Anne Arundel County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
TITLE 3
PARKING, OUTDOOR LIGHTING, AND SIGNAGE
§ 18-3-101. Scope.
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)
§ 18-3-102. Temporary parking areas.
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)
§ 18-3-103. Calculation.
(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)
§ 18-3-104. Parking space requirements.
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be increased based on site development plan review or special exception approval, reduced as provided in § 18-3-105, or superseded by a parking program allowed by this Code.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.
Use | Parking |
Use | Parking |
Adult day care | 2 spaces for every 10 adults or less |
Airports and airfields | 0.5 spaces for each acre of land, with a minimum of 20 spaces and 2 spaces for each planned tie-down |
Amusement parks | 10 spaces for each ride or activity |
Arenas, exposition halls, stadiums, racetracks, fairgrounds, concert facilities | 1 space for every 3 seats and 1 space for every 10 persons in designated standing areas |
Art galleries, libraries, and museums | 1 space for every 150 square feet of floor area |
Assisted living facilities | 1 space for each adult independent dwelling unit, 1 space for each employee per major shift, and visitor parking at the rate of 2 spaces for every 10 adult independent dwelling units, comprehensive care units, and assisted care units |
Assisted living facilities I and II, community-based | The number of spaces required for the applicable type of dwelling unit |
Automobile and truck dismantling and recycling facilities | 1 space shall be provided for every two employees and one space shall be provided for every 1,000 square feet of covered floor area devoted to the storage or sale of parts |
Automobile gasoline stations | 1 space for each 400 square feet of floor area, service racks count 1 for 1; aisles and pumps not to be used for required spaces |
Automobile gasoline stations, convenience stores, food service/restaurants | 1 space for every 100 square feet plus 1 space for every 5 restaurant seats |
Automobile repair and service facilities | 1 space for every 500 square feet of floor area |
Automobile sales show rooms and rental facilities | 1 space for every 500 square feet of floor area |
Banks | 1 space for every 200 square feet of floor area |
Bed and breakfast homes | 1 space for each guest room |
Bed and breakfast inns | 1 space for each guest room |
Bingo facilities, commercial | 1 space for every 2 seats |
Bowling alleys | 4 spaces for each lane |
Child care centers | 2 spaces for each group of 10 children or less |
Clay and borrow pits and sand and gravel operations | 1 space for each employee and at least 5 spaces for visitors |
Clubs, lodges, and related facilities | 1 space for every 2 people at rated capacity per Fire Prevention Code |
Conference retreat facility | 1 space for every 2 people at rated capacity per Fire Prevention Code, plus 1 space for each employee and at least 5 spaces for visitors |
Data storage center | 1 space per 1,000 square feet of floor area for the first 5,000 square feet and 1 space for each additional 5,000 square feet of floor area |
Dwellings: townhouses and stacked townhouses | 2.5 spaces for each dwelling unit |
Dwellings: single-family detached, duplex, triplex, and fourplex | 2 spaces for each dwelling unit |
Dwellings: adult independent units | 1.5 spaces for each dwelling unit |
Dwellings, multifamily and multiplex | |
Efficiency and 1 bedroom | 1 space for each dwelling unit |
2 bedrooms | 1.5 spaces for each dwelling unit |
3 or more bedrooms | 2 spaces for each dwelling unit |
Eating disorder treatment facility | 1 space for every 3 eating disorder treatment units plus 1 space for each employee per major shift |
Farm alcohol production facility | 1 space per 5 attendees for outdoor event; 1 space for every 1,000 square feet of building area; and 1 space for every 2 employees. This does not include areas dedicated to agricultural production unrelated to the farm alcohol production facility |
Garden center | 4 spaces for each acre |
Golf courses | 8 spaces for each hole |
Golf course facilities, private | 2 spaces for each hole; plus 1 space for each guest room |
Group homes I | The number of spaces required for a single-family dwelling |
Group homes II | The number of spaces required for a multifamily dwelling |
Health clubs, spas, gymnasiums | 4 spaces for every 1,000 square feet of floor area |
Heliports | 15 spaces plus 1 space for each tiedown |
Hospitals | 1 space for each bed, plus 1 space per employee per major shift, plus 1 space for each hospital vehicle, 10 spaces for out-patient services |
Hotels and motels | 1 space for each room or unit |
Housing for the elderly of moderate means | 3 spaces for every four units |
Kennels, commercial | 1 space for every 200 square feet of floor area, excluding indoor and outdoor runs |
Landfills, rubble and land-clearing debris | 1 space for each employee and at least 5 spaces for visitors |
Manufacturing, general | 1 space for every 1,000 square feet of floor area |
