Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Collects More Than 1,300 Illegally Placed Signs in One-Day 'Sign Sweep' of Public Rights of Way

For Immediate Release: Friday, August 5, 2022

Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) collected more than 1,300 illegally placed signs in public rights of way when it conducted a one-day “sign sweep” on Thursday, Aug. 4. Those signs included campaign signs that were placed leading up to the July 19 Maryland gubernatorial primary election.

The “sign sweep” was conducted on County-maintained roads.

DPS Zoning and Code Compliance Manager Greg Nichols said inspectors formed teams to target assigned areas around the County. He said the teams removed any type of sign—not just campaign signs—that were placed illegally in the public right-of-way.

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

Residents can report illegal signs, at any time, online by visiting the DPS website at https://permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/online/eComplaint.aspx.

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.

Questions about signs in the right-of-way can be addressed by calling MC 311 (240-777-0311 from outside the County).

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Release ID: 22-417
Media Contact: Sonya Burke 240-777-6272
Categories: Public Works