O-23-26: Eliminating the Permit Requirement for Sidewalk Signs For the purpose of removing the requirement that shop-owners in Historic Annapolis obtain permits to put a sign on the sidewalk; maintaining certain regulations on these sidewalk signs, and the ability of the City to issue citations for violations; and generally related to Chapter 17.60 of the City Code.

Description

Eliminating the Permit Requirement for Sidewalk Signs For the purpose of removing the requirement that shop-owners in Historic Annapolis obtain permits to put a sign on the sidewalk; maintaining certain regulations on these sidewalk signs, and the ability of the City to issue citations for violations; and generally related to Chapter 17.60 of the City Code.

Summary

Annapolis Ordinance O-23-26 eliminates the permit requirement for portable sidewalk signs, including A-frame, sandwich-board, and pedestal signs, in areas where such signs are allowed. Businesses will no longer pay application fees, submit paperwork, or provide an indemnity bond. The ordinance shifts responsibility to sign owners, who must comply with ADA and other pedestrian-access rules, avoid blocking traffic or neighboring property, refrain from permanently attaching signs, and remove them when the business closes or by midnight. Owners are liable for related injury or property damage. Violations may result in citations and removal at the owner’s expense. The change reduces administrative work and modestly decreases permit revenue while preserving City enforcement authority.