Plymouth Select Board Standardizes Sidewalk Signage with New Temporary Commercial Sign Policy
PLYMOUTH - May 26, 2026 - The Plymouth Select Board passed a highly debated temporary commercial sign permit policy designed to establish partial and safe standards for the public while giving downtown and village businesses a legal avenue to display sidewalk signage. The policy includes a $50 annual permit fee and a $1,000 surety bond requirement, both aimed at shifting administrative costs and municipal hazard liability away from taxpayers.
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Jason Silva, Director of Inspectional Services, presented the final draft of the temporary commercial sign permit policy, describing it as a collaborative “olive branch” effort between town staff, the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, and local business owners. The policy provides an add-on to the existing zoning bylaw, allowing commercial properties to place temporary signs—such as A-frame sandwich boards—directly in front of their storefronts. Prior to this policy, temporary sidewalk signs were technically prohibited throughout the town under existing zoning bylaws.
“This policy went through many edits and versions, and the version you see today represents a final draft. We all worked hard to create this policy, and it represents the business community’s desires while also incorporating an impartial and safe set of standards for the public.” — Jason Silva, Director of Inspectional Services
A major focal point of the board’s debate revolved around specific location restrictions, notably a rule requiring that signs maintain a clear path of five feet or more on the sidewalk and stand at least 15 feet away from intersections to avoid sightline hazards. Board member David Golden questioned whether the five-foot path requirement would effectively preclude smaller downtown businesses on narrow sidewalks from participating. Silva clarified that businesses failing to meet the five-foot clearance could alternatively turn their signs single-sided flat against the storefront facade to avoid obstructing the right-of-way.
Golden also expressed staunch opposition to the implementation of the $50 fee and the $1,000 surety bond, characterizing them as unnecessary added financial burdens on local businesses. He urged the board to delay the vote for a more holistic presentation that included town counsel and deeper analysis of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sidewalk regulations.
Conversely, board member Kevin Canty supported the measure, asserting that public rights-of-way must prioritize pedestrian safety and mobility. Board member Bill Keohan also approved the measure, noting that regulating the “wild west” of unregulated signs would improve safety during Plymouth’s peak day-tripping tourist season. The board ultimately passed both the policy and the corresponding fee structure in split 4-1 votes, with Golden dissenting.
