Anne Arundel County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

   This subtitle applies to the parking required for particular uses. Other requirements relating to parking are located in §§ 17-6-101 et seq. of this Code.

(Bill No. 4-05)

   The Planning and Zoning Officer may authorize the temporary use of property as a parking area for a period not to exceed 30 days and may renew the authorization for up to two additional 30-day periods. If use of the property as a parking area has not ceased by the end of the authorized time period, the parking area shall revert to its non-parking use and shall comply with all requirements of this Code.

(Bill No. 4-05)

   (a)   Floor area. Parking requirements based on the square footage of a structure to be served shall be calculated based on 75% of the floor area.

   (b)   Per seat. Parking requirements per seat shall be determined by the number of individual seats. For bench-type seating, 20 inches is the equivalent of one seat.

   (c)   Rated capacity. Parking requirements for rated capacity shall be determined by the maximum capacity of a structure as governed by the County Fire Prevention Code and regulations of the Health Department.

   (d)   Fraction of base measures. Parking spaces shall be provided for each fraction in excess of 50% of the base measures contained in § 18-3-104.

   (e)   More than one use. The parking requirements for two or more uses on the same property are the sum of the individual requirements for each use.

(Bill No. 4-05)

   The minimum onsite required parking spaces are listed in the chart below. They may be increased based on site development plan review or special exception approval, reduced as provided in § 18-3-105, or superseded by a parking program allowed by this Code. The Planning and Zoning Officer may determine reasonable and appropriate onsite parking requirements for structures and land uses that are not listed on the chart based on requirements for similar uses, comments from reviewing agencies, and the parking needs of the proposed use.

 

(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05; Bill No. 69-07; Bill No. 77-07; Bill No. 79-07; Bill No. 2-09; Bill No. 82-09; Bill No. 14-11; Bill No. 14-15; Bill No. 23-15; Bill No. 21-16; Bill No. 83-16; Bill No. 96-16; Bill No. 16-20; Bill No. 68-20; Bill No. 90-20; Bill No. 6-23; Bill No. 61-23; Bill No. 83-23; Bill No. 72-24; Bill No. 92-25)

   (a)   Reduced parking requirements. Upon written application, the Planning and Zoning Officer may reduce the parking requirements of this subtitle if the applicant demonstrates that the facility to be served would not require in its day-to-day operation a full complement of parking. The application shall be accompanied by a parking needs study that includes an estimate of the parking needs for the use, a thorough explanation of the basis for the estimate, any data used in calculating the estimate, including parking generation studies and previous experience with similar uses, and an explanation of any other relevant considerations, such as availability of commercial or public parking areas.

   (b)   Joint use parking. The Planning and Zoning Officer may allow joint use parking arrangements if the applicants enter into a written agreement acceptable to the County. Joint use arrangements may be authorized for a multiple-use facility when parking is provided at a common onsite facility that has the number of spaces required for each individual use. Joint use of the same parking spaces may be used to meet the parking and loading requirements if:

      (1)   the uses operate at different times with no overlap and the parking spaces provided are the number required for the greater generator; or

      (2)   the uses operate during overlapping time periods and the parking spaces provided are 100% of the number required for the greater generator plus 50% of the number required for the secondary generator; and

      (3)   vehicular and pedestrian access is provided within the development, separately from roads and freeways.

      (1)   For workforce housing, the parking requirements of this subtitle shall be reduced by 10% if the workforce housing is located within one-quarter mile of a high-frequency transit stop.

      (2)   If workforce housing contains secured covered bicycle storage, the parking requirements of this subtitle shall be reduced by an amount not to exceed:

         (i)   1 space for every eight bicycle locking positions; or

         (ii)   10% of the total parking required.

(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 83-23)

   (a)   Parking program. The developer of a mixed use project or a PUD shall submit a parking program to the Office of Planning and Zoning. If approved, the program shall supersede the standards of this subtitle to the extent of any conflict.

