Article XXVII - Signs

Signage

• A-frame and sandwich board signs

  Allowed on private property in commercial and industrial districts, and on public sidewalks. Must maintain 3 ft sidewalk clearance, not obstruct visibility, only during business hours, constructed of finished materials.

• Feather signs10 ft

  Allowed as temporary signs with permit. Must be removed within 30 days. Must be at least 5 ft from property/right-of-way. Max height 10 ft. One per 25 ft of street frontage. Max 4 occasions per year.

• Murals

  Murals allowed in all districts with permit. Cannot be commercial or obscene. Must not reduce building façade transparency.

• Non-commercial sign substitution

  Wherever a commercial sign is permitted, non-commercial content is also permitted subject to same requirements.

• 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 but cannot be enlarged or have features increased. Can be repaired. If destroyed >50%, cannot be reconstructed. Must be removed if use ceases for 2 years.

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

  Signs simulating traffic control signs; vehicle or trailer signs; freestanding signs over 8 ft or bottom edge 6 ft above grade; signs hanging from supports; signs not complying with regulations; signs painted on buildings; animated signs; flashing signs; illuminated tubing; signs emitting smoke/flame/scent/mist/aerosol/liquid/gas; signs emitting sound; electronic signs with moving images; strings of flags within 50 ft of public right-of-way; off-premises signs; signs on public land without approval; roof signs; neon signs except in windows; signs in vision triangle; window signs over 25% of window area; window signs on upper floors; freestanding signs on berms.

• Sign area measurement

  Sign area is calculated as the area within the outside measurement of the perimeter of the material comprising the display area, using the smallest square/rectangle/triangle that contains the sign. Supports not included unless integral. For double-faced signs, one face measured if parallel or angle <=90 degrees. Mural area not counted.

• Sign illumination requirements100 lumens

  All permitted signs may be backlit, internally lighted, or indirectly lighted. Indirect lighting must be shielded. Internal illumination limited to parking lot lighting standards. No sign shall have illumination spread more than .05 foot candle at lot line, shine into traffic, or exceed 100 lumens. All fixtures full-cutoff.

• Landscaping around ground-mounted signs3 ft

  All non-temporary ground-mounted or monument signs shall be installed with a minimum surround of three (3) feet of regularly maintained floral and shrubbery landscaping in every direction.

• Sign maintenance

  All signs shall be constructed and mounted in compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Signs shall be maintained in good repair. Unsafe signs may be removed immediately. Abandoned signs on commercial property must have blank face within 60 days. Safety hazards must be repaired within 30 days of notice.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for freestanding ground-mounted or monument signs8 ft

  The maximum height for any freestanding ground-mounted or monument sign shall be eight (8) feet unless otherwise specified.

• Sign setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from street right-of-way5 ft

  All freestanding signs shall be set back from any street right-of-way at least five (5) feet.