The prime functions of any roadway network are the movement of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, and the provision of access to adjacent land all in a safe and efficient manner. This section is being incorporated to give guidelines to ensure these prime functions.
A. 
Signs and pavement markings which warn, guide, and/or regulate traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian) are required to assure the maximum safety and efficiency of the roadway network. All signs and pavement markings shall be designed and installed in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD).
B. 
In addition to the requirements of the MUTCD, the following requirements shall also be met.
(1) 
All pavement markings shall be a minimum of five inches wide. (The use of six-inch-wide centerline and edge line markings shall require the prior approval of the County.)
(2) 
Centerline stripes are required on major collectors and above. Centerline and shoulder striping shall also be provided where paved shoulders are required by § 276-6E. Developers shall follow the procedures set forth in the "Standards and Guidelines for Traffic Signs and Pavement Markings in New Subdivisions" contained in Appendix C.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
(3) 
All signs shall be mounted on galvanized channel posts.
(4) 
The street sign and stop sign shall be in place immediately after the placement of the base asphalt for that street.
(5) 
On closed-section two-way roadways with a pavement width wider than 24 feet and narrower than 36 feet, "no parking" signs may be provided to prohibit parking on one side.
(6) 
The County Highway Engineer may require additional road signage as necessary to support the Zoning Regulations as outlined in Chapter 297 and the Parking Regulations as outlined in Chapter 287 of the County Code.
Protective devices at railroad at-grade crossings shall be in accordance with the MUTCD (Ref. 4).[1]
Refer to Appendix D.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Said appendix is included as an attachment to this chapter.
A. 
Streetlights in Charles County shall be the sole responsibility of the respective private owners (subdivision housing associations, commercial establishments, etc.) and local municipalities. The County shall not allow streetlights within the County right-of-way, with the exception of within the designated Urban Road Standards District. The County shall not provide, maintain or operate streetlights.
B. 
Special safety lighting (lighting at intersections, rail crossings, etc.) may be required by other regulations or by the County as determined on a case-by-case basis.
A. 
County regulations and this chapter prohibit the placement of any privately owned permanent or semi-permanent structures within the road right-of-way such as fences, basketball hoops and/or sports goals, skateboard ramps, wheel stops, large stones/boulders, wood landscaping ties or concrete bricks, signs, gazebos, sprinkler systems, and all atypical hazardous structures and items creating an obstruction.
B. 
The only exceptions are the following:
(1) 
Regulation United States Postal Service (USPS) mail boxes and newspaper boxes on breakaway-type posts (as shown in the Charles County Standard Detail Manual).
(2) 
Regulation USPS cluster box units (CBU) on closed-section (curbed) roadways with a "local road" or "minor collector" classification, where the posted speed limit is 30 mph or lower. Installation shall be according to USPS guidelines and as shown in the Charles County Standard Detail Manual, R/2.49. CBU locations shall be approved by the County Highway Engineer and must be consistent with the requirements of the latest version of the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide. CBUs shall be located a sufficient distance away from public road intersections to provide minimum intersection sight distance and maintain flow of traffic. They shall not be placed on the inside of horizontal curves where they would obstruct the minimum stopping sight distance.
(3) 
Brick mail boxes without footings, architectural enhancements to residential driveway entrances and amenities provided in the urban areas. The brick mail boxes and enhancements to driveway entrances will only be allowed on residential roadways with a "local road" or "minor collector" classification where the posted speed limit is 30 mph or lower, and are prohibited on all major collector and arterial roads. Additionally, a horizontal clear zone of 10 feet or more from the edge of the traveled way must be maintained for all driveway entrance enhancements.
C. 
With the adoption of this policy, it is understood and agreed to by the property owner(s), its successors, and assigns that Charles County government shall have complete access to the County right-of-way and all infrastructure improvements within that right-of-way. Further, the County and its representatives shall not be responsible for any damages caused during the course of operations and maintenance to the private improvements or property within the County right-of-way, such as a brick mail box, an architectural enhancement at the driveway entranceand amenities provided in the urban areas. Any property owner that has constructed or plans to construct a brick mail box or an architectural enhancement at the driveway entrance over a drainage culvert pipe within the right-of-way is responsible for the maintenance of the mail box and/or architectural enhancement.
D. 
Adherence to these rules will greatly reduce liability and will assist in assuring the safety of pedestrians and vehicles. Any noncompliance to the above regulations may be immediately removed without notice by Charles County at the owner's expense and/or may include issuance of a penalty or fine to the owner in accordance with this chapter.