[Amended 6-1-1999 by Ord. No. 99-60; 11-5-2008 by Bill No. 2008-19; 7-13-2010 by Bill No.
2010-12]
A.
Intent.
(1)
The intent of this article is to conserve the natural, landscaped
and improved scenery; encourage and protect the appropriate use of
land, buildings and structures; regulate and restrict unsightly and
detrimental signs tending to depreciate the values of property and
hinder progressive improvements in Charles County; and lessen, eliminate
and regulate signs constituting an actual or potential hazard to safe
motor vehicle operation and general traffic on the highways and to
encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in
the County, to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and
the County's ability to attract sources of economic development and
growth, to encourage unified signage in shopping areas and streetscapes
and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations.
(2)
It is hereby determined that regulation of the location, size,
placement and certain features of signs is necessary to enable the
public to locate goods, services and facilities without difficulty
and confusion, to prevent wasteful use of natural resources in competition
among businesses for attention, to prevent hazards to life and property,
to assure the continued attractiveness of the community and to protect
property values. It is further determined that signs which may lawfully
be erected and maintained under the provisions of this article are
consistent with customary usage and that signs which may not lawfully
be erected or maintained under the provisions hereof are not consistent
with customary usage, are an abuse thereof and are unwarranted invasion
of the rights of legitimate business interests and of the public.
(3)
This Sign Ordinance is adopted under the zoning authority of
the County in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth in
this article.
B.
Signs in the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zone. Signs located in
the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zone shall be exempt from the normal
requirements of this article. The number, placement, height, size,
illumination and all other requirements for signs within the PUD Zone
shall be approved by the Planning Commission or its designated representative.
C.
Signs in the BP Zone. Signs located in the Business Park (BP) Zone may vary from the normal requirements of this article. To encourage and promote economic vitality, enhance the community's appearance, and encourage the effective use of signs in the community flexibility of design, the number, placement, height, size, illumination and all other requirements for signs within the BP Zone may be approved as part of an alternative design and development code approved in accordance with § 297-91E. Where the standards set forth in the alternative design and development code vary from the standards in the Zoning Ordinance, the alternative design and development code shall govern. Where the alternative design and development code is silent, the Zoning Ordinance shall govern.
[Added 9-28-2021 by Bill No. 2021-08[1]]
D.
Applications and permits.
(1)
The application for a sign permit shall be submitted in such
form as the Zoning Officer may prescribe and shall be accompanied
by the required fee, where applicable.
(2)
The Zoning Officer shall review and approve the sign permit(s)
which addresses the design, construction material, location and method
of illumination, if any, for all proposed signs at the time of permit
application and may, at its discretion, require changes in any or
all of the aforementioned categories before issuance of a permit.
For signs located in the planned unit development (PUD), approval
from the appropriate Planning Design Review Board (PDRB) must be received
prior to applying for a sign permit.
(3)
Any permit issued shall become invalid and void if the authorized
work is not completed within six months of the issue date. The Zoning
Officer, upon a determination of reasonable cause, may grant an extension
of a sign permit.
(4)
Subject to the approval of the Zoning Officer, amendments to
the sign application or other records accompanying the same may be
filed at any time before completion of the work for which the permit
is sought or issued and, such amendments shall be deemed part of the
original application and shall be filed therewith.
(5)
A Charles County sign permit shall be issued to the person or
firm erecting the sign or sign structure. The Charles County sign
permit shall be kept with other pertinent documents which belong to
the person or firm to whom the permit was issued. The sign permit
shall be made readily available to the Zoning Officer.
(6)
Upon completion of the sign, the holder of the permit shall
contact the Department of Planning and Growth Management and request
an inspection of the sign. Any deviation from the approved plans and
permit shall be noted, and the holder of the permit shall be notified
of discrepancies.
(7)
Except as otherwise provided in § 297-321, no sign may be constructed, erected, enlarged, illuminated or substantially altered except in accordance with the provisions of this article and in accordance with a sign permit issued by the Zoning Officer. Repainting a sign shall not, in and of itself, be considered a substantial alteration.
