Commissioners send political-sign rule change to planning commission after court ruling prompts removal of time limits

The St. Mary's County Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 1 directed staff to forward a proposed text amendment to the county zoning ordinance that removes durational limits on political campaign signs and send it to the Planning Commission for a public hearing.

Yvonne Chelly, zoning administrator, told the board the change follows a 2008 federal decision, Bell v. Baltimore County, in which a court found that time limits on political-sign display violated the First Amendment. Chelly said the proposed amendment would strip time-based restrictions (for example, limiting signs to being displayed only a certain number of days before or after elections) while continuing to regulate size (current maximum 32 square feet), location (no signs affixed to public structures), and public rights-of-way.

Commissioners debated whether to adopt a narrower size limit for residential yards and whether enforcement of existing sign rules might be part of the solution. County staff said inspections will provide a report on historical sign enforcement practices and challenges; Commissioner Railey and others asked that the change go through the full planning-commission process so the public can comment.

The board voted to send the amendment to the Planning Commission for review and public hearing. The motion was moved by Commissioner Railey and seconded by Commissioner Jarbo; the board voted "Aye" and the motion carried.

Ending: Staff said it will convene enforcement and ordinance data and return with recommendations; commissioners asked that a broader sign-code review be considered after staff analysis.

Sources and attribution: Yvonne Chelly, Zoning Administrator, Department of Land Use and Growth Management; Derek Burrage, staff; Board of County Commissioners (Jack Russell, Daniel H. Railey, Lawrence Jarbo).