Calvert Co. Fines Increasing for Unpermitted Signs in the Public Right of Way

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – June 20, 2025 – Starting July 1, 2025, the fine for placing unpermitted signs in public right of ways will increase from $25 to $500 per sign.

Calvert County Department of Public Works routinely removes unauthorized signage within the county right of ways to ensure public safety and maintain the county’s visual landscape. The removed signs are stored at the Appeal Landfill, located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby for two weeks. Individuals and businesses may claim their signs during that time for a $6 per sign fee.

Those individuals or businesses that violate the signage permit will receive a civil citation from the Calvert County Attorney’s Office, which carries a fine of $500 per sign, whether or not those signs are retrieved from the landfill.

Unpermitted signs in the right of way pose a hazard to drivers and pedestrians. Signs can block lines of sight and can become dangerous debris if dislodged during inclement weather or roadside maintenance.

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners encourages all citizens to comply with the sign regulations within the Calvert County Zoning Ordinance.

If you require a sign permit, the process is designed to accommodate legal and safe placement. For more information on necessary permits for various types of work, visit the county’s “Do I Need a Permit?” page.

Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

 

[Editor]

I certainly hope they mean those nasty signs that builders stick along side the road to attract people to their latest house for sale. Let's bring this to St. Mary's too!

 

[frequentflier]

Many phone calls to the county in the past week to see how to get permits for the five professionally made sandwich board signs I put out 2X a month for a small shop attached to my house where I sell jewelry, apparel, decor, vintage, etc. and the signs are a NO GO. We put four of the five on route 4 at 4:30 PM Fri and pick them up Sat at 3. NO GO. There are weekend workers that will pick up the signs and I will get fined $500 per sign.

Though "litter on a stick" has always been a contentious issue, my understanding of why this is happening lately started with the "tree man" and "boothes" putting 15 signs at every intersection in the county many months ago (but I think the charge was $6 per sign if they were picked up and you went to the landfill to retrieve them). That stopped but now a slew of other businesses are littering the roads and medians every weekend.

My home (and shop) are off the beaten path. Despite advertising online etc, the signs brought in a fair amount of business when I am open. Since "retiring", I have started re selling and downsizing and it keeps me busy both mentally and physically. I may actually make a few bucks with my efforts

One county lady did tell me I could put garage or yard sales signs out and I guess that will have to do. However, people going to garage sales usually have an expectation of getting stuff super cheap and where my prices are very reasonable and I am open to negotiation, there is a lot of very nice stuff in the shop and I cannot afford to give it away.

SIGH. Going to go to bed and think of all the stuff I'm going to *give away* at my yard sale Saturday.

 

[frequentflier]

After a restless night, I got up early and ordered yard sale signs on Amazon. Hopefully they will pay for themselves Saturday! I *will* have super cheap stuff outside.