A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AWNING SIGN
A sign painted on or sewn directly to a roof-like covering of canvas that often is adjustable.
B. 
Size. No awning sign shall extend beyond the edges of the awning or have a total area in excess of 1/2 square foot for each linear foot of the front of the awning.
C. 
Placement.
(1) 
The lowest portion of any awning bearing an awning sign shall not be less than seven feet, six inches above the level of a sidewalk or public way.
(2) 
An awning sign for each of two awnings shall be permitted for each business on the first floor.
D. 
Combinations. An awning sign may be combined with a menu box, wall sign, or window sign.
E. 
Regulations.
(1) 
Awnings require separate or previous approval from the HDC. The HDC will not approve umbrella-style, bubble, ellipse and ribbed awnings. The HDC recommends that awning colors and materials should follow traditional examples. Furthermore, awnings should not extend above the portion of the structure to which they are attached, and should extend from the structure in a manner that maintains the aesthetic lines of the building.
(2) 
Attaching to an existing awning a patch of fabric that has the sign painted or sewn onto it is not permitted.
(3) 
The business name and/or nature of the business may be painted on the vertical portion of the apron, which is parallel to the building front.
(4) 
Awnings shall be nonilluminated and nonelectric.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
CONSTRUCTION SIGNS
Temporary signs erected on the premises on which construction is taking place, during the time period of such construction, indicating the name of the architect, engineer, landscape architect, contractor, or similar artisans involved in the project. (See also § 340-31.)
B. 
Size. Construction signs shall not exceed one square foot.
C. 
Placement. Construction signs shall be attached or affixed to a structure or building and shall not be freestanding.
D. 
Regulations.
(1) 
Only one construction sign is permitted per lot.
(2) 
Construction signs must be removed within 30 days of the substantial completion of work on site.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
DIRECTORY SIGN
Contains listings of two or more commercial establishments that share a common entrance.
B. 
Size and placement.
(1) 
One directory sign will be permitted at the entrance of a building with multiple commercial establishments and one common entrance.
(2) 
A directory sign for two businesses may be either a projecting sign or a wall sign mounted near the common entrance, which does not exceed four square feet. (See §§ 340-25 and 340-35.) A directory sign for three or more businesses shall be a wall sign mounted near the common entrance that does not exceed six square feet.
(3) 
When two tenants occupy a symmetrically designed building with adequate and appropriate space for the display of two separate signs, two signs symmetrically placed on the building may be permitted in lieu of a directory sign. These signs may be either wall signs or projecting signs and shall not exceed four square feet each.
C. 
Combinations. No combinations of any signs are permitted for any business utilizing a directory sign.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
FENCE SIGN
Any sign attached to a fence. Fence design is determined by the Historic District Commission.
B. 
Size.
(1) 
A sign on a picket fence shall be three square feet or less.
(2) 
A sign on a fence of five feet or more in height shall be four square feet or less.
(3) 
A sign on a split rail fence shall be less than three square feet.
C. 
Placement. A fence sign shall be placed against the surface of the fence and shall not project above the top of the fence or off the side of the fence.
D. 
Combinations. A fence sign may be combined with one of the following: menu box or wall sign not exceeding one square foot in area and located at the business entrance or one projecting sign not exceeding two square feet and located at the business entrance.
E. 
Regulations.
(1) 
Prior approval of the fence from the HDC is required.
(2) 
One fence sign will be permitted per building lot.
(3) 
A sign on a split rail fence must maintain the rural characteristics inherent in the fence.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
FLAG SIGN
Any sign constructed of fabric bearing information relating to or identifying a business, with the exception of a national or state flag.
B. 
Size. Flag signs shall be of such a size that will not obscure any architectural features.
C. 
Placement. The lowest point of a flag sign shall be not less than seven feet, six inches above the sidewalk.
D. 
Combinations. A flag sign may be used in combination with one of the following: menu box, wall sign, or window sign.
E. 
Regulations.
(1) 
One flag sign is permitted for each public entrance of a building, with a maximum of one flag sign per business.
