Section 7.6.4. Sign Review Board

A.   Composition

1.   The Sign Review Board consists of 5 members:

a.   appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the District Council, and under Chapter 2 (Section 2-148);

b.   who are residents of the County;

c.   one of whom must operate a business in the County; and

d.   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.

2.   One member must be designated as chair by the County Executive, and confirmed by the District Council.

3.   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.   Procedures

The Sign Review Board must:

1.   meet a minimum of once a month at the call of the chair;

2.   exercise its powers and duties only when a minimum of 3 members are present;

3.   provide written decisions and actions of the Sign Review Board within 10 days after the decision or action in a format required by DPS; and

4.   exercise its powers and duties according to the procedures adopted by District Council resolution. These procedures must include:

a.   the keeping of records of meetings and hearings;

b.   the establishment of requirements for hearing notification;

c.   the orientation and training of new members;

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

e.   standards of conduct regarding conflict of interest;

f.   standards of ethics; and

g.   the procedure for admission of evidence and testimony.

C.   Powers

The Sign Review Board may:

1.   advise DPS whether an application for a permit satisfies this Chapter or needs a variance;

2.   approve or revoke a sign variance under Section 7.4.4;

3.   order the appearance of a person or evidence at a hearing before them; and

4.   approve a right-of-way sign under Section 6.7.4.F.3 after receiving a recommendation from the appropriate transportation jurisdiction.