Marinas, commercial and community | 1space for every 2 boat slips or moorings; 1 space for every 3 boat slips in dry covered storage or in multilevel storage rack building; 2 trailer spaces per ramp for community marinas; 5 trailer spaces per ramp for commercial marinas |
Miniature golf courses/driving ranges/batting cages | 2 spaces for each tee or cage |
Mobile homes | 2 spaces for each dwelling unit |
Natural wood waste recycling facilities | 1 space for each employee and at least 5 spaces for visitors |
Nurseries, landscaping and plant sales | 4 spaces for each acre |
Nursing homes | 1 space for every 3 beds plus 1 space for each employee per major shift |
Offices, professional and general | 1 space for every 200 square feet of floor area except that medical and dental offices shall provide 1 space for every 150 square feet of floor area |
Produce markets | 4 spaces for each acre |
Public assembly and meeting establishments | 1 space for every 3 seats or 1 space for every 100 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater |
Public launching facilities | 1 space for every two boat slips or moorings plus 10 trailer spaces per boat ramp |
Recovery residences | The number of spaces required for the applicable type of dwelling unit |
Recreation centers | 4 spaces for every 1,000 square feet of floor area |
Recyclables recovery facilities | 1 space for each employee and at least 5 spaces for visitors |
Religious facilities | 1 space for every 3 seats (fixed seats) or 1 space for every 100 square feet of floor area (unfixed seating), whichever is greater |
Religious facilities in combination with a school | 1 space for every 3 seats plus 1 space for every 15 classroom seats plus 1 space for every 5 seats in a multi- purpose room or 1 space for every 3 permanent auditorium seats |
Research offices and laboratories | 1 space for every 200 square feet of floor area |
Retail or Service Business:
| |
For establishments and multiple-use centers with under 50,000 square feet of floor area | 1 space for every 160 square feet of floor area |
For establishments and multiple-use centers with 50,000 square feet of floor area and over, but less than 600,000 square feet of floor area | 1 space for every 180 square feet of floor area |
For establishments and multiple-use centers with 600,000 square feet of floor area and over | 1 space for every 200 square feet of floor area |
Restaurants, banquet halls, and taverns | 1 space for every 3 seats or 1 space for every 200 square feet of floor area, whichever is greater |
Rooming houses | 1 space for every 2 beds and 1 space for each resident owner or resident manager |
Rubble processing facilities | 1 space for each employee and at least 5 spaces for visitors |
Schools, arts, business, technical, or trade | 1 space for every 160 square feet of floor area |
Schools, public charter and private academic: | |
Elementary | 1 space for every 20 classroom seats; 1 space for every 5 seats in multi-purpose rooms; 5 spaces for visitors |
Secondary schools | 1 space for every 10 classroom seats; 10 spaces for visitors; 1 space for every 3 permanent auditorium seats or 1 space for each 40 square feet of seating area where fixed seating is not used |
Colleges, junior colleges, and universities | 1 space for every 6 classroom seats; 20 spaces for visitors; 1 space for every 3 permanent auditorium seats or 1 space for each 40 square feet of seating area where fixed seating is not used |
Self-storage facilities | 1 space for every 60 storage bays; 4 spaces located adjacent to each unenclosed storage area of 8,000 square feet; 2 spaces for employee parking; 5 spaces located at the business office |
Skating rinks | 5 spaces for every 1,000 square feet of floor area |
Solid waste transfer stations | 1 space for each employee and at least 5 spaces for visitors |
State-licensed medical clinics | 1 space for each employee and 1 space for every 20 clients served by the clinic |
Swimming pools, commercial | 1 space for every 4 persons based on facility's design capacity |
Swimming pools, community | 1 space for every 10 persons based on facility's design capacity |
Tennis courts | 3.5 spaces for each court |
Theaters | 1 space for every 3 seats |
Truck and trailer rental facilities in conjunction with automobile service stations | 1 space for each rental vehicle or trailer and one space every 100 square feet of floor area, with a minimum of at least 5 additional spaces. |
Veterinary offices, clinics, and hospitals | 1 space for every 200 square feet of floor area, excluding overnight rooms for animals |
Video lottery facilities | 1 space for every 2 gaming positions at a video lottery terminal |
Video rental establishments | 1 space for every 100 square feet |
Warehouse and goods storage areas | 1 space for every 1,000 square feet of floor area |
Watercraft charter operations at maritime facilities | 1 space for every 4 passengers |
Workforce housing | |
Efficiency and 1 bedroom | 1 space for each dwelling unit |
2 bedrooms | 1.5 spaces for each dwelling unit |
3 bedrooms | 2 spaces for each dwelling unit |
Yacht clubs | 1 space for every 2 boat slips or moorings; 1 space for every 3 boat slips in dry covered storage or in multilevel storage rack building |
(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)
§ 18-3-105. Reduced parking requirements and joint use arrangements.