(2) 
Flag signs should be designed to have similar character, color, and style as other signs of the business and must conform to general guidelines regarding context.
(3) 
"Open/Closed" and "Sale" flags must receive prior approval from the HDC and are generally discouraged.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
HISTORICAL MARKER
A sign indicating historical information (i.e., date of construction, early owners and builders, etc.) located on residential and commercial buildings.
B. 
Size. Historical markers shall be no larger than two square feet. Signs shall be of a rectangular shape, or other shape approved by the HDC that is architecturally appropriate to the structure on which the sign is being placed.
C. 
Construction. Historical markers shall be constructed of wood with painted lettering. Bronze or other metal markers may be permitted with embossed lettering. Lettering and colors should be of a muted tone to respect the architecture of the buildings.
D. 
Placement. Historical markers shall be placed in such a way as to not obscure architectural features. Consideration should be made for the overall design of the structure and where a historical marker might best fit. Nantucket's simple design encourages discreet locations of these signs. The HDC recommends locations away from the main entrance and that the sign not be placed high on the facade. Further consultation with staff or the Sign Advisory Council on this issue is encouraged.
E. 
Combinations. Historical markers may be, with permission of the HDC, combined with one other historical marker on residential properties. Commercial properties may have the allowable combinations of other signs, plus one historical marker. As noted in § 340-5, property owners/tenants must apply in advance to the HDC for all signs over two feet by six inches, or for use of more than one sign.
F. 
Off-premises business identification. If, in addition to presenting historical information, a historical marker identifies a business entity (other than the business tenant of the building) or is shaped in a "logo" of a business entity, approval must be secured to overcome the off-premises sign prohibition contained in § 340-17.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
MENU BOX
A weathertight box constructed of wood with a glass or plexiglass front which is used to display menus, signs, bulletins, photographs, or other information.
B. 
Size. The menu box shall be no larger than five square feet.
C. 
Construction. A menu box shall be constructed of wood, which may be painted or left natural. The front of the box shall use safety glass or plexiglass. Interior lighting should be no brighter than 450 lumens (30 watts) of incandescent light.
D. 
Placement. A menu box shall be placed on a structure and may not be freestanding. (See Appendix C, Subsection 1.[1])
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix C is included as an attachment to this chapter.
E. 
Combinations. A menu box may be used in combination with one of the following: awning sign, fence sign, flag sign, projecting sign, symbol sign, wall sign, or window sign.
F. 
Illumination. A description of proposed illumination must be included with the application.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PROJECTING SIGN
Any sign projecting outward from a building wall.
B. 
Size.
(1) 
The maximum total area of a projecting sign on a one-story building shall be no more than four square feet per sign face.
(2) 
The maximum total area of a projecting sign on a building with a street front exceeding one story shall be no more than five square feet per sign face.
C. 
Placement.
(1) 
A projecting sign must be located at or near the public entrance.
(2) 
The lowest point of a projecting sign shall not be less than seven feet, six inches above the sidewalk.
(3) 
A projecting sign shall be separated from the building face from which it projects by no less than three inches and shall project not more than four feet from that face or 2/3 of the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
(4) 
The highest point of a projecting sign and its supporting frame shall be no higher than the top of the second-story window sills of the building from which the sign projects.
(5) 
All projecting signs over a public way, such as a sidewalk, come under the jurisdiction of the Select Board of the Town of Nantucket and may at any time be reviewed by that Board for compliance with Town regulations.
D. 
Sign support.
(1) 
A projecting sign or its supporting bracket shall not extend above the top cornice line of the building from which the sign projects.
(2) 
No sign shall project beyond the bracket on which it is hung.
E. 
Combinations.
(1) 
A projecting sign may be combined with a window sign or a menu box.
(2) 
A projecting sign that does not exceed two square feet may be used in combination with a wall sign except in residential neighborhoods.
(3) 
A projecting sign may incorporate a symbol sign. See § 340-30.
F. 
Number permitted. A projecting sign shall be allowed for each entrance door or set of entrances of a building, with a maximum of one projecting sign per business.
A. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
PUBLIC INFORMATION SIGN
A sign that is used by religious organizations and municipal or public services.
