College Park City Zoning Code
PART 12
SIGNS.
Sec. 27-589. Purposes.
(a)
The purposes of regulating signs are:
- (1)To promote the health, safety, and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the Regional District;
- (2)To encourage and protect the appropriate use of land, buildings, and structures;
- (3)To regulate unsightly and detrimental signs which could depreciate the value of property and discourage quality development in the Regional District;
- (4)To regulate signs that are a hazard to safe motor vehicle operation;
- (5)To eliminate structurally unsafe signs that endanger a building, structure, or the public;
- (6)To prevent the proliferation of signs that could detract from the scenic qualities of the landscape or the attractiveness of development; and
- (7)To control the location and size of signs, so as to provide for adequate identification and advertisement in a manner that is compatible with land uses in the Regional District.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-590. Applicability.
(a)
This Part shall govern all signs in all zones, unless otherwise specifically provided elsewhere in this Subtitle.
(b)
The provisions of the Building Code which address signs shall apply, except where in direct conflict with any of the provisions of this Part.
(c)
Any sign authorized in this Part may contain noncommercial copy, whether or not related to the subject property, or commercial copy, as long as the sign remains in conformance with applicable design standards. The placement of noncommercial copy on any authorized sign does not make such sign an outdoor advertising sign.
(d)
Any sign required by County, State, or Federal law shall be governed by those laws and not by this Part (unless additional regulations are specified herein). The following shall not be subject to the provisions of this Part: the display of street addresses; signs forming an integral part of a gasoline pump, service appliance, or vending machine (such signs shall not project beyond the casing or structural housing of the pump, appliance, or machine); and signs located within a building, enclosed shopping mall, industrial center, or apartment complex, and not readily visible from outside these developments.
(CB-2-1984; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-591. Sign measurement. (See Figure 64.)
(a)
The area of a sign shall include the entire face of the sign and any wall work incidental to its decoration. The area shall include the space between letters, figures, and designs, except where they are mounted directly on the architectural face of a building with no other decorative wall work. The actual faces of these letters, figures, and designs on walls shall constitute the sign, and the spaces between them shall not be considered part of the sign. To calculate the area of the faces of these letters, figures, and designs, the square footage of the sign, as would be normally computed, shall be calculated and reduced by fifty percent (50%). This fifty percent (50%) shall be presumed to equal the spaces between the letters, figures, and designs.
(b)
All sides of a sign which are visible from any vantage point shall be measured in determining the area of a sign, except that only the larger of two (2) sides shall be measured if the two (2) sides are back-to-back or separated by an angle of forty-five degrees (45°), or less.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-592. Illumination.
(a)
The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded, or directed so that the light intensity does not adversely affect surrounding areas.
(b)
Signs which flash or blink, or which have varying intensity of illumination on less than a five (5) second cycle, are prohibited.
(c)
The illumination or glare from a sign shall not shine directly onto a street so as to constitute a hazard to motorists.
(d)
In the I-3 Zone, the exterior spotlighting of signs is allowed, provided the lighting is directed only to the sign.
(e)
Notwithstanding the requirements of this Section, Digital Billboards shall be subject to the illumination standards in Section 27-630.03, below.
(CB-59-1993; CB-84-2016)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-593. Prohibited signs.
(a)
The following signs are prohibited:
- (1)Any sign not expressly permitted in this Subtitle;
- (2)Any sign no longer advertising a business on the premises, or advertising products no longer stocked or sold, except as otherwise permitted within Section 27-624.02. These signs shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the date the business or sale of the products ceases;
- (3)Pennants, pinwheels, feather flags and similar circus- or carnival-type attractors which are visible from a street or from residential property;
- (4)Signs which obstruct any opening intended to provide ingress or egress for any building or structure;
- (5)Signs which obstruct the view of traffic control devices;
- (6)Signs which, because of their shape, color, or wording, may be confused with any traffic control device (placed by a public authority), or which may mislead motorists;
- (7)Signs which are not clean, legible, or in a state of good repair;
- (8)Signs or sign structures that are no longer in use, effaced, or otherwise obsolete;
- (9)Signs which are illegal under State or Federal regulations;
- (10)Signs which are not consistent with the provisions of this Subtitle;
- (11)Signs which are placed on a municipal, County, or State street right-of-way, except those of, or authorized by, public authorities or agencies, unless specifically authorized elsewhere in this Part;
- (12)Signs projecting from the structural housing of a gasoline pump, service appliance, or vending machine; and
- (13)Outdoor advertising signs (billboards), except those nonconforming outdoor advertising signs certified pursuant to Section 27-244(b)(2)(E).
(CB-77-1985; CB-24-1991; CB-59-1993; CB-15-2009; CB-61-2016; CB-84-2016)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-594. Required Signs.
(a)
Gasoline prices.
- (1)One (1) price sign shall be located at each entrance to the station.
(b)
Surface mining; sand and gravel wet-processing.
- (1)The owner of property on which is located a surface mining or sand and gravel wet-processing operation shall post and maintain a permanent, durable sign identifying the use.
(CB-17-1984; CB-41-1984; CB-33-1985; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-595. Reserved.
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-596. Application.
(a)
Except as provided in this Part, signs shall not be displayed unless a permit has been issued by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement.
(b)
An application for a sign permit shall be submitted on forms provided by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement.
(c)
Each application shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs which indicate the following:
- (1)Size and location of the sign;
- (2)Design of the sign;
- (3)Sign contents;
- (4)Method of erecting the sign; and
- (5)Other information the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement may require to insure compliance with this Part and other regulations of the County.
(d)
For freestanding signs, architectural drawings and design criteria shall be provided.
(CB-50-1984; CB-33-1985; CB-24-1991; CB-59-1993; CB-29-2014)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-597. Referral to Planning Board.
(a)
No sign permit shall be issued after August 31, 1982, until the application has been referred to the Planning Board (or its authorized representative) for review and recommendations with respect to the requirements of this Subtitle. Any permit issued without this review and recommendation is invalid.
(b)
No permit shall be recommended for approval until after the expiration of the specified appeal period from a Planning Board decision concerning the subject property of the permit, unless the right of appeal has been waived; nor shall any permit be recommended for approval during the pendency of any appeal to, or review by, the District Council.
(CB-87-1988; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-598. Issuance.
(a)
Permits for signs may only be obtained when the proposed sign meets the requirements of this Part.
(b)
In the I-3 Zone, the features of proposed signs (except those for directional or informational purposes not containing more than four (4) square feet) shall be approved by the Planning Board as a part of its review of the Detailed Site Plan, prior to the issuance of the sign permits.
(c)
No sign permit shall be issued by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement until after the expiration of the specified appeal period from a Planning Board decision concerning the subject property of the permit, unless the right of appeal has been waived; nor shall any permit be issued during the pendency of any appeal to, or review by, the District Council.
(CB-45-1988; CB-87-1988; CB-24-1991; CB-59-1993; CB-29-2014)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-599. Display of issuance certificate; number plate.
The sign permit number plate shall be displayed on the sign itself, or on its supporting structure. The plate shall be conspicuous and readily accessible to the Inspector. The certificate of issuance, containing the permit number and date of issuance, shall be shown to a representative of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (the Inspector) upon verbal request. Instead of displaying individual permits, a certificate (issued by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement) describing all authorized signs on the premises may be used.
(CB-50-1984; CB-33-1985; CB-59-1993; CB-29-2014)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-600. Revocation of permits.
All sign permits are only licenses, and are revocable at any time by the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement for failure to meet any of the requirements of this Part. The failure to comply with any of the regulations, or a valid order by the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement, shall subject the owner or user of the sign to the penalties prescribed by PART 3, Division 8.
(CB-50-1984; CB-33-1985; CB-29-2014)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-601. Other permits required.
Permits are also required for the installation of electrical signs, in accordance with the provisions of the County Electrical Code.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-602. Signs exempt from sign permit.
(a)
Types of signs exempt from sign permit, when all applicable Design Standards of Division 3, Subdivision 3, of this Part are met:
- (1)Public: Signs of a noncommercial nature which are erected by, or ordered to be erected by, a public official in the performance of official duty, or by a governmental agency, such as: safety signs; traffic control signs; signs of historical interest; and names or locations of cities, towns, and villages.
- (2)Real estate, directional: Temporary signs containing a directional arrow and advertising real estate for sale or lease, not located on the premises being advertised.
- (3)Real estate, identification: Temporary signs advertising the prospective sale or lease of real estate, located on the premises being advertised.
