LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management has implemented a new public notice sign template to improve the visibility and accessibility of zoning and development-related hearings.
The decision was made during a Charles County Commissioners meeting on Jan. 28, 2025. During the meeting, Planning Director Charles Rice, AICP, and Assistant Chief of Planning Cathy Thompson, AICP, outlined updates to the signage requirements for zoning map amendments, subdivision plans, Board of Appeals cases, and changes to zoning indentures (Docket 90 and 250).
All commissioners expressed support for the new sign design and welcomed the change.
Debate Over Sign Size
Commissioner B.J. Bowling proposed a motion to increase the sign size from two feet by three feet to four feet by eight feet, arguing that a larger size would allow the community to see details more clearly, especially since political campaign signs are permitted at that size.
“Because, quite frankly, when people are driving by at 50 miles an hour, it’s a whole lot easier to see and understand what’s going on when it’s a 4-by-8,” Bowling said.
However, the motion was not seconded due to concerns over traffic obstruction.
Commissioner Ralph Patterson then motioned to set two feet by three feet as the minimum size, allowing developers the option to make signs larger if desired. Extensive discussion followed, with committee members noting that larger signs could obstruct traffic, which factored into the decision to standardize the two-by-three-foot size.
Recyclability Concerns
Patterson inquired whether the new signs were recyclable and requested assurance that they could be properly disposed of.
Rice confirmed that the signs are made of coroplast, a durable, weather-resistant material, and that they are accepted at Charles County recycling centers.
New Sign Template
The updated signs replace the previous handwritten pink cardboard signs. Key improvements include:
- Weatherproof coroplast material
- Larger font for better readability
- Multi-colored design with pertinent information
- QR code and website link for additional resources
- Standardized two-by-three-foot size, mounted on a sturdy metal frame
- Customization based on application type (five categories)
Signage Requirements
Public notice signs must be posted on properties subject to specific applications, including site development plans, plats, development service permits, and building permits.
Signs must be placed at least 14 days before hearings along public roads, at property corners, and every 200 feet. The signs must:
- Clearly display the hearing date and time
- Be visible from both directions
- Be affixed to a rigid board
Access to Additional Information
A dedicated webpage provides further details, including project summaries, public comment deadlines, links to documents, and staff contact information:
www.charlescountymd.gov/government/planning-and-growth-management/public-notice-property-posting.
The updated signs were approved by a 3-1 vote. Commissioner Stewart was not present.
For more information, contact the Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management at 301-645-0692 or visit www.CharlesCountyMD.gov.
See the PDF presentation here.
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