Ocean City Outlets seeks electronic reader board on existing pylon sign; board approves

The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception for Ocean City Outlets to add an electronic reader board to an existing pylon sign at 12741 Ocean Gateway.

The applicant’s representative told the board the project will “move the existing outlets Ocean City channel letters to the top of the face and remove the existing logo and replace it with the electronic reader board,” saying the property is zoned C-2 General Commercial and that the change aligns with the comprehensive plan’s designation for commercial-center land use. The representative noted there was no objection from environmental program staff.

The presentation referenced a series of previously approved electronic signs in the county as precedent and said the electronic sign would not adversely affect adjacent properties or the surrounding community. The representative argued the electronic reader board would also provide information to travelers about businesses at the shopping center.

Board members asked no follow-up technical questions in the transcript. A board member moved to approve the special exception; the motion was seconded and the board approved the request by voice vote. The transcript records only vocal approval (“Aye”) and does not provide a roll-call tally.

The board’s approval is recorded as a voice vote with no further conditions noted on the record. The applicant thanked the board and left to pursue permitting and installation.