Words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. All other words and phrases shall be as defined in Article II or will be given their common, ordinary meaning unless the context requires otherwise.
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business, service, owner, product, or activity for at least 180 days.
ADDRESS SIGN
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal Service. (Also known as a "nameplate sign.")
ANIMATED SIGN
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
BALLOON SIGN
A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed location, which contains an advertisement message on its surface or attached to the balloon in any manner.
BANNER
Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is permanently mounted to a pole or a building by a permanent frame at one or more edges. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners.
BEACON
Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.
BUILDING SIGN
Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.
CANOPY SIGN (also AWNING SIGN)
Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area. A marquee is not a canopy.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN
A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. The two types of changeable-copy signs are manual changeable copy signs and electronic changeable copy signs, which include: message center signs, digital displays, and tri-vision boards.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE
Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises, or calls attention to a business, product, service, or other commercial activity.
DIGITAL DISPLAY
The portion of a sign's message made up of internally illuminated components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays may include but are not limited to LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic into and out of, or within a site.
DIRECTORY SIGN
Wall sign that identifies individual businesses or occupants of the same building or building complex.
EVENT SIGN
Temporary sign advertising and/or providing direction to a planned public or social occasion approved as provided in Chapter 250, Public Events, of the Town Code.
FLAG
Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity.
FLASHING SIGN
A sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include electronic message center signs or digital displays that meet the requirements set forth herein.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground, and that is independent and detached from any building or other structure. The following are subtypes of freestanding signs:
A. 
GROUND SIGNA sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building. (Also known as a "monument sign.")
B. 
POLE SIGNA freestanding sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of one or more poles, posts, uprights, or braces from the ground and not supported by a building or a base structure.
GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY SIGN
Any sign for the control of traffic or identification purposes, street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of public service companies indicating danger or construction, which are erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof, in the discharge of official duties.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Signs or displays, including lighting, which are a nonpermanent installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons. (Also known as "seasonal decorations.")
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination, either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source contained inside the sign or externally illuminated by a light source aimed at its surface.
ILLUMINATION
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from an artificial source.
A. 
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATIONArtificial light, located away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
B. 
INTERNAL ILLUMINATIONA light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Message center signs, digital displays, and signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination for this chapter.
C. 
HALO ILLUMINATIONA sign using a three-dimensional message, logo, etc., lighted in such a way as to produce a halo effect. (Also known as "back-lit illumination.")
INCIDENTAL SIGN
A sign that displays general site information, instructions, directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public street. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertising.
INCIDENTAL/INFORMATIONAL SIGN
A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," and other similar directives. No sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the lot on which the sign is located shall be considered incidental.
INFLATABLE SIGN
A sign that is an air-inflated object, which may be of various shapes, made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or structure, and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the device.
INSTITUTIONAL SIGN
A sign placed on a property owned by religious or charitable nonprofit organizations, hospitals, schools, fire and rescue, clubs, museums, or similar uses.
JOINT TENANT SIGNS
A sign displaying the various tenants of a business complex or shopping center located at or near the entrance(s).
MARQUEE
Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and constructed to protect from the weather.
MARQUEE SIGN
Any sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of a marquee.
MENU SIGN
A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available at a restaurant or other use serving food or beverages.
MURAL (or MURAL SIGN)
A large picture/image (including, but not limited to, painted art) which is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical building wall, which may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.
NONCONFORMING SIGN
Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
An outdoor sign whose message directs attention to a specific business, product, service, event or activity, or other commercial or noncommercial activity, or contains a noncommercial message about something that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located. (Also known as a "third-party sign," "billboard," or "outdoor advertising.")
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business, profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial or noncommercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the same property where the sign is located.
PENNANT
Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.
PERSONAL EXPRESSION SIGN
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest, position, or another noncommercial message.
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently attached to the ground, a building, or other structure.
A. 
SANDWICH BOARD SIGNA type of freestanding, portable, temporary sign consisting of two faces connected and hinged at the top and whose message is targeted to pedestrians, (Also known as an "A-frame sign.")
B. 
VEHICULAR SIGNA sign affixed to a vehicle in such a manner that the sign is used primarily as a stationary advertisement for the business on which the vehicle sits or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
PROJECTING SIGN
Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading-edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such a building or wall.
PUBLIC SIGN
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification signs for public facilities.
REFLECTIVE SIGN
A sign containing any material or device which has the effect of intensifying reflected light.
RESIDENTIAL SIGN
Any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses that contains no commercial message except advertising for goods or services legally offered on the premises where the sign is located if offering such service at such location conforms with all requirements of the zoning ordinance.
REVOLVING SIGN
A sign which revolves in a circular motion rather than remaining stationary on its supporting structure.
