[Amended 8-7-2007; 6-3-2008; 5-19-2009; 9-21-2010; 1-31-2018]
These regulations balance the need to protect the public safety
and welfare, the need for a well maintained and attractive community
and the need for adequate identification, communication and advertising.
The regulations for signs have the following specific objectives:
A.
To allow businesses, institutions and individuals to exercise their
right to free speech by displaying messages on a sign, and to allow
audiences to receive such information;
B.
To foster successful businesses by providing those businesses with
the means for reasonable and appropriate communication and identification;
C.
To ensure that signs are designed, constructed, installed and maintained
according to minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property
and public welfare;
D.
To allow and promote positive conditions for communication by sign;
E.
To reflect and support the desired ambience and development patterns
of the various zoning districts, overlay districts, planning areas
and sub-areas and promote an attractive built environment; and
F.
To allow for adequate and effective signs whose dimensional characteristics
further the interests of public safety and the needs of the motorist,
where signs are viewed from a road.
A.
Sign regulations apply to each zoning district within Calvert County,
excluding incorporated towns and any established municipality that
has its own zoning authority. Permanent signs in the Town Centers
and the Rural Commercial District are subject to Architectural Review
according to applicable design guidelines, as amended from time to
time.
B.
Where the Federal government or State of Maryland maintains statutes
controlling certain signs or messages, the Federal government's or
State's laws, regulations and standards shall supersede this Chapter.
The minimum signage that is required by Federal or State law shall
not count toward the signage allowed by this Ordinance.
C.
Except as permitted in these regulations, no sign shall be erected,
affixed or displayed without a sign permit.
D.
No sign shall obstruct or interfere with ingress or egress from any
door, window or fire escape. No sign shall resemble or imitate signs
or signals erected by the County or other governmental agency for
the regulation of traffic or parking.
E.
No part of a sign shall have animation, moving parts, flashing lights
or changing colors unless specifically permitted for electronic message
centers in this Chapter.
F.
No sign shall be located where it will interfere with the sight distance
on the right-of-way of any road, public or private, and shall not
impair or impact sight distance requirements of the Calvert County
Road Ordinance and the current American Association of State Highway
and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Highway Safety Manual.
G.
No sign or structure to which a sign is affixed shall be allowed
to remain if it is unsafe or endangers the safety of a building, premises,
person or structure to which a sign is affixed. The Zoning Officer
shall order such signs, or structures to which a sign is affixed,
to be made safe, repaired or removed as necessary to address the condition
subject of the order. Such order shall be made in accordance with
Section 1-7 of this Ordinance, as amended from time to time.
H.
Any sign proposed to be located or replaced in a designated Calvert
County Historic District must be approved by the Historic District
Commission in accordance with the provisions of County Code Chapter
57, Sections 57-12 and 57-13, as amended from time to time.
I.
All external illumination shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 6-6.01 of this Ordinance.
J.
Messages and structures shall be constructed in accordance with all
applicable codes and shall be maintained in good repair and condition
at all times. Maintenance shall include replacing or repairing of
worn or damaged parts of a sign or sign structure in order to maintain
the message and structure in good repair and condition at all times.
K.
Signs that cannot be seen from a right-of-way, waterway, or an adjoining
property are exempt from the regulations in Section 6-8.
L.
Inward-facing signs within a stadium, open-air theater, parks, arena
or other similar use facility, which signs can be viewed only by persons
within such stadium, open-air theater, parks, arena or other similar
facility are exempt from the regulations in Section 6-8.
A.
Overall freestanding sign height shall be measured from the lowest
point at the base of the sign or structure along the closest road
to the highest point of the sign or structure. The use of berms, grading
or other means in order to achieve a greater sign height shall not
be permitted except where site conditions are such that the proposed
sign location is below the grade of the closest adjacent roadway,
then the freestanding sign or structure's height shall be measured
from the center line of the pavement of the adjacent road closest
to the base of the sign. For signs along waterways, the sign height
shall be measured from the base of the sign.
B.
The sign area shall be computed in square feet by means of the smallest
square, rectangle, triangle or circle, or combination thereof that
encompasses the extreme limits of the sign message. See Figure 1,
Figure 2 and Figure 3 for examples implementing this means of measurement.
Figure 1: Example of the calculation of the sign area and height
of a freestanding sign.
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Figure 2: Example of sign area computation by the smallest circle
encompassing the extreme limits of the sign message. For the purposes
of calculations, π equals 3.14.
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Figure 3: Example of sign area calculation for wall signs.
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C.
In the case of a three-dimensional (3-D) sign, the sign area shall
be calculated by the smallest square, rectangle or circle that encompasses
the profile of the sign message. The profile used shall be the largest
area of the sign message visible from any one point.
D.
For the purposes of this Chapter, the sign area for a sign with more
than one face (multi-faced signs) shall be computed by adding together
the area of all sign faces.
E.
