HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-02 Board of Selectmen Packet - Part 1~o N OFF?
FgO~yc Town o Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2685
s3s INCOR40~P
FAX: (781) 942-9071
Email: townmanager@ci.reading:ma.us TOWN MANAGER
Website: www. readingma.gov (781) 942-9043
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner
DATE: February 26, 2010
RE: Aizenda March 2, 2010
4a) Ruth Urell and Lorraine Barry will be in to talk about the Library, particularly children's
and teen's library services.
4b) The Annual Town Meeting Warrant is enclosed with the packet. It is still subject to final
review by Town Counsel and potential minor changes.
4c) Sam's Bistro on south Main Street has applied for their liquor license and the hearing is
scheduled for 8:30 p.m.
4d) Enclosed is a summary of the directions from. the Board of Selectmen with regard to fees
for the 2011 budget, and a copy of the list of liquor licenses issued. As I noted on the list
of licenses, there are 21 licenses- and if we did our standard increase of $100 per year per
license, that would yield $2100 of the estimated $5000 increase in fees. We will have
additional information on the other license fee increases for you on Tuesday night. This
is for discussion purposes at this time.
4e) I have developed a draft of the changes to the license for outdoor dining, to address the
issue of service and sale of liquor. This is in draft and subject to Selectmen's review
prior to setting up a public hearing.
4f) Enclosed is a draft policy on licensing junk dealers I have reviewed this with Town
Counsel. This is in draft and will be subject to a hearing at a later date once the Board of
Selectmen feels comfortable with the proposed policy.
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12
- ")DAFT
April 2010 Annual Town Meeting
WARRANT OUTLINE 02/26/2010
Art. Mover/
# Article Description Sponsor Comment
Moderator
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limits of certain M.G.L. Chapter 59,
Section 5, Clause 41C elderly tax
exem tions
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Authorizing contracts greater than 3 Board of Selectmen ♦ 2/3 vote
years - Rubbish disposal; Rubbish
collection and recycling
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Accept gifts from Patrons for Older Board of Selectmen
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Adults Inc.
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Accept gift - Patrick Schettini
School Committee
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Scholarship
18 Accept Gift - Downtown Steering Board of Selectmen •
Committee
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19 Authorizing. use of Board of Selectmen • 2/3 vote
Sunnyside/Fairview sewer debt for
California Road sewer project
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20 Acceptance of Chapter 148 section Board of Selectmen •
26i - sprinklering of buildings with 4
or more housing units
21 Amending General Bylaw section Board of Selectmen •
4.5.2 to make the junk license penalty
subject to the noncriminal disposition
process
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23 Accepting easement -Howard Street Board of Selectmen • 2/3 vote
drainage
24 Zoning - amending section 6.3 Community Planning • . 2/3 vote
and Development
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25~ Zoning - Amending Sign regulations Community Planning • 2/3 vote
and Development
Commission
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Zoning re flood plain map Community Planning
2/3 vote
and Development
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Removal of l )v, ri ~lcciins mere hers 13(,,u d c f Selectmen
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I, on notified and warned the
inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the place
and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the
following public places within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1
J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2
Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Bay State Road
Precinct 3
Reading Police Station, 15 Union.Street
' Precinct 4
Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5
Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Precinct 6 Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street
Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64, Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 8 Wood End School, 85, Sunset Rock,Lane
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to April 6, 2010, the date set
for the Local Electionin this Warrant.
also caused a posting of this Warrant to be published in the Reading Chronicle in
the issue of with an attested copy of this Warrant to be published on the Town
of Reading website on
also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading Chronicle in
the issue of
Alan W. Ulrich, Constable
A true copy. Attest:
Laura Gemme, Town Clerk
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TOWN WARRANT
(Seal)
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to
notify and warn the inhabitants of the. Town of Reading, qualified to vote in the Local
Elections and Town affairs, to meet in the following place designated .for the eight precincts
in said Town, namely:
d8
Readina Memorial H
TUESDAY, the SIXTH DAY OF'`* Rll ' A.D., 2010
from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, Viz:
ARTICLE 1 To elect by ballot the following Town Officers:.
A Moderator for one year;
Two members of the Board of Selectmen for three years;
One member of the Board of'Assessors for three.'years;
One member of the Board of. Assessors for one year;
Two members of the Board of Library. Trustees for three years;
Two members of the Municipal>Light Board forthree years;
Two members of the School Committee for.three years; and
Seventy Town Meeting Members;:shall be elected to represent
each of the following precincts:
Precinct 1 Eight members for three years;
Precinct.2 Eight members for three years;
Two members for two years;
One member for one year;
Precinct 3 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 4 Eight members for three years;
One member for two years;
One member for one year;
Precinct 5 Eight members for three years;
One member for two years;
Precinct '6 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 7 Eight members for three years; and
Precinct 8 Eight members for three years.
and to meet at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading on
MONDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF APRIL A.D., 2010
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at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following Articles are to be
acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the
provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
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ARTICLE 2 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town
Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk,
Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library
Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community
Planning & Development Commission, Town Manager and any other Official, Board or
Special Committee.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 3 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and. Special Committees
and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and,,.;.Special Committees, and
to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, or transfer from available
funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special Committees to
carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with: respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2010 - FY. 2019 Capital
Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the,,Reading Horne Rule Charter
and as previously amended, or take any other action with respectahereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will `vote to amend one or more of the votes taken
under Article 14 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 27, 2009, as amended
under Article 4 of the November 9, 2009 Subsequent Town. Meeting; and to see what sum
the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing,. ortransfer from available funds, or otherwise,
as the result of any such amended votes for the operation of the Town and its government,
or take any other actioh. with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment during Fiscal
Year 2010 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years for goods and services actually
rendered to the Town, &r lake any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 7 To see `if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
sell, or exchange, or, dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine,
various items of Town tangible property, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
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ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to authorize revolving funds for certain
Town Departments under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53E 1/2 for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010 with the receipts, as specified, credited to each fund, the
purposes, as listed, for which each fund may be spent, the maximum amount that may be
spent from each fund for the fiscal year, and the disposition of the balance of each fund at
fiscal year end.
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Revolving
Spending
Revenue
Allowed
Expenditure
Limits
Year End
Account
Authority
Source
Expenses
Balance
Consulting and
engineering
Fees As provided
services for the
f
or in Reading
review of designs
000
$25
Conservation
General Bylaws
and engineering
7
Available
Commission
Section 5.7,
work for the
for
Consulting
Conservation
Wetlands
protection of
expenditure
Fees
Commission
Protection
wetlands.
next year
-
Legal, oversight_ :
and inspection,
plan review.,; initial
property appraisals
and appeals,
Community
Building Plumbing,
Services general
Wiring, Gas and
management,
$200,000
other permits for
landfill monitoring
the Walkers Brook
costs, cusp
Crossing, Oaktree;
sidewalks; and.,
Addison
pedestrian safety
Wesley/Pearson,
improvements,
Available
Inspection
and Johnson
records archiving.
for
Revolving
Town
Woods
and' other project
expenditure
Fund
Manager
developments
related costs.
next year
Vaccines,
materials for.
screening clinics
and clinical supply
costs, medical
$25,000
equipment and
supplies,
Available
Public Health
Clinic fees and
immunizations,
for
Clinics and'
Board of
third party
educational
expenditure
Services
Health
reimbursements
materials
next year
Acquire Library
Available
Library
Library
Charges for lost or
materials to
$15
000
for
Materials
Director and
damaged Library
replace lost or
,
expenditure
Replacement
Trustees
materials
dama ed items
next year
Utilities and all
Available
Mattera
other maintenance
$10
000
for
Cabin
Recreation
and operating
,
expenditure
Operating
[Administrator
,Rental Fees
expenses
next year
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
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ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to approve the FY 2011 - FY 2020 Capital
Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, or
take any.other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 10 To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing,
whether in anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6,
Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority. or from the tax
levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for highway projects in accordance with
Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws, or take any other actionVAth. respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 11 To see if the Town will vote to determine how much money the Town
will appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, orAronsfer from available funds, or
otherwise, for the operation of the Town and its government for Fiscal Year 2011 beginning
July 1, 2010, or take any other action with respectJhereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to accept,fhe provisions of G.L. c. 64L, §
2(a) to impose a local sales tax upon the sale of restaurant meals originating within the Town
by a vendor at the rate of .75 percent of the gross receipts of ,the vendor from the sale of
restaurant meals to take effect January 1, 2010, or fake any other *action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 13 To see if the town will vote. to change the name of the Gateway Smart
Growth Zoning Incentive.Payment-Stabilization Fund to the Smart Growth Zoning Incentive
Payment Stabilization Fund, • and to include in the purpose any 40R project for which the
Town of Reading receives a Zoning Incentive Payment and further, to transfer additional
funds into-the stabilization fund, or,to take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote to adopt a change in the income, asset
and age limits of `certain M.G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41 C elderly tax exemptions as
follows:
To increase the income limits for unmarried persons to $20,000.00 and for married persons
to $30,000.00; to increase the asset limits for unmarried persons 'to $40,000.00 and for
married persons to $55,000.00; to reduce the age of eligibility to 65 years or older; and to
increase the exemption amount to $750.00, .
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Assessors
ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to Mass General Laws Chapter
308 Section 12 to authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract or contracts including
all extensions renewals and options for the collection of rubbish and.recyclables, and for the 5 GIL
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disposal of rubbish for a period greater than three years but not exceeding 20 years upon
such terms and conditions determined by the Town Manager or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 16 To.see if the Town will vote to accept the following gifts:
1. Scholarship Fund: to be established as a permanent trust fund to be known as "Patrons
for Older Adults Scholarship" with the income there from to be used as an annual
scholarship award for a student who is a resident of Reading;` Massachusetts, who is
planning to enter a profession that helps senior citizens (such as, but not limited to,
medicine, social work, etc.).
2. Support Fund: to establish a permanent trust fund to be known as "Patrons/or Older
Adults Support Fund" with the income there from to'`be used `to less frequently than
annually to sponsor programs which support the social:needs of Reading's senior citizens
(such as, but not limited to, parties, group events;` transportation to such events, etc.); to
be expended as determined by the Council on Aging in concert with the Elder/Human
Services Division.
the foregoing to be administered by the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds in
accordance with the wishes of the donors, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 17 To see if the Town wilf:vote to accept. 'a gift to establish the Patrick A.
Schettini, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund to': be administered by the Town of Reading
Commissioners of Trust Funds h, accordance' with the wishes of the donors, or take any
other action with respect,--thereto.
School Committee
ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to accept a gift from the Downtown
Steering Committee to fund a trust fund to be known as the "Downtown Improvement and
Events Trust." The funds are to be:expended by the Town Manager or his designee under
the general direction of the Economic Development Committee, for the sole purposes of
supporting and funding improvements, promotions, and events in the downtown area of
Reading. The trust shall begin upon the acceptance hereof by Town Meeting, and shall
terminate immediately and automatically in 20 years unless the Board of Selectmen shall
determine at that time1 hat the need and purposes of the trust continue. If the trust continues
.past 20 years, the Board of Selectmen shall evaluate and determine the ongoing need for the
trust every 10 years thereafter.
The Trust is to be administered by the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds in
accordance with the wishes of the donors.
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
e Ny,B
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ARTICLE 19 To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $61,001 which was
previously appropriated and raised by borrowing under Article 23 (Sunnyside Avenue Sewer)
of the Warrant at the April 30, 2007 Town Meeting, and which sum is no longer needed to
complete the project for which it was initially borrowed, to. pay all or a portion of the cost of
the California Road sewer, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 20 To see if the Town will vote to accept Massachusetts General Law
Chapter 148 Section 261 which provides that any residential building with four. or more
residential. units that is constructed or substantially rehabilitated to constitute the equivalent
of new construction would be required to install an automatic sprinkler-System in accordance
with the Massachusetts State Building Code, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 21 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 4.52;: Junk, of the Town
of Reading General Bylaws by deleting Section 4.5:2 in its entirety and replacing it with the
following: ;
4.5.2 Purchase sale or barter of iunk, old metals and second-hand articles
4.5.2.1 No person shall use any building, enclosure or other structure for the storage, sale
or keeping of rags, waste paper stock or other inflammable material without a
license therefore from the Board of Selectmen.
4.5.2.2 The Board of Selectmen may license suitable persons, upon such terms and
conditions as the Board shall determine; to be dealers in and keepers of shops for
the purchase, sale`; or barter of dunk; ;old metals and second-hand articles, and no
person shall be such a dealer or keeper without such a license.
4.5.2.3 The Board of Selectmen, may also license' suitable persons as junk collectors, to
collect by purchase or otherwise,, junk,: old metals and second-hand articles from
place to place within the Town; and no person shall engage in such business
without such. a license..
4.5.2.4 In addition to any other means'of enforcement, the provisions of this Bylaw may be
enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with Section 5.11 of this Bylaw,
or to take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
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ARTICLE 22' To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
grant a sewer easement in Reading, Middlesex County, MA located on land at 757 Main
Street which easement is shown on a plan entitled: "Plan of Easement for Sewer Purposes
dated March 2010", to determine the minimum amount to be paid for such easement; and to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to grant all or any part of said easements for such amount
or a larger amount, and upon such other terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen
shall consider proper and to deliver a deed or deeds therefore if necessary; or take any. other
action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
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ARTICLE 23 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
accept the conveyance of drainage easements in Reading, Middlesex County, MA located on
Howard Street which easements are shown on a, plan entitled: "Plan of Drainage Easement
Howard Street, Reading Massachusetts Street, dated February 2, 2010"; to determine the
minimum amount to be paid for such conveyance; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen
to accept all or any part of said rights and easements for such amount or a larger amount,
and upon such other terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen shall consider proper
and to deliver a deed or deeds therefore if necessary; or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 24 To see if the Town will vote to amend:; Definitions 2.2.22 and Section
6.3, Nonconforming Uses and Structures, of the Town ;:of Reading Zoning By-Laws by
deleting in its entirety Definition 2.2.22 and Section 6.3';,. and inserting in its place the
following new definition and section:
Definitions (New)
2.2.22 Nonconforming A lawful pre-existing building, structure, vacant `lot, or use of
buildings or land that does not conform to the zoning regulations for the district in which it is
located, but did conform at the time it was., built or established.
6.3 Nonconforming Uses and Structures.
6.3.1 Applicability
This By-Law shall not apply to uses or structures; lawfully in existence or lawfully begun, or to
a building or Special Permit issued, before the first,..publication of notice of the public hearing
required by G. L. c. 40A, s. 5 at which this By-Law; or any relevant part thereof, was adopted.
No modification of -a lawfully existing 'nonconforming use or structure is allowed except as
authorized .hereunder.
6.3 2 Nonconforming Uses'.
The Board of Appeals may grant a Special Permit to change or extend a nonconforming use
only if it determines that such,change or extension shall not be substantially more detrimental
than,the existing nonconforming use to the neighborhood. The following types of changes to
nonconforming uses may,, be considered by the Board of Appeals:
a. Change or substantial extension of the existing nonconforming use;
b. Change from one nonconforming use to another, not substantially more detrimental,
nonconforming use.
Once a nonconforming use is changed to a conforming use there is no authority to allow the
property to revert to a nonconforming use.
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6.3.3 Nonconforming Structures
6.3.3.1 The Building Inspector may issue a Building Permit for an interior
renovation, interior alteration or interior reconstruction of a pre-existing, nonconforming
structure that does or will not extend the nonconformity or create a new nonconformity.
6.3.3.2 The Board of Appeals may grant a Special Permit to reconstruct, extend,
alter, or change a. nonconforming structure in accordance with this section only if it
determines that such reconstruction, extension, alteration, or change does not increase the
nonconforming nature of said structure or create a new nonconformity and shall not be
substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming structure . to the
neighborhood. The following types of changes to nonconforming structures may be
considered by the Board of Appeals:
a. A reconstruction, extension or structural change;
b. An alteration to provide for a substantially: 4fferent purpose. or for the same
purpose in a substantially different manner or to a substantially greater extent.
6.3.3.3 For purposes of this By-Law an increase in .the nonconforming "nature of a
structure will result when the portion added to the structure violates any provision of this
Zoning Bylaw applicable at the time of application for the building permit required for such
addition. An increase in the nature of a;,nonconforming structure will not result from a mere
replacement, without undue delay, of a nonconforming portion thereof.
6.3.3.4* Nothing in this By-Law shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe
condition of any building or structure, or "part thereof; declared unsafe by the Building
Inspector.
6.3.4 Variance Required
Except as provided in section 6.3.5 herein, :the reconstruction, extension or structural change
of a nonconforming>structure in-such a manner as to increase an existing nonconformity, or
create a new nonconformity, including the extension of an exterior wall at or along the same
nonconforming distance within a required yard, shall require the issuance of a variance from
the Board of Appeals.
6.3.5 Alteration of Nonconforming Single and Two-Family Residential Structures - As
of Right
Nonconforming single and two-family residential structures may be extended, altered, or
structurally changed (collectively "alteration") upon a determination by the Building Inspector
that such proposed alteration does not increase the nonconforming nature of said structure.
The Building Inspector may issue a Building Permit under any of the following circumstances:
a. for the alteration of a single or two-family structure that is located on a lot which is
nonconforming only with respect to area, where such alteration will comply with all current
setback, yard, lot coverage and building height requirements; .
b. for the alteration of a single or two-family structure that is located on a lot which is
nonconforming only with respect to frontage where such alteration complies with all current
setback, yard, lot coverage and building height requirements;
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c. for the alteration of a single or two-family structure which encroaches upon one or more
required yard or setback areas, where the, alteration will comply with all current setback,
yard, lot coverage and building height requirements; and
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d. for the alteration of a single or two-family structure which will not increase the footprint of
the existing structure, create a new dimensional nonconformity or extend an existing
dimensional nonconformity, provided that the existing height restrictions shall not be
exceeded. This clause shall apply regardless of whether the lot complies with the current
area and/or frontage requirements.
6.3.6 Alteration of Nonconforming Single and Two-Family Residential Structures - by
Special Permit
In the event that the Building Inspector determines, after consideration of section 6.3.5
above, that the nonconforming nature of such structure;would be increased by the proposed
extension, alteration, or change, the Board of Appeals 'may, by special permit, allow such
extension, alteration, or change where it determines that the proposed, exte hsion, alteration
or change will not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming
structure to the neighborhood.
6.3.7 Reconstruction after Catastrophe
A. lawful, pre-existing, nonconforming singie,•or two family bolding,,. structure or use, which
has been destroyed or damaged by fire or other casualty may be' re-established, restored or
reconstructed within two years of occurrence of the damage or destruction. Re-
establishment, restoration or reconstruction, shall be permitted provided that there is no
increase in the degree of.the nonconformity.
Any proposed change of use is subject to the provisions of this By-Law.
6.3.8 Voluntary Demolition and Reconstruction
6.3:8.1 Any new construction, following voluntary demolition of a nonconforming
structure., shall be in conformance with this zoning by-law, except in the following
circumstances
a. a':si.ngle-family or two-family dwelling which is nonconforming only with respect to
lot size and/or `frontage may, be voluntarily removed or demolished and replaced by a new
single-family or two-family':. dwelling. Such reconstruction must comply with the current
dimensional controls for-the district in which the dwelling is located.
b. In the event that the proposed reconstruction would (a) cause the structure to
exceed the volume or area of the original nonconforming structure or (b) cause the structure
to be located other than on the original footprint, a special permit shall be required from the
Board of Appeals prior to such demolition. The Board of Appeals may, by Special Permit,
allow such reconstruction where it determines that the proposed reconstruction will not be
substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconforming structure to the
neighborhood.
C. A detached accessory structure which is accessory to a single-family or two-family
dwelling that has nonconforming setbacks may be demolished and a new accessory
10
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structure may be built in the same footprint; provided, that the new accessory structure does
not exceed the existing height and size limitations for accessory structures.
6.3.9 Abandonment or Non-Use
A nonconforming use of a structure or land, that has been abandoned or not used for a
period of two (2) years, shall lose its protected status and be subject to all of the provisions of
this zoning by-law.
Or take any other action with respect thereto
Community Planning and Development Commission
ARTICLE 25 To see if the Town will vote to amend .Section:2.0 Definitions, Section
4.3.3 Site Plan Review and Section 6.2, Signs, of the Town'of Reading; Zoning By-Laws by
deleting in its entirety 2.2.29., 4.3.3.5.1.a., 4.3.161 and Section 6.2, and inserting in its
place the following new sections:
New Definition in Section 2.2.29 to read,
2.2.29. Sign: Any word or combination,of number, emblem; picture, design, trademark or
other device including the support structure of freestanding signs.
Signage is the collection of signs. Signage does not include temporary
holiday decorations, historical date markers or plaques, or artwork that
contains no cofnmercial messages:
The words in italics in the following two paragraphs show language to be added in the
existing by-law.
4.3.3.5.1.a.
Site Layout, which shall contain the boundaries of the lot(s) in the proposed
development, proposed structures, drives, parking, fences, walls, walks,
outdoor lighting, signage, loading facilities, and areas for snow storage after
plowing. The first sheet in this plan shall be a locus plan, at a scale acceptable
to CPDC, showing the entire project and its relation to the existing areas,
buildings and: roads for a distance of one thousand (1,000) feet from the
project boundaries or such other distance as may be approved or required by
the staff.
4.3.3.6.f.
Minimize unreasonable departure from the character, materials, Signage and
scale of buildings in the vicinity, as viewed from public ways and places;
To replace Section 6.2 entirely with the following:
6.2. SIGNS
6.2.1. Signs perform important functions in the community such as communicating
messages and providing information about goods and services available.
11 j 1b
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Because signs potentially have detrimental impact on the visual and
perceptual environment, signs must be regulated. It is the intent of Section 6.2
of the zoning by-law to protect property values, create an attractive business
climate, enhance and protect the physical appearance of the community and
to encourage the most appropriate use of the land. This section will also
assist those installing signs within the Town of Reading by setting forth the
process governing the application, installation, and maintenance of such
signs.
6.2.1.2. Applicability: A sign ' may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or
maintained only in conformity with the provisions of this Section.
6.2.1.3 Zoning Districts: The official zoning map is on file with the Engineering
Department and the Town Clerk's office and can also be found on the Town
website. Reading has also adopted a Downtown Smart Growth District
(DSGD). Please refer to Section 4.12 for DSGD regulations.
6.2.2. Definitions: For the purposes of Section 62, the following terms shall
have the meanings hereby assigned to them:
a. Awning Sign: A sign painted on or attached to the cloth, canvas or metal cover of a
movable or stationary frame of the fixed, hinged, rolled or folding type of awning.
b. Banner or Pennant: Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted
or affixed at one or more.ed'ges.
c. Beacon: A stationary or revolving light, not primarily. illuminating a sign, which flashes
or projects illuminatioh, single color or``i ulti-colored, in any manner which is intended
to attract or divert attention; except any °such fixture which is required by the Federal
Aviation Administration or a similar agency.;and is installed and operated under the
safety regulations of such agency.
d. Bulletin Board: Any sign erected .by a charitable, educational, or religious institution
o:r'a public body on its property for purposes of announcing events which are held on
the premises; and;contains no commercial information.
e. Commercial MessageAny sign wording, logo, or other representation that directly or
indirectly names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, sale, or
sales event or other commercial activity.
f. Facade: The area of the face of a building, typically the principal or front wall of a
building.
g. Free-Standing Sign: Any and every sign erected on or permanently affixed to the
land, including any and every sign that is not attached to a building.
h. Halo Lighting: Light showing from the back of or from within a letter or graphic shape
out towards the surface that the letter or graphic is mounted on without having any
light visible through the face of the letter or graphic.
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26
i. Informational & Directional Signage: A sign that has a purpose secondary to the use
of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking, private parking, enter, exit, one-
way, street address, or Drive-thru teller".
j. Identification Sign:
Joint Identification Sign: A sign which serves as common or collective identification
for a group of persons or businesses operating on.the same lot and which contains
the names and logos of establishments but no advertising or promotional
information.
Area Identification Sign: A sign, located at the site entrance(s), identifying a
common area containing a group of structures, or a single ,,structure containing
several uses.
k. Marquee Sign: Any sign attached to or made :part of a :marquee, that is, any
permanent canopy or structure projecting beyond. and extending; along a building wall.
1. Monument Sign: A free-standing sign with a low height configuration permanently
affixed to the ground at its base and not mounted on a. pole.
m. Off-Premises Sign: Any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity,
service, entertainment, attraction, or other commercial activity which is sold, offered,
or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot on which such sign is located, including
any outdoor advertising sign ("billboard") on which space is;,leased or rented for the
purpose of conveying a commercial or `non-commercial message.
n. Portable Sign: Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or any permanent
structure or a sign designed to be transported in anyway including:
signs; converted to "A" or "T" frames;
menu and'sandwich=board signs.
o. Proiecting/,Blade Sign: A sigh Which it affixed to a building or other structure where
the sign face is, approximately perpendicular to the building facade.
V Reader Board: A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that
can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign or
signboard. A sign on which the message changes more than eight times per day
shall be:considered an animated sign and not a reader board sign. A sign on which
the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or
temperature shall be considered a "time and temperature" portion of a sign and not
a reader board sign.
q. Sian Area: The area contained entirely within the signboard (the flat surface of
durable material upon which letters or other graphic content of a sign is displayed)
or if no sign board is present the area contained entirely within the smallest
rectangle which completely encloses the outer extremities of all graphic material of
a sign.
Sign Height: The distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of
the highest attached component of the sign or sign structure. Normal grade shall
be construed to be the lower of:
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(1) existing grade prior to construction, or
(2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any
filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of
locating the sign.
In cases in which the normal grade cannot be reasonably determined, sign height
shall be computed on the assumption that the normal grade is the elevation of the
nearest point of the crown of the public street along which the lot has frontage or
the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot,
whichever is lower.
s. Temporary Sian: Any sign which is used temporarily, relates to'events of a temporary
nature, or is not permanently mounted.
28
Table 6.2.3. Signs Permitted According to Zoning District„
Max.
Max.
Sign
Sign
Setbacks:
Permit
Area
Height
Front
Side
Maximum
Type
Require
(sq.
(ft.)
(ft.)
(ft.)
Number
d
ft.)
All Zoning Districts:
1. Personal
N
4
6
N/A
20
1/lot
Message
2. Identification.
N
(A)
N/A
N/A
1/lot
(Joint
& Area)
3. Construction
N
16(B)
N/A
'N/A
20
N/A
4. Subdivision
(C)
48
.N/A
N/A
N/A
1/subdiv.
Sales
5. Subdivision
(C)
24
N/A
N/A
N/A
1/subdiv.
6. Real Estate
N
8 (G)
6
N/A
20
1 /lot
Sales
7. Temp. Open
N
4
N/A
N/A
20
1/agency
per lot
House
8. Garage/Yard
N
4
N/A
N/A
20
1/lot
Sale
9. Informational / N 4 6 N/A N/A
N/A
Directional
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10. Portable /A-Frame Regulated by the Board of Selectmen -Annual Permit
Required
11. Temporary Y 16 or 30 N/A (See Section
6.2.6.2.h.)
Business Signs
Business-A, Business-C and Industrial Zoning Districts:
12. Free-Standing
Y
50(D)
20
0
20
1/lot
13. Wall
Y
2/4E
(A)
N/A
10
1/business
14. Projecting /
Y
8
(A)(H)
N/A
10
1/business
Blade
Business-13 Zoning Districts:
12. Wall
Y
2(F)
(A)
0
0
2/business'
13. Projecting /
Y
8
(A)(H)
-4
0
1/business`
Blade
NOTES:
(A) No portion of such sign shall extend higher than the bottom of the sills of the
windows of the second floor of a building or higher. than the lowest portion of
the eaves or, in the case of a gabled: wall, no higher than a line equal in
height to the lowest portion of the lower=eave Hof any adjoining building wall,
whichever of the above is lowest.
(B) Aggregate sign.area, of all applicable signs.
(C) Only as shown in Definitive Subdivision Plans as approved by the
Community Planning` an Development Commission consistent with
Paragraph 6.2.1
(D) May not be larger thari. 75 square; feet, if more than one business occupies
the lot.
*.SPe Section 6:2.6.4.
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NOTES (continued):
E) If the minimum distance from the building wall on which the sign is mounted
is less than 100 feet from the centerline of the street which the sign faces,
the maximum sign area shall be equal to'2 square feet per linear foot of said
wall occupied by the establishment to which the sign relates; if such distance
is more than 100 feet, maximum sign area shall be equal to 4 square feet
per linear foot of said wall so occupied.
(F) No wall sign for any non-residential establishment shall exceed a sign area
equal to 2 square feet per linear footage of length of the front wall of the
building occupied by the establishment to which the sign relates:;'
(G) Real Estate Signs in the Industrial Zoning Districts are allowed 1 sign per
business with a maximum sign area equal to 2 square feet per linear foot of
said wall occupied by the establishment to which the sign relates without a
sign permit.
(H) Projecting / Blade Signs shall be at least eight ,(8) feet from the ground-and
may project no more than four (4) feet from the structure.
Additional requirements by type is e m Table 6.
1. Displayed for not more than 14: days.
2. May display resident's name, address; name of home occupation.
3. Free-standing only; to be removed prior to Occupancy Permit.
4. Free-standing only; to be removed prior to.Occupancy Permit for the last
house in the subdivisions
5. Free-standing only; at principal entranceJo subdivision.
6. Free-standing only; to be removed by 14th day after transfer of property.
7. Plus 4 total directional/agency/event; one per intersection, displayed only
from 9:00 a m. to 6:00 p.m. on the day of event.
8. Plus up to two directional signs/.events; displayed only from 6:00 p.m. on
the day before e,Vent to 6:00,0.m.* 'on day of event.
9. Not more than two sign faces; 0' side setback on corner lots.
10. Parallel mounting on building wall only; no portion may project more
than twelve inches from building wall; lesser front setback permitted for
legally nonconforming buildings.
11. Perpendicular to building wall, no portion may project more than 4 feet
from building; 10 feet minimum clearance above ground; no exposed
guy-wires or turnbuckles.
12.. Parallel mounting on building wall only; no portion may project more than
six inches from building wall.
13. Perpendicular to building wall; no portion may project more than 4 feet
from building; 10 feet minimum clearance above ground; no exposed
guy-wires or turnbuckles.
16 qbl 9
30
6.2.4. Exempt Signs:
Signs for which no permit is required are identified in Table 6.2.3 and Section
6.2.4. The following signs are exempt from this Section 6.2 and may be
installed without permit, provided that the, following is complied with:
a. Authorized signs installed by the Town of Reading or the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, or any agency thereof, or with =.,,pedestrian ss written permission
thereof, for the purposes of traffic control or safety or
convenience, identification of public facilities oc` streets, or for direction to
same; public notices and warnings required by and erected by Town, State, or
Federal Government agencies.
b. Directional signs; building markers.,
c. Political signs on private properties or vehicles only, provided that.such sign
shall not exceed six square feet in sign area;shall not be placed in such
location as to constitute a traffic or pedestrian' safety hazard, and shall not be
displayed for more than forty-two days'prior`to the applicable election or more
than two days following such election.
d. Signs for churches and other federally tax-exempt institutions.
e. Holiday lights and decoratiohs which contain no commercial messages and
which are displayed during the: appropriate season.
f. Works of_art which-contain no commercial messages with prior Town Planner
or CPDG.written approval.
g. >Fuel :pump information signs, only as required by State law, are allowed and
shall not affect the computation of allowable number of signs or aggregate
sign size..on a property..
h. Any sign within a structure, not attached to any window or door, which is not
visible from other properties or from any street right-of-way.
i. Signs showing resident's name, historical plaque or marker, street address
and76rname of a lawful home occupation taking place on the premises.
j. Construction Signs, identifying contractors while doing construction
work on a property.
k.. Temporary Subdivision Sales Signs and permanent Subdivision Identification
Signs as approved in connection with the Definitive Plans for such subdivision
and located at the principal entrance to the subdivision in an acceptable
easement, not within any street right-of-way or access easement.
1. Real Estate Sales Signs, including placards showing the words "Sold" or "Sale
Pending or similar not exceeding one-third the size of the sales sign.
17
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31
M. Temporary Open House signs, not exceeding four square feet each, may be
placed at a rate of one per agency per intersection per property and one on
the open house property.
n. Garage/Yard Sale Signs, limited to one sign located on the property on which
.the garage/yard sale -is taking place and one at each of no more than two
intersections of public streets.
o. Any establishment located in a Business or Industrial Zoning District may
display:
® An "Open" Flag with dimensional requirements not to exceed
four (4) feet by six (6) feet and may contain decorative graphics.
® A National or State Flag - with emblems of reous,
educational, governmental organization or any other federally tax-exempt
organization, except when displayed in connection with commercial
promotions or advertising. Dimensions shall not exceed four (4) feet by six
(6) feet.
6.2.5. Prohibited Signs:
No private sign shall be installed or .placed on `public property, except by
express permission of the Town or as otherwise allowed herein.
The following signs are prohibited in any zoning district:
a. Signs which interfere with traffic or pedestrian safety, including.any which may
obstruct or interfere with traffic or pedestrian visibility or movement at any
intersection or into or out of '.any, ; cr which by reason of position,
shape, or color may interfere with, may obstruct the view of, or be confused
with anyauthorized, traffic sign, signal, or device; or which makes use of the
word!E "MP," "LOOK," "DANGER,", or any other word, phrase, symbol, or
character `in';such;a manner as to interfere with,. mislead, or confuse motorists
or pedestrians..
b. Signs placed or painted on any tree (other than street address), rock (other
than street address); utility pole (other than yard sale sign), traffic safety sign,
or similar fixture; painted on any building wall, bench, pavement, parking
bumper or curb (other than a "Reserved" marking), or other similar outdoor
surface.