ROOF SIGN
Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.
SIGN
Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.
SIGN AREA
The square footage of the advertising area of a sign calculated by measuring the area of the background, or if there is no background, then the area calculated by measuring the width of the sign from the beginning of the first character to the end of the last character, and by measuring the height of the sign from the bottom of the lowest character to the top of the highest character. The area of said signs to be determined by then multiplying the width times the height of the signs as so determined.
SIGN STRUCTURE AREA
The total square footage of the sign structure determined by measuring the width and height of the structure that encompasses the advertising area of the sign.
SNIPE SIGN
A sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, public benches, streetlights, or other objects, or placed on any public property or in the public right-of-way or on any private property without the permission of the property owner. (Also known as a "bandit sign.")
SUSPENDED SIGN
A sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface and is supported by such surface.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A banner, pennant, poster, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard, wallboard, plywood, or other like materials that are located on private property and intended to be displayed for no more than is permitted by regulation.
WALL SIGN
Any sign attached parallel to but within six inches of, a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface.
WAYFARING
A type of sign that allows users to find their way, using the information provided along the travel path.
WINDOW SIGN
Any sign, pictures, symbol, or a combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service, that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.
Signs perform an important function in identifying and promoting properties, businesses, services, residences, events, and other matters of interest to the public. This article intends to regulate all signs within the Town to ensure that they are appropriate for their respective uses, in keeping with the appearance of the affected property and surrounding environment, and protective of the public health, safety, and general welfare by:
A. 
Setting standards and providing uniform controls that permit reasonable use of signs and preserve the character of the Town.
B. 
Prohibiting the erection of signs in such numbers, sizes, designs, illumination, and locations as may create a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
C. 
Avoiding excessive conflicts from large or multiple signs, so that permitted signs provide adequate identification and direction while minimizing clutter, unsightliness, and confusion.
D. 
Establishing a process for the review and approval of sign permit applications.
E. 
Ensuring sign design that builds on the traditional town image and visual environment the Town seeks to promote in the town center and appropriate signage for highway-oriented uses along Talbot Street (MD 33).
A. 
Except for exempt signs, no sign shall be erected or placed before the Zoning Inspector issues a sign permit.
B. 
Owners of signs for which a permit is not required under this article must nonetheless ensure that the sign is maintained, safe, and meets all required standards of this article.
[Amended 3-26-2025 by Ord. No. 568]
Only those signs as set out herein are permitted, provided that such signs conform to the following provisions, are located on the same lot as said use unless an exception from this requirement is specifically noted, and only after issuance of a sign permit by the Town.
A. 
Building signs.
(1) 
Wall signs.
(a) 
All permanent flat signs are to be mounted flat against a wall except in those situations where the structure of the building precludes a wall-mounted permanent sign of allowable dimensions. In those cases, a pent-roof- or mansard-roof-mounted sign is allowable. No attached sign shall extend above the height of the building to which it is attached.
(b) 
Wall signs shall not be mounted higher than the eave line or top of the parapet wall of the building, and no portions of the sign shall extend beyond the ends of the wall to which it is attached.
(c) 
For each business on a separate property, wall-mounted signage for each street frontage is permitted with a maximum advertising area of one square foot of signage per one linear foot of street frontage of the building. However, all buildings, regardless of their street frontage, will be permitted 20 square feet of advertising area. Any single wall sign shall not exceed 30 square feet, and the total area of all wall signs shall not exceed 90 square feet.
(d) 
For buildings that have multiple businesses accessed by separate entrances, each business shall be permitted one building sign for each street frontage. The maximum area of signs shall be one square foot of advertising area per one linear foot of street frontage of the building dedicated to that business.
(e) 
When two or more businesses occupy one building with common entrances (i.e., without separate entrances), they shall be considered one business for sign computation purposes. For wall or building signs, buildings of this nature are limited to one building sign per street frontage plus one directory sign per common entrance.
(f) 
Mounted menu boards. Each business whose primary use is the offering of food and beverage to the public shall be permitted to display their menu by the posting of the same on the wall or window of their business. Such board shall not exceed four square feet in total area.
(2) 
Awning or canopy sign. Any portion of an awning containing advertising copy shall be treated as a wall or building sign and shall be included in the overall advertising area calculations for such signs.
(a) 
Signs may be attached flat against awnings made of rigid materials and shall not project above the awning. Awnings of non-rigid materials (e.g., canvas) shall have signs only appliquéed or painted on them.
(b) 
There shall be a minimum clearance of at least eight feet between the bottom of the awning and the ground at grade.
(3) 
Directory wall signs. Directory signs shall be attached to the building to identify individual businesses or occupants of the same building or building complex, per the following:
(a) 
The display board shall be of integrated and uniform design.
