Article XXIX, Sign Controls

Signage

• Abandoned signs removal2 years

  A sign shall be considered abandoned if the business for which the sign was erected has not been in operation for a period of at least two years. Following the expiration of the two-year period any abandoned nonconforming sign shall be removed by the owner of the property on which the sign is located.

• Maximum sign area for commercial/industrial uses1 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000. per linear ft of frontageFrontageThe length of a lot line that touches a public street.

  On stores and other permitted commercial or industrial uses, exterior signs pertaining to the use permitted are not to exceed one square foot per linear foot of property frontage and shall be attached flat against the wall of the building and must be limited to the store front portion of the facade not projecting above the roof line or coping nor facing the side lot of an adjoining residential property, and be in general conformity to the structure and the surrounding architecture.

• Flashing/animated/LED sign restrictions5 seconds

  Signs that flash, are animated, or use light-emitting diode (LED) and/or intermittent illumination shall be allowed; however, at no time shall these signs be allowed to distract drivers of vehicles. Television quality animation shall not be allowed. No strobe-type lights are allowed; flashing lights will not increase in intensity or brightness. Electronic messages are not considered flashing. Message changes shall be no more frequent than every five seconds.

• Freestanding sign setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from property lines5 ft

  Freestanding signs shall be at least five feet off property lines and not located in a Virginia Department of Transportation right-of-way.

• Illumination must be focused to prevent glare

  Signs may be illuminated provided the illumination shall be properly focused upon the sign itself as to prevent glare upon the surrounding area.

• Maximum sign heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first.35 ft

  Maximum height of any sign shall be 35 feet.

• Mobile signs not permitted as permanent signs

  Mobile signs shall not be permitted as permanent signs.

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

  Any sign lawfully in existence at the time of the effective date of this chapter may be maintained although it does not conform to the provisions of this chapter.

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

  The following signs are prohibited: Unauthorized signs at intersections creating traffic hazard; signs producing noise; signs emitting smoke/vapor/odor; signs obstructing firefighting equipment; signs causing radio/TV interference; signs imitating traffic signals; signs causing glare on traveled ways; signs advertising illegal activities; signs affixed to other signs/cliffs/trees/utility poles; general advertising signs; abandoned signs; signs inconsistent with state law.

• Projecting sign minimum clearance8 ft

  Projecting signs shall be at least eight feet above grade level.

• Red and green lighted signs prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance. near signaled intersections100 ft

  Red and green lighted signs shall not be permitted within 100 feet of a signaled intersection.

• No sign above building roofline

  No sign will be permitted which would extend above the building roofline.

• Sign construction materials

  Every sign permitted by this article must be constructed of durable materials and must be kept in good condition and repair.

• Sign permit required

  A sign permit is required prior to erecting a sign controlled by this article and is valid for six months.

• Sign registration required

  All signs must be registered with the Zoning Administrator.

• Square footage calculation method

  Square footage of signs shall be calculated as aggregate for all surface area. Business signs shall include all signs for business to determine square footage.