# Sign Regulations in Colmar Manor, Maryland

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Colmar Manor, Maryland (MD)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/maryland/colmar-manor
- **Data last verified:** 2026-04-27
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://online.encodeplus.com/regs/princegeorgescounty-md/doc-viewer.aspx?secid=760&keywords=61505%2Cnn61505#secid-755)

## At a glance

Colmar Manor, Maryland regulates 37 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Residential Gateway Sign (Subdivision Monument)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft above established grade tall and 12 sq ft, with a Set back to maintain 500-ft unobstructed sight lines in all directions setback (Sec. Sec. 27-61506(b)). Most commercial signs in Colmar Manor require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (8 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 20 | Up to 45 ft above finished grade (or 45 ft above pavement if oriented to elevated street); DPIE Director may allow up to 55 ft above grade or 50 ft above abutting elevated street pavement if criteria met | Digital display area up to 675 sq ft | — |
| Rural and Agricultural Zones and Residential Base and PD Zones (ROS, AG, AR; RE, RR, RSF-95, RSF-65, RSF-A, RMF-12, RMF-20, RMF-48; R-PD) | 8 | 50 ft if adjacent to an expressway (e.g., Capital Beltway or I-95); otherwise 25 ft | Total canopy sign area in a development shall not exceed 200 sq ft | — |
| IE and IE-PD Zones | 9 | Sign height (from base to top): 18 inches | Total canopy sign area per development ≤200 sq ft | — |
| CN Zone | 8 | 5 ft | Total canopy sign area per development ≤200 sq ft | — |
| CS, CGO, and IH Base Zones | 12 | 50 ft if adjacent to an expressway (e.g., Capital Beltway); otherwise 25 ft | Up to 400 sq ft total (site cap) | — |
| Transit-Oriented/Activity Center Base and PD Zones and MU-PD Zone (NAC, TAC, LTO, RTO-L, RTO-H; NAC-PD, TAC-PD, LTO-PD, RTO-PD; MU-PD) | 8 | 5 ft | Total canopy sign area per development ≤200 sq ft | — |
| Nonresidential zones | 3 | 10 ft above established grade | ≤25% of the gross window glass area on any one side of a building | — |
| Commercial zones | 1 | — | No area cap from Table 27-61505 applies | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 8 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Residential Gateway Sign (Subdivision Monument) | 6 ft above established grade | 12 sq ft | — | Set back to maintain 500-ft unobstructed sight lines in all directions | 1 per subdivision | At the entrance to the single-family residential subdivision; set back to maintain unobstructed lines of vision for 500 ft in all directions of travel | — | Sec. 27-61506(b) |
| Gateway Sign for Businesses or Professional Offices (Monument) | 8 ft above established grade | 100 sq ft | — | Set back to maintain 500-ft unobstructed sight lines in all directions | 1 per building complex | At the entrance to the site; setback sufficient to maintain unobstructed lines of vision for 500 ft in all directions of travel | — | Sec. 27-61506(c) |
| Institutional Sign (Community Service/Educational/Health Care Uses) | 8 ft above finished grade at base | 48 sq ft (per sign) | — | 15 ft minimum from adjoining land in any Rural and Agricultural or Residential base zone (or land proposed for residential) | 1 per street frontage | Must face street frontage | — | Sec. 27-61506(e) |
| Digital Billboard | Up to 45 ft above finished grade (or 45 ft above pavement if oriented to elevated street); DPIE Director may allow up to 55 ft above grade or 50 ft above abutting elevated street pavement if criteria met | Digital display area up to 675 sq ft | — | Front 10 ft min; Side 5 ft min | — | In place of a nonconforming billboard; subject to spacing and roadway classification standards | — | Sec. 27-61506(g) |
| Country Inn Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | At least 5 ft behind the street line | 1 per country inn | Anywhere on the premises | — | Sec. 27-61506(h) |
| Sand and Gravel Wet-Processing and Surface Mining Sign | 4 to 8 ft above finished grade of the improved street if viewed from a public street | 9 to 16 sq ft | — | — | Based on street frontage or access easement | On site; conspicuous and legible; If no public street frontage: one sign within the ROW/easement providing vehicular access | — | Sec. 27-61506(i) |
| Produce Stand (Farm Products) Sign | — | 48 sq ft | — | 10 ft behind street line; 50 ft from nearest corner of any street intersection | 1 per street frontage | At least 10 ft behind the street line and at least 50 ft from the nearest corner of any street intersection | — | Sec. 27-61506(j) |
| Temporary Real Estate Directional Sign | 15 ft above finished grade at base | 50 sq ft | — | 15 ft from public street; 150 ft from nearest curb intersection | Up to 4 per project | Within 4 street miles of the project | — | Sec. 27-61507(c) |

### IE and IE-PD Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building Wall or Roof Sign | Sign height (from base to top): 18 inches | 80 sq ft | — | — | — | Allowed only on the front wall of the building in a signage band at least 10 ft and not more than 14 ft above the ground | — | Table 27-61505 (IE/IE-PD – Building Wall or Roof Sign); Sec. 27-61504(a), (c) |
| Canopy Sign (10–30 ft from street line) – All buildings | — | Total canopy sign area per development ≤200 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft behind street line | — | Minimum 10 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Canopy Sign) |
| Canopy Sign (≥30 ft behind street line) – One-story or single use building; or within shopping/industrial center/office complex | — | At least 60 sq ft allowed; total canopy sign area per development ≤400 sq ft | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Canopy Sign) |
| Canopy Sign (≥30 ft behind street line) – One-story building housing at least two uses | — | At least 60 sq ft allowed; total canopy sign area per development ≤400 sq ft | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Canopy Sign) |
| Canopy Sign (≥30 ft behind street line) – Two- or three-story building housing two different uses | — | At least 60 sq ft allowed; total canopy sign area per development ≤400 sq ft | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Canopy Sign) |
| Canopy Sign (≥30 ft behind street line) – Four-story or taller building housing two different uses | — | At least 60 sq ft allowed; total canopy sign area per development ≤400 sq ft | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Canopy Sign) |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-residential uses only) | At or below lowest point of building roof | — | — | ≥10 ft behind street line | As stated | On same parcel as use; at least 10 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Freestanding Sign – IE/IE-PD); Notes (3), (4); Sec. 27-61504(c)(1)(C) |
| Sandwich Board or Easel Sign (Exempt) | 5 ft | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building or per tenant | Adjacent to the main entrance to the business it serves | — | Sec. 27-61502(c)(10) |

### CS, CGO, and IH Base Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Building Wall or Roof Sign – One-story or Single-use Building | — | Up to 400 sq ft total (site cap) | — | For non-residential uses, building set back ≥10 ft from adjoining ROW | — | No requirement for any residential use. For all other uses: allowed on any wall if building is set back at least 10 ft from adjoining ROW; no more than 50% of sign area on a side wall. | — | Table 27-61505 (CS/CGO/IH – Wall/Roof Sign Area and Location/Height); Sec. 27-61504(a), (c) |
| Building Wall or Roof Sign – Two- or Three-story Building | — | Up to 400 sq ft total (site cap) | — | Building set back ≥10 ft (non-residential uses) | — | As above (any wall if building set back ≥10 ft; ≤50% area on side wall). | — | Table 27-61505 (CS/CGO/IH – Wall/Roof Sign Area) |
| Building Wall or Roof Sign – Four stories or higher | — | Up to 400 sq ft total (site cap) | — | Building set back ≥10 ft (non-residential uses) | — | As above (any wall if building set back ≥10 ft; ≤50% area on side wall). | — | Table 27-61505 (CS/CGO/IH – Wall/Roof Sign Area) |
| Canopy Sign (10–30 ft from street line) – All buildings | — | Total canopy sign area per development ≤200 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft behind street line | — | Minimum 10 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Canopy Sign); Note (2) |
| Canopy Sign (≥30 ft behind street line) – One-story or single use building; or within shopping/industrial center/office complex | — | At least 60 sq ft allowed; total canopy sign area per development ≤400 sq ft | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | ≥30 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Canopy Sign) |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-residential uses only) – Shopping/Commercial/Industrial/Office center or building within center | 50 ft if adjacent to an expressway (e.g., Capital Beltway); otherwise 25 ft | 200 sq ft per sign | — | ≥10 ft behind street line | As stated | On same parcel as use; at least 10 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Freestanding Sign – CS/CGO/IH); Notes (3), (4); Sec. 27-61504(c)(1)(C) |
| Freestanding Sign (Non-residential uses only) – All other buildings | 50 ft if adjacent to an expressway; otherwise 25 ft | 200 sq ft per sign | — | ≥10 ft behind street line | As stated | On same parcel as use; at least 10 ft behind street line | — | Table 27-61505 (Freestanding Sign – CS/CGO/IH); Notes (3), (4) |
| Sandwich Board or Easel Sign (Exempt) | 5 ft | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building or per tenant | Adjacent to main entrance | — | Sec. 27-61502(c)(10) |

