Should Mobile Signs Be Addressed Under Westford Bylaws?
Welcome to our question of the day. If you have a question you'd like us to ask our readers, e-mail us at westford@patch.com
Under Article 10.2 of the Westford Zoning Bylaws, a sign is described as...
"Any letter, word, symbol, drawing, picture, design, device, article or object that advertises, calls attention to or indicates any premises, person or activity, whatever the nature of the material and manner of composition or construction, when the same is placed out of doors in view of the general public or placed indoors for exterior observance, except temporary indoor paper signs advertising sales, promotions or special events."
A few of our readers have pondered whether or not the large truck that sits in front of Cash for Gold for extended periods at a time would be included under the town's zoning bylaws for signs.
Although it is debatable whether a vehicle that remains stationary for days on end could meet the definition of a sign, there are currently no portions of the zoning bylaws addressing signs on vehicles.
So today, we want to ask you whether you think signs attached to vehicles like the Cash for Gold truck should be specifically addressed under the town's zoning bylaws.
Paul F
1:54 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
In my opinion, signs on trucks parked routinely for extended periods along public roadways are acting as advertising billboards and should be regulated accordingly. Signs on moving trucks should not be regulated. In the case pictured, the truck is taking up a prime parking space that should be for customers of Westford Plaza. The truck should be parked in back, out of sight.
Vincent DiRico
6:56 pm on Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Given spaces in Westford Plaza are never close to being full (your only potentially valid criticism) why do you think you have the right to cut into this business? Don't you enjoy the liberal wacko spending of the tax $s?
By the way I noticed the nice (not) new Park Drive sign go up. Given that you have your work cut out for you with any limits on CS signs, good luck there.
Wayne Lockhart
10:17 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
If the object (not necessarily a truck as I have seen Semi Trailers used for this purpose in other areas) is placed for the explicit intent of advertising then I believe the law should be amended to cover them. But it is a complex question as the vehicle could very well be a key part of operating the business (think plumber with business lettering on a truck) and if managed incorrectly they could technically not be allowed to park anywhere in town limits. A though question but one also often abused.