[MassHistPres] Historic House Markers vs Signs

[Sullivan, Charles M.]

Jim,

Plaques are specifically exempted in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. It seems like a no-brainer, but maybe you'll have to amend your bylaw.


7.16.11     Exempt Signs

A.   In all districts:

1.     Signs not visible from a public way.  (All illumination permitted.)

2.     Official traffic and directional signs, including bus and shuttle schedules.  (All illumination permitted.)

3.     Other signs in the public way.

4.     Signs necessary for public safety and convenience not exceeding six (6) square feet per sign face, provided such signs contain no advertising.

5.     Flags of a city, state or country.

6.     Memorials such as grave stones and corner stones.

7.     Historical site plaques installed or approved by a public Agency or duly established historical society.

8.     Window display of merchandise or signs incidental to such display.

 9.    Signage necessary or appurtenant to the placement or operation of a Public Bicycle-Sharing Station (All illumination permitted.)

Charles Sullivan
_________________________________
Charles Sullivan, Executuve Director
Cambridge Historical Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Mass.  02140
617 349-4684

From: masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu [mailto:masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] On Behalf Of Jim Biancolo
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2014 5:29 PM
To: MA Historic Preservation
Subject: [MassHistPres] Historic House Markers vs Signs

The Lenox Historical Commission (LHC) has a Historic Building Marker Project that has been reviewed and approved by the Selectmen (for markers going on Public buildings) and by the Historic District Commission (HDC) for markers going on all buildings in the Historic District.  The Lenox Building Inspector has recently changed his mind as to whether or not the markers come under control of the Lenox Zoning Bylaw's sign regulations.

The LHC needs to know if there is a state or other statute or precedent that establishes markers as not being controlled by signage regulations.  Initially all markers are planned for our Historic District but eventually they are planned for buildings outside of the Historic District.  The HDC does not consider markers to be signs but that does not exempt us from the building inspector's new interpretation of the zoning bylaw.

All the markers are controlled by a LHC procedure that establishes their size, color and contents (only Historic Name and Year Built are the allowed contents).  All markers are to be 14" x 20" except where a building can only accommodate a 12" x 16" marker.

Anything relevant that you might know would be appreciated.

Jim Biancolo
LHC volunteer


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