CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — Chesapeake Beach’s Planning and Zoning Commission debated the details of new regulations regarding signage on both residential and commercial buildings.
In prior meetings, the Planning and Zoning Commission had discussed adding sign restrictions on properties based on the type of property (residential vs. commercial) and the size of the sign.
In the most recent draft, the regulations specific to residential and commercial were dropped and universal size limitations were proposed. In this version, properties would be allowed to have a permanent sign that takes up 5% of the total street-facing surface area of the building. Temporary signs would be allowed to take up 15% of that surface area.
The commission does not want to regulate the content of signs on the properties — just the size and length of time they’re displayed.
“I just want to make sure that whatever we select is easily understood,” said one member.
Chair Cynthia Greengold emphasized that the goal was to make the sign ordinance similar and easy for a layperson to understand. She cited recent issues with abusing signs and the need to update the policy for new types of signage.
Several commissioners expressed concern with outsized temporary signs, like graduation banners, and how the percentage rules would be understood and enforced.
The Planning and Zoning Commission decided to amend their draft to include more specific language around what constitutes a temporary sign and added a category for “temporary portable” signs that includes pennants, banners, feathered flags, inflatables and human signs, limiting those signs to 30 days of display.
The commission will continue to draft the ordinance and focus on violations and enforcement. The next meeting will be held in July, and public comment is available.
Calvert County also recently strengthened its regulation surrounding signs by adding a $500 fine for unpermitted roadside signs, beginning July 1.
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