Taunton's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Taunton, Massachusetts, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Holiday Displays

Taunton exempts holiday lights and decorations from its sign permit requirement, but only if they carry no commercial message and stay up no longer than 60 continuous days and no more than 100 days total in a year, at any commercial, residential or industrial property.

Key details: Permit status: Exempt from sign permit requirement. Duration cap: 60 continuous days maximum. Annual cap: 100 days total per calendar year. Condition: Must carry no commercial message. Applies to: Commercial, residential and industrial premises.

Leaving holiday lights up beyond 60 continuous days or 100 days a year, or displaying holiday lighting with a commercial message, forfeits the sign-permit exemption and becomes a Chapter 440 sign violation under § 440-301B, punishable by a fine up to $300 per offense, with each day of the overstay a separate offense, or escalating noncriminal fines of $50, $100 and $300 for repeat violations.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Taunton gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

Political Signs

Taunton exempts political signs from its sign-permit requirement citywide under § 440-706C(1)(j), with no size or number cap in the Zoning Ordinance. Inside the Historic District, though, § 273-6D caps a temporary political sign at six square feet, one per lot, and requires it come down within 30 days after the election.

Key details: Citywide status: Exempt from sign permit, no size cap. Historic District size cap: 6 square feet, single- or double-faced. Historic District removal: Within 30 days after the election. Historic District count: One temporary sign per lot. Enforcing authority: Historic District Commission, § 273-16.

Outside the Historic District, a political sign is exempt from sign enforcement entirely as long as it fits the § 440-706C(1)(j) definition. Inside the Historic District, a political sign that exceeds six square feet, isn't removed within 30 days of the election, or shares a lot with another temporary sign violates § 273-6D, enforceable under § 273-16, with the Historic District Commission and Zoning Enforcement Officer authorized to pursue compliance in law or equity.

Taunton is more permissive than most cities when it comes to political signs. That said, there are still limits.

Digital Billboards

Taunton limits electronic message signs under City Code § 440-706E(2): LED and other changeable-face signs may show only static images and text, with no flashing, scrolling or animation. Messages can refresh no sooner than every 20 seconds, and every illuminated sign, including LED message centers, must go dark when the business closes for the night.

Key details: Refresh rate: No sooner than every 20 seconds. Allowed content: Static images and text only. Animation/flashing: Prohibited. Operating hours: Off at closing. First-offense fine: $50 noncriminal.

Operating an LED or digital sign that animates, flashes, scrolls, refreshes faster than every 20 seconds, or stays lit after closing violates § 440-706E(2). The Building Inspector or Zoning Enforcement Officer can cite the business under the Zoning Ordinance's general enforcement provision, § 440-301B: up to $300 per offense in court, or noncriminal fines of $50, $100, then $300 for repeat offenses, with each day counted separately.

Window Signs

Taunton caps how much of a storefront window can be covered by permanent signage. Under City Code § 440-706E(5), a permanent window sign, one that isn't easily removed, cannot cover more than 30% of the total storefront window, keeping sightlines open for pedestrians and public safety.

Key details: Max permanent coverage: 30% of storefront window. Applies to: Permanent window signs only. Temporary window signs: Separate 24 sq ft cap. Permit required: Yes, via Building Department. First noncriminal fine: $50.

Covering more than 30% of a storefront window with permanent signage violates § 440-706E(5). The Building Inspector can order the excess signage removed or reduced and cite the property owner under the Zoning Ordinance's general penalty provision, § 440-301B: up to $300 per offense in court, or noncriminal fines of $50, $100, then $300 for repeat violations, each day counting separately.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Taunton gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Taunton can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.