Residents Reminded to Comply with Local “Signs” Ordinance

Chevy Chase Village has its own “Signs” Code (Chapter 12) which outlines a series of regulations and parameters for signs erected in the Village, both on private property and in the public right-of-way.
 
The regulation of signs is intended to enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety and to preserve the attractiveness of the streetscape.  Key provisions include:

• Signs allowed on private property, with certain limitations, including political and religious signs, flags, and scholastic or collegiate banners; no permit is required.

• Signs allowed on private property and/or in certain locations within the public right-of-way: real estate signs--both the wooden yard signs and for open house events; location signs for estate and yard sales; and directional signs intended to guide or direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic; Village sign permit required for each sign erected.

• Commercial signs are not allowed within the Village. (Exception: security/alarm system signs, which are allowed within certain size and location parameters.) Commercial signs include: fence company name plates, attached to new fences containing the fence company’s name, such as “LONG FENCE”; and construction or contracting company signs. Commercial signs placed in the public right-of-way will be promptly removed by Village staff. If a commercial sign is observed on private property, notice will be provided by Village staff to the property owner requesting prompt removal.

• An “electronic pet containment system” (i.e., electric pet fence) sign, issued by the Village, must be posted at each property where said system is in operation.

• No signs of any kind are permitted within the “tree box”, the area located between the sidewalk and curb/roadway.

Residents may view the full “Signs” Ordinance on the Village website (www.chevychasevillagemd.gov). For questions concerning signs, associated permits or to request an “electronic pet containment system” sign, please contact the Village office at ccv@montgomerycountymd.gov or 301-654-7300.

Spring Brings Increase in Code Violations;
Confirm Permitting Requirements
BEFORE you Perform Work

As spring arrives, we are seeing an increase in unpermitted work taking place across the Village.  Residents are reminded that most exterior home improvements, including what may be classified as “maintenance”, may require permits from the Village as well as from Montgomery County.  Examples include:

• New and resurfaced walkways and driveways
• New sheds
• Drainage and irrigation projects including installation of irrigation systems, French drains, drywells and underground drainage pipes
• New and replacement air conditioning units and generators
• New and replacement decks and patios
• New and replacement fencing, including electronic pet fencing
• Installation of outdoor lighting
• Planting and other improvements in the public right-of-way

Residents are urged to contact the Village office BEFORE hiring a contractor to perform work at your property to confirm permit requirements.  Village staff can not only advise you of work requiring a Village permit, but can also alert you to permitting requirements by the county.  Failure to obtain permits in advance of work can result in enforcement action including posting of the site under a Stop Work Order, fines and citations, and/or remedial action to remove an improvement that does not comply with the Code.
To confirm permit compliance, please call the Village office at 301-654-7300 or email ccvpermitting@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Simple Steps to Converting Your Lawn to Organic

 
Environment and Energy Committee

Spring is here and it a good time to take simple steps to convert your lawn to organic.  The key to a healthy lawn is healthy soil and good mowing, watering and fertilizer practice. A good first start is to analyze your soil to determine what your specific needs are. A basic soil test that gives readings for soil pH, phosphate, potassium, and magnesium levels is sufficient for most home gardeners. The Extension Service at the University of Maryland page can provide that Service.

Fertilizing your lawn ensures good growth and root development for your grass. Look for organic slow release fertilizers that contain nitrogen, potassium but no phosphorus. Products that are compatible with organic landscape management are listed at the Beyond Pesticides web site or on the Environmental and Energy Committee web site. 
 
Talk to your landscape contractors and find our what products they are using. For lawns that have had high pesticide use, the costs may be a little higher initially but in the long run will cost you less money, reduce your water use, and most importantly, your lawn will be safe for children and pets.
 
Marilyn Bracken

Chevy Chase Village's Community Relations Committee
Invites Residents to Enjoy

 The Seriously Fun Singing Group
Sunday, May 20, 2018 - 4PM to 6PM

SFS is group of 22 singers that began three years ago when two friends in Chevy Chase were looking to sing popular and “fun” music in a small group setting.  They ended up organizing their own group, recruiting many like-minded, musically-talented neighbors from Chevy Chase and nearby Bethesda and Chevy Chase DC.

Since May 2015, SFS has been performing programs of pleasingly eclectic popular music to enthusiastic audiences! Their concert on May 20th will focus on the music of Leonard Bernstein, celebrating 100 years since his birth, along with Gershwin standards, other selections from the American Songbook and some bossa nova jazz pieces to round out the program.  
 
Chevy Chase Village Hall
5906 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
RSVP to ccv@montgomerycountymd.gov
OR call 301.654.7300

Brookville Road Park Closed for Improvements

The Brookville Road Park remains closed for redevelopment and construction of a new dog exercise area.

The contractor will try to ensure that pedestrian access along the Brookville Road public sidewalk is maintained, however, there may be occasions when the sidewalk needs to be closed due to deliveries or specific work. Construction plans for the proposed park can be viewed on the Brookville Road Park page.

For more information or questions please contact the Village’s Municipal Operations Coordinator Ellen Sands by phone at 301-654-7300 or via e-mail at ellen.sands@montgomerycountymd.gov.

We thank you for your patience as we undertake this project.

Sidewalk Replacement in the Buffer

Replacement of the brick sidewalk through the Buffer has begun. The work is anticipated to take about three weeks.  Please follow detour signage.

We thank you for your patience as we complete this project.

Emergency Contact Sheet

EMERGENCY - 911
 
Chevy Chase Village Police 
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-654-7300

Montgomery County Police 
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-279-8000

Bethesda - Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 301-652-0077

Chevy Chase Fire Dept
(Opposite Columbia Country Club) - 240-773-4707

Bethesda Fire Dept
(Wisconsin Ave and Bradley Blvd) - 240-773-4706

National Capital Poison Center
(George Washington University Hospital) - 800-222-1222

Utilities
 

Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)

Emergency-Live wires down, power failure - 877-737-2662

Customer Service - 202-833-7500

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Emergency - 301-206-4002

Complaints, Leaks, Information - 301-206-4001

Washington Gas

Emergency - 703-750-1400

Information & Customer Service - 703-750-1000

Comcast - 800-934-6489

Verizon - 800-837-4966

**A cut out sheet is also located on page two of the January 2017 Crier.

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