Sec. 59-F-10.2. Sign Review Board.

   (a)   Composition.  The Sign Review Board consists of 5 members:

      (1)   appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the Council, and subject to Section 2-148;

      (2)   who are residents of the County;

      (3)   one of whom must operate a business in the County; and

      (4)   one of whom must be an architect licensed in Maryland.  The Executive must request from the Potomac Valley Chapter of Maryland, American Institute of Architects, recommendations of architects who are qualified to serve on the Board, but the Executive is not limited to the Chapter’s recommendation.

One member must be designated as chair by the Executive, subject to confirmation by the Council.

Each member serves a 3-year term, except that an appointment to fill a vacancy occurring before a term expires is for the remainder of the unexpired term.

   (b)   Powers and Duties.

      (1)   Duties.  The Sign Review Board must:

         (A)   meet at least once a month at the call of the chair.

         (B)   exercise its powers and duties only when a quorum is present.  A quorum is not less than 3 members.

         (C)   exercise its powers and duties according to the procedures adopted by Council Resolution.  These procedures must include:

            1.   the keeping of records of meetings and hearings;

            2.   the establishment of requirements for hearing notification;

            3.   the orientation and training of new members;

            4.   the issuance of an annual report of activities and accomplishments;

            5.   standards of conduct regarding conflict of interest;

            6.   standards of ethics; and

            7.   the procedure for admission of evidence and testimony.

         (D)   provide written decisions and actions of the Board within 10 days of the decision or action in a format as required by the Director.

         (E)   approve the examination for the sign installer license administered by the Director under subsection 59-F-9.2(c).

         (F)   Sign Concept Plan in an approved Urban Renewal Area

            1.   Review and approve each sign concept plan submitted for permanent signs that are part of an optional method development project within an approved urban renewal area and recommend approval of each sign permit application that is consistent with the approved sign concept plan if it finds that:

               a.   the sign concept plan is consistent with the relevant urban renewal plan; and

               b.   approval of the sign concept plan will not substantially impair the purposes and intent of this Article; and

               c.   because of the location, size, intensity, design and operational characteristics of the proposed signs, approval of the sign concept plan would not be detrimental to existing or potential surrounding development.

            2.   In reviewing a sign concept plan for an optional method development project within an urban renewal area, the Sign Review Board must consider:

               a.   the recommendations of an urban renewal plan adopted under Chapter 56;

               b.   the size, scope and nature of the optional method development;

               c.   the size, height, arrangement and design of structures;

               d.   the location, size, intensity, design and operational characteristics of the proposed signs; and

               e.   surrounding existing and proposed development.  A sign concept plan must not be approved, unless a determination is made by the Sign Review Board that the concept plan is compatible with surrounding existing and proposed development.

            3.   All sign concept plans and modifications must be reviewed by the Planning Board or the Board’s designee, and comments provided to the Sign Review Board.  A sign concept plan that includes a roof sign or off-site sign, may be approved by the Sign Review Board only if the signage is consistent with the recommendations of an approved urban renewal plan, or with the concurrence of the Planning Board.  An off-site sign for purposes of the Urban Renewal Area is a sign outside the project plan boundary.

      (2)   Powers.  The Sign Review Board may:

         (A)   advise the Director whether an application for a permit complies with this Article or needs a variance;

         (B)   order the appearance of a person or evidence at a hearing before them; and

         (C)   approve a right-of-way sign as stipulated in subsection 59-F-7.1.(f)(2) after receiving a recommendation from the appropriate transportation jurisdiction.

   (c)   Staff Support.

      (1)   The Director must provide staff to enable the Sign Review Board to conduct its business in a timely and efficient manner.

      (2)   The Director must supply resources which enable the Sign Review Board to perform its functions in an autonomous setting.

      (3)   The County Attorney must serve as counsel to the Sign Review Board.

   (d)   Appeal of Sign Review Board Action.  Any final decision by the Sign Review Board may be appealed by any aggrieved party to the Board of Appeals within 30 days of the decision.

(Legislative History: Ord. No. 13-76, § 1; Ord. No. 14-10, § 9; Ord. No. 15-26, § 4; Ord. No. 15-52, § 1.)

   Editor’s note—Ord. No. 15-52, § 2, states: Transition. Of the 2 members added to the Sign Review Board under Section 59-F-10.2, as amended by Section 1, the County Executive must appoint one for an initial term of one year and one for an initial term of 2 years.

   See County Attorney Opinion dated 7/8/02 describing the extent to which quasi-judicial officials may engage in political activities.