Only one (1) side of a double-sided sign is counted in determining
the sign area provided that the two sign faces are placed back to
back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any one (1) point at
the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign
structure and are not more than twenty-four (24) inches apart. Where
the two (2) sides are not of equal size, the sign area shall be computed
by the measurement of the largest of the sign areas.
F.
All fractions for various shapes will be rounded to the closest whole
number.
The following types of signs are specifically prohibited within
the County:
A.
Vehicle signs viewed from a public road with the primary purpose
of providing signage not otherwise allowed by this Ordinance. Vehicles
or trailers shall not be parked to be used primarily as advertising
signs. This does not apply to a vehicle parked at a place of business
or an owner's/driver's residence and is the primary means of transportation
to and from his or her place of employment. Furthermore, this does
not apply to any signage for vehicles required by State or Federal
law.
B.
Billboards with the exception of billboards established prior to February 27, 1992, refer to Section 6-8.13E.
C.
Signs that are affixed to any structures, trees or other natural
vegetation, rocks or poles or otherwise placed in or overhang into
the public right-of-way.
D.
Any sign erected or placed on or above a traffic control device or
its supporting structure not placed by a governmental agency or with
the permission of a governmental agency:
1.
Any sign so placed, unless previously approved by the Calvert County
Department of Public Works, may be removed by the County.
2.
If the placement or removal of any sign damages the traffic control
device or its supporting structure, that person or entity found responsible
for the placement of such sign shall be responsible for repairing
or replacing the traffic control device and its supporting structure
at no additional cost to the County or State.
E.
Signs that extend above the top of the roofline of the building to
which it is affixed.
Each sign exempt from the permit process shall still comply
with all applicable safety, height, area and location standards established
in Section 6-8. The following signs do not require a sign permit:
A.
This Ordinance does not apply to any traffic control devices "TCDs"
as identified in the latest version of the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices "MUTCD" and other State and County design standards
related to traffic control or management that are installed by the
Calvert County Department of Public Works or the Maryland State Highway
Administration.
B.
Any other signs installed by County governmental agencies on its
own property.
C.
Flags.
D.
Signs or notices issued by any court, officer or other person or
organization in performance of a public duty or required by law to
be posted.
F.
Window signs are allowed provided they comply with all other sign
regulations in this Ordinance.
G.
Properties with agricultural use assessment from the Maryland Department
of Assessments and Taxation may have individual non-illuminated signs
not exceeding six square feet where seeds or crops are planted in
a specific field.
H.
Official signs erected by public utility, oil, gas, mining or construction
companies to warn of danger or hazardous conditions, including signs
indicating the presence of underground cables, gas lines and similar
devices.
Figure 4: The window area is illustrated within the dashed line
area for the two storefronts in the above image.
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A.
Table 6-1 identifies where different types of signs are permitted
in each of the Town Centers, districts or areas.
B.
Each sign type shall comply with its sign type-specific standards
established in this Ordinance at 6-8.07 through 6-8.12.
C.
Illumination of Permanent Freestanding or Building Signs.
1.
Illuminated signs are permitted in all zoning districts, except in designated Calvert County Historic Districts and as otherwise provided herein, where internally illuminated signs are prohibited. Signs must comply with the Outdoor Lighting Regulations in Section 6-6.01 of this Ordinance, including glare control requirements.
2.
For signs in the Solomons Town Center, south of Lore Road, signs
may only be illuminated by an external light source.
D.
Sign Materials.
1.
Signs may be constructed of any durable materials with the exception
that:
a.
Permanent signs in the Solomons Town Center north of Lore Road shall
be constructed of any durable, nonreflective, matte-finish materials.
b.
Permanent signs in the Solomons Town Center south of Lore Road shall
be constructed of wood or those materials with a wood-like appearance.
Materials other than wood may be used for signposts, frames and supporting
structures.
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TABLE 6-1: SUMMARY TABLE OF PERMITTED SIGN TYPES
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Symbols
P-A = Permitted with Architectural Design Review
P = Permitted without Architectural Design Review
X = Not Permitted
S = Permitted with Special Exception
S-A = Permitted with Special Exception with Architectural Design
Review
Sign Type
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Town Center, District or Area[1]
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Dunkirk Town Center
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Huntingtown Town Center - Mixed Use District
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Huntingtown Town Center - All Other Districts[2]
|
Lusby Town Center
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Owings Town Center
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Prince Frederick Town Center
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Saint Leonard Town Center
|
Solomons Town Center - North of Lore Road
|
Solomons Town Center - South of Lore Road
|
Signs Outside of Town Centers[1]
| |
|
Permanent Freestanding Signs
| ||||||||||
|
Directional Signs
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Drive-Up Signs
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Other Freestanding Signs
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
|
Subdivision Signs
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
|
Permanent Building Signs
| ||||||||||
|
Awning or Canopy Signs
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
|
Projecting Signs
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
|
Wall Signs
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
|
Electronic Message Centers and Reader Boards[3]
| ||||||||||
|
Electronic Message Centers
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X
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X/P-A[4]
|
X
|
X
|
X
|
X/P-A[5]
|
|
Reader Boards
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
P-A
|
|
Portable Signs
| ||||||||||
|
A-Frame or T-Frame Signs
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Temporary Signs
| ||||||||||
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Air-Activated Signs
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Balloon Signs
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Banner Signs
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Blade Signs
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Pennants
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Yard Signs
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
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NOTES:
[1] Signs in the Rural Commercial
District and Town Centers are subject to architectural review according
to applicable design guidelines, as amended from time to time.