- (4)Temporary Signs - Institutional: Temporary signs pertaining to events sponsored by a church; library; school; hospital; fire station; community center; day care center for children; service, fraternal, or civic organizations; or other similar group.
- (5)Theater bills and changeable copy: The changing of bills of acts and features on frames for which a permit has been issued, and changing the copy of any changeable copy sign.
- (6)Window signs: Signs painted on windows to identify the occupants of buildings in Commercial or Industrial Zones, and in Commercial Zones, temporary signs located in or on the interior side of windows which indicate the products or services offered in the building.
(b)
The erection or continued existence of the signs listed above shall require conformance with the following:
- (1)An electrical permit shall be obtained, where applicable;
- (2)A building permit shall be obtained, where applicable;
- (3)The signs shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of this Part for all signs; and
- (4)The requirements of Division 3, Subdivision 4, below, shall be followed.
(c)
Unless otherwise specified within the regulations for the individual zones, in the I-3, M-X-T, and Comprehensive Design Zones, these signs shall be approved by the Planning Board at the time of Detailed Site Plan or Specific Design Plan approval.
(CB-77-1985; CB-109-1989; CB-23-1992; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-603. Validation of permit issued in error.
A sign permit issued in error may be validated by the District Council. The requirements for this validation are the same as those for validating building and use and occupancy permits issued in error (Section 27-258).
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-604. Signs within proposed rights-of-way.
When not allowed by Section 27-614(a), the District Council may authorize the issuance of a sign permit for any sign on land located within the right-of-way, property, or acquisition lines of a proposed street, rapid transit route, or rapid transit facility, or proposed relocation or widening of an existing street, rapid transit route, or rapid transit facility as shown on the General Plan, a Master Plan, or Functional Master Plan of Transportation. The requirements for this authorization are the same as those for authorizing the issuance of a building permit for a structure on land located within a proposed right-of-way (Section 27-259).
(CB-33-1985; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-605. Signs for nonconforming businesses in Residential Zones.
When a use and occupancy permit has been issued for a certified nonconforming commercial or industrial use of property in a Residential Zone, or land proposed to be used for residential purposes on an approved Basic Plan for a Comprehensive Design Zone, approved Official Plan for an R-P-C Zone, or any approved Conceptual or Detailed Site Plan, signs may be permitted on the property. These signs shall be regulated by the same provisions as those for the least intensive Commercial or Industrial Zone in which the use is normally allowed.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-606. Alteration.
(a)
Applicability.
- (1)The nonconforming signs identified in Section 27-608(b) as being covered by the amortization procedures may only be altered, replaced, or relocated in conformance with this Section. Other provisions of this Subtitle relating to nonconforming buildings, structures, and uses (PART 3, Division 6) do not apply to these nonconforming signs.
- (2)Other nonconforming signs (including Outdoor Advertising Signs) may be maintained, structurally altered, repaired, replaced, or relocated in conformance with PART 3, Division 6.
- (3)This Section does not apply to signs for which a departure from Design Standards (Subdivision 4, below) has been granted; nor to any sign for which the District Council granted a waiver under prior regulations.
(b)
Requirements.
- (1)Nonconforming signs which are covered by the amortization procedures (Section 27-608) may be altered or replaced only in a manner which reduces the degree of nonconformity with the current provisions of this Part. These signs may be relocated only if the relocation brings the signs into conformance with the requirements of this Part.
- (2)
(CB-79-1985; CB-59-1993; CB-84-2016)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-607. Illegal signs.
(a)
An illegal sign is a sign which:
- (1)Does not conform to the current provisions of this Part; and
- (2)Was erected or maintained in violation of the applicable requirements of previously existing ordinances.
(b)
These signs shall be removed, or made to conform to the current requirements of this Part by the owner or user of the sign or by the owner of the premises upon which it is located. Signs for which the District Council has validated a permit issued in error (Section 27-258) shall not be subject to this requirement.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-608. Amortization.
(a)
Purpose.
- (1)The purpose of this Section is to provide reasonable standards for the removal of nonconforming signs, while preventing unreasonable loss.
(b)
Requirements.
- (1)Any sign (except an outdoor advertising sign) in existence on December 24, 1975, which does not conform to the current requirements of this Part, but was erected in accordance with the applicable requirements of previously existing ordinances, shall be regarded as a nonconforming sign which may be continued for the periods shown in the following table. The period begins on July 1, 1976. These signs may be continued only if they are maintained in accordance with this Subtitle and other County ordinances.
| ORIGINAL COST OF SIGN | CONTINUANCE PERIOD |
|---|---|
| $1 - $300 | 6 months |
| $301 - $1,000 | 1 year |
| $1,001 - $3,000 | 2 years |
| $3,001 - $5,000 | 3 years |
| $5,001 - $10,000 | 4 years |
| $10,001 - $15,000 | 5 years |
| $15,001 - $20,000 | 6 years |
| More than $20,000 | 7 years |
| ORIGINAL COST OF SIGN | CONTINUANCE PERIOD |
|---|---|
| $1 - $300 | 6 months |
| $301 - $1,000 | 1 year |
| $1,001 - $3,000 | 2 years |
| $3,001 - $5,000 | 3 years |
| $5,001 - $10,000 | 4 years |
| $10,001 - $15,000 | 5 years |
| $15,001 - $20,000 | 6 years |
| More than $20,000 | 7 years |
| ORIGINAL COST OF SIGN | CONTINUANCE PERIOD |
|---|---|
| $1 - $300 | 6 months |
| $301 - $1,000 | 1 year |
| $1,001 - $3,000 | 2 years |
| $3,001 - $5,000 | 3 years |
| $5,001 - $10,000 | 4 years |
| $10,001 - $15,000 | 5 years |
| $15,001 - $20,000 | 6 years |
| More than $20,000 | 7 years |
| ORIGINAL COST OF SIGN | CONTINUANCE PERIOD |
|---|---|
| $1 - $300 | 6 months |
| $301 - $1,000 | 1 year |
| $1,001 - $3,000 | 2 years |
| $3,001 - $5,000 | 3 years |
| $5,001 - $10,000 | 4 years |
| $10,001 - $15,000 | 5 years |
| $15,001 - $20,000 | 6 years |
| More than $20,000 | 7 years |
- (2)After the continuance period has passed, the sign shall be removed.
- (3)The continuance period shall remain the same if the sign is altered or replaced.
- (4)Other requirements of this Subtitle relating to nonconforming buildings, structures, or uses shall not apply to signs being amortized.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-609. Maintenance and removal of unsafe or illegal signs.
(a)
Whenever the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement, or a designated representative determines that a sign or poster is unsafe or illegal, the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement or designated representative shall (in writing) order that the sign be made safe or removed. The order shall be complied with by the person owning or using the sign or, in the case of a gateway sign, the Homeowners' Association or other entity responsible for maintenance within five (5) days after the person, Homeowners' Association, or entity receives the order. In the event of an emergency situation (when there is an immediate danger to public safety), the unsafe sign shall be made safe or removed without any delay or written order.
(b)
If the unsafe or illegal sign is not removed or maintained in accordance with the order, the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement or designated representative shall have the sign removed. Removal shall be referred to the Department of Public Works and Transportation. The cost of removal shall be borne by the owner, user, Homeowners' Association, or entity responsible for the sign. For purposes of this Subtitle, all illegal signs in the County right-of-way shall be deemed an immediate danger to public safety and may be removed without any delay or written order. Any costs of removal shall be borne by the person or entity responsible for the sign.
(c)
The penalties prescribed in Section 27-265 of this Subtitle and in Section 28-111(c) of this Code may be invoked if the sign is not removed or maintained in accordance with the order.
(d)
The maintenance of an entrance feature, including gateway signs and associated landscaping, shall be the responsibility of a Homeowner's Association or any other entity or person designated in a maintenance arrangement approved by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. Any entrance which has not been maintained in a safe and attractive manner may, for the purpose of this Section, be deemed by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement to be an unsafe sign.
(e)
It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to attach any illegal sign or illegal poster to any public utility pole, or to the exterior of any other public structure, posts, signs, or telephone/electrical boxes, or, with the exception of those permitted under Section 27-602, to place an illegal sign or illegal poster in the County right-of-way. Unless rebutted by competent evidence, any such sign or poster shall be presumed to be owned by and attached by the person whose business name, business address, business telephone, or trademark is contained on the face of the sign or poster.
(CB-50-1984; CB-109-1989; CB-59-1993; CB-73-2001; CB-29-2014; CB-79-2015; CB-61-2016)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-610. Violations.
