Requirements by Sign Type

Baltimore City Code art. 32, tit. 17, subtit. 4

in effect

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-401 A-frame signs.

§ 17-401. A-frame signs. (a) In general. A-frame signs are allowed only: (1) for non-residential uses; and (2) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (b) Regulations. (1) Placement generally. An A-frame sign: (i) may only be placed: (A) on the same property as the non-residential use to which it relates, within 30 feet of that use’s primary entrance; or (B) on the right-of-way in front of that property; and (ii) may not: (A) interfere with pedestrian traffic; or (B) violate standards of accessibility as required by the ADA or other accessibility codes. (2) Times and weather. (i) Times. An A-frame sign may only be placed outdoors between hours of operation. The sign must be stored indoors at all other times. (ii) Inclement weather. An A-frame sign may not be placed outdoors during high-wind or heavy-rain conditions. The sign must be stored indoors during these conditions. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-402 Alcoholic beverage and cigarette advertising signs.

§ 17-402. Alcoholic beverage and cigarette advertising signs. (a) General prohibition. No person may place any sign, poster, placard, device, graphic display, or other item that advertises alcoholic beverages or cigarettes in any publicly visible location, including any outdoor billboard, side of a building, or freestanding sign. (b) Exceptions. (1) “Licensed premises” defined. In this subsection, “licensed premises” means: (i) as to alcoholic beverage signs, a premises that operates under an alcoholic beverages license or permit issued under the State Alcoholic Beverages Article; and (ii) as to the cigarette signs, a premises that operates under a cigarette business license issued under Title 16 of the State Business Regulation Article. (2) Permitted placements – General. This section does not apply to the placement of signs: (i) inside a licensed premises; (ii) in conjunction with a temporary or 1-day alcoholic beverages license granted by the Board of License Commissioners; (iii) in an Area of Special Signage Control advertising for a business located within the Area of Special Signage Control that holds a manufacturer’s license issued under Title 2, Subtitle 2 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article of the Maryland Code; or (iv) on property owned, leased, or operated by the Maryland Stadium Authority. (3) Permitted placements – Identification of licensed premises. (i) In general. This section does not apply to any window or exterior wall sign of a licensed premises that meets all of the following criteria: (A) the sign is intended to identify the licensed premises, by containing its name, slogan, or logo; (B) the sign covers no more than 15% of the window or exterior wall area on which it is displayed; and (C) the licensed premises has no other window or exterior wall sign along the same street frontage. (ii) Measurement methodology. For purposes of this paragraph (3): (A) a “window” comprises all the glass panes within the main frame of the window area; and (B) the maximum 15% coverage is calculated based on the total area within the external window frame. (4) Permitted placements – Billboards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any billboard that advertises alcoholic beverages shall be located at least 500 linear feet from established and conspicuously identified elementary or secondary schools, places of worship, or public playgrounds. (Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-403 Attention-getting devices.

§ 17-403. Attention-getting devices. (a) Prohibition. (1) The erection, placement, or construction of attention-getting devices is prohibited in the R-1-A through R-10, R-MU, OR-1, OR-2, and EC-1 Zoning Districts. (2) The City may not issue permits for these signs or devices in these zoning districts. (b) Regulations. (1) Attention-getting devices are subject to the following regulations. (2) Attention-getting devices may not be erected or maintained in any location or in any manner that could endanger the public safety, interfere with or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular travel, or create a traffic safety problem. (3) Attention-getting devices may not be erected or maintained within any public right-of-way. (4) As a condition of a building permit, requirements may be imposed on the material, manner of construction, and method of erection as are reasonably necessary to assure the safety and convenience of the public. (5) No inflatable promotional device may exceed 15 feet in height or the height of the of the principal building to which it relates, whichever is lower. No inflatable promotional device may be mounted on the roof of a structure. (Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-404 Awning or canopy signs and open-structural framework signs.

