Sign Regulations in Portland, ME (2026)
2 verified sign regulations for Portland, Maine, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Digital Billboards
Portland's Land Use Code allows only one electronic message sign per lot, and it can't flash, blink, or show video: each changing message must hold for at least 30 seconds. Automatic photocell dimming must cap night luminance at 100 nits at full brightness, and the display has to shut off by 10 p.m. under § 19.6.3.G.
Portland Electronic Message Sign Limits
Some RestrictionsPortland Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Land Use Code), § 19.6.3.G
G. Electronic Message Signs 1. One electronic message sign is allowed per lot. 2. Electronic message signs must not flash, blink, flutter, include intermittent or chasing lights, or display video messages (i.e., any illumination or message that is in motion or appears to be in motion). Electronic message signs may display changing messages provided that each message is displayed for no less tha...
Window Signs
Storefront window signage in Portland can't exceed 50% of the window's area: temporary and permanent signs, including painted or perforated-vinyl designs, all count toward that cap. Window signs are limited to first- and second-story windows, must be displayed on the interior, and unlike most permanent signs, don't need a sign permit under Land Use Code § 19.7.2, Table 19-Q.
Portland Window Sign Coverage Limit
Some RestrictionsPortland Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 (Land Use Code), § 19.7.2, Table 19-Q
TABLE 19-Q: STANDARDS FOR WINDOW SIGNS Sign area (max.) Combined area of temporary and permanent window signs must not exceed 50% of the area of the window on which they are displayed. Painted window signs or perforated vinyl signs are included in this calculation. Excluded from the total allowed sign area for all building-mounted signs. Sign placement Must be mounted or displayed on the interi...