[2] Nonresidential permitted uses
in the other Huntingtown Town Center districts (Neighborhood District
and Residential District) shall comply with all the requirements of
the Mixed Use District. Nonresidential uses allowed by conditional
use or special exception shall comply with the sign requirements of
the Mixed Use District unless more stringent requirements are set
as part of the conditional use or special exception approval.
[3] This subsection of Table 6-1 identifies where electronic message centers and reader boards are permitted as a portion of a permitted freestanding or building sign in accordance with the provisions of Section 6-8.07. Such signs shall not be permitted in addition to any other permitted signs.
[4] Building signs and freestanding
signs on sites having frontage along Route 2/4, Dares Beach Road West
or Route 231 west of Route 2/4 may be backlit.
[5] Outside of any Town Center, building
signs and freestanding signs on property zoned EC (Employment Center)
along the roads specified in footnote [4] immediately above may be
backlit.
| |
A.
The sign shall be affixed to a permanent foundation or structure.
B.
An issued sign permit is required prior to installing for all permanent
signs unless otherwise specified.
C.
Permanent Freestanding Signs shall comply with the following regulations
based upon their classification.
2.
Drive-Up Signs (Permanent).
a.
One drive-up sign is permitted for each drive-up lane with a maximum
sign area of thirty-six (36) square feet each.
b.
The above maximum sign area shall not apply to any drive-up signs
located in the rear of the building not visible from a public right-of-way
or screened with a fence, wall, landscaping or other screening methods
that fully block the view of the drive-up signage from view of all
public rights-of-way.
3.
Other Freestanding Signs (Permanent).
Other types of freestanding signs may be permitted upon property
for which the use is nonresidential and upon properties for which
the use is residential if a home occupation has been approved by the
Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning in accordance with
the following regulations:
a.
For the purposes of this Chapter 6-8, nonresidential properties shall
include lots and parcels of record with agricultural, business &
personal service, commercial, recreational, industrial, public or
institutional uses.
b.
One freestanding sign not to exceed four (4) square feet in size
and six (6) feet in height may be approved on residential properties
that contain an approved commercial business (home occupation).
c.
For freestanding signs proposed to be located upon properties for
which a building or structure has been constructed and the use for
which is nonresidential, the sign area and sign height for freestanding
signs permitted on any nonresidential property shall not exceed that
set forth at Table 6-2 and:
i.
Except as otherwise provided herein, only one freestanding sign
is permitted per lot or parcel of record as of the effective date
of this amendment.
ii.
Parcels that have frontage on two or more roadways may have
a freestanding sign along each roadway.
iii.
For lots or parcels of record as of the effective date of this
amendment, with greater than five hundred (500) feet of road frontage,
additional freestanding signs may be approved for every additional
five hundred (500) feet of road frontage subject to the following
criteria:
iv.
If a use is situated on a lot or parcel of record as of the effective date of this amendment with a narrow road frontage of less than fifty (50) feet or is of a shape that prevents the establishment of a freestanding sign along the road, the applicable freestanding sign may be located on an adjacent lot or parcel without affecting the sign area allowed on the adjacent lot or parcel of record as of the effective date of this amendment without being subject to the multiple sign rules of Section 6-8.07 C. 3.c.i, above provided that:
a)
A special exception is granted by the Board of Appeals;
b)
The height and area of the freestanding sign shall be based
on the zoning district of the property to which it serves, as determined
by the Zoning Officer;
c)
The freestanding sign shall either be located on a separate
sign structure from any signage allowed on the lot or parcel of record
as of the effective date of this amendment where it is to be located,
or shall be or be incorporated into the sign structure allowed on
the lot or parcel of record as of the effective date of this amendment
where it is to be located;
d)
If signage from the adjacent properties are to be located on
one (1) freestanding sign, then the sign area shall not exceed the
combined maximum freestanding sign area of what would be allowed for
the individual signs;
e)
The sign owner shall be required to obtain, record and submit
proof of an easement from the person or entity who owns the property
where the sign is to be located to demonstrate that the property owner
has authorized placement of the sign in the applicable location. Such
easement shall either be permanent, allowing placement of such sign
in perpetuity, or if temporary, shall establish an expiration date
for the easement. For a temporary easement, the sign shall be removed
on or before the expiration date of the easement. Failure to remove
the sign on or before the expiration date shall be considered a violation
of this Ordinance.
i)
Any freestanding sign located along an arterial road and within
forty (40) feet of the side lot line shall adhere to the front setback
requirement for the district in which it is located.
ii)
If located along a collector or local road and
within thirty (30) feet of the side lot line, the sign shall conform
to the front setback requirement for the district in which it is located
(See Figure 5).