(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.
(c) Reduced parking requirements – Workforce housing.
(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)
§ 18-3-106. Parking programs.
(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)
§ 18-3-201. Outdoor lighting.
(a) Applicability. This section does not apply to light fixtures on public streets or rights-of-way.
(b) Outdoor lighting in nonresidential zoning districts. Outdoor light fixtures in nonresidential zoning districts shall be 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:
(1) 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;
(2) lighting will have minimal offsite impact due to the distance of the fixtures from roads and neighboring properties;
(3) fixtures will incorporate additional shielding or other features to prevent offsite impact; or
(4) lighting plans demonstrate other factors that will prevent glare and light spillover.
(c) Outdoor lighting in residential zoning districts. Outdoor light fixtures installed on a residentially zoned lot shall be:
(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)
§ 18-3-301. General provisions.
(a) Materials; maintenance. A sign shall be made of durable material and be properly maintained.
(b) Obstruction prohibited. A sign and its supporting structures may not impair the clear sight triangle; obstruct a road, sidewalk, or driveway; obstruct the view of traffic signs, traffic signals, oncoming traffic, or pedestrians; or in any way interfere with the placement or function of a traffic control device.
(c) Projection from facade. An identification sign may not project more than two feet from the facade, except that a canopy or awning attached to a principal structure may be used as an identification sign.
(d) Lighting limitations. The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so that the light intensity or brightness does not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises nor adversely affect the safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads or parking areas. Light may not shine or reflect on or into residential structures. A sign in a residentially zoned district may be lighted only during the sign user's hours of operation.
(e) Electronic message boards. Except for properties listed on the County Inventory of Historic Resources, electronic message boards may be used in conjunction with allowed signs if the message is on a cycle of not less than five seconds. Electronic message boards 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. The placement of an electronic message board within sight of a property listed on the County Inventory of Historic Resources or on a scenic and historic road shall mitigate any adverse visual impact of the electronic message board in a manner determined by the Office of Planning and Zoning.
(f) Color of freestanding signs. The parts of a freestanding sign that do not contain sign area, such as the back, braces, and supports, shall be of a single color.
(g) Display windows. For a commercial operation, an advertising sign commonly used in a retail business may be in a display window if the sign does not occupy more than 30% of the window area.
(h) Responsible party. The person or organization that is the subject of a sign shall be presumed to be the party that erected the sign.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05; Bill No. 92-13)
§ 18-3-302. Permit requirements.
(a) Permit generally required. Except as provided in subsection (b), a permit shall be obtained from the Department of Inspections and Permits before posting a sign.
(b) When permit not required. The following signs do not require a permit:
(1) a temporary sign;
(2) a directional sign that is less than four square feet in area;
(3) a permanent directional sign in a County right-of-way, but pre-approval is required as provided in § 18-3-305;
(4) a sign forming an integral part of a transportation shelter, fuel-dispensing pump, vending machine, or service appliance; or
(5) a sign posted at a parking lot as required by § 12-3-107 of this Code.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 18-09)
§ 18-3-303. Prohibited signs; location; removal from County rights-of-way.
