§ 19.6-88.1 to 88.10

Other

• Abandoned sign removal after business termination60 days

  Such sign, if not removed within 60 days from the termination of occupancy by such business, shall be considered a violation of this article.

• Sign area calculation method

  The sign area shall be calculated as the entire area within a single continuous perimeter, and a single plane, composed of a square, circle, rectangle, or other geometric figure that encloses the extreme limits of the sign's message background and trim, and including all letters, figures, graphics, or other elements of the sign.

• Exempt signs listed

  The following signs are exempted from the provisions of this § 19.6-88 and may be erected or constructed without a permit but in accordance with the structural and safety requirements of the Building Code: traffic signs, changing message content, home/garage/yard sale signs, temporary window signs, temporary real estate signs, public auction/sales signs, temporary construction signs, signs warning trespassers, mounted or painted on a vehicle, political campaign signs, civic/charitable signs, display of national/state/locality flag, address signs, seasonal displays, artwork, decals, private drive signs.

• Flashing signs prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance.

  No flashing signs or signs containing strings of lights shall be permitted in any district.

• Illumination must be steady and stationary

  Externally illuminated signs shall be illuminated only by a steady, stationary, light source directed only at the sign without causing glare for motorists and pedestrians or illumination spillover on neighboring properties.

• Landscaped planting area ratio2 times sign area

  A landscaped planting area may be provided around the base of any freestanding or detached sign. The planting area shall contain two times the area of the sign, be a minimum of four feet in width, be protected from vehicular encroachment, and contain a combination of low-lying shrubs and ground covers (other than grass).

• Sign maintenance required

  All signs shall be maintained in good condition and appearance.

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

  A nonconforming sign must be maintained in good repair and condition.

• Off-premises signs prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance. except in B-1, M-1, IP

  Off-premises signs, including billboards, shall only be allowed in the B-1 General Commercial District, M-1 Industrial District and IP Planned Industrial District.

• One sign of each basic type per street frontageFrontageThe length of a lot line that touches a public street.

  These regulations shall be interpreted to permit one sign of each permitted basic sign type, in accordance with the applicable regulations, for each street frontage, for each permitted used on the premises.

• Sign permit required

  Except as provided hereinafter, no sign shall be erected, installed, used, altered, painted, relocated, replaced, or reconstructed until a sign permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator.

• Sight distance clearance between 3 and 7 feet

  Sight distance: the land adjoining a street intersection that is to be kept clear of obstructions between three feet and seven feet above the ground to protect the visibility and safety of motorists and pedestrians.

• Maximum cumulative temporary sign area32 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  The cumulative area for any temporary sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.

• Temporary sign permit required

  The following signs and displays may be erected only after obtaining a temporary sign permit from the Zoning Administrator.