(8)
Sign permit applications and sign permits shall be governed
by the same provisions of this article applicable to zoning permits.
(9)
The County shall be responsible for enforcing only the provisions
of this article and not the provisions of any private third-party
agreement, allocation formula, lease or other private restrictions.
E.
Construction requirements.
(2)
Upon issuance of a sign permit for a permanent pylon sign, a
building permit will be obtained by the owner of the sign or the contractor
prior to its construction. The sign and sign structure will then be
inspected by a Charles County Building Inspector to ensure its compliance
to the Building Code.
F.
Removal of illegal signs. Failure of the owner of an illegal sign
to remove the sign within 10 days of receipt of written notice of
violation by the Zoning Officer may result in the removal of the illegal
sign or legal action by the County at the owner's expense.
G.
Temporary signs.
(1)
A temporary sign permit may be renewed by the Zoning Officer.
(2)
Failure to remove a temporary sign within one week after the
permit expiration date shall subject the owner of the sign to the
penalties provided in this article, and the temporary sign may be
immediately removed by the County at the owner's expense.
(3)
For the purpose of a special promotion or event, businesses
shall be allowed the use of not more than one on-site portable sign
or banner, provided that neither shall be flashing, blinking, inconstantly
illuminated, animated or moving, unsafe to traffic or pedestrians
or affixed to any vehicle.
(4)
Display of temporary signage on a premises shall be limited
to once every three months for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive
days.
(5)
Approval for special event signage must be granted by the Zoning
Officer at least seven days in advance of its public display.
(6)
Special event banners and portable signs are not to exceed 32
square feet in area.
H.
Outdoor advertising signs, excluding those signs enumerated in § 297-325.
(1)
The erection or construction of new outdoor advertising signs
and billboards of any size are prohibited.
(2)
Any existing outdoor advertising sign shall be properly removed
if damaged or destroyed in excess of 50% of the estimated expense
of the reconstruction costs. The removal of outdoor advertising along
rights-of-way of the federal-aid primary system of highways in Charles
County shall be regulated in accordance with the Transportation Article
of the Annotated Code of Maryland and the United States Annotated
Code, Title 23.
I.
Obsolete signs. Any sign which has become obsolete because of discontinuance of the business, service or activity which it advertises, removal from the location to which it directs, abandonment, neglect or for any other reason, shall be removed from the premises within 10 days of written notice to the property owner. If an obsolete sign is nonconforming, see § 297-327.
J.
Unsafe signs. When any sign becomes insecure, in danger of falling
or otherwise unsafe, the owner thereof or the person or firm maintaining
the same shall, upon written notice of the Zoning Officer, immediately
and, in any case, within not more than 10 days, make such sign safe
in conformity with the Charles County Building Code or shall remove
it.
K.
Adverse and unsafe illumination signs. No illumination or glare from
any sign shall emit itself onto any public highway, roadway or right-of-way
so as to adversely affect the safe and efficient movement of vehicles
thereon.
L.
Special exception uses. Any use in a residential zone which requires
a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals may be allowed
a maximum of 32 square feet of signage for the permitted use.
The following signs are exempt from regulation under this article
except for construction and safety regulations and the following standards:
A.
Political campaign signs. Political campaign signs are permitted
in all zones. In residential zones, political campaign signs shall
not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not be illuminated. Political
campaign signs shall be confined to private property and shall not
be affixed to any public structure.
B.
Signs identifying the name of the property and/or residents thereon.
Such signs shall not exceed three square feet in area.
C.
Signs having an area of not more than eight square feet each, the
message of which is limited to warning of any danger, prohibition
or regulation of the use of property or traffic or parking thereon.
D.
Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization
of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and
information signs, and traffic, directional Ag tourism or regulatory
signs.
[Amended 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
E.
The erection or maintenance of a sign designating the location of
a transit line, a railroad station or other public carrier when not
more than three square feet in area.
F.
Temporary special decorative displays, without commercial advertising,
used for holidays, public demonstrations or the promotion of civic
welfare or charitable purposes.
G.
