Sign Regulations in Havre de Grace, Maryland
Havre de Grace, Maryland has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include General Residential Signs, Freestanding Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions), Wall Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 21, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Havre de Grace, Maryland
Sample Sign Requirements in Havre de Grace
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Residential Signs | — | 8 sq ft per road frontage | — |
| Freestanding Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions) | — | 36 sq ft | — |
| Directional/Accessory Sign (Freestanding within MF/Complex/Subdivisions) | 8 ft | 6 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
27
- General Residential Signs
- Freestanding Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions)
- Wall Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions)
- Directional/Accessory Sign (Freestanding within MF/Complex/Subdivisions)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
5
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Havre de Grace
Other Cities in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Havre de Grace vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Havre de Grace, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Havre de Grace, regulated sign types include General Residential Signs, Freestanding Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions), Wall Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions), Directional/Accessory Sign (Freestanding within MF/Complex/Subdivisions), and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Havre de Grace vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Havre de Grace are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Havre de Grace has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Havre de Grace, Maryland Sign Rules at a Glance
Havre de Grace, Maryland regulates 27 sign types across 5 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (General Use - RB)s in the C/Commercial District, RB/Residential Business District zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 32 sq ft (Sec. §151-18B(1)). Most commercial signs in Havre de Grace require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Havre de Grace, Maryland
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Havre de Grace (5 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential zoning districts (R, R1, R2) | 6 | 8 ft | 36 sq ft | — |
| RO/Residential Office District | 3 | 6 ft | 24 sq ft | — |
| C/Commercial District, RB/Residential Business District | 10 | Top not above 25% of facade vertical dimension above highest architectural point | 100 sq ft | — |
| MOE/Mixed Office Employment District | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 7 | 6 ft | Varies by use and location, generally up to 32 sq ft in C/RB, or 8 sq ft in right-of-way | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Havre de Grace(sample of 3 of 5 zones)
Residential zoning districts (R, R1, R2)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Residential Signs | — | 8 sq ft per road frontage | — | — | — | Mounted to permanent building structure or displayed in a window; not on trees, rocks, or natural features. | — | Unlock | §151-16B |
| Freestanding Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions) | — | 36 sq ft | — | — | One per street/building frontage or per entrance/exit | — | — | Unlock | §151-16C |
| Wall Sign (Apartments/Condos/Subdivisions) | — | — | — | — | — | On facade of building(s) | — | Unlock | §151-16C |
| Directional/Accessory Sign (Freestanding within MF/Complex/Subdivisions) | 8 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Within subdivision, complex, or multi-family development | — | Unlock | §151-16D |
| Freestanding Sign (Other Permitted Nonresidential Uses) | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | One per street/building frontage or entrance/exit | — | — | Unlock | §151-16E |
| Wall Sign (Other Permitted Nonresidential Uses) | — | — | — | — | — | On facade of building | — | Unlock | §151-16E |
C/Commercial District, RB/Residential Business District
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign (General Use - RB) | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per property (+ one per additional 300 ft frontage, see above) | Per property held in single/separate ownership | — | Unlock | §151-18B(1) |
| Freestanding Sign (General Use - C) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per property (+ one per additional 300 ft frontage, see above) | Per property held in single/separate ownership | — | Unlock | §151-18B(1) |
| Wall Sign (Parallel - All Uses) | — | — | — | — | — | Front wall or entrance wall; for multi-frontage lots, calculate separately | — | Unlock | §151-18B(2) |
| Roof Sign (RB, By Special Exception, Option 1) | Top not above 25% of facade vertical dimension above highest architectural point | — | — | — | One | On roof, orientation reference per §151-18B(3)(b) | — | Unlock | §151-18B(3) |
| Canopy Sign (Inc. Marquee/Architectural Projection) | — | — | — | — | — | Flat plane to face of canopy, marquee, or architectural projection | — | Unlock | §151-18B(4) |
| Awning Sign | — | — | — | — | — | Face or side surface of awning or backlit awning | — | Unlock | §151-18B(5) |