B. 
Size. Public information signs may not exceed six square feet.
C. 
Placement. A public information sign may be supported by two posts as a completely self-supporting structure or in an approvable location on a buildings or fence. (See §§ 340-21 and 340-35.) The top of the sign shall be no more than four feet above the ground.
D. 
Combinations. No combinations are permitted.
E. 
Number permitted. No more than one public information sign will be permitted on any lot.
A. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
QUARTERBOARD
A narrow rectangular board attached on the quarters of a vessel and used to designate the vessel's name, which was carved into the thickness of the board. More commonly, quarterboards are used on residential structures to name the building. The ends of a quarterboard are typically decorated with carved motifs.
B. 
Regulations.
(1) 
Quarterboards for residential structures do not need formal approval.
(2) 
Quarterboards, as narrowly defined, may be used only to provide the name of a residence.
(3) 
When designed for commercial purposes, quarterboards must comply with wall sign guidelines (see § 340-35).
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
STREET NAME SIGN
A sign, usually supplied by the Department of Public Works (DPW), located at the intersection of two streets, displaying the name of a street.
B. 
Size. Street name signs must be no more than 5 1/2 inches in height.
C. 
Placement. Street name signs shall be placed at the intersection of the main road and the new street and may be attached to a fence, the wall of a building, or on a four-inch-by-four-inch wolmanized freestanding post with beveled top, seven feet, six inches above grade.
D. 
Paint colors. Background should be cream. Lettering and posts should be gray. There also should be a 1/2-inch gray border around the edge of the sign.
E. 
Lettering type. Lettering shall be three inches in height. The lettering may be sans-serifed if it is in all caps and block-lettered.
F. 
Alternative street name signs. Outside the Residential Old Historic (ROH) District, the following alternative street name sign types are permitted:
(1) 
Recommended for rural areas (such as those zoned LUG-2 or LUG-3) that have low-lying vegetation: two four-inch-by-four-inch posts. Secure sign with four carriage bolts. The height shall not exceed 30 inches. The sign face shall not exceed 12 inches in height and 42 inches in length.
(2) 
Four-foot-high post set 12 inches below grade with street names painted directly on a vertical layout or wood plates mounted with expansion bolts bearing street names.
(3) 
Four-inch-by-four-inch wolmanized post set into concrete base with street signs set through the post and secured with wood dowels. This is recommended for areas where theft of signs is a problem.
(4) 
Within the Residential Old Historic (ROH) District, only signs complying with § 340-29C, D and E are permitted.
G. 
Regulations.
(1) 
Rocks and stone posts are not permitted as street name signs.
(2) 
Metal signs and posts are not permitted.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
SUSPENDED SIGN
A sign that hangs from below a porch roof or eave and hangs in a horizontal orientation.
B. 
Size.
(1) 
The maximum total area of a suspended sign on a one-story building shall be no more than four square feet per sign face.
(2) 
The maximum total area of a suspended sign on a building with a street front exceeding one story shall be no more than five square feet per sign face.
C. 
Placement.
(1) 
A suspended sign must be located at or near a public entrance.
(2) 
The lowest point of a suspended sign shall be not less than seven feet, six inches above the sidewalk.
(3) 
The highest point of a suspended sign and its supporting frame shall be no higher than the eave line of the roof.
D. 
Combinations. A suspended sign may be combined with a window sign or a menu box.
E. 
Attachments. Attachments to suspended signs are not permitted.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
SYMBOL SIGN
A three-dimensional representation of a product or service that a business sells.
B. 
Size.
(1) 
The area of a symbol sign shall be no more than 1/2 the allowable area for a projecting sign. (See § 340-25.)
(2) 
The size shall be calculated by adding one front view and one side view of the object.
(3) 
The front and side views are considered to be that which will fit into a rectangle or other geometric shape.
C. 
Placement.
(1) 
A symbol sign must be located at or near the public entrance.
(2) 
A symbol sign shall be allowed for each entrance door or set of entrances of a building, with a maximum of one symbol sign per business.
