Taunton, MA Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)

Chapter 440's sign article exempts political signs entirely from the permit and registration process: Subsection C(1) lists categories that are permitted and do not require a permit or registering with the Building Department, and Subsection (j) defines a political sign as a sign which advertises a candidate or candidates for public elective office or a political party or promotes a position on a public or ballot issue. Unlike temporary signs generally, which § 440-706C(3) caps at one per business and 24 square feet, political signs classified under Subsection (j) carry no citywide size, number or duration limit in the Zoning Ordinance.

That changes inside the Taunton Historic District. Chapter 273's Historic District Commission has no jurisdiction over temporary signs generally, including political signs, as long as the sign is single- or double-faced, doesn't exceed six square feet, and comes down within a reasonable time, capped at 30 days. Section 273-6D spells out political signs by name as an example: they shall be taken down within 30 days after the date of the election. No more than one temporary sign, political or otherwise, can go on a lot within the district, and temporary signs there can't be illuminated. Charitable, religious and nonprofit organizations located within the district face no control over their temporary signs at all under this subsection.