(a) Definition. For purposes of this section, a "changeable copy sign" means a sign designed so that characters, letters, or illustrations on the sign can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.
(b) Prohibition. The following types of signs are prohibited:
(1) a portable sign, including a portable changeable copy sign, with or without wheels;
(2) a sandwich sign;
(3) revolving signs and whirling signs; and
(4) a sign that projects above the roof of a structure, a sign painted on the roof of a structure, and a sign supported by poles, uprights, or braces extending from or attached to the roof of a structure.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05; Bill No. 66-21)
§ 18-3-304. Measurement of area and height.
(a) How area is measured. Sign area is measured as the smallest rectangular area enclosing all elements of the sign, including the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, logo, or other display, and all ornamental attachments and inner connecting links. Only one face of a freestanding sign is measured if the faces are placed back to back no more than three feet apart, are of the same dimensions, and have identical copy except for minor differences necessary for directional purposes. Supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fences or walls are not included.
(b) How height is measured. The height of a sign is measured as the distance from the base of the sign at grade level to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 15-25)
§ 18-3-305. Permanent offsite directional signs in County rights-of-way.
(a) Generally. A permanent offsite directional sign stating the name of a cultural or historical site; a club, lodge, or fraternal or service organization; community business areas; a hotel or motel; a marina; a religious facility; a restaurant; or a waterfront event is allowed in a County right-of-way if the use to which the sign relates is located on a local or collector road and at least 1,000 feet, measured by road distance, from an arterial or higher classification road.
(b) Airport parking. A permanent offsite directional sign stating the name of a private parking facility is allowed in a County right-of-way if the use to which the sign relates is located in the area shown on the official map adopted by the County Council entitled “Airport Permanent Offsite Directional Signs, 2005”.
(c) Restrictions. No more than four signs are allowed on a single sign pole, and no more than one sign is allowed for a single business or business area in one direction on an arterial road. No more than two sign poles are allowed in any one direction at an arterial road intersection.
(d) Pre-approval required. An application for approval of a permanent directional offsite sign shall be filed with the Office of Planning and Zoning and shall contain the location of the business or business area, the intersections requested for the location of the sign, and the name of the business or business area that will appear on the sign.
(e) Installation. The Department of Public Works shall be responsible for the installation of an offsite directional sign in a location determined by the Department.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05)
Editor’s note – A small-scale representation of the official map adopted by Bill No. 78-05 is included as an appendix to this article.
§ 18-3-306. Temporary signs.
(a) Generally.
(1) A temporary sign is allowed in all zoning districts.
(2) A temporary sign on property that 500 feet or more of road frontage or a temporary sign that applies to more than 10 adjacent lots may have a maximum area of 64 square feet. Otherwise, a temporary sign shall have a maximum area of nine square feet in residential districts and 24 square feet in all other districts.
(3) The height of a temporary sign may not exceed 12 feet above grade level.
(4) The total number of temporary wind signs on private property may not exceed four.
(5) A temporary sign that is unrelated to an event may not be displayed for more than two periods of 60-consecutive days in any 12-month period.
(6) A temporary sign that is related to an event may not be displayed for more than 60 days before the start of the event and shall be removed within 7 days after the conclusion of the event.
(b) Temporary directional signs.
(1) A maximum of six temporary directional signs of no more than three square feet in area or three feet in height are allowed per event or destination, with a double-faced sign counting as one sign.
(2) A temporary directional sign shall be self-supporting and may be posted only on weekends between 8:00 a.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. on the following Monday or between 9:00 a.m. on County, State, or federal holidays and 9:00 a.m. on the following day.
(3) Temporary directional signs may be placed within a County right-of-way if the signs are located at least three feet from any curbed or paved area.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05; Bill No. 9-09; Bill No. 66-21)
§ 18-3-307. Signs in residential districts and for certain dwellings in commercial districts.
(a) Scope. This section applies to signs in residential districts and to signs for adult independent dwelling units, multifamily dwellings, and townhouse dwellings located in commercial districts.
(b) Freestanding signs.
(1) A residential development without a community facility or multifamily dwelling may have two freestanding signs at the main roadway entry point. If one sign is used, it may not exceed 40 square feet in area. If two signs are used, each sign may not exceed 20 square feet in area. The signs may not exceed a height of six feet.
