<xx< Montgomery County’s Sign Ordinance:
What You Need to Know May flowers aren’t the only thing popping up this spring; real estate signs will be on full display as the winter months melt away. As you gear up for our industry’s busiest season, it’s a great time to refresh your knowledge on Montgomery County’s sign policies. The County Code dedicates Chapter 59 to all zoning ordinances. Included in that chapter is Section 6.7.11, which covers the rules for most real estate-related signage. It says a permit is not required for a limited-duration sign on private property, but any sign placed in the public right-of-way requires a sign permit. The permit must be obtained before a sign is constructed. Signs must be placed in accordance with the details in the approved permit. There are also specific size and shape requirements the sign must adhere to for it to be deemed acceptable. If the sign includes illumination, an electrical permit must be obtained under the rules, as outlined in Chapter 17 of the County Code. The illuminated sign also must use an enclosed lamp design or indirect lighting from a shielded source; flashing, revolving or intermittent lights are prohibited. To get a sign permit, log on to the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services website—www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS—and go through the electronic permit process. In addition to a non-refundable permit fee that must be paid at the time of application, the process includes submitting the sign plan with the size, dimension, location of the sign on the property, and a copy of the sign text. You can also submit photographs of the property indicating where the sign is to be located, as well as drawings and documents about the project. All drawings and documents should be uploaded within five business days of the application’s submission to avoid possible forfeiture of filing fees and withdrawal of the application. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and not to be relied upon as formal legal advice. These sign ordinance guidelines are for most residentially zoned areas of the county. Agricultural and rural zones may have different rules. If you have any questions, it’s recommended you call DPS at 240-777-0311, as well as contacting your broker of record. Information on what must be included on real estate signs can be found by contacting the Maryland Real Estate Commission at 410-230-6230 or dlmrec-dllr@maryland.gov.
18 CAPITAL AREA REALTOR ® — Spring 2020