## Prohibited signs in Colmar Manor

- Erecting, installing, constructing, altering, or moving a sign without complying with Section 27-61500 and, unless exempt, without an approved Sign Permit (27-61502(a)(1))
- Signs located in any manner or place so as to constitute a hazard to traffic (27-61503(a))
- Signs that obstruct the view of traffic control devices (27-61503(b))
- Any moving signs or devices that attract attention, all or any part of which moves by any means (including floating, fluttering, flashing with intermittent lights, rotating, or otherwise moving devices), such as pennants, flags, propellers, balloons, or discs (27-61503(c))
- Signs emitting sound and/or smoke to attract attention (27-61503(d))
- Signs which are not clean, legible, or in a state of good repair (27-61503(e))
- Signs or sign structures that are no longer in use, effaced, or otherwise obsolete (27-61503(f))
- Signs which are illegal under State or Federal laws or regulations (27-61503(g))
- Any permanent illuminated tubing or strings of lights outlining property lines, open sales areas, rooflines, doors, windows, edges of any building, and fencing (27-61503(h))
- Signs that obstruct or substantially interfere with any door, fire escape, stairway, ladder, or opening intended to provide light, air, ingress, or egress for any building (27-61503(i))
- Signs that are copies or imitations of an official sign or purport to have official status (27-61503(j))
- Signs advertising a business no longer on the premises, or advertising products no longer stocked or sold on the premises; such signs must be removed within 30 days of the date the business or sale of the products ceases (27-61503(k))
- Portable signs, including signs painted on or displayed on vehicles or trailers placed or parked primarily for advertising a business, except as allowed for sandwich board/easel signs in 27-61502(c)(10); does not include signs on vehicles used solely for transportation, service, or delivery identification (27-61503(l))
- Signs projecting from a structure housing a gasoline pump, service appliance, or vending machine (27-61503(m))
- Outdoor advertising signs (billboards), except digital billboards and certified nonconforming outdoor advertising signs (27-61503(n))
- Signs that revolve (27-61503(o))
- Signs having a revolving device that causes intermittent flashes of light to be projected (27-61503(p))
- Animated sign illumination is prohibited, except limited static changes for time/temperature/stock or similar information under 27-61504(a)(2)(B) (27-61504(a)(2)(A))
- Permanent signs shall not be made of plywood, corrugated plastic sheets, cardboard, paper, cloth, vinyl banners, or other similar materials (27-61504(b))
- Digital displays must be static only; no animation, movement, optical illusion of movement, flashing, or varying light intensity (27-61504(c)(2)(A))

