[THE FOLLOWING IS A
COMPARISON OF THE OLD SIGN CODE WITH THE REVISED SIGN CODE OF MAY 2007. THE OLD CODE IS USED AS THE PRIMARY
FORMAT. THEREFORE THE SEQUENCE WILL NOT
NECESSARILY CORRELATE WITH THE SEQUENCE OF THE NEW CODE. THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT IS TO
DEMONSTRATE PORTIONS OF THE CODE THAT HAVE BEEN OMITTED AND PORTIONS OF THE
CODE THAT ARE NEW]
§ 219-5. Sign types
and restrictions.
§ 267-33. Signs
C. General Provisions. The following broad categories of sign types are regulated by this Section unless otherwise provided herein.
AC(1).
Canopy signs. A canopy is a detachable rooflike structure supported from the
ground, deck, floor, wall or building for the purpose of protection from the
sun or weather. A sign may be displayed on a canopy, provided that the
must have its lowest point of
the sign is no
closer than eight (8) feet to the ground.
B.C(2) Freestanding signs. A freestanding
sign shall include any sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon the
ground and not attached to any building. Business signs may be freestanding if
the property has a minimum of forty (40) feet of road frontage. The sign area
shall be calculated on the basis of one (1) square foot of sign for every foot
of property road frontage. However,
The maximum area of
any freestanding sign shall not exceed two
hundred (200) 120 square feet. The setback measured
to the edge of the sign shall be equal to
one-third (1/3) of the required building setback.
Unless otherwise provided herein, the maximum height allowed for any
freestanding sign is thirty-five (35)
20 feet above the nearest public road
grade.measured from the base of the sign.
[Amended by Bill No. 86-28]
C. Marquees. Marquees shall include any covering of permanent
construction projecting from the wall of a building above an entrance. Marquees
shall not project more than one-half (1/2) of the required building setback for
the district.
D.C(5) Projecting signs. Projecting
signs shall include any sign which is attached to a building and extends beyond the line of said building or
beyond the surface of that portion of the building to which it is attached.
Projecting signs may not
project over public rights-of-way,
and may not or
project more
than four (4) feet from the wall of a building. Projecting signs may not nor have less than ten (10) feet clearance, as measured vertically from the ground to the bottom of
the sign or supporting structure. No
projecting sign shall be erected at , and
shall not exceed a
height exceeding twenty-five ( of 25) feet,
as measured vertically from
the ground to the top of the sign or supporting structure. Projecting signs shall have a maximum sign area of 60 square
feet. No window or part of a window shall be covered by the sign
area or its supporting structure.
E. Roof signs. Roof sign shall mean any sign erected,
constructed and maintained upon or over the roof of any building with the
principal support on the roof structure. No roof-mounted sign or supporting
structure shall extend more than eight (8) feet above the parapet wall or
roofline of the building to which it is attached.
F. Temporary signs. [Amended by Bill No. 86-28]
(1)C(4) Temporary signs shall include any portable sign or any other
sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth,
canvas, fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without
frames, intended to be displayed for a short period of time only. They must
conform to the requirements of the Harford County Building and Electrical
Codes. Temporary
signs may be displayed for periods not exceeding thirty (30) consecutive days
and not exceeding sixty (60) days in anyone (1) year. They Temporary signs shall
be set back not less than ten (10) feet from the property line,
and shall have a maximum sign area of thirty-two
(32) square feet and shall not exceed a height of
six (6) feet.
(2) Temporary signs in existence prior to
October 22, 1982, shall have two (2) years from the date of enactment of this
subsection to comply with the provisions of Subsection F(1) above.
(3) Agricultural seasonal signs shall include any portable or
temporary sign which advertises an agricultural product, as defmed in Section
267-4 of the Harford County Code, intended to be displayed on a seasonal basis
only, not exceeding 60 consecutive days. They shall be set back not less than
10 feet from the property line or road right-of-way, shall have a maximum sign
area of 32 square feet, and a
maximum height of 6 feet. [Added by Bill 01-40 as amended]
G.C(3) Wall signs. Wall signs shall include all flat signs
which are placed against a building or other structure and attached to the
exterior front, rear or side wall of any building or other structure. Flat
wall-mounted signs may be located on any wall of a building and may extend not
more than eight (8) feet above the parapet wall or roofline of the building to
which they are attached. However, no window or part of a window shall be
covered by the sign area or its supporting structure.
§ 219-6. Permits A. Zoning
Certificates; fees.
A.
A(1) Permit Zoning
Certificate requirement.
It shall be unlawful for
any person to erect, alter or relocate any sign or other advertising structure
as defined in this Part 1, chapter without first obtaining a sign Zoning Certificate
permit and making payment of the
required fee. All illuminated or
electrically operated signs shall, in addition, be subject to the provisions of
the Harford County Electrical Code and any permit fees required there under.
B. A(2) Application. Application for a sign permit Zoning
Certificate shall
be signed by the owner or authorized agent. The sign permit
Zoning Certificate application shall also contain or require the name and address of the sign owner or
the sign erector, drawings showing the copy design, dimensions, height and
location of the sign and such other pertinent information as the Department may
require to ensure compliance with the laws of Harford County, Maryland. Whenever an application for
a sign permit
Zoning Certificate is filed for the erection of a
sign in any area of Harford County designated as a historic landmark or district, the application shall be subject to the approvals of the Historic
District Commission and the Department.
C. Fees. Fees for sign permits shall be as
established and specified in Chapter 157, Article II, of the Harford County
Code, as amended.
D. Nullification.
A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was
issued has not been completed within twelve (12) months after the date
ofissuance of the permit.
E. Revocation.
The Director is hereby authorized and empowered to revoke any permit issued
upon failure of the permittee to comply with any provision of this chapter.
§ 219-7. D. Exemptions.
The
following types of signs are exempt from all the provisions of this Section chapter,
except for construction and
safety regulations and the following standards:
A.D(1) Public signs: public signs erected by or on the
order of a public official in the performance of duty, such as but not limited
to directional signs, regulatory signs, warning signs, informational signs and
legal notices.