§ 17-404. Awning or canopy signs and open-structural framework signs. (a) Where allowed. Awning or canopy signs and open-structural framework signs are allowed: (1) in a residential use category, only on multi-family dwellings with 20 or more units, dormitories with 20 or more rooms, and residential-care facilities with 17 or more residents; (2) in all other use categories, on all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; and (3) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (b) Placement. (1) Awnings and canopies must maintain at least 8 feet of vertical clearance from the ground. (2) Awnings and canopies must be located at least 1 foot from the curb line. (3) Signs placed underneath an awning or canopy or structural framework must maintain at least 8 feet vertical clearance from the ground. (4) Signs attached to the awning, canopy, or open-structural framework may not project more than 6 inches beyond the awning, canopy, or open-structural framework. (5) Signs may not be mounted on or extend beyond any roof surface. (6) Signs may not be wider than 80% of the width of the awning or canopy. (7) Signs may not be any taller than 2 feet. (c) Application of message and graphics. No messages or graphics printed on the top surface of any awning or canopy may exceed 25% of that top surface area. (d) Construction. (1) Awnings and canopies must be constructed out of canvas, canvas-like material, fabric, or metal. (2) Back-lit box and plastic awnings and canopies are prohibited. (3) Awnings, canopies, and open-structural frameworks must be securely attached to and supported by a building. (4) All frames and supports must be made of metal or similar rigid material. Frames and supports may not be made of wood or plastics. (5) Signs mounted underneath awnings, canopies, and open-structural frameworks must be securely fixed with metal supports. (e) Compatibility. (1) Awning or canopy signs and open-structural framework signs must be compatible in material and construction to the style and character of the building. (2) When feasible, awning or canopy signs and open-structural framework signs should be generally aligned with others nearby to maintain a sense of visual continuity. (3) Awning or canopy signs must be tailored to the opening of the building and positioned so that distinctive architectural features remain visible. (f) Signage on Existing Canopies in Local Historic Districts and Local Landmarks. (1) Awning or Canopy signage may be applied to existing canopy structure on buildings in local historic districts and local landmarks that were previously used for signage as approved by the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation. (2) Any electronic signage on existing canopies are subject to all applicable rules of this article, Table 17-201: Sign Regulations, and Table 17-306: Maximum Cumulative Area of Signs. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-405 Banner signs.

§ 17-405. Banner signs. Banner signs are allowed: (1) in a residential use category, only for multi-family dwellings with 20 or more units and dormitories with 20 or more rooms; (2) in all other use categories, for all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; (3) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-406 Billboards.

§ 17-406. Billboards. (a) General prohibitions. (1) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Code, the erection, conversion, placement, or construction of new billboards, static or digital, is prohibited. (2) No billboard may have audio speakers or any audio component. (b) Digital billboard defined. In this section, “digital billboard” means any billboard that is also an electronic sign. (c) New billboards. (1) New billboards are only allowed in an Area of Special Signage Control. (2) In addition: (i) new non-digital billboards may only be located in a C-1, C-1-E, C-1-VC, C-5-DC, or PC Zoning District and may not exceed 50 square feet; and (ii) new digital billboards are subject to the following requirements: (A) they may only be located in a C-2, C-3, C-4, C-5, TOD-4, or PC Zoning District; (B) digital animation, streaming video, or images that move or give the appearance of movement are only allowed as described in the approved Signage Plan; and. (C) all digital billboards must have ambient light monitors that automatically adjust the brightness level of the billboard based on ambient light conditions. (3) Billboards may only be integrated into any other sign type listed in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations for that zoning district. (d) Conversion of existing non-digital billboards. (1) In general. An existing non-digital billboard may be converted to a digital billboard only if: (i) it is accompanied by documentation that at least 3 existing billboard faces in the City have been removed for each new digital billboard face to be placed or erected; (ii) each message or image displayed on the digital billboard must be static or follow standards for electronic signs; (iii) digital animation, streaming video, or images that move or give the appearance of movement are prohibited; (iv) the digital billboard has ambient light monitors that automatically adjust the brightness level of the billboard based on ambient light conditions; (v) the billboard does not have audio speakers or any audio component; (vi) the new digital billboard is not relocated by more than 15 feet in any direction from its original location; (vii) each billboard being removed is a minimum of 100 square feet; and (viii) the applicant submits proof of current billboard tax payment at the time of application for conversion. (2) Printed billboard removal credit. (i) The Zoning Administrator shall maintain an account of removals of existing printed billboards and shall credit the account of the owner of a printed billboard for each printed billboard that is removed. (ii) In order to document the removal of a printed billboard, the owner shall submit to the Zoning Administrator a copy of the conversion permit for the removal of the billboard and photographs documenting the removal. (iii) A printed billboard removal credit may be reserved and used by the original owner of the credit within 5 years after the removal of the printed billboard. (e) Exclusions. An existing billboard may not be converted to a digital billboard if: (1) it is attached to a building that is 35 feet or less in height; (2) it is a pole mounted billboard that is 35 feet or less in height; or (3) it is located in or within 250 feet of a residential district. (Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-407 Electronic signs.