(b) 
No more than one sign panel not to exceed two square feet in area is permitted per directory for each tenant business.
(c) 
Directory signs shall be placed nearest the pedestrian entrances.
(d) 
The total sign structure area of any directory sign shall not exceed 30 square feet.
(e) 
Directory signs must incorporate its legally assigned street number.
(f) 
Directory signs shall not contain advertising copy.
(g) 
The total area of all directory signs shall not exceed 55 square feet.
(4) 
Projecting and suspended signs. Projecting and suspended signs shall be treated as building signs and shall be included in the total advertising area calculations for building signs.
(a) 
The two sides of a projecting or suspended sign must be parallel back to back and shall not exceed 12 inches in thickness, and 10 square feet in area.
(b) 
A projecting or suspended sign shall be hung at right angles to the building and shall not extend more than three feet from a building wall.
(c) 
Projecting and suspended signs shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet above grade and shall not project into a vehicular public way.
B. 
Freestanding sign.
(1) 
Freestanding signs shall be limited to one per lot and shall extend above the natural ground level no more than six feet. They shall not exceed a total sign structure size of six square feet in area and, except the circumstances described in off-site signs as set out in this article, shall be set back at least four feet from each property line. Such sign shall contain the name of the owner, trade name, or activity conducted on the premises whereon such sign is located.
(2) 
No sign, sign structure or part thereof shall be located to obstruct or conflict with traffic sight lines, or traffic control signs or signals. Except for educational complex signage, no sign shall be internally illuminated.
(3) 
Such a sign shall incorporate its legally assigned street number.
(4) 
A planting area consisting of shrubs, flowers, and/or ornamental grasses equivalent to the area of each side of a freestanding sign shall be provided when such planting is feasible. The permit holder shall maintain the planting area. This area shall be kept in a neat and clean condition, free of weeds and rubbish.
(5) 
In addition to the above, each gasoline/service station or other business selling automotive or marine fuel is permitted one price sign not to exceed eight square feet in area and eight feet in height. Said price sign shall be incorporated into the product identification sign.
(6) 
No more than one freestanding sign identifying a subdivision or multifamily project. Such sign shall not exceed a maximum of 24 square feet in total sign area with a maximum height of six feet. The location of such a sign shall be indicated on required site plans or subdivision plats and approved by the Planning Commission.
C. 
Institutional signs.
(1) 
No more than one freestanding sign or bulletin board identifying a place of an institutional use is permitted. Such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign structure area, with a maximum advertising area of 18 square feet and with a maximum height of six feet. It shall be located upon the premises of such institution. These signs may also contain other information customarily incidental to said places or organizations.
(2) 
The Planning Commission may modify the standards for institutional signs on a site of five acres or more, with multiple principal structures in accordance with a master signage plan upon a finding that the proposed sign plan represents a reasonable display of signs in the context of use and surrounding properties. In making its findings, the Planning Commission shall consider the location and use of site areas and structure, unique way finding and information requirements, and the degree to which signs are visible from the public way.
(3) 
A master signage plan shall contain the following information:
(a) 
An accurate plot plan of the proposed development site, at such scale as the Zoning Inspector, may reasonably require;
(b) 
Location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped areas;
(c) 
Computation of the proposed maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual signs, the height of signs and the number of signs by type;
(d) 
Sign plans and photo simulation of the signs in the proposed location; and
(e) 
An accurate indication on the plot plan of the proposed location of each present and a future sign of any type, whether requiring a permit or not, except that incidental signs need not be shown.
(4) 
No sign permit shall be issued for a sign that does not conform to the master signage plan. A master signage plan may be amended at any time.
D. 
Educational complex signage (illuminated).
(1) 
In addition to the signage permitted in § 340-161, an educational complex that includes a single or multiple public school educational facilities as defined in § 340-11 herein, shall be permitted one on-site internally illuminated sign. Such sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in sign structure size with a maximum of 15 square feet of advertising area on each side of the sign. The sign shall not exceed six feet in height and shall not include reflective devices. Illuminated electronic and changeable copy digital signs are permitted only to identify the public school educational facility and may contain information customarily incidental to said educational facility, which may include school or educational functions or events, but may not be used for commercial advertising. The school may advertise public events, functions, notices or facilities of the Town government.
(2) 
The sign materials shall be compatible with those reflected in the construction of the primary structures and shall identify the name of the educational facility and street address. The sign may be utilized as a mechanism for providing public announcements concerning activities conducted at the school and those which are community sponsored. A landscaped area equal to the area of the sign shall be provided and maintained by the permit holder.
E. 
Home occupation signs. Signage shall be limited to one unlighted or indirectly lighted sign per address not exceeding three square feet in area either mounted flush with and on the front façade of the dwelling unit or hung on an independent post.
