Are LED Signs Allowed in Marydel, Caroline County, Maryland? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, with conditions. EMC signs are permitted in Marydel, Caroline County, MD, subject to zoning district restrictions and special use approvals.
"Electronic message board signs… are not permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Residential Zoning Districts and only by special use exception in the VC and VN Rural Village Zoning Districts."
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Marydel Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View – City of Marydel Zoning & Parcel View
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | VC, VN (Rural Village – with special use exception) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Freestanding, Wall-mounted |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌Not allowed |
| Minimum setback required | At least equal to the sign height or 10 ft, whichever is greater |
| Use restrictions | Single EMC per parcel; no animation, video, or pictorial images; only alphanumeric characters; max 32 sq. ft. |
Zoning District Overview
Marydel follows Caroline County’s zoning framework:
-
Residential districts: R-1, R-2 (EMCs prohibited)
-
Rural Village districts: VC, VN (EMCs allowed with special use exception)
- Caroline County Zoning Map Viewer: Caroline County GIS Zoning Map
Screenshot placeholder showing how to check a property’s zoning designation
Rural Village Zoning Table
| Requirement | VC | VN |
|---|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Special Use Exception | Special Use Exception |
| Max number per parcel | 1 | 1 |
| Change frequency | Min 2 min per message | Min 2 min per message |
| Animated or flashing | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed |
| Max size | 32 sq. ft. or 30% of sign | 32 sq. ft. or 30% of sign |
| Max illumination | 5,000 nits day / 500 nits night | 5,000 nits day / 500 nits night |
| ROW projection | ❌Not allowed | ❌Not allowed |
| Setback | ≥ sign height or 10 ft | ≥ sign height or 10 ft |
| Malfunction default | Black screen | Black screen |
| Proximity to traffic lights | ≥ 300 ft | ≥ 300 ft |
Permit Filing Requirements
Required forms: Sign permit application, site plan, structural drawings
Permit fee: Determined by the county
Submission: Applications must include location, size, illumination method, content, construction materials, and owner permission for off-premise signs.
Full Ordinance Text (Verbatim)
"Electronic message board signs… are not permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Residential Zoning Districts and only by special use exception in the VC and VN Rural Village Zoning Districts… shall have no revolving, flashing, moving, scrolling, rotating, or similar intermittent lights or features… may consist only of alphabetic or numeric characters on a plain background… not exceed a maximum illumination of 5,000 nits during daylight hours and a maximum illumination of 500 nits at night… only one electronic message board on each parcel… shall not be located within 300 feet of a traffic light."
External References
🗺️ Marydel Zoning & Parcel View
📘 Marydel Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal