Dedham Wants Public Opinion On Sign Code

DEDHAM, MA — Dedham town and business officials want to know what residents think about the town's sign code. In an effort to update the sign code, the town is surveying residents to see what should be tweaked and what is working.

The town's sign code was established in 1996 and was most recently amended in 2013.

Fall 2019 Town Meeting approved $35,000 to hire a consultant to update the existing sign code. Harriman, the consultant, has recently completed a review of the existing Sign Code and the application process. Harriman has also conducted interviews with several Dedham stakeholders.

The study will address a number of issues and topics, including:

• Recognizing the variety of sign locations and signage needs
  • The business and visual environments in Dedham are highly varied, from the Route 1 corridor to the small business districts street corridors with auto-oriented businesses, and various pockets of commercial and institutional uses. The signage code must recognize that there are different size, orientation, lighting and other factors which should regulate signage.
• Facilitating good sign design and straightforward review
  • The standards should be clear to those designing the signs, for those applying, and for those who must process them.
• Addressing emerging trends and technologies
  • There are many new technologies and materials that are being used for signage, not all of which may be appropriately aligned with Town goals. We have had the opportunity to consider and provide regulations addressing such topics as LED variable message sign, rear lit and flashing signs, signs placed behind storefront glazing, and product branded signs that have confronted other communities.