§ 17-407. Electronic signs. (a) Where allowed. Electronic signs are allowed: (1) in Residential Zoning Districts R-1A through R-10 for all uses allowed in the Institutional use category on lots with a minimum of 30 feet of building frontage and 7,500 square feet of lot area. (2) in non-residential zoning districts: (i) in a residential use category, only for multi-family dwellings with 50 or more units; and (ii) in all other use categories, for all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; and (3) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (b) Types. (i) Category I: No larger than15 square feet. (ii) Category II: No larger than 50 square feet. (iii) Category III: No larger than 750 square feet. (iv) Category IV: No larger than 5,000 square feet. (v) Category V: No larger than 10,500 square feet. (c) Dwell and loop time. Text and digital graphics must be static or have a minimum dwell time of 8 seconds. Digital animation and videos must have a maximum loop time of 1 minute. The dwell time for any previously approved electronic sign may be modified to 8 seconds without the need for any further approval. (d) Adding electronic sign components to existing signs or other sign types. (1) Electronic signs and electronic sign components may only be in the form of or integrated into sign types listed in this subtitle and Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (2) A standalone electronic sign must conform to: (i) the requirements and maximum sign area for electronic signs, as provided in this subtitle and Table 17-201: Sign Regulations; and (ii) all other requirements for non-electronic sign types, as provided in this title, in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations, and in Table 17-306: Maximum Cumulative Area of Signs, unless otherwise specified by this title or these tables. (3) Where electronic signs are allowed: (i) an electronic sign component may be integrated into a non-electronic sign; (ii) the combined sign area of an electronic sign component and another sign type may not exceed the maximum sign area for the other sign type; and (iii) the electronic sign component may not exceed 25% of the maximum sign area for the other sign type. (e) Requirements by category. (1) Category I electronic signs are subject to the following requirements: (i) the electronic component may not exceed: (A) 15 square feet in area; plus (B) the percentage deviation allowed by Table 17-201: Sign Regulations and specified in an approved Signage Plan; (ii) only 1 electronic sign is allowed per lot; (iii) each message displayed on an electronic sign is limited to text only, and that text must be static or depicted for at least 10 seconds; and (iv) electronic signs may only be in the form of or integrated into a freestanding sign or wall sign type. (2) Category II electronic signs are subject to the following requirements: (i) the electronic component may not exceed: (A) 50 square feet in area; plus (B) the percentage deviation allowed by Table 17-201: Sign Regulations and specified in an approved Signage Plan; (ii) no more than 2 electronic signs are allowed per lot; (iii) the electronic signs may include text and digital graphics, but digital animation and video is only allowed in an Area of Special Signage Control; (iv) electronic signs may only be in the form of or integrated into a freestanding sign, projecting sign, or wall sign type, but if a projecting sign is used, the electronic component may not exceed 25 square feet; and (v) in the C-5 and PC Zoning Districts, digital projection on windows is allowed on the ground floor. (3) Category III electronic signs are subject to the following requirements: (i) these signs are only allowed in an approved Area of Special Signage Control; (ii) the electronic component may not exceed: (A) 750 square feet in area; plus (B) the percentage deviation allowed by Table 17-201: Sign Regulations and specified in an approved Signage Plan; (iii) the quantity and location of signs are as allowed by the approved Signage Plan; (iv) each message displayed on an electronic sign may include text, digital graphics, digital video, and digital animation; and (v) electronic signs may only be in the form of or integrated into a freestanding sign, open structural framework, roof sign, or wall sign type. (4) Category IV electronic signs are subject to the following requirements: (i) these signs are only allowed in an approved Area of Special Signage Control; (ii) the electronic component may not exceed: (A) 5,000 square feet in area; plus (B) the percentage deviation allowed by Table 17-201: Sign Regulations and specified in an approved Signage Plan; (iii) the quantity and location of signs are as allowed by the approved Signage Plan; (iv) each message displayed on an electronic sign may include text, digital graphics, digital video, and digital animation; and (v) electronic Signs may only be in the form of or integrated into a freestanding sign, roof sign, open structural framework, or wall sign type. (5) Category V electronic signs are subject to the following requirements: (i) these signs are only allowed in an approved Area of Special Signage Control; (ii) the electronic component may not exceed: (A) 10,500 square feet in area; plus (B) the percentage deviation allowed by Table 17-201: Sign Regulations and specified in an approved Signage Plan; (iii) the quantity and location of signs are as allowed by the approved Signage Plan; (iv) each message displayed on an electronic sign may include text, digital graphics, digital video, and digital animation; and (v) electronic signs may only be in the form of or integrated into a wall sign type. (f) Clearance and projection. (1) Projecting electronic signs must maintain at least 8 feet vertical clearance from the ground. (2) Electronic wall signs may project beyond 12 inches from the wall of a building face up to no more than 6 feet from the wall of the building face if: (i) the electronic wall sign is 200 square feet or greater; (ii) is in an approved signage plan within an area of special signage control; (iii) the wall supports, necessary internal sign components, structural support, or maintenance access requires the projection beyond 12 inches and only to the minimum extent beyond 12 inches necessitated; (iv) maintains a clearance of at least 8 feet from the ground if the electronic wall sign does not rest on the ground; and (v) meets all requirements of the Building Code and any other applicable regulations. (g) Architecture. (1) No electronic sign affixed to a building, including sign support structure, may project beyond the ends or top of the wall or higher than any roofline of the structure to which it is attached. (2) In Local Historic Districts and Local Landmarks designated by the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation, electronic signage may be added to an existing canopy that is integral to the architecture of the building in accordance with all applicable rules of this article, Title 17, Table 17-201: Sign Regulations, and Table 17-306: Maximum Cumulative Area of Signs. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-408 Freestanding signs.