(2) A residential development with a community facility or multifamily dwelling may have the freestanding signs allowed by subsection (b)(1). The development also may have one freestanding sign for each community facility or multifamily dwelling within the development, and each sign may not exceed two square feet in area or a height of four feet.
(c) Identification signs. A residential development may have one identification sign on each main entrance facade of a community facility or multifamily dwelling. Each sign may not exceed two square feet in area.
(d) Directional signs. A residential development may have directional signs as necessary. Each sign may not exceed six square feet in area or a height of five feet.
(e) Nonresidential and institutional use signs. Except as otherwise provided in this section, each nonresidential or institutional use located in a residential district may have one freestanding sign, one identification sign on not more than two facades, and directional signs as necessary. A freestanding sign may not exceed an area of 64 square feet or a height of 10 feet. The total square footage of all identification signs may not exceed 400 square feet. Each directional sign may not exceed 20 square feet in area or a height of seven feet.
(f) Home occupation signs. One freestanding sign that does not exceed two square feet in area or a height of five feet is allowed to identify a home occupation.
(g) Bed and breakfast homes and inns signs. One freestanding sign that does not exceed four square feet in area or a height of five feet is allowed to identify a bed and breakfast home or bed and breakfast inn.
(h) Waterman's home commercial use sign. One freestanding sign that does not exceed two square feet in area or a height of five feet is allowed to identify a waterman's home commercial use.
(i) Roadside stand signs. Two freestanding signs are allowed for the sale of agricultural produce at a roadside stand. Each sign may not exceed 20 square feet in area or a height of eight feet.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05)
§ 18-3-308. Signs for business complexes.
(a) Freestanding signs. A business complex may have one freestanding sign at each road frontage. The area of the sign may not exceed the lesser of 400 square feet or one square foot for each one foot of road frontage, except that the area of the sign for a movie theater may not exceed 450 square feet. The height of the sign may not exceed 40 feet. An automobile gasoline station may have one additional freestanding sign at each road frontage, and the area of the sign may not exceed 60 square feet or a height of 10 feet.
(b) Identification signs. A business complex may have:
(1) identification signs for the name of the business complex on not more than three facades, so long as the area of the signs does not exceed 12% of the area of each facade and the area of all signs does not exceed 400 square feet;
(2) identification signs for the name of a tenant on not more than two facades in a one or two story structure, so long as the area of the signs does not exceed, for each tenant facade, the lesser of 10% of the area of the facade or 200 square feet;
(3) one identification sign at each service entry, so long as the area of each sign does not exceed four square feet;
(4) one identification sign on each entry facade if the business complex is a mall or otherwise enclosed, so long as the area of each sign does not exceed 10% of the area of the facade and the area of all signs does not exceed 200 square feet;
(5) one identification sign for each secondary business in a structure that contains one principal use, so long as the area of all identification signs on the structure does not exceed 400 square feet; and
(6) no more than three identification signs on a canopy over a group of gas pumps at an automobile gasoline station, so long as the area of the sign does not exceed 25 square feet.
(c) Directional signs. A business complex may have directional signs as necessary. Each sign may not exceed six square feet in area or a height of five feet.
(d) Service windows. An establishment in a business complex with a ticket, drive-through, or ordering window may have no more than two signs, freestanding or identification, that relate to the business operation or services provided at the window. The area of each sign may not exceed 32 square feet. The height of a freestanding sign may not exceed six feet.
(Bill No. 78-05; Bill No. 88-20)
§ 18-3-309. Signs in commercial and industrial districts for uses other than dwellings and business complexes.
(a) Scope. This section applies to signs in commercial and industrial districts for uses other than dwelling and business complexes.
(b) Freestanding signs. An establishment may have one freestanding sign at each road frontage. The area of the sign may not exceed the lesser of 250 square feet or one square foot for each one foot of road frontage, except that the area of the sign for a movie theater may not exceed 450 square feet. The height of the sign may not exceed 30 feet. An automobile gasoline station may have one additional freestanding sign at each road frontage, and the area of the sign may not exceed 60 square feet or a height of 10 feet.
