960 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 443

character and type of buildings to be constructed therein,
and the issuance of permits therefor, and for permits for
signs and outdoor advertising; and to pass ordinances to
protect property in the Town against fire hazards.

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Mary-
land, That a new section be added to Article 13 of the Code of
Public Local Laws of Maryland (1930 Edition), title "Har-
ford County", sub-title "Bel Air", to be known as Section 125A,
to read as follows:

125A. The Commissioners shall have the authority to zone
the Town of Bel Air, dividing the same into several districts,
and in each of said districts may prescribe reasonable rules
and regulations relating to the character and type of build-
ings to be constructed therein, and the materials to be used
in said buildings, and no buildings shall be erected in said
zone by any person, firm or corporation, unless and until the
said person, firm or corporation, shall submit to the Com-
missioners plans for said buildings, which shall include the
materials to be used in the construction of the same, and the
location of the land on which said building is to be placed, and
if the said plans of any building or structure, or the location
thereof on the land, and the materials proposed to be used
for the same, shall not be in the nature of a general improve-
ment in the zone, or district in which said building or struc-
ture is to be erected, then and in that event the Commissioners
may refuse to issue a permit for the same, but in no case
shall any excavation or construction begin until a permit
shall have been first obtained from the Commissioners.

The Commissioners are hereby authorized and empowered
in the town at large, before the creation of zones, or districts,
and thereafter in said zones or districts, to fix and determine
the location and size of any sign or other outdoor advertising
matter, and the size and character of the lettering and
numerals thereon; to require a permit for the erection and
maintenance of such signs or other outdoor advertising matter;
to refuse or revoke such a permit in event the applicant does
not reside on the premises where the sign is to be erected, and
continue to reside thereon while it is maintained, or in event
the applicant attempts to advertise the business or profession
of another; and to declare such unauthorized erection and
maintenance to be a misdemeanor, punishable by fine or com-
mitment to jail.

The Commissioners are hereby authorized and empowered
to pass such ordinance or ordinances as shall protect the
property of the inhabitants of the Town against fire hazards,
which said ordinance or ordinances shall provide penalties for