Quincy Sign & Advertising Bylaws - Prohibited Ads

Signs and Advertising Massachusetts 3 Minutes Read ยท published March 01, 2026 Flag of Massachusetts

In Quincy, Massachusetts, rules on signs and advertising are enforced at the municipal level to protect safety, property and the public right-of-way. This guide summarizes how prohibited ads, inspections and removal orders are handled by city departments, what penalties and enforcement options may apply, and how residents and businesses can comply or appeal. It focuses on the practical steps to report violations, request permits, and respond to inspection notices so you can act quickly and follow official procedures.

Scope and Prohibited Advertising

The city regulates a broad range of signs, banners and other advertising devices in the public right-of-way and on private property where permits or variances are required. Typical prohibitions include signs that obstruct sidewalks or sightlines, are posted on light poles and traffic devices, or that are not authorized by a current permit.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by the city building or inspectional services division and/or the planning department; these offices investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and issue removal or corrective orders. Official contact and complaint submission information is available from the Building Inspectional Services page Building Inspectional Services[1] and from the City Clerk/code resources City code and bylaws[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat or continuing offence ranges is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions may include removal orders, seizure of signs, and court action to compel compliance.
  • Enforcer: Building/Inspectional Services and Planning; inspections are initiated by complaint or routine patrol.
  • Appeals/review: formal appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; confirm procedures with the City Clerk or the issuing department.
Removal orders may be issued for signs that pose safety hazards or violate permit conditions.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes permit and application processes for signs where required; specific form names, numbers, fees and filing instructions are not published on the cited pages and should be requested from Building Inspectional Services or Planning[1].

Typical Enforcement Process and Action Steps

  • Report: file a complaint with Building Inspectional Services using the official contact page or phone number listed by the department.[1]
  • Inspection: the department schedules an inspection and documents violations.
  • Notice: if a violation is found, the city issues a removal or correction order with steps to comply.
  • Appeal or comply: follow the written notice for appeals or remedy the violation to avoid further enforcement.
Keep dated photos and a record of correspondence if you receive a removal or violation notice.

FAQ

Can I place temporary campaign or event signs in public spaces?
Temporary political or event signs are commonly restricted in the public right-of-way and may require permission; consult Building Inspectional Services for applicable limits and removal rules.[1]
How soon must the city remove an unlawful sign after notice?
The specific notice period and required time to remove signs are not specified on the cited pages; check the written order you receive or contact the issuing department for deadlines.[2]
Who pays for removal if the city removes a sign?
Liability for removal costs and any recovery process are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the issuing department or City Clerk.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify the sign or advertising device and take clear photos showing location and hazards.
  2. Find the applicable department contact on the Building Inspectional Services page and submit a complaint with photos.[1]
  3. Wait for inspection or confirmation, then follow any written removal or correction order issued by the city.
  4. If you disagree with an order, request appeal instructions from the issuing department or City Clerk and file within the stated time limit.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check permit requirements before installing signs to avoid removal or enforcement.
  • Report violations to Building Inspectional Services with photos and location details.[1]
  • Specific fines, escalation ranges and some deadlines are not specified on the cited city pages; confirm with the issuing office.[2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Building Inspectional Services - City of Quincy
  2. [2] City Code and Bylaws - City Clerk, City of Quincy

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