The St. Mary's County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a zoning text amendment to allow off-site directional signs for the sale of improved residential property, with several restrictions and a sunset date.

The commission's recommendation would let a listing agent post up to three off-site directional signs within five miles of the listed property, require the sign to include the property's address, and require removal no later than seven days after expiration of the listing agreement or the date of a bona fide contract of sale. Commissioners also substituted the term "directional signs" for broader "advertising," added a sunset date for the allowance, and expressed concern about long-term policing and removal of signs left in rights-of-way.

The commission's action followed review of written public comment received during an opened record period; most commentators supported the amendment except for one business owner who opposed it and several commissioners who raised concerns about sign proliferation on state road rights-of-way. Commissioners discussed limiting the sign height, clarifying the definition of who may place the signs (real estate agent/for-sale-by-owner), and ensuring the measure would not unfairly advantage one business sector over others. Several commissioners said they were willing to approve limited, temporary relief given the economic conditions affecting home sales.

A motion to approve the amendment as drafted in the staff report, with substitution of "directional" for "advertising," was made by Commissioner McNeil and seconded by Commissioner Siebert. The motion passed; the transcript records two members opposing the recommendation and the chair directed staff to schedule a public hearing before the County Commissioners.

The commission also discussed whether the sunset date could be amended later; county counsel confirmed that the sign ordinance and any sunset date could be revised as part of a comprehensive sign ordinance amendment. The commission noted the need for a future comprehensive review of county sign rules so permanent policy could address broader concerns about sign proliferation and enforcement.

The commission's favorable recommendation and the staff report will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for a public hearing and decision.