Commission continues lengthy review of proposed sign ordinance; electronic messaging centers and exemptions draw debate

The Chesapeake Beach Planning & Zoning Commission continued a detailed review of proposed changes to the town’s sign ordinance on Feb. 26, focusing on exemptions, electronic messaging centers (EMCs), and illumination. Commissioners asked staff to refine draft language and return at a future meeting; the group did not adopt final ordinance language on signage at this session.

Planner Miss Franklin led the presentation and said the draft exemptions are largely standard but raised several points for the commission to decide, including whether to limit exempt, small on‑premises signs by number or by aggregate area. The draft currently reads that on‑premises signs under 4 square feet are exempt provided the total area of all such signs does not exceed 10% of the building face or 100 square feet, whichever is less. Commissioners said a 100‑square‑foot aggregate exemption could be large on some buildings and suggested instead limiting the number of small, exempt signs per face or per building.

Franklin explained rules for several categories in the draft: - Exempt small on‑premises signs: typically under 4 sq ft; draft limits aggregate area to 10% of the building face or 100 sq ft (whichever is less). - Neon/open signs: one 'open' neon sign per business exempt if not greater than 4 sq ft and meeting illumination limits set out in the illumination section. - Window signage:…