MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Montgomery County is set for a fresh start as the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) prepares for a big “sign sweep” on Tuesday. The mission? To tidy up the county by clearing out signs that shouldn’t be there, especially those left behind after the recent election season. From campaign ads to other eye-catching displays that made their way into public spaces, these signs have served their purpose, but now it’s time for them to go.
The DPS team, led by Zoning and Code Compliance Section Manager Greg Nichols, is getting ready for the sweep. Inspectors and field supervisors will join forces in teams, each targeting assigned areas across the county. Decked out in brightly colored safety vests, they’re aiming to keep the streets safe and clean — without causing any traffic hiccups.
“Safety is our number one priority,” Nichols said. “In our last sign sweep two years ago, we removed about 1,400 signs, and not all of those were campaign signs. Our goal is to clear out any illegally placed sign in the public right-of-way and bring them to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood for proper disposal.”
Residents who spot stray signs in public areas don’t have to wait for the next sweep to roll around. Montgomery County makes it easy to report illegal signs online at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps. Just click on the “property complaint” button, fill in the details, and you’re all set. You can even submit complaints anonymously.
Got a pesky sign on a state roadway? Not a problem, just head over to the Maryland State Highway Administration’s website to submit a complaint there.
As Montgomery County gears up for its annual clean-up, it’s the perfect reminder that a well-kept community doesn’t just happen on its own. Each report, each sweep, and each small effort keeps our shared spaces looking lovely. For more information on sign placement regulations, check out Montgomery County’s guidelines in Chapter 59 Zoning Section 6.7.7 or contact MC311 for more details.
With a little teamwork and a lot of care, Montgomery County is sweeping away the clutter and making space for a cleaner, greener community — one sign at a time.
