1562 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 908

in the nature of the general improvements in such part
of the Town of Aberdeen in which said building or struc-
ture is to be erected, then and in that event the Commis-
sioners 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 obtained from the Commissioners.

The Commissioners are hereby authorized and empow-
ered 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, and to fix the license to be
charged for the erection and maintenance of the same, and
to require insurance to be taken out and maintained thereon
to protect the Town from any damage resulting from the
erection or maintenance thereof; to refuse or revoke such
a permit in the 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 appli-
cant attempts to advertise the business or profession of
another; and to declare such unauthorized erection or main-
tenance to be a misdemeanor, punishable by fine or com-
mitment to jail.

The Commissioners are hereby authorized and empow-
ered 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 disobedience of the same and shall provide,
also, means of abatement of said fire hazards, if it be
reasonable and convenient to do so, at the expense of the
owner of said property, and the cost of the said abate-
ment shall be a lien on the said property where said fire
hazard appears and shall take precedence over a mortgage
or any other lien on said property.

17. It shall be unlawful for any person, persons or
corporations to provide a place for betting or gaming
purposes or to bet, wager, or gamble in any manner or by
any means, or to make or sell pools within the corporate
limits of the Town of Aberdeen, on the result of any race
or event of any kind.

18. The Commissioners shall have authority to incur
indebtedness not exceeding five percent (5%) of the as-
sessed value of all property within the corporate limits,
in excess of the annual revenue of the Town; and shall,