(a)
If a sign violates any of the requirements of the applicable ordinances existing at the time of its erection, the Director of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement, the Director of Public Works and Transportation, or a designated representative of either shall order (in writing) that the sign be removed or made to conform to the requirements of this Part. The order shall be complied with by the owner or user of the sign within fifteen (15) days.
(b)
If the order is not complied with, the Director or designated representative may have the sign removed. The cost of removal shall be borne by the owner or user of the sign.
(c)
The penalties prescribed in Section 27-265 of this Subtitle and in Section 28-111(c) of this Code may be invoked if the order is not complied with.
(CB-50-1984; CB-33-1985; CB-59-1993; CB-73-2001; CB-29-2014; CB-61-2016)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-611. Extension of grace period.
Sec. 27-612. Authorization and procedures.
(a)
Except for signs exempt from permit requirements, as provided in Section 27-602, departures from sign design standards may be permitted by the Planning Board or Planning Director, or by a municipality if this authority has been delegated by the District Council to a Municipal Corporation or through the establishment of a Revitalization Overlay District.
(b)
No departures from design standards shall be permitted for any sign erected in violation of this Subtitle, and for which a sign permit was not obtained at the time the sign was erected.
(c)
No departures from design standards shall be permitted for any sign in the U-L-I Zone.
(d)
The Planning Board is authorized to approve departures from sign design standards, under procedures and requirements in PART 3, Division 5.
(e)
The Planning Director is authorized to approve administratively, without public hearing, limited departures from sign design standards, for a maximum of ten percent (10%) of standard requirements. The Director shall follow procedures and make the findings required in PART 3, Division 5.
(CB-108-1986; CB-1-1989; CB-24-1991; CB-59-1993; CB-116-1993; CB-1-1994; CB-33-1998; CB-42-2002)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-613. Attached to a building or canopy.
(a)
Location.
- (1)In all Commercial and Industrial Zones (except the I-3 and U-L-I Zones), signs may be attached to the walls or roof of a building or to a canopy that is located at least ten (10) feet behind a street line. No signs may be erected on the top of a canopy. No sign shall be erected on a rear wall or canopy attached to a rear wall so that it is visible from any land in any Residential Zone or land proposed to be used for residential purposes on an approved Basic Plan for a Comprehensive Design Zone, approved Official Plan for an R-P-C Zone, or any approved Conceptual or Detailed Site Plan.
- (2)In the I-3 Zone, the signs may be located anywhere on a building that the Planning Board deems appropriate, subject to the height limitations below.
- (3)In the U-L-I Zone, the signs shall be located in accordance with Section 27-474.01(g).
(b)
Height.
- (1)In all Commercial and Industrial Zones (except the I-3 Zone), no sign shall extend more than twelve (12) feet above the roof line or parapet wall (whichever is higher) of that part of the building to which the sign is attached. (See Figure 65.)
- (2)In the I-3 Zone the sign shall not extend above the lowest point of the roof of the building to which it is attached. (See Figure 65.)
- (3)In the U-L-I Zone, the height of signs shall be in accordance with Section 27-474.01(g).
(c)
Area. (See Figure 66.)
- (1)In general.
- (A)The maximum permissible area of building and canopy signs is dependent upon the building or canopy width, the distance between the edge of the canopy and the street line toward which the sign faces, and whether the permissible sign area is divided between the building and the canopy.
- (2)C-O Zone.
- (A)In the C-O Zone, if all of the permissible sign area is to be used on a building, the area of all of the signs on a building shall be not more than one (1) square foot for each two (2) lineal feet of width along the front of a building (measured along the wall facing the front of the lot or the wall containing the principal entrance to the building, whichever is greater) to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet. If the building is on a corner lot, a portion of the allowed sign area may be displayed on the side street; however, it shall be limited to fifty (50) square feet if the front lot line of any residentially zoned lot or lot land proposed to be used for residential purposes on an approved Basic Plan for a Comprehensive Design Zone, approved Official Plan for an R-P-C Zone, or any approved Conceptual or Detailed Site Plan is located on either side of the street between the subject property and the next intersecting street.
- (B)If all of the permissible sign area is to be used on a canopy which is located at least thirty (30) feet behind the street line, the provisions of subparagraph (A), above, shall apply, measured along the front wall of the building or the front edge of the canopy (whichever has the greater width).
- (C)If all of the permissible sign area is to be used on a canopy that is located less than thirty (30), but at least ten (10), feet behind the street line, the total area of all signs on any one (1) canopy shall not exceed one (1) square foot for each four (4) lineal feet of building or canopy width (whichever has the greater width) to a maximum of fifty (50) square feet. If the canopy is on a corner lot, a portion of the allowed sign area may be displayed on the side street; however, it shall be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet if the front lot line of any residentially zoned lot or lot land proposed to be used for residential purposes on an approved Basic Plan for a Comprehensive Design Zone, approved Official Plan for an R-P-C Zone, or any approved Conceptual or Detailed Site Plan is located on either side of the street between the subject property and the next intersecting street.
- (D)If the permissible sign area is to be divided between a building and a canopy, the provisions of subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), above (as applicable to the particular building and canopy on the subject property), shall be used to determine the permissible sign area on each structure on a prorated basis. (For example, if the permissible sign area on a building is one hundred (100) square feet and the permissible sign area on a canopy is fifty (50) square feet and the applicant chooses to allocate fifty percent (50%) of the permissible sign area to each structure, the permissible sign area on the building would be fifty (50) square feet and the permissible sign area on the canopy would be twenty-five (25) square feet. As the percentage of total permissible sign area allocated to each structure varies, the permissible sign area on each structure varies, accordingly.)
- (3)Commercial Zones (except the C-O Zone) and Industrial Zones (except the I-3 and U-L-I Zones).
- (A)In all Commercial Zones (except the C-O Zone) and all Industrial Zones (except the I-3 Zone), if all of the permissible sign area is to be used on a building occupied by two (2) or more uses that are not located within an integrated shopping or industrial center or office building complex, the following applies:
- (i)Each building shall be allowed a sign having an area of at least sixty (60) square feet.
- (ii)Except as provided in (i), above, the area of all of the signs on a one (1) story building shall be not more than two (2) square feet for each one (1) lineal foot of width along the front of the building (measured along the wall facing the front of the lot or the wall containing the principal entrance to the building, whichever is greater), to a maximum of four hundred (400) square feet.
- (iii)Except as provided in (i), above, the area of all of the signs on a two (2) or three (3) story building shall be not more than three (3) square feet for each one (1) lineal foot of width along the front of the building (measured as in (ii), above), to a maximum of four hundred (400) square feet.
- (iv)For a building containing more than three (3) stories, one (1) additional square foot of sign area (to that allowed in (iii), above) for each additional one (1) to three (3) stories shall be allowed, to a maximum of four hundred (400) square feet of total sign area for each building. (For example, the sign area for a four (4) to six (6) story building is based on four (4) square feet for each one (1) lineal foot of building width, the sign area for a seven (7) to nine (9) story building is based on five (5) square feet for each one (1) lineal foot of building width, and so on, to a maximum of four hundred (400) square feet for each building.)
- (B)In all Commercial Zones (except the C-O Zone) and all Industrial Zones (except the I-3 and U-L-I Zones), if all of the permissible sign area is to be used on any building occupied by only one (1) use that is not located within an integrated shopping or industrial center or office building complex, the following applies:
- (i)Each building shall be allowed a sign having an area of at least sixty (60) square feet.
- (ii)Except as provided in (i), above, the area of all of the signs on a building shall be not more than two (2) square feet for each one (1) lineal foot of width along the front of the building (measured along the wall facing the front of the lot or the wall containing the principal entrance to the building, whichever is greater), to a maximum of four hundred (400) square feet.
- (C)In all Commercial Zones (except the C-O Zone) and all Industrial Zones (except the I-3 and U-L-I Zones), if all of the permissible sign area is to be used on any building that is located within an integrated shopping or industrial center or office building complex, the following applies:
- (i)The area of all of the signs on a building shall be not more than two (2) square feet for each one (1) lineal foot of width along the front of the building measured along the wall containing the principal entrance of each individual place of business to a maximum of four hundred (400) square feet.
- (ii)If there is more than one (1) use sharing the same building width along the entrance wall, such as on two (2) floors, the sign area shall be the same as if only one (1) business was using the width.
- (D)In the case of subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), above, if the building is on a corner lot, a portion of the allowed sign may be displayed on the side street; however, it shall be limited to fifty (50) square feet if the front lot line of any residentially zoned lot is located on either side of the street between the subject property and the next intersecting street.
