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Somerville, MA Outdoor Lighting: Billboard Lighting (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Billboards
Prohibited citywide (§10.8.3(a)(ii))
Permitted sign types
11 listed types only
Fine
$300/day per offense (§1.1.7)
Sign illumination shielding
Required for permitted signs (§10.8.9)
Effective date
Nov. 26, 2024 (Ord. 2024-14)

Summary

Somerville's Zoning Ordinance bans billboards outright, so no billboard-lighting standard exists because no billboard may lawfully stand in the city. Section 10.8.3 lists the only eleven sign types permitted by right and prohibits every other type, expressly naming billboards, monument signs, and pylon signs as prohibited.

The following commercial sign types are permitted by right: a). Blade Sign b). Wall Sign c). Awning or Canopy Sign d). Suspended Sign e). Sidewalk Sign f). Window Sign g). Display Case h). Vertical Blade or Banner Sign i). Yard Sign j). Wall Mural k). Roof or Skyline Sign. ... Commercial sign types not identified in this Section including. but not limited to, billboards, monument signs, and pylon sign types are prohibited.

View official code

Full Breakdown

3(a)(i) permits only blade, wall, awning/canopy, suspended, sidewalk, window, display case, vertical blade/banner, yard, wall mural, and roof/skyline signs by right. but not limited to, billboards, monument signs, and pylon sign types,' are prohibited. 9 instead governs only the permitted sign types, requiring external light sources to be shielded so they light only the sign face and don't shine onto the public right-of-way or adjacent properties. 5(a)(v) reinforces the ban a second way, separately listing 'billboards or signs advertising goods or services not provided on the premises' among prohibited sign features regardless of whether they're lit.

These provisions were adopted by Ord. 2024-14, effective November 26, 2024, replacing the city's prior sign code. Enforcement runs through the Building Official, who oversees all zoning compliance for signs under Chapter 10.

Violations & Fines

The Building Official fines any zoning violation, including an illegally erected billboard, $300 for each offense under §1.1.7(a), with every uncorrected day counting as a separate offense. The city can also pursue a non-criminal disposition under state law per §1.1.7(b), and can order removal since a billboard is not on the list of sign types permitted by right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install an illuminated billboard in Somerville?
No. Zoning Ordinance §10.8.3(a)(ii) prohibits billboards as a sign type entirely, and §10.8.5(a)(v) separately bans billboards again, so there is no lawful billboard face to illuminate under any lighting design, on-premises or off-premises advertising.
Does Somerville have a specific rule for lighting a billboard?
No, because billboards themselves are not a permitted sign type. The general Sign Illumination standard at §10.8.9 covers only the eleven sign types the ordinance allows by right, and billboards were never added to that list.
What happens if someone puts up an illuminated billboard anyway?
The Building Official can fine the owner $300 for each day the sign remains under §1.1.7(a), pursue a non-criminal disposition, and require the sign removed since billboards are not an authorized sign type under §10.8.3.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Somerville

Light Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant Restrictions

All Somerville rules

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