a new sign exceed one hundred (100) square feet in Business A districts or seven hundred (700) square feet in Business B or Industrial A districts. New signs are not allowed in any other zoning districts or allowed on roofs. The application for 603 East Columbus Avenue as submitted and approved at the Code Enforcement Department shall be grandfathered. The pending application within the Code Enforcement Department for 53 Batavia Street and two (2) locations owned by Western Massachusetts Electric Company on Cadwell Drive shall continue to be processed and be decided upon by the Code Enforcement Commissioner and the Commonwealth.

6. Location of Permitted Signs.No permitted wall, roof, projecting or marquee sign will be erected EXCEPT upon the specific portion of the building or its facade directly associated with the use for which sign is being allowed.

7. Accessory Ground Signs.Accessory ground signs will be permitted only for those uses which occupy space on the first (ground story) story level.These signs may only be erected on property either owned, leased or rented for and used in operation with the specific use.

8. Marquee Signs.A marquee sign may be substituted for a permitted accessory wall sign.Its size will be determined using the same formula as used for the wall sign in Section 1806-5. Marquee signs may not extend vertically more than two (2) feet above the roof line of the marquee.

Section 1802.Signs Which Are Allowed in All Districts.The following signs will be allowed in all districts PROVIDED they conform to the conditions stated in this section, and are not in violation of any other existing ordinance or regulation of the City of Springfield.

1. Real Estate Signs.Real estate signs will be allowed in all districts, PROVIDED:

a. The size of any such sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in residential districts and thirty-two (32) square feet in all other districts.

b. Not more than one (1) such sign shall be erected for any property held in a single and separate ownership.

c. Such signs may be lighted signs in all districts EXCEPT residential districts.

2. Construction Signs.Construction signs will be allowed in all districts PROVIDED:

a. The size of such signs will not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet, EXCEPT in residential districts where single or two-family homes are being constructed.In these districts the size of such signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet.

b. No such sign shall be a lighted sign.

c. Such signs shall be removed on completion or when active work on the development ceases.

d. One such sign shall be allowed per building.

e. Signs not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in area, any single dimension not to exceed twelve (12) feet, advertising the sale of homes or lots within a subdivision and located thereon, PROVIDED that not more than one (1) such sign be located at each major approach to the subdivision, and PROVIDED FURTHER that the display of such signs shall be limited to a six month period...at the expiration of such fixed period of time, the applicant may request a further extension of time, otherwise the sign shall be removed.When the fixed period of time for display has expired and the sign has not been removed, the City Building Department may enter upon the premises upon which such sign is located and remove such sign at no liability to the City and at the expense of the owner.The location of such a sign will conform to the yard area regulations of the district in which it is located.

3. Temporary Signs.A sign appertaining to campaigns, sales promotions, drives or events of political, civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations will be permitted as follows:

a. Residential Districts.In the case of a political, civic, philanthropic, education, or religious organization one (1) temporary sign with an area not to exceed six (6) square feet shall be allowed.No such sign shall be lighted.

b. Non-Residential Districts.Two (2) temporary signs will be allowed for any non-residential use in a non-residential district.No single sign to exceed twenty (20) square feet in area.No such sign shall be a lighted sign.

4. Instructional Signs.Instructional signs will be allowed in all districts.

Section 1803.Sign Restrictions in Residence A, A-1, B and C Districts.No personshall erect or display or maintain a sign on any premises within a Residence A, Residence A-1, Residence B or Residence C District, or any premises devoted to residential use within a non-residential district, EXCEPT as specified in Section 1802 and as follows:

1. Professional Signs.One (1) professional double-faced sign will be allowed for each separate "accessory use", as defined in Article III, Section 301-7 of the Zoning Ordinance, with a maximum area of one hundred forty-four (144) square inches.It may be a lighted sign.It shall be either attached to the building or a free standing around sign.Maximum overall height will be six (6) feet.The sign shall conform to the setback requirements of the district within which it is located.

2. Bulletin Board Sign.One (1) bulletin board sign will be allowed for each side of a lot fronting on a street in conjunction with the following uses:Churches, other places of worship, school buildings, public libraries, municipal buildings, and similar uses.Such uses will be permitted to erect such a sign with a maximum area of twenty-four (24) square feet.The overall height shall not exceed six (6) feet if such a sign is a ground sign.Such a sign may be a lighted sign.