§ 17-408. Freestanding signs. (a) Where allowed. Freestanding signs are allowed: (1) in a residential use category, only for multi-family dwellings with 20 or more units, dormitories with 20 or more rooms, and residential-care facilities with 17 or more residents; (2) in all other use categories, for all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; and (3) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (b) Frontage. (1) To erect a freestanding monument sign, the lot must have a minimum of 50 feet of frontage along a public right-of-way. (2) To erect a freestanding pole sign or a freestanding pylon sign, the lot must have a minimum of 100 feet of frontage along a public right-of-way. (c) Additional requirements. (1) All freestanding signs must be securely built, constructed, and erected on posts, bases, and standards that are sunk below the natural surface in a manner that will prevent the sign from overturning. (2) On a freestanding pole sign, no message or graphic is allowed within the minimum pole height. (3) On a freestanding pole sign, the poles, uprights, or braces may not be more than 25% of the width of the lowest point of the message or graphic being supported. (4) Where allowed, all freestanding signs may only be placed within 20 feet of the front or corner side lot line of any lot adjoining a street right-of-way of at least 30 feet wide. (5) The height of the open space between the ground and the message component of any freestanding monument sign may not exceed more than 40% of the total sign height. (6) Unless otherwise provided in this title, the maximum square footage of multiple freestanding signs may not be combined to create a larger freestanding sign. (d) No encroachment. No part of any freestanding sign may project into, over, or otherwise encroach on a public right-of- way. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-409 {Reserved}

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-410 Moving or flashing signs.

§ 17-410. Moving or flashing signs. (a) General prohibitions. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no sign may have or consist of: (1) any moving, rotating, or animated part; or (2) any flashing, blinking, fluctuating, or animated light. (b) Exception. The movement and flashing described in subsection (a) of this section is allowed on the following sign types: (1) electronic signs; and (2) barber poles or similar structures that have a rotating graphic. (Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-411 Obscene signs.

§ 17-411. Obscene signs. No sign may display any matter in which the dominant theme of the material taken as a whole appeals to a prurient interest in sex or is patently offensive because it affronts contemporary community standards relating to the description or representation of sexual matters and is utterly without redeeming social value. (Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-412 Painted/mural signs.

§ 17-412. Painted/mural signs. Painted/mural signs are allowed: (1) in the R-1A through R-10 zoning categories on all uses in the institutional, open-space, and commercial use categories; (2) in all other use categories, on all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; and (3) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (Ord. 22-181.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-413 Portable signs.

§ 17-413. Portable signs. Portable signs may not be displayed outside of a building. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-414 Projecting signs.

§ 17-414. Projecting signs. (a) Where allowed. Projecting signs are allowed: (1) in a residential use category, only on multi-family dwellings with 20 or more units; (2) in all other use categories, on all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; (3) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (b) Projection limit. A projecting sign may not project more than 4 feet from the face of the building to which it is attached, including the area between the sign and the face of the building. (c) Clearance; height. (1) The bottom of any projecting sign must be at least 8 feet above the sidewalk or thoroughfare. (2) No projecting sign affixed to a building may project higher than the heights of the facade to which it is affixed. (d) Design and construction. (1) Projecting signs, including frames, braces, and supports, must be designed by a licensed structural engineer or manufacturer. (2) Any movable part of a projecting sign, such as the cover of a service opening, must be securely fastened by chains or hinges. (3) Projecting signs may not be constructed using cloth or other flexible material. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-415 Roof signs.