A sign identifying an approved automobile inspection station, in
accordance with the requirements of the State of Maryland Vehicle
Administration, not exceeding 16 square feet in area. Such sign shall
contain no advertising of services or products at its location.
H.
Signs not exceeding four square feet in area, securely attached to
a gasoline pump, stating the price and octane of gasoline at the service
station.
I.
Signs attached temporarily to the interior of a building window or
glass door. Such signs, individually or collectively, may not cover
more than 25% of the surface area of the transparent portion of the
window or door to which they are attached.
J.
A temporary sign without illumination, on-site, and not exceeding
32 square feet in area advertising the sale of farm livestock or farm
products produced on the premises.
K.
Signs within an enclosed structure, and not visible from the exterior
of the building.
L.
Flags or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization when
properly displayed. This does not include company flags or pennant
signs. Nonprofit flags may only be displayed on the premises of the
nonprofit.
M.
Signs directing and guiding traffic on private property that do not
exceed four square feet each and that bear no commercial message.
N.
Homeowner association signs stating time and place of homeowner association
meetings.
[Added 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
O.
Ag tourism signs.
[Added 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
(1)
Any Ag tourism farm that meets the definition contained in this
chapter is allowed up to three off-site directional signs to direct
the traveling motorists to their farm.
(2)
These signs will be designed, constructed and sized in accordance with Appendix K of this chapter.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix K is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(3)
These signs will be located within the road right-of-way in accordance with Appendix K. Where it is not possible to locate these signs in the road right-of-way, signs may be placed on private property with permission of the property owner.
P.
Balloons. The use of balloons in commercial advertising is permitted
in accordance with the following conditions:
[Added 7-8-2014 by Bill No. 2014-06]
(1)
Permitted only on weekends (Saturday and Sunday), state and
federal holidays, and during prescheduled special events of a specified
duration.
(2)
They shall not be placed in any right-of-ways, sight distance
easements, or in locations which obscure any traffic signage.
(3)
They shall not float any higher than the building height of
the business.
(4)
They shall be securely attached to ensure that they are not
released and create any type of hazard to passing traffic. The balloons
must be reused or disposed of properly and shall not be displayed
after sunset.
(5)
They shall not be attached to any existing signage or light
poles on the property.
(6)
Each individual balloon shall not exceed 20 inches in diameter
and shall not be illuminated.
A.
The following signs or devices are prohibited:
(1)
Signs which interfere with the view necessary for motorists
to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit from
public streets or private roads.
(2)
Signs which, by their location, color, size, shape, nature,
or message may obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic
signs or other signs erected by governmental agencies.
(3)
Signs that revolve or are animated or that utilize movement
or apparent movement to attract the attention of the public. This
includes, but is not limited to, three-dimensional models, pennants,
and propeller discs.
[Amended 7-8-2014 by Bill No. 2014-06]
(4)
Signs or devices, including searchlights, spotlights and holograms,
which contain or are illuminated by flashing, chasing, or intermittent
effects. Scrolling message boards may not change the message more
than once every 10 seconds. This provision shall not prohibit time,
date, and/or temperature signs that convey information by words, letter
or numbers and which are not in motion and are changed not more than
once every 10 seconds.
(5)
Off-premises signs other than directional signs for real estate
sales and event signs to include any sign mounted on wheels.
(6)
Signs mounted to or painted on vehicles visible from the public
right-of-way unless the vehicle is used for transport in the normal
day-to-day operations of the business.
(7)
Signs temporarily and or not securely mounted to vehicles. This
does not include magnetic business identification signs, vehicle graphics
or wraps.
(8)
Commercial advertising signs permanently placed or erected in
the bed of a truck or on the deck of a trailer or a truck.
(9)
Roof signs.
(10)
Signs that emit sound, vapor, smoke, odor, particles or gaseous
matter.
(11)
Signs within any government right-of-way except for official government signs, signs authorized by the appropriate government authority or directional signs erected in accordance with § 297-325G. Illegal signs erected in the government right-of-way may be removed by the County. An administrative fine of $25 per commercial sign may be assessed by the County against the person that places or maintains a sign within the right-of-way of the state or County.
