[PAGE 1] 1. Sign Ordinance Review Committee Agenda 2-15-2022 Documents: SIGN ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE AGENDA 2-15-2022.PDF 2. Sign Ordinance Review Committee Meeting Summary 1 4 2022 Documents: SIGN ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY 1 4 2022.PDF 3. Update Of The City Sign Ordinance (Section 164-121 To 164-123) Documents: UPDATE OF THE CITY SIGN ORDINANCE (SECTION 164-121 TO 164-123).PDF [PAGE 2] Sign Ordinance Review Committee AGENDA Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 6:00 PM https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaLV8N68x1twYyjn95_TrQ https://www.westminstermd.gov/ I. Call to Order – (A. Gray, DCPD) II. Approval of Minutes January 4, 2022 III. Old Business None IV. New Business Item A: Review and Discuss Draft Sign Code (Sections 164-121 to 164-123) V. Adjournment Next Meeting Posted February 11, 2022 [PAGE 3] SIGN ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at 6:00 PM Virtual via Zoom Broadcasted live on the City YouTube Channel A meeting of the Westminster Sign Ordinance Review Committee was held via Zoom and broadcasted live on the City YouTube Channel, on January 4, 2022, at 6 PM. Committee Members Mike McMullin, Patrick D'Anthony, Tyler Codd, and Dean Camlin, were present. City staff members Mark Depo and Andrew Gray were also present. The following members of the public were present: None Mr. Gray opened the meeting at 6:00 PM. Mr. Gray requested a motion to approve the meeting summary from September 14, 2021. Committee member McMullin motioned to approve the meeting summary. Committee member Camlin seconded. The motion passed 4-0 Item A: Review and Discuss Draft Sign Code (Sections 164-117 to 164-120) - Mr. Gray provided a brief background of proposed sign code sections 164-117 to 164-120. Committee member Camlin mentioned how the proposed text was easier to understand. Discussion ensued on regulating temporary signs and sign brightness. Staff will reach out to Baltimore City to get information on how they regulate holiday decorations. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 PM. Meeting Summary of January 4, 2022 Page 1 of 1 [PAGE 4] Update of the City Sign Code (Sections 164-121 to 164-123) Current Ordinance New Code 164-121 – On-premises business signs 164-121 Sign Permits (Formally 164-123) A. Business signs pertaining to a use on the A. Except as provided in Section 164-120 of this Code, no sign shall be erected, premises are permitted as an accessory use in the structurally altered, or relocated without a sign permit issued by the Department of Business Zone, except the Central Business Zone, Community Planning and Development (DCPD). Structurally altering in no way implies and in the I-R Restricted Industrial Zone, provided changing the advertising (content) of the sign. that they meet the following provisions: [Amended 9-11-1995 by Ord. No. 601] B. The Application for Sign or Awning shall be completed and filed with DCPD for review, approval, or denial. (1) No such sign shall project over or into any street right-of-way or project more than 12 C. Each Application for Sign or Awning shall be accompanied by design drawings inches above the parapet wall or roofline. showing the height, depth, area, and appearance of the sign, the method of illumination (if applicable), the exact location of the sign on the building or structure (2) Any sign erected shall be located in such a façade and on the property, and the method of construction and/or attachment of manner that traffic visibility is not impaired. such sign to the building or structure. (3) Such signs shall be integral with or D. The Application for Sign or Awning shall be signed by the applicant and the owner of attached to the building. Additionally, one the property. If the owner of the property cannot sign the Application a signed freestanding sign located at the street right- Affidavit will suffice. of-way shall be permitted except as provided in Subsection A(5) hereof. Said freestanding E. All signs shall be fabricated and installed by qualified and experienced licensed sign shall not exceed 20 feet in total height. professionals. The area of all signs on the premises shall not exceed three square feet for each linear foot F. A review fee shall be charged for each sign applied for by the applicant as provided in of the front building wall. No one sign shall the General Fee Ordinance. exceed 64 square feet in total area except as provided in Subsection A(5) hereof. G. A sign permit shall become null and void if the work for which the permit was issued [Amended 2-9-1998 by Ord. No. 626] has not begun within a period of six months after the date of permit issuance. (4) Where the lot adjoins any residential zone, H. All signs requiring permits shall display, in a place conspicuous to inspectors, evidence a sign within 50 feet shall be attached flat of the permit containing