What Did I Learn? - Signs

What I Learned? – Signs

Hi Town of Rock Hall, I’m Brandee Vaughan, the new Code Enforcement Officer. As I am learning the Town Codes, I want to share what I have learned. Honestly, I feel a big part of my job to is to learn the Codes and educate you, our residents. In most cases it is just the lack of knowing that causes us troubles.

Recently I have had some inquiry about signs, and in my research and investigation I found out that a permit is needed for absolutely every aspect of a sign. Even if you just want to splash a fresh coat of paint, you need a permit. You want to move your sign over a few inches, you need a permit. You want to change the name of your business and update the signage, yes you guessed it you need a permit.

A sign ordinance is important for several reasons, not only will it potentially reduce the visual clutter of signage, but it can also help protect, establish, and enhance community identity and appearance. By regulating amount, type, size, location, design, and illumination of signs, an ordinance can help preserve and/or create community character.

The Town of Rock Hall’s “General Sign Regulations” ordinance can be found in Chapter 225 Zoning, Article 7 General Sign Regulations, but for quick reference in 225-7-2-B(1) it states the following:

“No sign, unless herein excepted, shall be erected, constructed, posted, painted, altered, maintained or relocated, except as provided in this article and in these regulations, until a permit has been issued by the Administrator. Before any permit is issued, an application especially provided by the Administrator shall be filed, together with three sets of drawings and/or specifications [one to be returned to the applicant] as may be necessary to fully advise and acquaint the Administrator with the location, construction, materials, manner of illumination and/or securing or fastening, number of signs applied for and the wording of the sign or advertisement to be carried on the sign. All signs which are electrically illuminated shall require a separate electrical permit and inspection. All signs shall be erected on or before the expiration of 30 days from the date of issuance of the permit; otherwise, the permit shall become null and void and a new permit shall become null and void and a new permit shall be required. Each sign requiring a permit shall be clearly marked with the permit number and name of the person or firm placing the sign on the premises. Fees for sign permits shall be in accordance with the schedule adopted by ordinance, a copy of which is maintained in the office of the Administrator.”

You can find the full article on our website, Town of Rock Hall, MD General Sign Regulations (ecode360.com) , and I have attached the PDF below.

If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to give me a call at 410-639-7611, ext. 104 or shoot me an email at bvaughan@rockhallmd.com

Stay tuned for more of What I learned? I look forward to serving you, our residents of Rock Hall.