Everett, MA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Permanent window sign cap
- Thirty percent of total glass area of the use's windows
- Temporary window sign cap
- Thirty percent of the window
- Temporary sign duration
- No more than fifteen days
- Permit for temporary window signs
- None required
- Permanent window sign lighting
- Must be non-illuminated
- Governing section
- Everett Revised Ordinances Section 12A-54(c) and (f)
Summary
In the City of Everett, Massachusetts, a permanent non-illuminated window sign in a non-residential district cannot exceed thirty percent of the total glass area of the windows tied to the use. Temporary sale or event signs lasting no more than fifteen days can go in windows up to thirty percent of the window, and no permit is required for them.
Section 12A-54. On-Premise Signs in Non-Residential Districts. ... (c) A permanent non-illuminated sign on the inside of the glass of a window, provided that the total area of the sign does not exceed thirty percent of the total glass area of windows appurtenant to the use to which the sign is accessory, and provided that signs on ground floor windows be included in calculating the total area of signs on a sign frontage. ... (f) Temporary signs pertaining to special sales or events lasting no more than fifteen days may be affixed to windows provided that their total area does not exceed thirty percent of the window. (1) No permit is required for such temporary sign or signs.
Full Breakdown
Section 12A-54 of the Everett Revised Ordinances lists the on-premise signs allowed in non-residential districts, and two of its subsections govern windows. Subsection (c) allows a permanent non-illuminated sign on the inside of the glass of a window, provided the total area of the sign does not exceed thirty percent of the total glass area of windows appurtenant to the use to which the sign is accessory. Signs on ground floor windows count in calculating the total area of signs on a sign frontage, so window lettering uses up part of the same frontage allowance as wall and projecting signs.
Subsection (f) covers temporary window signs. Temporary signs pertaining to special sales or events lasting no more than fifteen days can be affixed to windows provided their total area does not exceed thirty percent of the window, and no permit is required for them. Permanent signs are different: Section 12A-32 requires a permit issued by the Building Inspector before any sign on private property is erected, altered or relocated.
What counts as a sign matters here. Section 12A-31(a) defines a sign as a structure, device, light, letter, word, model, banner, pennant, insignia, trade flag or representation designed to be seen from outside a building that advertises a use or goods, products, services or facilities, and it expressly includes electric signs in windows or doors. It excludes window displays of merchandise and signs incidental to the display of merchandise.
Subsection (n) caps the total area of all permanent signs on a sign frontage, except signs on windows above the first floor, free standing signs and directional signs, using a table keyed to distance from the center line of the abutting street. A use with less than twenty-five feet of sign frontage has a maximum of fifty square feet of permanent signs. A decision of the Building Inspector can be appealed to the Board of Appeals within 30 days. This page covers the City of Everett, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County.
Violations & Fines
The Building Inspector is authorized and directed to enforce Chapter 12A (Section 12A-39) and orders removal of any sign erected or maintained in violation, giving ninety days written notice to the sign owner or property owner (Section 12A-38). Under Section 12A-45, a sign owner or property owner who violates or permits a violation is subject to a fine of not more than $20.00 a day if the violation continues more than 90 days after the notice, or more than 15 days after any appeal concludes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of a storefront window can a sign cover in Everett, Massachusetts?
Do temporary sale signs in windows need a permit?
Does a merchandise display count as a window sign in Everett?
How do I appeal a sign denial in the City of Everett?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Everett
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