EMMITSBURG,
Md. – Over two years ago, the Emmitsburg sign ordinance
went under scrutiny following allegations that the ordinance
violated political sign regulations and a challenge by the
American Civil Liberties Union to the same effect. After undergoing
lengthy review, discussion and revision by the Emmitsburg
Planning and Zoning Commission, the final revised ordinance
was handed to the Emmitsburg mayor and town commissioners
on Nov. 19 for review and approval, but to the dismay of some
it was not met with immediate approval.
“I
feel that we presented something that was directly responding
to the community,” said Tim O’Donnell, vice
chair of the planning and zoning commission, at the commission’s
Nov. 26 meeting. “I feel that it missed the mark when
it went in front of commissioners and I really regret that.”
For
13 months the planning and zoning commission worked through
the sign ordinance, addressing several concerns raised by
the town commissioners, residents and businesses, which
included addressing issues pertaining to political signs
and self-illuminated signs.
Despite
that, the commissioners discussed the ordinance at length
on Nov. 19 and made several revisions to the proposed ordinance.
One
major revision was the commissioners added to the ordinance
that nonconforming signs may not be replaced once taken
down, even if taken down for a brief time for repair. Other
major revisions were made to the temporary signs section
of the ordinance, which included the removal of a bullet
outlining regulations of political signs.
Other
minor revisions were made to the ordinance and discussion
on the ordinance is expected to continue at the December
17 meeting. It is unknown when the ordinance will be voted
upon, as there are still issues the council would like to
address.