B. Special
event signs: temporary signs announcing any public, charitable, educational or
religious event or function, located on the premises where the event or
function is to take place. They shall be set back not less than 10 feet from
the property line and shall have a maximum sign area of 3 2 square feet and
shall not exceed a height of 6 feet. Such signs shall not be erected more than
30 days prior to the event or function and must be removed within 7 days after
the event or function. Such signs shall not be illuminated. Ifbuilding-mounted,
these signs shall be flat wall signs and shall not project above the roofline.
C. D(2) Integral signs: Integral signs designating names of buildings, dates of erection,
monumental citations, commemorative tablets and plaques when that are carved into stone, concrete or
similar material or made of bronze, aluminum or other permanent-type
construction and made an integral part of the structure, as well as signs
forming an integral part of or attached to pumps dispersing fuels, vending
machines and service appliances.
D. D(6) Private traffic control: Ssigns directing traffic movement onto a premises or
within a premises, not exceeding 4 square feet in area for each sign.
Illumination of these signs shall conform to the
provisions of this Section § 219-11
hereof.
E. D(7) Real estate signs: real estate signs not exceeding 6 square feet in area
and located on the subject property tract. They shall be removed within 14 days
after execution of a lease or contract for sale of the property.
F. D(11) Project development sign: Ttemporary signs
for undeveloped parcels offering the sale,
rental or lease of the property to be set back at least 10 feet from the road right-of-way and not to
exceed 10 6 feet in height above the road grade. One
sign shall be permitted for each road frontage of at least 50 feet. The maximum sign area shall not
exceed 32 square feet.:
(1) Twenty-four
square feet for property with less than 250 feet of road frontage.
(2) Forty-eight square feet for property with more than 250 feet
but less than 500 feet of road frontage.
(3) Sixty-four square feet for property with
500 feet or more of road frontage.
G. D(3) Political campaign and public issue signs: except
for billboards, signs announcing candidates seeking public office and
advocating the support or defeat of public issues shall be permitted, provided
that the total area of the signs does not exceed 16 square feet for each
premises in a residential district and 32 square feet in an agricultural,
business or industrial district. These signs shall be confined to private
property. No sign shall be placed within 60 feet of the center of a road
intersection or in such a manner as to impede vision. These signs may be
displayed 45 days prior to the primary election and shall be removed 15 days
after the general election or within 15 days after the primary if the candidate
is not a candidate for the general election.
H. Homeowner
identification signs: these signs identifying the name, address and occupation
of residents shall not exceed 2 square feet.
I. D(4) Agricultural identification signs: Aagricultural identification
signs not to exceed 32 square feet in area and not to be located less than 35
feet from the center line of the road or 10 feet from the road right-of-way,
whichever is greater.
J. D[Exempted](5) Directional signs: Ddirectional signs for any public, charitable,
educational or religious function to be set back 10 feet from road
right-of-way. These signs shall not exceed 4
feet in height above the road grade. These
C[Regulated] (6) Directional Signs: The maximal areas of any directional signs shall not exceed 2 6 square feet. Directional signs can
be located at the nearest intersection of any major collector or arterial road
and set back 10
feet from the property line. Unless otherwise provided herein, the
maximum height allowed for any directional sign is in sign area and
shall not exceed 4 6 feet in height
above the nearest public road grade.
K.C[Regulated] (8) Permanent residential entrance,
and Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
or development project identification signs. Residential entrance or development project identification and CCRC signs,
with letters or advertising area not to exceed a total area of 32 square feet,
shall be permitted on the property, provided that it is located not less than
10 feet from the road right-of-way line. In addition, the height of the sign or structure
shall not exceed 6 feet. If the parcel or lot has a multiple frontage of at
least 50 feet, additional signs with letters or advertising area not to exceed
a total of 3 2 square feet shall be permitted. Such sign or structure shall not
exceed 6 feet in height and shall not be located less than 10 feet from the
road right-of-way. Said signs may be split entrance signs; however, the overall
advertising area may not exceed the 32 square feet. [Added by Bill No.
86-28]
L D(8) Noncommercial flags: Oon-site flags of a nation, state, political
subdivision, educational institution, or noncommercial organization, provided
that any each flag displayed by a business use or industrial use is
displayed on a flagpole utilized to display such flag that is not more than 30 feet in height above the ground. In this subsection, "business use" and
"industrial use" have the meaning stated in Section 267-4 of this
Code. [Added by Bill No. 91-65]
M. [Added by
Bill No. 91-65] Commercial flags: on-site flags displaying a corporate insignia
or name of a business, commercial, or industrial activity, provided that:
(1) The number of flags displayed is limited to 3 flags for each
side of the lot with frontage on a public road;
(2) Each flag is placed at a distance that is at least one-third
of the required setback from any road right-of-way or any lot line;
(3) The surface
area of each flag does not exceed 15 square feet;
(4) One flag may be displayed on a flagpole that is not more than
30 feet in height above the ground;
(5) Any additional flag is displayed on a flagpole that is not
more than 12 feet in height above the ground; and
(6) The flags are displayed in a manner that does not:
(a) Obstruct
access to the lot; or
(b) Constitute
a traffic hazard.
N. D(9) Public Transit Stop Shelters: Signs integrated into the structure of a
public transit stop shelter installed by a government entity or at the
direction of an entity having a contractual relationship to a governmental
entity for the purpose of erecting or maintaining public transit stop shelters.
[Added by Bill 01-40 as amended]
O. D(10) Ballpark Signs: Signs installed
on public property with the permission of the Department of Parks and
Recreation at ball fields owned or operated by the County Department of Parks
and Recreation. Said signs shall not exceed 6 square feet in size and shall be
erected for no longer than 4 months. [Added
by Bill 01-40 as amended]
§ 219-8. E. Calculation of advertising or sign area.
A.E(1)Double-faced signs. One (1) face of a sign having obverse and reverse faces shall be considered in
calculating the advertising area. In the event that the faces of a sign are of
a different area, the face having the larger area shall determine the
advertising area of the sign.
B.E(2) Multi-faced or curved-surface signs. The
advertising area of a multi-faced or curved-surface sign shall be calculated
from dimensions derived from its greatest plane projection.
C.E(3) Irregularly shaped signs. The advertising area of
irregularly shaped signs shall be calculated by totaling the area of one (1) or more rectangles completely enclosing the
extremities of the sign.