C. Internally illuminated signs, unless the background or signboard completely
blocks'~illurnination or glow except through the letters and graphics.
d. Signs which contain a beacon of any type; which contain a spot light providing
direct illumination to the public; which flash, revolve, rotate, move, or blink, or
which fluctuate in light intensity; animated signs, that is, which use lighting to
depict action or to create an illusion of movement or a special effect or scene.
e. Any self illuminated or backlit signs which use . LCD, LED, electronic
messaging or digital technology, neon or similar signs except as displayed on
the inside of windows subject to the provisions of Paragraph 6.2.6.2.c.
Free-standing signs in a Business-B Zoning District.
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32
g. Internally illuminated signs in a .Business-B Zoning District.
h. Banners as permanent signs. Banners are allowed only as temporary signs
four times a year for an annual total of 56 days with a sign permit, refer to
Section 6.2.3.2.i. for full details.
i. Signs located on any portion of a lot except a front yard or a side yard directly
abutting a public street.
j. Signs which do not meet and are not maintained to meet the provisions of this
Section and all applicable building, wiring, health, and-safety codes; or which
are not neatly and legibly lettered.
k. Reader Board Signs are not allowed except as pricedisplays at gas stations.
I. Balloons or blimps used as signs, a movable poster or panel sign, umbrellas
containing any commercial message; or signs' attached to:. or painted on'
vehicles traveling or parked on, or visible from any public right-of-way, unless
such vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operation of a business.
6.2.6. Signs by Zoning District:
Signs are allowed or permitted in each Zoning District and are-specified in
Table 6.2.3. and as follows:
6.2.6:1. Business or Commercial Signs in Residential~Zoning Districts:
Legal nonconforming business or commercial operations in any residential
zoning district shall follow the Business B-Zoning District regulations as
specified in Subsection 6.2.6.4. Except that such signs shall be set back a
minimum of twenty feet from any other lot and shall not be illuminated except
,..during hours of operation:
6.2.6.2,.. ` Signs in Business and Industrial Zoning Districts:
The following signs are allowed in all Business and Industrial Zoning Districts.
In addition, please refer to Table 6.2.3:
All awnings and canopies shall be impervious to light so that no illumination or
glow can be seen through it. Awnings may contain letters up to four inches in
height stating only the name of the business and the street number without
requiring a sign permit. Such lettering shall not count toward allowed sign
area.
All other awnings or canopies with lettering or graphics shall,require a sign
permit and count as part of the allowed sign area.
33
All awnings and canopies shall have a minimum ground clearance of eight
feet. Ground clearance shall be measured between the lowest point of the
19
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awning or canopy and the ground or sidewalk. No awning or canopy shall be
illuminated in such a way that the light from such illumination is visible through
the canopy or awning.
b. Bulletin boards are allowed, provided that no free-standing or wall-mounted
bulletin board may exceed twelve square feet in size.
c. W indow Signs: Window signs are encouraged on the inside surface of the
glass. Permanently affixed, weather resistant, individual letters that are not
subject to wear and tear are permitted on the exterior of the window.
Temporary or permanent signs may without permit be attached to the inside of
the glass surface of a window (a single structurally supported sheet of glass or
a sash) or door, or placed within the premises .closer than five feet from any
window or door and situated or designed so that the sign's graphic content is
visible from the outside through an window or door, provided that any such
sign shall:
(1) Be uniformly located only in thirty (30%) percent of the glass sheet or sash;
(2) Contain no letters larger than eight~(8) inches in height;
(3) Be professional in appearance and good, order shall be maintained at all
times. Not be restricted with respect>;to, graphic or message content,
whether of.a permanent. or temporary nature, nor be restricted with
respect to materials;
(4) Have a sign area not to exceed six ;(6). square feet if the sign is not
illuminated;
architectural break in the facade this buffer shall be reduced to seven
(7) feet;;
(5) In .:addition to the above, any, illuminated sign shall be placed only in a
% shall also:
window; and not in a door, and
(a) Have a sign area not to exceed four (4) square feet;
(bj Be placed. no closer than ten feet from any other internally illuminated
window sign on the premises. In cases where there is a door or other
(;c) Be placed only in a window which contains no other signs of any type;
and;
(d) Be illuminated only during hours of operation of the business
establishment.
Notwithstanding the above, window signs shall also be allowed in conformity
with the provisions of Paragraph 6.2.6.2.h: below.
34
d. Directional and informational signs displaying text only, no corporate logos, or
. slogans are allowed provided that such signs shall be limited to wall and free-
standing signs with a maximum of four square feet of sign area. One such
sign, not exceeding six (6) feet in height, may be placed at each vehicular
20
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entrance or exit on a lot to identify such entrance or exit provided such sign
does not constitute a traffic hazard; such signs shall not affect the computation
of allowable number of signs or aggregate sign size on a property. One such
sign, not exceeding six feet in height and four square feet of sign area, may be
placed in conjunction with each drive=up bank teller window or machine
provided that such sign shall not constitute a traffic hazard.
e. Marquee signs are `prohibited except when used in conjunction with an indoor
movie theater and attached to the outside wall of the building, provided that
the size of the marquee sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet,
and the bottom of the marquee sign shall not be of a height of less than 8 feet
above the grade directly below.
f. Outdoor menu boards are prohibited except:
® As a portable sign with a sign :.permit issued by the Board of
Selectmen.
® When used in conjunction with, .a restaurant having a.; drive up window.
No more than three menuboards are allowed., The maximum
aggregate sign area is 100 square feet. No one sign rnay.:exceed 50
square feet. Any lettering shall -not be legible from any `other property
or any street right-of-way.
g. Informational and directional signs are allowed in all business and industrial
zoning districts with a maximum sign area of four square feet per sign in
accordance with Table 6.2.3.
h. Temporary signs intended for business openings and re-openings, open
houses, and-;special sales and .promotional events for an individual business,
are allowed, provided that:
® The individual business shall place no more than,four (4)
such 'signs per calendar year'..for an annual total of 56 days (except in
conjunction with . an . organized Town-wide common special event as
specified`below),
® All; temporary. signs shall have received a sign permit from the Building
Inspector.
® No such sign shall exceed sixteen (16) square feet in sign area or thirty
(30) square. feet in'!sign area for businesses that have a setback more than
fifty (50) feet from the primary street upon which the business is located,
Any such sign shall be printed or legibly lettered on a rigid signboard or
fabric banner,
® In cases where renovation or construction includes removal of permanent
signs, a temporary sign is allowed as follows:
® dimensions shall be the same as temporary signs
• may be used as a permanent sign .
may remain during construction provided the construction or
renovation is expeditiously pursued
® must be removed upon the installation of the permanent sign
®.No such sign shall be placed so as to constitute a hazard to motorists or
pedestrians,
® If placed upon a window any such sign shall be included in the aggregate
window area specified in Paragraph 6.2.6.2.c above
35 21 q b 23
In the case only of common special events organized by a recognized
association of businesses for which events a license has been granted by the
Board of Selectmen, an individual participating business may display a
temporary sign in conjunction with such an event, provided that such signs
related to said events shall not exceed four per year.
