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A Newsletter by the City of Saco, Maine	March, 2007	Return to newsletter index

Sign Regulations Change

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The Saco City Council recently enacted several amendments to the sign regulations found in the Saco Zoning Ordinance. These amendments were the product of several months work completed by a group of business owners, elected officials and staff members who came together to review and propose changes. Major changes in the sign regulations included:

• Colored bands, lines, bars or other graphics that appear on the side of a building that include no logos, lettering or other commonly recognized corporate symbols shall not be measured as part of the area of a sign in the U.S. Route 1 area north of Interstate 195.
• The size of freestanding signs in the U.S. Route 1 corridor north of Interstate 195 is counted only on one side instead of two. In addition, gas-filled (neon) or LED lighting can now be utilized for signs in this area.
• There is a new formula for replacing non-conforming signs.
• Inflatable signs are now prohibited.
• Directional signs not exceeding three square feet in area as measured on one side and not exceeding six feet above ground level are exempt signs and may be installed within a site with permission of the Code Enforcement Officer.
• Signs not visible from the public way are now exempt.
• Signs that advertise a business that is no longer on site or product that is no longer available on site must be removed within 180 days.
• One banner for the purpose of advertising a new business or owner may be erected for a period not to exceed (30) days. This banner is limited to twenty square feet in area measured on one side.
• Electronic message center signs are now permitted to change their message once every 5 minutes instead of three times in one twenty-four hour period.
• Temporary signs may be placed on the premises of a non-profit organization up to two weeks prior to an event, and must be removed no later than the day after the event. These temporary signs may include up to two A-frame style signs or a single one- or two-sided sign and up to two flags. These temporary signs have size limitations. The amount of corporate advertising on any temporary sign is limited to 25% of the sign.

We strongly suggest that you visit with us before purchasing any sign for your business. We can assist you in planning a sign that will conform to the regulations and compliment your business.