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TABLE 6-2: MAXIMUM SIGN AREA (IN SQUARE FEET) AND SIGN HEIGHT
(IN FEET) OF FREESTANDING SIGNS
| ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Town Center, District or Area
| ||||||||||
|
Dunkirk Town Center
|
Huntingtown Town Center - Mixed Use District
|
Huntingtown Town Center - All Other Districts
|
Lusby Town Center
|
Owings Town Center
|
Prince Frederick Town Center
|
Saint Leonard Town Center
|
Solomons Town Center - North of Lore Road
|
Solomons Town Center - South of Lore Road
|
Signs Outside of Town Centers
| |
|
Maximum Sign Area
|
50
|
20
|
20
|
20
|
20
|
See Note [1]
|
20
|
50
|
20
|
50
|
|
Maximum Sign Height
|
10
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
See Note [2]
|
8
|
10
|
10 except as allowed in Note [2]
|
18
|
|
Maximum Sign Area for Commercial Business on Residential Property
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
4
|
|
Maximum Sign Height for Commercial Business on Residential Property
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
6
|
|
Directional Signs Maximum Sign Area
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
|
Directional Signs Maximum Sign Height
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
3
|
|
Drive-Up Signs Maximum Sign Area
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
|
Subdivision Signs Maximum Sign Area
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
|
Subdivision Signs Maximum Sign Height
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
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Note [1]
The maximum sign area in Prince Frederick Town Center shall
be:
a) 90 square feet along MD 2/4;
b) 50 square feet along 231, Dares
Beach Road and all other existing and future roads within Entry District,
Village District, New Town District and Forest District; and
c) 20 square feet along Armory
Road, Church Street, Duke Street and Main Street, all other existing
and future roads within the Old Town District & Old Town Transition
District.
Note [2]
The maximum sign height for selected special areas in the Prince
Frederick and Solomons Town Centers shall be:
a) 22 feet in Prince Frederick
along MD 2/4, Entry District;
b) 14 feet in Prince Frederick
along MD 2/4 and all other districts; and
c) 8 feet in the Solomons C1 Sub-area.
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Figure 5: Allowable locations for freestanding signs.
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d.
For
nonresidential properties having no permanent buildings, a maximum
of fifty (50) square feet of signage is permitted with a maximum height
as established in Table 6-2.
e.
The
setback requirement for freestanding signs shall be a minimum of ten
(10) feet from the right-of-way except in the following instances:
4.
Subdivision Signs (Permanent).
Not more than two (2) subdivision signs meeting the following
minimum requirements and limitations may be permitted at each subdivision
entrance:
a.
Such signs shall be set back fifteen (15) feet from the right-of-way
of any adjoining arterial or collector roads; five (5) feet from the
right-of-way of a subdivision road; and five (5) feet from all other
property lines.
b.
The size of each sign face shall not exceed thirty-six (36) square
feet in area.
c.
The size of the structure containing a sign face shall not exceed
two hundred (200) square feet in area, excluding the sign face.
d.
The height of the structure containing a sign face shall be no more
than eight (8) feet, and shall comply with the requirements of Section
6-8.03.A of this Ordinance.
e.
Maintenance of the sign shall be the responsibility of the developer
or homeowners association of the subdivision, which obligation may
be assigned.
A.
General Provisions.
Permanent building signs shall comply with the following regulations
based upon their classification:
1.
Table 6-3 establishes the maximum amount of permanent building sign
area allowed on any single building wall.
2.
The building sign area allowed on each individual building wall in
Table 6-3 shall not be aggregated and placed on a single building
wall [e.g., if each wall is thirty (30) feet long, a maximum of seventy
(70) square feet of building sign area may be placed on each wall].
3.
The building sign area allowed in Table 6-3 shall include the total
amount of all awning, canopy, projecting or wall signs on each wall.
Standards for each individual building sign type follow Table 6-3.
4.
A cumulative measurement shall be taken for the entire building regardless
of multiple uses or multiple businesses sharing party walls.
5.
Buildings with separate uses on two or more stories are allowed fifty
(50) percent more building area signage than specified in Table 6-3.
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TABLE 6-3 PERMANENT BUILDING SIGN AREA ALLOWED
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|---|---|
|
Length of Front Building Wall
(feet)
|
Maximum Square Footage of all Building Signs
(square feet)
|
|
10-19
|
30
|
|
20-29
|
50
|
|
30-39
|
70
|
|
40-49
|
90
|
|
50-59
|
110
|
|
60-69
|
125
|
|
70-79
|
140
|
|
80-89
|
155
|
|
90-99
|
170
|
|
100 or Greater
|
For building walls that are longer than one hundred (100) feet,
add one square foot of maximum sign area for every linear foot over
one hundred (100) feet.
|
B.
Building Sign Types (Permanent).
1.
Awning or Canopy Signs (Permanent).
a.
The construction of the awning or canopy structure shall comply with
the current International Building Code in effect with the applicable
local and State amendments.
