Sign Regulations in Taneytown, Maryland
Taneytown, Maryland has specific sign regulations covering 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Portable Sign (Sandwich Board), Flat Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 22, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Taneytown, Maryland
Sample Sign Requirements in Taneytown
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Occupation Sign | 5 ft above ground | 2 sq ft | Minimum setback of 10 feet from nearest property line |
| Flat Wall Sign | — | 24 sq ft (or 10% of storefront) | — |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft | 27 sq ft per side | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
27
- Portable Sign (Sandwich Board)
- Flat Wall Sign
- Freestanding Sign
- Sandwich Board Sign (Community Association - Off-Premises)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
6
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Taneytown
Other Cities in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions
In Taneytown, monument signs are limited to 12 ft. Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Taneytown, 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 Taneytown, regulated sign types include Portable Sign (Sandwich Board), Flat Wall Sign, Freestanding Sign, Sandwich Board Sign (Community Association - Off-Premises), 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 Taneytown 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 Taneytown are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Taneytown has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Taneytown, Maryland Sign Rules at a Glance
Taneytown, Maryland regulates 27 sign types across 6 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Commercial and industrial zones zoning district are capped at 35 ft tall and 40 sq ft per side (Planning Commission may vary for site plan), with a 15 ft from street right-of-way setback (Sec. § 205-43 (E)). Most commercial signs in Taneytown require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Taneytown, Maryland
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Taneytown (6 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-family and multifamily dwelling units | 1 | 5 ft above ground | 2 sq ft | — |
| Downtown Business District | 7 | 12 ft | 27 sq ft per side | — |
| General Business District, Restricted General Business District | 3 | — | 15 sq ft | — |
| Commercial and industrial zones | 9 | 35 ft | 40 sq ft per side (Planning Commission may vary for site plan) | — |
| Open Space Zone | 1 | — | 8 sq ft per side | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 12 | — | 36 sq ft per side (unless approved by Planning Commission) | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Taneytown(sample of 3 of 6 zones)
Downtown 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning/Canopy Sign | — | — | — | — | 1 per storefront | Ground floor, above sidewalk | — | Unlock | § 205-42 (A) |
| Flat Wall Sign | — | 24 sq ft (or 10% of storefront) | — | — | 1 per storefront (2 if building fronts two streets) | Ground floor | — | Unlock | § 205-42 (B) |
| Freestanding Sign | 12 ft | 27 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per storefront | — | — | Unlock | § 205-42 (C) |
| Hanging/Projecting Sign | — | 12 sq ft per side (24 sq ft total) | — | 2 ft behind curbline | 1 per business storefront | At least 8 ft above sidewalk, 2 ft behind curbline | — | Unlock | § 205-42 (D) |
| Directory Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per building with multiple tenants | Mounted at the entrance, if possible | — | Unlock | § 205-42 (E) |
| Delivery Sign | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | 1 per tenant | Side or rear of building | — | Unlock | § 205-42 (F) |
| Portable Sign (Sandwich Board) | — | — | — | — | 1 per tenant | — | — | Unlock | § 205-42 (G) |
Commercial and industrial 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Wall Sign | — | — | — | — | — | First floor wall | — | Unlock | § 205-43 (B) |
| Projecting Sign | 25 ft from grade | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 205-43 (C) |
| Marquee Sign | — | — | — | — | — | On vertical faces or below edge of marquee | — | Unlock | § 205-43 (D) |
| Freestanding Sign | 35 ft | 40 sq ft per side (Planning Commission may vary for site plan) | — | 15 ft from street right-of-way | 1 per entrance (if two entrances, 2 signs) | — | — | Unlock | § 205-43 (E) |
| Freestanding Sign (Electronic Message Display Board Option) | — | — | — | — | 1 per site | — | — | Unlock | § 205-43 (E)(1); § 205-55(C) |
| Portable Sign (Sandwich Board) | — | — | — | — | 1 per tenant | — | — | Unlock | § 205-43 (F) |
| Sandwich Board Sign (Community Association - Off-Premises) | — | 8 sq ft per side | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 205-51 (B)-(G) |
| Banner (Community Association - Off-Premises) | — | 15 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Unlock | § 205-48(C) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Sign | — | 16 sq ft per sign | — | — | 3 per site | On construction site | — | Unlock | § 205-44 (A)(1) |