- (E)If all of the permissible sign area is to be used on a canopy which is located at least thirty (30) feet behind the street line, the provisions of subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) and of subparagraph (D), above, shall apply, measured along the front of the building or the front edge of the canopy (whichever has the greater width).
- (F)If all of the permissible sign area is to be used on a canopy that is located less than thirty (30), but at least ten (10), feet behind the street line, the total area of all signs on any one (1) canopy shall not exceed one (1) square foot for each lineal foot of building or canopy width (whichever has the greater width), to a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet. In the case of a shopping center, office building complex, or industrial center, the canopy width, measured along the front edge of the canopy in front of each individual place of business, shall be used. If the canopy is on a corner lot, a portion of the allowed sign area may be displayed on the side street; however, it shall be limited to twenty-five (25) square feet if the front lot line of any residentially zoned lot or lot land proposed to be used for residential purposes on an approved Basic Plan for a Comprehensive Design Zone, approved Official Plan for an R-P-C Zone, or any approved Conceptual or Detailed Site Plan is located on either side of the street between the subject property and the next intersecting street.
- (G)If the permissible sign area is to be divided between a building and a canopy, the provisions of subparagraphs (A) through (F), above (as applicable to the particular building and canopy on the subject property), shall be used to determine the permissible sign area on each structure on a prorated basis. (For example, if the permissible sign area on a building is four hundred (400) square feet and the permissible sign area on a canopy is two hundred (200) square feet and the applicant chooses to allocate fifty percent (50%) of the permissible sign area to each structure, the permissible sign area on the building would be two hundred (200) square feet and the permissible sign area on the canopy would be one hundred (100) square feet. As the percentage of total permissible sign area allocated to each structure varies, the permissible sign area on each structure varies, accordingly.)
- (4)I-3 Zone.
- (A)In the I-3 Zone, the area of all of the signs on a building wall facing a street shall be not more than one (1) square foot for each one (1) lineal foot of building width facing that street.
- (5)In the U-L-I Zone, the area of all signs shall be in accordance with Section 27-474.01(g).
(d)
Projecting signs. (See Figure 67.)
- (1)In all Commercial and Industrial Zones (except the I-3 and U-L-I Zones), signs may project from walls or canopies, in accordance with the following:
- (A)The signs shall project not more than forty-two (42) inches from the vertical plane of the wall or canopy to which they are attached;
- (B)The signs on buildings shall extend not closer than two (2) feet to the vertical plane of the street curb line;
- (C)The signs on canopies shall extend not closer than ten (10) feet to the vertical plane of the street line;
- (D)The signs may extend over public property only where there is no required building setback. In this case, the sign may extend not more than forty-two (42) inches beyond the property line or closer than ten (10) feet to a curb line. These signs shall have a minimum clearance of ten (10) feet above the finished grade of a public sidewalk and eighteen (18) feet above driveways or alleys;
- (E)Only one (1) projecting sign shall be permitted on a building or canopy;
- (F)Projecting signs are prohibited on the side of a building facing a side street, if the majority of the street frontage in that block is for properties in Residential Zones or land proposed to be used for residential purposes on an approved Basic Plan for a Comprehensive Design Zone, approved Official Plan for an R-P-C Zone, or any approved Conceptual or Detailed Site Plan on either side of the street.
- (2)In the I-3 Zone, the signs shall be located in any manner the Planning Board deems appropriate, subject to the height limitations in (c), above.
- (3)In the U-L-I Zone, projecting signs shall be prohibited, except in accordance with Section 27-474.01(g).
(e)
Design.
- (1)In the I-3 Zone, signs shall be either:
- (A)Designed as a part of the architectural design of the building; or
- (B)Approved as an element of the proposed development on the lot, taking into account its relationship to the other proposed improvements.
(f)
Mixed Use Zones.
- (1)In the Mixed Use Zones, the design standards for all signs attached to a building shall be determined by the Planning Board for each individual development at the time of Detailed Site Plan review. Each Detailed Site Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design, size, methods of sign attachment, and other information the Planning Board requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the uses to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the Mixed Use Zone development and, in the M-X-C Zone, are in conformance with the sign program as set forth in Section 27-546.04(j).
(g)
Comprehensive Design Zones.
- (1)In the Comprehensive Design Zones, the design standards for all on-site signs attached to a building shall be determined by the Planning Board for each individual development at the time of Specific Design Plan review. Each Specific Design Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design, size, methods of sign attachment, and other information the Planning Board requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the uses to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the development. As a guide, the Planning Board shall consider how on-site signs are regulated in the Commercial and Industrial Zones.
(CB-41-1984; CB-33-1985; CB-76-1985; CB-63-1992; CB-93-1993; CB-1-1994)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-614. Freestanding signs.
(a)
Location.
- (1)In all Commercial and Industrial Zones (except the I-3 and U-L-I Zones), signs shall only be located on property where the main building associated with the sign is located at least forty (40) feet behind the front street line. This shall not apply to integrated shopping centers, other commercial centers with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial centers, or office building complexes.
- (2)In the C-O Zone, signs shall not be located within fifty (50) feet of any land in any Residential Zone, or land proposed to be used for residential purposes on an approved Basic Plan for a Comprehensive Design Zone, approved Official Plan for an R-P-C Zone, or any approved Conceptual or Detailed Site Plan.
- (3)In the I-3 Zone, signs may be located anywhere that the Planning Board deems appropriate, subject to the height limitations below.
- (4)Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Subtitle addressing setbacks and yards, in all Commercial and Industrial Zones (except the I-3 Zone), signs need only be located ten (10) feet behind the street line. Where the street line is situated behind the actual existing street right-of-way line, freestanding on-site signs may be temporarily located within the area between the street line and the existing street right-of-way line (the area of proposed future widening of an existing street), provided that:
- (A)The land area involved has not been, and is not in the process of being, acquired for street purposes;
- (B)The sign is located at least ten (10) feet behind the existing street right-of-way line; and
- (C)A written agreement between the owner and the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement assures that the sign will be removed, at the owner's expense, at the time of acquisition of that area for street purposes.
- (5)In the R-10 and R-H Zones, where general business and professional offices are allowed by Special Exception, the location of signs shall be approved as a part of the Special Exception approval (Section 27-386).
- (6)Gas station price signs shall be affixed to the same freestanding structure that supports the sign containing other advertising matter. A freestanding price sign erected in accordance with this Section shall not be permitted on the premises if other price signs erected in accordance with Section 27-623 are present on the premises.
(b)
Height.
- (1)The maximum height of signs shall be as shown in the following table. Measurements are from the finished grade at the base of the sign to the top of the sign. (See Figure 65.)
| ZONE | MAXIMUM HEIGHT (IN FEET) |
|---|---|
| C-O | 8 |
| Commercial Zones (except C-O) | 25 |
| Industrial Zones (except I-3) | 25 |
| I-3 Zone | Not greater than the lowest point of the roof of any building in the employment park |
| ZONE | MAXIMUM HEIGHT (IN FEET) |
|---|---|
| C-O | 8 |
| Commercial Zones (except C-O) | 25 |
| Industrial Zones (except I-3) | 25 |
| I-3 Zone | Not greater than the lowest point of the roof of any building in the employment park |
| ZONE | MAXIMUM HEIGHT (IN FEET) |
|---|---|
| C-O | 8 |
| Commercial Zones (except C-O) | 25 |
| Industrial Zones (except I-3) | 25 |
| I-3 Zone | Not greater than the lowest point of the roof of any building in the employment park |
| ZONE | MAXIMUM HEIGHT (IN FEET) |
|---|---|
| C-O | 8 |
| Commercial Zones (except C-O) | 25 |
| Industrial Zones (except I-3) | 25 |
| I-3 Zone | Not greater than the lowest point of the roof of any building in the employment park |
- (2)In the R-10 and R-H Zones, where general business and professional offices are allowed by Special Exception, the height of the sign shall be approved as a part of the Special Exception approval (Section 27-386).
- (c)Area. (See Figure 66.)
- (1)The area of freestanding on-site signs is in addition to that allowed for any other signs on a specific property.
- (2)In the C-O Zone, the area of a freestanding sign shall be not more than one (1) square foot for each eight (8) lineal feet of street frontage of the property occupied by the use associated with the sign. The area of the sign shall generally be not more than twenty-five (25) square feet. On a lot having frontage on a divided highway with an existing right-of-way of at least one hundred (100) feet, the maximum size of the sign shall be fifty (50) square feet.