| Projecting Sign (RB Only) | Top not above 25% of facade vertical dimension above highest architectural point | 100 sq ft | — | — | See above | Mounted to facade per regulations; may project over sidewalk with lease agreement | — | Unlock | §151-18B(6) |
| Electronic Message Center (C Only) | — | 16 sq ft (up to 24 sq ft by Board of Appeals) | — | — | One per property | Can be component of a freestanding or building sign, or full sign | — | Unlock | §151-18B(1)(e), §151-21, §151-22 |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign (Freestanding) | 6 ft | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | On property/site; not counted toward total square footage | — | Unlock | §151-20H |
| Directional Sign (Fascia) | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | — | On building | — | Unlock | §151-20H |
| Temporary Sign | — | Varies by use and location, generally up to 32 sq ft in C/RB, or 8 sq ft in right-of-way | — | — | See above | Not in State Highway rights-of-way (few exceptions); right-of-way as stipulated | — | Unlock | §151-20J |
| Temporary Banner | — | Up to 32 sq ft per site/storefront; max 2 banners, never larger than 50 sq ft | — | — | Max two temporary banners per site/storefront | — | — | Unlock | §151-20J(3), (7) |
| Temporary Wall/Fascia Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | §151-20J(4) |
| Temporary Freestanding/Portable Sign (C only) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | One per property | — | — | Unlock | §151-20J(5) |
| A-frame Sign (Portable) | — | 10 sq ft | — | — | — | Must be outside street/roadway; must not obstruct continuous through pedestrian zone of at least 6 ft width; must not block transit, disabled parking, ramps, or exits | — | Unlock | §151-20C(3) |
PermitPal covers all 5 zoning districts in Havre de Grace — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 5 zones for Havre de Grace — start freeProhibited Signs in Havre de Grace
- Signs containing strobe lights or that project images onto the ground or wall.
- All off-premises signs, billboards, or commercial outdoor advertising signs.
- Abandoned sign structures. Where a business has ceased operation, any sign associated with the closed business must be removed within six months unless an extension is granted.
- Signs placed on or painted on a motor vehicle or trailer parked with the primary purpose of providing signage not otherwise allowed by the code.
- Mechanically moving signs: any environmentally activated sign or display with actual mechanical motion powered by any means, including pennant strings, streamers, spinners, propellers, and search lights.
- Inflatable signs and other permanent objects which are inflated, including balloons. (Balloons may be permitted for special events for up to five days.)
- Posters and handbills: any signs affixed to structures, trees, vegetation, rocks or poles.
- Roof signs, except as specifically permitted by the code.
- Simulated traffic signs and obstructions: any sign which may be confused with or obstruct the view of any authorized traffic sign or signal, or obstruct sight-distance at intersections, or extend into the public right-of-way.
- A-frame/wheeled signs, except as specifically permitted for temporary signs.
- Signs which prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window, fire escape, or prevent free access on a roof. Only safety signs may be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
- Signs which emit smoke, visible vapors, particles, sound, or odor. Open flames to attract public attention are also prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Havre de Grace
- Signs which are not visible from a public roadway; must comply with building/construction codes.
- Signs inside a building.
- Signs carved into a building, on the ground at the entrance to a building, or raised in integral relief on a building.
- Signs required by federal or state law.
- Flags of a political subdivision.
- Historic markers or signs erected by or at the direction of the City.
- Signs required by the City.
- Painted and/or applied wall accents and decorations that do not advertise the business.
- Illuminated building accents and decorations.
- Public art, including permitted original art murals.
- Up to two signs indicating address, number and/or name of occupants, not exceeding two square feet per side and without commercial advertising or identification.
- Decals and/or logos on windows or doors, such as business memberships or credit card logos.
- Signs reserving parking for handicapped individuals not exceeding two square feet.
- On-premises private drive signs, one per driveway entrance, not exceeding two square feet.
- Public signs erected by order of the Mayor, City Council, or other government agencies or utilities, including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and signs for public facilities.
- On-premises security and warning signs ('no trespassing', etc.), one per residential property up to two square feet, or one per commercial/industrial property up to five square feet.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Havre de Grace
- For developments where multiple signs will be proposed, a signage plan must be submitted to the Planning Commission, in conjunction with the site plan, for review and approval. The plan shall provide the location, size, materials and colors of the proposed signage.
Source: ecode360 municipal code