Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Staff to Conduct ‘Sign Sweep’ to Collect Illegally Placed Signs on Thursday, Aug. 4

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will conduct a “sign sweep” on Thursday, Aug. 4, to remove signs illegally placed in public rights-of-way throughout the County. Those signs include campaign signs that were placed leading up to the July 19 Maryland gubernatorial primary election.

The “sign sweep” will take place on County-maintained roads and at intersections with State highways. DPS will not be removing signs from private property.

DPS Zoning and Code Compliance Manager Greg Nichols said inspectors will be forming teams to target assigned areas around the County.

“We will be removing any type of sign—not just campaign signs—that are placed illegally in the public right-of-way,” said Nichols.

DPS staff will deliver the signs to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood for recycling and disposal.

Residents may report illegal signs, at any time, online by visiting the DPS website (montgomerycountymd.gov/dps) and clicking on the “property complaint” button. When entering the information online, it is important to provide the address of the property complaint and a description of the issue. Complaints can be submitted anonymously.

To report illegal signs along State roadways, go to the Maryland State Highway Administration online complaint form at https://marylandsha.secure.force.com/customercare/request_for_service.

“We have received dozens of sign complaints this year and will continue to address complaints even after the sign sweep,” Nichols said. 

According to Nichols, more than 600 signs were removed two years ago when the department conducted a similar cleanup event in 2020.

If you have questions about signs in the right-of-way, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311 outside the County limits.

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Release ID: 22-410
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Public Works