- (3)In all Commercial Zones (except the C-O Zone) and all Industrial Zones (except the I-3 Zone), the area of the sign shall be not more than either:
- (A)One (1) square foot for each two (2) lineal feet of street frontage, to a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet for each sign, if the building is located in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex. The street frontage shall be measured on the property occupied by the center or complex associated with the sign; or
- (B)One (1) square foot for each four (4) lineal feet of street frontage, to a maximum of two hundred (200) square feet for each sign, if the business is not located in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex. The street frontage shall be measured on the property occupied by the use associated with the sign.
- (4)In the I-3 Zone, the area of the sign shall be not more than one (1) square foot for each five (5) lineal feet of street frontage along the street on which the sign faces.
- (5)In the R-10 and R-H Zones, where general business and professional offices are allowed by Special Exception, the area of the sign shall be approved as a part of the Special Exception approval (Section 27-386).
- (6)Freestanding gas station price signs shall meet the following standards:
- (A)If the sign reflects the price of only leaded regular and unleaded regular gasoline, it shall not exceed twenty-five (25) square feet in area, except as provided for in subparagraph (C), below;
- (B)If the sign reflects the price of three (3) or more types of gasoline, it shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area, except as provided for in subparagraph (C), below;
- (C)Any unused freestanding sign area authorized under other provisions of this Section may be added to the permissible sign area for gasoline prices;
- (D)The total combined area of freestanding gasoline price and other on-site signs on one (1) support structure shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
- (d)Quantity.
- (1)In the C-O Zone, only one (1) freestanding on-site sign shall generally be permitted for each office building complex or single office building. If the property has frontage on two (2) parallel (or approximately parallel) streets, one (1) freestanding sign shall be permitted on each street.
- (2)In all Commercial Zones (except the C-O Zone) and all Industrial Zones (except the I-3 Zone), there are two (2) options (subparagraphs (A) and (B), below) which may be used to calculate the number of signs allowed. Option One can be used for any property which has the specified minimum frontage on one (1) or more streets. Option Two may be used only for property which has the specified minimum frontage on each of two (2) parallel (or approximately parallel) streets. Both options can apply to either a business located within an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex, or a business not located in a center or complex. In the case of a center or complex, the street frontage is that which the entire center or complex has, and the number of signs permitted are the total number for the entire center or complex.
- (A)Option One:
| TOTAL STREET FRONTAGE ON ALL STREETS | NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED |
|---|---|
| If in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 100 feet | None |
100 to 1,100 feet | 1.0 |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) | 1.0 |
| If not in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 40 feet | None |
40 to 1,100 feet | 1.0 |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) | 1.0 |
| TOTAL STREET FRONTAGE ON ALL STREETS | NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED |
|---|---|
| If in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 100 feet | None |
100 to 1,100 feet | 1.0 |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) | 1.0 |
| If not in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 40 feet | None |
40 to 1,100 feet | 1.0 |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) | 1.0 |
| TOTAL STREET FRONTAGE ON ALL STREETS | NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED |
|---|---|
| If in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 100 feet | None |
100 to 1,100 feet | 1.0 |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) | 1.0 |
| If not in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 40 feet | None |
40 to 1,100 feet | 1.0 |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) | 1.0 |
| TOTAL STREET FRONTAGE ON ALL STREETS | NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED |
|---|---|
| If in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 100 feet | None |
100 to 1,100 feet | 1.0 |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) | 1.0 |
| If not in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 40 feet | None |
40 to 1,100 feet | 1.0 |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) | 1.0 |
- (B)Option Two:
| TOTAL STREET FRONTAGE ON ALL STREETS | NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED |
|---|---|
| If in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | None |
100 to 1,100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on one of the streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on each of the streets | One on each street |
| If not in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 40 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | None |
40 to 1,100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on one of the streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on each of the streets | One on each street |
| TOTAL STREET FRONTAGE ON ALL STREETS | NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED |
|---|---|
| If in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | None |
100 to 1,100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on one of the streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on each of the streets | One on each street |
| If not in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 40 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | None |
40 to 1,100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on one of the streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on each of the streets | One on each street |
| TOTAL STREET FRONTAGE ON ALL STREETS | NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED |
|---|---|
| If in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | None |
100 to 1,100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on one of the streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on each of the streets | One on each street |
| If not in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 40 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | None |
40 to 1,100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on one of the streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on each of the streets | One on each street |
| TOTAL STREET FRONTAGE ON ALL STREETS | NUMBER OF SIGNS PERMITTED |
|---|---|
| If in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | None |
100 to 1,100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on one of the streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on each of the streets | One on each street |
| If not in an integrated shopping center, other commercial center with three (3) or more businesses served by common and immediate off-street parking and loading facilities, industrial center, or office building complex: | |
0 to under 40 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | None |
40 to 1,100 feet on each of two parallel (or approximately parallel) streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on one of the streets | One on each street |
Each additional 1,000 feet (or fraction) on each of the streets | One on each street |
- (3)In the I-3 Zone, the number of freestanding on-site signs permitted shall be determined by the Planning Board at the time of Detailed Site Plan review.
- (4)In the R-10 and R-H Zones, where general business and professional offices are permitted by Special Exception, one (1) freestanding sign shall be permitted if approved as a part of the Special Exception approval (Section 27-386).
- (5)For the purpose of this Section, "approximately parallel" means that the angle between the two (2) streets is less than forty-five (45) degrees.
- (e)Mixed Use Zones.
- (1)In the Mixed Use Zones, the Design Standards for freestanding on-site signs shall be determined by the Planning Board for each development at the time of Detailed Site Plan review. Each Detailed Site Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design, size, methods of sign support, and other information the Planning Board requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the use to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the Mixed Use Zone development and, in the M-X-C Zone, are in conformance with the sign program as set forth in Section 27-546.04(j).
- (f)Comprehensive Design Zones.
- (1)In the Comprehensive Design Zones, the Design Standards for all freestanding on-site signs shall be determined by the Planning Board for each individual development at the time of Specific Design Plan review. Each Specific Design Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design, size, methods of sign support, and other information the Planning Board requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the uses to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the development. As a guide, the Planning Board shall consider how on-site signs are regulated in the Commercial and Industrial Zones.
(CB-41-1984; CB-110-1984; CB-33-1985; CB-49-1986; CB-63-1992; CB-32-1993; CB-59-1993; CB-1-1994; CB-29-2014)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-615. Nonresidential uses in Residential and R-M-H Zones.
When not otherwise provided for in this Subtitle, a sign associated with a nonresidential use allowed in a Residential Zone or the R-M-H Zone shall be permitted, and shall be regulated by the same provisions as those for the least intensive Commercial Zone in which the nonresidential use is allowed. If the nonresidential use requires a Special Exception, no freestanding on-site sign for the use shall be permitted, unless it is shown on the approved site plan. If the nonresidential use is not allowed in a Commercial Zone, the sign shall be regulated by the provisions applicable to on-site signs in the C-O Zone.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-616. Construction.
(a)
Construction site signs may be erected in any zone, subject to the following:
- (1)Residential, R-S, R-M, R-U, and R-M-H Zones.
- (A)Maximum area of each sign - 24 square feet; plus 12 square feet for each additional acre in the project above 2 acres, to a maximum of 100 square feet.
- (B)Location - On building or premises being constructed.
- (C)Maximum number allowed - 1 per project; plus 1 for each additional street the property fronts on (must face additional street frontage).
- (2)Commercial, Industrial, and L-A-C, M-A-C, E-I-A, and M-X-T Zones.
- (A)Maximum area of each sign - 120 square feet.
- (B)Location - On building or premises being constructed.
- (C)Maximum number allowed - 1 for each project; plus 1 for each additional street the property fronts on (must face additional street frontage).
(b)
The permits for the construction site signs shall be valid only while the project is being constructed.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-617. Institutional - Other than Temporary.
(a)
In any zone (except Comprehensive Design and Mixed Use Zones) where a church; library; school; hospital; fire station; community center; day care center for children; service, fraternal, or civic organizations; or other similar institution is allowed, a sign may be erected. Institutional signs shall meet the following design standards:
- (1)Maximum area for each sign - 48 square feet.
- (2)Maximum height - 8 feet above finished grade at base of sign.
- (3)Minimum setback - 15 feet from adjoining land in any Residential Zone (or land proposed to be used for residential purposes in a Comprehensive Design, Mixed Use, or Planned Community Zone).
- (4)Type allowed - freestanding or attached to a building.
- (5)Maximum number - 1 per street the property fronts on (must face street frontage).
