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.
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business,
service, owner, product, or activity for at least 180 days.
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.")
Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict
action or create a special effect or scene.
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.
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.
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.
Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted
to a freestanding 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.
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.
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.
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.
Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular
traffic into and out of, or within a site.
Wall sign that identifies individual businesses or occupants
of the same building or building complex.
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.
Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors,
patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political
subdivision, or other entity.
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.
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:
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.")
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.
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.
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.")
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.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly
from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from an artificial
source.
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.
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.
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.")
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.
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.
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.
A sign placed on a property owned by religious or charitable
nonprofit organizations, hospitals, schools, fire and rescue, clubs,
museums, or similar uses.
A sign displaying the various tenants of a business complex
or shopping center located at or near the entrance(s).
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.
Any sign attached to, in any manner, or made a part of a
marquee.
A permanent sign for displaying the bill of fare available
at a restaurant or other use serving food or beverages.
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.
Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this
chapter.
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.")
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.
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.
An on-premises sign that expresses an opinion, interest,
position, or another noncommercial message.
A sign designed to be transported or moved and not permanently
attached to the ground, a building, or other structure.
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.")
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.
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.
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities,
including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification
signs for public facilities.
A sign containing any material or device which has the effect
of intensifying reflected light.
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.
A sign which revolves in a circular motion rather than remaining
stationary on its supporting structure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.")
A sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal
plane surface and is supported by such surface.
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.
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.
A type of sign that allows users to find their way, using
the information provided along the travel path.
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).
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 educational facilities school(s) 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. The sign shall not exceed six feet in height and shall not include reflective and/or scrolling advertising devices.
(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.
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.
(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.
(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.
F.
Noncommercial public information event signs.
(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)
(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:
(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.
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.
V.
Digital displays.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