   (b)   Onsite parking. Onsite parking for a mixed use project or a PUD shall be separated from walkways by landscaped screening, low-profile walls, berms, or decorative fencing; be well-illuminated; be free of pedestrian barriers; be designed to minimize the number of curb cuts to streets and highways and allow the direct movement of pedestrians between adjacent areas of onsite parking; have well illuminated access ways for pedestrians; and be located to the rear of buildings, below grade, or in a parking structure, except for short-term convenience parking.

   (c)   Rideshare spaces. The Office of Planning and Zoning may require that parking spaces in a mixed use project or PUD be designated for those who rideshare.

   (d)   On-street parking. The Office of Planning and Zoning may require or allow parking on both public and private streets in a mixed use project or PUD to promote street-level access to buildings and amenities.

   (e)   Vehicular circulation system. The vehicular circulation system in a mixed use project or PUD shall provide for the safe and convenient movement of vehicles and pedestrians and adequate space for the loading and unloading of persons, goods, and materials.

   (f)   Special uses. The parking program for a government reuse facility is governed by § 18-12-106.

(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 69-07)

      (1)   located at least 25 feet from the boundary of any residential district, except that the Office of Planning and Zoning may approve a lesser setback upon the filing of an application that describes the type, location, lumen rating, and height of an outdoor lighting fixture and the reasons why a lesser setback should be allowed. Potential reasons for a lesser setback may include the following:

         (i)   fixtures will not be visible at any point along the boundaries of the lot on which they are located due to the location of buildings or walls, topography, or similar visual barriers;

         (ii)   lighting will have minimal offsite impact due to the distance of the fixtures from roads and neighboring properties;

         (iii)   fixtures will incorporate additional shielding or other features to prevent offsite impact; or

         (iv)   lighting plans demonstrate other factors that will prevent glare and light spillover; and

      (2)   arranged to direct the light down toward the property on which the light fixture is located and away from adjoining lots with residential use or aimed to confine the light to a specific feature, such as a parking lot, walkway or entrance.

      (1)   arranged to direct the light down towards the property on which the light fixture is located and away from adjoining residential lots or aimed to confine the light to an object, such as a flag or landscaping; and

      (2)   installed using motion sensing if used for security purposes.

(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 61-21; Bill No. 15-26)

   In this subtitle, the following words have the meanings indicated:

      (1)   “Air-activated graphic sign” or “inflatable sign” means a temporary sign that is an inflatable device utilizing forced air.

      (2)   “Animated sign” means a sign employing motion, the illusion of motion, or light or color changes achieved through mechanical, electrical, environmental, or electronically activated means.

      (3)   “Awning sign”, “canopy sign”, or “marquee sign” means a building sign attached to or constructed on an awning, canopy, or marquee, respectively.

         (i)   “Awning” means a fixed or retractable architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covered supporting framework.

         (ii)   “Canopy” means a permanent freestanding or semi-attached structure of rigid construction with vertical supports.

         (iii)   “Marquee” means any permanent structure attached to or projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of a building, completely supported by the building.

      (4)   “Balloon sign” means a temporary sign that is a gas filled inflatable object attached by a tether to a fixed place or mounted on the ground or a building.

      (5)   “Banner sign” means a temporary or permanent sign utilizing a flexible display surface and supported by a bracket or other device.

      (6)   “Blinking, flashing, or strobing” means animated signs or animated portions of signs with illumination or lights characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is equal to or less than the period of non-illumination, and the cyclical period between the on and off phases is no more than four seconds.

      (7)   “Building sign” means a sign attached to the facade of a building or a structure.

      (8)   “Directional sign” means a sign primarily designed and erected for the purpose of safely directing pedestrian, bicycle, or other vehicular traffic flow to a use or area.

      (9)   “Drive-through sign” or “service window sign” means a sign oriented to occupants of vehicles utilizing a drive-through, or pedestrians utilizing a walk-up service window.

      (10)   “Electronic message center” means an electronically programmed and activated changeable sign copy, including digital displays and signs where LED lights, fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices within the sign face cause one display to be replaced by another.