(b)
In the Mixed Use Zones, the Design Standards for institutional signs shall be determined and approved by the Planning Board for each development at the time of Detailed Site Plan review. Each Detailed Site Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design, size, methods of sign attachment or support, and other information the Planning Board requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the uses to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the Mixed Use Zone development, and in the M-X-C Zone are in conformance with the sign program as set forth in Section 27-546.04(j).
(c)
In the Comprehensive Design Zones, the Design Standards for institutional signs shall be determined by the Planning Board for each individual development at the time of Specific Design Plan review. Each Specific Design Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design, size, methods of sign attachment or support, and other information the Planning Board requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the uses to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the development. As a guide, the Planning Board shall consider how on-site signs are regulated in the Commercial and Industrial Zones.
(CB-23-1988; CB-63-1992; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-618. Real estate signs.
Sec. 27-618. Real estate signs.
- (a)Temporary advertising.
- (1)Temporary real estate advertising signs are permitted in Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and R-M-H Zones, subject to the following Design Standards:
- (A)Residential and R-M-H Zones.
- (i)Maximum area of each sign - 24 square feet; plus 12 square feet for each additional acre advertised above 2 acres, to a maximum of 100 square feet.
- (ii)Location - On building or premises advertised.
- (iii)Maximum number allowed - 1 for each property advertised; plus 1 for each additional street the property fronts on (must face additional street frontage).
- (B)Commercial and Industrial Zones.
- (i)Maximum area of each sign - 120 square feet.
- (ii)Location - On building or premises advertised.
- (iii)Maximum number allowed - 1 for each property advertised; plus 1 for each additional street the property fronts on (must face additional street frontage).
- (2)A temporary real estate advertising sign permit shall be valid for only six (6) months. The permit may be renewed for additional six (6) month periods at the discretion of the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. The permit may be terminated at any time.
- (b)Temporary directional.
- (1)Temporary real estate directional signs are permitted in any Residential, Commercial, Industrial, or R-M-H Zone, subject to the following Design Standards:
- (A)Maximum area of sign - 50 square feet.
- (B)Location - Within 4 street miles of project.
- (C)Minimum setbacks - 15 feet from public street; 150 feet from the nearest curb intersection of any two streets.
- (D)Maximum number allowed - 4 per project.
- (E)Maximum Height - 15 feet above finished grade at base of sign.
- (2)A temporary real estate directional sign permit shall be valid for only six (6) months. The permit may be renewed for additional six (6) month periods at the discretion of the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. The permit may be terminated at any time.
- (c)Permanent identification.
- (1)Permanent real estate signs identifying an apartment house or complex are permitted in any multifamily Residential Zone, subject to the following Design Standards:
- (A)Maximum area per sign - 48 square feet.
- (B)Location - On the building or premises.
- (C)Maximum number allowed - 1 for the first 100 dwelling units, plus 1 for each additional 100 dwelling units, to a maximum of 4 signs (and a maximum of 192 square feet). In lieu of multiple signs, the sign area may be allocated to fewer signs.
- (2)Permanent real estate signs identifying a business are permitted in the U-L-I Zone, subject to the following Design Standards:
- (A)Maximum area per sign - 3 square feet.
- (B)Location - on the building adjacent to the main entrance to a business.
- (C)Maximum number allowed - 1 per business entrance.
- (d)Mixed Use Zones.
- (1)In the Mixed Use Zones, the Design Standards for advertising, directional, and permanent real estate signs shall be determined and approved by the Planning Board for each individual development at the time of Detailed Site Plan review. Each Detailed Site Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design, size, methods of sign attachment or support, and other information the Planning Board requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the uses to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the Mixed Use Zone development, and in the M-X-C Zone are in conformance with the sign program as set forth in Section 27-546.04(j).
- (e)Comprehensive Design Zones.
- (1)In the Comprehensive Design Zones, the Design Standards for advertising, directional, and permanent real estate signs shall be determined by the Planning Board for each individual development at the time of Specific Design Plan review. Each Specific Design Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design, size, methods of sign attachment or support, and other information the Planning Board requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the uses to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the development. As a guide, the Planning Board shall consider how these signs are regulated in the Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Zones.
(CB-50-1984; CB-33-1985; CB-49-1986; CB-38-1988; CB-63-1992; CB-59-1993; CB-1-1994; CB-29-2014)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-619. Tourist homes; country inns.
(a)
Signs associated with tourist homes or country inns are permitted, subject to the following:
- (1)Maximum area per sign - 6 square feet.
- (2)Maximum number allowed - 1 per home or inn.
- (3)Location - anywhere on premises.
- (4)Minimum setbacks - 5 feet behind the street line.
(b)
The signs may be illuminated, but no neon, red, or flashing device may be used. The illumination shall be confined to the face of the sign and not glare onto residential property or public streets.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-620. Directional signs for institutional uses and golf courses.
(a)
Directional signs indicating the locations and names of schools, institutions, or day care centers for children; service, fraternal, or civic organizations; golf courses or country clubs; or churches may be placed within or on land in any Commercial or Industrial Zone (except the I-3 Zone) adjacent to street rights-of-way. The following Design Standards apply to these signs.
(b)
Maximum area.
- (1)Within street right-of-way - 4 square feet.
- (2)On Commercial or Industrial land - 16 square feet.
(c)
Illumination.
- (1)The signs shall not be illuminated (but may be of the beaded reflector type).
(d)
Other regulations.
- (1)The signs shall be erected in accordance with applicable State, County, or municipal highway regulations.
(CB-77-1985; CB-23-1988; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-621. Farm products (wayside stand).
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum area per sign - 48 square feet.
(b)
Quantity.
- (1)Maximum number allowed - 1 per street the property fronts on (must face street frontage).
(c)
Location.
- (1)At least 10 feet behind the street line; and
- (2)At least 50 feet from the nearest corner of any street intersection.
(d)
Illumination.
- (1)Any illumination shall be confined to the face of the sign, and shall not glare onto adjacent property or streets.
(CB-24-1991; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-622. Home occupations.
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum area - 2 square feet.
(b)
Illumination.
- (1)Any illumination shall be of an enclosed lamp design and nonflashing, and shall contain no red illumination. Reflector-type signs may be used.
(c)
Quantity.
- (1)Maximum number of signs - 1 per street the property fronts on.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-623. Incidental building identification.
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum area - 2 square feet.
(b)
Illumination.
- (1)Any illumination shall be of an enclosed lamp design and nonflashing, and shall contain no red illumination. Reflector-type signs may be used.
(c)
Location.
- (1)Attached to the building.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-624. Gateway Signs.
(a)
A permanent gateway sign identifying a residential subdivision is permitted in any Residential Zone, and is required in any subdivision in the R-T Zone with more than twenty-five (25) dwelling units for which a Detailed Site Plan is approved after December 30, 1996, provided that maintenance is the responsibility of a Homeowners' Association, or other entity or person designated in a maintenance arrangement approved by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement, subject to the following design standards:
- (1)Maximum lettering area per sign - twelve (12) square feet;
- (2)Maximum height - six (6) feet above established grade;
- (3)Location - at the entrance to a residential subdivision, set back from the roadway to maintain unobstructed lines of vision for five hundred (500) feet in all directions of travel;
- (4)Materials - low maintenance, durable, and in keeping with the character of the community. Plastic signs with internal illumination are prohibited; and
- (5)Landscaping which is attractive year-round shall be provided at the base of a gateway sign.
(b)
The design of a gateway sign and any accompanying entrance feature shall be reviewed concurrently, as follows:
- (1)In cluster subdivisions and other subdivisions where the approval of a Detailed Site Plan is required, the location of a gateway sign or entrance feature shall be approved concurrently with the preliminary plat of subdivision and the design shall be approved with the Detailed Site Plan;
- (2)Where approval of a Detailed Site Plan is not required, the location of a gateway sign or entrance feature shall be approved concurrently in the preliminary plat and the design shall be reviewed by the Planning Board (or its authorized representative) prior to the issuance of a building permit;
- (3)Where neither a preliminary plan nor a Detailed Site Plan is required, the location and design of a gateway sign or entrance feature shall be reviewed by the Planning Board (or its authorized representative) prior to the issuance of a building permit. When the gateway sign or entrance feature is located within a municipality, the municipality shall be notified of receipt of a permit application by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. Notification shall be sent not less than ten (10) days prior to issuance of the permit.
(CB-77-1985; CB-109-1989; CB-59-1993; CB-55-1996; CB-29-2014)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-624.01. Gateway Signs (U-L-I Zone).
(a)
A permanent gateway sign identifying the businesses in an urban light industrial zone is permitted, provided that maintenance is the responsibility of a business association or other entity or person designated in a maintenance arrangement approved by the Planning Board, subject to the following design standards:
- (1)Maximum area per sign - one hundred (100) square feet.
