PRINCE FREDERICK, Md.— Starting July 1, 2025, Calvert County will increase fines for placing unpermitted signs in public rights-of-way from $25 to $500 per sign, a measure aimed at enhancing public safety and preserving the county’s visual appeal. The Calvert County Department of Public Works will continue to remove unauthorized signs, which pose hazards to drivers and pedestrians by obstructing sightlines and creating debris risks.
Unpermitted signs removed from county rights of way are stored for two weeks at the Appeal Landfill, located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby. Individuals and businesses can reclaim their signs during this period for a $6 fee per sign. However, a civil citation from the Calvert County Attorney’s Office will be issued for each violation, carrying a $500 fine per sign, regardless of whether the signs are retrieved.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners emphasized the importance of compliance with the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance, which regulates signage to ensure safety and maintain the county’s aesthetic standards. Unpermitted signs can block drivers’ views, distract from road focus, or become hazardous during storms or roadside maintenance, potentially endangering pedestrians and motorists.
To support the placement of legal signs, the county offers a permitting process designed to balance safety and visibility needs. Residents and businesses can find detailed information on sign permits and other requirements through the county’s “Do I Need a Permit?” page at calvertcountymd.gov. The page outlines the steps for obtaining permits, ensuring signs meet zoning regulations, and are placed safely.
The fine increase reflects the county’s commitment to enforcing regulations that protect public safety and maintain the community’s appearance. The Department of Public Works routinely patrols rights-of-way to remove non-compliant signs, which are often placed without regard for traffic safety or environmental impact. The higher penalty aims to deter violations and encourage adherence to the permitting process.
Calvert County’s zoning ordinance specifies where and how signs can be placed, striking a balance between the needs of businesses and individuals and public safety concerns. The ordinance prohibits signs in public rights-of-way without permits, as these areas are reserved for road infrastructure and pedestrian access. By increasing the fine to $500, the county aims to promote compliance while mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized signage.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to review the county’s regulations before placing signs and to obtain the necessary permits to avoid costly citations. The Appeal Landfill’s two-week storage period provides an opportunity to recover signs; however, the $500 fine per sign applies universally to all violations. For more information on safe and legal sign placement, visit the county’s permit resource page.