Grand opening events for a new business may display for fourteen (14) days,
upon issuance of a sign permit. Non-illuminated temporary banners, flags,
balloons and streamers provided they are mounted in a 'way that does not
pose a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic and sight lines as determined
by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Only one grand opening sign permit per
business may be issued until the property undergoes a change of use or
change of ownership.
i. Farm Stands and Garden Stands which do not have permanent windows shall
be allowed, without permit or limitation as to ;.number or material, to display
temporary signs identifying goods offered for sale on the premises, provided
that such signs are kept in good order and that the aggregate total sign area
of all such signs on a lot shall not exceed one square-foot, per lineal feet of
frontage of such lot. Decorative noncommercial flags may :..be displayed for
sale.
j. Clocks, not to exceed eight square feet m surface area per sidd'or twelve feet
in height, 'are allowed, provided that they display no advertising or commercial
material.
k. Time and temperature displays maybe included in any free-standing or wall
sign, and no more than twelve additional. square feet of sign area may be
added to the otherwise allowable sign area:of such sign.
1. For commercial buildings containing more than one business requiring wall
signage, any wall sign provided for any such business must be in conformity
with the requirements of this Section 6.2 and in accordance with the following
stipulations concerning an overall'` master signage, plan for such building. The
master signage plan shall show not more than one wall sign per business
within the building. -However, at the owner's election not every business within
the building need be provided with a wall sign within the' proposed
assemblage: No wall:'sign shall be issued a sign permit for any building for
which a signage plan has been submitted or approved that is not included in
or is not in conformity with the applicable signage plan. The master signage
plan .need not show the specific message content for any individual sign
contained therein, so as to provide for change in business occupancy which
may frorn'time to time occur within the building:
(1) In all Business and Industrial Zoning Districts, the building owner may
submit for approval to the Community Planning and Development
Commission (CPDC), a master signage plan in accordance with the
provisions of Section 6.2.6.4.1. The CPDC may issue a Certificate of
Appropriateness for the building showing the allocation within the
maximum sign area as allowed according to Table 6.2.3. hereof among
wall signs for businesses within the building. This master signage plan
shall show the size, placement, materials, framing, graphic and design
standards for each such sign and the assemblage thereof proposed within
36
22
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said allowable maximum sign area, together with proposed lighting and
methods of attachment of all such signs.
Once the Certificate of Appropriateness has been approved by the CPDC,
the Building Inspector shall issue.a sign permit for any individual business
sign if it conforms to the master signage plan.
6.2.6.3. Signs in Business-A Zoning Districts:
Allowed. Signs (also specified in Table 6.2.3):
6 Free-Standing
® Wall
® Projecting
® Internally illuminated
Prohibited Signs:
® Banners as permanent signs
® A free-standing *and wall sign for b uildings:that are not multi4enant
All internally illuminated signs shall have a background or signboard that
completely blocks illumination or glow such that light is only visible through the
letters and graphics. All illuminated signs. hall be turned off at the close of
business.
A lot which contains not rnore"'than one establishment shall be. allowed one
free-standing sign or one wall sign 'or, one., projecting sign only. The street
address number of the property shall be prominently displayed on such sign,
and the sigri shale in all respects',;conform to: the above requirements.
A lot :`which contains more than one establishment shall be allowed a
maximum of the following signs, all of which shall in every respect conform to
the requirements of this Section:
a. One free-standing sign identifying the property, and
b One wall or projecting -sign per business occupying the ground floor and front
wall of the building, except in cases where the provisions of Paragraph
,612.6.21. arp*..ublized, and
c. One joint identification sign listing the names and logos of the establishments
on the premises but containing no other advertising matter, mounted either on
an appropriate building wall or on two posts, provided that such joint
identification sign shall not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area, shall not
exceed eight (8) feet in height, and shall not be located within a front, side, or
rear yard as required in Subsection 5.1.2. hereof,
d. Either the allowed free-standing sign or, if no free-standing sign is used, then
at least one wall or projecting sign, shall prominently display the street
address number of the property.
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6.2.6.3.1 Off-Premises Signs:
The Board of Appeals may grant a Special Permit for an Off Premises
Sign including an outdoor advertising sign ("billboard") in a Business A
zoning district under the following conditions:
a. The proposed sign shall be in a Business A district immediately abutting
an Interstate Highway, and within 25 feet of the main right of way of such
highway excluding on and off ramps;
b. The placement of the proposed sign shall be. conditioned upon the
elimination of no less than three non-conforming Off Premises signs
elsewhere in the Town of Reading;
C. There shall be no more than one Off Premises? sign on any one lot that
existed as a separate lot at the time of adoption of this section;
d. The sign may be double sided with no greater than a 30 degree angle of
separation between the two face's;,
e. Illumination of the sign shall be by external illumination . only and
illumination shall be,limited to the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.;
f. The sign shall not exceed 675 square feet on each of the two permitted
faces;
g. The maximum height of any.Off Premises sign shall be 95 feet from the.
ground level upon which the sign is installed to the highest point of the
structu re;
h: The nearest part of any Off Premises sign shall be no closer than 20 feet
from an abutting property; and no less than 10 feet from the highway right
of;:way; and
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i. The proposed use `shall not be detrimental to the public good.
6.2.6.4. ":.,Signs in Business-B Zoning Districts:
Allowed Signs:
Wall
® Projecting
Awning Sign
® Externally illuminated signs
Prohibited:
® Free-Standing
® Internally illuminated signs
Banners. as permanent signs
No sign permit shall be issued for any permanent sign in the Business-B
Zoning District without the sign having been granted a Certificate of
Appropriateness (Subsection 6.2.6.4.1.). Wall and projecting signs permitted /
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in any Business-B Zoning District are specified in Table 6.2.3. No free-
standing, internally illuminated, or Reader Board signs shall be permitted
anywhere in a Business-B Zoning District.
Signs for properties containing more than one establishment:
For a lot which contains more than one business,' a Certificate of
Appropriateness may be granted for more than one sign, and a maximum of
the following signs are allowed, all of which shall in every respect conform to
the requirements of this Section:
a. A business occupying the ground floor is allowed two (2) signs if one sign is a
wall sign and the second one is a projecting /blade, s gn, an awning sign, or a
wall sign that is located on a different building fagade than the first wall sign.