2.
Projecting Signs (Permanent).
a.
A projecting sign may be attached to the ceiling or wall of an outdoor
arcade if it complies with the height clearance of this subsection.
b.
All components of the projecting sign shall have a minimum height
clearance of eight (8) feet above the sidewalk and (fifteen) 15 feet
above any driveway or vehicular use area.
c.
Projecting signs shall not extend above the roofline of the building.
d.
All projecting signs shall be separated from other projecting signs
by a minimum of five (5) feet.
3.
Wall Signs (Permanent).
a.
A wall sign may be painted directly on a building wall, mounted on
the facade wall or mounted on a raceway.
b.
A wall sign shall not protrude more than eighteen (18) inches from
the wall or face of the building to which it is attached, regardless
of whether a raceway is used.
c.
Wall signs shall not extend above the roofline of the building or
past the sides of a facade to which it is attached.
d.
Wall signs may not be attached to a penthouse or any roof structure
including but not limited to mechanical equipment or roof screening.
A.
Where permitted, as indicated in Table 6-1 of this Ordinance, up
to fifty (50) percent of any permitted freestanding sign, canopy sign,
wall sign or window sign may be composed of a reader board or an EMC.
B.
Except as otherwise provided herein, only one (1) EMC is permitted
on any single lot or parcel of record as of the effective date of
this amendment. Parcels that have frontage on two or more roadways
may have one (1) EMC sign along each roadway.
C.
EMCs shall be prohibited in Historic Districts.
D.
EMC signs, when allowed by Table 6-1, are subject to the following
conditions:
1.
One (1) EMC per side of the sign structure, but no more than two
(2) sides.
2.
Reserved for future use.
3.
The images and messages displayed must be static, and the transition
from one static display to another must be instantaneous without any
special effects. See definition of Static/Instant Message Change.
4.
EMCs must be designed and equipped to freeze the device in one position
if a malfunction occurs. The displays must also be equipped with a
means to immediately discontinue the display if it malfunctions, and
the sign owner must immediately stop the dynamic display when notified
by the Zoning Officer that it is not complying with the standards
of this Ordinance.
5.
The EMC shall come equipped with an automatic dimming photocell,
which automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on ambient
light conditions.
6.
The brightness level shall not exceed 0.3 foot candles over ambient
levels as measured in accordance with the procedure and distances
for measurement of brightness specified by the International Sign
Association in its Night-time Brightness Level Recommendations
for On-Premise Electronic Message Centers (August 2016 and
as updated from time to time).
7.
EMCs shall not be located within two hundred (200) feet of the property
line of a residential structure. This setback does not apply to residential
structures on mixed use properties.
8.
All EMCs shall be shielded from view of residential structures on
adjacent properties through the use of a fence, wall or vegetative
buffer that is installed to shield the view of the sign from the residential
structure. Such fence, wall or vegetative buffer shall comply with
any applicable regulations in this Ordinance and must be shown in
the permit application.
The master sign plan allowance established herein is to provide
for additional permanent signage for large-scale nonresidential, mixed
use or residential developments and/or is to allow creativity and
flexibility in establishing a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing
overall design of signage within a development. The master sign plan
provides a review process where any development that includes one
building of twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet or more of gross
floor area, or multiple buildings, on a single parcel, with cumulative
total of twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet of gross floor
area or more can submit a master sign plan package that illustrates
all the signage that will be used on the lot or parcel of record as
of the effective date of this amendment and the relationships of all
these signs to the development.
A.
Master sign plans shall be submitted to the Calvert County Department
of Planning & Zoning for any nonresidential development which
meets the square foot threshold in 6-8.10 above, and where the applicant
wishes to submit a single, comprehensive sign plan for review.
B.
A master sign plan is intended to promote consistency among signs
within a development and enhance the compatibility of signs with the
architectural and site design features within a development.
C.
A master sign plan may include more than one (1) freestanding sign
per development or other deviations from the standards of this Ordinance.
D.
An application for review of a master sign plan shall include:
1.
A master sign plan, drawn to scale, delineating the site proposed
to be included within the master sign plan and the general locations
of all permanent signs including freestanding and building signs and
the property lines, buildings, roadways, and rights-of-way;
2.
Drawings or sketches indicating the dimensions, location and sign
area for all the permanent signs;
3.
Drawings or sketches indicating the exterior surface details of all
buildings on the site on which wall signs, awning signs, canopy signs,
projecting signs, window signs or other building signs are proposed;
and
4.
Information regarding the illumination of any signs.
E.
In order for the Calvert County Planning Commission, or its designee,
to approve a master sign plan, it or its designee must find all of
the following:
1.
That the plan's contribution to the design of the site and surrounding
area will be superior to the quality than would result under the regulations
and standards of this Ordinance;
2.
That the signs proposed as part of the master sign plan will create
a uniform sign package for the site related to materials, lighting,
design and other features of the individual signs; and
3.
That the proposed signs are compatible with the style or character
of improvements and are well-related to each other in terms of location
and spacing.
