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Baltimore County DRP approves backlit Farmers and Merchants Bank wall sign for 22 West Pennsylvania Ave., Towson
Summary
On April 9, 2025, the Baltimore County Design Review Panel approved an internally illuminated enterprise wall sign for Farmers and Merchants Bank at 22 West Pennsylvania Avenue in Towson, finding the size and placement compatible with the facade and county zoning rules.
The Baltimore County Design Review Panel voted April 9 to approve an internally illuminated wall sign for Farmers and Merchants Bank at 22 West Pennsylvania Avenue in Towson.
Panel members and county planning staff said the proposed sign fits the building’s facade and complies with county sign rules used as guidance for downtown Towson reviews.
The applicant presented drawings and photographs showing an enterprise wall sign to be installed on the east elevation directly below the existing address sign. The presenter said the sign measures 5.5 feet tall by 12.4 feet wide for a total area of 68.2 square feet and described the materials and lighting during the panel’s review. Martha, Department of Planning staff, told the panel that Baltimore County zoning regulation section 4-50 limits a single enterprise wall-mounted sign to 150 square feet and allows up to three enterprise signs per premises (no more than two on any single facade), and she asked the panel to consider those limits in its recommendation.
Panel member Mr. Stevens said, "I find the signage very appropriate for the facade. It's within the 150 square feet, and it seems to be sized appropriately for the facade." Panel member Mr. Sala asked for additional detail about materials and lighting. The presenter said the sign uses 0.040-inch aluminum with a baked enamel finish and low-wattage LED illumination; when asked how it is lit the presenter said, "It's backlit." Panel members said the sign’s placement off to the side of the building limits its impact on the pedestrian realm and that the size is moderate for the Towson downtown context.
After discussion, Mr. Stevens moved to approve the sign as submitted along with the staff report; Mr. Sala seconded. The motion carried with all panel members present voting in favor. The panel’s recommendation is advisory; the Department of Planning and the hearing officer remain responsible for final regulatory determinations and may overturn the panel only if the recommendation constitutes an abuse of discretion or is unsupported by the record, as noted in the DRP’s opening statement read at the meeting.
Votes at a glance: The meeting recorded three formal motions. 1) Approval of the draft minutes of the March 12, 2025 DRP meeting — motion by Mr. Sala, second by Mr. Stevens; carried. 2) Approval of the Farmers and Merchants Bank signage at 22 West Pennsylvania Avenue as submitted, with the staff report as a condition — motion by Mr. Stevens, second by Mr. Sala; carried (unanimous among panel members present). 3) Motion to adjourn — carried.
The panel concluded the review with no public speakers signed up to comment. The Department of Planning will include the panel’s recommendations in the written record attached to the project file for subsequent review by the applicable county agencies and the hearing officer.