(3) 
The lowest point of a symbol sign shall be not less than seven feet, six inches above the sidewalk.
(4) 
A symbol sign shall be separated from the building face from which it projects by no less than three inches and shall project not more than four feet from that face, or 2/3 of the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
(5) 
The highest point of a symbol sign and its supporting frame shall be no higher than the top of the second-story window sills of the building from which the sign projects.
(6) 
All symbol signs over a public way, such as a sidewalk, come under the jurisdiction of the Select Board of the Town of Nantucket and may at any time be reviewed by that Board for compliance with Town regulations.
D. 
Sign support.
(1) 
The symbol sign shall be attached to the bracket on which it is hung so that the sign will not swing.
(2) 
A symbol sign or its supporting bracket shall not extend above the top cornice line of the building from which the sign projects.
E. 
Combinations.
(1) 
A symbol sign may be used in combination with one of the following: menu box, wall sign or window sign.
(2) 
A symbol sign may be incorporated as part of a projecting sign, the area of which is calculated by adding the area of the projecting sign and symbol sign. (See § 340-25.)
A. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
TEMPORARY SIGN
Any sign, including its supporting structure, maintained for 30 days or less. Extensions can be granted by the Historic District Commission.
B. 
Regulations. General regulations governing other sign types apply to temporary signs as well.
C. 
Date-specific signage. Signage intended to inform the public about date-specific events shall be permitted, provided they comply with the provisions of this section and § 340-17D. Size shall be limited to less than or equal to 11 inches by 17 inches. Signage over 11 inches by 17 inches shall require an application to the Historic District Commission. Only one sign per event, per commercial location shall be permitted.
D. 
Banners. Banners are large-format temporary signage. While banners have historical precedent, the proliferation of banners is to be avoided. Banners should fit within an architectural area so as to not obscure larger architectural articulation (examples include false doorways, niches, or between columns). Sizes must conform to wall sign dimensions. Design should conform to the guidelines previously stated. Sail canvas or other fabric should be considered for the material.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 354, Art. II, Banners on Main Street, of the Town Regulations.
E. 
Political signs. A political sign is a temporary sign used to advertise candidates for public office or to address public concerns. The HDC encourages political signs to conform to all relevant stated guidelines. The HDC recommends that political candidate signs be removed immediately following an election; however, signage must be limited to 30 days.
A. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
TRAFFIC/DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Signs that are necessary for the safety and direction of pedestrians and automobiles, including, but not limited to, stop signs, pedestrian crossing signs, one-way street signs, "do not enter" signs, etc.
B. 
Size. Within the Residential Old Historic (ROH) District, a horizontal sign shall not exceed one square foot in area and must comply with the DPW standards for street signage.
C. 
Content. Traffic/Directional signs shall not carry the name of any business or product.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
VEHICLE SIGN
Any permanent or temporary sign affixed to, painted on, or placed in or upon any parked vehicle, parked trailer, or other parked device capable of being towed, which is obviously and conspicuously parked so as to advertise the business to the passing motorist or pedestrian; and the primary purpose of which is to provide additional on-site signage or is to serve the function of an outdoor advertising sign.
B. 
Location; prohibition. In order to not be deemed a vehicle sign, the vehicle must be parked in a legal parking space. All vehicles with signage are otherwise prohibited.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
VENDING MACHINE
A coin-operated machine that dispenses merchandise.
B. 
Regulations.
(1) 
Vending machines shall be hidden from a traveled way.
(2) 
The HDC encourages the use of fencing and/or lattice to conceal vending machines from sight of a traveled way, which must be separately or previously approved by the HDC.
(3) 
Vending machines shall not be illuminated.
A. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
WALL SIGN
A sign securely affixed to a wall, or painted on a wall, and not projecting beyond the building face fronting on a street or parking lot, and not above the highest line of the building to which it is attached.
B. 
Size and format restrictions.
(1) 
Horizontal-format signs.
(a) 
Horizontal-format signs shall not exceed two feet in height.
(b) 
One wall sign with a horizontal format for a first-floor establishment shall have a square footage not exceeding one square foot per linear foot of building face, not exceeding 20 square feet. The building face is the primary entrance facade.
