Town of Stratford

AOH Affordable Housing Opportunity Zone

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

ARH Affordable Residential Housing

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

CA Retail Commercial Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Commercial signs

Description

Any sign fabricated, constructed, attached, erected, fastened, painted or manufactured in any manner and displayed out of doors for the purpose of inducing the sale of any merchandise or service or promoting the business, opinion or policy of any person, party, firm, association, group or corporation other than that offered or conducted on the premises on which it stands.

General Standards Collapse

A) A commercial sign which preexisting the enactment of this regulation is permitted, subject to special case approval, to be relocated from its original location to another location on the same property, rebuilt or replaced to updated standards or technology, provided the display area is of the same dimension as the preexisting sign; and, as to signs adjacent to I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95 as the original sign. If the property does not abut I-95, commercial signs are not to exceed the surveyed height of the existing sign.

B) The front yard setback for all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.

C) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

D) A second freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 1,000 feet of street frontage on one street provided the second sign shall also comply with the height and signage limitations shown in Section 16.6.5.2A above.

E) Freestanding signs for gas station shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Window signs

Description

Any sign affixed to a window or displayed within three feet of the interior of the window.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total window display area.

RS/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures are prohibited.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures may be permitted subject to site plan approval where they are designed to be compatible with the buildings historic and/or architectural character.

CC Heavy Commercial Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Commercial signs

Description

Any sign fabricated, constructed, attached, erected, fastened, painted or manufactured in any manner and displayed out of doors for the purpose of inducing the sale of any merchandise or service or promoting the business, opinion or policy of any person, party, firm, association, group or corporation other than that offered or conducted on the premises on which it stands.

General Standards Collapse

A) A commercial sign which preexisting the enactment of this regulation is permitted, subject to special case approval, to be relocated from its original location to another location on the same property, rebuilt or replaced to updated standards or technology, provided the display area is of the same dimension as the preexisting sign; and, as to signs adjacent to I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95 as the original sign. If the property does not abut I-95, commercial signs are not to exceed the surveyed height of the existing sign.

B) The front yard setback for all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.

C) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

D) A second freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 1,000 feet of street frontage on one street provided the second sign shall also comply with the height and signage limitations shown in Section 16.6.5.2A above.

E) Freestanding signs for gas station shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CF Retail Commercial Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Window signs

Description

Any sign affixed to a window or displayed within three feet of the interior of the window.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total window display area.

RS/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures are prohibited.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures may be permitted subject to site plan approval where they are designed to be compatible with the buildings historic and/or architectural character.

CNC Retail Commercial Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Window signs

Description

Any sign affixed to a window or displayed within three feet of the interior of the window.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total window display area.

RS/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures are prohibited.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures may be permitted subject to site plan approval where they are designed to be compatible with the buildings historic and/or architectural character.

HOD Housing Opportunity Development Zone

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

LB Limited Business Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Window signs

Description

Any sign affixed to a window or displayed within three feet of the interior of the window.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total window display area.

RS/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures are prohibited.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures may be permitted subject to site plan approval where they are designed to be compatible with the buildings historic and/or architectural character.

LBB Limited Business Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Window signs

Description

Any sign affixed to a window or displayed within three feet of the interior of the window.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total window display area.

RS/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures are prohibited.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures may be permitted subject to site plan approval where they are designed to be compatible with the buildings historic and/or architectural character.

LBHZ Lordship Boulevard Housing Zone

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

MA Light Industrial

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Commercial signs

Description

Any sign fabricated, constructed, attached, erected, fastened, painted or manufactured in any manner and displayed out of doors for the purpose of inducing the sale of any merchandise or service or promoting the business, opinion or policy of any person, party, firm, association, group or corporation other than that offered or conducted on the premises on which it stands.

General Standards Collapse

A) A commercial sign which preexisting the enactment of this regulation is permitted, subject to special case approval, to be relocated from its original location to another location on the same property, rebuilt or replaced to updated standards or technology, provided the display area is of the same dimension as the preexisting sign; and, as to signs adjacent to I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95 as the original sign. If the property does not abut I-95, commercial signs are not to exceed the surveyed height of the existing sign.

