Signs
Purpose. The visual environment has an effect on, and is an important element of, safeguarding life, health, and property, and preserving the natural beauty, historic and cultural attributes, unique character, and attractiveness of communities. Careful control of signs can protect the general welfare, safety of individuals, and property values, support economic vitality and viability, and enhance Loudoun’s communities overall. This Chapter, therefore, establishes well-designed signs that contribute in positive ways to Loudoun County’s visual environment while expressing local character and helping to develop a distinctive image of the County. This Chapter establishes standards for the physical type, number, physical dimensions, location, design, construction, installation, display, and safety of signs to accomplish the following purposes:
Determine placement consistent with traffic safety by reducing traffic hazards caused by distractions to motorists and impairment of sight lines;
Protect property values by facilitating harmony between residential and commercial uses;
Incorporate new technologies for sign design and display where consistent with their context and the County's long-range planning policies;
Complement the character of the surrounding built and natural environment;
Preserve the residential character of residential neighborhoods;
Reduce administrative burdens;
Avoid the creation of nonconformities;
Facilitate the implementation of the General Plan's policy areas and place types; and
Preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety and general welfare.
Findings: The County finds that the type, dimensions, setbacks, and physical design of signs permitted by this Chapter protect its interests in traffic safety, community character, and design, while allowing for adequate visibility, legibility, and pedestrian or motorist recognition and comprehension. The County finds and determines that the standards set out in this Chapter were developed after a public process in which the design and dimensional standards were tested against industry criteria, past experience in administering sign standards, and community input as to the appropriate characteristics of signs in the County’s various neighborhoods and business areas.
Table 8.01-1. Sign Groups |
|---|
Urban |
Transit Related Center - TRC |
Urban Employment - UE |
Suburban Mixed Use |
Planned Development - Mixed Use Business - PD-MUB |
| Planned Unit Development1 |
| Town Center - TC |
Neighborhood2 |
Joint Land Management Area - JLMA |
| Multifamily Residential - R-24 |
| Planned Development - Active Adult/Age Restricted - PD-AAAR |
| Planned Development - Housing - PD-H |
| Suburban Neighborhood - SN |
| Suburban Compact Neighborhood - SCN |
| Townhouse/Multifamily Residential - R-16 |
| Transitional Residential - TR |
| Transition Compact Neighborhood - TCN |
| Transition Small Lot Neighborhood - TSN |
| Commercial |
Commercial Center - CC |
| Planned Development - Commercial Center (Regional Center) - PD-CC(RC) |
| Transition Community Center - TCC |
| Employment/Industrial |
Commercial/Light Industry - CLI |
| General Business - GB |
| General Industry - GI |
| Industrial Park - IP |
| Office Park - OP |
| Planned Development - Research and Development Park - PD-RDP |
| Planned Development - Special Activities - PD-SA |
| Mineral Resource - Heavy Industry - MR-HI |
| Rural3 |
| Agricultural/Residential - 3 - A-3 |
| Agricultural - 10 - A-10 |
| Agricultural Rural - AR |
| Countryside Residential - CR |
| Planned Development - Rural Village - PD-RV |
| Rural Commercial - RC |
TABLE NOTES: 1See Section 8.02.C. 2For purposes of Chapter 8, in the Neighborhood Sign Group, "Residential" means a lot where the principal use is a dwelling unit and refers to the sign allowance for an individual lot or parcel and not to individual dwelling units. 3For purposes of Chapter 8, in the Rural Sign Category:
|
Table 8.01-1. Sign Groups |
|---|
Urban |
Transit Related Center - TRC |
Urban Employment - UE |
Suburban Mixed Use |
Planned Development - Mixed Use Business - PD-MUB |
| Planned Unit Development1 |
| Town Center - TC |
Neighborhood2 |
Joint Land Management Area - JLMA |
| Multifamily Residential - R-24 |
| Planned Development - Active Adult/Age Restricted - PD-AAAR |
| Planned Development - Housing - PD-H |
| Suburban Neighborhood - SN |
| Suburban Compact Neighborhood - SCN |
| Townhouse/Multifamily Residential - R-16 |
| Transitional Residential - TR |
| Transition Compact Neighborhood - TCN |
| Transition Small Lot Neighborhood - TSN |
| Commercial |
Commercial Center - CC |
| Planned Development - Commercial Center (Regional Center) - PD-CC(RC) |
| Transition Community Center - TCC |
| Employment/Industrial |
Commercial/Light Industry - CLI |
| General Business - GB |
| General Industry - GI |
| Industrial Park - IP |
| Office Park - OP |
| Planned Development - Research and Development Park - PD-RDP |
| Planned Development - Special Activities - PD-SA |
| Mineral Resource - Heavy Industry - MR-HI |
| Rural3 |
| Agricultural/Residential - 3 - A-3 |
| Agricultural - 10 - A-10 |
| Agricultural Rural - AR |
| Countryside Residential - CR |
| Planned Development - Rural Village - PD-RV |
| Rural Commercial - RC |
TABLE NOTES: 1See Section 8.02.C. 2For purposes of Chapter 8, in the Neighborhood Sign Group, "Residential" means a lot where the principal use is a dwelling unit and refers to the sign allowance for an individual lot or parcel and not to individual dwelling units. 3For purposes of Chapter 8, in the Rural Sign Category:
|
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Traffic Hazards. No sign may be located on, illuminate, or mimic traffic control signs. No sign may create a traffic hazard or obstruction for motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. The Zoning Administrator may determine that the location, lighting, or design of a sign could cause a traffic hazard or obstruction;
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Ground Signs must include a landscaped base with a minimum depth of 3 feet on all sides (Refer to Figure 8.04-1). The owner or applicant must maintain the landscaped base.
