Sec. 86-639

Signage

• Construction and maintenance standards

  All signs must comply with Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and be maintained in good repair. Obsolete signs removed within 30 days.

• Exempt signs

  Sign permits not required for: address signs ≤3 sq ft, flags ≤50 sq ft each (max 3 per lot), directional signs ≤3 sq ft, security signs ≤1.5 sq ft, private drive signs ≤2 sq ft, temporary political signs ≤8 sq ft and ≤6 ft height, temporary real estate signs ≤4 sq ft residential / 32 sq ft other, vehicle safety inspection signs ≤10 sq ft, etc.

• Maximum number of sign faces4 faces

  No sign shall have more than four sign faces.

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

  Nonconforming signs may remain if kept in good repair; cannot be enlarged; if damaged >50% of fair market value, must be brought into conformance.

• Sign area calculation

  The area of a sign shall be determined by measuring the surface area encompassing any regular geometric figure (square, circle, rectangle, triangle, etc.) enclosing all parts of the sign face.

• Sign heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. measurement

  The height of a sign shall be measured from the higher of the base of the sign, or the grade of the street to which the sign is oriented, to the top of the structure.

• Streamers/festoons standards24 inches

  Streamers may be displayed only in C-1 and C-2 districts; individual components max 24 inches in length or diameter; not illuminated.

• Temporary sign permit requirements

  Temporary signs for special sales events (max 20 sq ft, 30 days), produce stands (max 20 sq ft, 6 ft height), construction (max 32 sq ft, 8 ft height), subdivision (max 16 sq ft, 8 ft height), civic events (max 32 sq ft, 6 ft height) require permits.