Area - Total allowable area is computed in relation to building frontage on the street. Two square feet of sign area is allowed for each one foot of building frontage on the principal street. If the building has multiple frontage an additional sign area of one square foot for each lineal foot of building frontage is allowed. However, no more than two square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage shall be allowed to face that frontage. Howard County Code HCC 3.501(c)(1).

If there is no public street frontage, then the front of the building facing the parking area can be used as road frontage.

Thus a 50 foot building facing the street is entitled to (2 X 50) = 100 square foot of sign display.

Out of this allotment come all signs including signs in the yard as well as those on the building. There is not a separate allotment for signs in the yard.

There is no limit to the numbers of signs allowed as long as they are within allowable sign display limits.

The most unusual thing about our regulations is the setback requirement for freestanding signs. A sign must be setback from the road right of way (which is not necessarily the edge of the road) one foot for each square foot of sign area or two feet back from the right of way for each foot of sign height. For example, a 20 square foot sign must be 20 foot back from the right of way. If it is 20 feet back it can be 10 feet in height (from ground level to the top of the sign). Setback does not apply to real estate, construction site signs, or permanent identification signs for communities or apartment developments which must be anywhere on the property they relate to.

Maximum height for any freestanding sign is 26 feet. HCC 3.501(c)2(c)

No this type of sign is prohibited. HCC 3.505(a)(4)

Yes, but only those where the message is changed manually. Electronically changeable text message units are not allowed. HCC 3.508(b)

Banners are prohibited for commercial use (HCC 3.505(a)(7)) with the exception of a grand opening banner no more than 32 square feet in area which may be displayed for a 14 day period. HCC 3.503(j)

Other banners are those which the code considers “temporary” in nature. Thus “temporary” real estate signs (HCC 3.502(b); temporary signs for public, charitable, educational or religious events HCC 3.503(b); street banners approved by the County Executive HCC 3.502(c); and national or state flags and one company flag HCC3.503(h) are examples of banners which may be used.

A permit is required for each sign. If the sign is illuminated an electrical permit is also required.

The following documents are needed in addition to completion of the sign permit application:

• A drawing of the sign showing the sign dimensions.
• A building elevation showing where the sign is to be placed.
• If the sign is in the yard, a site plan or plat drawn to scale showing the sign location. Scale of the drawing must be larger than 1" = 100'.) Example1" = 20', 30', 40', or 60'. This is also needed for real estate signs.
• Property owner’s approval. Can be a signature on the application or letter.