such data as may be supplied and designated by the Zoning against the front of the building, and no Administrator. [PAGE 5] freestanding sign shall face any residential zone. I. The City reviews proposed signage for conformance with this Code and the adopted Development Design Preferences. The Applicant attests by completing and filing the (5) Any sign or signs for property adjacent to Application for Sign or Awning that the connections and the sign will be structurally any divided street or highway shall be sound and assumes full responsibility for the structural integrity of the signage and permitted as follows. [Amended 9-28-2015 by their compliance with the pertinent requirements of the applicable Carroll County Ord. No. 860[1]] building codes, as may be amended from time to time. (a) Applications for signs which do not exceed 64 square feet in total area and J. All freestanding signs must receive a building and all illuminated signs must receive which do not exceed 12.5 feet in height an electrical permit issued by Carroll County Government. shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator. Applications for signs up to and including 125 square feet and/or up to and including 20 feet in height shall be approved by the Commission. In determining whether or not to approve an application, the Zoning Administrator or the Commission shall take into consideration the following factors: traffic and pedestrian safety; the size, configuration, elevation and location of the property; existing signs on the property and neighboring properties; aesthetics; and any other factors relating to the location, size, design, composition and specific character of the proposed sign deemed appropriate by the Zoning Administrator or the Commission. No sign shall be approved if the Zoning Administrator or the Commission finds that it would not achieve a maximum of compatibility, safety, efficiency and attractiveness. [PAGE 6] (b) One variable electronic message sign (VEMS) will be permitted per approved development site, provided it meets the following provisions: [1] Animated, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, full motion or any other similar message or transitional movement is prohibited; [2] Only text messages shall be displayed, and the message shall not change more than once every 30 seconds; [3] Advertisements for off-premises businesses or services are prohibited; [4] A VEMS may only be used as part of a wall or monument sign; [5] A VEMS must have automatic dimming capability that adjusts brightness to ambient light at all times, not to exceed 5,000 candelas per square meter during daylight hours and 500 candelas per square meter between dusk and dawn; [6] The VEMS shall present a maximum of three colors and shall display a dark screen in the event of a sign malfunction; [PAGE 7] [7] The VEMS shall not exceed 32 square feet, which area will be counted toward the maximum sign allowance; and [8] The VEMS shall be subordinate to the business name portion of the sign (the VEMS may not be the predominant feature). (c) On properties used exclusively for, or including, drive-through restaurants, service stations and other similar establishments serving motorists, one VEMS, as permitted under Subsection A(5)(b) above, and one illuminated electronic display will be permitted per establishment, provided that: [1] The illuminated electronic display does not exceed eight inches in height or two feet in width or extend more than five feet above the ground; and [2] Audio speakers shall not be audible beyond the property boundary. Editor’s Note: This ordinance provided that it would be effective retroactively to 2-23-2012, except to the extent that it would impair a vested right of a property owner. [PAGE 8] (6) On property used exclusively by a single tenant in a freestanding building with its own parking field, where the floor area of the building exceeds 70,000 square feet, individual building signs that exceed 125 square feet in area may be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, upon the request of the property owner, where such approval will not otherwise impair the purposes of this article. The area of all signs on the premises shall not exceed three square feet for each linear foot of the front building wall. [Added 10-24-2016 by Ord. No. 870] B. Other standards. (1) Signs located in the Central Business Zone shall conform to the standards set forth in the "Standards for Renovation Westminster," Chapter III, as adopted February 27, 1978, and as may be amended from time to time. (2) Signs located outside of the Central Business Zone and within the Westminster Historic District as designated in the National Register of Historic Places shall conform to any and all standards as may be hereinafter adopted and amended from time to time. C. Signs located in the Planned Regional Shopping Center Zone shall be permitted, provided that they