Sec. 40.2-307(E)

Signage

• A-frame/T-frame sign limit per establishment1 per establishment

  One sign is permitted per establishment.

• Maximum distance from main entrance for A-frame/T-frame signs16 ft

  The sign shall be located in front of, and within 16 feet of the main entrance to, the premises.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for A-frame/T-frame signs3.5 ft

  Sign area shall not exceed two feet in the horizontal dimension and three and one-half feet in the vertical dimension.

• Maximum width for A-frame/T-frame signs2 ft

  Sign area shall not exceed two feet in the horizontal dimension and three and one-half feet in the vertical dimension.

• A-frame/T-frame sign placement restrictions

  The placement of signs must not interfere with pedestrian traffic, curb ramps, or access to buildings, driveways, or fire escapes. The sign shall not be affixed, chained, anchored, or otherwise secured to the ground or to any pole, parking meter, tree, tree grate, fire hydrant, railing, or other structure. The sign shall be internally weighted so that it is stable and windproof.

• Alternative sign overlay districtOverlay districtA second set of rules laid over the base district, adding requirements without replacing it. establishment procedure

  An application for the establishment of an Alternative Sign Overlay District shall be submitted, reviewed, and decided upon in accordance with Sec. 40.2-532 Zoning Text and Zoning Map Amendments.

• Alternative signage plan requires special exception

  Large-scale development with common design elements ... may apply for a Special Exception to authorize alternative signage in accordance with an Alternative Signage Plan

• Maximum change duration for changeable copy (mechanical)2 sec

  Each change of the display or copy shall be accomplished within 0.25 seconds or less if the change is affected by digital means, or two seconds if the change is effected by mechanical means.

• Maximum change duration for changeable copy (digital)0.25 sec

  Each change of the display or copy shall be accomplished within 0.25 seconds or less if the change is affected by digital means, or two seconds if the change is effected by mechanical means.

• Automatic changeable copy prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance. on residential properties

  Signs incorporating automatic changeable copy are permitted in any zoning district, but are not permitted on any property containing a use listed under the Household Living or Group Living subcategories of the Residential Use category

• Minimum static display duration for changeable copy8 sec

  The display or copy shall remain static prior to each change for a period of not less than eight seconds.

• Internal illumination prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance. for awning signs

  An awning sign that is applied directly to the surface of an awning shall not be illuminated internally or have any form of backlighting.

• Awning sign limit per street frontageFrontageThe length of a lot line that touches a public street.1 per street frontageFrontageThe length of a lot line that touches a public street.

  One awning sign is allowed on a lot for each public street on which the lot has frontage.

• Minimum clearance for awning signs8 ft

  Maintain a minimum vertical distance of eight feet between the bottom of the sign and the grade directly below the bottom of the sign.

• Banner pole sign illumination restriction

  A banner pole sign shall not be illuminated in any manner except as incidental to the lighting fixture supported by the light pole.

• Maximum area for banner pole signs8 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  The surface area of a banner pole sign shall not exceed eight square feet as measured on a single side.

• Maximum display days per year for banner pole signs60 days

  A temporary banner pole sign shall not be displayed for a cumulative period of time longer than 60 days in any calendar year.

• Minimum clearance for banner pole signs over parking15 ft

  the bottom of the banner pole sign shall be a minimum of 15 feet above the parking surface over which the banner is placed.

• Minimum clearance for banner pole signs over pedestrian areas8 ft

  the bottom of the banner pole sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above the surface over which the banner pole sign is placed

• Ventilation flaps required for banner pole signs

  A banner pole sign shall be equipped with ventilation flaps.

• Maximum display days per year for banner signs30 days

  a temporary banner sign shall not be displayed for a cumulative period of time longer than 30 days in any calendar year.

• Canopy sign limit per side1 per side

  One canopy sign is allowed on each side of a canopy visible from a public street on which the lot has frontage.

• Maximum canopy sign area as percentage of canopy face20 pct

  The sign area of a canopy sign shall not exceed 20 percent the area of the vertical face of the side of the canopy roof structure to which it is attached.