§ 17-415. Roof signs. (a) Where allowed. Roof signs are allowed: (1) in a residential use category, only on multi-family dwellings with 100 or more units; (2) in all other use categories, on all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; (3) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (b) Additional Regulations. (1) The roof sign may be located on the side of a roof structure that forms a backdrop for the sign. (2) The maximum size of a roof sign is determined by: (i) measuring the building frontage along the lot line of the elevation on which the roof sign will be placed; and (ii) applying to that measurement the area factor specified in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (3) The size of a roof sign on each side of the building is limited to the square footage calculated on that side only. (4) In no case may the square footage allowed by the building frontage located along any lot line be combined with the square footage allowed by the building frontage located along any other lot line to create a larger sign on a building other than that allowed on each individual building elevation. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-416 Wall signs.

§ 17-416. Wall signs. (a) Where allowed. Wall signs are allowed: (1) in a residential use category, only on multi-family dwellings with 15 or more units, dormitories with 20 or more rooms, and residential-care facilities with 17 or more residents; (2) in the C-1 and C-1-E zoning districts, wall signs above the ground floor are only allowed on buildings with a building frontage of 30 feet or wider; (3) in all other use categories, on all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; and (4) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (b) R-1A through R-10 and OR Districts. (1) This subsection applies to the R-1A through R-10 Zoning Districts and the OR Zoning District. (2) 1 non-illuminated or indirectly illuminated wall sign is allowed for each street frontage. (c) Additional requirements. (1) This subsection applies to all zoning districts, unless otherwise specified by this subtitle or by Title 17-201: Sign Regulations. (2) The maximum size of a wall sign is determined by: (i) measuring the building frontage along the lot line of the elevation on which the wall sign will be placed; and (ii) applying to that measurement the area factor specified in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (3) The size of a wall sign on each side of the building is limited to the square footage calculated on that side only and must be placed on that side of the building unless otherwise provided in this title. (4) In no case may the square footage allowed by the building frontage located along any lot line be combined with the square footage allowed by the building frontage located along any other lot line to create a larger sign on a wall or split into multiple wall signs other than that allowed on each individual wall unless otherwise provided in this title. (d) Illumination of signs. Wall signs may be internally illuminated, unless otherwise specified in this title. (e) Mounting, etc. (1) Wall signs must be safely and securely attached to the building wall. (2) Wall signs must be affixed flat against the wall and may not project more than 12 inches from the building wall. (f) Placement. In the C-1 and C-1-VC Zoning Districts, wall signs must be located on the sign frieze – that is, on the portion of the building immediately above the ground-floor window and, in the case of a 2- or 3-story building, below the second-floor window sill. (g) Architecture. (1) No wall sign affixed to a building, including sign support structure, may project beyond the ends or top of the wall or higher than the roofline of the wall to which it is attached. (2) Architectural features that are part of the original building design, such as chimneys, may have a sign affixed to them. (3) On existing buildings, a parapet wall may not be constructed for the sole purpose of increasing the allowable height of a wall sign. For new buildings, when a sign is to be mounted on a parapet wall, that parapet wall must be consistent with the architectural design of the building, including building materials. (4) Wall signs may not be attached to un-reinforced masonry parapets. (5) Wall signs may not be constructed of cloth or other flexible material. (6) Wall signs may not extend above the parapet. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Baltimore City Code, Article 32, § 17-417 Window signs.

§ 17-417. Window signs. (a) Where allowed. Window signs are allowed: (1) in a residential use category, only on multi-family dwellings with 20 or more units; (2) in all other use categories, on all uses for which the sign is otherwise allowed under this title; (3) in the zoning districts specified in this title or in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (b) Aggregate size; Blocking views. (1) Window signs may not block views into or out from the building in the area between 5 feet and 7 feet above the adjacent grade, in the R-5, R-6, R-7, R-8, R-9, R-10, C-1, C-1-VC, and C-2 Zoning Districts. (2) “Window area” means a continuous surface undivided by any architectural or structural element. Mullions are not considered an element that divides a window area. (c) Additional Rules. Except as provided in § 17-402 {“Alcoholic beverage and cigarette advertising signs”} of this title, signs affixed to the inside of a window or mounted within 12 inches of a window are allowed, as long as the total of all window signs on a window, whether permanent or temporary, but not counting window displays, occupies no more than a percentage of the total window area, as specified in Table 17-201: Sign Regulations. (Ord. 22-181; Ord.18-216.)

Source: City of Baltimore Department of Legislative Reference, City of Baltimore Law Library (codes.baltimorecity.gov; Open Law Library bulk XML)URL: https://codes.baltimorecity.gov/us/md/cities/baltimore/code/32/17/4Fetched: 10/25/2026