3. Identification Sign.One (1) identification sign will be allowed for each side of a lot fronting on a street in conjunction with any use permitted in a Residence C District.These uses will be permitted to erect such a sign with a maximum area of twelve (12) square feet.This sign shall be a wall sign and may be a lighted sign.

4. Setbacks. If due to the location of buildings not conforming to district setback requirements, it is physically impossible to conform to district setback requirements in regard to sign placement, the location of any of the signs in this section (1803) shall conform as nearly as possible to the required setback standards of the district within which they are located.

Section 1804.Residence C-1 Residential Projects.The following signs will be permitted:

1. Identification Signs.

a. One (1) identification sign having a maximum height of ten (10) feet and maximum area not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet will be allowed for each exterior street furnishing access to the property.Such sign may be either a ground sign or a wall sign and may be a lighted sign.If free standing, it must be located at least twenty (20) feet from any side lot line and five (5) feet from the front lot line.

b. An individual identification sign, with the address of the building and the name of the building, will be allowed for each building within the development.It shall be a wall sign with a maximum area not to exceed six (6) square feet.Such a sign may be illuminated.

Section 1805.Residence C-2 High-Rise Apartment Districts.The following signs will be allowed:

1. Identification Signs.One (1) identification sign will be allowed for each building.The maximum area of such a sign will not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.It may be ground sign, a wall sign, or a marquee sign, and may be a lighted sign.A ground sign shall be located at least ten (10) feet from the street line.

2. Commercial Uses.Any signs erected in conjunction with any non-accessory commercial use allowed in this district will conform to the restrictions listed in Section 1807 Neighborhood Commercial Districts.

Section 1806.General Provisions Relating to Accessory Wall Signs in Non-Residential Districts. The following provisions apply to the maximum allowable dimensions for accessory wall signs in commercial, business and industrial districts.

1. A building having more than one (1) side fronting on a street or public pedestrian way, or parking lot will apply these provisions to each side separately.

2. Accessory wall signs may not project more than twelve (12) inches from the surface of the wall to which they are attached.

3. Accessory wall signs may not project vertically more than twenty-four (24) inches past the roof line or parapet.

4. Accessory wall signs may not project horizontally further than the extent of the wall to which they are attached.

5. The maximum overall size of permitted accessory wall signs in the business, commercial and industrial districts may not exceed four (4) square feet per lineal foot of frontage (associated with that use) on a street or public pedestrian way, or on a parking lot which is located within the property lines of this use, or thirty (30) percent of the building facade associated with the use upon which it is placed, whichever is greater.

a. Wall Plaques.Up to ten (10) percent of this allotted wall sign area may be used for the placement of a separate exterior wall plaque containing the name, emblem, token, ensign, embossed relief, medallion, or like insignia of the existing use.

b. Private Pedestrian Malls.Signs located on private pedestrian malls in private ownership shall be exempt from the provisions of this article as long as they are not significantly visible from a public street or public pedestrian way.

Section 1806A.Office A Residence-Office District.

1. Accessory Signs.One (1) accessory wall sign per use is permitted for each side of a building fronting a street or public pedestrian way or parking lot.This sign may not be lighted.All accessory signs must conform to Section 1806.

Section 1807.Commercial A Neighborhood Commercial Districts.The following signs will be allowed:

1. Accessory Signs.One (1) lighted accessory wall sign peruse is permitted for each side of a building fronting a street or public pedestrian way or parking lot.All accessory signs must conform to Section 1806.

Section 1808.Business A General Business District.The following signs will be allowed:

1. Accessory Signs.

a. Wall Signs.One (1) lighted accessory wall sign per use is permitted for each side of a building fronting a street or public pedestrian way or parking lot.All accessory signs must conform to Section 1806.

b. Ground and Projecting Signs.One (1) illuminated or non-illuminated ground or projecting accessory sign will be allowed per use.

(1) Ground.A double-faced ground sign will conform to the setback requirements of the district subject to Section 1803-4 and will not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per face in face area, or two hundred (200) square feet in total face area for a sign with more than two faces or sides.The height of such a sign will be proportioned to its setback and will be determined by applying the formula contained in Section 1801-2, paragraph 2.In no case shall the maximum height exceed thirty (30) feet.

