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Ordinance October 15, 2025 · 14 page(s)

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TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE
ORDINANCE NO __-2025
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE AMENDING THE TOWN
OF CENTREVILLE ZONING ORDINANCE, WHICH IS CHAPTER 170 OF THE CODE OF
THE TOWN OF CENTREVILLE, TO UPDATE THE DEFINITIONS, DESIGN STANDARDS,
SIGN CHARTS, AND CODE PROVISIONS REGARDING SIGNS
WHEREAS, the Town Council of Centreville has the authority under Section 5-213 of the Local
Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, to adopt regulations;
WHEREAS, Section 4-102(6) of the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland authorizes
the Town Council of Centreville to regulate the location and use of buildings, signs and structures on
the land;
WHEREAS, the Town desires to amend Chapter 170 of the Code of the Town of Centreville to amend
the definitions, design standards, sign charts, and code provisions regarding signs;
WHEREAS, the Town Council received a _____________ recommendation on the zoning
amendment from the Centreville Planning and Zoning Commission; and
WHERAS, the Town Council held a public hearing on the zoning amendment on ___________.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Town Council of Centreville:
Section 1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this
Ordinance.
Section 2. Section 170-38 Signs of the Centreville Town Code is hereby amended as shown on the
Exhibit A attached hereto.
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in bold strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text)
Section 3. Section 170-70 Definitions of the Centreville Town Code is hereby amended as shown on
the Exhibit B attached hereto.
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in bold strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text)
Section 4. Chapter 170 Attachment 9 Table 3 – General Commercial C-2, Planned Business District
(PBD), and Light Industrial (I) Sign Types and Dimensional Regulations by Zoning District is hereby
amended as shown on the Exhibit C attached hereto.
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in bold strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text and/or highlighted)
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Section 5. Chapter 5 Signage of the Centreville Design Standards is hereby amended as shown on the
Exhibit attached hereto.
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in bold strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text and/or highlighted)
Section 6. If any section, clause, paragraph, sentence or phrase of the Ordinance or the application
thereof to any person, or circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the invalidity or unconstitutionality shall in no way effect other provisions or any other
application of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid or unconstitutional
provision or application, and for this purpose the provisions of this Ordinance are declared severable.
Section 7. This Ordinance shall become effective twenty days after its enactment.
ATTEST: THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE
____________________________________
R. Gaye Adams Ashley Heffernan Kaiser, Esq., President
Town Clerk
_____________________________________
First Reading: Jeffrey D. Kiel, Vice President
Second Reading:
Enacted:
Effective: _____________________________________
Sandra Lee Huffer, Member
_____________________________________
Fred Beu, Member
______________________________________
Fred McNeil, Member
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EXHIBIT A SIGN AMENDMENTS
170-38 Signs
A. Purpose. Signs obstruct views, distract motorists, displace alternative uses of land, and pose
other problems that legitimately call for regulation. The purpose of this section is to prescribe
the standards for location, design, illumination, height and size of all types of signs within the
Town of Centreville in order to protect the unique and small town character of the Town. This
section also intends to promote the following:
1. To encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication for the
convenience of the public by preventing their overconcentration, improper placement
and excessive size;
2. To maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment while promoting creativity and the
Town's ability to attract sources of economic growth and development;
3. To minimize the potential adverse effects of signs on nearby public and private
property;
4. To enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign regulations without
regulating the content of any sign. To accomplish this objective, this subsection must be
interpreted in a manner consistent with the First Amendment guarantee of free speech.
B. General regulations.
1. Signs requiring permits. Other than temporary signs provided for in Subsection D
herein and exempt signs as provided herein, no sign shall be erected, enlarged, or
altered without a permit from the Zoning Administrator. Applications for permits shall
be submitted to the Zoning Administrator. Each application shall be accompanied by
drawings and written material showing the area and general appearance of the sign, the
method of illumination, the exact location of the proposed sign, and the method of
construction and/or attachment of such sign to the building or structure. Signs that do
not extend over seven feet above existing grade and are completely screened from view,
inclusive of light, from public roadways and other parcels by on-site buildings,
structures, evergreen landscaping, and/or grade differences are exempt from the sign
provisions of this chapter including the requirement to obtain a permit. [Amended 6-6-
2019 by Ord. No. 07-2019]
2. Nonconforming signs may not be enlarged, substantially altered, moved, or replaced
except to bring the sign into conformity with these regulations. Nonconforming signs
may be repaired and maintained to the original sign specifications. Notwithstanding the
language herein, nonconforming electronic message centers that are grandfathered may
be replaced if the existing sign is ever damaged or destroyed.
3. Signs shall be maintained in good condition. The Zoning Administrator may order the
removal of any sign, sign structure or awning that is not maintained in accordance with
this Code.
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4. Traffic control devices on private or public property must be erected and maintained to
comply with the Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
5. No sign, except for a traffic, regulatory, or information sign, shall use the words "stop,"
"caution," or "danger," or shall incorporate red, amber, or green lights resembling traffic
signals, or shall resemble "stop" or "yield" signs in shape and color.
6. No sign shall be erected which is affixed to a fence, utility pole, or tree, shrub, rock, or
other natural object.
7. Signs shall not cover architectural details such as, but not limited to, arches, sills,
moldings, cornices, and transom windows.
8. No sign shall be permitted which becomes unsafe or endangers the safety of a building,
premises or person. The Zoning Administrator is authorized to order such signs to be
made safe or be removed and such order shall be complied with within seven days of
the receipt of such order.
9. No sign, sign structure or part thereof shall be located so as to obstruct or conflict with
traffic sight lines, or traffic control signs or signals. No lighting of signs shall be
permitted which is of flashing, intermittent, rotating, or other animated type, or which
would tend to blind or distract motorists, or which would shine directly onto any
dwelling.
10. Noncommercial content may replace the message on any permitted or exempt sign.
11. Official notices or advertisements posted or displayed by or under the direction of any
public court officer in the performance of official or directed duties shall not be subject
to the provisions of this section, provided that all such signs shall be removed by the
property owner no more than 10 days after their purpose has been accomplished or as
otherwise required by law.
12. Where a federal, state, or local law requires a property owner to post a sign on the
owner's property to warn of a danger or to prohibit access to the property either
generally or specifically, the owner must comply with the federal, state, or local law to
exercise that authority by posting a sign on the property. If the federal, state, or local
regulation describes the form and dimensions of the sign, the property owner must
comply with those requirements; otherwise, when not defined, the sign shall be no
larger than two square feet and located in a place on the property to provide access to
the notice that is required to be made.
13. All illuminated signs located on a lot adjacent (includes across a street) to any
residentially zoned or residentially used parcel shall be turned off between the hours of
10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
14. The Town may designate areas for the placement of civic signs on public property.
C. Permitted sign types, sizes, and standards by zoning district. The Official Tables of Sign Types
and Dimensional Regulations are included at the end of this section in Tables 1 through 4.1
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There is no table for the Traditional Neighborhood Development District (TND). The sign
provisions for the TND District are included in § 170-29.1.
D. Temporary signs. The following regulations shall apply to temporary signs.
1. Except as otherwise provided herein, temporary signs shall not exceed four square feet
in area and 4.5 feet in height.
2. A property owner may place one temporary sign on the property without restriction on
time.
3. In addition to the one sign allowed without restriction on time, one temporary sign may
be located on the property when the property is being offered for sale or lease for a
period ending 15 days following the date on which a contract of sale or lease has been
executed by a person purchasing or leasing the property. If the sign face is attached to a
post, the top of post shall be no more than six feet above grade.
4. In any calendar year, for up to 60 days in a residential district and 30 days in a
nonresidential district, a property owner may display temporary signs in excess of the
two signs expressly allowed by this section.
5. No temporary sign shall be attached or secured to a building, fence, porch, railing, tree,
or any other object or structure.
6. No temporary sign shall be located within 10 feet of a public road right-of-way, nor
shall any such sign be located in a required side yard setback or within two feet of a side
property line in the CBD.
7. Temporary signs provided in Subsection D(2), (3), and (4) herein shall be exempt from
the requirement to obtain a permit.
8. One temporary sign that exceeds the qualitative standards set in Subsection D(1) above
may be allowed only by permit under the following conditions:
a. It complies with all other sign standards and requirements of this chapter for the
district where it is located and the land use as regulated.
b. A temporary sign permit will allow the property owner to display a sign only at
the specific location on the site and/or building noted on the permit.
c. The temporary permit will entitle the owner to interchange one temporary sign
with any other temporary sign with the same dimensions.
d. Under the permit, the display of the temporary sign shall be limited to 90 days
during the 365-day period the permit is valid.
e. Failure to obtain a permit for any temporary sign not otherwise expressly
allowed without permit by this Subsection D(8) or to comply with the conditions
of this Subsection D(8) subjects the sign and/or property owner to the
enforcement provisions of this chapter.
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f. A temporary sign permit as provided in this Subsection D(8) shall automatically
expire one year after its issuance or after the 90th day of the display of the sign,
whichever shall occur first.
9. One temporary sign associated with the opening of a development or subdivision may
be allowed by permit, provided the following requirements are met:
a. It is no greater than 32 square feet in size for development tracts less than 1/2
acre or 50 square feet for tracts larger than 1/2 acre.
b. It is not greater than eight feet in height.
c. It is removed within 90 days of its installation, except that for developments
involving the dedication of public streets, the sign may remain in place until the
dedication of associated public streets and/or utilities or for a complete and
uninterrupted one-year period, whichever occurs first.
d. Signs permitted pursuant to this Subsection D(9) shall also comply and be
subject to Subsection D(8)(b) and (e).
E. Supplemental standards for sign types. The following supplemental standards apply to specific
sign types:
1. Awning signs. All drop awnings attached to buildings shall not, when let down to the
full extent, be less than seven feet above the sidewalks of the Town at all points. The
lowest portion of all display signs fastened to, suspended from, or supported by a
building or structure so as to project therefrom at an angle shall be not less than seven
feet vertically above the surface of the sidewalks of the Town at all points.
2. Directional signs. Directional signs are permitted in all zoning districts. Directional
signs shall not exceed two square feet in area, shall not exceed three feet in height, and
shall not contain any advertising material.
3. Electronic Message Centers. New electronic message centers (EMCs) are permitted for
governmental and institutional uses as a freestanding sign in non-residential zones along
State roads, excluding the Central Business District (CBD), where the same or more
intense zoning (excluding the Central Business District), where the same or more
intense zoning (excluding the Central Business District) exists across the State road as
more particularly shown on Table 4 (Attachment 10 to the Zoning Ordinance). ). EMCs
are also permitted for public schools as a freestanding monument sign in residential
zones along State roads, where non-residential zoning exists across the State road as
more particularly shown on Table 4(Attachment 10 to the Zoning Ordinance). The four
existing EMCs are grandfathered and considered nonconforming signs for the purpose
of § 170-38. The following provisions shall apply to new and existing EMCs including
nonconforming EMCs:
a. Duration of message change interval. Each message on an EMC can be changed
no more frequently than once every five minutes, and the actual change process
is accomplished in two seconds or less with no face in or fade out.
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b. Transitions/flashing/animation. The EMC shall display only static messages that
remain constant in illumination intensity and do not have movement or the
appearance or optical illusion of movement (no revolving, flashing, moving,
scrolling, or rotating). Also, the EMC shall consist only of alphabetic or numeric
characters on a plain black background and may not include graphic, pictorial,
or photographic images.
c. Dimming. The EMC shall be equipped with a fully operational light sensor that
automatically adjusts the intensity of the billboard according to the amount of
ambient light.
d. Brightness levels. EMCs shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 0.3
footcandle above the ambient light as seen at a distance of 150 feet for the time
period between sunset and sunrise. The applicant shall provide written
certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been preset
not to exceed the levels specified above, and the intensity level is protected from
end-use adjustment.
e. Colors. EMCs shall be a single color on any given message or display (i.e., they
shall be mono color signs) and shall always use only one color.
f. Time restrictions. EMCs located on a lot adjacent (includes across a street) to
any residentially zoned or residentially used parcel shall be turned off between
the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
g. Audio speakers. Audio speakers are prohibited.
h. Malfunctions. EMCs shall be designed to either freeze the display in one static
position, display a full blank screen, or turn off in the event of a malfunction.
i. Annual Permit Requirement.
