Sign Certification

Sign Example

Definition of Sign

Sign shall mean and include any permanent or temporary structure, device, letter, words, model, banner, pennant, insignia, trade flag, or representation used as, or which is in the nature of, an advertisement, announcement, or direction and which is designed to be seen from the outside of a building.  See Section 7.13 of the Zoning Ordinance.

Sign Permits

All signs must have a permit from the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) before installation.  Before submittal to ISD, all sign proposals must have a Community Development Sign Certification Form Cover Sheet as well as an individual form for each type of sign (wall, projecting, freestanding and nonconforming). 

Submit the forms with a sketch or picture of the proposed sign(s) to Community Development Staff using one of the following:

  • Email to dmessplay@cambridgema.gov
  • FAX 617/349-4652, attention: Daniel Messplay 
  • Postal Mail to the Community Development Department, 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139.

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

City Council approval is required for all signs that extend 6 inches or more from the face of the building.  Contact the City Clerk's office for more information at 617/349-4260.

Sign Regulations

The Sign and Illumination regulations are located in Article 7.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.

For More Information

For questions and for more information contact Daniel Messplay at 617/349-4652 or dmessplay@cambridgema.gov.