Justice Potter Stewart once famously said of pornography, “I know it when I see it.”He could not define what it was, and neither could the ad hoc Sign Bylaw Review Committee define what an attractive sandwich board sign would look like.Rather than try to legislate good taste, they decided to allow only chalk boards and cork boards on sidewalks, and even then with a number of restrictions.
Despite the existence of many signs currently, they are illegal.Committee member Pat McGuire said he was “inclined to have [the bylaw] be as restrictive as possible, based on this being a new privilege” for businesses.He added that the law could be made less restrictive in the future.
Amy Haelsen, who is both on the Committee and the Executive Director of the Dedham Square Circle, said she worried they would begin to look dull if every business used the same type of sign.
Each business in a local or central business district will be allowed one sign directly in front of their store remain during business hours.Signs must be used only for identification and to promote the sale of on-site goods and services.
The sidewalk must also have a minimum of 48 inches, or the amount required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, whichever is greater, of clear passageway.If possible, they should be placed on private property or in a landscaped area instead of on a public sidewalk.The sign can not obstruct a parking spot, traffic flow, bus stops, benches, or fire hydrants.
The frames, which must be permitted by the Building Department, can not be more than 2 feet wide or 3 feet 6 inches tall.It must also be constructed of materials that present a finished appearance such as painted or stained non-decaying wood, metal, or wrought iron.
The sign panels can not be larger than 2 feet wide or 3 feet tall, and must have a natural finish.Velcro or magnetic letters are not allowed, and neither can numerals or dollars and cents symbols be more than 6 inches tall.
The sign must be internally weighted so as not to shift in the wind or present a public safety hazard, but items such as bricks, cinder blocks, and sandbags can not be used.They also can not be electric or illuminated, but businesses are encouraged to place their logos on them.
The recommendations will be sent to Town Meeting this spring for the Meeting’s consideration.