[Amended 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
(12)
Promotional/special sale signs posted on machinery or equipment.
B.
The locking, painting, posting or affixing of signs, posters or banners
of any kind or description on the walls of buildings, barns, sheds,
trees, utility poles, posts, fences, rocks, walls or other structures
is prohibited. The following signs shall be exempt from the provision
of this subsection: signs identifying the name of property and/or
residents thereof; temporary on-premises real estate signs; signs
warning of any danger, prohibition or regulation of the use of property
or traffic or parking thereon; and official government signs.
All signs in this section shall conform to the standards, provisions
and regulations specified in this article. The following signs with
their stated restrictions require a permit, but no fee:
A.
Home occupation. A nonilluminated sign not exceeding four square
feet in area, attached flat to a building, to advertise home occupations.
B.
Directional or information signs. The following directional or information
signs of a public or quasi-public nature in any zone, not exceeding
32 square feet in area. Such signs shall be without illumination or
advertising.
(1)
Signs stating the name and/or location of a private school,
college, YMCA, YWCA, fairgrounds, church or other place of worship
or the name or place of meeting of an official or civic body as the
Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or Kiwanis Club.
C.
Village center signs. Village centers may erect sign(s) based upon
the following conditions:
[Added 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
(1)
The village center must be designated by the Charles County
Comprehensive Plan.
(2)
One sign may be erected at each entrance off of a principal
or arterial road to the village center.
(4)
The sign will be designed in one of the following manners:
(a)
Have no more than six tenant panels with the minimum size of
individual characters/graphics shall be 10 inches in height and all
characters/graphics shall be uniform in type font and color scheme;
(b)
Have an LED board;
(c)
Have a combination of tenant panels and LED board; or
(d)
Have only the universal highway use symbols.
(5)
Signs are to be maintained and operated by a village center
association.
 |
 |
 |
The following principles shall control the computation of sign
area, sign height and total maximum signage allowed.
A.
Computation of area of individual signs.
(1)
The surface area of a sign shall be computed by including the
entire area within single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter of not
more than eight straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse, enclosing
the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other
display, together with any material or color forming an integral part
of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign
from the backdrop or structure against which it is place, but not
including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental
to the display itself.
(2)
If a sign consists of more than one section or module, all of
the area, including that between sections or modules, except air space,
shall be included in the computation of the sign area.
(3)
With respect to two-sided, multi-sided, or three-dimensional signs, the sign surface area shall be computed as described in Subsection A(1) and (2) above by including the total of all sides designed to attract attention or communicate information that can be seen at any one time by a person from one vantage point.
(a)
The sign surface of a double-faced, back-to-back sign shall
be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign, so
long as the distance between the backs of such signs does not exceed
three feet.
(b)
The sign surface of a double-faced sign constructed in the form
of "A" shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such
sign (the larger side if there is a size difference), so long as the
angle of the "A" does not exceed 30° and at no point does the
distance between the backs of such sides exceed five feet.
(4)
The entire surface area of a canopy or awning shall be calculated
if the canopy or awning is internally lit.
(5)
Notwithstanding § 297-321 and in accordance with § 297-324A(8), a flag with company name and/or logo shall count towards total permitted freestanding signage.
B.
Computation of height.
(1)
The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from
the base of the sign at normal road grade to the top of the highest
attached component of the sign.
(2)
Freestanding or pylon signs shall not be placed on a berm or
other structure so as to artificially increase the height above the
standards set in this article.
C.
Computation of maximum total permitted signage.
(1)
The permitted sum of the total area of all individual signs for each sign holder shall be determined by road classification (see Figure XIX-1).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Figure XIX-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(2)
The applicant may divide the total permitted signage among the different types of signs allowed per road classification (see Figure XIX-1).
All signs in this section shall conform to the standards, provisions
and regulations specified in this article. The following signs with
their stated restrictions require a permit and a fee:
A.
Freestanding signs.
(1)
Number of signs allowed.