- (2)Maximum height - eight (8) feet above established grade.
- (3)Location - at the entrance to an urban light industrial zone, setback from the roadway sufficient to maintain unobstructed lines of vision for five hundred (500) feet in all directions of travel.
- (4)Sign may include the names or logos and addresses of businesses. Such signs may also contain the name or logo of the industrial area. If the name of the industrial area is included, it shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the area of the sign and eight (8) inches in height.
- (5)Materials must be low maintenance, durable, and in keeping with the character of the area. Plastic signs with internal illumination are prohibited.
- (6)Landscaping which is attractive year-round shall be provided at the base of the gateway sign.
(b)
The design and location of a gateway sign and any accompanying entrance feature shall be reviewed by the Planning Board (or its authorized representative) prior to the issuance of a building permit. When the gateway sign or entrance feature is located within a municipality, the municipality shall be notified of receipt of a permit application by the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement. Notification shall be sent not less than ten (10) days prior to issuance of the permit.
(CB-1-1994; CB-29-2014)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-624.02. Gateway Signs (Integrated Shopping Center).
(a)
A permanent gateway sign identifying an Integrated Shopping Center, and/or the businesses within the Integrated Shopping Center, is permitted in any Commercial Zone, provided the Integrated Shopping Center consists of lots or parcels which collectively comprise at least thirty-five (35) contiguous acres of land. Any such gateway sign shall be included in the allowable number of freestanding signs for the Integrated Shopping Center, and shall be subject to the following requirements:
- (1)Location - The sign may be located on property adjoining an Integrated Shopping Center, if the sign: (i) is located on a property that is at the intersection of two (2) roads, one of which must be classified in the currently approved master plan as at least a freeway, and the other classified as at least arterial status; (ii) is located within a Center or Corridor, as set forth in the County's General Plan; (iii) is located no less than four hundred (400) feet from land in any residential zone (excluding any public right-of-way or land owned by a public agency), and no less than one thousand (1000) feet from land occupied by a rapid rail transit station; and (iv) is located no more than six hundred (600) feet from the closest boundary of the Integrated Shopping Center. All of the above-referenced criteria for location of a gateway sign shall only apply at the time that the permit for the gateway sign is approved. Any such gateway sign shall only identify the adjoining Integrated Shopping Center and/or the businesses within the adjoining Integrated Shopping Center, and the location of said sign shall have been noted upon a special exception site plan approved prior to 1986.
- (2)Maximum height - Fifty-five (55) feet above the established grade;
- (3)Area - A maximum of seven hundred (700) square feet of lettering/advertising area, if the location of said sign is noted upon a special exception site plan approved prior to 1986; a maximum of four hundred (400) square feet in all other cases. For purposes of this Section of the Ordinance, the area of said sign shall be defined to be, and only include, the actual area of the sign box (which could include internally illuminated panels), and/or individual letters not within a sign box, which shall be calculated and reduced by fifty percent (50%); said fifty percent (50%) reduction shall be presumed to equal the spaces between the letters, figures, and designs;
- (4)Setback - A minimum of ten (10) feet from the ultimate right-of-way; if, however, the gateway sign meets the conditions set forth in Section 27-259(a)(3) of this Subtitle, then the sign shall be permitted to be located less than ten (10) feet from, or within, the ultimate right-of- way.
- (5)A subsequent change in any of the above-referenced criteria or requirements shall not cause the gateway sign to be classified as nonconforming.
(b)
Detailed Site Plan- Gateway signs associated with Integrated Shopping Centers shall require an approved Limited Detailed Site Plan in accordance with PART 3, Division 9, of this Subtitle prior to the issuance of permits. The Limited Detailed Site Plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director, and shall be limited to the overall design of the gateway sign (i.e., the construction materials, colors, and illumination, but not the location, height or area), which shall be found to be compatible with the Integrated Shopping Center being advertised.
(c)
No departure or variance shall be granted from above provisions regulating gateway signs associated with Integrated Shopping Centers.
(CB-15-2009)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-625. Surface mining; sand and gravel wet-processing identification.
(a)
Area.
- (1)Not less than 9, nor more than 16, square feet.
(b)
Location.
- (1)All signs shall be conspicuous and legible.
(c)
Quantity.
- (1)If the property has frontage on one (1) or more improved public streets, there shall be one sign posted for each one thousand (1,000) feet (or fraction) of street frontage on each street.
- (2)If the property does not have frontage on an improved public street, there shall be one (1) sign posted within the right-of-way or easement which provides vehicular access to the property.
(d)
Height.
- (1)Not less than four (4), nor more than eight (8), feet above the finished grade of the improved street if it is to be viewed from a public street.
(e)
Contents.
- (1)Each sign shall contain the following information:
- (A)Identification of the use as a surface mining or sand and gravel wet-processing operation;
- (B)Size of the property (in acres);
- (C)Name of the owner of the property and operator of the facility;
- (D)A legal description of the property, including the subdivision name, lot and block numbers, or liber and folio numbers; and
- (E)Instructions for obtaining additional information about the operation.
(f)
Applicability.
- (1)The requirements of this Section apply to both nonconforming operations and those which are in conformance with the existing provisions of this Subtitle.
(CB-17-1984; CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-626. Offices (business or rental) in multifamily dwelling.
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum area - 4 square feet.
(b)
Location.
- (1)Attached to the building.
(c)
Quantity.
- (1)Maximum of 1 per dwelling.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-627. Professional uses.
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum area - 2 square feet.
(b)
Illumination.
- (1)Any illumination shall be of an enclosed lamp design and nonflashing, and shall contain no red illumination. Reflector-type signs may be used.
(c)
Quantity.
- (1)Maximum of 1 per dwelling.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-628. Public interest events/campaign.
(a)
Location.
- (1)At least 10 feet behind the street line; and
- (2)At least 50 feet from the nearest corner of any street intersection.
(b)
Validity period.
- (1)Campaign signs may be erected forty-five (45) days prior to the election. The signs shall be removed within ten (10) days after the general election, or within 10 days after the primary election if the candidate is not successful.
- (2)Other public interest signs may be erected for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive days.
(c)
Other regulations.
- (1)One permit is required per applicant per event.
(CB-59-1993; CB-95-1994)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-629. Regulatory, on private property.
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum area
- (A)Residential and R-M-H Zones - 6 square feet.
- (B)Commercial Zones - 12 square feet.
- (C)I-3 and U-L-I Zones - 8 square feet.
- (D)Industrial Zones (except I-3 and U-L-I) - 12 square feet.
- (E)M-X-T & Comprehensive Design Zones - Size determined at the final site plan review stage by Planning Board.
(b)
Height.
- (1)In the I-3 and U-L-I Zones, the signs shall not extend above the lowest point of the roof.
(CB-49-1986; CB-59-1993; CB-1-1994)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-629.01. Agritourism Signs.
(a)
A permanent sign identifying an Agritourism business is permitted provided:
- (1)The sign has a maximum area not to exceed seventy-two (72) square feet; and
- (2)The sign is located on the premises of the Agritourism business and subject to the following:
- (A)For a sign affixed to a building, the sign shall not extend beyond the highest point of the roof line of the business;
- (B)For a freestanding or gateway sign, the sign shall be:
- (i)Set back from any public roadway by at least eight (8) feet;
- (ii)Not be taller than the highest point of the roof line of the business; and
- (iii)Maintain unobstructed lines of vision for five hundred (500) feet in all directions of travel;
- (C)The maximum number of signs allowed is one (1) sign for a property (on which the Agritourism business is located) that is at least two (2) but less than five (5) acres in size, two (2) signs if the property is at least five (5) but less than seven (7) acres in size, and a maximum of three (3) signs if the property is seven (7) acres in size or greater (the parcel of property on which the business is located must be at least two (2) acres in size to be permitted to use a sign under this Subparagraph);
- (D)Any illumination of the sign shall be confined to the face of the sign and brightness shall not glare onto adjacent property or streets. No neon, red, or flashing device or lights on the sign shall be used. The sign may be double-sided; and
- (E)The advertised Agritourism business is a legally allowed use.
(b)
Temporary Agritourism Directional Signs.
- (1)A temporary Agritourism Directional Sign is permitted provided:
- (A)The sign has a maximum area not to exceed eight (8) square feet,
- (B)The sign is located within twenty (20) miles of the advertised Agritourism business,
- (C)The sign is setback at least eight (8) feet from any public street,
- (D)The sign has a maximum height of eight (8) feet above finished grade at the base of the sign,
- (E)The sign is not illuminated (while it may reflect light), and
- (F)The advertised Agritourism business is a legally allowed use and the business is located on a parcel of property that is at least two (2) acres in size.