D.E(4)Modular signs. The advertising area of signs
consisting of two (2) or more individual letters, characters, numbers or figures shall be
determined by the area of a described rectangle completely enclosing the
extremities of all of the individual letters, characters, numbers or figures;
provided, however, that, if individual modules are mounted on a background
other than an integral structure component of a building, the entire area of
such a background shall be calculated as advertising area.
E. E(5)Cylindrical signs. The
advertising area of cylindrical signs shall be computed by multiplying one-half (1/2) of the circumference by the
height of the sign.
§ 219-9. G. Structural requirements.
All signs and supporting
structures not exempted pursuant to § 219-7
shall comply with the
pertinent requirements of the BOCA
International Building Code and National Electric Code, as adopted by Harford County,
Maryland.
§ 219-10. I. Inspection, maintenance and removal.
A. Inspection.
Signs for which a permit is required may be inspected periodically by the
enforcement officer for compliance with this chapter.
B. Tags.
All signs requiring permits shall display a tag permanently affixed to the sign
in a place conspicuous to the enforcement officer. These tags will be issued by
the enforcement officer.
C.(1) Maintenance.
All signs and supporting
structures shall be kept in good repair and in safe and attractive condition.
Signs for which a permit Zoning Certificate is required may be inspected periodically by the
enforcement officer Zoning Administrator for compliance with this section chapter.
(2) In
the event that a billboard ceases to be used for advertising or falls into
disrepair for a period of 3 months, the billboard will be deemed abandoned.
Solicitation for advertising to be displayed on a billboard does not constitute
advertising. Once a billboard has been abandoned, the Zoning Administrator
shall notify the owner of the property and the owner of the billboard that the
billboard has been abandoned and must be removed. The owners shall be
responsible for taking all necessary steps to dismantle the billboard and
remove and dispose of all visible remnants and materials from the subject
parcel 90 calendar days after notification by the Zoning Administrator that the
billboard has been abandoned. Language
retained From § 219-15 Billboards (G).
(3) The Zoning
Administrator may order the removal of any sign, erected or maintained, in
violation of this Section. Written notice shall be given to the owner of such
sign, building, structure or premises on which such sign is located, to remove
the sign or to bring it into compliance with this Section within 10 calendar
days from the date of the notice. Upon failure to remove the sign or to comply
with this notice, or if it appears that the condition of the sign is such as to
present an immediate threat to the safety of the public, the Department may
remove the sign immediately without any additional notice. Any cost of removal
incurred by the Department shall be assessed to the owner of the property on
which such sign is located, and may be collected in the manner of ordinary debt
or in the manner of taxes and such charge shall be a lien on the property.
D. Removal
of unsafe and unlawful signs. If the enforcement officer shall find that any
sign or other advertising structure
regulated herein is unsafe or has been constructed or erected or is being
maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter, the enforcement
officer shall give written notice to the permittee thereof. If the permittee
fails to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the provisions of
this chapter within the time stated in the notice, the enforcement officer
shall take necessary legal action to seek compliance with the provisions of
this chapter.
§ 219-11. (F) Ilumination.
A.(1) The light from any illuminated sign or from any light source, including
the interior of a building, shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the
light intensity or brightness shall not adversely
affect surrounding or facing premises nor adversely affect interfere with the vision of motor vehicle
operators.
B.(2) With the
exception of electronic message boards, as defined in Section 219-4,
Nno sign
shall have blinking or flashing lights. With the exception of electronic message boards, as defined in § 267-4 (Definitions), no sign shall have other illumination
devices which have a changing light intensity,
brightness or color or which are so constructed and operated so as to create an
appearance or illusion of writing.
except signs designed to show the time, temperature
and other public service messages. Nothing contained in this chapter shall, however, be
construed as preventing the use of lights or decorations commemorating
religious and patriotic holidays. Beacon
lights or search lights shall be temporarily permitted for advertising special
events. [Amended by Bill 01-40 as amended]
C.(3) No exposed reflective-type bulbs, and no strobe lights or incandescent lamps exceeding 15 watts shall be
used on the exterior surface of any sign so as to expose the face of the bulb,
light or lamp to public street or adjacent property., except signs
designed to show the time, temperature and other public service messages.
§ 219-12. Signs
permitted in all zoning districts.
The following signs shall be permitted anywhere within the
county:
A. Construction
signs. One sign shall be permitted for all construction contractors, one for
all professionals and firms and one for all lending institutions on sites under
construction. Each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet, and no more than three
such signs shall be permitted on one site. The sign shall be confined to the
construction site, construction shed or trailer and shall be removed within 15
days after the beginning of the intended use of the project. This provision
retained and individualized for each zoning district.
B. (Reserved)
C. Street
banners. Temporary street banner advertising a public event shall be permitted
if a permit is issued and approval has been granted by the appropriate public
utility and/or the appropriate state or county highway authority.
D. Permanent institutional signs. Signs of a permanent nature
setting forth the name of places of
worship, service clubs, civic organizations, public or
service centers, public institutions, schools or other similar uses shall be
permitted if the setback is 1/3 of the required building setback of the
district. Illumination shall be in accordance with the restrictions set forth
in §219-11. Such signs shall not exceed 54 square feet for the overall
structure and shall not exceed 6 feet in overall height. This provision
retained and individualized for each zoning district.
E. Agricultural
road-stand signs. Signs for accessory agricultural roadside stands shall not
exceed 32 square feet and not exceed a height of 6 feet. Such signs shall not
be located less than 35 feet from the center line of the road or 10 feet from
the public road right-of-way, whichever is greater. Essentially moved to
K1(A) only Agricultural
F. Agricultural
seasonal signs. Signs to advertise agricultural products as defined in Section
267-4 of the Harford County Code, to be displayed on a seasonal basis only, not
to exceed 60 consecutive days. These signs must be set back not less than 10
feet from the property line or road right-of-way, shall have a maximun sign
area of 32 square feet, and a maximum height of6 feet. [Added by Bill 01-40 as
amended] Refer to each zoning
district-Temporary signs permitted
§ 219-13. K. Signs Standards by Zoning permitted by Ddistrict. [Amended by Bill Nos. 86-28; 88-86; 99-59)
The following signs shall be permitted in the following districts:
A.K(2) RR, R1, R2, R3, and R4 Residential Districts.
