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ordinance 04-2023 - electronic signs

Ordinance August 17, 2023 · 9 page(s)

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TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE
ORDINANCE NO 04-2023
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 ALLOW ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTERS AS A
PERMITTED USE FOR GOVERNMENTAL AND INSTITUTIONAL USES IN SPECIFIED
NON-RESIDENTIAL ZONES AND SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SUCH
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 allow
Electronic Message Centers (EMCs) in non-residentially zoned areas outside of the Central Business
District where the same or a more intense zoning exists across the street subject to compliance with
the additional standards contained herein;
WHEREAS, by Ordinance 01-2018, the Town Council previously prohibited all new EMCs and
made the four existing EMCs at the time non-conforming signs subject to operational standards for
the EMCs;
WHEREAS, if the four existing EMCs do not conform to the zoning standards for EMCs, then they
would continue to be non-conforming signs and regardless of their conforming or non-conforming
status would be subject to the standards contained in § 170-38.E(3) and Table 4 (Attachment 10 to the
Zoning Ordinance);
WHEREAS, the Town of Centreville Development Design Standards which are included as
Attachment 6 to the Centreville Zoning Provisions contained in Chapter 170 of the Town of
Centreville Code are also amended accordingly;
WHEREAS, the Town Council received a favorable 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.F of the Centreville Town Code, SUPPLEMENTAL ZONING
REGULATIONS, Signs, Prohibited signs is hereby amended so EMCs may be allowed in certain
non-residential zones:
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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 subject to the supplemental
standards contained in § 170-38.E(3) and 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 the existing
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 fade in or fade out.
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-user
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.
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(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text)
Section 3. Section 170-38.E of the Centreville Town Code, SUPPLEMENTAL ZONING
REGULATIONS, Signs, Supplemental standards for sign types is hereby amended so EMCs may be
allowed in certain non-residential zones.
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) 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 fade in or fade
out.
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-user 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.
Ord-04-2023-Electronic Signs Pa g e | 3

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.
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text)
Section 4. Table 3 (General Commercial C-2, Intense Commercial C-3, Planned Business District
(PBD) and Light Industrial (I) Sign types and Dimensional Regulations by Zoning District –
Attachment 9 to Chapter 170 Zoning) and Table 4 (Governmental and Institutional Uses in All
Zoning Districts Sign Types and Dimensional Regulations – Attachment 10 to Chapter 170 Zoning)
are hereby amended to read as shown on the attached Exhibits A and B.
(New language is highlighted)
Section 5. Section 5.A.6 of the Town of Centreville Development Design Standards which are
Attachment 6 to the Centreville Zoning Provisions which are Chapter 170 of the Centreville Town
Code are hereby amended as follows:
6. Prohibited
 Including, but not limited to: portable signs, inflatable signs, kites or other unattended flying
device which are meant to advertise or identify a specific business, product, or event.
 Temporary or portable signs with changeable letters and numbers and portable trailer signs
with changeable text panels, unless otherwise permitted.
 Digital electronic signs of any kind, except for governmental and institutional uses in non-
residential zoning districts and subject to operational and other supplemental standards as
contained in the Zoning Ordinance.
 Revolving signs
 Pole mounted signs
 Roof signs
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text)
Section 6. Section 170-70 Definitions is hereby amended to add a definition for Institutional use.
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INSTITUTIONAL USE. The use of land, buildings or other structures for some public or social
purpose but not for a commercial use or for a commercial purpose, including but not limited to
schools, churches, community organizations and non-profit agencies.
(Language to be deleted from the existing Ordinance is indicated in strikethrough format and
language to added is indicated by bold italics text)
Section 7. 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 8. This Ordinance shall become effective twenty days after its enactment.
ATTEST: THE TOWN COUNCIL OF CENTREVILLE
Carolyn M. Brinkley Steven K. Kline, President
Town Clerk
First Reading: Ashley H. Kaiser, Esq., Vice President
Second Reading:
Enacted:
Effective:
(21st calendar day after enactment) Eric B. Johnson, Jr., Member
Daniel B. Worth, Member
Jim A. Beauchamp, Member
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TABLE 3 -- GENERAL COMMERCIAL C-2, INTENSE COMMERCIAL C-3, PLANNED BUSINESS DISTRICT (PBD), AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (I)
EXHIBIT A
SIGN TYPES AND DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS BY ZONING DISTRICT
Zoning DistrictSign Types Number of Signs Signage Area Maximum Maximum Illumination Other Provisions
Permitted Allowed Detemination Signage Area for Height Permitted Refer to Table Notes
each sign type
limited by max
signage area (only internal or Not less than 7 feet
Awning
signage part of external vertically
awning)
1 per lot with front yard,
limited by max internal or See Table 4 for EMCs for
Free Standing 2 per corner lot (1 ea. max 24 sq ft 6 ft
signage area external governmental and
Frontage)
institutional uses
can't extend more than
General 30 in. from front & can
min. height
Commercial (C- limited by max internal or only advertise business
Projecting 10 sq ft 7 ft max
2), Intense signage area external conducted in building
height 15 ft
Commercial (C- attached (DG can't
3), Planned exceed 6 in. thick, corner
Business lots may have one facing
District (PBD), each street)
32 sq ft per sign
and Light
limited by max internal or
Industrial (I) Wall/Flat total less than Can't project more than
signage area external
100 sq ft 18 in
cumulatively Includes any sign
cannot exceed viewable through
internal or
Window 25% on first floor window even if space
external
and 10% above between window and
first floor sign.
Must not impede foot
Placard or
1 per front footage 6 sq ft 5 ft
traffic and must be
easel type
removed daily