meet the following provisions : [Amended 11-26-2001 by Ord. No. 674] [PAGE 9] (1) One freestanding identification sign shall be permitted per State Highway Administration-approved vehicular access to parking areas. Said freestanding sign shall not exceed 25 feet total height and shall not exceed 125 square feet in area. [Amended 9-28-2015 by Ord. No. 860[2]] Editor's Note: This ordinance provided that it would be effective retroactively to 2-23-2012, except to the extent that it would impair a vested right of a property owner. (2) A freestanding identification sign may include a VEMS, provided that: [Added 9-28- 2015 by Ord. No. 860[3]] (a) Animated, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, full motion or any other similar message or transitional movement is prohibited; (b) Only text messages shall be displayed, and the message shall not change more than once every 30 seconds; (c) Advertisements for off-premises businesses or services are prohibited; (d) The VEMS may only be used as part of a wall or monument sign; [PAGE 10] (e) The VEMS must have automatic dimming capacity that adjusts brightness to ambient light at all times, not to exceed 5,000 candelas per square meter during daylight hours and 500 candelas per square meter between dusk and dawn; (f) The VEMS shall present a maximum of three colors and shall display a dark screen in the event of a sign malfunction; (g) The VEMS shall not exceed 32 square feet, which area will be counted toward the maximum sign allowance; and (h) The VEMS shall be subordinate to the business name portion of the sign (the VEMS may not be the predominant feature). Editor's Note: This ordinance provided that it would be effective retroactively to 2-23-2012, except to the extent that it would impair a vested right of a property owner. (3) On properties including drive-through restaurants, service stations, and other similar establishments serving motorists, one illuminated electronic display will be permitted per establishment, provided that: [Added 9-28-2015 by Ord. No. 860[4]] (a) The illuminated electronic display does not exceed eight inches in height or two [PAGE 11] feet in width or extend more than five feet above the ground; and (b) Audio speakers shall not be audible beyond the property boundary. Editor's Note: This ordinance also provided for the redesignation of former Subsection C(2) through (6) as Subsection C(4) through (8), respectively, and further provided that it would be effective retroactively to 2-23- 2012, except to the extent that it would impair a vested right of a property owner. (4) One flat wall sign shall be permitted at each major pedestrian entrance into department stores over 30,000 square feet in leasable area. Said wall signs shall not exceed 150 square feet and shall not extend above the roofline. (5) One flat wall sign shall be permitted at each major pedestrian entrance of the mall. Said wall sign shall not exceed 150 square feet and shall not extend above the roofline. (6) One flat wall sign shall be permitted for each exterior wall of stores over 60,000 square feet in leasable area. Said wall signs shall not exceed 200 square feet and shall not extend above the roofline. (7) Signs for separate standing buildings or stores not included in the mall structure [PAGE 12] shall meet the provisions established for the Business Zone in Subsection A. (8) Any sign or signs other than those provided herein shall be permitted only after application and approval by the Planning Commission. D. Signs for special exception uses shall be in accordance with the pertinent provisions of this article and approved by the Board of Appeals upon the granting of a special exception. Such signs may be freestanding or attached to a building but shall not exceed 32 square feet in size, except as to signs provided by § 164-120C. Lighting for such signs shall not cause glare onto neighboring residential properties or uses and shall be approved upon consideration of the character of the neighborhood in which the special exemption is located. Signs for tourist homes, boardinghouses and home occupations shall not exceed two square feet in size on any one side. E. Business signs pertaining to a use on the premises are permitted as an accessory use in the P-I Planned Industrial Zone, provided that they meet the following provisions: [Added 9-22-1997 by Ord. No. 622] (1) No sign shall project over or into any street right-of-way or project more than 12 inches above the parapet wall or roofline. [PAGE 13] (2) Any sign erected shall be located in such a manner that traffic visibility is not impaired. (3) Signs shall be integral with or attached to the building. Additionally, one freestanding sign located at the street right-of-way shall be permitted as provided in Subsection E(5) hereof. (4) Where the lot adjoins any residential zone, a sign within 50 feet shall be attached flat against the front of the