Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill
Introduced by: Councilmember Reisinger
A Bill Entitled
An Ordinance concerning
title
Zoning - Signs - Conversion of Existing Non-Digital Billboards
For the purpose of amending the provisions concerning the conversion of non-digital billboards.
body
By repealing and reordaining, with amendments
Article 32 - Zoning
Section(s) 17-406(d) and (e)
Baltimore City Code
(Edition 2000)
Section 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, That the Laws of Baltimore City read as follows:
Baltimore City Code
Article 32. Zoning
Title 17. Signs
§ 17-406. Billboards.
(d) Conversion of existing non-digital billboards.
[(1) In general.]
An existing non-digital billboard may be converted to a digital billboard only if:
[(i) it is accompanied by documentation that at least 3 existing billboard faces in
the City have been removed for each new digital billboard face to be placed or erected;]
(1) [(ii)] each message or image displayed on the digital billboard must be static
or follow standards for electronic signs;
(2) [(iii)] digital animation, streaming video, or images that move or give the
appearance of movement are prohibited;
(3) [(iv)] the digital billboard has ambient light monitors that automatically adjust the brightness level of the billboard based on ambient light conditions;
(4) [(v)] the billboard does not have audio speakers or any audio component;
[(vi) the new digital billboard is not relocated by more than 15 feet in
any direction from its original location;]
[(vii) each billboard being removed is a minimum of 100 square feet;] and
(5) [(viii)] the applicant submits proof of current billboard tax payment at
the time of application for conversion.
[(2) Printed billboard removal credit.]
[(i) The Zoning Administrator shall maintain an account of removals of existing
printed billboards and shall credit the account of the owner of a printed billboard for each printed billboard that is removed.]
[(ii) In order to document the removal of a printed billboard, the owner shall submit
to the Zoning Administrator a copy of the conversion permit for the removal of the billboard and photographs documenting the removal.]
[(iii) A printed billboard removal credit may be reserved and used by the original owner of the credit within 5 years after the removal of the printed billboard.]
(e) Exclusions.
An existing billboard may not be converted to a digital billboard if[:
(1) it is attached to a building that is 35 feet or less in height;]
[(2) it is a pole mounted billboard that is 35 feet or less in height; or
(3)] it is located in or within 250 feet of a residential district.
Section 2. And be it further ordained, That the catchlines contained in this Ordinance are not law and may not be considered to have been enacted as a part of this or any prior Ordinance.
Section 3. And be it further ordained, That this Ordinance takes effect on the 30th day after the date it is enacted.