      (11)   “Feather sign” means a temporary sign constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic fabric, or similar lightweight, non-rigid material typically shaped like a feather, and supported by a single vertical pole mounted into the ground or on a portable structure.

      (12)   “Freestanding canopy sign” means a permanent sign utilized in conjunction with a multi-sided overhead structure supported by columns but not enclosed by walls.

      (13)   “Freestanding sign” means a sign permanently affixed in or to the ground and supported by one or more columns, uprights, or braces and independent of support from any building or wall, including any non-portable sign supported by a fence, retaining wall, or by upright structural members or braces on or in the ground.

      (14)   “Illuminated sign” means any sign with an artificial light source used to make a sign readable, including internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing, or radiating signs.

      (15)   “Large temporary sign” means a temporary sign larger than 4.5 square feet in area, but does not include an air-activated graphic sign, inflatable sign, balloon sign, or feather sign.

      (16)   “Light pole sign” means a banner or sign attached to a permanent light pole or other pole structure, and where the sign face can be changed without modifying the permanent support structure.

      (17)   “Logo” means a graphic symbol or lettering representing an activity, use, or business, including registered trademarks or symbols commonly used by a business.

      (18)   “Onsite sign” means a sign identifying the property or property owner; a use, product, service, or activity occurring on the property; or communicating a commercial message on the property of a commercial activity.

      (19)   “Pole sign” means a freestanding sign consisting of single or multiple panels supported by a single column, upright, pole, or post and arm.

      (20)   “Portable message center sign” means a temporary moveable sign with electronic changeable sign copy.

      (21)   “Private right-of-way” means the area or use-in-common easement area across, along, or within dedicated alleys, boulevards, lanes, roadways, bikeways, sidewalks, and streets owned or maintained by a private individual or entity.

      (22)   “Projecting sign” means a building sign projecting from a wall and supported by a wall or building parapet with the display surface of the sign in a plane perpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the wall.

      (23)   “Property frontage” means the portion of a lot or parcel adjoining a road that does not provide access to the lot or parcel.

      (24)   “Road frontage” means the portion of a lot or parcel adjoining a road that provides access to the lot or parcel.

      (25)   “Roof-like projection sign” means a building sign mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves, or architectural projections of a building.

      (26)   “Sidewalk sign” means a temporary portable sign easily moved by hand, including A-frame, T-frame, and sandwich board style signs.

      (27)   “Sign area” means square footage of a rectangular shape or a combination of rectangular shapes enclosing the sign copy or sign face of a sign as measured under § 18-3-308.

      (28)   “Sign copy” means the communicative content of a sign.

      (29)   “Sign face” means the surface upon which sign copy is displayed or illustrated.

      (30)   “Sign program” means sign design standards established by a developer and approved by the Office of Planning and Zoning for a development project.

      (31)   “Sign structure” means the physical framework or support system designed to hold and display a sign.

      (32)   “Small temporary sign” means a temporary sign that is no larger than 4.5 square feet of area.

      (33)   “Suspended sign” means a sign supported by and suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface such as an awning, canopy, marquee or other architectural feature of a building or freestanding sign structure.

      (34)   “Temporary one-time event sign” means a temporary sign used to direct or inform of a specific limited-duration event with distinct timeframes.

      (35)   “Temporary sign” means a portable and easily removable sign displayed for a temporary period.

      (36)   “Window sign” means a sign affixed to, painted on, or otherwise applied to, or viewed through, a window or exterior door and viewable from the exterior of a building. “Window sign” does not include merchandise displays or displays located more than 12 inches from the face of a window.

