Design Review Board legalizes two electronic message signs at La Plata Plaza North with conditions

The Design Review Board on June 11 approved a revised common sign plan to legalize two electronic messaging displays already installed at La Plata Plaza North Shopping Center, imposing conditions that the applicant obtain required building and electronic permits, secure written consent from the property owner and limit sign brightness.

The board acted after hearing from Michael Rrzymek, a consultant for Starlight Media, who said the company had previously installed similar displays at Rosewood Crossing and that the La Plata Plaza signs were already in place. "I apologize to the board because there was a confusion within Starlight that was caused by me," Rrzymek said, adding that the company turned the signs off once the problem was identified and had been working with staff to reach an agreement.

Board member Mudd objected to the pattern of installing signs without prior approval and urged firmer enforcement, saying she did not "agree with the ask for forgiveness versus asking for permission philosophy." Staff told the board that code enforcement had sent violation notices intended to encourage the applicant to file an application and that no fines had been assessed to date.

Under the conditions the board approved, the prior approved versions of the La Plata North Shopping Center sign plan will be voided and replaced by the new plan; the applicant must obtain all necessary permits before operating each sign; and the applicant must demonstrate to the director of planning that the lighting intensity of each electronic messaging board "shall not exceed an illumination intensity equal to 15 watts," consistent with La Plata community design guidelines. Staff also required written, signed consent from the property owner prior to issuance of permits.

The board voted to approve the common sign plan for La Plata Plaza North Shopping Center following the motion and second; the presiding official announced the plan had been approved. The applicant and property owner will need to complete permitting and demonstrate compliance with the illumination condition before signs may operate.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of La Plata Plaza North Shopping Center common sign plan (DRB 1-2025): Approved; conditions include required building/electronic permits, owner written consent and a 15-watt illumination cap. (Motion made and seconded; voice vote in favor.)

Context: The action legalized signs that were already installed and addressed concerns raised by board members about process and compliance. The applicant noted an earlier board approval of similar signs at Rosewood Crossing Shopping Center in September 2023 and said there had been no complaints at that site.