Signs Guide

To download this Guide, along with all necessary P&Z forms, in Adobe Acrobat format, click here. Please note: The Acrobat version of this Guide also includes excerpts from the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance pertaining to signs.
To obtain a sign application click here to access Inspections and Permits website.

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ZONING
CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE GUIDE

SIGN REGULATIONS & PERMITS
REVISED MAY 2006


Sign regulations are described in Section 6-8 of the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance Sign regulations vary in each Town Center. Consult the corresponding Town Center Zoning Ordinance for additional information. Also see Section 6-6, Outdoor Lighting Regulations, for regulations regarding the lighting of signs.

SIGNS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT
Note: All of the following signs are subject to conditions - See Section 6-8.05

A.	Official traffic signs
B.	Home occupation signs
C.	Temporary real estate signs
D.	Farm signs
E.	Temporary political signs subject to State regulations.
F.	Temporary construction signs
G.	Portable signs
H.	Temporary public or quasi-public directional or informational signs
I.	"Grand Opening" signs for subdivisions, developments, or shopping centers

SIGNS THAT ARE PROHIBITED
(See Section 6-8.02)

A.	Off-premise signs, excluding directional signs for the traveling public
B.	Signs containing moving parts or intermittent or flashing lights (unless approved by the Zoning Officer)
C.	Signs implying the existence of danger
D.	Signs that interfere with traffic visibility or road drainage
E.	Signs of an obscene nature
F.	Signs placed on rocks, trees, or public utility poles
G.	Signs over 18' in height
H.	Signs that extend over the roof line
I.	New Billboards
J.	New Bus Shelters with Signs

SIGNS THAT ARE PERMITTED (With Sign Permits - See Page 8 of this Guide)
Note: All of the following signs are subject to conditions - See Section 6-8.06

A.	On-premise business signs
B.	Permanent public or quasi-public directional or informational signs
C.	Subdivision Entrance Signs
D.	Off-premise directional signs intended to indicate the distance or direction to a service-type business, developing subdivisions, shopping center, etc.

SIGN PERMIT PROCESS

STEP 1:		Complete a sign permit application and include the following information:

		Architectural Review Committee approval, if the sign is located within any of the Town Centers.

		Contact:		Department of Planning and Zoning
				County Services Plaza, Suite 304
				150 Main Street
				Prince Frederick, MD 20678
				Phone: 410-535-2348

		State Highway Administration approval, if sign is to be located on property along a State road.

		Contact:		State Highway Administration
				P.O. Box 717
				Baltimore, MD 21203
				410-841-5464

		Scaled plot plan of property showing the location of all existing and proposed signs.

		Scaled drawing of all existing and proposed signs with dimensions and wording (including total square footage).

STEP 2:		Submit a completed application and fee to Inspections and Permits. FEE: $30

		Division of Inspections & Permits
		County Services Plaza, Suite 201
		150 Main Street
		Prince Frederick, MD 20678
		Phone: 410-535-1600, ext. 2515 or 2552

*Application numbers (AP#) are assigned by the Division of Inspections & Permits when the application is accepted. The status of the application can then be checked on-line at:*
www.co.cal.md.us/permlkups/default.aspx

STEP 3:			Erect sign only after receiving a signed permit.

To download this Guide, along with all necessary forms, in Adobe Acrobat format, click here. Please note: The Acrobat version of this Guide also includes excerpts from the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance pertaining to signs.