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Cambridge, MA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

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

Key Facts

Political sign size cap
20 sq ft (Sec. 7.16.12.C)
General noncommercial sign cap
10 sq ft (Sec. 7.16.13)
Permit needed under cap
No, exempt as temporary sign
Certification trigger
Signs over 25 sq ft (Sec. 7.19)
Max fine
$300 per day, per violation

Summary

Cambridge exempts political signs from a sign permit as a temporary noncommercial sign, but caps them at 20 square feet under the Zoning Ordinance. A separate 10-square-foot cap applies to noncommercial signs displayed in any district under Section 7.16.13.

C. Temporary signs of a noncommercial nature, including political signs of any kind, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet in area.

Source: Cambridge Zoning OrdinanceView official code

Full Breakdown

17 on noncommercial message display. Because these are classified as exempt or generally permitted signs rather than signs needing Community Development Department certification, a resident does not need to file for sign certification with CDD to post a lawn sign that meets these size caps. 19, and CDD has ten business days to certify conformance or deny the application before the applicant can proceed to a building permit through the Inspectional Services Department. 000.

Violations & Fines

The Zoning Ordinance's general enforcement provision, Section 9.16, applies to sign violations: a person who violates any provision of the Ordinance may, upon conviction, be fined up to $300 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense, or face non-criminal disposition under G.L. c. 40, § 21D with the same $300-per-day cap, enforced by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services. The Superintendent of Buildings is designated under Section 9.11 as the officer charged with enforcing the Ordinance and can deny related permits under Section 9.12 for noncompliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a political yard sign in Cambridge?
No. Section 7.16.12(C) of the Zoning Ordinance exempts temporary noncommercial signs, including political signs of any kind, from permitting as long as the sign does not exceed twenty square feet in area.
Is there a smaller size limit for political signs in Cambridge?
Section 7.16.13 separately allows noncommercial signs, including political messages, in every district up to ten square feet without triggering the certification process required for larger signs under Section 7.19.
What happens if my political sign is too big?
A sign over 25 square feet must go through Community Development Department certification under Section 7.19, and violations of the Ordinance's size limits can bring a fine of up to $300 per day under Section 9.16, enforced by the Superintendent of Buildings or the Commissioner of Inspectional Services.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cambridge

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsHoliday DisplaysSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy Restrictions

All Cambridge rules

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