(a)
Only one freestanding sign shall be erected. A shopping center,
business park, or industrial park may have one freestanding sign.
No freestanding sign(s) shall be permitted for individual enterprises
located within or on the same lot with the shopping center, business
park or industrial park.
(b)
An additional freestanding sign may be erected on property with
dual frontage on state and/or County highways.
(2)
Design/construction.
(a)
Freestanding signs shall be designed and constructed using materials
so the sign is architecturally consistent with the primary structure/building
being served by the sign.
(b)
Freestanding signs shall be designed and constructed to ensure
the support structure is properly screened utilizing similar building
materials as the primary structure/building the sign is serving.
(3)
Street address designations.
(a)
All freestanding signs shall include the street address designation,
for example: A sign serving an address for 5000 Crain Highway will
have the designation of "5000."
(b)
The street address designation shall be located so it is separate
from the main portion of the sign. The character size shall be a minimum
of six inches in height and located at approximate eye level with
standard passenger vehicles.
(c)
The total size of the address designation shall not exceed three
square feet in area and will not count towards the maximum allowable
sign area permitted under this article.
(4)
Pole signs.
(a)
The maximum height of a pole sign shall be determined by road classification (see Figure XIX-1).[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Figure XIX-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(b)
The maximum sign area shall be determined by road classification (see Figure XIX-1).
(5)
Monument/pedestal signs.
(a)
The maximum height for a monument sign shall be determined by road classification (see Figure XIX-1).
(b)
The maximum sign area shall be determined by road classification (see Figure XIX-1).
(6)
Freestanding canopy signs.
(a)
A freestanding canopy with a company's name and/or logo must
keep signage flush with the surface with no projection off of the
canopy.
(7)
Tenant listing.
(a)
Tenant listings on freestanding signs shall be limited for use
for retail or shopping centers.
(b)
The maximum number of tenants allowed on an individual exterior
freestanding sign shall be limited to six, including registered logos.
(c)
The minimum size of individual characters/graphics on a tenant
listing shall be 10 inches in height and all characters/graphics shall
be uniform type font and color scheme.
(9)
"A" signs.
[Added 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
B.
Signs attached to buildings.
(1)
Flush facade sign.
(a)
The maximum sign area shall be determined by road classification (see Figure XIX-1).[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Figure XIX-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(b)
Buildings with multiple tenants and/or multiple stories: one
sign shall be permitted to name the building. Those tenants with their
businesses located on the ground level shall be permitted one sign
for each customer entrance for their business.
[Amended 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
(2)
Projecting signs.
(a)
The maximum sign area shall be determined by road classification (see Figure XIX-1).[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: Figure XIX-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(b)
The minimum clearance from grade shall be eight feet.
(c)
The maximum projection from the building shall be determined
by the current Building Code.
(d)
Buildings with multiple tenants and/or multiple stories: one
sign shall be permitted to name the building. Those tenants with their
businesses located on the ground level shall be permitted one sign
for each customer entrance for their business.
[Amended 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
(3)
Awning and canopy signs.
(a)
The maximum sign area shall be determined by road classification (see Figure XIX-1).[4]
[4]
Editor's Note: Figure XIX-1 is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(b)
The minimum clearance from grade to the underside of the awning
or canopy shall be eight feet. Signs cannot extend above or below
the face of the awning or canopy.
A.
Event signs related to events held in Charles County, located at
public facilities, including, but not limited to, County fairgrounds,
parks and recreations, public schools, and County-owned properties,
nonprofit facilities (VFD, church, civic), events that have obtained
a temporary use permit for a public event, and church fund-raisers.
These signs do not refer to grand openings, special sales or promotional
sales.
B.
A permit, with no fees, for event signs must be granted by the Zoning
Officer at least seven days in advance of its public display.
C.
Event signs may only be displayed 14 days in advance of the event.
D.
Event signs shall be removed within 48 hours after the end of the
event.
E.
With the exception of directional signs erected in accordance with Subsection G, no event signs shall be placed in the public rights-of-way or within any sight distance easement of any intersection. Event signs shall not exceed 32 square feet. Such signs must be placed on private property with owner's permission.
[Amended 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07; 9-21-2021 by Bill No. 2021-02]
F.
No paper or cardboard signs are permitted.
G.
Directional signs for events signage located in County rights-of-way.
(1)
The following standards apply to directional signs used to guide
the motoring public to events:
(a)
Spacing. Signs may be located at intersections, and may include
straight as well as turning movement arrows.
(b)
Size. Maximum of three square feet.
(c)
Location: three feet off the curb or edge of paving; no more
than 30 inches in height; in no case closer than 30 feet to the point
of intersection.
(d)
Duration: 12:00 noon Friday until 12:00 noon Monday or the Tuesday
following a federal holiday observed on a Monday. For a weekday event,
the sign can be placed 48 hours in advance and removed 24 hours after
the event.
(e)
Number. No more than one directional sign at each approach to
the intersection for each subdivision or development for which directions
are being given.
(f)
Content. Event name and a directional arrow must be part of
the sign. The name may include a description of the type of event.
(g)
Materials. Signs must be metal or plastic on a breakaway support
of wood, plastic or flexible wire. No paper or cardboard signs are
permitted.
(2)
Sign location plan required. The permit application shall be
accompanied by a sign location plan drawn to scale of not less than
one inch equals 2,000 feet. The plan will show the location of the
event and the number and general location of the signs.
(3)
Permit fees. The fees for directional signs shall be collected
in the same manner as temporary sign permits. The total square footage
of signage shall be calculated by adding the sum of all directional
signs approved for an event.
A.
All signs and all components thereof, including without limitation,
supports, braces, and anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair
per the Charles County Building Code,[1] as amended from time to time.
[Amended 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
B.
If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting "shell" of a sign or the supporting braces, anchors, or similar components, the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within 180 days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign with a permit or remove the remaining components of the sign. This subsection shall not be construed to alter the effect of § 297-327, which prohibits the replacement of a nonconforming sign; nor shall this subsection be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a sign.
C.
The area within 10 feet in all directions of any part of a freestanding
sign shall be kept clear of all debris.
D.
No person may, for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility
of any sign, damage, trim, destroy, or remove any trees, shrubs, or
other vegetation located:
(1)
Within the right-of-way of any public street, road, or buffer
yard unless the work is done pursuant to the express written authorization
of the County or other agency having jurisdiction over the streets.
(2)
On property that is not under the ownership or control of the
person doing or responsible for such work, unless the work is done
pursuant to the express authorization of the person owning the property
where such trees or shrubs are located.
(3)
In any area where such trees and shrubs are required to remain
under a permit issued under this article.
A.
Subject to the restrictions of this section, nonconforming signs that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of this article may be continued until they are required to be removed under § 297-326.
B.
Nonconforming signs may not be enlarged or altered in such a manner
as to increase the degree of nonconformity; nor may illumination be
added to any nonconforming sign.
C.
A new business/use shall not move or replace a nonconforming sign
except to bring the sign into complete conformity with this article.
D.
If a nonconforming sign is destroyed by natural causes, it may not
thereafter be repaired, reconstructed, or replaced except in conformity
with all the provisions of this article, and the remnants of the former
sign structure shall be cleared from the land.
E.
If a nonconforming sign other than a billboard advertises a business,
service, commodity, accommodation, attractions, or other enterprise
or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted,
that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed within
365 days after such abandonment.
F.
If a billboard remains blank for a continuous period of 365 days,
that billboard shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within 30 days
after such abandonment, be altered to comply with this article or
be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign
is located, or other person having control over such sign. For the
purposes of this sections a sign is "blank" if:
(1)
It advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation,
attraction, or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating
or being offered or conducted; or
(2)
The advertising message it displays becomes illegible in whole
or in substantial part; or
(3)
The advertising copy paid by a party other than the sign owner,
or promoting an interest other than the rental of the sign has been
removed.
G.
The Zoning Officer, with the concurrence of the County's Historic
Sites Planner, may allow a nonconforming sign to remain if such sign
is determined to be one or more of the following:
(1)
Fifty years old or older;
(2)
Embodies distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method
of construction, or represents the work of a master, or that possess
high artistic values;
(3)
Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution
to the history of Charles County; or
(4)
Any other criteria of the National Register.
A.
Notwithstanding the other restrictions contained within this article,
the following provisions only apply to real estate signs.
B.
Signs requiring neither permit nor payment of a fee.
(1)
Real estate signs without illumination, containing the message
that the real estate on which the sign is located (including buildings)
is for sale, lease, or rent together with information identifying
the owner or agent. Such signs shall be removed within 14 days after
sale, lease or rental.
(2)
Off-premises signs announcing open houses for real estate sales
or rentals shall be permitted, provided that the owner's permission
is obtained prior to the posting of such sign, they are located outside
of the public right-of-way, and the sign is no larger than four square
feet. Such signs may be posted after 12:00 noon on Friday and must
be removed by 12:00 p.m. the following Monday. No more than four signs
shall be permitted for any one house.
[Amended 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
C.
Signs requiring permit but no fee.
(1)
Permanent identification signs.
(a)
A permanent single sign not exceeding 32 square feet in area,
identifying only the name and street number of an apartment house
or complex, or residential subdivision, may be erected on the premises
or the building itself.
(b)
To ensure that traveling motorists can see and identify the
subdivision, additional signage may be permitted not to exceed two
signs with a total sign area of not more than 64 square feet.
D.
Signs requiring permit and payment of a fee.
(1)
Temporary identification sign. During development and sale of
a subdivision or other property, one temporary sign naming the subdivision
and other pertinent sales information, having an area not exceeding
64 square feet and a height not exceeding 16 feet, shall be permitted
in the subdivision or other property. If the development has multiple
street frontages with a vehicular entrance, one additional sign of
equal size shall be allowed on the premises and situated at the additional
street frontage with a vehicular entrance.
(2)
Temporary directional signs, indicating the location of a real
estate subdivision.
(a)
Such signs, not exceeding a total of 64 square feet in area,
may be erected within eight street miles of the subdivision site.
[Amended 5-1-2012 by Bill No. 2012-07]
(b)
A maximum of four such signs are permitted, and each sign shall
be located not less than 15 feet from the nearest edge of a public
right-of-way and at least 100 feet from the nearest curb intersection
of any streets or roadways.
(c)
The top of the sign shall not exceed 16 feet above grade.
(d)
The content of such sign shall be restricted to the name of
the subdivision and other pertinent sales information.
(e)
A temporary real estate sign shall be removed upon completion
of the project or when sold or leased.
(3)
Directional signs for developing subdivisions located in County
rights-of-way. The following standards apply to directional signs
used to guide the motoring public to developing subdivisions:
(a)
Spacing. Signs may be located at intersections, and may include
straight as well as turning movement arrows.
(b)
Size. Maximum of three square feet.
(c)
Location: three feet off the curb or edge of paving; no more
than 30 inches in height; in no case closer than 30 feet to the point
of intersection.
(d)
Duration: 12:00 noon Friday until 12:00 noon Monday or the Tuesday
following a federal holiday observed on a Monday. For a weekday event,
the sign can be placed 48 hours in advance and removed 24 hours after
the event.
(e)
Number. No more than one directional sign at each approach to
the intersection for each subdivision or development for which directions
are being given.
(f)
Content. Subdivision or development name and a directional arrow
must be part of the sign. The name may include a description of the
type of development.
(g)
Materials. Signs must be metal or plastic on a breakaway support
of wood, plastic or flexible wire. No paper or cardboard signs are
permitted.
(4)
Sign location plan required. The permit application shall be
accompanied by a sign location plan drawn to scale of not less than
one inch equals 2,000 feet. The plan will show the location of the
development and the number and general location of the signs.
(5)
Permit fees. The fees for directional signs shall be collected
in the same manner as temporary sign permits. The total square footage
of signage shall be calculated by adding the sum of all directional
signs approved for a single residential development.
