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Planners delay vote on county political sign rules after ACLU concerns and state regulations reviewed
Summary
Staff recommended allowing campaign signs in all zoning districts with restrictions on public rights-of-way and attachment to public structures; commissioners tabled the decision to seek legal guidance and a broader work session involving the county attorney.
St. Mary's County planning staff recommended updating sign regulations to allow political campaign signs in all zoning districts while respecting state regulations and prohibiting signs in public rights‑of‑way. Commissioners deferred a final decision on Oct. 26, 2009, and asked staff to arrange a work session with the county attorney and other stakeholders.
The matter matters because sign regulations touch First Amendment free‑speech protections as well as local traffic and safety rules along state roads.
Yvonne Chalet, planning staff, summarized outreach after a public hearing and follow‑up with neighboring jurisdictions and agencies. Chalet told the commission that the State Highway Administration maintains regulations that limit…
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