• Maximum area for construction signs in commercial/industrial districts32 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  one temporary sign that does not exceed 32 square feet in area in a commercial or industrial zoning district

• Maximum area for construction signs in other districts24 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  24 square feet in area any other zoning district

• D1 districtZoning districtA mapped area with one set of rules, identified by a code like R-1 or B-2. projecting sign limit1 signs

  In the D1 district, only one projecting sign is permitted per storefront.

• D1 districtZoning districtA mapped area with one set of rules, identified by a code like R-1 or B-2. sign illumination restrictions

  In the D1 district, any illumination of a sign shall be directed at the sign from an external, shielded lamp, emitting a warm light, similar to daylight

• D1 districtZoning districtA mapped area with one set of rules, identified by a code like R-1 or B-2. sign material restrictions

  In the D1 district, a sign shall not be constructed of: (i) Unfinished materials, including unpainted wood; (ii) Highly reflective materials; or (iii) Plastic.

• D1 districtZoning districtA mapped area with one set of rules, identified by a code like R-1 or B-2. wall sign restrictions

  In the D1 district, a wall sign shall not obscure moldings or transoms.

• Maximum area for exempt gas pump signs4 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  signs attached to a gas pump that do not exceed four square feet in area

• Maximum area for exempt parking lot signs2 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  Any permanent sign that is located in a parking lot or parking structure or adjacent to a loading area, if the sign is less than two square feet in area

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for exempt parking lot signs4 ft

  if freestanding, less than four feet in height

• Maximum area for exempt residential signs2 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  For each residential structure, and for each public entrance to a nonresidential or mixed-use structure, one sign that is permanently attached to the structure if the sign does not exceed two square feet in area

• Maximum area for exempt bronze plate signs4 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  Any sign consisting of a solid plate of bronze or similar corrosion-resistant metal that is permanently attached to a building and does not exceed four square feet in area

• Minimum setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from adjoining residential properties for freestanding signs15 ft

  Fifteen feet from any adjoining property located in the NR, GR, UR, UR-M, HR, HLO, or HLB zoning district.

• Minimum setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from front lot line for freestanding signs7 ft

  A freestanding sign and its supporting structure shall be located not less than: a. Seven feet from the front lot line;

• Freestanding sign support structure limit1 per street frontageFrontageThe length of a lot line that touches a public street.

  One freestanding sign support structure is allowed on a lot for each public street on which the lot has frontage.

• Ground sign illumination restriction in NR, GR, C districts

  In the NR, GR, or C district, a ground sign shall: 2. Not be illuminated by any source other than a source external to the sign.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for ground signs25 ft

  A ground sign shall not exceed a height of 25 feet.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for ground signs in NR, GR, C districts6 ft

  In the NR, GR, or C district, a ground sign shall: 1. Not exceed six feet in height;

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for ground signs in UR, UR-M districts10 ft

  In the UR or UR-M districts, a ground sign shall not exceed ten feet in height.

• Historic districtHistoric districtAn area where exterior changes need design review to protect its character. design guidelines compliance

  Signs in the Historic Districts or in the Downtown Design Overlay District shall comply with the requirements of their respective design guidelines and be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission or the Downtown Design Committee.

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

  Not be designed to generate animation or movement;

• Maximum display days per year for inflatable signs7 days

  Be displayed no more than once per year per lot, for a period of time not to exceed seven days.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for inflatable signs30 ft

  Project no more than 30 feet above the roof line or top of the building or structure to which they are attached;

• Minimum clearance for marquee signs8 ft

  A marquee sign shall maintain a minimum vertical distance of eight feet between the bottom of the sign and the grade directly below the bottom of the sign.

• Maximum number of sign faces2 faces

  No sign shall have more than two faces.

• Maximum sign luminance at night150 nits

  The luminance of a sign shall not exceed 1,500 nits during daylight hours and 150 nits at all other times.

• Maximum sign luminance1,500 nits

  The luminance of a sign shall not exceed 1,500 nits during daylight hours and 150 nits at all other times.