F. 
Professional offices. Such signs are permitted in any zoning district where such use is permitted either by right or by special exception. Such a sign may be either wall-mounted or freestanding, may not be internally illuminated and shall not exceed three square feet in area for each enterprise occupying the office.
G. 
Farm or estate signs. Such a sign shall display the name of the farm or estate and identify the owner and nature of the farm. Such sign shall be limited to one per farm or estate, shall not exceed six square feet in sign structure area, and shall not be illuminated.
H. 
Residential development, subdivision, or apartment complex (name only) signage. Such signage shall be limited to 24 square feet of sign structure area and a maximum height of four feet above the ground and shall be setback a minimum of four feet from all property lines.
I. 
Office/business park signage.
(1) 
A freestanding sign identifying the several occupants of a business/office park. The sign structure area shall not exceed 55 square feet (per side) in area, the top of which is not more than six feet above ground level. The sign shall on contain the physical address of the property, the name of the office/business park, and the names of the several businesses conducted on the premises whereon such sign is located. The area (per side) of the sign face devoted to identifying the physical address and name of the office/business park shall not exceed 10 square feet, not including the sign background. The area (per side) of the sign devoted to identifying the names of the several occupants of the office/business park shall not exceed 18 square feet, including the sign background. The area of the freestanding sign devoted to identifying the occupants of the office/business park shall identify such occupants using common sign shape, background color, lettering color, and lettering font. No sign, sign structure or part thereof shall be located to obstruct or conflict with traffic sight lines or traffic control signs or signals. No sign shall be internally illuminated, flashing, intermittent, rotating, or another animated type, nor may tend to blind or distract motorists, nor may shine directly into any dwelling, nor when visible from navigable waters may resemble an aid to navigation. The location of the sign shall be within the office/business park and indicated on a site plan as required for approval. Each occupant within an office/business park shall be allowed one sign attached to the front of said occupant's unit. Such sign shall not exceed four square feet in area, which shall be of common dimension, shape, background color, and lettering color for each occupant.
(2) 
A landscaping plan shall be submitted for the freestanding sign for approval by the Planning Commission.
J. 
Permitted signs in the HR historic redevelopment districts.
(1) 
Building sign. One non-illuminated single-faced sign for each building frontage. Such sign shall not exceed 20 square feet in area and must be mounted on the building occupied by the tenant.
(2) 
Joint tenant sign. The Planning Commission shall approve a master sign plan for one or more joint tenant signs for the properties/tenants located in the HR District subject to the following:
(a) 
All property owners in the HR District are signatures on the application;
(b) 
All signs are located within the HR District;
(c) 
Signs shall be of integrated and uniform design and the area devoted to identifying the occupants of the district shall identify such occupants using common sign shape, background color, lettering color, and lettering font;
(d) 
No more than one sign panel not to exceed two square feet in area is permitted for each tenant business;
(e) 
The Planning Commission must approve signs placement;
(f) 
Signs contain no advertising copy;
(g) 
No sign, sign structure or part thereof shall be located to obstruct or conflict with traffic sight lines or traffic control signs or signals; and
(h) 
Signs may only be indirectly illuminated in a manner approved by the Planning Commission.
(3) 
Portable signs as provided in § 340-164.
(4) 
Window signs, as provided in Subsection K.
K. 
Window signs.
(1) 
In addition to any other permitted signs, permanent and temporary window signs are permitted in WD, CC, SLC, GC, HR, MC, and MM Districts subject to the following:
(a) 
Permanent window signs affixed to or painted on the inside of a window and advertising the business, the service offered by such business and/or logo may occupy no more than 25% of the surface of each windowpane area. Permanent window signs are permitted on the upper floors of multi-story commercial buildings.
(b) 
The total of all temporary window signs may occupy no more than 25% of the window's area. No such temporary window sign shall be in place longer than 30 days.
(c) 
The total area of all temporary and permanent window signs shall be no more than 50% of the total window area.
(2) 
Neon window signs, series lighting, or neon tubing used to accentuate or trim windows, architectural features, or to outline borders of windows, signs, or buildings are prohibited.
L. 
Community organization master sign. Notwithstanding the prohibition of off-site signs as outlined in this article, one community organization master sign is permitted at, or near, each of the north and south entrances to the Town along Talbot Street.
(1) 
A community organization master sign:
(a) 
Shall identify nonprofit, service organizations active in and located in or nearby the Town. Examples of eligible organizations include churches offering regular services and nationally recognized service clubs (e.g., Rotary, Lions, Optimists, Women's and Junior Women's clubs).
(b) 
Shall be freestanding and permanent and compatible in design, size, height, material, and lighting with the existing "Welcome to St. Michaels" sign.
(c) 
May display the Town logo.
