# Sign Regulations in Easton, Maryland

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Easton, Maryland (MD)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/maryland/easton
- **Data last verified:** 2025-12-04
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.eastonmd.gov/507/Article-XI-Sign-Regulations)

## At a glance

Easton, Maryland regulates 55 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (General)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at Top ≤ 10 ft above grade tall and ≤ 50 sq ft per side (general cap), except may be enlarged to ≤ 100 sq ft if set back ≥ 100 ft from property line., with a Minimum 10 ft from any property line; enlargement to ≤100 sq ft only if set back ≥100 ft from property line. setback (Sec. 28–1101.7 B.1, B.3; 28–1101.4 A.5; 28–1101.5 A.4). Most commercial signs in Easton require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (6 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 33 | Flagpoles ≤ 40 ft | Based on frontage formula; absolute cap: 200 sq ft (general prohibition). | — |
| Commercial Zones; Industrial Zones: CG, CL, BC, I, G/I, RH, MXW | 22 | Flagpoles ≤ 40 ft | Based on frontage formula; absolute cap: 200 sq ft. | — |
| CB Zoning District | 8 | ≤ 10 ft | Based on frontage formula; absolute cap: 200 sq ft. | — |
| Historic Overlay District | 7 | ≤ 10 ft | Based on formula; absolute cap: 200 sq ft. | — |
| Planned Development (PR, PUD, HC) | 2 | ≤ 10 ft | Per general building sign caps (≤ 200 sq ft). | — |
| Residential Zones: A1, R7A, R10A, R10M | 8 | Flagpoles ≤ 40 ft | ≤ 50 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 6 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single Business per Separate Property) | Mounted no higher than the eave line or top of parapet of the building. | Based on frontage formula; absolute cap: 200 sq ft (general prohibition). | — | — | One per street frontage (per business). | Mounted on building wall; shall not extend beyond ends of the wall to which it is attached. | — | 28–1101.7 A.1 a–c; 28–1101.4 A.4–5, 11–12, 15; 28–1101.5 A.4; 28–1101.3 A |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Businesses - Separate Entrances) | Mounted no higher than the eave line or top of parapet. | Based on frontage formula; absolute cap: 200 sq ft (general prohibition). | — | — | One wall sign per street frontage per business (with separate entrance). | On wall area dedicated to that business; may have one building sign for each street frontage. | — | 28–1101.7 A.1 d; 28–1101.4 A.4, 11–12; 28–1101.5 A.4 |
| Freestanding Sign (General) | Top ≤ 10 ft above grade | ≤ 50 sq ft per side (general cap), except may be enlarged to ≤ 100 sq ft if set back ≥ 100 ft from property line. | — | Minimum 10 ft from any property line; enlargement to ≤100 sq ft only if set back ≥100 ft from property line. | No more than 1 per building lot (see long frontage and multiuse exceptions). | On same lot as permitted/approved use. | — | 28–1101.7 B.1, B.3; 28–1101.4 A.5; 28–1101.5 A.4 |
| Freestanding Sign (Setback ≥ 100 ft) | Top ≤ 10 ft | ≤ 100 sq ft (per side, by inference from general measurement rules) | — | ≥ 100 ft from property line. | Counts toward the 1-per-lot limit (subject to exceptions). | On same lot; set back at least 100 ft from property line. | — | 28–1101.7 B.1 |
| Freestanding Sign (Off-Site for Easement Access) | ≤ 10 ft | Subject to general freestanding sign area limits (≤ 50 sq ft per side; or ≤ 100 sq ft if set back ≥100 ft). | — | Must respect general setback on host property. | No more than 1 off-site freestanding sign for qualifying businesses. | Off-site on another property with written permission from that property owner. | — | 28–1101.7 B.6 |
| Freestanding Sign (Long Frontage Additional) | Per general freestanding sign limits (≤10 ft). | Per general freestanding sign limits. | — | Per general freestanding sign setbacks. | Premises with frontage ≥300 ft may be allowed an additional freestanding sign for each increment of 300 ft. | On premises with frontage. | — | 28–1101.7 B.7 |
| Freestanding Sign (Multiuse Building Additional) | Per general freestanding sign limits. | May be increased by up to 50% if 3 or more occupants share the same sign. | — | Per general freestanding sign setbacks. | One per street/highway frontage; size may be increased by up to 50% if shared by 3+ occupants. | Facing each street or highway on which the building has frontage. | — | 28–1101.7 B.8 |
| Price Sign (Fuel) | ≤ 8 ft | ≤ 8 sq ft | — | Per main freestanding sign. | No more than 1 per qualifying business. | At gasoline/service stations or other businesses selling automotive fuel. | — | 28–1101.7 B.4 |

