§ 3.505. Prohibited signs.

(a)

Removed Immediately. The following signs are prohibited and shall be removed immediately in accordance with subsection 3.511(d):

(1)

Signs which imitate an official traffic sign or signal or which contain the words "stop," "go slow," "caution," "danger," "warning," or similar words, except as provided in subsection 3.503(d).

(2)

Signs which are of a size, location, movement, content, coloring or manner of illumination which may be confused with or construed as a traffic-control device or which hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal or which obstruct the view in any direction at a street or road intersection.

(3)

Signs which advertise an activity, business, product or service no longer produced or conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located. Where the owner or lessor of the premises is seeking a new tenant, such signs may remain in place for no more than 90 days from the date of vacancy.

(4)

Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle, signs which contain or consist of pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, strings of light bulbs, or other similar or moving devices. These devices, when not part of any sign, are similarly prohibited. However, strings of lights which are used to display merchandise or for security purposes are exempt from this section and shall comply with section 3.508 of this subtitle.

(5)

Signs which are placed on a County right-of-way, except signs permitted pursuant to section 3.505A of this subtitle.

(6)

Signs which are posted or otherwise attached to utility poles or trees.

(7)

Banners other than those permitted pursuant to this subtitle.

(8)

Inflatable device signs in Downtown Columbia.

(9)

Signs which are erected, constructed, or maintained so as to obstruct a fire escape, required exit, or a window or door opening used as a means of egress.

(10)

In Downtown Columbia, any sign with an area of three square feet or more that is advertising a business, product or service on a vehicle, trailer, or cart parked in a prominent location to be seen from a public roadway with the intent to use the vehicle, trailer or cart as a sign.

(b)

Removal within One Year. Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle, the following signs are prohibited and shall be removed, if not made to conform with the provisions of this subtitle within one year of the adoption of this subtitle, in accordance with subsection 3.511(d):

(1)

Signs which move in any manner or have a major moving part which gives an illusion of motion.

(2)

Signs which are painted directly on the wall, exterior of a window or any other structural part of a building, unless the Board of Appeals shall grant a variance for such signs based on findings that they contribute significantly to the historical, architectural or aesthetic character in the area in which the sign is located.

(C.B. 1, 1972; C.B. 77, 1981; C.B. 44, 1983; C.B. 90, 1989; C.B. 56, 2010, § 2)