F.
The Calvert County Planning Commission, or its designee, may grant
its approval subject to conditions as it deems necessary to carry
out the intent of this Chapter 6-8.10.
G.
Upon approval of a master sign plan, permits will be issued only
for those signs approved under the master sign plan, subject to all
conditions of approval.
Portable signs shall be constructed and maintained according
to the following standards, specifications and regulations:
A.
Each sign board face shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet with
a maximum width of three (3) feet and a maximum height of four (4)
feet.
B.
The sign shall only be displayed outside during hours of operation.
C.
Any business may apply and receive approval for not more than one
(1) portable sign.
D.
If placed on a sidewalk, the sign shall be placed in such a manner
as to maintain a minimum of four (4) feet of sidewalk clearance for
the safe passage of pedestrians.
E.
The sign shall be located in front of the establishment which the
sign serves.
F.
The sign must be free-standing and shall not be affixed, chained,
anchored or otherwise secured to the ground or to any pole, parking
meter, tree, tree grate, fire hydrant, railing or other structure.
G.
The sign must not obstruct entry or exit doors, parking meters, bicycle
racks, and other features legally in the right-of-way or required
as part of any building, fire or other safety code.
H.
The sign must not interfere with the opening of car doors in legal
parking spaces, or with the operation of wheelchair lifts and ramps,
cab stands, loading zones or bus stops.
I.
The sign shall be weighted so that it is stable and windproof.
J.
The sign must be constructed of durable, weather-proof materials,
such as slate, marker board, stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum composite,
laminate plastic, or medium density overlay plywood painted with enamel
paint. Rough cut plywood is not an acceptable material for the sign.
K.
The sign cannot have sharp edges or any protrusions or features that
could be a hazard to pedestrians.
L.
Calvert County Government shall be indemnified and held harmless
from any liability resulting from accident or injury caused by erection
and maintenance of such signs.
A.
General Provisions.
1.
Temporary signs shall be constructed and maintained according to
the following standards, specifications and regulations:
2.
Temporary signs shall not be mounted, attached, affixed, installed
or otherwise secured in a manner that will make the sign a permanent
sign.
3.
No temporary sign shall be mounted, attached, affixed, installed
or otherwise secured so as to protrude above the roofline of a building.
4.
Temporary signs shall not be illuminated.
5.
With the exception of portable (A-Frame and T-Frame) signs (see Section 6-8.11.), all temporary signs, regardless of the message, are prohibited in the road right-of-way.
6.
All temporary signs shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent
swinging or other significantly noticeable movement resulting from
the wind.
7.
Because of the nature of materials typically used to construct temporary
signs and to avoid deteriorating signs and all safety concerns that
accompany such a condition, temporary signs shall be removed or replaced
when such sign is deteriorated as determined by the Calvert County
Department of Planning & Zoning.
8.
Temporary signs shall not be posted in any place or in any manner
that is destructive to public property including, but not limited
to rights-of-way, utility poles, public trees, etc.
B.
Temporary Signs on Properties for Sale or Lease.
1.
Table 6-4 establishes the maximum area and height of temporary signs
allowed on properties that are for sale or lease.
2.
Only one (1) sign shall be permitted at any single time for each
road on which the property fronts.
3.
The sign is limited to yard signs subject to the sign type standards
in Section 6-8.12D.l.d.
|
TABLE 6-4 TEMPORARY SIGNS ON PROPERTIES FOR SALE OR LEASE
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
PARCEL SIZE
|
MAXIMUM SIGN AREA
|
MAXIMUM HEIGHT
|
|
Less than two (2) acres
|
Ten (10) square feet
|
Four (4) feet
|
|
Two acres to ten (10) acres
|
Sixteen (16) square feet
|
Six (6) feet
|
|
Over ten (10) acres
|
Thirty-two (32) square feet
|
Six (6) feet
|
C.
Temporary Signs on Residential Property.
1.
Residential lots or parcels of record as of the effective date of
this amendment may have a maximum of twenty (20) square feet of temporary
signage.
2.
Such signs shall be limited to banner signs or yards signs.
3.
Banner signs may be attached to a building, fence or other similar
structure. A banner sign attached to posts and mounted in a yard or
landscape area shall be regulated as a temporary yard sign. There
are no maximum height standards but a banner sign shall not be mounted
in a manner that extends above the roofline if attached to a building.
4.
The maximum height of a temporary yard sign shall be six (6) feet.
5.
Such signs with a sign area of sixteen (16) square feet or more shall
only be permitted for up to one hundred eighty (180) days in a single
calendar year and shall require a sign permit.
D.
Temporary Signs on Nonresidential Property.
For the purposes of this Chapter 6-8.12, nonresidential properties
shall include lots and parcels of record with agricultural, business
& personal service, commercial, recreational, industrial, public
or institutional uses.
1.
Nonresidential lots or parcels of record as of the effective date
of this amendment may have a maximum of two (2) temporary signs from
the following temporary sign types:
a.