• Monument sign base material requirement

  The base of pedestal of a monument sign shall be constructed of brick, stone, concrete, or a material of similar bulk, weight, and durability.

• Monument sign illumination restriction in NR, GR, C districts

  In the NR, GR, or C district, a monument sign shall: ii. Not be illuminated by any source other than a source external to the sign.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for monument signs12 ft

  A monument sign shall not exceed a height of 12 feet.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for monument signs in NR, GR, C districts6 ft

  In the NR, GR, or C district, a monument sign shall: i. Not exceed six feet in height;

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for monument signs in UR, UR-M districts8 ft

  In the UR or UR-M district, a monument sign shall not exceed eight feet in height.

• Minimum setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from right-of-way for monument signs1 ft

  A monument sign shall not be located less than one (1) foot away from any right-of-way.

• Obsolete sign removal timeframe6 months

  Obsolete signs shall be removed within six months of the halt of operations.

• Obsolete sign removal timeframe for vacant premises2 years

  the sign copy, print or graphics shall be removed by the owner or lessor at least two years from the date of vacancy

• Districts where off-premises signs are permitted

  Off-premises signs and outdoor advertising signs (attached and freestanding) are permitted only in the IL and IN districts after a Use Permit

• Maximum area for off-premises/outdoor advertising signs672 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  The maximum sign area shall not exceed 672 square feet;

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for off-premises/outdoor advertising signs50 ft

  The maximum height shall not exceed 50 feet;

• Minimum setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from other lot lines for off-premises signs15 ft

  Be located not less than 15 feet from any other lot line, or, if the lot line adjoins property in the NR, GR, UR, or UR-M district, by a distance at least equal to the height of the sign;

• Minimum setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from right-of-way for off-premises signs25 ft

  Be located not less than 25 feet from the right-of-way of any public street;

• Minimum spacing between off-premises signs500 ft

  Be erected not less than 500 feet from any other off-premises sign on the same side of the same street.

• Use permit required for off-premises signs

  Installation of a new off-premises sign or a new outdoor advertising sign; ... A Use Permit must be obtained

• VDOT approval required for off-premises signs near highways

  Off-premises signs and outdoor advertising signs (attached and freestanding) within 660 feet of the right-of-way of any highway classified as an interstate highway or as a federal aid primary highway shall also obtain all necessary approvals from the Virginia Department of Transportation

• Distance from highway requiring VDOT approval660 ft

  within 660 feet of the right-of-way of any highway classified as an interstate highway or as a federal aid primary highway

• Pole sign illumination restriction in NR, GR districts

  In the NR or GR district, a pole sign shall: ii. Not be illuminated by any source other than a source external to the sign.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for pole signs25 ft

  A pole sign shall not exceed a height of 25 feet.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for pole signs in NR, GR districts6 ft

  In the NR or GR district, a pole sign shall: i. Not exceed six feet in height;

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for pole signs in UR, UR-M districts10 ft

  In the UR or UR-M district, a pole sign shall not exceed ten feet in height.

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

  Roof signs; Pennants; Balloons >2ft diameter with tether >2ft; Obsolete signs; Portable/wheeled signs; Off-premises signs (except per J); Signs with movement/animation; Signs in right-of-way (except A/T-frame); Signs resembling traffic control; Signs hiding traffic signs.

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

  Not be illuminated;

• Maximum area for projecting signs12 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  Not exceed 12 square feet in area;

• Maximum projection for projecting signs6 ft

  Not extend more than six feet from a building to which it is attached;

• Minimum clearance for projecting signs8 ft

  Maintain a minimum vertical distance of eight feet between the bottom of the sign and the grade directly below the bottom of the sign;

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

  Each change of the display or copy shall be accomplished without the use of animation, scrolling, or simulated movement.

• Automatic dimming required for electronic signs

  Signs incorporating displays that use light emitting diodes (LEDs), charge coupling devices (CCDs), plasma, or functionally equivalent technologies shall be equipped with automatic dimming technology and certified by the manufacturer or a qualified professional to be compliant with the maximum luminance standards

• Districts requiring external illumination only

  In the UR, UR-M, and historic (HR, HLO and HLB) zoning districts, signs shall be illuminated only by a source external to the sign.

