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. Applicants are encouraged to attend the SAC meeting as
revisions and/or additional information may be requested.
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.