Air-Activated or Balloon Signs.
i.
Only one (1) balloon or air-activated sign is allowed on any
parcel, at any given time.
ii.
The maximum height shall be fifteen (15) feet.
iii.
The sign shall be securely anchored to the ground.
iv.
The sign shall be set back from any right-of-way, roadway or
any parking space a minimum distance equal to its height. Such setback
shall include any wires, rope or other materials used to securely
fasten the sign to the ground.
v.
The sign shall not obstruct sidewalks.
b.
Banner Signs.
i.
Banner signs may be attached to a building, fence or other similar
structure. A banner sign attached to posts and mounted in a yard or
landscape area shall be regulated as a temporary yard sign.
ii.
The maximum sign area of any single banner sign shall be twenty
(20) square feet.
iii.
A banner sign shall not be mounted in a manner that extends
above the roofline if attached to a building.
c.
Blade Signs.
i.
Up to two (2) blade signs are permitted at any one time, but
each blade sign shall be separated from another blade sign by fifty
(50) lineal feet. For parcels longer than fifty (50) lineal feet,
one (1) additional blade sign is permitted for each additional fifty
(50) lineal feet.
ii.
The maximum height of a blade sign shall be twelve (12) feet
with a maximum width of two (2) feet at its widest dimensions.
iii.
The signs shall be securely anchored in the ground or within
a portable base designed to securely anchor the sign.
iv.
The sign shall be set back ten (10) feet from any right-of-way,
roadway, sidewalk or any parking space.
A.
Nonconforming signs may continue to be used, regardless of change
in content, until the sign structure is sought to be replaced, expanded
or relocated. At that time, the nonconforming aspects of the sign
shall be brought into conformance with the requirements of this Ordinance.
B.
Nonconforming signs must be maintained in good condition. Maintenance required by this Subsection shall include replacing or repairing of worn or damaged parts of a sign or sign structure in order to maintain the sign or sign structure in good repair and condition at all times, and is not a change or modification prohibited by Section 6-8.13 A.
C.
Removal of a nonconforming sign or replacement of a nonconforming
sign with a conforming sign is required when:
1.
A nonconforming sign, or more than 50% of the size of a nonconforming
sign, nonconforming sign structure or the building to which a nonconforming
sign is attached, is destroyed or damaged by a fire, flood, windstorm
or similar abnormal event, or for any reason or by any means taken
down, altered or removed; or
2.
The condition of the nonconforming sign or nonconforming sign structure
has deteriorated and the deterioration exceeds fifty (50) percent
of the size of the sign structure prior to its deterioration; or
3.
The use of the nonconforming sign, or the property on which it is
located, has ceased, become vacant or been unoccupied for a period
of one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days or more.
D.
Intent to abandon is not required as a basis for removal under this
subsection. Removal shall be the responsibility of the owner of the
property on which the sign is located.
E.
Billboards established prior to February 27, 1992, are subject to
the following:
1.
Any billboard must be maintained in good repair and condition, in
accordance with all applicable codes, at all times, provided neither
the sign area nor sign height are increased.
2.
No portion of any billboard shall be converted into an Electronic
Message Center.
3.
Billboards that have an illumination system in the same manner as
in place at the effective date of these regulations may continue to
be illuminated. The type of external illumination may be replaced
with a more energy efficient type external illumination.
4.
Billboards that do not have an illumination system as of the effective
date of this amendment may not be illuminated.
5.
Billboards shall also be subject to the nonconforming sign provisions
of 6-8.13.
Any violation of this Section shall be enforced in accordance
with the procedures contained in Section 1-7 of this Ordinance.
See Article 11 of this Ordinance for variances and appeals.
The following terms and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed
to them unless the plain language of the provision specifically directs
otherwise:
An effect used in a sign that provides the three dimensions
of width, length and depth.
A portable sign which is ordinarily in the shape of an "A"
or some variation thereof, which is readily movable and is not permanently
attached to the ground or any structure. As distinguished from "T-frame
sign."
Stick, attach or fasten an object to something else.
A sign, all or any part of, which is designed to be moved
by action of forced air so as to make the sign appear to be animated
or otherwise have motion. As distinguished from "balloon sign."
A sign painted on, printed on or attached flat against the
surface of an awning which is a shelter projecting from and supported
by the exterior wall of a building constructed of nonrigid materials
on a supporting framework. See also definition of "canopy sign."
A sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various
shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or a structure,
and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant
flow of air into the device. Balloon signs are restrained, attached
or held in place by a cord, rope, cable or similar method. As distinguished
from "air-activated sign."
Canvas, plastic, fabric or similar lightweight, nonrigid
material that can be mounted to a structure with cord, rope, cable
or a similar method. If such sign is supported by stakes in the ground,
it shall be considered a yard sign.
A type of nonconforming sign that exceeds allowed sign area
and/or height provisions, which existed prior to February 27, 1992
and has been inventoried by Calvert County.
A temporary sign that is constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic
fabric or similar lightweight, nonrigid material and that is supported
by a single, rigid or semi-rigid vertical member mounted into the
ground or on a portable structure.
