Rockville City Council discusses changes to the signage codes
The Rockville City Council held a hearing this week, April 9, to consider changes to the citys signage laws that have been in the works since late 2010, when the Rockville Chamber of Commerce asked for a review of the regulations.
Among the proposed changes that were discussed are the following:
Signs mounted inside a building and visible from the outside would not be regulated except that they could not exceed 20 percent of the window area.
Up to 20 percent of the allowable sign area would be used for corporate trademarks or other logos with approval from the owner or leasing agent.
In addition to the principal color of a sign’s lettering, up to two additional accent colors would be allowed.
If a building has more than 50 linear feet of frontage, the permitted sign area for temporary signs would increase from 32 square feet to 48 square feet.
In all of the mixed-use zones, one small (four square feet in area) sandwich board sign would be allowed per tenant if placed directly in front of a main entrance. Currently, these signs are only allowed in certain mixed-use zones.
The proposal does not address:
The use of electronic message boards, flashing LED signs with multiple advertisements.
Regulation of “sign spinners” as opposed to “sign walkers.”
The size and location of freestanding signs.
Spacing of street trees so as not to screen business signs from passing vehicles.
A report by city staff, however, suggests these items should be a part of a broader comprehensive review of the sign regulations.
The city planning commission is tentatively scheduled to review the proposed changes May 9. The Council would hold a public hearing on any proposed changes in June.
Monday’s Council meeting also included a discussion of a proposed green building tax credit that was postponed from the March 26 meeting.
City staff is recommending that the Council pass an ordinance establishing the program. The Council would have to set money aside in the fiscal 2013 budget to begin offering the credits.
If city dollars were available, the credit program would be piloted over five years, beginning in July with $60,000 in tax credits in the fiscal 2013 budget. Credits would go to commercial properties that make their buildings more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. The credits would increase to $300,000 in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017.
Like the sign regulation changes, the credit is a priority for the Rockville Chamber of Commerce, which began pushing for it in 2010. The chamber worked with the city Environment Commission and city staff to develop the proposed credit program.
Download Bulletin PDF