Ticket Comment
Good afternoon, and thank you for reaching out!
You are correct that the Frostburg 7-Eleven at 125 E. Main Street is located in the C3 zoning district. Section 7 of the City's Zoning Ordinance pertains to sign regulations within City limits and can be accessed here: https://library.municode.com/md/frostburg/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeI....
If you're only replacing sign faces without altering the signpost (for free-standing signs) or mounting framework (for wall signs), we consider this "re-lettering," and no permit is required; however, any alterations that change the sign footprint in any way require a permit. The City does not issue standalone electrical permits, and any electrical inspections necessary would be bundled into the sign permit. The permit fee is calculated based on the square footage of the sign + any inspections that may be needed. Please see the current municipal fee schedule here - sgin permit fees are located at the bottom of page 6: https://www.frostburgcity.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/financ...
I would like to note that 7/11 is located in the City's designated Historic District, and as such, exterior alterations may require an additional review from the Historic District Commission if the extent of the work goes beyond simple re-lettering. More information about Historic District Commission review and requirements is available here: https://www.frostburgcity.org/bc-historicdistrict.
It is also important to note that, since the property is also adjacent to Main Street, which is a State Route, new sign installations may also be subject to a review from the State Highway Administration (SHA). I would strongly encourage you to reach out to SHA as soon as possible, as their sign regulations are more stringent than the City's, and their review process often takes significantly longer than the City of Frostburg's. The District 6 office of the State Highway Administration can be reached at 301-729-8400.
We do permit third-party entities/individuals to apply for permits on behalf of the property owner, as long as the applicant has received explicit permission from the owner to do so. You can begin a sign permit application online by following this link: https://frostburgcity.portal.iworq.net/FROSTBURGMD/new-permit/600/3029, and City staff will get in touch with you if additional materials are required. If you prefer paper submission, the City's sign permit form can be accessed online here: https://www.frostburgcity.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/commun..., and the completed version and sign plan can be emailed to bfife@frostburgcity.org. Engineered plans are not necessary; however, the plans you submit should include exact measurements for all sign installations, and wall-mounted signs should detail the dimensions of the wall on which the sign will be mounted.
I'm happy to answer any additional questions you may have. I can be reached by phone at 301-914-1790 (direct desk line) or by email at bfife@frostburgcity.org.
Thank you again for reaching out. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Bethany Fife
Planner, City of Frostburg