### Commercial Zones; Industrial Zones: CG, CL, BC, I, G/I, RH, MXW

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (Single Business per Separate Property) | No higher than eave line or top of parapet. | Based on frontage formula; absolute cap: 200 sq ft. | — | — | One per street frontage per business. | On building wall; not beyond ends of wall. | — | 28–1101.7 A.1 a–c; 28–1101.4 A.4, 11–12; 28–1101.5 A.4 |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Businesses - Separate Entrances) | No higher than eave line or top of parapet. | Based on frontage formula; absolute cap: 200 sq ft. | — | — | One per street frontage per business. | On wall area dedicated to business; one per street frontage. | — | 28–1101.7 A.1 d; 28–1101.4 A.4, 11–12; 28–1101.5 A.4 |
| Wall Sign (Multiple Businesses - Common Entrances) | No higher than eave line or top of parapet. | As approved by Planning & Zoning Commission. | — | — | As approved. | On buildings with common entrances. | — | 28–1101.7 A.1 e; 28–1101.5 A.1; 28–1101.4 A.4, 11–12 |
| Freestanding Sign (General) | ≤ 10 ft | ≤ 50 sq ft per side; may be enlarged to ≤ 100 sq ft if setback ≥ 100 ft. | — | ≥ 10 ft from property line; enlargement allowed if ≥ 100 ft setback. | Max 1 per building lot (see exceptions). | On same lot as use. | — | 28–1101.7 B.1, B.3; 28–1101.4 A.5 |
| Freestanding Sign (Long Frontage Additional) | ≤ 10 ft | Per general freestanding sign limits. | — | Per general freestanding sign setbacks. | Additional 1 freestanding sign per each increment of 300 ft frontage (frontages ≥ 300 ft). | On premises with long frontage. | — | 28–1101.7 B.7 |
| Freestanding Sign (Multiuse Building Additional) | ≤ 10 ft | May increase size by up to 50% if shared by 3+ occupants. | — | Per general freestanding sign setbacks. | One per street/highway frontage. | Facing each street/highway frontage of building. | — | 28–1101.7 B.8 |
| Freestanding Sign (Off-Site for Easement Access) | ≤ 10 ft | Per general freestanding sign area limits. | — | Per host property setbacks. | Max 1 off-site freestanding sign. | Off-site on host property. | — | 28–1101.7 B.6 |
| Price Sign (Fuel) | ≤ 8 ft | ≤ 8 sq ft | — | Per main freestanding sign. | Max 1. | Fuel-selling businesses. | — | 28–1101.7 B.4 |

### Residential Zones: A1, R7A, R10A, R10M

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Professional Name Plate | — | ≤ 2 sq ft | — | — | — | At residence/premises. | — | 28–1101.6 B |
| Flag (Residential Unit) | Flagpoles ≤ 40 ft | ≤ 15 sq ft per flag | — | — | ≤ 4 per unit. | On attached or freestanding flagpole at residence. | — | 28–1101.6 C.1 f |
| Temporary Signs (Residential Property) | ≤ 6 ft (freestanding) | ≤ 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | Up to 4 per property. | On private property. | — | 28–1101.9 B.2; 28–1101.9 A, C–F |
| Limited Duration Sign (Residential - Large, where eligible) | ≤ 8 ft (freestanding) | ≤ 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 large LD sign per qualifying property. | On private property; wall or freestanding. | — | 28–1101.8 B.2 a i–iii; 28–1101.8 C–E |
| Limited Duration Sign (Residential - Small) | ≤ 6 ft (freestanding) | ≤ 6 sq ft | — | — | Up to 2 per property. | On private property; wall or freestanding. | — | 28–1101.8 B.2 b i–iii; 28–1101.8 C–E |
| Freestanding Sign (Subdivision/Multifamily Identification) | ≤ 10 ft | ≤ 50 sq ft | — | — | Max 1 per subdivision/multifamily project. | On premises; location to be shown on required site plans or subdivision plats. | — | 28–1101.7 B.5 |
| Institutional Signs (Residential Areas) | Freestanding ≤ 6 ft | Freestanding/bulletin board ≤ 32 sq ft and ≤ 6 ft high; Building/bulletin board ≤ 32 sq ft. | — | — | No more than 1 of each per institution unless increased via plan approval. | On premises of qualifying institutions in residential zones. | — | 28–1101.7 D.1–4 |
| Directional Ingress/Egress Sign | ≤ 4 ft | ≤ 3 sq ft | — | — | — | At driveway ingress/egress. | — | 28–1101.6 E |

