Sign Regulations in Springfield, MA (2026)
5 verified sign regulations for Springfield, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Springfield allows political signs on private property with size limits. Signs in public rights-of-way are typically prohibited. First Amendment protections apply. Removal required within a set period after elections.
Springfield Political Sign Regulations
Few RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 54, § 65 (Polling Place Signs and Materials)
Section 65. At an election of state or city officers, and of town officers in towns where official ballots are used, the presiding election officer at each polling place shall, before the opening of the polls, post at least three cards of instruction, three cards containing abstracts of the laws imposing penalties upon voters, and at least three specimen ballots within the polling place outside...
Holiday Displays
Springfield's sign ordinance bans pennants, streamers, balloons and decorative string lights citywide, but exempts strings of lights tied to a religious holiday or seasonal celebration from that ban entirely.
Springfield, MA Holiday String Light Rules
Few RestrictionsSpringfield Zoning Ordinance § 9.2.60 (Pennant Signs)
Except as specifically provided in Article 9, any SIGN consisting of or containing pennants; ribbons; streamers; spinners; balloons; strings of lights not associated with a religious holiday or seasonal celebration; flags other than those located on City property that identify a nation, state, city or town.
Digital Billboards
Digital non-accessory signs (billboards) in Springfield need a Tier 3 special permit, are limited to Business B and Industrial A zones, and must meet strict brightness, dimming and message-timing standards.
Springfield, MA Digital Billboard Sign Rules
Significant RestrictionsSpringfield Zoning Ordinance § 9.9.31-9.9.38 (Digital Non-Accessory Sign)
Digital non-accessory signs shall require a Tier 3 Special Permit by the City Council and shall only be allowed in Business B or Industrial A zones. ... The transition time, or the time it takes to change each message, shall be one (1) second or less. Digital non-accessory signs shall have a frame hold time of not less than ten (10) seconds. ... the light produced by such signs shall not exceed...
Window Signs
Window signs in Springfield's commercial and industrial districts can cover up to 50% of a window without a sign permit; covering more requires one from the Building Commissioner.
Springfield, MA Window Sign Coverage Limit
Some RestrictionsSpringfield Zoning Ordinance § 9.4.90 (Window Signs)
WINDOW SIGNS, other than a NEON WINDOW SIGN, in the Commercial A, Business A, Business B, Business C, Business D, and Industrial Districts, provided that their aggregate DISPLAY AREA covers no more than fifty (50) percent of the window in which they are ERECTED. Such SIGN shall not be illuminated. WINDOW SIGNS promoting a public service or charitable event shall not be calculated in the all...
Freeway-Facing Signs
Ground signs next to the elevated stretch of Interstate 91 through downtown Springfield face a special height cap, measured from the highway's road surface rather than street grade.
Springfield, MA Interstate 91 Sign Height Limit
Some RestrictionsSpringfield Zoning Ordinance § 9.8.42 and Table 9-2 (Ground Signs Adjacent to Certain Portions of Interstate 91)
A certain elevated section of Interstate 91 that runs through the Central Business District creates a unique challenge for businesses adjacent to the elevated highway. Table 9-2 includes special height limits for these areas... Properties within the West Columbus Urban Renewal Overlay District are not included in this area. [Table 9-2] Maximum Height for East and West Columbus Streets abutting ...