WHEN IS A SIGN PERMIT APPLICATION NECESSARY?

A sign permit for a permanent sign is required before any exterior sign, as defined by the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance, may be erected in the county. This requirement applies to all types of signs, including free standing, wall-mounted, and marquee signs. Illuminated signs require both sign and electrical permits.

WHAT IS THE PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS?

Sign permit applications are reviewed by DPS zoning staff; this review takes approximately ten days. After staff approval, a sign permit is issued along with a sign tag which is to be attached to the sign itself. The following information is necessary to process the permit application:

• size (area) and dimension of the sign
• location of the sign on the property or building (site plan required)
• copy of the sign text
• photographs of the property indicating where the sign is to be located.

WHAT WILL THE COST BE?

The total fee for each sign located in DPS zones is $280.50. This includes a permit fee of $255.00 and a 10% automation fee of $25.50.

The total fee for each sign located in MNCPPC zones is $451.00. This includes a permit fee of $410.00 and a 10% automation fee of $41.00.

A total electrical permit fee of $99.00 is also required for illuminated signs. This includes a permit fee of $90.00 plus a 10% automation fee of $9.00.

FOR HOW LONG IS A SIGN PERMIT VALID?

A sign permit for a permanent sign is valid for the life of the sign, provided that the sign remains in the location approved with the permit.