• Sign illumination glare restriction

  Illumination, where permitted, shall be designed, installed and maintained in a manner that avoids glare on adjoining properties and that avoids glare or reflection which in any way interferes with traffic safety.

• Sign illumination shielding requirement

  Where illumination is by a source external to the sign, the source of illumination shall be aimed and shielded so that direct illumination is focused exclusively on the sign face and is not visible from off-site areas.

• Signs in right-of-way prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance.

  Signs located in the right-of-way, except A-frame and T-frame signs in accordance with this section and signs placed in the right-of-way in accordance with Ch. 32 of the City Code

• Sign maintenance requirements

  Each sign shall be kept free of holes, tears, and fraying; Each sign shall be kept free of rust, rot, and similar degradation; Cracked, shattered, or similarly damaged parts of a sign shall be replaced.

• Static display required on malfunction

  The device that automatically changes the display or copy shall be designed and equipped to maintain a static display if a malfunction occurs.

• Signs obstructing view prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance.

  Signs that hide from view any traffic or street sign or signal or that obstruct the view at a street or road intersection, as determined by the City Engineer.

• Permanent sign materials requirement

  Permanent signs shall be constructed of durable, weatherproof materials.

• Sign removal after use ceases6 months

  In the event that a use has ceased operating on the site for a period of six months, all related sign faces shall be removed by the property owner.

• Substitution of content allowed

  The replacement of commercial content with noncommercial content on any sign permitted by this section is expressly allowed.

• Signs resembling traffic control devices prohibitedProhibitedNot allowed in the district at all, short of rezoning or a variance.

  Signs of a size, location, movement, content, coloring, or manner of illumination that may cause them to be misconstrued as traffic-control devices or signs

• Use permit required for certain signs

  A Use Permit must be obtained, pursuant to Sec. 40.2-533 Use Permits prior to undertaking any of the following activities: (a) Installation of a new off-premises sign or a new outdoor advertising sign; (b) Replacement... (c) Modification... (d) Modification of a nonconforming...

• Zoning permit required for signs

  a Zoning Permit issued in accordance with Sec. 40.2-530 Zoning Permit, is required prior to any activity that is subject to this section.

• Temporary signs must be permanently installed

  Except for temporary signs installed in accordance with Sec. 40.2-307(K) Temporary Sign Standards, all signs shall be permanently installed as defined by the Uniform State Building Code.

• Window sign illumination restriction

  A window sign shall not be illuminated by any source other than a source external to the sign.

• Maximum window sign area as percentage of window façade20 pct

  On any floor of a building, the total sign area of window signs shall not exceed 20 percent of the façade area comprised of windows.

• Wind sail sign limit based on frontageFrontageThe length of a lot line that touches a public street.

  One temporary wind sail sign is allowed on a lot that has at least 25 feet of street frontage. One additional temporary wind sail sign is allowed on the lot for each additional 50 feet of lot street frontage above 25 feet

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for wind sail signs9 ft

  A wind sail sign shall not exceed nine feet in height;

• Minimum setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. from right-of-way for wind sail signs7 ft

  A wind sail sign shall not be located less than seven feet from the right-of-way.

• Minimum spacing between wind sail signs25 ft

  A wind sail sign shall not be located within 25 feet of another wind sail sign on the same lot.

• YardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. sign limit per lot4 signs

  up to four temporary yard signs having a combined sign area not exceeding 24 square feet are allowed per lot.

• Maximum area for yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. signs in mixed-use districts8 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  eight square feet in a mixed-use zoning district

• Maximum area for yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. signs in other districts16 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  16 square feet in any other zoning district

• Maximum area for yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. signs in residential districts4 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  one-yard sign that does not exceed four square feet in a residential zoning district

• Maximum combined area for yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. signs24 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  up to four temporary yard signs having a combined sign area not exceeding 24 square feet are allowed per lot.

• Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. signs6 ft

  A yard sign shall not exceed six feet in height.