(d) 
May include up to eight individual signs, each of the same shape and size not to exceed two square feet. Each sign shall identify one nonprofit community-service organization. It may include organizational logos along with other information visitors would find useful, such as service and meeting times and places, provided it does not become too cluttered for the average motorist who is passing at the posted speed limit, to read easily.
(e) 
With the written consent of the property owner, may be placed on private property.
(f) 
With the written consent of the adjacent property owner, and provided the conditions in Subsection L(2), are met, may be placed within the state highway right-of-way.
(2) 
One of the identified organizations shall commit to the Town to be responsible for erecting and maintaining the sign in good condition.
M. 
Community sponsored event sign. Notwithstanding the prohibition of off-site signs as outlined in this article, one community-sponsored event sign is permitted at, or near, each of the north and south entrances to the Town along Talbot Street.
(1) 
A community-sponsored event sign:
(a) 
Shall be freestanding and permanent and compatible in design, size, height, material, and lighting with the existing "Welcome to St. Michaels" sign.
(b) 
Shall display the Town.
(c) 
May include up to three interchangeable signs, each of the same shape and size. Each sign shall identify the name of the event, the location, times and dates, and any other information visitors would find useful, provided it does not become too cluttered for the average motorist who is passing at the posted speed limit, to read easily.
(d) 
Before the placement of the individual event signs, review and approval shall be obtained from the Town Commissioners or their designated assignee.
(e) 
With the written consent of the property owner, may be placed on private property.
(f) 
With the written consent of the adjacent property owner and provided the conditions in Subsection L(2) are met, may be placed within the state highway right-of-way.
(2) 
The Town Commissioners shall approve the identification of the person(s) and or organizations or groups responsible for the erection and maintenance of the sign before the issuance of the required zoning certificate.
N. 
Attraction/designation directional signs in the MM District.
(1) 
Freestanding signs not to exceed three within 75 feet of a public way, which signs identify the various offerings of the museum.
(2) 
Each sign may have no more than two planes of any shape and no more than 50 square feet on one side of any plane. The top of the sign shall not be more than eight feet above ground level.
(3) 
Sign material shall be consistent with the structures within proximity to the sign.
(4) 
The location of the sign(s) shall be within the attraction area, on privately owned property, and indicated on a site plan as required for approval.
(5) 
A landscape plan for each sign within 75 feet of a public way is to be submitted as part of the building permit application.
Temporary signs are permitted in all districts provided such signs are located on private property unless otherwise allowed in this subsection, displayed for no more than 30 consecutive days at one time, and comply with the following regulations.
A. 
Special sales signs.
(1) 
Be limited to one on-premises sign per event.
(2) 
Shall be limited to five events or sales in one calendar year on the same lot.
(3) 
May be erected, posted, or displayed seven days before the event or sale.
(4) 
Shall be removed within five days after the conclusion of the event or sale.
(5) 
Shall not exceed 10 square feet.
(6) 
Be limited to six public event signs per the calendar year.
(7) 
The maximum length of time for each permitted event shall not exceed 20 days.
B. 
Public events. Temporary signs for events approved by the Town Commissioners as provided in Chapter 250, Public Events, of the Town Code shall comply with the following:
(1) 
Shall accompany any permit applications as provided in Chapter 250, Public Events, of the Town Code.
(2) 
No more than three temporary signs are permitted.
(3) 
Individual signs cannot exceed four square feet.
(4) 
No portion of the sign shall be less than eight feet off the ground.
(5) 
Signs may be placed 21 days before the event.
(6) 
All signs shall be removed within seven days of the conclusion of the event.
(7) 
Signs will not contain advertising. The name of a business can be used, but no advertising for a business is permitted.
C. 
Commercial banners:
(1) 
No more than one banner announcing the grand opening of a new business within the Town. Any such sign must be erected on the day of the official opening of the business and shall be removed within seven days of said opening. Only the words "'Grand Opening'" shall be permitted to appear on such a banner.
(2) 
No more than one banner announcing the closing of a business within the Town. Such signs may be erected up to 30 days before the closing of the business. It shall be removed within 48 hours of the closing of this business. Only the words "Going Out of Business" shall be permitted to appear on such a banner. A going-out-of-business banner may only be erected one time per business.
D. 
Vertical banners. The Town Commissioners may consider and approve if found appropriate, the placement of vertical banners to display artwork and festival information. Said banners shall not exceed 10 square feet in area, shall not extend more than three feet from the structure on which they are mounted, and have a minimum clearance of eight feet above the grade of the public way.
E. 
Commercial, public event signs.
