Charles County Commissioners passed two changes to Article 19 of the Zoning Ordinance on Tuesday Afternoon. Those changes focused on signs used by businesses, homeowners’ associations and real estate.
The first piece of legislation passed allows businesses to use “A-Frame” and temporary signs for a longer period of time and more frequently than the thirty days every three months currently permitted by law. The second piece of legislation passed was an adoption of a resolution allowing businesses to use free standing signs on-site so long as they meet acceptable standards.
Two other pieces of legislation were passed. One is a pilot program for Agricultural Tourism signage to promote AG Tourism locations that are open for at least four days a week for six months a year. The other is an investment in to a solar/wind powered LED sign at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. There are no permits or fees on the tourism signs.
There were concerns about election signs. On private property, the First Amendment does prohibit restrictions on how long election signs can be placed at a location and when they must be taken down. However, the County and State can prohibit signs from being placed on State and County property and highways.
New proposals also expand options for village centers. Option one would LED sign (scrolling every ten seconds). Option two would allow a sign with six plaque reds. The third option has images on the sign with what services are available in a particular village center.
Homeowners associations are allowed to use temporary signs to announce HOA meetings and other events without needing permits or to pay fees.
The largest concern was involving a five year period for businesses to repair and replace non-conforming signs and make them conform to the ordinance. Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly (D) and Commissioner Ken Robinson (D: 1st) felt five years was too long.
