ZONING BYLAW - Town of Charlton

5.6.8. Area of Signs
1. The area of a sign shall be considered to include all lettering, wording, and accompanying
designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed, any frame
around the sign and any “cutouts” or extensions, but shall not include any supporting
structure or bracing.
2. The area of a sign consisting of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted on a
surface, building, wall or window, shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectangle
which encompasses all of the letters and symbols.
3. The area of a sign which is other than rectangular in shape shall be determined as the area of
the smallest rectangle which encompasses all elements of said sign.
4. The area of a sign consisting of a three-dimensional object shall be considered the area of the
smallest rectangle that can encompass the area of the largest vertical cross-section of that
object.
5. Only one side shall be counted in computing the area of a double faced sign. All sides of a
sign with more than two sides shall be counted in calculation of sign area.
5.7 Flexible Development
5.7.1 Purpose
The purpose of the flexible development option is to provide for the most efficient use of
services and infrastructure, to maintain the Town's traditional New England rural character and
land use patterns and to encourage the permanent preservation of open space.
5.7.2 Applicability
A flexible development special permit shall be permitted on parcels of ten (10) acres or more in
A, R-40 and R-SE districts upon the issuance of a Special Permit for Flexible Development from
the Planning Board upon a finding that the proposed flexible development will be superior to a
conventional subdivision plan in: allowing for greater flexibility and creativity in the design of
residential developments; encouraging the permanent preservation of open space, agricultural
land, forests and woodland, historic or archaeological sites, or other natural resources;
maintaining the Town's traditional New England rural character and land use patterns in which
small villages contrast with open spaces, farmland and forests; preserving scenic vistas;
providing for the most efficient use of municipal and other services; preserving unique and
significant natural, historical and archaeological resources; and encouraging a less sprawling
form of development, but not to the extent that such development will visually and
environmentally overwhelm the land.
Charlton Zoning Bylaw, 09/2012 45