(1) 
Commercial directional or informational signs advertising events shall:
(a) 
Not exceed 10 square feet in area per side, with a maximum of two sides;
(b) 
Not be displayed more than seven days before the event;
(c) 
Be removed not more than five days after the event;
(d) 
Be limited to one on-premises sign per event; and
(e) 
Be limited to six public event signs per calendar year.
(2) 
The maximum length of time for each permitted event shall not exceed 20 days.
(3) 
Permit issuance.
(a) 
Before erecting a commercial, public event sign, a permit shall be obtained for each sign.
(b) 
The application fee shall be that set out in the Administrative Fee Schedule[1] approved by the Town Commissioners and amended from time to time.
[1]
Editor's Note: The Fee Schedule is on file in the Town offices.
(c) 
The Zoning Inspector shall issue the permit within three days of receiving the application.
(d) 
Each day that a sign in violation of this subsection is a violation of this chapter under Article XXI.
F. 
Noncommercial public information event signs.
(1) 
Directional or informational signs advertising events sponsored by bona fide civic, nonprofit, charitable, or fraternal organizations shall:
(a) 
Not exceed 10 square feet in area;
(b) 
Not be displayed more than seven days before the event; and
(c) 
Be removed not more than five days after the event.
(2) 
The number of signs shall be limited to three per event.
(3) 
Only in the case where an applicant does not have fixed premises from which to operate, a public information event sign may be erected as an off-premises sign on private property with the written permission of the property owner.
(4) 
Permit issuance.
(a) 
Before erecting a noncommercial public event sign, a permit shall be obtained for each sign.
(b) 
The application fee shall be that set out in the Administrative Fee Schedule[2] approved by the Town Commissioners and amended from time to time.
[2]
Editor's Note: The Fee Schedule is on file in the Town offices.
(c) 
The Zoning Inspector shall issue the permit within three days of receiving the application.
(d) 
Each day that a sign in violation of this subsection is a violation of this chapter under Article XXI.
(5) 
Length of event. The maximum length of time for display by any party or any group of parties of noncommercial public event signs is 120 days in any one year.
G. 
Festival or community sponsored functions.
(1) 
The Town Commissioners recognize that there are functions conducted in the municipality that contribute to the small-time charm and character of the Town that may require signage not specifically outlined in this chapter. Applicants for such functions shall submit a request to the Town Commissioners for their consideration and approval which contains the following information:
(a) 
The type of function.
(b) 
The duration of the function.
(c) 
Those businesses and organizations sponsoring the function.
(d) 
The number, type, and location of the proposed signage.
(2) 
A temporary sign permit may be authorized only upon the favorable findings of the Town Commissioners.
H. 
Charitable fund-raising activities or special events for which signage is proposed to be located on utility poles.
(1) 
The Town Commissioners recognize that there are charitable fund-raising activities or special events conducted in the municipality that support community needs and benefit from signage, not specifically addressed in this chapter. Such events and community-sponsored functions may, but do not necessarily, include fund-raising or other charitable events.
(2) 
The Town Commissioners, to continue their support of these unique fund-raising activities or special events, are requiring the applicants to provide the following for their review:
(a) 
Completed application providing:
[1] 
The applicant's address and contact information. The fund-raising organization must be a nonprofit or be sponsored by a nonprofit or the Town.
[2] 
If applicable, the name, address, and contact information of the sponsor.
[3] 
The name, address, and contact information of individual(s) responsible for posting the signs.
[4] 
The type of activity and purpose.
[5] 
The number, type, and location of the proposed signage. Individual signs cannot exceed four square feet (576 square inches). No portion of the sign shall be less than eight feet off the ground.
[6] 
Acknowledgment that signs will not contain advertising. The name of a business can be used, but no advertising for a business is permitted.
[7] 
Acknowledgment that signs will not contain negative or inflammatory messages.
(b) 
Documentation that the fund-raising organization is a nonprofit or is sponsored by a nonprofit or the Town. Fund-raising, which may include fund-raising for a specific cause, must benefit the local community.
(c) 
The applicant shall acknowledge that he or she and the group or organization that he or she represents shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Maryland Solicitations Act.
(d) 
Dates on which the signs will be installed and the date of removal. Such signage will only be permitted on utility poles along Talbot Street during September through April, with the following limitations:
[1] 
Promotion of a specific event for 21 days before the event with removal 48 hours after the event.
[2] 
Fund-raising activities unrelated to a specific event for no more than 30 days or at the discretion of the Town Commissioners.
[3] 
Permits may be applied for beginning on December 1 for the next calendar year.
(3) 
Permit approval will be at the sole discretion of the Town Commissioners.
Freestanding or temporarily affixed wall-mounted portable sidewalk signs are permitted subject to the following:
A. 
The sign location complies with the provisions of Chapter 285, Streets, Sidewalks and Alleys, of the Town Code.
B. 
Signs may only be displayed during regular business hours.