building, and no freestanding sign shall face any residential zone. (5) Any freestanding sign shall be permitted as follows. Applications for signs which do not exceed 64 square feet in total area and which do not exceed 20 feet in height shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator. Applications for signs up to and including 250 square feet and/or up to and including 40 feet in height shall be approved by the Commission. In determining whether or not to approve an application, the Zoning Administrator or the Commission shall take into consideration the following factors: traffic and pedestrian safety; the size, configuration elevation and location of the property; existing signs on the property and neighboring properties; aesthetics, and any other factors relating to the location, size, design, composition and specific character of the proposed sign deemed appropriate by the [PAGE 14] Zoning Administrator or the Commission. No sign shall be approved if the Zoning Administrator or the Commission find that it would not achieve a maximum of compatibility, safety, efficiency and attractiveness. F. Business signs pertaining to a use on the premises are permitted as an accessory use in the N-C Neighborhood Commercial Zone, provided that they have been approved as part of an integrated sign program approved by the Commission and meet the following provisions: [Added 9-25-2000 by Ord. No. 638] (1) No such sign shall project over or into any street right-of-way or project more than 12 inches above the parapet wall or roofline. (2) Any sign erected shall be located in such a manner that traffic visibility is not impaired. (3) Such signs shall be integral with or attached to the building. The area of building- mounted signs shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot of the front building wall, with a maximum size of 64 square feet. (4) Additionally, one freestanding monument- style sign located at the street right-of-way shall be permitted; provided, however, that on sites greater than 14 acres in size, with at least 1,000 feet of frontage on a dual highway, one such additional sign shall be [PAGE 15] permitted. Said freestanding monument-style sign shall not exceed 12.5 feet in total height and a maximum area of 64 square feet per face. [Amended 1-14-2013 by Ord. No. 838] (5) Said freestanding identification sign may include a VEMS, provided that: [Added 9-28- 2015 by Ord. No. 860[5]] (a) Animated, flashing, blinking, reflecting, revolving, full motion or any other similar message or transitional movement is prohibited; (b) Only text messages shall be displayed, and the message shall not change more than once every 30 seconds; (c) Advertisements for off-premises businesses or services are prohibited; (d) The VEMS may only be used as part of a wall or monument sign; (e) A VEMS must have automatic dimming capability that adjusts brightness to ambient light at all times, not to exceed 5,000 candelas per square meter during daylight hours and 500 candelas per square meter between dusk and dawn; [PAGE 16] (f) The VEMS shall present a maximum of three colors and shall display a dark screen in the event of a sign malfunction; (g) The VEMS shall not exceed 32 square feet, which area will be counted toward the maximum sign allowance; (h) The VEMS shall be subordinate to the business name portion of the sign (the VEMS may not be the predominant feature); and (i) The VEMS shall display one text message between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Editor's Note: This ordinance provided that it would be effective retroactively to 2-23-2012, except to the extent that it would impair a vested right of a property owner. (6) On properties used exclusively for, or including, drive-through restaurants, service stations, and other similar establishments serving motorists, one illuminated electronic display will be permitted per establishment, provided that: [Added 9-28-2015 by Ord. No. 860[6]] (a) The illuminated electronic display does not exceed eight inches in height or two feet in width or extend more than five feet above the ground; and [PAGE 17] (b) Audio speakers shall not be audible beyond the property boundary. Editor's Note: This ordinance provided that it would be effective retroactively to 2-23- 2012, except to the extent that it would impair a vested right of a property owner. (7) Where the lot adjoins any residential zone, a sign within 50 feet shall be attached flat against the front of the building, and no freestanding sign shall face any residential zone. (8) Any sign or signs other than those provided herein shall be permitted only after application to and approval by the Commission. This provision shall authorize the Commission to increase the square footage limitations of any sign not to exceed 125 square feet. (9) In determining whether or not to approve an application, the Commission shall take into consideration the following factors: traffic and pedestrian safety; the size, configuration elevation and location of the property; existing signs on the property and neighboring properties; aesthetics; and any other factors relating to the locations, size, design, composition and specific character of the proposed sign deemed appropriate by the Commission. No sign shall be approved if the Commission finds that it would not achieve a [PAGE 18] maximum of compatibility, safety, efficiency and attractiveness. 