(Bill No. 98-25)

   The purpose of this subtitle is to regulate the time, place, size, number, height, and manner of posting and construction of signs to protect the public health and welfare, including traffic safety, through the following objectives:

      (1)   to encourage the effective use of signs and provide for ample means of communication and preservation of the right of free speech and expression;

      (2)   to preserve and enhance community aesthetics, consistent with the goals and objectives of the general development plan, and to be compatible with the land use and zoning district;

      (3)   to promote the safety, order, and accessibility of transportation systems by reducing visual clutter, distraction, confusion, and physical hazards that may obstruct vehicle sight distance, interfere with traffic signs, traffic signals, and traffic control devices, and unduly direct attention away from the safe navigation of streets, roadways, bikeways, and sidewalks;

      (4)   to promote and support economic development and local business economy, promote economic vitality, and protect property values;

      (5)   to identify and define certain signs by use or content when necessary to fulfill a substantial or compelling governmental interest; and

      (6)   to ensure signs are designed, constructed, installed and maintained according to minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and public welfare.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   remain until replaced in-kind or altered pursuant to paragraph (2) or removed, as long as the condition of the sign is properly maintained in safe and good repair; and

      (2)   be replaced in-kind or altered, including a change or replacement in sign copy, color, or sign face, except that any change in location, or change in size, shape, type, or structure that increases the sign area or height of an existing sign is not considered an in-kind replacement or alteration and shall comply with this subtitle.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   External illumination shall be shaded, shielded, or directed to concentrate within the area of the sign so the light intensity or brightness does not adversely affect nearby properties or the clear sight triangle of drivers. A light of or from signs may not shine or reflect on or into residential structures.

      (2)   Unless provided otherwise in this subtitle, sign illumination shall be provided solely by electrical means or devices, and may not be blinking, flashing, or strobing, intermittent, moving, or animated.

(Bill No. 98-25)

   The following signs are exempted from this subtitle:

      (1)   a public notice or informational sign required by federal, State, or local law, regulation, or ordinance;

      (2)   any sign erected by any government agency or public utility in the performance of public duty;

      (3)   interior signs in a building, except for window signs;

      (4)   inward-facing signs within a stadium, open-air theater, park, arena or other similar use facility that can be viewed only by persons within the facility;

      (5)   historic building signs, including directional signs, if erected by or with approval of the County; or

      (6)   signs in a business complex, industrial park, or campus that are not visible from a public or private right of way or an adjoining property under different ownership or control.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   a temporary sign;

      (2)   a directional sign with a sign area of four square feet or less that is in compliance with § 18-3-309(i);

      (3)   window signs in compliance with § 18-3-309(g);

      (4)   a sign forming an integral part of a fuel-dispensing pump, or electric vehicle charging station; and

      (5)   a sign posted at a parking lot as required by § 12-3-202 of this Code.

(Bill No. 98-25)

   The following types of signs are prohibited:

      (1)   except for temporary signs, signs not permanently affixed to the ground, a building, or sign structure permanently affixed to the ground;

      (2)   except roof-like projection signs, or awning or canopy signs, signs projecting above the highest peak of a roof structure, or signs supported by poles, uprights, brackets or braces extending from or attached to the roof of a structure;

      (3)   revolving signs and whirling signs;

      (4)   signs containing blinking, flashing, or strobing lights;

      (5)   signs placed or painted on a vehicle parked with the primary purpose of providing signage not otherwise allowed in this Code;

      (6)   signs emitting open flames, smoke, vapors, particles, sound, or odor;

      (7)   signs placed on any government-owned property, including a utility or light pole, street sign, utility box, fire hydrant, street furniture, or other public property, or placed on a public right-of-way, unless otherwise authorized by this Code, State or federal law, the Department of Public Works, or other authorized public entity; and

      (8)   signs adversely affecting safety, including:

         (i)   signs preventing free ingress or egress from any door, window, or fire escape, or free access from one part of a roof to another part, or signs attached to a stand-pipe or fire escape other than a safety sign;

         (ii)   except for directional signs placed in accordance with this Code, signs that imitate, resemble, that may be confused or interfere with traffic signs, traffic signals, or traffic control devices; or

         (iii)   signs with any type of mirror device.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   the sign area for each sign shall be calculated as the area within a single continuous rectilinear perimeter of not more than 12 straight lines intersecting at right angles, enclosing the outer limits of the sign copy or sign face; or

      (2)   for sign copy composed of separate individual elements, such as letters or symbols, or for separate sign faces on one sign structure, where the space between each letter, symbol, or sign face is greater than the width of the largest letter, symbol, or sign face, the sign area may be calculated as the total combined area of rectangular enclosures surrounding each letter, symbol, or sign face. The rectangular enclosures shall consist of not more than four straight lines intersecting at right angles.