B) The front yard setback for all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.

C) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

D) A second freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 1,000 feet of street frontage on one street provided the second sign shall also comply with the height and signage limitations shown in Section 16.6.5.2A above.

E) Freestanding signs for gas station shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

MB General Industrial

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Commercial signs

Description

Any sign fabricated, constructed, attached, erected, fastened, painted or manufactured in any manner and displayed out of doors for the purpose of inducing the sale of any merchandise or service or promoting the business, opinion or policy of any person, party, firm, association, group or corporation other than that offered or conducted on the premises on which it stands.

General Standards Collapse

A) A commercial sign which preexisting the enactment of this regulation is permitted, subject to special case approval, to be relocated from its original location to another location on the same property, rebuilt or replaced to updated standards or technology, provided the display area is of the same dimension as the preexisting sign; and, as to signs adjacent to I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95 as the original sign. If the property does not abut I-95, commercial signs are not to exceed the surveyed height of the existing sign.

B) The front yard setback for all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.

C) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

D) A second freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 1,000 feet of street frontage on one street provided the second sign shall also comply with the height and signage limitations shown in Section 16.6.5.2A above.

E) Freestanding signs for gas station shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

MC Coastal Industrial

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Commercial signs

Description

Any sign fabricated, constructed, attached, erected, fastened, painted or manufactured in any manner and displayed out of doors for the purpose of inducing the sale of any merchandise or service or promoting the business, opinion or policy of any person, party, firm, association, group or corporation other than that offered or conducted on the premises on which it stands.

General Standards Collapse

A) A commercial sign which preexisting the enactment of this regulation is permitted, subject to special case approval, to be relocated from its original location to another location on the same property, rebuilt or replaced to updated standards or technology, provided the display area is of the same dimension as the preexisting sign; and, as to signs adjacent to I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95, the display area is the same height above I-95 as the original sign. If the property does not abut I-95, commercial signs are not to exceed the surveyed height of the existing sign.

B) The front yard setback for all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.

C) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

D) A second freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 1,000 feet of street frontage on one street provided the second sign shall also comply with the height and signage limitations shown in Section 16.6.5.2A above.

E) Freestanding signs for gas station shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

OPD Office Park Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

RCD Resource Conservation Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

RM-1 Multifamily Residential Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

RS-1 One-family Residential Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

RS-2 One-family Residential Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

RS-3 One-family Residential Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Community signs or banners

Description

A sign or banner, erected by the Town of Stratford, primarily identifying the Town of Stratford, individual Town-owned properties or special public events.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

RS/TH Districts

A community sign or banner carrying a business sponsorship may be erected on Town property or within a public right-of-way, subject to site plan approval of the Zoning Commission and meeting the following conditions:

1. The sponsorship area shall be limited to 25% of the total area of the sign or banner and shall not exceed 12 inches in height.
2. The sponsorship shall carry only the name of the business, institution or person providing the sponsorship. Additional information, such as a logo, address, phone number, etc., is not permitted.
3. When sponsorships are to be included in a series of signs or banners at multiple locations in Town, sponsorships will be limited to one like sign or banner per business.
4. In granting its approval, the Zoning Commission must determine that the proposed sponsorship is secondary to the purpose of the community sign and could not be substantially identified as a freestanding advertisement.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

RS-4 One-family Residential Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Community signs or banners

Description

A sign or banner, erected by the Town of Stratford, primarily identifying the Town of Stratford, individual Town-owned properties or special public events.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

RS/TH Districts

A community sign or banner carrying a business sponsorship may be erected on Town property or within a public right-of-way, subject to site plan approval of the Zoning Commission and meeting the following conditions:

1. The sponsorship area shall be limited to 25% of the total area of the sign or banner and shall not exceed 12 inches in height.
2. The sponsorship shall carry only the name of the business, institution or person providing the sponsorship. Additional information, such as a logo, address, phone number, etc., is not permitted.
3. When sponsorships are to be included in a series of signs or banners at multiple locations in Town, sponsorships will be limited to one like sign or banner per business.
4. In granting its approval, the Zoning Commission must determine that the proposed sponsorship is secondary to the purpose of the community sign and could not be substantially identified as a freestanding advertisement.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

SAHZ Surf Avenue Housing Zone

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Residential signs

General Standards Collapse

One sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line, giving only the name of the dwelling or its occupant, or one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and located back of the front lot line announcing the existence of an enterprise permitted on the premises.