164-122 Outdoor Advertising signs 164-122 Calculating Sign Area Outdoor advertising signs, commonly referred to A. Sign area is calculated by the outer dimensions of any letters, symbols, and area used as "billboards" or "poster panels," shall be subject to direct attention to the business, calculated by multiplying the sign area width by to the following regulations: the sign area height. A. Outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted in the P-I, I-R and I-G Zones. No sign shall be located within 200 feet of any residential zone, nor shall such sign be located within 300 feet of an intersection on a two-lane or proposed two-lane highway or within 100 feet of any other intersection. B. All outdoor advertising signs shall be spaced at least 300 feet apart. In the case of existing two- lane highways, each side of the two-lane highway shall be considered separately in determining spacing requirements. In the case of non-dual- lane highways, spacing shall be determined and measured between signs, regardless of the side of the highway on which they are located and proposed. C. No outdoor advertising sign shall be closer than 100 feet to any property line nor located closer than 660 feet to the right-of-way line of any highway which is part of the interstate highway B. The area of a monument sign that is not counted towards sign area would be the area system nor closer than 200 feet to the right-of- that is part of the base or sides of the monument sign that is architecturally way line of any other street or road. compatible to the principal building, not part of section A. above. [PAGE 19] D. Outdoor advertising signs shall be no higher C. Only one side of a freestanding sign is calculated, if the two (2) sides of the than 30 feet. freestanding sign are less than two feet in distance back-to-back or separated by an angle of forty-five (45) degrees or less. E. No sign shall exceed more than 260 feet in area. D. Where two (2) sides of a freestanding sign are not equal in size, the larger side shall be used for the total sign area calculation. F. No outdoor advertising sign shall be permitted in the following scenic areas in a residential zone E. The front building façade length shall determine how many square feet of signage within the City along the following Maryland each property receives. routes: Route Nos. 31, 97 and 140. F. Where a property fronts on more than one street, only the square footage computed for each street frontage shall face that street. 164-123 Sign Permits 164-123 Sign Regulations A. Except as provided in § 164-120, no sign shall A. Signs in the City shall comply with the regulations in the following chart: be erected, altered or relocated without a sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator. Zone Maximum Maximum Size Projection Freestanding Size (Each Sign) from Wall Allowed B. The application for a sign permit shall be filed (Site) (How Many) with the Zoning Administrator. The permit Business Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1) application shall be signed by the applicant, and Length X 3 Approval than 6 when the applicant is any person other than the 64.1 to 125.0 Sq. Ft. Inches owner of the property, the permit application PZC Approval shall also be signed by the owner of the property Planned Front Wall < = 64 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1 per and shall contain the location of the sign Regional Length X 3 Approval than 6 approved structure, the name and address of the sign Shopping 64.1 to 125.0 Sq. Ft. Inches street owner and of the sign erector and drawings Center PZC Approval entrance) showing the design, dimensions and locations of Planned Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1) the sign and such other pertinent information as Industrial Length X 1 Approval than 6 the Zoning Administrator may require to ensure 64.1 to 125.0 Sq. Ft. Inches compliance with the laws of the City. PZC Approval [PAGE 20] C. A fee shall be charged for each sign permit Neighborhood Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1) issued as provided in the General Fee Commercial Length X 2 Approval than 6 Ordinance.