      (1)   Windows, canopies, awnings, and decorative finishes attached or applied to a building facade or constituting architectural projections or features of a building are not considered integral elements of a sign area background.

      (2)   Minor typographic protrusions for signs without an integral sign area background are not included in sign copy measurement.

      (1)   For a freestanding sign with a single sign face, the sign area shall be measured by the method in subsection (c)(1) as the area enclosing the outer limits of the sign face.

      (2)   For a freestanding sign with more than one sign face, unless the spacing of the sign faces meet the criteria for measurement in subsection (c)(2), the sign area shall be measured by the method in subsection (c)(1) as the area enclosing the outer limits of all of the sign faces together.

      (3)   For freestanding signs that are no greater than four-feet wide, any surface material that is a continuation of the sign face material or any cladding or casing below seven feet above grade is not included in calculating the sign face area, provided that no sign copy is placed in that area.

      (4)   The area of all sign faces shall be included in determining the sign area, except that only one sign face of a freestanding sign is measured if the sign faces are:

         (i)   positioned relative to one another at an internal angle not exceeding 60 degrees; or

         (ii)   placed back-to-back, parallel to one another, and no more than four feet apart as measured from the exterior distance between the sign faces; and

         (iii)   have identical sign copy except for minor differences necessary for directional purposes. If the sides of a sign are not of equal size, the largest side is used for the determination of the sign area.

      (1)   Unless otherwise indicated, the height of a freestanding sign is measured as the distance from the base of the sign structure at grade level to the top of the highest attached component of the sign, sign structure, or decorative appendages.

      (2)   If a freestanding sign or sign structure is mounted along a property frontage or road frontage where the adjacent roadway has a higher grade level as compared to the grade level directly below the freestanding sign or sign structure, the height of the freestanding sign may be increased above the limits in this subtitle by no more than the difference between the grades, up to a maximum of ten additional feet.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   Permanent onsite signs shall be located within the lot or parcel lines of the referenced establishment or use, or on a lot or parcel within the same business complex or development site as the referenced establishment or use.

      (2)   Non-commercial signs may be placed on private property by or with permission of the property owner.

      (1)   No more than two light pole signs are allowed on each pole.

      (2)   A total of 16 square feet of sign area is permitted for each pole.

      (3)   There is no limit to the frequency that sign copy may be changed.

      (4)   Electronic message centers are prohibited.

      (5)   May not interfere with use of a traveled road surface, and bicycle or pedestrian areas.

      (1)   The permitted total sign area for all building signs shall include the sign area of roof-like projection signs, awning signs, and projecting signs, if any.

      (2)   Awning signs shall be attached flat against the surface of an awning and may be located on any portion of an awning structure.

      (3)   Building, projecting, and suspended signs shall be set back from the traveled public road surface by not less than ten feet, unless the sign meets the vertical clearance required for travel.

      (1)   Except as provided in paragraphs (4) and (5), projecting signs shall be at least eight feet above any sidewalk, traveled road surface and bicycle or pedestrian area.

      (2)   Projecting signs erected at the intersection of building corners may intersect the building at a 45-degree angle to the corner of the building, and the sign area shall be divided equally with half of the permitted sign area being allocated towards the respective adjacent total facade allowance.

      (3)   A projecting sign may not be closer than ten feet to another projecting sign on the same building facade.

      (4)   The following apply to ground story projecting signs:

         (i)   except for awning, canopy, or marquee signs, a sign may not project more than two feet from the facade of a building; and

         (ii)   a sign may not exceed the height of 12 feet above a traveled road surface and any bicycle or pedestrian area.