For residential developments of 10 units or more one sign not exceeding 16 square feet in area and located back of the front lot line is permitted. Such signs shall be either a freestanding or wall sign provided they are nonilluminated, and colonial in appearance and style. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Signs in Residential Districts on Main Street are approved under Section 3.19 of the Zoning Regulations.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

WF Waterfront Business Districts

Civic Signs

Description

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club

General Standards Collapse

A sign erected by any fraternal, civic, religious or service organization or club, merely announcing its presence in the Town of Stratford and the time and place of its regular meeting, provided such sign shall not exceed three feet in diameter, or be more than nine square foot in area. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements. Signs by the above nonprofit organizations for temporary events or functions are permitted to be erected on designated Town properties subject to the following restrictions.

A) Signs are only permitted on Paradise Green and on the West Broad Street Green.
B) Approval from the Planning and Zoning Office shall be obtained.
C) Signs may only be erected within four weeks prior to an event and shall be removed within 48 business hours after termination of the event.
D) There shall be a maximum of 12 such signs for any location.
E) Only signs advertising events or functions in the Town of Stratford are permitted.

Any flag, badge, insignia or device of any governmental agency, or civic, charitable, religious, patriotic, fraternal or similar nonprofit organization when located on its own premises, or displayed along a line of march of any parade, or in sockets along any street during a fundraising drive. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

Resource Conservation District.

Since the Resource Conservation District was designed to protect environmentally sensitive areas, all signs are subject to the administrative approval of the Zoning Commission. All signs shall be made of wood only, shall not be illuminated and shall be finished with nontoxic materials.

Construction Signs

Description

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished

General Standards Collapse

Signs placed on the premises of a building being constructed, repaired, altered or demolished, provided the cost of the sign is included in the building permit, does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property and is removed immediately upon completion of the work.

Freestanding portable signs

Description

Freestanding portable signs

General Standards Collapse

One freestanding portable sign per tenant shall be permitted on site in all nonresidence districts subject to the following:

a) Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground, must be self supporting/portable and cannot be attached to an immovable object such as a structure, light pole or railing.
b) The signs must be for that business use and must be located directly in front of that business on the same property and must be located within five feet of the building.
c) Freestanding portable signs shall be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high in size per side (maximum of two sides).
d) Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
e) Signs may not be located in parking spaces and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
f) Signs may not be internally or externally illuminated or have any moving parts.

Freestanding signs

Description

Any sign which is supported by or suspended from one or more uprights, braces or other means of support in or upon the ground.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 100 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 20 square feet of signage or,
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 16 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.
E) Freestanding signs for gas stations shall not exceed 10 feet in height and 40 square feet in size.

Office Park Districts

A) Only one ground sign visible from a public road is permitted and shall not exceed 50 square feet nor exceed five feet in height.
B) One additional freestanding sign not visible from a public road is permitted for each building in the office park provided each sign does not exceed 20 square feet, nor exceed five feet in height.
C) Directional signs indicating traffic flow not exceeding four square feet per sign.
D) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Planned Economic Development

1. Signs. Except as provided hereinafter, signs shall comply with the provisions of Office Park Districts.
2. One freestanding sign not exceeding 50 square feet in area and not more than 10 feet in height, limited to the name of the development, shall be permitted at each ingress from a public street bordering the tract. In addition, a second freestanding directory sign not exceeding 30 square feet and eight feet in height may be placed at each ingress not nearer than 30 feet from the public street providing access to the development to provide directions only to occupants of buildings accessible by means of driveways located within 300 feet thereof.
3. One freestanding sign not exceeding 30 square feet in area and not more than eight feet in height, identifying the occupant or occupants of the building, shall be permitted at each ingress to a building site as well as along any street bordering the site from which no access is provided.
4. Directional signs, each not exceeding six square feet in area and not more than five feet in height, may be placed as required, giving the direction to a building or group of buildings, use or parking and loading areas.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the property has a minimum of 50 feet of street frontage on one street and it complies with the following height and size limitations as shown in the following matrix.