In addition to the requirements set forth in this Section, signs in the RR, R1, R2, R3, and R4 district must comply with the following standards
Residential districts and residential lots.
(1)(A) Professional or
Hhome occupation signs.
(a) One lighted sign, not exceeding two
2 square feet in area and attached flat against the building, shall be is permitted in conjunction with
approved professional or home occupations.
as set forth in the Zoning Code.
(b)(B) Freestanding signs may be
permitted as a special exception, subject to the approval of the Board,
provided that they are located not less than ten
10 feet from the road right-of-way, do
shall not exceed six
6 feet in height and do must not have a sign area exceeding four
4 square feet.
(C) Permanent institutional signs. One lighted sign setting forth the
name of places of worship, service clubs, civic organizations, public or
service centers, public institutions, schools or other similar uses shall be
permitted. These signs shall be located not
less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height
(2)(D) Identification signs for Permanent institutional
residential entrance or continuing care retirement
community (CCRC) signs uses, housing for
the elderly, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes and assisted
living facilities shall be are permitted pursuant to the provisions of Subsection C(8) provided it does not exceed one square foot of sign for each
foot of building frontage, not to exceed 400 square feet. No advertising signs
indicating the accessory uses of the CCRC shall be placed along the boundary of
the property.
(E) Construction
signs. One sign shall be permitted for all construction contractors, 1 for all
professionals and firms and 1 for all lending institutions on sites under
construction. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and no more than 3 such signs shall be
permitted on 1 site. The signs shall be confined to the construction site,
construction shed or trailer and shall be removed within 15 days after the
beginning of the intended use of the project.
(F) For permitted temporary uses (see §267-28), 1 temporary sign
shall be permitted provided that the sign shall not exceed 16 square feet or 6
feet in height and shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road
right-of way.
B.
(3) RO Residential / Office Ddistrict
.(RO)
In addition to the requirements set forth in this Section, signs in the RO district must comply with the following standards:
( A) Signs shall be constructed in an unobtrusive manner which compliments the architectural element of the building and reflects the architectural period of the building.
(1) (B) The
following signs shall be allowed:
( a) One freestanding sign per parcel,
which shall have a maximum of eight
16 square feet in area, shall be no more than six 6 feet in height, and shall be placed perpendicular to
the road; ,and shall be no more than 20 feet from the
right-of-way.
( b) (C) A wall sign for each use, which
shall be attached only to the front of a building, shall be adjacent to the
front entryway and shall be no larger than four
4 square feet in area.
(2) (D) Freestanding and wall signs shall
be constructed primarily utilizing the
materials and colors of the primary structure on the site. of wood, brass, or bronze and shall not be
internally illuminated. Both
freestanding and wall signs They may be externally and
internally illuminated.
(3) Signs shall be constructed in an unobtrusive manner which
compliments the architectural element of the building and reflects the
architectural period of the building.
(E) Home
occupation signs. One lighted sign, not exceeding 2 square feet in area and
attached flat against the building, is permitted in conjunction with approved
professional or home occupations.
(F) Construction
signs. One sign shall be permitted for all construction contractors, 1 for all
professionals and firms and 1 for all lending institutions on sites under
construction. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and no more than 3 such signs shall be
permitted on 1 site. The signs shall be confined to the construction site,
construction shed or trailer and shall be removed within 15 days after the
beginning of the intended use of the project.
(G) Permanent institutional
signs. One lighted sign setting forth the name of places of worship, service clubs,
civic organizations, public or service centers, public institutions, schools or
other similar uses shall be permitted. These
signs shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height
(H) Permanent
residential entrance or continuing care retirement community (CCRC) signs are
permitted pursuant to the provisions of Subsection C(8).
(4) (I) Temporary signs
shall be prohibited in the RO District. For permitted temporary uses (see §267-28), 1 temporary sign
shall be permitted, provided that the sign shall not exceed 16 square feet or 6
feet in height and shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road
right-of way
(4) VR Village Residential District
In addition to the requirements
set forth in this Section, signs in the VR district must comply with the
following standards:
( A) Signs shall be
constructed in an unobtrusive manner which compliments the architectural
element of the building and reflects
the architectural period of the building.
(B) Home occupation signs. One lighted sign, not exceeding 2 square feet in area, and attached flat against the building, is permitted in conjunction with approved professional or home occupations.
(C) Freestanding
signs may be permitted as a special exception, subject to the approval of the Board,
provided that they are located not less than 10 feet from the road
right-of-way, do not exceed 6 feet in height and do not have a sign area
exceeding 4 square feet.
(D) Freestanding
and wall signs shall be constructed primarily utilizing the materials and
colors of the primary structure on the site. They may be externally and
internally illuminated.
(E) Permanent
residential entrance or continuing care retirement community (CCRC) signs are
permitted pursuant to the provisions of Subsection C(8).
(F)
Construction signs. One sign shall be permitted for all construction
contractors, 1 for all professionals and firms and 1 for all lending
institutions on sites under construction. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area
and no more than 3 such signs shall be permitted on 1 site. The signs shall be
confined to the construction site, construction shed or trailer and shall be
removed within 15 days after the beginning of the intended use of the project
.
(G) Permanent institutional
signs. One lighted sign setting forth the name of places of worship, service clubs,
civic organizations, public or service centers, public institutions, schools or
other similar uses shall be permitted. These
signs shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height
(H) For permitted
temporary uses (see §267-28), 1 temporary sign shall be permitted, provided
that the sign shall not exceed 16 square feet or 6 feet in height and shall be
located not less than 20 feet from the road right-ofway.
(5)
VB Village Business
In addition to the requirements set forth in this Section, signs in the VB district must comply with the following standards:
(A) Signs shall be
constructed in an unobtrusive manner which compliments the architectural
element of the building and reflects the architectural period of the building.
(B) One
freestanding sign per parcel, which shall have a maximum of 18 square feet in
area, shall be no more than 6 feet in
height, shall be placed perpendicular to the road, and shall be no more than 20
feet from the right-of-way.
(C) A wall sign
for each use, which shall be attached only to the front of a building, shall be
adjacent to the front entryway and shall be no larger than 10 square feet in
area.
