Any residential, commercial, or municipal property owner or tenant wishing to display a sign exceeding two feet by six inches in width or a second sign of any size on any lot, building, or structure must apply. Signs that are displayed on a building or a window and are visible from a traveled way (including temporary signs or the relocation or alteration of existing signs) must receive approval from the Historic District Commission. If more than one sign is desired, each sign shall require an application. Master sign plans may be required for large projects involving many signs. Signs which do not require an application (under two feet by six inches) nevertheless must conform to general design guidelines (See Article III.).
The following review process and procedures must be followed:
A. 
Obtain a sign application and a copy of the sign guidelines at the office of the Historic District Commission, Town Annex Building, 37 Washington Street, 2nd floor.
B. 
Address questions about the regulations or application to the HDC staff or to members of the SAC at one of its meetings at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays at the HDC office. Applicants are encouraged to meet with the SAC for a discussion of preliminary design ideas prior to a formal application.
C. 
When designing a sign, give careful consideration to the material, location, and mounting of the sign. Do not have the sign constructed until it has received HDC approval.
D. 
Submit the completed application form, photographs, drawings, and color samples to the staff at the HDC office the Monday prior to the SAC meeting.
E. 
Prior to review by the HDC, the SAC will meet and review the application and provide the HDC with a written recommendation. See Appendix D for more information on the SAC.[1] Applicants are encouraged to attend the SAC meeting as revisions and/or additional information may be requested.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix D is included as an attachment to this chapter.
F. 
The HDC must act within 60 days of the date a complete application was submitted, except where mutual agreement has been reached for an extension of the time limit.
G. 
Signs must be built according to the specifications in the approved application; any changes require a new application. Changes made without prior approval will be deemed a violation, and the business or property owner displaying such sign may be subject to a fine of up to $300 per day.
The term "applicant" is used throughout this regulation and refers specifically to the building owner, who ultimately is responsible for any changes to the exterior of the structure. The building owner also is responsible for providing information on signs to current and prospective tenants. The SAC and the HDC urge building owners to have restrictions regarding signs outlined in the lease agreement. However, the SAC and HDC also recognize that the tenant usually makes the application and represents the owner throughout the process. Responsibility falls to the tenant to work out violations with the owner and the HDC.