[1] 64.1 to 125.0 Sq. Ft. Inches [Amended 11-24-2008 by Ord. No. 792] PZC Approval Editor's Note: See Ch. A175, Fees, Art. I, General Downtown Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more No (0) Fees. Business Length X 2 Approval than 6 64.1 Sq. Ft. = > Not Inches D. A sign permit shall become null and void if the Allowed work for which the permit was issued has not Central Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more No (0) begun within a period of six months after the Business Length X 2 Approval than 6 date of the permit. A permit may be renewed, 64.1 Sq. Ft. = > Not Inches and no additional fee shall be charged for such Allowed renewal. Mixed Use Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more No (0) Infill Length X 2 Approval than 6 E. The following operations shall not be 64.1 Sq. Ft. = > Not Inches considered as creating a sign and shall not require Allowed a permit: Central Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more No (0) Commerce Length X 2 Approval than 6 (1) Replacing copy: the changing of the 64.1 Sq. Ft. = > Not Inches advertising copy or message on an approved Allowed painted or printed sign or on a theater Restricted Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1) marquee and similar approved signs which Industrial Length X 1 Approval than 6 are specifically designed for the use of 64.1 to 125.0 Sq. Ft. Inches replaceable copy. PZC Approval General Front Wall < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1) (2) Maintenance: painting, repainting, Industrial Length X 1 Approval than 6 cleaning and other normal maintenance and 64.1 to 125.0 Sq. Ft. Inches repair of a sign or a sign structure, unless a PZC Approval structural change is made. All Residential 10.0 Sq.Ft. < = 10.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1) * Approval than 2 F. All signs requiring permits shall display, in a 10.1 Sq. Ft. = > Not Inches place conspicuous to inspectors, evidence of the Allowed permit containing such data as may be supplied and designated by the Zoning Administrator. [PAGE 21] Conservation 64.0 Sq.Ft. < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1) Approval than 6 64.1 Sq. Ft. = > Not Inches Allowed Agriculture 64.0 Sq.Ft. < = 64.0 Sq. Ft. Staff No more Yes (1) Approval than 6 64.1 Sq. Ft. = > Not Inches Allowed (PZC) Planning and Zoning Commission * See Section 164-127C. below B. Multi-Tennant building: 1. A Comprehensive Sign Plan must be approved by DCPD or the PZC for all new Multi-Tennant buildings. This plan will be used in the review and approval of all Application for Sign or Awnings for the Property. 2. Multi-tenant buildings must not exceed one building sign per tenant, and such tenant sign must only be attached to the façade of the building that provides primary access. 3. The amount of building signage allowed for an individual tenant is limited to the linear façade width of the tenant space. [PAGE 22] C. Signs on buildings located in the Downtown Business Zone, Central Business Zone, Central Commerce Zone, and the Mixed-Use Infill Zone, shall not be located above the first floor. D. Signs in the following Zones shall only be externally lit: Downtown Business Zone, Central Business Zone, Central Commerce Zone, Mixed-Use Infill Zone, all Residential Zones, Conservation Zone, and the Agriculture Zone. All external lighting shall not cause any glare on any building or structure except for the sign area itself. E. Signs are prohibited on all windows except otherwise allowed in this section. F. Signs located on or less than six inches from a show window surface shall not exceed 30 percent of the window surface area. G. Blade signs must comply with the following: 1. The sign and related supporting structure must not project more than thirty-six (36) inches, as measured from the façade of the wall where the sign is attached and adjacent to. 2. Blade signs shall be affixed to the face of a building not higher that one inch below the second story windowsill line. The minimum clearance underneath any part of the sign or supporting structure shall not be less than seven feet. 3. Blade signs shall not be more than three square feet in size. 4. Blade signs shall be at least two-foot minimum distance from any curb, lamppost, parking area, and street tree at any time. 5. No blade sign shall be internally illuminated. 6. Comply with Section 164-123A. above. [PAGE 23] H. On property used exclusively by a single tenant, in the B Business Zone, in a freestanding building with its own parking field, where the floor area of the building exceeds 70,000 square feet, individual building signs that exceed 125 square feet in area may be approved by the PZC, upon the request of the property owner, where such approval will not otherwise impair the purposes of this article. The area of all signs on the premises shall not exceed three square feet for each linear foot of the front building wall. I. Building signs shall be placed parallel to the face of the building. J. Separate cutout letters applied to the building face may be used. K. Signs painted directly on the building surface shall be permitted and reviewed as a building sign.