(D) Freestanding
and wall signs shall be constructed primarily utilizing the materials and
colors of the primary structure on the site. They may be externally and
internally illuminated.
(E) Home occupation signs. One lighted sign,
not exceeding 2 square feet in area and attached flat against the building, is
permitted in conjunction with approved professional or home occupations.
(F) Construction signs. One sign shall be
permitted for all construction contractors, 1 for all professionals and firms
and 1 for all lending institutions on sites under construction. Each sign shall
not exceed 16 square feet in area and no more than 3 such signs shall be
permitted on 1 site. The signs shall be confined to the construction site,
construction shed or trailer and shall be removed within 15 days after the
beginning of the intended use of the project.
(G)) Permanent institutional
signs. One lighted sign setting forth the name of places of worship, service clubs,
civic organizations, public or service centers, public institutions, schools or
other similar uses shall be permitted. These
signs shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height
(H) Permanent residential entrance signs are permitted pursuant
to the provisions of Subsection C(8).
(i) For
permitted temporary uses (see §267-28), 1 temporary sign shall be permitted,
provided that the sign shall not exceed 16 square feet or 6 feet in height and
shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of - way.
C. (6) B1 Neighborhood Business, B(2) Community Business, B(3) General Business, districts
and Commmercial Iindustrial, Light Indistrial and General Indistrial Ddistricts.
In addition to the requirements
set forth in this Section, signs in the B1, B2, B3, CI, LI and GI districts
must comply with the following standards:
(1) (A) Signs erected on and attached to
commercial or industrial buildings. The total area of all signs erected on and
attached to commercial or industrial buildings shall not exceed four 2 (4) square feet per each linear foot
of building width, measured along the front wall or entrance wall of a
building. If a building is located on a lot having frontage on two (2) streets, then the sign area for each side shall be
calculated separately. The following types of signs shall be permitted:
(a) (1) Wall
signs.
(b) (2) Projecting signs.
(c) (3) Marquees.
(d) (4) Roof
signs
(e) (5) Canopy
signs.
(f) (6) Temporary signs erected on and attached to commercial or industrial
buildings.
(g) Freestanding
signs.
[1] (B) Two fFreestanding signs, identifying commercial or industrial activity othen than Iintegrated Ccommunity Sshopping Ccenters. ,Freestanding signs
identifying integrated community shopping centers shall be allowed, on each road
frontage if the property has a minimum of 40 feet of road frontage. but the maximum sign area shall be detennined independently
from the sign area restrictions contained in § 219-5B. Freestanding signs shall
not exceed The sign area shall be
calculated on the basis of one
1 square foot of sign for every in area for each foot of property road frontage, and the maximum sign area shall be determined in accordance
with the restrictions contained in Subsection C(2) of this Section. or four hundred square feet, whichever is smaller.
One such sign shall be permnitted for each road
frontage, or not more than two signs shall be permitted along any frontage
which exceeds five hundred feet. The sign height shall not exceed forty feet
and shall be set back not less than twenty feet from the front property line.
[2] For other commercial or industrial activity. Two (2)
freestanding signs identifying commercial or industrial activity other than
community shopping centers shall be allowed on each road frontage, and the
maximum sign area shall be determined in accordance with the restrictions
contained in § 219-5B.
[3] Freestanding signs within the U.S. Route 40 Commercial
Revitalization District ("Rte. 40 CRD"). Freestanding signs
identifying shopping centers and other business developments in the Rte. 40 CRD
shall be allowed subject to the following standards. Freestanding signs shall
not exceed one square foot in area for each foot of road frontage or 120 square
feet, whichever is smaller. One such sign shall be permitted for each road
frontage, or not more than two signs shall be permnitted along any frontage
which exceeds 500 feet. The maximum sign height allowed for any freestanding sign
in the Rte. 40 CRD is 20 feet measured from the base of the sign. The sign
shall be set back not less than 20 feet from the front property line. [Added by
Bill 00-10] Refer to section K
“Sign Standards by Zoning District and Development Type Subsection (8) U.S.
Route 40 Commercial Revitalization District (CRD). This section of K(8) increased the total area of all signs not to
exceed 2 square feet per each linear foot of building width, measured along the
front wall or entrance wall of a building.
For buildings with 2 fontages on 2 streets the sign area for each side
is calculated independently.
(C) For permitted
temporary uses (see §267-28), 1 temporary sign shall be permitted, provided
that the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet or 6 feet in height and shall not
be located less than 1/3 of the setback requirements of the zoning district
where the use is permitted.
(D) Construction
signs. One sign shall be permitted for all construction contractors, 1 for all
professionals and firms and 1 for all lending institutions on sites under
construction. Each sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and no more
than 3 such signs shall be permitted on 1 site. The signs shall be confined to
the construction site, construction shed or trailer and shall be removed within
15 days after the beginning of the intended use of the project.
(E) Permanent institutional signs. One lighted sign
setting forth the name of places of worship, service clubs, civic
organizations, public or service centers, public institutions, schools or other
similar uses shall be permitted. These signs
shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 54 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height
(F) Permanent
residential entrance or continuing care retirement community (CCRC) signs are
permitted pursuant to the provisions of Subsection C(8).
(G) An overall signage plan and architectural renderings of the
signs shall be submitted as part of the site plan approval process. The signage
shall be compatible in quality, style, color and materials to the building(s). Creative modifications to the standard signage package
used by large corporations and innovative sign lighting is strongly encouraged
(2) Directional
signs. One (1) directional sign, not exceeding four (4) square feet in area nor
six (6) feet in height above the road grade, shall be permitted per business
use if located at the nearest intersection of any major collector or arterial
road and set back the required distance for the district. However, the maximum
number of directional signs shall not exceed three (3) per intersectional
quadrant.
D.K(1) Agricultural districts. [Amended by Bill No. 99-59 as amended]
In addition to the requirements set forth in this Section, signs in the Agricultural (AG) district must comply with the following standards:
(A) Commercial
signs (including agricultural public events, agricultural retail and any sign
in connection with an approved special development or permitted non-residential
use). One externally lighted sign, not exceeding 16 square feet in area, on
lots not exclusively used for residential purposes, shall be permitted. These
signs may be attached flat against the building, or, if freestanding, located
not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way. Freestanding signs may not
exceed 6 feet in height.
