Geographic Information Systems
Regulations For Posting Structure Numbers
As a Frederick County Citizen, you may already know, Frederick County has implemented a 911 Emergency Response System. This system improves response time of medical, fire, and law enforcement personnel by immediately pinpointing the caller's location and providing other important information - even if the caller cannot speak or the telephone line goes down during or after the call!
In order for this system to work, the County authorizes the names for all roads and streets and also assigns structure numbers to businesses, industries, and residences. This system provides numbers to new structures with limited effect to existing numbers. In addition, the County maintains a list of all existing road names so that names assigned to new roads or streets cannot be duplicated.
You should have in your possession an OFFICIAL FREDERICK COUNTY STRUCTURE NOTIFICATION FORM for any occupied structure that you own or occupy. The form has your PIN (Property Identification Number), which should be the same as the number on your tax receipts. The PIN is listed above the structure number on the form. Information is required on the form that will ensure your property is accurately identified and the form also has available space for you to add information that would help emergency services personnel in an emergency.
If you have not done so already, please cut off the top portion of the form and keep it for your records. Complete the remainder of the form and return it to our office. If you do not return the form, it may slow emergency responses to your area.
EVERYONE MUST COMPLETE THE FORM AND RETURN IT. NO ONE IS EXEMPT.
IN ORDER FOR THIS SYSTEM TO WORK, EVERYONE MUST COOPERATE. YOUR COOPERATION NOW COULD SAVE A LIFE IN AN EMERGENCY LATER.
POSTING OF YOUR STRUCTURE NUMBERS
CHAPTER 56 OF THE FREDERICK COUNTY ORDINANCE requires you to post your structure numbers so they are highly visible to the Sheriff's Department and Fire and Rescue personnel.
The County Ordinance requires all occupied structures to have the correct structure number displayed within the following guidelines:
- Residence numbers need to be a minimum of four inches in height.
- On apartments, townhouses, shopping centers, or other similar buildings where only one number is assigned, the numbers must be at least eight inches high and displayed at the main entrance. Numbers for individual units or establishments within the complex must be at least four inches in height and must be posted on, above, or to the side of the main doorway of each unit or establishment.
- Commercial and industrial structures must display numbers that are at least eight inches in height over the main entrance to the structure, with no other wording or numbers within two feet.
PLACEMENT OF NUMBERING:
- Structure numbers must be displayed at or as near as possible to the main entrance of the structure.
- If the structure is more than 50 feet from the road, you must also post the number at a visible spot along the road at the main driveway entrance. If the mail box is adjacent to the driveway, having the number posted on the mail box will suffice.
- You must display your structure number on your mailbox in accordance with postal regulations, if the mailbox is not attached to the structure. (Contact your local post office or mail carrier for the exact regulations governing mail delivery.)
- Structure numbers must be easily discernable from the roadway. Use a color that contrasts with whatever they are mounted on.
- Do not use script or written letters that are difficult to read while driving.
Remember: The easier your structure number is to identify from the roadway, the easier it will be for emergency services, deliveries, and visitors to locate your residence.
Your cooperation is essential for prompt emergency service. Contact the Department of GIS, if you have any questions or concerns about your structure number or street address.