RS/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if the sign complies with the following height and size limitations:

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding eight square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) One freestanding sign is permitted if it complies with the following height and size limitations.

1. A sign not exceeding four feet in height and not exceeding 12 square feet of signage; or
2. A sign over four feet in height but not exceeding eight feet in height and not exceeding 10 square feet of signage.

B) The front yard setback of all freestanding signs shall be 1/2 the setback requirement of the district in which it is located.
C) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
D) Directional signs not exceeding 1.0 square foot of signage indicating the direction of vehicles on the premises.

Government Signs

Description

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission

General Standards Collapse

Any sign required by regulation or statute of the federal, state or municipal government or department, board or commission thereof. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.

Grand Opening Signs

Description

Grand opening signs for new business establishments

General Standards Collapse

Grand opening signs for new business establishments subject to the following conditions:

a) The signs shall be constructed of cloth, vinyl, canvas or similar material.
b) The signs shall be displayed for a period not greater than 21 days.
c) The signs shall be mounted to the wall of the building and shall not exceed two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
d) No sign or device held in the air by balloon or other means and no searchlights shall be permitted.

Political Signs

Description

Sign or signs for a political organization

General Standards Collapse

Sign or signs for a political organization may be erected as follows:

(a) The maximum total square footage of any sign shall not exceed eight square feet and shall be located on privately owned land or in the immediate street right-of-way as long as the sign is a minimum of five feet from the road and 15 feet from any fire hydrant and shall be set back from intersections and driveways so as to not interfere with sightlines. Such signs are exempt from the permit requirements.
(b) Recommendations for erection and removal of signs.

(1) Regular elections- signs erected not earlier than the first Tuesday after Labor Day prior to Election Day.
(2) Primary, special elections or referendum- signs erected not earlier than 25 days prior to balloting.
(3) Signs removed within five days of the balloting except in the instance of a primary, special election or referendum that occurs within the regular November election sequence, such signs to be removed within five days of the regular election.

Sale/Lease Signs

Description

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon

General Standards Collapse

Signs advertising the prospective sale, rental or lease of the lot or building located thereon when such sign does not exceed eight square feet in size for residential property and 16 square feet in size for commercial property. Signs advertising individual rooms for rent not exceeding two square feet in size provided that all signs be located on the property. Such signs must be removed within seven days after the closing or the signing of the rent or lease agreement and are exempt from the permit requirements.

Wall signs

Description

Any sign which is affixed to the exterior surface of any building or canopy, and projecting not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.33 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building side.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

CA, CC, MA, MB and MC Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 1.0 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Wall signs are permitted on the side fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building side. Wall signs are permitted on the rear fascia of the building only when such signs face or are primarily intended to be visible from the Connecticut Turnpike and shall not exceed 1.0 square feet of signage for each lineal foot of the building's width along the rear. Signs on the rear fascia of a building shall not be illuminated when facing a residential area.
C) Where more than one sign is installed on a building they shall be uniform in design, material and shape.
D) There shall be a maximum of two wall signs per building face per tenant.
E) Signage is allowed on each building face other than on the rear but in no instance shall two building faces be combined to produce a greater amount of signage than that one face allows.

RS/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.50 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.25 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts
A) Wall signs are permitted only on the front fascia of the building and shall not exceed 0.66 square foot of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. If a freestanding sign also is erected then the maximum size of a front wall sign shall not exceed 0.35 square foot of signage for each lineal foot of building frontage.
B) Signs may be illuminated by exterior methods only.

Window signs

Description

Any sign affixed to a window or displayed within three feet of the interior of the window.

Details for Selected Location Collapse

LB, LBB, CNC, CF and WF Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 50% of the total window display area.

RS/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 20% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures are prohibited.

CA/TH, MA/TH and WF/TH Districts

A) The total square footage of all window signs shall not exceed 25% of the total window display area. Neon signs and/or lighting fixtures may be permitted subject to site plan approval where they are designed to be compatible with the buildings historic and/or architectural character.

Town of Stratford, CT

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