Since you brought it up, what is a ‘sign’ exactly…

SIGNS & THE PLANNING BOARD

Q: This may sound like a stupid question, but what is a sign?

A: The Town of Webb has a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, which includes a whole section on signs. The definition of a sign is the first thing described in that section, which reads:

“For the purposes of this section, ‘sign’ shall mean any devise affixed to, painted upon, or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or land which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business.” The ordinance continues with: The meaning of “sign” shall not include:

1. Any sign erected by Federal, State, or local government or agency thereof;

2. Any poster placed temporarily to advertise a civic event or an event sponsored by a house of worship, school, library, museum, and veteran or community service organization.

3. Any patriotic flag or banner not used for commercial advertising purposes.

4. Any legal outdoor display of merchandise as per Article IV, section 12-H of this Ordinance.

Q: What is meant by to “erect a sign?

A: For the purpose of this section, “erect” shall mean to build, construct, alter, enlarge, relocate, attach, place or hang any sign, and includes the painting of wall signs.

Q: So a sign put up by the State or even the Town is not a sign?

A: That’s correct.

Q: The Town does not need a permit for their own signs?

A: Technically that’s correct, because it is not considered a sign.

Q: What about event signs for things at the North Street Pavilion?

A: Those are event signs, not Town signs. The Town may host the building and location, but the events are not put on by the Town directly.

Q: Is the CAA exempt from getting signs permits?

A: Not specifically. Meaning there is no special exemption for the CAA. However, many of the events they are involved in could be considered a civic event or a community service organization as described in #2 above.

Q: Why is it that some signs are approved by the Planning Board and some are not?

A: Any new business or activity (other than a single family dwelling) usually has to get a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board before they can start. The Planning Board can look at everything in the site plan like parking, drainage, location of buildings, traffic flow, and signage. The signs become part of the overall site plan.

Q: How come some of the signs approved by the Planning Board are larger than what the sign ordinance allows?

A: Great question! And this is often misunderstood. Any lawfully existing business or activity in any Commercial Zoning District (CB 1-6) may apply for a permit for a sign directly to the Code Office. Assuming the request is compliant with the allowable sizes and location in the sign ordinance, the permit will be granted. But if someone wants something bigger, taller or otherwise different than what the sign ordinance allows they have the right to ask the Planning Board…

As per Section 18 B-2-b: Alternately, the owner or operator of a business may present a comprehensive sign plan for the review of the Planning Board.

Number, size, and design of all signs will then be subject to review and approval of the Planning Board.

Q: I thought only the Zoning Board of Appeals could approve something that does not meet the specific regulations in the Zoning Ordinance. How can the Planning Board do this?

A: When the ordinance was written, it was decided to keep the issue of signage with the Planning Board. It was intended to keep a more consistent policy or pattern of approvals.

Therefore, instead of having different boards making decisions regarding signs, it was kept under one authority, the Planning Board.

To obtain a copy of the current sign ordinance, call the Code Office. Hard copy or e-mail is available.