- (2)If a sworn officer of the Police Department or the Office of the Sheriff or a designee of the Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement determines that a Temporary Agritourism Directional Sign is a hazard to public safety, the officer or official may remove the sign.
- (3)A Temporary Agritourism Directional Sign may be posted for a maximum of one hundred and eighty (180) consecutive calendar days and its removal is the responsibility of the sign owner. Failure of timely removal shall constitute littering by the sign owner under county law.
(CB-10-2017)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-630. Temporary use signs.
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum area - 6 square feet.
(b)
Location.
- (1)At least 10 feet behind the street line.
(c)
Illumination.
- (1)Any illumination shall be confined to the face of the sign and not glare on adjacent properties or streets.
(d)
Quantity.
- (1)Maximum of 1 per street the property fronts on.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-630.01. Commercial recreational development.
The design standards for all on-site signs attached to a building and all freestanding on-site signs for a commercial recreational development shall be determined by the Planning Board or its designee for each individual development with the submittal of a Conceptual Sign Plan. Each Conceptual Sign Plan shall be accompanied by plans, sketches, or photographs indicating the design size, method of sign attachment, and other information the Planning Board or its designee requires. In approving these signs, the Planning Board or its designee shall find that the proposed signs are appropriate in size, type, and design, given the proposed location and the uses to be served, and are in keeping with the remainder of the development. As a guide, the Planning Board or its designee shall consider the regulation of on-site signs in Commercial and Industrial Zones.
(CB-35-2000)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-630.02. Private Automobile and Other Motor Vehicle Auctions.
(a)
No signs permitted by PART 12 of this Subtitle for a private automobile or other motor vehicle auction shall be placed on the exterior of any fence visible from the public right-of-way, nor shall any flags, banners, pennants, or similar items be mounted, suspended or otherwise displayed for advertising visible from the public-right-of-way.
(b)
Any sign permitted under PART 12 of this Subtitle shall contain the date and time of the auction with a contact phone number for further information.
(CB-59-2010)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-630.03. Digital Billboards.
Sec. 27-630.03. Digital Billboards.
- (a)Digital Billboards are not allowed in Residential or Mixed Use Zones, but may be permitted in other zones, subject to the following requirements:
- (1)Minimum display time. Each message on the sign must be displayed a minimum of six (6) seconds.
- (2)Digital Billboards shall not operate at brightness levels of more than 0.3 foot candles above ambient light, as measured using a foot candle meter at a pre-set distance.
- (3)Pre-set distances to measure the impact of foot candles vary by size and viewing distance. Measurement distance criteria:
| Display Size | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 12' × 25' | 150' |
| 10'6' × 36' | 200' |
| 14' × 48' | 250' |
| Display Size | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 12' × 25' | 150' |
| 10'6' × 36' | 200' |
| 14' × 48' | 250' |
| Display Size | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 12' × 25' | 150' |
| 10'6' × 36' | 200' |
| 14' × 48' | 250' |
| Display Size | Measurement |
|---|---|
| 12' × 25' | 150' |
| 10'6' × 36' | 200' |
| 14' × 48' | 250' |
- (4)Each display must have a light sensing device to adjust the brightness as ambient light conditions change.
- (b)The technology currently used for digital billboards is LED (light emitting diode), but alternate, preferred and superior technology may be available in the future. Any other technology that operates under the maximum brightness stated in (2) above may be permitted upon review and approval by the Building Official.
- (c)The main display area of the sign shall be not more than six hundred seventy-five (675) square feet, excluding cabinetry or trim.
- (d)Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Subtitle, Digital Billboards shall have a minimum front setback of ten (10) feet from the property line, a minimum side setback of five (5) feet from the property line and be located within fifteen (15) feet of the previous billboard's location.
- (e)No Digital Billboard shall be located within five hundred (500) feet of an existing outdoor advertising sign or within one thousand (1,000) feet of another Digital Billboard located on and facing the same roadway.
- (f)All Digital Billboards shall be located on a roadway with a transportation functional classification of collector or higher.
- (g)No Digital Billboard shall be located where it prevents a motorist from having an unobstructed view of official traffic signs or controls, and approaching or merging traffic.
- (h)The height of the Digital Billboard shall be not more than forty-five (45) feet above the finished grade at the base of the sign, or with respect to signs oriented toward an abutting elevated street, not more than forty-five (45) feet above the pavement of that street, whichever is greater.
- (i)If the Digital Billboard becomes obstructed from view on the abutting street it is oriented toward, the permit may be revised by applying to the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE). If DPIE finds that the existing outdoor advertising sign is higher than forty-five (45) feet or that the Digital Billboard is obstructed from view, the height limit may be raised to fifty-five (55) feet above the finished grade at the base of the sign, or to fifty (50) feet above the pavement of the abutting elevated street, whichever is greater.
- (j)If, at the time of application for the sign permit, a building permit has been issued for an adjacent property which would cause an obstruction of the proposed Digital Billboard, the height of the Digital Billboard may be increased, with the permission of DPIE, not to exceed the applicable increased height limit specified in Paragraph (g), above.
- (k)Digital Billboards shall also conform to all applicable State and Federal regulations.
- (l)The landscaping and screening provisions of Parts 6 and 7 shall not apply to a lot or parcel solely occupied by a Digital Billboard. Landscaping shall be provided around the base of the sign in accordance with the provisions of the Landscape Manual.
- (m)Owners of Digital Billboards may remove the digital units from the billboard's supporting structure. During the temporary (not exceeding one (1) year) periods where there are no digital units, the sign owner shall be permitted to operate the sign faces as traditional, static type.
- (n)Notwithstanding the requirements of Section 27-125.01, at least thirty (30) days before the Commission accepts an application, the applicant shall send by first class mail an informational mailing to all adjoining property owners including owners whose properties lie directly across a street, alley, or stream; every municipality located within one (1) mile of the applicant's property; and to all associations registered with the Commission for the area which includes the property.
- (i)At any time after the Commission accepts an application, a determination that a person entitled did not receive a required informational mailing may not be the basis for invalidating a final action on the application.
(CB-84-2016; CB-54-2021)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-631. Real estate, directional.
(a)
Not located in right-of-way:
- (1)Area.
- (A)Maximum area - 3 square feet.
- (2)Location.
- (A)The signs shall be placed on private property behind the street line, as authorized by the owner or tenant.
- (3)Quantity.
- (A)Maximum number - 4 per each property advertised.
- (4)Height.
- (A)Maximum height - 3 feet (above finished grade at base of sign).
(b)
Located in right-of-way:
- (1)Area.
- (A)Maximum area - 1.5 square feet.
- (2)Location.
- (A)Within public street rights-of-way under Prince George's County jurisdiction; and
- (B)Within 25 feet of the corner of a street intersection.
- (3)Quantity.
- (A)Maximum number - 4 per each property advertised.
- (B)At any one intersection, there shall be only one (1) sign facing each direction of traffic.
- (4)Height.
- (A)Maximum height - 3 feet (above finished grade at base of sign).
- (5)Validity period.
- (A)These signs may only be erected between the hours of noon Saturday and noon of the following Monday.
- (6)Other regulations.
- (A)If a police officer finds that the sign is a hazard to traffic, he may remove the sign; and
- (B)The sign shall be erected in accordance with standards adopted by District Council Resolution.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-632. Real estate, identification or construction (contractors).
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum area - 6 square feet.
(b)
Location.
- (1)The signs shall be placed on the property being advertised.
(c)
Quantity.
- (1)Maximum number - 1 per each street frontage.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-633. Temporary Signs - Institutional.
(a)
Area.
- (1)Maximum Area - 4 square feet.
(b)
Location.
- (1)Signs may only be located on private property.
(c)
Other regulations.
- (1)Such signs shall be posted no more than five (5) days prior to the event and removed within two (2) days after the event.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-634. Window signs.
(a)
Painted on windows (Commercial and Industrial Zones):
- (1)Area.
- (A)Not more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross window glass area on any one (1) side of a building shall be covered by the painted surface. The area restrictions of Subdivisions 1 and 2, above, do not apply.
(b)
Attached to, or located in, windows (Commercial Zones):
- (1)Area.
- (A)The area of these signs is only restricted by the size of the window. The area restrictions of Subdivisions 1 and 2, above, do not apply.
(CB-59-1993)
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Sec. 27-635. through Sec. 27-637. Reserved.
Effective on: 1/1/1901