      (5)   the following apply to projecting signs above a ground story:

         (i)   except for awning, canopy, or marquee signs, a sign may not project more than four feet from the facade of a building; and

         (ii)   except for banner signs, only one upper story projecting sign is permitted per building facade. In a multi-establishment building, each establishment with direct external access may have an additional upper story projecting sign.

      (1)   For drive-through lanes:

         (i)   the total sign area for all additional signage installed or attached to ancillary freestanding structures may not exceed 200 square feet per drive-through lane; and

         (ii)   signage mounted on canopy or clearance bar structures in residential districts may not exceed ten feet in height, and in all other zoning districts may not exceed 16 feet in height.

      (2)   Establishments with service windows are permitted two additional signs beyond the permitted total amount of building sign area, not to exceed 32 square feet of sign area for each sign.

      (1)   for a business complex or uses other than residential development in commercial and industrial districts, a directional sign may not exceed 15 square feet in area; and

      (2)   in an open space district or for residential development consisting of five dwelling units or less, a directional sign may not exceed four square feet in area.

(Bill No. 98-25)

   Except for properties listed on the County Inventory of Historic Resources, electronic message centers may be used in conjunction with allowed signs subject to the following:

      (1)   messages shall be on a cycle of not less than eight seconds between changes, and transition times between unique messages shall be less than one second;

      (2)   electronic message centers may incorporate animation;

      (3)   an electronic message center shall include a light-sensing device and automatic dimming capability to adjust brightness based on the ambient light changes and in accordance with manufacturer’s recommended settings;

      (4)   for a single lot or parcel or development site, only one electronic message center is permitted at each property frontage or road frontage; and

      (5)   electronic message centers shall comply with the provisions of §§ 17-6-501 and 17-6-504 of this Code and may not adversely affect properties listed on the County Inventory of Historic Resources or on a scenic and historic road; and the placement of electronic message centers within sight from a property listed on the County Inventory of Historic Resources or a scenic and historic road shall mitigate any adverse visual impact of the electronic message center in a manner determined by the Office of Planning and Zoning.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   the sign shall be solely supported by the building; and

      (2)   the sign material and any sign supports shall be set back from the traveled surface of any road by at least ten feet.

      (1)   No sign is greater than three square feet in total area and four feet in height, with a multi-faced sign counting as one sign.

      (2)   A temporary sign may only be posted on weekends between 8:00 a.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. on the following Monday or on County, State, or federal holidays between 9:00 a.m. on the holiday and 9:00 a.m. on the following day.

      (3)   A temporary sign shall be self-supporting and located at least three feet from the curb of a traveled road surface, and bicycle or pedestrian use area.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   Except for portable message center signs, a temporary sign may not be internally illuminated.

      (2)   Except for small temporary signs, the installation date of a temporary sign shall be displayed on the sign with a legible character height of at least one-half inch.

      (3)   Except as otherwise provided in this section, the total combined sign area of temporary signs on a lot or parcel with a nonresidential use, mixed use development, or with a multifamily dwelling may not exceed 144 square feet.

      (4)   Except as otherwise provided in this section, residentially used lots with less than 12 dwelling units are limited to small temporary signs and no more than eight signs per lot or dwelling unit.

      (5)   Temporary signs may be ground mounted and shall be supported by posts, poles, stakes, wire, or rigid frames. Temporary signs may be wall mounted or secured on or against or suspended from a structure, or displayed within a window.

      (1)   Freestanding small temporary signs may not exceed a height of six feet.

      (2)   Small temporary signs shall be located a minimum of three feet from the curb of a traveled road surface, and bicycle or pedestrian use area, and adjacent properties.

      (1)   Large temporary signs are not permitted on residentially used lots, except for multifamily dwellings. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the sign area for a large temporary sign or temporary banner sign may not exceed nine square feet in residential districts and 36 square feet in nonresidential districts.