(1) All existing and future EMCs permitted under this section shall require a
permit from the Zoning Administrator which shall be reviewed and
renewed annually.
(2) Annual renewal applications shall be submitted no later than thirty (30)
days prior to the permit’s expiration.
(3) As part of the annual permit review, the Zoning Administrator shall
confirm compliance with:
(a) All operational and display standards of this section;
(b) Applicable safety, brightness, and timing requirements; and
(c) Any conditions imposed at the time of permit issuance.
(4) Failure to demonstrate continued compliance may result in suspension,
non-renewal, or revocation of the EMC permit, or fines.
(5) Renewal fees, if applicable, shall be established by the Town Council by
resolution.
4. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs may be dual-sided. For the purposes of sign
area calculation, only one side of a dual sided freestanding sign will be considered.
Freestanding sign height shall be measured from the average contact grade to the
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highest point of the sign or supporting structure. Sign area calculation does not
include any portion of the sign containing architectural features or addresses.
F. Prohibited signs. The following signs are prohibited:
1. Pennants, streamers, and spinning or similar type signs, except feather signs.
2. Any sign that flashes or rotates.
3. Any sign fastened to, and supported by, or on the roof of a building, and no projecting
sign shall extend over or above the roof (including mansard roofs) of a parapet wall of a
building.
4. Off-premises signs. Any sign advertising or identifying a business or organization
which is not located on that premises, other than temporary signs. Existing off-
premises signs for which a valid permit has been issued will be permitted to remain
for a period of one year from the date of the adoption of this ordinance.
5. Signs in the public right-of-way, except easel/placard signs placed on the sidewalk in
front of a business, provided that the sign doesn't impede pedestrian traffic.
6. Signs that are obscene, illegal, hazardous to traffic, imitative of official government
signs (i.e., Stop, Danger, Caution, etc.) or obstructive to public visibility so as to create
a hazard to the public.
7. New electronic message centers (EMCs) and digital electronic signs of any kind, are
prohibited, except for governmental and institutional signs in non-residential zoning
districts (excluding the Central Business District) and for public school signs in
residential zoning districts and subject to the supplemental standards contained in §
170-38.E(3) and Table 4 (Attachment 10 to the Zoning Ordinance).
G. Shopping Center Signage. The following shall apply to Shopping Center Signage.
1. Subject to the following, the Planning Commission may approve a Comprehensive
Signage Plan as part of a new development, or redevelopment of a shopping center in
the C-3 and PBD Districts. Additional Standards are found in Attachment 9, Table 3
of Chapter 170. In its review, the Commission shall consider the request in the
context of the site, the compatibility and consistency of the signs with themselves and
with respect to the unit(s) or building they are identifying, safety/visibility concerns,
lighting and other neighborhood compatibility issues. Signage shall be reasonably
consistent throughout the shopping center and appropriate for the architectural
design of the building(s.) Directional signage shall be included as part of the above
considerations.
2. A Comprehensive Signage Plan shall include a detailed overall design and
treatment of signs throughout the shopping center. At a minimum the Plan shall
include:
a.Sign Dimensions.
b.Materials.
c .Lighting and illumination used for the sign.
d. Color Scheme.
e. Lettering or Graphic Style
f. Location of each sign
e. Exceptions allowed as approved by the Planning Commission of
standardized corporate identity signage for anchor stores.
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3.Freestanding Shopping Center Signage.
a. The location of Freestanding Shopping Center sign as part of an approved
Comprehensive Signage Plan may be permitted on a separate parcel if the
parcels share a common entrance, provided the separate parcel is inclusive of
the Comprehensive Signage Plan.
b. Freestanding Shopping Center Signage is limited to one (1) sign per
approved shopping center development or re-development. Placement of the
sign in close proximity of the entrance is encouraged.
c. Freestanding shopping center signs shall have a minimum setback from the
property line of 10 feet.
