The regulations promulgated within this article are intended to preserve the aesthetic qualities of the town regarding the erection and maintenance of signs within the corporate limits, to promote safety by prohibiting distracting billboards and signs not necessary to identify business locations; and to promote orderly growth and development and prevent the overburdening of transportation corridors by instituting the various measures provided herein.

(Comp. Ords., § 24.9; Ord. of 10-13-2020(3) )

In Commercial District C-1, Central Business District C-2, and Industrial District M-1, the following signage is permitted:

(1)

Business signs; where such are affixed to a structure, the sign shall not exceed 25 percent of the total surface area of the building side where the sign is placed. Where such signs are free-standing, placement shall be at least 15 feet from any property line, shall not exceed in height the building height restrictions of the C-1 district, and shall not be so constructed or placed as to pose a safety hazard to the public. Free-standing signs are prohibited in the Central Business District C-2.

(2)

Identification signs; either affixed or freestanding, in compliance with the provisions established for business signs.

(3)

Home occupational signs; affixed to the dwelling.

(Comp. Ords., § 24.9; Ord. of 10-13-2020(3) )

In the Residential Districts R-1 and R-2, and Manufactured Housing District R-3, the following signage is permitted:

(1)

Home occupations signs, affixed to the dwelling.

(2)

Identification signs with a special exception and use permit.

(Comp. Ords., § 24.9; Ord. of 10-13-2020(3) )

The following signage is prohibited in all districts:

(1)

Billboard signs.

(2)

Mobile directional signs.

(Comp. Ords., § 24.9; Ord. of 10-13-2020(3) )

(a)

The following signage is exempt from the provisions of this section; in all instances, such signs must be constructed and placed so as not to pose a safety hazard to the public:

(1)

Realty signs.

(2)

Temporary political campaign signs, banners, poster, etc. The same shall be removed no later than ten days after the event.

(3)

Temporary signs for various government and government-sponsored activities. The same shall be removed no later than ten days after the event.

(4)

Temporary yard sale, garage sale, flea market or seasonal sales signs. The same shall be removed no later than ten days after the event.

(5)

Highway and street signage of all types.

(6)

Other signage not otherwise specified of one square foot or less.

(b)

In all instances where signage is subject to regulation, the administrator shall require a design with adequate measurements be submitted for review. A permit is required prior to the construction, erection or placement of all signs subject to regulation. The administrator may consult with the planning commission regarding sign permits.

(c)

The administrator may disapprove an application for sign permit where the design or placement of the sign would pose a safety hazard to the public, or when such signage reasonably circumvents the provisions of this section.

(d)

Any sign allowed under this section may contain, in lieu of any other copy, any otherwise lawful non-commercial message that does not direct attention to the business operation, to the product, commodity or service, to the non-commercial enterprise or activity, and that complies with all other requirements of this chapter.

(e)

Mural(s) exceeding 25 percent of the total surface area will be required to submit a Special Exception and use Permit application to the Gate City Planning Commission. Upon the recommendation of the Gate City Planning Commission the permit application will be submitted to the Gate City Town Council for their consideration and approval. The following conditions must be met prior to approval:

(1)

Shall obtain a permit, if required, from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for any sign within sight of state highways.

(2)

Mural(s) must meet all of the following criteria:

(a)

Shall be located a C-1 or C-2 district. No murals are permitted in Residential districts

(b)

Shall include no text legible from a public roadway; and

(c)

Shall include no logo or trademarked symbol; and

(d)

Shall not constitute any type of outdoor advertising of a commercial message.

(e)

Shall include no picture, symbol or device of any kind that relates to a commercial business, product or service offered on the premises where the wall is located.

(f)

Must be culturally significant to Gate City and/or Scott County, VA.

(Comp. Ords., § 24.9; Ord. of 10-13-2020(3) )