(c) 
On a sign with a horizontal format, the maximum allowable height for lettering shall not be more than 3/4 of the total height of the sign.
(2) 
Vertical-format signs shall not exceed six square feet.
C. 
Placement.
(1) 
A wall sign must be located at or near a public entrance.
(2) 
One wall sign is permitted for each public entrance of a building.
(3) 
When located on a corner lot, a wall sign will be permitted for each building side of a business, with a maximum of two signs. The second sign, located on the side without an entrance, shall be 20% smaller than the main entrance sign.
(4) 
Outside the Residential Old Historic (ROH) District, if all of the business parking is located behind the building and the building or rented portion thereof maintains street frontage, one wall sign may be used at the entry/parking facade and one wall sign at the street facade. Within the ROH, only one wall sign is permitted. The applicant also must comply with Subsection D, Combinations.
D. 
Combinations.
(1) 
A wall sign may be used in combination with an awning sign, flag sign, menu box, symbol sign, or window sign.
(2) 
Except in residential neighborhoods, a wall sign may be used in combination with a projecting sign that does not exceed two square feet.
E. 
Signage for second-story businesses.
(1) 
Total wall sign area allowed for a business establishment located on an upper floor shall not exceed 1/2 square foot per linear foot of building face nor more than 10 square feet in the area above the first-story window trim, cornice, or lintel. A building face may have up to 15 square feet of total sign area for two or more businesses located on upper floors, provided each business has its own entrance. (The "building face" for second-floor establishments is to be measured at the second floor.)
(2) 
If one business is located on an upper floor served by its own entrance, a wall sign not to exceed one square foot in size may be used at the first-floor entrance.
(3) 
If two or more businesses are located on the upper floor(s), sharing a common first-floor entrance, the applicant must use a directory sign. (See § 340-20.)
F. 
Signage for basement-level businesses. A sign is permitted for each business located in a building where the first floor is substantially above street grade and the basement level is only partially below street grade, provided that the aggregate square footage of the signs on a facade does not exceed the area described in Subsection B.
A. 
Definition. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
WHARF SIGN
A sign used to identify a business operating from a boat with slip privileges. A wharf sign may be attached to a wharf or a boat.
B. 
Size and placement. A wharf sign shall conform to any one of three types of wharf signs as follows:
(1) 
A one-sided horizontal wharf sign shall be placed between two pilings at the end of an individual slip and shall run parallel to the wharf. A horizontal sign shall be the width of the space between the two pilings and shall not exceed four feet in width and one foot in height.
(2) 
A one-sided vertical wharf sign shall be attached to the face of a piling at the entrance to an individual slip and shall not be higher or wider than the piling.
(3) 
A two-sided vertical wharf sign shall be attached to a piling at the entrance of an individual slip on the water side, and shall be no higher than the piling to which it is attached and shall not exceed 10 inches in width.
C. 
Combinations. No combinations are permitted.
D. 
Content. Signs may not include rates.
A. 
Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign affixed to the surface of the glass or visible through a window or door on a permanent basis within one foot of the glass and visible from a traveled way.
B. 
Size. The area of window signs shall not exceed 15% of the window area or 10% of the glass area of any required exit door. (See § 340-35.) No window sign shall exceed the maximum allowable space for a wall sign when visible from the exterior.
C. 
Combinations. Window signs may be used in combination with one of the following: awning sign, flag sign, menu box, projecting sign, symbol sign, or wall sign.
D. 
Regulations.
(1) 
"Permanent basis" is defined as more than 30 days.
(2) 
Removable window signs, indicating hours of operation, business affiliations, emergency information and the like (excluding product or service information), are permitted, provided the aggregate area of all such signs for a single business does not exceed one square foot per entrance and that bright or fluorescent colors are not used.
E. 
Temporary window signs. Temporary window signs pertaining to special sales or events are permitted for no more than 15 days and may be affixed to windows, provided that the total area of such sign(s) shall not cover more than 15% of the area of the window to which it is affixed.