(B) Permanent institutional signs. One lighted sign
setting forth the name of places of worship, service clubs, civic
organizations, public or service centers, public institutions, schools or other
similar uses shall be permitted. These signs
shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 40 square feet in area and shall not exceed 8 feet in height.
(C) Permanent
residential entrance or continuing care retirement community (CCRC) signs are
permitted pursuant to the provisions of Subsection C(8).
(D) Construction signs. One sign shall be permitted for all
construction contractors, 1 for all professionals and firms and 1 for all
lending institutions on sites under construction. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area,
and no more than 3 such signs shall be permitted on1 site. The signs shall be
confined to the construction site, construction shed or trailer and shall be
removed within 15 days after the beginning of the intended use of the project
(1)(F) Professional or Hhome occupation
signs. One lighted sign, not exceeding 2
two square feet in area, on lots not
exclusively used for residential purposes shall be permitted. These signs may
be and attached flat against the building, or, if freestanding,
located not less than ten feet from the road right of way. is permitted in conjunction with approved professional or
home occupations
(2)(E) Directional signs. One
directional sign, not exceeding four
6 square feet in sign area and six
6 feet in height above the road grade, shall be permitted per business use
if set back ten 10 feet from the road right-of-way and located at the nearest intersecting
arterial road.
(3)(G) For permitted temporary uses (see §267-28), One 1 temporary sign for agricultural public events or for special development
projects identifying an agricultural industry shall be permitted on-site, provided that the sign it does shall not exceed 24 32 square feet in area or 6 feet in
height and
is shall be located a minimum of not less than 35 20 feet from the center line of the road or 10 feet from the public
road right of way., whichever is
greater. Signs shall not be internally illuminated. A sign displayed for an
agricultural event shall be removed within 5 business days from the date the
event concludes. [Added by Bill No. 99-59]
(7) Mixed Office District.
In addition to the requirements
set forth in this Section, signs in the MO district must comply with the
following standards:
(A) Signs erected
on and attached to commercial or industrial buildings. The total area of all
signs erected on, and attached to, commercial or industrial buildings shall not
exceed 1 square foot per each linear foot of building width measured along the
front wall or entrance wall of a building. If a building is located on a lot
having frontage on 2 streets, then the sign area for each side shall be
calculated separately. The following types of signs shall be permitted:
[1]
Wall signs.
[2]
Projecting signs.
[3]
Marquee signs.
[4]
Roof signs.
[5]
Canopy signs.
(B) Signs shall be
considered an integral part of the design and shall incorporate the
architectural elements and materials utilized. In all instances, consideration
shall be taken to ensure each sign does not restrict sight distance for motor
vehicle operators.
(C) An overall
signage plan and architectural renderings of the signs shall be submitted as
part of the site plan approval process. The signage shall be compatible in quality,
style, color and materials to the building(s). Creative modifications to
the standard signage package used by large corporations and innovative sign
lighting is strongly encouraged
(D) Freestanding
identification signs shall be limited to 1 sign for each road frontage. The
maximum size of any sign shall not exceed 50 square feet. The maximum height of
the signs shall not exceed 10 feet, and signs must be set back a minimum of 10
feet from the road right-of-way.
(E) Directional
information signs shall be adequately provided and design coordinated.
(F) Permanent institutional signs. One lighted sign
setting forth the name of places of worship, service clubs, civic
organizations, public or service centers, public institutions, schools or other
similar uses shall be permitted. These signs
shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 54 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height
(G) Construction
signs. One sign shall be permitted for all construction contractors, 1 for all
professionals and firms and 1 for all lending institutions on sites under
construction. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and no more than 3 such signs shall be
permitted on 1 site. The signs shall be confined to the construction site,
construction shed or trailer and shall be removed within 15 days after the
beginning of the intended use of the project.
( H) The following
types of signs shall not be permitted for any project located in the MO
District:
[1]
Billboards.
[2] Flashing, revolving, rotating or changing-light-intensity
or changing-color signs.
[3] Temporary or portable signs.
(8) U.S. Route 40 Commercial Revitalization
District (CRD)
In
addition to the requirements set forth in this Section, signs in the CRD
district must comply with the following standards:
(A) Signs erected
on, and attached to, commercial or industrial buildings. The total area of all
signs erected on, and attached to, commercial or industrial buildings shall not
exceed 2 square feet per each linear foot of building width, measured along the
front wall or entrance wall of a building. If a building is located on a lot
having frontage on 2 streets, then the sign area for each side shall be
calculated separately. The following types of signs shall be permitted:
[1]
Wall signs.
[2]
Projecting signs.
[3]
Marquee signs.
[4]
Roof signs.
[5]
Canopy signs.
(B) An overall
signage plan and architectural renderings of the signs shall be submitted as
part of the site plan approval process. The signage shall be compatible in
quality, style, color and materials to the building(s). Creative modifications
to the standard signage package used by large corporations and innovative sign
lighting is strongly encouraged.
.
(C) Two freestanding
sign identifying commercial or industrial activity other than community
shopping centers shall be allowed on each road frontage if the property has a
minimum of 40 feet of road frontage. The sign area shall be calculated on the
basis of 1 square foot of sign for every foot of property road frontage and the
maximum sign area shall be determined in accordance with the restrictions
contained in Subsection C(2) of this Section.
[1] Signs shall be setback from the right-of-way 1/3 of the required front yard setback for the underlying zone.
(D) One
directional sign, not exceeding 4 square feet in area or 6 4 feet in height above the road grade, shall
be permitted per business use if located at the nearest intersection of any
major collector or arterial road and set back the required distance for the
district. However, the maximum number of directional signs shall not exceed 3
per intersectional quadrant.
