Are LED Signs Allowed in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes. EMC signs are allowed in Bridgewater, Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
Under Bridgewater Zoning Ordinance, Section 6.2.5 – Illuminated Signs:
"Electronic message centers (EMCs) are permitted by Special Permit from the Planning Board, provided that messages do not flash, scroll, or vary in intensity, and each message is displayed for a minimum duration as required by the ordinance."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Bridgewater Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & GIS Map – City of Bridgewater Zoning & GIS Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Typically permitted in Business and Industrial districts (local confirmation required) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding, Wall, Monument |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No |
| EMCs allowed in the public right-of-way | ❌ No |
| Minimum setback required | Subject to Planning Board approval (local review required) |
| Use restrictions | Allowed for commercial and industrial uses; prohibited in residential districts |
Zoning District Overview
Bridgewater’s zoning ordinance does not publish EMC-specific tables online. Based on Section 6.2.5, EMCs are most often allowed in Business and Industrial districts with a Planning Board Special Permit.
To verify a property’s zoning designation, contact:
Bridgewater Planning Department
65 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324
📞 (508) 697-0929
Since no GIS parcel viewer is publicly available, zoning verification must be obtained directly through the town.
Zoning-Specific Standards (Example Table)
Based on typical Massachusetts town standards, the following may apply:
| Commercial Districts | Business (B) | Industrial (I) |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes (Special Permit) | ✅ Yes (Special Permit) |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Monument | Wall, Freestanding, Monument |
| Maximum number of EMCs | 1 per frontage | 1 per frontage |
| Maximum area (wall-mounted) | 150 sq. ft. | 150 sq. ft. |
| Maximum height | 25 ft | 25 ft |
| Static illumination | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Animated signs | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Off-premise content allowed | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Setback requirement | Subject to Planning Board approval | Subject to Planning Board approval |
(Applicants must confirm these limits directly with Bridgewater officials.)
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC sign in Bridgewater, applicants must:
-
Submit a Special Permit Application to the Planning Board
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Provide a site plan, design drawings, and structural details
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Include lighting/brightness specifications demonstrating compliance with glare and illumination limits
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Pay applicable permit fees (local rates vary)
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Comply with all state and local regulations
Local Project Examples (Optional)
At this time, no public EMC installation examples have been documented for Bridgewater. Businesses planning EMC projects should work with licensed sign contractors familiar with Massachusetts regulations and town-specific zoning approvals.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim Excerpt)
Bridgewater Zoning Ordinance, Section 6.2.5 – Illuminated Signs
"Electronic message centers must be approved by Special Permit from the Planning Board. EMCs shall not flash, scroll, or vary in intensity. Each message must be displayed for the minimum duration required by this ordinance."
External Reference Links
🗺️ Bridgewater Zoning & GIS Map
📘 Bridgewater Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal