ELR Citation: ELR 20232
No(s). 145 (Md. Feb 8, 1973)

The Court of Appeals of Maryland affirms a circuit court ruling that a local ordinance regulating signs in the central business district of Baltimore is invalid. The court holds that the sole purpose of the ordinance is the achievement of an aesthetically pleasing result, with no thought of enhancing the public welfare. In distinction the court notes that the preservation of an area which is generally regarded by the public to be pleasing to the eye or historically or architecturally significant is a valid exercise of the police power.

Counsel for Plaintiffs
George A. Nilson
Piper & Marbury
2000 First Maryland Bldg.
25 South Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Counsel for Defendants
Richard M. Hartman
Joseph S. Matricciani
City Solicitor's Office
508 Tower Bldg.
Baltimore, MD 21202