What do I need to submit for a Nantucket HDC sign permit?

You need a completed application form, a site plan showing sign location, scaled drawings at 1/4 scale showing exact dimensions and lettering, color samples for all colors used, and photographs of the proposed sign location. The application fee is $150 per sign.

What scale do sign drawings need to be for the HDC?

Drawings must be at 1/4 scale and show exact dimensions, lettering style, colors, and mounting method. Sign construction should not begin until HDC approval is received.

When is the HDC sign application deadline?

Applications must be submitted to HDC staff by the Monday prior to the Sign Advisory Council (SAC) meeting. The SAC meets Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the HDC office, 2 Fairgrounds Road, Nantucket.

How much is the HDC sign application fee?

The application fee is $150 per sign, payable by cash or check made out to the Town of Nantucket.

Do I need to attend the SAC meeting after submitting my application?

Yes. Applicants should attend the Sign Advisory Council meeting as revisions or additional information may be requested. The HDC must act within 60 days of application.

Nantucket Historic District Commission

Sign Application Checklist

Certificate of Appropriateness — Required Submission Materials

Nantucket Island, MA

Download Sign Checklist Here →

All business signs on Nantucket require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission before mounting. Use this checklist to make sure your application is complete before submitting. Incomplete applications will delay review.

Submit materials to HDC staff by the Monday prior to the SAC meeting. The Sign Advisory Council meets Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the HDC office, 2 Fairgrounds Road, Nantucket. Application fee: $150 per sign.

Application Form

Completed HDC sign application form
Property address and applicant contact information
Owner of record of the building contact and email
Signature or printed email consent by Owner of Record

Site Plan

A clear photograph with the sign shown/sketched in to scale, Exact dimensions
2 Copies; indicating the buildings footprint and its location on its site. Copies may be available from the Registry of Deeds or the Building Department at 2 Fairgrounds Road
2 Copies of business location through GIS: https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/151/GIS-Maps

Drawings

2 Copies of the sign, its support bracket, lighting (if any). The HDC recommends a scale of 3" equals 1' or larger, but the scale should be noted if different. Be sure to include specific dimensions and show details of any edge banding and/or molding used.
Sample of the type face to be used, unless provided in the scaled drawing. Clear photographs of existing signs, detailed drawings are also acceptable.

Materials & Colors

Color samples for all paint colors used

Fee

$150 per sign application
Cash or check made payable to: Town of Nantucket

Submission

Submit all materials to HDC staff by Monday prior to the SAC meeting
Signed Affidavit of Historic District Commission's Sign Checklist
For electronic submission, send single PDF file with all documentation to hdcsubmissions@nantucket-ma.gov

Important

Do not construct or mount your sign until you have received written approval from the HDC. Any changes from the approved design require a new application. The HDC must act within 60 days of a completed application.

Related Resources

HDC Sign Rules & Guidelines →Download the Sign Book PDF →Order a custom Nantucket sign →Nantucket GIS Maps →HDC Submission Email →