      (2)   The sign area for a large temporary sign or temporary banner sign on property that has 500 feet or more of road frontage or a temporary sign associated with more than ten adjacent lots may not exceed 64 square feet.

      (3)   A large temporary sign or temporary banner sign may not be displayed for more than three periods of 60-consecutive days in any 12-month period.

      (4)   No more than one temporary banner sign is permitted on a wall per lot or parcel, except that in a multi-establishment building, each establishment may have one temporary banner sign on a wall.

      (5)   One freestanding temporary banner sign or large temporary sign is permitted per lot or parcel except as provided for under subsection (e).

      (6)   Large freestanding temporary signs or freestanding banner signs may not have a height of more than eight feet.

      (1)   A sidewalk sign may not exceed 12 square feet in area, counting only one side of the sign, and a maximum height of four feet.

      (2)   Sidewalk signs may not be placed in a street, roadway, or landscaped areas. Sidewalk signs may be located on a sidewalk of at least six feet in width, in or out of the right-of-way, in a manner that does not obstruct a bicycle or pedestrian area. Sidewalk signs may not obstruct access to transit stops, parking spaces, access ramps, building exits, or fire escapes.

      (1)   Air-activated graphic signs, inflatable signs, and balloon signs are permitted in addition to the permitted number of other temporary signs allowed under this section.

      (2)   The total number of temporary air-activated graphic signs or inflatable signs on a lot or parcel may not exceed four.

      (3)   The height of air-activated graphic signs or inflatable signs may not exceed 18 feet, including the full length of any supporting pole.

      (4)   A setback that is equal to or greater than the height of the sign is required from all rights-of-way, lot or parcel lines, and overhead utility lines.

      (5)   Air-activated graphic signs, inflatable signs, and balloon signs shall be fastened to the ground or a structure and may not shift more than three feet horizontally under any condition.

      (6)   Use of any one or a combination of temporary air-activated graphic signs and inflatable signs is limited to no more than four nonconsecutive 14-day periods per 12-month period. Use of balloon signs is limited to no more than a total of 14 days per 12-month period.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   A residential development may have permanent signs, not to exceed two square feet in sign area per sign and eight square feet of total sign area per dwelling unit. The height of freestanding signs may not exceed four feet.

      (2)   In addition to the signs allowed under paragraph (1), a residential development with six to 20 dwelling units may have one freestanding sign at each roadway entry point, not to exceed three square feet in sign area and a height of eight feet.

      (3)   In addition to the signs allowed under paragraph (1), a residential development with more than 20 dwelling units may have two freestanding signs at each roadway entry point. If one freestanding sign is used, it may not exceed 40 square feet in sign area; and if two freestanding signs are used, each sign may not exceed 20 square feet in area. Freestanding signs may not exceed a height of eight feet.

      (4)   In addition to the signs allowed under paragraphs (2) and (3), multifamily dwellings may have up to one building sign per facade with sign area not to exceed the lesser of 5% of the area of the facade or 12 square feet in sign area. The total building sign area may not exceed 48 square feet.

      (5)   In addition to the signs allowed under paragraph (3), a multifamily dwelling with more than 100 dwelling units may have two freestanding signs with sign area not to exceed 32 square feet each and a height not to exceed eight feet.

      (6)   A residential development with a community facility may have one additional building sign and one additional freestanding sign for each community facility. Each additional sign may not exceed three square feet in sign area, and a freestanding sign may not exceed a height of eight feet.

      (7)   A freestanding sign located on a lot or parcel within a residential development not owned by a developer or a homeowner’s association shall be located within a recorded easement.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   A business complex may have one freestanding sign at each road frontage. For road frontage less than 100 feet, the sign area may not exceed 100 square feet. For a business complex with multiple entrances on a road frontage, an additional sign at each entrance is permitted so long as the distance between the signs is at least 150 feet.

      (2)   In addition to the signs allowed in paragraph (1), a business complex may have one freestanding sign on a property frontage, if the property frontage is at least 300 feet.