## Prohibited signs in Easton

- Billboards, streamers, pennants, beacons, ribbons, spinners or similar devices are prohibited in any zone.
- Flashing signs and signs containing reflective elements which sparkle or twinkle in sunlight are prohibited.
- Portable signs, inflatable signs, or tethered balloons are prohibited.
- Wall signs exceeding 200 square feet are prohibited.
- Freestanding signs exceeding 50 square feet per side are prohibited.
- No sign (except traffic, regulatory, or informational signs) may use the words "stop," "caution," or "danger," incorporate red, amber, or green lights resembling traffic signals, or resemble "stop" or "yield" signs in shape and color.
- Signs with exposed electrical wires are prohibited.
- Adding strings of bulbs to signs or sign structures is prohibited.
- No sign may constitute a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic because of intensity or direction of illumination.
- No sign may be structurally unsafe; pose a hazard due to inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, or abandonment; obstruct free entrance or exit from a required door, window, or fire escape; obstruct light or air or interfere with proper building functioning; or be capable of causing electrical shock.
- No sign shall exceed 40 feet in length.
- No sign surface shall exceed a vertical dimension of 15 feet.
- No sign may be affixed to a utility pole, tree, shrub, rock, or other natural object.
- Signs shall not cover architectural details such as arches, sills, moldings, cornices, and transom windows.
- No attached sign shall project more than 36 inches beyond the building line.
- Electronic message centers that have any motion in transitioning between messages or that change more frequently than once every 12 seconds are prohibited.
- Except for legally permitted sidewalk signs and governmental signs, no signs may be placed on or about public property or within any public right-of-way.

## Signs exempt from permit in Easton

- Temporary signs on private property that comply with Section 28-1101.9 are exempt from standard permit requirements (up to four small temporary signs per property; each up to 6 square feet, freestanding up to 6 feet tall; no time limit; must be installed safely and maintained; property owner permission required).
- Professional name plates or signs denoting the name and address of the occupants of the premises up to 2 square feet are permitted without a permit.
- Flags are permitted without a permit subject to size/number limits (e.g., holiday/seasonal and building-attached flags up to 15 sq ft; pole-flown flags up to 60 sq ft on poles up to 40 ft; up to four flags on commercial/industrial parcels; up to four per residential unit; residential flagpoles up to 40 ft).
- Signs erected, posted, and maintained for public safety and welfare or pursuant to any governmental function, law, ordinance, or other regulation are permitted without a permit.
- Directional signs indicating ingress and egress at driveway locations, containing no advertising other than the business name or logo, up to 3 square feet in area and up to 4 feet high, are permitted without a permit.
- Trespassing and hunting signs up to 2 square feet are permitted without a permit.
- “Self/Full Serve” signs up to 3 square feet are permitted on each end of each pump island without a permit.
- Signs affixed to the top or sides of an operable fuel dispensing pump up to 3 square feet, displaying only instructional or price information (no advertising copy), are permitted without a permit.
- Noncommercial content may replace the message of any permitted sign, provided the sign otherwise complies with this ordinance.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Shopping centers: All signage must be developed in accordance with an approved General Signage Plan per Section 28–1007.2(A)26(C).
- Multi-tenant buildings with common entrances: Wall signage must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission during site plan review, or as a staff item if site plan approval is not required (Section 28–1101.7.A.1.e).
- Institutional uses (schools, places of worship, libraries, museums, civic/social/fraternal clubs) seeking signage in excess of base size/number limits must submit a Comprehensive Signage Plan (depicting location, size, materials, etc.) for Planning and Zoning Commission review and approval (Section 28–1101.7.D.3).
- Subdivision, multifamily, or Planned Development (PR, PUD, HC) identification freestanding sign locations must be shown on required site plans or subdivision plats (Section 28–1101.7.B.5).
- Variances from the Sign Regulations are decided by the Board of Zoning Appeals per Section 28–1303.5(C); there is no presumption of entitlement and the Board may consider alternative solutions (Section 28–1101.3.E).

## 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 6 zoning districts in Easton — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Easton+MD&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-easton

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