Signage in the Village of River Hill

It’s that time again. Signs are everywhere in the Village of River Hill. As disconcerting as it is, the courts have determined posting signs is a first amendment right. However, there are restrictions in certain instances.

According to the County’s Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP), “Within the last few years there have been several high court rulings on sign codes similar to Howard County’s that have altered how those codes can now be regulated.” In light of these rulings, DILP is not enforcing certain portions of the sign code. The County is not enforcing the size, number, or length of time signs can be located on private property. Signs on public property, such as in the county right-of-way (ROW) are not permitted. Signs improperly placed in a pubic ROW will be removed and discarded.

If you see signs that are impeding traffic, in the county ROW, or advertising businesses e.g., lawn or massage services, within the Village, residents may file a complaint with the community association or directly with the County via SeeClickFix at www.seeclickfix.com/md_howard-county/report. Signs along MD 108, Guilford Road, or Trotter Road should be reported directly to the County via SeeClickFix.

The River Hill Community Association has established the following Signage Guidelines:

• One direction sign is permitted on a corner leading to an open house but must be removed at the end of the sale day.

• The sign must be in compliance with the Howard County Sign Ordinance for Real Estate signs.

• The sign must not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, obstruct traffic sight lines, or otherwise impair safety.

• The sign does not include “SOLD,” “PENDING” or “UNDER CONTRACT” riders. These are not permitted.

An Exterior Alteration Application NEED NOT be submitted for temporary signs such as garage sale signs, or signs advertising contracted work being done on the property, if ALL of the following applicable criteria are met:

• The sign is in compliance with the Howard County Sign Ordinance.

• The sign is not larger than 20 inches by 28 inches and does not stand more than 3 feet above the ground when measured from the top of the sign or post, whichever is higher.

• Contractors using their logos, trademarks and other color schemes do not post more than one per lot.

• Signs are not posted on trees, light poles, street signs or official neighborhood identification or on neighborhood watch signs.

• No more than one temporary sign is on any property.

• Signs are neatly lettered, clean and maintained in good condition.

• Garage sale signs are posted no more than 24 hours in advance of the sale and are removed at the end of the sale day.

• Signs advertising contracted work being done on a property are posted for no more than 30 days. These signs must be removed upon completion of the project.

• The sign does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, obstruct traffic sight lines, or otherwise impair safety.

An Exterior Alteration Application NEED NOT be submitted if the following criteria are met:

• Standard home security signs are attached to the front of the house.

• A free-standing home security sign is no more than twelve inches square.

• Free standing signs are mounted on a metal stake or wood post located no further than 10 feet from the house.

• Only one free standing or attached sign is in front of the house. A second sign may be attached to the rear of the house or mounted in the rear yard.

NOTE: No other signs shall be permitted on any lot without submission and approval of an Exterior Alteration Application.