(c) Identification signs. An establishment may have:
(1) identification signs on not more than three facades, so long as the combined area of the signs does not exceed 12% of the area of each facade and the area of all signs does not exceed 400 square feet;
(2) one identification sign at each service entry, so long as the area of each sign does not exceed four square feet;
(3) one identification sign for each secondary business in a structure that contains one principal use, so long as the area of all identification signs on the structure does not exceed 400 square feet; and
(4) no more than three identification signs on a canopy over a group of gas pumps at an automobile gasoline station, so long as the area of the sign does not exceed 25 square feet.
(d) Directional signs. An establishment may have directional signs as necessary. Each sign may not exceed six square feet in area or a height of five feet.
(e) Service windows. An establishment with a ticket, drive-through, or ordering window may have no more than two signs, freestanding or identification, that relate to the business operation or services provided at the window. The area of each sign may not exceed 32 square feet. The height of a freestanding sign may not exceed six feet.
(Bill No. 78-05; Bill No. 88-20; Bill No. 92-23; Bill No. 14-24)
§ 18-3-310. Signs for marinas; signs in maritime districts.
(a) Community marinas. A community marina may have one freestanding sign that does not exceed 36 square feet in area or a height of eight feet.
(b) Commercial marinas. A commercial marina may have one freestanding sign at the entrance that does not exceed 200 square feet in area or a height of 25 feet and a freestanding sign on the shoreline or a pier that does not exceed 48 square feet in area or a height of 10 feet.
(c) Independent uses in a marina. Each independent use in a marina may have two identification signs on a structure to which the use relates. The total square footage of the signs may not exceed 200 square feet.
(d) Directional signs. Directional signs are allowed in a maritime district as necessary. Each sign may not exceed six square feet in area or a height of five feet.
(e) Bed and breakfast homes and inns signs. One freestanding sign that does not exceed four square feet in area or a height of five feet is allowed to identify a bed and breakfast home or bed and breakfast inn.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05)
§ 18-3-311. Signs in open space districts.
(a) Freestanding or identification signs. An establishment or use in an open space district that relates to conservation, farming or nurseries, nature study, or recreation may have one sign, freestanding or identification, that does not exceed 20 square feet in area. The height of a freestanding sign may not exceed six feet.
(b) Directional signs. An establishment or use in an open space district may have directional signs as necessary. Each sign may not exceed four square feet in area or a height of four feet.
(c) Home occupations. One freestanding sign that does not exceed two square feet in area or a height of five feet is allowed to identify a home occupation in a dwelling located in an open space district.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05)
§ 18-3-312. Signs in Small Business Districts.
(a) Freestanding signs. An establishment or use in a Small Business District may have one freestanding sign that does not exceed 10 square feet on a minor arterial road or road of lower classification, or an area of 30 square feet on a principal arterial road or a road of higher classification. The height of a freestanding sign may not exceed six feet on a minor arterial road or a road of lower classification, or a height of 10 feet on a principal arterial road or a road of higher classification.
(b) Identification signs. An establishment or use in a Small Business District may have an identification sign on one facade, so long as the area of the sign does not exceed 10% of the area of the facade.
(c) Directional signs. An establishment or use in a Small Business District may have directional signs as necessary. Each sign may not exceed six square feet in area and five feet in height.
(d) Illumination of signs. A sign in a Small Business District on a minor arterial road or a road of lower classification may be illuminated only by lighting exterior to the sign.
(e) Signs prohibited on accessory structures. An accessory structure in a Small Business District may not have a sign.
(Bill No. 14-24)
§ 18-3-313. Signage programs.
(a) Signage program. The developer of a project located in a mixed use or town center district or of a PUD shall submit a signage program to the Office of Planning and Zoning. If approved, the program shall supersede the standards described in this subtitle to the extent of any conflict.
(b) Purpose. A signage program shall contribute to the efficient utilization of the development, minimize visual clutter, make use of directional signs in the parking areas and pedestrian circulation system, be in harmony with the architecture, landscaping, and other design elements of the development, be compatible with existing or potential development in the neighboring communities if the signage is along the periphery of the site or visible from public streets or roads, and address the location, size, height, number, color, and material of all proposed signs and state whether the proposed signs will be illuminated.
(Bill No. 4-05; Bill No. 78-05; Bill No. 92-23; Bill No. 14-24)