      (1)   A business complex may have any number of building signs on each facade of a building, so long as the sign area of each sign does not exceed 12% of the area of each facade and the total sign area of all building signs does not exceed 400 square feet;

      (2)   In addition to the building signs allowed in paragraph (1), for multi-establishment buildings, each establishment or use with a direct outside customer entrance may have up to two building signs, located on any facade that corresponds with the occupied establishment space, with sign area not to exceed the lesser of 10% of the area of the facade where the sign is located or 200 square feet; and

      (3)   in addition to building signs allowed in paragraphs (1) and (2), one additional building sign at each service entry is allowed, with sign area not to exceed four square feet.

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   building signs on each facade, so long as the total sign area on each facade does not exceed 12% of the area of the facade, and the total sign area of all building signs does not exceed 400 square feet; and

      (2)   one additional building sign at each service entry, so long as the area of each sign does not exceed four square feet.

      (1)   two additional freestanding signs with a total sign area of 40 square feet each, and the height may not exceed 30 feet;

      (2)   for residential development that is not a multifamily dwelling, building signs as allowed for residential development in § 18-3-313(a); and

      (3)   for a multifamily dwelling, total sign area on each facade not to exceed the lesser of 5% of the facade area or 12 square feet, and total building sign area not to exceed 48 square feet.

(Bill No. 98-25)

(Bill No. 98-25)

   An establishment or use in an open space district may have one freestanding sign or building sign. The sign area may not exceed 20 square feet, and the height of a freestanding sign may not exceed six feet.

(Bill No. 98-25)

(Bill No. 98-25)

      (1)   In an MXD-V or MXD-G district, nonresidential development may have a total aggregate sign area not to exceed 250 square feet, consistent with the following:

         (i)   One freestanding sign per lot or parcel may be placed on any road frontage or property frontage. The total sign area may not exceed the lesser of one square foot for each one foot of road frontage or property frontage where the sign will be located or 30 square feet, except that the maximum sign area may be increased by up to 50% if three or more establishments located in the same building or on the same property share the same sign. Freestanding signs may not exceed a height of ten feet.

         (ii)   The total sign area of all building signs may not exceed the lesser of 10% of the facade area or 200 square feet.

      (2)   In an MXD-N, MXD-S, MXD-U, or TC district, nonresidential development may have a total aggregate sign area not to exceed 650 square feet, consistent with the following:

         (i)   One freestanding sign per lot or parcel may be placed on any road frontage or property frontage. The total sign area may not exceed the lesser of one square foot for each one foot of road frontage or property frontage where the sign will be located or 250 square feet, except that the sign area may be increased up to 400 square feet if three or more establishments located in the same building or on the same property share the same sign. For property frontage that is less than 100 feet, the sign area may not exceed 100 square feet. Freestanding signs may not exceed a height of 30 feet.

         (ii)   The total sign area of all building signs may not exceed the lesser of 12% of the facade area or 400 square feet.

(Bill No. 98-25)

   On properties in any zoning district, for buildings with more than one use, where at least one of the uses is residential, the total sign area for a lot or parcel may not exceed 800 square feet and may consist of the following:

      (1)   The total aggregate sign area for all freestanding signs on a lot or parcel may not exceed 400 square feet. One freestanding sign may be located on each property frontage or road frontage. The sign area for each sign is the lesser of one square foot for each one foot of road frontage or property frontage where the sign will be located or 200 square feet.

      (2)   For road frontage or property frontage that is less than 100 feet, sign area may not exceed 100 square feet.

      (3)   Freestanding signs may not exceed a height of 30 feet.

      (4)   Any number of building signs are permitted on each facade. The total sign area of all building signs may not exceed the lesser of 12% of the facade area or 250 square feet.

      (5)   In addition to the signs allowed under subsection (d), a ground floor establishment or use with a direct outside customer entrance may have a building sign with a sign area of two square feet for each linear foot of exterior wall width of the establishment or use, not to exceed 40 square feet of sign area.

(Bill No. 98-25)

(Bill No. 98-25)