The allowable sign area for the primary sign is equal to 2 square feet per
linear footage of length of the front wall of the building occupied by the
establishment to which the sign relates in. accordance with Table 6.2.3. The
secondary sign area shall not exceed half of the sign area allowed for the
primary sign located on the principal, frontage:
b. One joint identification is allowed isting the names and logos of
establishments on the premises provided. the following conditions are met:
• No additional advertising
• Shall be mountedon the, building wall closest to the entrance
• Shall not exceed four (4)` square feet in sign area
• Shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height
• Shall not project beyond the propertyline
c. Allowance for an.Additional WaILSign: in addition to signs allowed above, a
street,-'address sign shall be permitted as follows:
• Not~4o'.exceed:Jour (4) square feet in sign area
• Not to exceed 'six (6) feet in sign height
o `Shall only display the street address and number of the
property
6.2.6.4.1; Certificate.of; Appropriateness / Community Planning and Development
The CPDC shall establish procedures for receiving and reviewing applications
for signs in the Business B Zoning District, and for providing written decisions
to the Building Inspector. The CPDC shall, in reviewing such applications,
consider the design, arrangement, location, texture, materials, colors, lighting,
and other visual characteristics of each proposed sign and its compatibility
with its general surroundings with regard to the purposes outlined in
Paragraph 6.2.1.
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If the CPDC shall refuse to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for any
proposed sign, it shall state in writing the reasons therefore, with suggestions
as to how the proposal may be modified so as to be approved.
If the CPDC shall fail to issue or refuse to issue a Certificate of
Appropriateness within forty-five (45) days of the date of a completed
application being submitted, the Certificate shall be deemed to have been'
issued. An appeal from any decision of the CP.DC. may be made within
twenty days of such decision being filed with the Town Clerk, to the Board of
Selectmen, who may uphold, modify or overrule the action of the CPDC and
grant a Certificate of Appropriateness. In those cases where proposed signs
are included as part of plans for approval under Site Plan Review (Section
4.3.3) or PRD Special Permit review.,,(Section 4.10), a Certificate of
Appropriateness separate from such;approVal shall not be required and shall
be combined with the review of said,permit.
626.5. Signs in Business-C Zoning Districts: '
Allowed Signs:
• Free-Standing
• Walt
• Projecting
• Internally illuminated signs.
Prohibited `Signs:
• Banners as permanent signs
• A free-standing and wall sign for:buildings that are not multi-tenant
In .addition to the provisions' of Paragraph 6.2.6.3., provided, however, that in
addition to those signs allowed in said paragraph, a wall sign consisting only
of the name and 'corporate logo of the principal occupant of a building located
within eighteen hund "red feet of the centerline of an Interstate Highway may be
displayed between th& top course of windows and' the parapet of such building
provided that sign area not exceed fifty percent of the surface area described
by ahe tops of;-such windows, the parapet, and the wall corners, that letters
and 'aogo contained in or constituting such sign shall not exceed eight feet in
height, that the lowest point of such sign shall not be closer than 48 feet above
the ground immediately below, that such sign shall not be illuminated between
the hours of 11:00 PM and sunrise, and that such sign shall be located on the
building wall most directly facing said highway.
6.2.6.6. Signs in Industrial Zoning Districts:
Allowed Signs:
• Free-Standing
• Wall
• Projecting
• Internally illuminated
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Prohibited Signs:
® Banners as permanent signs
® A free-standing and wall sign for buildings that are not multi-tenant
In addition to the provisions of Subsection 6.2.6.3. and in conjunction with a
Special Permit to Construct a Planned Unit Development (PUD) granted in
accordance with Section 4.9. hereof, the Community Planning and
Development Commission (CPDC) may, consistent with Subsection 6.2.1.,
allow modifications to any provision of this Section. The CPDC may allow one
additional free-standing sign, not to exceed thirty-five feet in height or 144
square feet in sign area, in that portion of the PUD parcel's landscaped
perimeter buffer area most closely adjacent to Route 128 but not closer than
500 feet from any other public street existing at the time of submission of a
relevant Preliminary-PUD Plan.
6.2.6.7. Signs in a PUD:
Notwithstanding anything in this.Section 6.2 t6the contrary, signs are allowed
or permitted in a PUD only in accordance with '`'Section.4.9.5.6. of these By-
Laws.
6.2.6.8 Signs in Residential Districts:
Allowed Signs:
® Wall
® Projecting-
Externally illuminated signs i_;
Prohibited:
® Internally: illuminated signs.
Free-standing signs
® Banners as permanent signs
Except for identification` signs (6.2.4.i.) or signs allowed in Subsection 6.2.6.1.,
no sign in ahYResidential Zoning District shall be illuminated in any manner.
Decorative non'-commercial banners or flags displayed on residential lots shall
not, be construed as signs for purposes of this By-Law. In connection with any
Special Permit to Construct a Planned Residential Development (PRD)
granted in accordance with Section 4.10. hereof, the Community Planning and
Development Commission may allow modifications to any provision of this
Section which is not inconsistent with the Purposes of this Section as
specified in Subsection 6.2.1.
6.2.7. Removal'of Defunct Signs:
In the event a business, other than a seasonal business, ceases operations for a
period of time in excess of thirty days, the sign owner or lessee, or the property
owner, shall immediately remove any identification or advertising of said business
or any product or service sold thereby. If the sign conforms to the provisions of this
Section, and if a permit has been requested within said thirty-day period for altering
the same sign in conformity with this Section to identify a new business in the same
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location, such alteration shall be allowed. Changes in legend on any directory sign
shall be exempt from the provisions of this paragraph.
6.2.8. Nonconforming Signs:
A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged or altered in any way which would
increase its nonconformity. Should any nonconforming sign be damaged by any
means to an extent of more than fifty percent of its replacement cost at the tirrle of
damage, it shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this
Section 6.2.
Or take any other action with respect thereto
Community Planning 'and``Development Commission
ARTICLE 26 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 4.4, Flood Plain
Districts, of the Town of Reading Zoning By-Laws by:>deleting in its entirety Section 4.4, and
inserting in its place the following new section which follows the model by-law suggested by
the Massachusetts Department of Conservation arid. Recreation:
4.4. FLOODPLAIN OVERLAY DISTRICT
4.4.1. Statement of Purpose
The purposes of the Floodplain Overlay District are to:
1) Ensure public safety h'rough reducing the threats to wife and personal injury;
2) Eliminate new hazards to emergency response officials;
3) Prevent the occurrence of public emergencies resulting from water quality,
contamination, and -pollution due to floodin
4) Avoid the loss of utility services which if damaged by flooding would disrupt or
shut...down the utility network and impact regions of the community beyond the
site of flooding;
5) Eliminate costs associated with the response and cleanup of flooding
conditions;
6) Reduce damage to public and private property resulting from flooding waters.
4.4.2. Boundar es-of FloodP;lain District:
The Floodplain District is; established as an overlay district.. The Floodplain District includes
all special flood hazard areas within the Town of Reading designated as Zone A and AE on
the Middlesex County Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) for the administration of ' the National Flood Insurance
Program. The map panels of the Middlesex County FIRM that are wholly or partially within
the Town of Reading are panel numbers 25017C0292E, 25017C0294E, 25017C0303E,
25017C0311 E, 25017C0312E, 25017C0313E and 25017C0314E
that go into effect on June 4, 2010. The exact boundaries of the District may be defined by
the 100-year base flood elevations shown on the FIRM and further defined by the Middlesex
County Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report dated June 4, 2010. The FIRM and FIS report
are incorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Town Engineer
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