(E) Existing
billboards located on sites within the Rte. 40 CRD may remain and may be
replaced subject to approval of necessary permits. Should the billboard be
located on a site with an existing use, expansion of the use by more than 20%
shall require the removal of said billboard. Should a billboard be located as
the sole use on a site as of the effective date of the legislation, future
development of the site, for other permitted uses, shall require the removal of
said billboard. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the owner of a site upon which a
billboard is located, within the Rte. 40 CRD, shall be permitted to redevelop
the site for other permitted uses or expand the current use by more than 20%
subject to the following conditions:
(1)
The site is subject to a lease with
a third party for the billboard;
(2) The owner
submits, to the Zoning Administrator, an affidavit that the owner has made good
faith efforts to terminate the billboard lease, which efforts have failed;
(3) The lease
term shall end no later than 2 years from the date of the issuance of the
building permit for the property and the owner provides evidence of termination
of the lease to the Zoning Administrator;
(4) The owner
shall provide to the Zoning Administrator, a bond in an amount equal to 115% of
the cost to remove the billboard at the end of the lease term; and
( 5) The owner
shall record, among the Land Records of Harford County, Maryland, a permanent
easement for the benefit of the County to permit the County to enter upon the
property to remove the billboard in the
event the billboard is not removed within the time period set forth.
(F) Construction
signs. One sign shall be permitted for all construction contractors, 1 for all
professionals and firms and 1 for all lending institutions on sites under
construction. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and no more than 3
such signs shall be permitted on 1 site. The signs shall be confined to the
construction site, construction shed or trailer and shall be removed within 15
days after the beginning of the intended use of the project.
(G) Permanent institutional
signs. One lighted sign setting forth the name of places of worship, service clubs,
civic organizations, public or service centers, public institutions, schools or
other similar uses shall be permitted. These
signs shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height
(H) For permitted
temporary uses (see §267-28), 1 temporary sign shall be permitted, provided
that the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet or 6 4 feet in height and shall not be located
less than 1/3 of the setback requirements of the zoning district where the use
is permitted.
(9) Edgewood Neighborhood Overlay District
(ENOD)
In
addition to the requirements set forth in this Section, signs in the ENOD
district must comply with the following standards:
(A) Signs erected
on and attached to commercial or industrial buildings. The total area of all
signs erected on, and attached to, commercial or industrial buildings shall not
exceed 2 square feet per each linear foot of building width measured along the
front wall or entrance wall of a building. If a building is located on a lot
having frontage on 2 streets, then the sign area for each side shall be
calculated separately. The following types of signs shall be permitted:
[1] Wall signs.
[2]
Projecting signs.
[3]
Marquee signs.
[4]
Roof signs.
[5]
Canopy signs.
(B) An overall
signage plan and architectural renderings of the signs shall be submitted as
part of the site plan approval process. The signage shall be compatible in
quality, style, color and materials to the building(s). Creative modifications
to the standard signage package used by large corporations and innovative sign
lighting is strongly encouraged.
(C) Freestanding
identification signs shall be limited to 1 sign for each road frontage. The
maximum size of any sign shall not
exceed 50 square feet. The maximum height of the signs shall not exceed 10 feet
from the base of the sign, and signs must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from
the road right-of-way line.
(D) Signs to
identify the use of an occupant shall be designed as part of the architectural
design of the building and attached thereto.
(E) Directional
information signs shall be adequately provided and design coordinated.
(F) Construction
signs. One sign shall be permitted for all construction contractors, 1 for all
professionals and firms and 1 for all lending institutions on sites under
construction. Each sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area and no more than 3 such signs shall be
permitted on 1 site. The signs shall be confined to the construction site,
construction shed or trailer and shall be removed within 15 days after the
beginning of the intended use of the project.
(G) Permanent institutional signs. One lighted sign
setting forth the name of places of worship, service clubs, civic
organizations, public or service centers, public institutions, schools or other
similar uses shall be permitted. These signs
shall be located not less than 20 feet from the road right-of way, shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and shall not exceed 6 feet in height
(H) The following types of signs are not permitted for any new or redevelopment project located in the Edgewood Neighborhood Overlay District:
[1]
Billboards.
[2] Flashing, revolving, rotating or
changing-light-intensity or changing-color signs.
(I) One temporary or portable signs shall be permitted in the area designated as the main street only. Signs may not exceed 8 square feet in area, be located so as not to inhibit the normal flow of pedestrian traffic and in front of the specific business that is being advertised.
(10)
Integrated Community
Shopping Center (ICSC). Signs for an ICSC shall comply with the following:
(A) Signs erected
on, and attached to, commercial or industrial buildings. The total area of all
signs erected on, and attached to, commercial or industrial buildings shall not
exceed 2 square feet per each linear foot of building width measured along the
front wall or entrance wall of a building. If a building is located on a lot
having frontage on 2 streets, then the sign area for each side shall be
calculated separately. The following types of signs shall be permitted:
[1]
Wall signs.
[2]
Projecting signs.
[3]
Marquee signs.
[4]
Roof signs.
[5]
Canopy signs.
( B) An overall
signage plan and architectural renderings of the signs shall be submitted as
part of the site plan approval process. The signage shall be compatible in
quality, style, color and materials to the building(s). Creative
modifications to the standard signage package used by large corporations and
innovative sign lighting is strongly encouraged.
( C) Freestanding
signs, identifying Integrated Community Shopping Centers are allowed, but the
maximum sign area shall be determined independently from the sign area
restrictions contained in this Section. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 1
square foot in area for each linear foot of road frontage or 200 square feet, whichever is smaller. One such
sign shall be permitted for each road frontage, or not more than 2 signs shall
be permitted along any frontage which exceeds 500 feet. The sign height shall
not exceed 40 feet and shall be set
back not less than 20 feet from the front property line.
.
(
D) Directional information signs shall be adequately provided and design
coordinated.
(
E) The following types of signs shall not be permitted in an ICSC:
[1]
Billboards.
[2]
Flashing, revolving, rotating or changing-light-intensity or changing-color
signs.
[3]
Temporary signs.
§ 219-14. H. Prohibited signs.
A. The following signs are
prohibited in all districts and shall be removed in accordance with this section. §219-1O:
(1) Signs containing statements, words or
pictures of an obscene, indecent or immoral character that offend public morals
or decency of the community.
(2) Signs of a size, location, movement,
content, coloration or manner of illumination which may be confused with or
construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any permitted
signs or which distract or obstruct the view of road or pedestrian traffic in
any direction at a road intersection.
(3) Unless authorized by the utility, signs
posted on any building, fence, pole or other property owned, leased or
controlled by a public utility. [Added by
Bill No. 87-26]
B.(4) Except as provided in this Section § 219-7 A, signs which are placed within the Ccounty or
Sstate right-of-way. are prohibited and
shall be removed immediately by the enforcement officer or the appropriate highway
authority.