C. 
As appropriate, portable signs shall be weighted, temporarily secured, or strategically placed to avoid being carried away by high winds.
D. 
Proof of permit issuance must be affixed to the sign.
E. 
Portable signs shall be placed on the privately owned portion of a property and shall not obstruct a public way (sidewalk or roadway) for any reason.
F. 
Number: One sign is permitted per business or leasable tenant space, whichever is less.
G. 
Area: Each sign shall have a maximum area of six square feet per sign face.
H. 
Height: Signs shall have a maximum height of 3.5 feet.
I. 
Sign placement.
(1) 
If a sign is located on a public or private sidewalk, a minimum of 4.5 feet of unobstructed sidewalk clearance must be maintained between the sign and any building or other obstruction.
(2) 
The sign must be located on the premises, and within 12 feet of the primary public entrance of the establishment, it advertises. For this subsection, a public entrance includes a vehicular entrance into a parking garage or parking lot.
J. 
Commercial messages must advertise only goods and services available on the premises.
K. 
Appearance standards.
(1) 
Signs must be constructed of materials that present a finished appearance (rough-cut plywood prohibited).
(2) 
Sign frames shall be painted or stained wood, composite materials, anodized aluminum, or other metal.
(3) 
Windblown devices, including balloons, may not be attached, or otherwise made part of the sign.
(4) 
Signs may not be illuminated or have any moving parts.
(5) 
Manual changeable copy signs are permitted.
When the property has no direct access to a Town street and is located adjacent to Talbot Street, it shall be permitted an off-premises sign, conditioned upon the following:
A. 
The purpose of the sign is to provide notice to the public of the entrance to the lot;
B. 
The lot is at least 75 feet in width;
C. 
There is an existing vehicular entrance to the lot across the state highway right-of-way, and the sign is to provide notice of that entrance to motor vehicle operators;
D. 
The lot boundary that abuts the state highway right-of-way is more than 20 feet from the nearest edge of the existing paved state highway shoulder located in that state highway right-of-way;
E. 
The State Highway Administration has granted written permission for the placement of the sign in the state highway right-of-way; and
F. 
The sign would benefit public safety and the free flow of traffic on the state highway.
G. 
Compliance with all other provisions and restrictions relating to freestanding signs shall apply.
[Amended 3-26-2025 by Ord. No. 568]
The following signs are unlawful and prohibited:
A. 
Abandoned signs.
B. 
Snipe signs. Signs shall only be attached to utility poles in conformance with state and utility regulations and the requirements of this chapter.
C. 
Vehicular signs. This regulation does not include the use of business logos, identification, or advertising on vehicles primarily and actively used for business purposes and/or personal transportation.
D. 
Mechanical movement signs, including revolving signs.
E. 
Pennant strings and streamers.
F. 
Animated signs, flashing signs, or signs that scroll or flash text or graphics.
G. 
Inflatable devices or balloon signs, except balloons used in temporary, noncommercial situations.
H. 
Any signs that imitate, resemble, interfere with, or obstruct official traffic lights, signs, or signals.
I. 
Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or that prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign other than a safety sign shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
J. 
Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particulate matter, sound, odor, or contain open flames.
K. 
Reflective signs or signs containing mirrors.
L. 
Interactive signs.
M. 
Signs incorporating beacon or festoon lighting.
N. 
Any banner or sign of any type suspended across a public street.
O. 
Roof signs.
P. 
Signs erected without the permission of the property owner, except those authorized or required by local, state, or federal government.
Q. 
Any sign containing information which states or implies that a property may be used for any purpose not permitted under the provisions of this chapter.
R. 
Signs that exhibit statements, words, or pictures of obscene or pornographic subjects as determined by the Town.
S. 
Any sign that promotes illegal activity.
T. 
Beacons.
U. 
Changeable-copy signs other than a manual changeable copy (except as provided for within public school educational complexes in § 340-161D).
V. 
Digital displays (except as provided for within public school educational complexes in § 340-161D).
W. 
Illuminated sign other than indirectly illuminated signs where permitted and except as may be otherwise allowed in this article.
Before the issuance of a permit for the erection of a sign in the Historic District, a historic review certificate must be obtained. The salient factor to be considered in granting a historic review certificate for a sign in the Historic District is that the sign is compatible with exterior architectural features of the structure and the surrounding area, including general compatibility of the sign's design, arrangement, texture, and materials.
If the Zoning Inspector determines any sign to be unsafe, insecure, or a menace to the public, he/she shall provide written notice to the sign owner describing the unsafe conditions determined and required remedial actions. The sign owner shall have three days from receipt of the notice to complete required remedial actions. If the unsafe condition of the sign is not corrected within the stated three-day period, the Zoning Inspector is at this moment authorized to remove the unsafe sign at the expense of the owner.