4. Amendments. The periodic replacement of individual signs as tenants change shall
not require modification of the Comprehensive Signage Plan, unless the Zoning
Administrator determines the proposed signage substantively deviates from the
approved Plan. Should this occur, the review and approval of the proposed change to
the Comprehensive Shopping Center Sign Plan by the Planning Commission shall
conform with all the requirements of this Ordinance.
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EXHIBIT B DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be added or amended. All other definitions shall remain unchanged.
170-70 Definitions:
For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms or words herein shall be interpreted as follows:
…………
COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE PLAN. A series of scaled drawings diagrams that indicate the
location, size, and types of signage, including signage materials, color scheme, illumination and
graphics that will be used within a Shopping Center.
SHOPPING CENTER. A complex of three (3) or more commercial establishments, located
proximately with at least 20,000sf of building surface area, consisting of a minimum of two (2) or
more freestanding buildings utilizing shared entrance(s) and parking.
SIGN. A structure or device designed or intended to convey information to the public in written or
pictorial form. For the purposes of this definition, the term "sign" shall not include scoreboards. More
specific sign definitions are given below. [Amended 3-7-2019 by Ord. No. 01-2018;4 6-6-2019 by Ord.
No. 07-2019]
A. AWNING SIGN. A sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other protective
cover over a door, window or entrance.
B. BANNER. A sign of a temporary nature, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or
ornamentation applied to a paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind intended to be hung with or
without frames. National flags, flags of political subdivisions, and other such flags shall not
be considered banners.
C. BULLETIN BOARD. A changeable copy sign, which identifies and announces schedules or
other activities.
D. DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign, located on premises, directing traffic movement onto or
within the premises and containing no advertising material, including signs marking
entrances and exits, parking area, loading zones, or circulation direction.
E. DIRECTORY SIGN. A sign which displays the names and locations of occupants or the use
of a building.
F. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER (EMC). An electrically activated changeable sign
whose variable message and/or graphic presentation capability can be electronically
programmed from a remote location or automatic means. Also known as an "EMC." EMCs
typically use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a lighting source.
G. EXTERNAL ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign that is illuminated by an external light source.
H. FLUTTERING OR FEATHER SIGN. A vertical portable sign made of lightweight material
that is prone to move in the wind and that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff driven into
the ground for support or supported by means of an individual stand. It includes such signs of
any shape, including flutter, bow, teardrop, rectangular, shark, feather, and U-shaped. (See
figure below.)
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I. FREESTANDING SIGN. A self-supporting sign resting on or supported by two or more
elements in a fixed location or any other type of base on the ground. Freestanding signs
include, but are not limited to, ground signs and monument signs.
J. ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or
externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
K. INTERNAL ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign that is illuminated by a light source contained
within the sign structure or housing.
L. PLACARD/EASEL SIGN. A freestanding sign usually hinged at the top, or attached in a
manner, and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter "A." Such signs are
usually designed to be portable.
M. PROJECTING SIGN. A sign, perpendicular to the facade other than a wall sign, which
projects from a structure or building face.
N. SHOPPING CENTER SIGN. A Freestanding sign that displays the various tenants of a
Shopping Center as a whole, usually located near the entrance to the property or properties
associated being unified by the shared entrance.
O. SIGN AREA. The surface area of a sign shall be calculated as including the entire area within
a regular geometric form or combinations of regular geometric forms comprising all of the
display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed. Frames and
structural members not bearing advertising material shall not be included in the calculation of
surface area.
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P. TEMPORARY SIGN. A banner, poster or advertising display of a transitory or temporary
nature intended to display commercial or noncommercial messages.
Q. WALL/FLAT SIGN. A sign painted on or affixed to and mounted parallel to a building facade
or wall in such a manner that the facade or wall becomes the supporting structure for the sign
and which has only one sign surface.
R. WINDOW SIGN. A sign installed on the inside or outside of a window, which is visible from
the sidewalk or street.
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EXHIBIT C CHAPTER 170 ATTACHMENT 9 TABLE 3
SEE ATTACHED
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EXHIBIT D DESIGN STANDARDS CHAPTER 5
SEE ATTACHED
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