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Sign Regulations in Queen Anne's County, MD (2026)

4 rules for unincorporated Queen Anne's County, Maryland.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Queen Anne's County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Political Signs

In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, Maryland, a political sign cannot exceed 32 square feet or go up more than 70 days before the election it concerns. Unsuccessful primary candidates must pull their signs within 30 days after the primary, and every political sign comes down within 30 days after a general election. A temporary sign permit from the Zoning Office is also required.

Queen Anne's County Political Sign Rules

Some Restrictions

Queen Anne's County Code § 18:1-81

(2) Allowed signs without a permit. The following signs are allowed, subject to the restrictions under this subsection, without a sign permit. ... (l) Political signs. [1] Political signs advertising political parties or candidates for election. [2] A political sign may not: [a] Exceed 32 square feet in area; or [b] Be erected more than 70 days prior to the election to which it pertains. [3] Un...

Holiday Displays

In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, Maryland, displays and lighting put up for County, state, or federally recognized holidays need no sign permit as long as they are removed within 10 days following the holiday. The exemption sits in the sign article of the zoning code adopted by the County Commissioners and enforced by the Department of Planning and Zoning.

Queen Anne's County Holiday Display and Lighting Rules

Light Restrictions

Queen Anne's County Code § 18:1-81

(2) Allowed signs without a permit. The following signs are allowed, subject to the restrictions under this subsection, without a sign permit. ... (p) Displays, including lighting, erected in connection with the observance of County, state, or federally recognized holidays, provided that such display is removed within 10 days following the holiday.

Digital Billboards

In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, Maryland, electronic and LED signs are permitted only as freestanding signs, capped at 60 square feet, with copy that cannot change more often than every 30 seconds and brightness limited to 7,500 nits by day and 750 nits from sunset to sunrise. Off-premises signs, including billboards, are prohibited unless the code specifically allows them.

Queen Anne's County Electronic Sign and Billboard Rules

Significant Restrictions

Queen Anne's County Code § 18:1-81

(13) Electronic signs, including light-emitting diode ("LED") signs, are permitted as freestanding signs subject to the following limitations: (a) No electronic sign shall exceed 60 square feet of the maximum freestanding sign surface area otherwise permitted pursuant to § 18:1-81A(10)(b)[1] above; and (b) Surface area copy may not change more frequently than every 30 seconds. [Amended 2-14-201...

Window Signs

In unincorporated Queen Anne's County, Maryland, signs attached to the interior of a building window or glass door are on the list of signs allowed without a sign permit. Temporary banners follow separate rules in six commercial and industrial districts: a banner permit lasts 15 days, six are allowed per use per year, and each banner is capped at 60 square feet.

Queen Anne's County Window and Temporary Sign Rules

Light Restrictions

Queen Anne's County Code § 18:1-81

(2) Allowed signs without a permit. The following signs are allowed, subject to the restrictions under this subsection, without a sign permit. ... (q) Signs attached to the interior of a building window or glass door. (3) Sign alterations. The repainting, changing of parts, and preventative maintenance of signs are not deemed alterations requiring a sign permit.

All Queen Anne's County ordinances

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