The following signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of permanent signs allowed within a zoning district, provided such signs comply with the regulations in this section if any.
A. 
Official traffic signs.
B. 
Government/regulatory signs, including wayfaring signs.
C. 
Signs inside a building, or other enclosed facility, which are not meant to be viewed from the outside and are located greater than three feet from the window.
D. 
Holiday and seasonal decorations.
E. 
Personal expression signs or small flags of any type, if they do not exceed three square feet in area per side and are noncommercial and not illuminated.
F. 
Address signs. Up to two signs stating address, number, and name of occupants of the premises and do not include any commercial advertising or other identification.
(1) 
Residential districts. Signs not to exceed three square feet in area.
(2) 
Nonresidential districts. Signs not to exceed five square feet in area.
G. 
Public signs. Signs erected or required by government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification or directional signs for public facilities.
H. 
Signs or emblems of a religious, civic, philanthropic, historical, or educational organization that do not exceed four square feet in area.
I. 
Private drive signs. Private signs directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic movement onto a premise or within a premise only, not to include advertising, not exceeding two square feet in area for each sign.
J. 
Security and warning signs. Non-illuminated signs not to exceed one square foot per sign warning.
K. 
Large flags. In addition to national, state, or Town flags, one large flag per lot or permitted commercial operation.
(1) 
Location. Flags and flagpoles shall not be located within any right-of-way.
(2) 
Height. Flags shall have a maximum height of 30 feet.
L. 
Legal notices.
M. 
Vending machine signs.
N. 
Memorial signs, public monument or historical identification sign erected by the Town, including plaque signs up to three square feet.
O. 
Signs, which are a permanent architectural feature of a building or structure, existing at the time of adoption of this chapter.
P. 
Incidental signs, including incidental window signs.
Q. 
Directional signs provided they do not contain any commercial messaging.
(1) 
Area. No single directional sign shall exceed four square feet.
(2) 
Height. Directional signs shall have a maximum height of five feet.
(3) 
Illumination. Directional signs shall be non-illuminated.
R. 
Political signs.
(1) 
May not exceed six square feet in area.
(2) 
May be erected, posted, or displayed two months before the election for which the candidate has filed.
(3) 
Shall be removed within seven days after the election.
(4) 
Shall not be illuminated.
S. 
Signage devices which include but are not limited to QR codes, which provide a simple connection between real-life environments, demonstrating the historic significance of the site and the ability to enhance a visitor's experience via rich media on a mobile device. Such signage may be placed within public ways conditioned on receiving approval of such placement or content from the Town Commissioners and that the size of such signage shall not exceed eight inches by eight inches.
T. 
Freestanding signs located on the interior of an institutional site used to identify public facilities, on-site traffic direction, hours of operation, and other information.
U. 
Real estate signs.
(1) 
One real estate sign may be erected or displayed on the property advertised plus two temporary, off-premises "open/house" real estate signs no more than two square feet in area, offering real estate for sale. Signs may only be in place on the day of the open house.
(2) 
Real estate signs shall not be illuminated.
(3) 
On-premise signs shall be removed within five days after the deed has been recorded for sale or lease signed for the rental of property.
(4) 
On-premise signs shall not exceed the following maximum size areas:
(a) 
Residential uses six square feet in area.
(b) 
Commercial uses 24 square feet in area.
A. 
To prevent blight in established communities, diminution of property values, and hazards of personal injury or damage to adjacent properties, the provisions of this subsection shall be construed, to the greatest extent possible, to require the removal of abandoned signs at the earliest possible moment.
B. 
A public event sign is considered abandoned on the seventh consecutive day following the conclusion of the event or activity to which it pertains.
C. 
An abandoned sign shall be removed by the owner of the premises or the owner of the sign if different from the owner of the premises.
D. 
If an abandoned sign is not removed, it shall be considered litter. Any person who shall commit the prohibited act of littering as set forth in Chapter 243, Property Maintenance and Littering, of the Town Code, shall be guilty of a municipal infraction, and subject to the procedures set forth in Chapter 33, Municipal Infractions.
A. 
All nonconforming off-site signs shall be removed.
B. 
Signs existing at the time of enactment of this chapter and not conforming to its provisions, but which were constructed in compliance with previous regulations, shall be regarded as nonconforming signs. Nonconforming signs which are structurally altered, relocated, or have materials changed or replaced shall comply immediately with all provisions of this chapter. Repainting the sign to include the same or different colors or content, changing the name of the business, enterprise, service or accommodation, or ordinary maintenance shall be construed as maintenance. It shall not affect the legal nonconforming status of the sign. Any change in the stature or configuration of a sign located in the Historic Area requires the approval of the Historic District Commission.