Planning commission backs allowing electronic message centers at public recreation areas

The Calvert County Planning Commission recommended adoption of text amendment TA 26-25 on Sept. 16, 2026, which would allow electronic message centers (EMCs) to replace existing reader boards at public recreation areas. Will Hager, Planner 3, told commissioners the amendment applies where reader boards were in place "as of the effective date of 03/01/2025" and that "the sign face of the reader board may be replaced in kind with an electronic message center." The motion to close the record and recommend adoption was moved by a commissioner (voice) and carried by voice vote.

Commissioners asked whether there are size limits and whether new public recreation areas could install reader boards. Staff answered that size would be limited to replacing the existing reader board "in kind," and clarified that the county and the school district had previously been addressed by another amendment but the proposed change would also apply to non-county-owned recreation areas such as fairgrounds. No members of the public spoke on this amendment at the hearing.