# Sign Regulations in Brunswick, Maryland

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Brunswick, Maryland, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Brunswick, Maryland (MD)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/maryland/brunswick
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-07
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/MD/Brunswick/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=CD_ORD_CH3PRRETA_ART5SIWIPURI-W)

## At a glance

Brunswick, Maryland regulates 14 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Temporary Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 4 ft tall and 6 sq ft (Sec. Section 3-5105, Table; Section 3-5109). Most commercial signs in Brunswick require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (3 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Brunswick Main Street boundary | 2 | — | 9 sq ft (1,296 sq in) | — |
| Historical District | 2 | — | 9 sq ft (1,296 sq in) | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | 25 ft (attached only) | 75 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements

### Brunswick Main Street boundary

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Projecting Sign | — | 9 sq ft (1,296 sq in) | — | — | — | Must be installed so the top of the sign is in line with the bottom of the second story window on multi-story buildings. | — | Section 3-5107(B)(1)-(4), (C) |
| Flat Sign | — | 9 sq ft (1,296 sq in) | — | — | — | Not above the bottom of the second floor window; must not cover any part of any window. | — | Section 3-5107(B)(1)-(5), (C) |

### Historical District

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Projecting Sign | — | 9 sq ft (1,296 sq in) | — | — | — | On multi-story buildings, the top must be in line with bottom of second story window. | — | Section 3-5107 (applies to Main Street boundary which is within or overlaps the Historical District) |
| Flat Sign | — | 9 sq ft (1,296 sq in) | — | — | — | Below the bottom of the second floor window. | — | Section 3-5107 (Main Street boundary, within or overlaps the Historical District) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Real Estate Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Section 3-5105, Table |
| Subdivision Sign (Until all properties sold) | 8 ft | 75 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Section 3-5105, Table |
| Subdivision Identification Sign | 8 ft | 20 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Section 3-5105, Table |
| Contractor Sign (Until project complete) | 8 ft | 24 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Section 3-5105, Table |
| Identification Sign for Public or Non-profit Organization | 8 ft | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Section 3-5105, Table |
| Home Occupation Sign | 4 ft | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | Section 3-5105, Table |
| Industrial Park Park Identification Sign | 8 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | — | Entrance | — | Section 3-5105, Table |
| Temporary Sign | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | 4 in public right-of-way | — | — | Section 3-5105, Table; Section 3-5109 |

## Prohibited signs in Brunswick

- No sign shall be erected in the public right-of-way in any district unless in compliance with this Article 5.
- Existing signs shall not be altered or moved unless in compliance with this Article 5.
- No signs shall be attached to utility poles, traffic signal poles, or traffic control posts/signs.
- Signs, flags or banners attached to a building shall not project more than 36 inches from the face of the building and shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet above the ground/sidewalk.
- All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition and shall comply with all applicable provisions of the Frederick County Building Code.
- Signs may not be located within the public right-of-way without a license agreement acceptable to the Mayor and Council.
- No signs shall be located on any part of the roof structure.
- The following types of signs are prohibited in all districts: Billboards, Variable message signs (except city informational signs), Portable trailer signs (except city informational signs), Marquee signs, Animated signs, Signs located anywhere other than on the property or structure to which it directs attention or is appurtenant, Signs outlining buildings with neon or other lights, Signs attached to trees, fences, public utility poles, rocks, curbstones, sidewalks, lamp posts, hydrants, bridges, highway markers, or another sign (except as required by law), Illuminated signs which reflect or cast glare on any public roadway or adjacent property, Signs resembling traffic signals or warning devices, Signs with blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or changing intensity/color, Signs with exposed reflective bulbs, strobe lights or incandescent lamps (over 15 watts) on the exterior surface facing public street or adjacent property, Any sign advertising a business or product no longer conducted or sold on the property.

## Signs exempt from permit in Brunswick

- Signs required by law, placed by a duly authorized governmental agency, or placed not as an advertisement but as a warning against hunting, fishing, or trespassing, or not visible from any highway, are exempt from the prohibition on attachment to trees, fences, public utility poles, rocks, curbstones, sidewalks, lamp posts, hydrants, bridges, highway markers, or other signs.
- Legal nonconforming signs existing prior to the ordinance enactment are allowed to continue, subject to restrictions in Section 3-5110.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A zoning certificate and building permit are required for the erection of new signs or for the alteration of size, height or location of existing signs.
- If site plans are required to be reviewed by the Planning Commission, they shall include the location, height, size, and design of all signs to be located at the site.
- The Planning and Zoning Department may require a scaled sketch plan for zoning certificate applications, showing all pertinent features and proposed location of the sign.
- Signs may not be located within the public right-of-way without a license agreement acceptable to the Mayor and Council.

## Full detail

Complete sign requirements for Brunswick, including every field PermitPal tracks for each sign type, are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Brunswick+MD&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-brunswick

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