Nashua, NH Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Max display area
- 52 sq ft or 50% of sign
- Max text lines
- 3 lines (1 for time/temp)
- Minimum hold time
- 5 seconds per message
- Historic District
- electronic message centers banned
Summary
Nashua caps electronic message center signs at 52 square feet or half the sign face, with a five-second minimum hold time between messages.
Where electronic message centers are permitted, they shall be subject to all of the following restrictions:
(1) The changing sign (electronic) may not exceed 50% of the area of the sign or 52 square feet, whichever is smaller.
(2) The changing sign (electronic) shall be restricted to three lines of text only, and no additional symbols, graphics or images shall be allowed. Signs which are restricted to the display of the current local time and the current local temperature shall be restricted to one line of text.
(3) All illumination elements on the face of a changing sign (electronic) shall remain at a fixed level of illumination for a period of not less than five seconds.
(4) Changes from one message to another shall be accomplished by the change of all illumination elements on the face of a changing sign (electronic) simultaneously, with the provision that the sign may fade to complete darkness and then re-illuminate with or fade to the new message.
(5) Changing signs (electronic) shall be equipped with the ability to adjust the brightness of the sign and shall not be operated at a brightness which is substantially greater than other sources of illumination in the area.
(6) The applicant for a sign permit for a changing sign (electronic) under the provisions of this chapter shall provide with his application an affidavit, sworn or attested by the land owner and by the applicant, attesting to the facts that:
(a)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4805762; v29 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Where electronic message centers are permitted under Nashua's zoning code, the changing display can't exceed 50% of the sign's area or 52 square feet, whichever is smaller, and is limited to three lines of text (one line if only showing time and temperature). Each message must hold for at least five seconds before changing, transitions must switch all illumination elements at once (fading to dark is allowed), and the sign must include brightness controls so it isn't run brighter than other light sources nearby. Applicants must file a sworn affidavit with their sign permit application confirming the sign meets these standards. Electronic message centers are separately banned outright within the Historic District.
Violations & Fines
Regulated through the sign permit process administered by the Administrative Officer; a permit application requires an affidavit from both landowner and applicant attesting to compliance, with both held liable for fines if the sign violates the standards after installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a digital billboard in Nashua flash or scroll?
Are electronic message signs allowed in Nashua's Historic District?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
Compare Nashua to another location·View the New Hampshire sign regulations overview
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