C.(5) Freestanding signs advertising business uses shall not be permitted in
planned residential development projects.
§ 219-15. C(7) Billboards.
A. General. Billboards shall be permitted
in the General Industrial (GI) District only. New billboards may not be
constructed within the U.S. Route. 40 Commerical
Revitalization District (CRD). [Amended by Bill 00-10 and 0140 as amended]
B. Location. Billboards shall be limited to 1 per parcel. Billboards shall not be permitted to be
erected within 750 feet of any residence, historic structure or building as
defined in §267-4 Definitions of this Code, public square or the entrance to any public park, public, private or
parochial school, library, church or similar institution. All such signs shall
be set back from the front property line the distance required for a principal
building in the zoning district in which located. No billboard shall be
permitted to be erected within 100 feet of a road intersection unless the base
of the sign is not less than 10 feet above ground level or road surface,
whichever is higher. No billboard shall be erected within 660 feet of any
highway which is part of the interstate highway system. [Amended by Bill 00-10
and 01-40 as amended]
C. Height. A billboard shall be no more than 40 30 feet in height from road grade. A variance in maximum height may be granted by the Board
due to the uniqueness of the property. [Amended by Bill 00-10]
D. Area. The maximum area of any Bbillboards displaying poster
panels may be single- or double-faced. No structure shall contain more than 2
faces showing in the same direction. The 2 billboards shall not
exceed a combined total of 600 sq.uare feet. Painted
bulletins shall be limited to an individual face, either single- or double-faced,
and shall not exceed a total of 900 square feet per face.
E. Illumination. Illumination shall be in
accordance with the provisions of
this secton. § 219-11.
F.See K(8)E No Change to this language Removal of
billboards in the Rte. 40 CRD. Existing billboards located on sites within the Rte.
40 CRD may remain and may be replaced subject to approval of necessary permits.
Should the billboard be located on a site with an existing use, expansion of
the use by more than 20% shall require the removal of said billboard. Should a
billboard be located as the sole use on a site as of the effective date of the
legislation, future development of the site for other permitted uses shall
require the removal of said billboard. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the owner
of a site upon which a billboard is located within the Rte. 40 CRD, shall be
permitted to redevelop the site for other permitted uses or expand the current
use by more than 20%, subject to the following conditions:
(1) The site is subject to a lease with a third party for the
billboard;
(2) The owner submits, to the Zoning
Administrator, an affidavit that the owner has made good faith efforts to
terminate the billboard lease, which efforts have failed;
(3) The lease tenn shall end no later than 2 years from the date
of the issuance of the building permit for the property and the owner provides
evidence of termination of the lease to the Zoning Administrator;
(4) The owner shall provide, to the Zoning A
dministrator, a bond in an amount equal to 115% of the cost to remove the
billboard at the end .of the lease term; and
(5) The owner shall record, among the Land
Records of Harford County, Maryland, a permanent easement for the benefit of
the County to permit the County to enter upon the property to remove the
billboard in the event the billboard is not removed within the time period set
forth herein.
G.See Section I(2) No Change to this language In the event that a billboard ceases to be used for advertising or falls
into disrepair for a period of 3 months, the billboard will be deemed
abandoned. Solicitation for advertising to be displayed on a billboard does not
constitute advertising. Once a billboard has been abandoned, the Zoning
Administrator shall notify the owner of the property and the owner of
the billboard that the billboard
has been abandoned and must be removed. The owners shall be responsible for
taking all necessary steps to dismantle the billboard and remove and dispose of
all visible remnants and materials from the subject parcel 90 days after
notification by the Zoning Administrator that the billboard has been abandoned.
§ 219-16. J. Nonconforming
signs.
A.(1) All signs or other advertising structures which were lawfully in existence upon the
effective date of this chapter prior to the
enactment of this Part I or subsequent amendments, and which do not conform to regulations and restrictions under the terms of this Part 1
or amendments thereto, the requirements
of this chapter shall
constitute nonconforming signs. Unless
otherwise provided herein, nNonconforming signs are permitted to exist, except that they may not be
structurally altered or relocated unless there is compliance with the
provisions of this chapter. shall be
replaced to conform to the requirements of this Section when a site is
redeveloped as defined in this Part 1.
B All other signs
or other advertising structures which were erected in violation of the law or
which are erected in violation of the provisions hereof shall be removed,
altered or replaced so as to comply with this Section chapter within six (6) months of the
effective date of this Part 1 chapter.
§ 219-17. Variances.
The Board may grant a variance from the provisions of this
chapter if, by reason of the configuration or irregular shape of the lot or by
reason of topographic conditions or other exceptional circumstances unique to
the lot or building, practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship results. The
Board shall, before granting the variance, make a written finding as part of
the record that the conditions or
circumstances described are unique to the lot or building, that the conditions
or circumstances cause the difficulty or hardship and that the variance can be
granted without impairment of the purpose and provisions of this chapter.
§ 219-18. Administration;
violations and penalties. TOTALLY
REVISED IN
SECTION I 3
A. Enforcement.
The enforcement officer or his designee is hereby authorized and directed to
interpret, administer and enforce all of the provisions of this chapter, and
any decision rendered shall be final unless appealed as provided herein.
B. Appeal.
Upon denial of an application for a sign permit, the applicant may file an
appeal, in writing, on an approved form within twenty (20) days of the date of
action of the Department of the Board. A sign owner or owner of property upon
which a sign is located may appeal the decision of the enforcement officer
requiring sign removal. relocation or alteration to the Board, provided that
the appeal is filed within twenty (20) days of notice of noncompliance with
this chapter and on a form prepared by the Department.
C. Violations and penalties.
(1) Whenever the provisions of this chapter have been violated,
the enforcement officer shall give notice by first class mail to the owner and
occupant of the property alleged to be in violation, stating the nature of the
violation and ordering that any unlawful activity be abated.
(2) Any owner or occupant who uses or permits the use of land,
buildings or structures contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars
($500.) for each offense. Each day of a continuing violation shall be
considered a separate violation.
(3) The county may recover damages in a civil action for
violation of this chapter and may adopt procedures for the imposition of civil
penalties as authorized by state law.