(2) Projecting.A double-faced projecting wall sign shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet per side or one hundred sixty (160) square feet in total area, for a sign with more than two faces or sides and shall not project more than three (3) feet beyond the street line.

c. Gasoline Filling Stations and Shopping Centers.Restrictions relating to gasoline filling stations and shopping centers located within this district are to be found in Section 1801-(2 and 3).

2. Non-Accessory Signs.The maximum size of non-accessory signs may not exceed three hundred (300) square feet.See Section 1801-5 for further restrictions.

Section 1809.Business B Service Business District.

1. Any signs allowed in Business A, Section 1808, will be allowed in Business B.

2. Non-Accessory Signs.Non-accessory signs will be allowed in Business B districts in accordance with Section 1801-5.The maximum size of any non-accessory sign will not exceed seven hundred (700) square feet.

Section 1810.Business C Central Business District.

1. Ground and Projecting Signs - One (1) illuminated or non-illuminated ground or projecting sign will be allowed per building for each side facing a street, public pedestrian way or parking lot, and such signs shall only bear the name, emblem, logo, or other project designation pertaining to the building.

a. Ground - A double-faced ground sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet per face or one hundred (100) square feet in total face area, for a sign with more than two sides or faces.

b. Projecting - A double-faced projecting wall sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet per side or face, or one hundred (100) square feet in total face area, for a sign with more than two faces or sides.This sign shall be no higher than the top of the second story structural ceiling and shall extend no further than three (3) feet beyond the street line.

2.

a. Wall Signs - One (1) illuminated or non-illuminated wall signs are permitted on the first or second floor and may refer only to the owner or tenants occupying space on those floors.Wall signs must conform to the provisions in Section 1806.

b. Projecting Signs - One illuminated or non-illuminated double-face projecting sign per use on the first floor is permitted. Such a sign shall be no larger than nine (9) square feet or eighteen (18) square feet in total face area, and may project no further than three (3) feet from the building face.

3. For those buildings higher than two (2) stories, an additional wall or roof sign may be allowed by special permit of the City Council for each side facing a street, public pedestrian way, or parking lot.In no case will roof signs be permitted on buildings lower than six stories or sixty (60) feet.These signs may only bear the name, emblem, logo, or other project designation pertaining to the building or its principal tenant.These signs may not be internally lit nor directly lit from an external source, without the permission of the City Council.

4. Banners and Pennants - Decorative banners and pennants are permitted on the first or second floors.Such banners and pennants shall be affixed to the building only.They shall be removed as soon as torn or damaged and will only be permitted between the months of April and October.The banners or pennants may only be used for decorative purposes or for the promotion of temporary activities and may be no larger than eighty (80) square feet.

Section 1811.Industrial Park District.

1. Accessory Signs

a. Wall Signs.Two (2) accessory wall signs are allowed for each use.All accessory wall signs must conform to Section 1806.Such signs may be lighted signs.

b. Ground Signs.One (1) double-faced lighted ground sign will be allowed at each major street providing access to the industrial park.This sign shall be landscaped and may have a maximum height of two hundred fifty (250) square feet.The maximum height of this sign shall not exceed thirty (30) feet.

Section 1812.Industrial A Districts.

1. Accessory Signs - Any accessory signs allowed in Section 1808 Business A General Business District will be allowed in this district.

2. Non-Accessory Signs - Non-accessory signs will be allowed in Industrial A Districts in accordance with Section 1801-5.The maximum size of any non-accessory sign may not exceed seven hundred (700) square feet.

Section 1813.Non-Conforming Signs. 1. Any non-conforming sign legally erected prior to the adoption of this Ordinance may be continued to be maintained and repaired and the copy thereon may be changed.Such a sign shall not be enlarged, redesigned or altered in any way, other than normal maintenance and repair, UNLESS it is brought into conformity with this Ordinance.

2. The exemption herein granted shall terminate with respect to any sign which 1) shall have been abandoned;2) advertises or calls attention to any products, businesses or activities which are no longer carried or sold, whether generally or at the particular premises; or 3) shall not have been repaired or properly maintained within sixty (60) days after notice to that effect has been given by the Building Commissioner.