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Sign Regulations in Boston, MA (2026)

3 verified sign regulations for Boston, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Political Signs

Political signs in Boston are regulated under the city's sign ordinance and zoning code. The city cannot ban political signs on private property due to First Amendment protections. Signs in the public right-of-way, on city property, utility poles, and traffic infrastructure are prohibited under the Boston Municipal Code.

Boston Political Sign Regulations

Some Restrictions

Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, Sec. 65 (Activities at Polling Places — 150-Foot Political Sign Buffer)

At an election of state or city officers... no other poster, card, handbill, placard, picture or circular intended to influence the action of the voter shall be posted, exhibited, circulated or distributed in the polling place, in the building where the polling place is located, on the walls thereof, on the premises on which the building stands, or within one hundred and fifty feet of the build...

Garage Sale Signs

Garage sale signs in Boston are subject to the same restrictions as other temporary signs. Signs may not be placed on public property, utility poles, or trees. Temporary directional signs for garage sales on private property are permitted but must be removed promptly after the sale ends.

Boston Garage Sale Sign Rules

Some Restrictions

Holiday Displays

Boston does not have specific ordinances restricting residential holiday displays on private property. Displays must not create traffic hazards, obstruct public ways, or violate electrical safety codes. Light displays are subject to general nuisance standards and must not extend onto public property or utility infrastructure.

Boston Holiday Display Regulations

Few Restrictions

Looking for Suffolk County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Boston city rules.

Sign Regulations in Suffolk County