A.
This chapter is adopted under the authority of Article
89 of the Massachusetts Constitution (the "Home Rule Amendment"),
MGL c. 93, § 29, and all other authority conferred by the
General Laws, as amended.
B.
The authority for control of all signs is delegated
to the Sign Commission, subject to the General Laws. No signs are
allowed on or above any public way, or on private property within
public view of a public way, public park or reservation, in the Town,
except lawful traffic regulation devices, or except as hereinafter
provided.
A.
The Williamstown envisioned under this chapter is
one with major patterns of use and general appearance little changed
from today, but with greater opportunities within the community for
a broader range of diversity of citizens and businesses; a town not
only undamaged by change but made better through it.
B.
Economic growth appropriate to Williamstown's character
is actively sought, not as an end to itself, but as a means of broadening
the diversity of opportunity in Williamstown, in turn supporting a
rich and diverse community life and population. There is room enough
for all the development which realistically the Town can expect to
experience without the defacing of its special assets and places,
including both natural and manufactured features, rural vistas and
historic monuments.
C.
The basic form of Williamstown is that of a classic
New England town, with a strong central village sharply contrasting
with and benefiting from the openness of the surrounding lands. The
present arrangement works well for almost everyone. It provides wonderful
living possibilities within easy walk of both central services and
open lands. It organizes development in an easily serviced way. It
creates a visually rich and satisfying community character.
D.
There is little doubt Williamstown residents intend
the policies of the Sign Commission to enhance these qualities. Such
conflicts within the community as the Sign Commission may encounter
should be reconciled with this public vision in mind. It is instructed
to use incentives and rewards wherever possible, as a way of implementing
sign policy. However, the following guidelines are intended to be
as clear and unambiguous as possible:
(1)
The primary function of on-premise signs is to index
the environment to tell people where they can find what. Selling is
a subordinate purpose.
(2)
Signs should be expressive of the individual proprietors
identity.
(3)
Signs should be appropriate to the type of activity
to which they pertain.
(4)
Signs should be compatible with the visual character
of the area surrounding them. Carved signs are compatible in all areas,
and this chapter encourages their use.
(5)
Signs should be legible in the circumstances in which
they are seen.
The purposes of this chapter are:
A.
To encourage the effective use of signs as a means
of communication.
B.
To maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment
and the Town's ability to attract tourism and other sources of economic
development and growth.
C.
To improve pedestrian and traffic safety.
D.
To minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on
nearby public and private property.
E.
To enable the fair and consistent enforcement of sign
policy and regulations.