| Temporary Real Estate Sign | — | 6 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per lot/frontage (2 if multiple frontage) | On subject property | — | Unlock | § 205-44 (A)(2); § 205-54(D) |
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Temporary) | — | 24 sq ft | — | — | 1 per development | On property | — | Unlock | § 205-44 (A)(3) |
| Street Banner (Temporary) | — | — | — | — | — | Locations designated by the City | — | Unlock | § 205-44 (B) |
| Bulletin Board | — | 36 sq ft per side (unless approved by Planning Commission) | — | — | — | On-site for religious, civil, or government organizations | — | Unlock | § 205-44 (D); (1)(a)-(g) |
| Yard Sale Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | 1 per sale | Private property where sale occurs | — | Unlock | § 205-44 (E) |
| Window Sign | — | 35% of window glass area (with 10% temporary allowance for non-profit promotion) | — | — | — | Window or door | — | Unlock | § 205-45 |
| Neon Window Sign (Interior only) | — | 10% of window area | — | — | — | Inside window | — | Unlock | § 205-52 |
PermitPal covers all 6 zoning districts in Taneytown — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 6 zones for Taneytown — start freeProhibited Signs in Taneytown
- Large signs, including outdoor advertising structures, billboards or poster panels advertising projects or businesses not related to the site or building on which they are located, are not permitted.
- Streamers, balloons three feet and larger and other inflatable figures or devices are prohibited.
- Search lights are prohibited.
- Signs that can be confused with traffic control devices are prohibited.
- Billboards are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited, except as permitted as a special exception by the Board of Appeals or in compliance with § 205-50.
- Portable and wheeled signs are prohibited.
- Roof signs are prohibited.
- Signs on utility poles and trees are prohibited.
- Signs painted on walls are prohibited.
- Signs with obscene, indecent or immoral content are prohibited.
- Signs on parked vehicles, where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property, are prohibited except where incidental to the vehicle’s primary use.
- Beacon lights or search lights shall not be permitted as a sign or for advertising purposes.
- No exposed reflective-type bulbs and no strobe lights or incandescent lamps shall be used on the exterior surface of any sign.
- The light from any illuminated sign or from any light source, including the interior of a building, must not adversely affect surrounding premises or safe vision of vehicle operators.
Exempt Signs in Taneytown
- Public signs of a noncommercial nature and in the public interest erected by, or on the order of, a public officer in the performance of duty, such as directional signs, regulatory signs, warning signs and informational signs.
- Names of buildings, dates of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and similar, when carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum or other permanent-type construction and made an integral part of the structure.
- On-site private traffic direction signs not exceeding six square feet in area for each sign.
- Temporary real estate signs not exceeding six square feet in area, located on the subject property and limited to one such sign per frontage of a home, lot or parcel. Signs must be removed within seven days after closing occurs.
- Billboards erected prior to the adoption of these regulations.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Taneytown
- All signs placed on land or on a building for the purposes of identification or for advertising a use conducted therein or thereon shall be accessory and incidental to such land, building or use, and should be coordinated to be compatible with the character of existing architecture and harmonious in color, form, and proportion within one complex.
- Where a site plan is submitted in commercial and industrial zones, the Planning Commission shall determine the type and location of freestanding signs during site plan review and may vary the maximum square footage requirement.
- Permanent identification signs for community development centers or similar projects require Planning Commission approval at the time of plan review.
- Bulletin boards (on-site) exceeding 36 square feet per side require Planning Commission approval, and electronic message display boards incorporated into bulletin boards must be approved by the Planning Commission.
- Electronic message display boards for freestanding signs require approval by the Planning Commission.
- Application for a sign permit must include drawings showing the design, dimensions and location of the sign, and such other information as required by the Zoning Administrator to ensure compliance. Permit is required for all new, replaced, altered, or relocated signs unless specifically exempt.
Source: ecode360 municipal code