## Signs exempt from permit in Colmar Manor

- In addition to Section 27-6103 General Exemptions (not reproduced here), the following are exempt from the standards of this Section and do not require a sign permit (27-61502(b)):
- County, municipal, State, and Federal traffic, crime prevention, public safety and health, or directional signs (27-61502(b)(1))
- The display of street addresses (27-61502(b)(2))
- Signs forming an integral part of a gasoline pump (27-61502(b)(3))
- Service appliance or vending machine signs that do not project beyond the casing or structural housing (27-61502(b)(4))
- Signs located within a building, enclosed shopping center, industrial center, or residential/group living development, and not readily visible from outside these developments (27-61502(b)(5))
- Historical markers, monuments, or signs erected by a public authority (27-61502(b)(6))
- Official notices or advertisements posted/displayed by or under the direction of any court official in the performance of duties (27-61502(b)(7))
- Signs denoting the location of underground utilities (27-61502(b)(8))
- Temporary signs advertising County- or municipal-sponsored events (27-61502(b)(9))
- Warning signs affixed to tree protection fencing (27-61502(b)(10))
- Flags or emblems of any political unit, government, civic, educational, or religious organization (27-61502(b)(11))
- Exempt from sign permits but subject to all standards of this Section (27-61502(c)):
- Noncommercial signs erected by/order of a County or municipal public official or agency in performance of duty (e.g., safety, traffic control, historical interest, names/locations of cities/towns/villages) (27-61502(c)(1))
- Temporary real estate directional signs not in the right-of-way meeting size, height, placement, number, authorization, and 6-month removal limits (27-61502(c)(2))
- Temporary real estate directional signs within County street rights-of-way meeting corner placement, size, height, number, timing (Fri 5 pm to Sun 5 pm), one-per-direction limits, and subject to removal if deemed a hazard (27-61502(c)(3))
- Temporary real estate signs and construction identification signs up to 6 sq ft, on the property advertised, one per street frontage (27-61502(c)(4))
- Temporary signs for events of places of worship, libraries, schools, hospitals, fire stations, community centers, day care centers, fraternal/civic groups or similar, up to 4 sq ft, on private property, posted no more than 5 days prior and removed within 2 days after the event (27-61502(c)(5))
- Temporary yard sale signage (27-61502(c)(6))
- Changing bills/acts on permitted theater frames and changing copy on any changeable copy sign (27-61502(c)(7))
- Painted window signs identifying occupants in Nonresidential and Transit-Oriented/Activity Center base and PD zones covering no more than 25% of window area per side of building (27-61502(c)(8))
- Temporary interior window signs indicating products/services in Commercial and Transit-Oriented/Activity Center base and PD zones, not flashing/blinking/scrolling/waving/fluttering/floating (27-61502(c)(9))
- Sandwich board or easel signs in Nonresidential and Transit-Oriented/Activity Center base and PD zones meeting limits on number (one per building/tenant), area (max 8 sq ft), height (max 5 ft), not affixed, adjacent to main entrance, not obstructing pedestrians, displayed only during business hours (27-61502(c)(10))
- Internal traffic signs indicating directions/entrances/exits, up to 12 sq ft (27-61502(c)(11))
- Temporary string lighting and displays for customary holidays and civic events meeting location, duration (max 45 days per event), mounting (buildings/landscaping only), and non-strobing/blinking at less than 30-second intervals (27-61502(c)(12))
- Municipal club-sponsored signs, schedules of events, rules and regulations, and school and parking signs (27-61502(c)(13))
- Signs at each gas pump island displaying brand/emblem/grade and related signage, aggregate per island not exceeding 6 sq ft (27-61502(c)(14))
- Signage directly affixed to the interior or exterior face of windows (other than flashing/blinking/scrolling/waving/fluttering/floating) up to 20% of the window area (27-61502(c)(15))
- Political campaign signs located at least 10 ft behind the street line and 50 ft from intersection corners, erected no more than 45 days before the election, and removed within 10 days after the general election or, if unsuccessful, within 10 days after the primary (27-61502(c)(16))

## Sign plan & submission notes

- No master sign plan or sign plan requirement is specified in the provided Section 27-61500 text.
- A Sign Permit is required for any sign unless exempted under 27-61502(b) or 27-61502(c) (27-61502(a)(1)).
- Digital billboard applications require an informational mailing at least 30 days before the application is determined complete to adjoining property owners (including across streets/alleys/streams), every municipality within one mile, and registered associations for the area; lack of mailing to an entitled person cannot invalidate final action once accepted for processing (27-61506(g)(13)).

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 8 zoning districts in Colmar Manor — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Colmar+Manor+MD&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-colmar-manor

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