TABLE 3 -- GENERAL COMMERCIAL C-2, INTENSE COMMERCIAL C-3, PLANNED BUSINESS DISTRICT (PBD), AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL (I)
SIGN TYPES AND DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS BY ZONING DISTRICT
1 exterior directory per internal or
2 sq ft per tenant 10 sq ft
building entrance external
Other
1 fluttering or feather
Must be removed daily
sign per business
Maximum total signage per property shall be 1 sq ft/linear ft of building frontage.
Window signs and placard/easel signs shall not count towards maximum sign limit.
Bulletin boards can be included in free standing, projecting, or wall/flat

TABLE 4 -- GOVERNMENTAL AND INSTITUTIONAL USES IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS EXHIBIT B
SIGN TYPES AND DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS
Zoning District Sign Types Number of Signs Signage Area Maximum Signage Maximum Illumination Other Provisions
Permitted Allowed Detemination Area Height Permitted Refer to Table Notes
limited by max
40 sq ft (for all
signage area (only internal or Not less than 7 feet
Awning tenants, all
signage part of external * vertically
signage)
awning)
limited by max internal or
Bulletin Board 6 sq ft
signage area external *
1 freestanding or
limited by max internal or
Free Standing freestanding directory 40 sq ft each face 8 ft
signage area external *
per lot or parcel
limited by max 32 sq ft per sign internal or Can't project more than
Wall/Flat
signage area total less than 100 external * 18 in
All Zoning
sq ft
Districts
cumulatively Includes any sign
cannot exceed viewable through
Window 25% on first floor window even if space
and 10% above between window and
first floor sign.
Can't extend more than
min. height 7 30 in. from front & can
limited by max internal or
Projecting 10 sq ft ft max only advertise business
signage area external *
height 15 ft conducted in building
attached
Must not impede foot
Placard or easel
1 per front footage 6 sq ft 5 ft traffic and must be
type
removed daily

TABLE 4 -- GOVERNMENTAL AND INSTITUTIONAL USES IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
SIGN TYPES AND DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS
Other
1 exterior directory per internal or
2 sq ft per tenant 10 sq ft
building entrance external *
the EMC part of only along State roads
In Non limited by the freestanding where the same or more
Electronic 1 as part of an
Residential maximum signage sign shall be less already intense zoning exists
Message otherwise permitted 8 ft
Zoning for freestanding than 70% of the illuminated across the State road
Center (EMC)** freestanding sign
Districts Only sign permitted sign (excluding the Central
(not including area Business District)
CBD)
Maximum total signage per property shall be 1 sq ft/linear ft of building frontage.
Window signs, bulletin boards, and placard/easel signs shall not count towards maximum sign limit.
* Only external illumination permitted in all residential districts and CBD.
Internal or external illumination is permitted in all commercial and industrial districts
**EMCs are subject to the supplemental standards contained in § 170-38.E.3