Increase In Hopkinton Lawn Signs Brings More Complaints

HOPKINTON, MA — The coronavirus pandemic forced many people to get creative in the ways they express themselves, since gatherings and meetings are too dangerous. Six months ago, lawn signs became a popular way to express hope, thanks and feelings about the quarantine and those working through it.

Now, with election season in full swing and the nation grappling with its history with race, ethnicity and class, the lawn signs in Hopkinton are still reflecting residents views.

The town has no issue with residents expressing themselves, but said it has received "numerous complaints that the signage has had a negative effect upon Hopkinton’s image as a bucolic community."

In response to the complaints, the town is urging residents to reread the town signage bylaw. The temporary sign regulations are contained in Zoning Bylaw § 210-179, and the enforcement of temporary sign regulations falls under the purview of the Building Department.

The Zoning Bylaw recognizes the right to display signs, but also delineates the number of signs and the period of time they can be displayed. The bylaw reads:

• No more than two temporary signs may be displayed on a lot, neither of which shall exceed 8 square feet in area. A temporary sign shall not be displayed for more than 30 days
• For 30 days before and up to two days after a municipal, state, or federal election, there is no maximum number of temporary signs permitted
• All temporary signage must be on the homeowner’s property and not in the public right of way, nor on Town owned property. It is important to note that flags and insignias of governmental jurisdictions are exempt from the bylaw.