Signs mounted directly on a building, or attached to the
facade, roof or other elements of a building. Such signs shall include
awning signs, canopy signs, wall signs and projecting signs.
A sign attached to the soffit or fascia of a canopy of a
covered entrance or walkway, which is a permanent structure made of
cloth, metal or other material attached or unattached to a building
for the purpose of providing shelter to patrons or automobiles, or
as a decorative feature on a building wall. A canopy is not a completely
enclosed structure but typically is supported by features other than
the building facade (e.g., structural legs, building extensions, etc.).
As distinguished from "awning sign."
A small permanent sign located near driveway access points
and/or at the intersection of internal access drives.
Make a prominent exhibition in a place where it can easily
be seen.
Any signage located along a drive-up lane that is oriented
toward the customer or user in the drive-up lane.
Able to withstand wear, pressure or damage; hard-wearing
and not easily worn over a long duration.
A variable message sign that utilizes computer-generated
messages or some other mechanical or electronic means of changing
copy. These signs include displays using one or more lamps, light
emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid-crystal display (LCDs) or a flipper
matrix. A backlit sign is considered an EMC as permitted in Table
6-1 footnotes 4 and 5.
Construct or installing a building, wall or other structure.
A sign made of nonrigid material such as canvas or vinyl,
and having no enclosing or supporting framework. A flag is usually
rectangular or triangular in shape, and is attached at one end to
a pole.
Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light
source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing
light by means of animation or any externally mounted intermittent
light source.
Any sign supported upon the ground by a monument, pedestal,
pole, bracing or other permanent measure and not attached to any building.
A comprehensive plan that provides for variation in the amount,
location or features of permanent signage that shows the general locations
of all signs.
A sign having at least two (2) display faces, where the sign
faces are not mounted back-to-back and where the faces are such that
the interior angle of the faces is greater than ninety-one (91) degrees
and not being a three-way dimensional sign.
A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service
or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than
the premises on which the sign is located.
A sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service
or entertainment conducted, sold or offered on the same lot, parcel,
site or property where the sign is located.
A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material,
whether or not containing a message of any kind, commonly attached
by strings or strands, or supported on small poles, intended to flap
in the wind.
A sign permitted by this ordinance to be located on the premises
for an unlimited period of time and designed to be permanently attached
to a structure or the ground.
A sign that is capable of being transported because of being
lighter and smaller in size. Examples: A-Frame and T-Frame signs.
A sign that is affixed to a building or wall and extends
more than eighteen (18) inches beyond the face of such building or
wall. A projecting sign shall also include a sign hung under an arcade.
An elongated metal enclosure used to mount individual channel
lettering and/or to conceal related transformers and wiring for wall-mounted
signs.
A sign or portion of a sign where it is possible to change
the copy on a frequent basis but where such sign change must be manually
made and is not made electronically.
A parcel of record that is improved by a one- or two-family
structure occupied as a residence. "Residential Property" does not
include a farm.
A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced
dedication, prescription or condemnation and intended to be occupied
or currently occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission
lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary storm sewer and other
similar uses;
Generally, the right of one to pass over the property of another.
Any object, device, display or structure or part thereof
situated outdoors or adjacent to the interior of a window or doorway
which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention
to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product,
service, event or location by any means including words, letters,
pictures, logos, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination
or projected images.
Any structure designed for the support of a sign.
On electronic message centers, a static or instant message
change is when one message changes to another message instantly without
rotating, scrolling, fading, dissolving, blinking, audio, pyrotechnic
or flashing elements or other movement of the message.
See entrance definition in the Calvert County Road Ordinance.
A sign placed at the entrance of subdivisions from State
or County highways.
A portable sign which is ordinarily in the shape of an upside
down "T" or some variation thereof, which is readily moveable and
is not permanently attached to the ground or any structure. As distinguished
from "A-frame sign."
Any sign which is movable, not permanently attached to the
ground, a structure or other sign, designed or constructed in such
a manner that it can be moved or relocated without involving any structural
or support changes, intended for a limited period of display or constructed
out of cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard or other like materials.
Any sign permanently or temporarily attached to or placed
on a vehicle or trailer. Signs attached to a motor vehicle or trailer
shall include, without limitation, any signage painted on, physically
applied to, or otherwise affixed to the vehicle.
A sign attached directly to an exterior wall of a building
and which does not extend more than eighteen (18) inches from nor
above the roof line or beyond the limits of the outside wall, with
the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the building wall.
Murals and other painted signs are considered wall signs pursuant
to this section.
Any sign viewable through and/or affixed in any manner to
a window or exterior glass door such that it is intended to be viewable
from the exterior including, but not limited to, window paintings
and signs located inside a building but visible primarily from the
outside of the building. This does not include merchandise and other
displays located in a window, or print intended to be viewable from
the interior of a building.
Any temporary sign placed on the ground or attached to a
supporting structure, posts or poles, that is not attached to any
building.
