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2026 Annual Town Meeting, Town of Arlington, MA
Article: 45
Warrant Article Title:
ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT / PORTABLE AND
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Warrant Article Text:
To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 6.2.6, Standards for
Portable Signs and Temporary Signs, of the Zoning Bylaw, to limit
the quantity of allowable portable and temporary signs to be used
by a business; or take any action related thereto.
Requested By:
the Redevelopment Board
Report Excerpt:
The Board recommends Favorable Action (5-0).
The purpose of Article 45 is to modify the standards for portable
and temporary signs in the Zoning Bylaw. Currently, the Zoning
Bylaw does not limit the number of portable or temporary signs a
business can use, as long as they neither obstruct pedestrian
traffic nor exceed the maximum sign area permitted. To maintain
ample sidewalk space and public placemaking, this modification
proposes limiting a business to one A-frame or Upright sign that
does not exceed a maximum height of four feet, width of three
feet, and sign area of 12 square feet. The Board discussed the
vitality of A-frame and Upright signs to businesses as they provide
up-to-date information and let the community know they are open.
The Board discussed whether imposing a time limit or maximum
number of days to display A-frame and Upright signs was
appropriate. It was noted that it is unlikely that staff would be able
to keep track of the number of days an A-frame or Upright sign
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was displayed, and the Board agreed that these types of signs
should be allowed without a time restriction. The Board members
also agreed that A-frame and Upright signs should be limited to
one per business in order to maintain ample sidewalk space for
amenities such as benches and planters.
Article 45 also proposes to reduce the total number of days
allowed to display temporary wall banners from 60 days to 30
days. Temporary wall banners are intended to provide short-term
signage for a business prior to the installation of permanent, high-
quality signage. This reduction is intended to encourage business
owners to move forward with permanent signage in a timely
manner. The Board decided that 30 days was an appropriate time
frame. In addition, the Board agreed to add a restriction to one
temporary wall banner per business.
Vote Language:
That the Zoning Bylaw be and hereby is amended as follows:
Amend SECTION 6.2.6, Standards for Portable Signs and
Temporary Signs, as follows:
6.2.6. Standards for Portable Signs and Temporary Signs
A. …
B. Standards for All Portable Signs and Temporary Signs.
Portable and temporary signs are allowed in all zoning
districts in compliance with the time, place, and manner
restrictions provided in this Section.
(scroll to next page for the chart)
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Standards for All Portable Signs and Temporary Signs
Applicable to All Districts
…
All Residential Sign Districts
…
All Non-Residential Sign Districts
Allowed Sign Types
A-Frame or Upright Signs; Yard Sign Type
I, II, and III; Wall Banners; and Window
Signs.
Total Sign Area
Max. 24 sq. ft. per business; excludes the
area of temporary wall banner signs and
window signs.
Number of Signs
Unlimited, except that the total sign area
must not exceed 24 sq. ft. per business.
Unlimited, with the exception of one (1) A-
Frame sign or Upright Sign and one (1)
temporary wall banner per business.
(scroll to next page for Section C)
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C. Standards for Specific Portable and Temporary Sign Types.
All portable and temporary sign types must comply with the
standards provided in this Section. Portable and temporary
sign types not included in this table are not allowed.
Standards for Specific Portable and Temporary Signs
Standard
Other
Requirements
Sign Type
Max.
Height
Max.
Width
Max.
Area
Portable Signs
1
4 ft.
3 ft.
12 sq. ft.
Max. One (1) per
business.
A-Frame or
Upright Sign
This diagram is included for illustrative purposes only.
It is not part of the Arlington Zoning Bylaw.
...
Redevelopment Board Report
