Check the Status of Your Ticket

Update Ticket/Add Comment

Sign Code Help Needed: 7-Eleven - 125 E Main St, Frostburg, MD 21532

Email: easycodechecks@gmail.com
Name: Neil Thigpen
Phone Number: 626-298-5747
Status: Closed
Assigned To: bfife (General)
Ticket ID: 0071

Good Morning,

We are working to put together a detailed package of exterior sign allowances for a 7-Eleven location in Frostburg, and I wanted to reach out to you regarding sign allowances and permitting procedures. To start, I have included the address in the subject line but can also be found here:

125 E Main St, Frostburg, MD 21532

I was able to find that the property seems to be within the City of Frostburg's permitting jurisdiction, and that the zoning designation is C3 - can you confirm? Also, can you advise if there is a Master Sign Program or restrictive overlay on the property which impacts sign allowances and permitting procedures? 

Can you advise where I can find the most accurate and up-to-date sign code that is relevant to this property?

Can you advise if any engineering would be required for wall or freestanding signs? And would a permit be required if you’re just replacing faces?
Regarding permits: Can you provide the necessary sign permit applications? For instance, would an electrical permit be required if connecting to an existing circuit? And are there any digital submission options? Last, would a permit agent / expeditor be allowed to submit the permit application?

Thanks in advance! I know that seems like a lot but we really would like to move on this and are hoping the information above will help make the process as straightforward and easy for your team to review as possible.

Let me know if you have any questions, and thanks again!

Ticket History

Public
Closed
Updated By: estahlman
Assigned To: bfife (General)
02/08/2022 - 1:50pm
Public
Pending Citizen Response
Updated By: bfife
Assigned To: bfife (General)

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

02/04/2022 - 3:46pm
New
Assigned To:

Citizen request/question created.

02/04/2022 - 8:26am

Disclosures

Certain messages sent through this form may constitute a public record and be subject to disclosure under state law.

Communications sent via the Internet or through this Web page shall in no way be deemed to constitute legal notice to the City or any of its officers, agents, or employees, where notice to the City is required by any law, rule, regulation or contract.