Article IX, Sections 9-101 through 9-402

Signage

• Certificate of appropriateness for signs in historicHistoric districtAn area where exterior changes need design review to protect its character. districts

  A certificate of appropriateness from the board of architectural review or the director is required for any sign, marquee or awning permanently affixed or displayed when subject to view from a public street or place and affixed to a building or structure located in or otherwise displayed within the Old and Historic Alexandria District or the Parker-Gray District or when affixed to or displayed on a 100-year-old building designated by city council under section 10-300.

• Prohibition of freestanding signs along GWMP and Washington Street

  No freestanding signs which are located on a parcel fronting the George Washington Memorial Parkway or Washington Street shall be permitted unless it is the minimum signage necessary to comply with section 9-7-7 of the city code.

• Illumination curfew for signs facing residential zones

  Signs facing or located on a lot abutting a residential zone shall not be illuminated between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

• Maximum illuminated wall sign heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. in historicHistoric districtAn area where exterior changes need design review to protect its character. districts or facing GWMP35 ft

  Illuminated wall signs located higher than 35 feet above grade within historic districts or facing the George Washington Memorial Parkway are prohibited.

• Maximum pole sign heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.6 ft

  Pole signs that exceed six feet in height are prohibited.

• NonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. sign continuation and removal

  Nonconforming signs may continue indefinitely but cannot be modified or relocated unless compliant. If destroyed, may be reconstructed without increasing noncompliance. Pole signs exceeding six feet must be removed if destroyed or repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement value.

• Portable sign placement requirements

  Portable signs shall be located on the property of the sign owner, outside a minimum lateral walkway clearance of five feet for pedestrian travel, within 15 feet of the front building wall, and a minimum of 15 feet from any driveway or intersection; and shall only be displayed during operating hours of the business.

• ProhibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance. sign types

  Flashing signs; illuminated wall signs located higher than 35 feet above grade within historic districts or facing the George Washington Memorial Parkway; internally illuminated panel signs; moving signs; pole signs that exceed six feet in height; roof signs; signs erected on public land (with exceptions); signs that simulate traffic control signs; signs causing safety hazard; signs emitting sound, smoke, flame, scent, mist, aerosol, bubbles, liquid, or gas; and billboards.

• Sign maintenance requirements

  All signs shall be maintained at all times in a safe structural condition and in a neat and clean condition and shall be kept free from defective or missing parts or peeling paint.

• Sign removal upon discontinuance of use30 days

  Whenever the use of a building or structure or real property is discontinued, all sign faces pertaining to that use shall be removed within 30 days of the discontinuance of the use.

• Removal of unused sign structures1 year

  A supporting standard or structure for a sign shall be removed if not occupied by a sign permitted by this ordinance for a continuous period of one year.

• Signs permitted on any lot

  Signs are permitted on any lot, in any zone, and in any required yard subject to all other applicable requirements of this Article.

• Signs permitted with special use permitConditional useAllowed only after a discretionary approval — usually a public hearing and a board vote.

  A special use permit may be obtained pursuant to section 11-500 for signage otherwise not permitted, including signs exceeding maximum number/height/area, temporary signs posted for more than 120 days, and digital signs, subject to findings of exceptional design and no adverse impact.

• Temporary sign exemption from certificate of appropriateness20 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  Temporary signs: One sign, no more than 20 square feet in area and located no more than 20 feet above the building average finished grade. Such sign may be freestanding, wall mounted, projecting or inserted within a window. Freestanding temporary signs shall not exceed six feet in height.