| Figure 8.04-1. Ground Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.04-1. Ground Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.04-1. Ground Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
NR | R | V | R | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Subject to Table 8.06-42 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N | Y | NA | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (all ground and pole signs) | 1 sign at the property entrance | N/A | 1 | NA | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all ground and pole signs) | N/A | N/A | 15 sf | NA | 20 sf | 120 sf | 100 sf | 120 sf | 120 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | depends on road frontage3 | N/A | 15 sf | NA | 15 sf | 60 sf | 100 sf | 60 sf | 60 sf |
| - Arterial frontage | 40 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| - Collector frontage | 20 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| - Local frontage | 15 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 6 ft | N/A | 6 ft | N/A | 8 ft | 15 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| Location | ||||||||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | NA | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs on the same parcel (ft, min) | 500 ft | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | ||||||||||
| 9 | Digital (max percent of sign area or 30 sf, whichever is greater) | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | 70% | 50% | 70% | 100% |
| 10 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted. N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted. N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For Sign Groups, see Section 8.01. 2Rural residential Ground Signs are regulated as Miscellaneous Signs and are subject to Table 8.06-4. 3Street Categories are as designated in the Countywide Transportation Plan, as follows: Arterial = Principal Arterial – Freeway (Level 2), Principal Arterial – Non-Freeway/Other (Level 3), or Minor Arterial (Level 4); Collector = Major Collector (Level 5) or Minor Collector (Level 6); Local = Neighborhood Collector (Level 7), Local Secondary Road (Level 8). | ||||||||||
| Table 8.04-1. Ground Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
NR | R | V | R | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Subject to Table 8.06-42 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N | Y | NA | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (all ground and pole signs) | 1 sign at the property entrance | N/A | 1 | NA | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all ground and pole signs) | N/A | N/A | 15 sf | NA | 20 sf | 120 sf | 100 sf | 120 sf | 120 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | depends on road frontage3 | N/A | 15 sf | NA | 15 sf | 60 sf | 100 sf | 60 sf | 60 sf |
| - Arterial frontage | 40 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| - Collector frontage | 20 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| - Local frontage | 15 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 6 ft | N/A | 6 ft | N/A | 8 ft | 15 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| Location | ||||||||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | NA | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs on the same parcel (ft, min) | 500 ft | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | ||||||||||
| 9 | Digital (max percent of sign area or 30 sf, whichever is greater) | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | 70% | 50% | 70% | 100% |
| 10 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted. N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted. N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For Sign Groups, see Section 8.01. 2Rural residential Ground Signs are regulated as Miscellaneous Signs and are subject to Table 8.06-4. 3Street Categories are as designated in the Countywide Transportation Plan, as follows: Arterial = Principal Arterial – Freeway (Level 2), Principal Arterial – Non-Freeway/Other (Level 3), or Minor Arterial (Level 4); Collector = Major Collector (Level 5) or Minor Collector (Level 6); Local = Neighborhood Collector (Level 7), Local Secondary Road (Level 8). | ||||||||||
| Figure 8.04-2. Pole Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.04-2. Pole Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.04-2. Pole Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
NR | R | V | R | NR | ||||||
1 | Allowed? | Y | Subject to Table 8.06-4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (all ground and pole signs) | 1 sign at the property entrance | N/A | 1 | N/A | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max-all ground and pole signs) | N/A | N/A | 15 sf | N/A | 20 sf | 120 sf | 100 sf | 120 sf | 120 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | depends on road frontage | N/A | 15 sf | N/A | 10 sf | 20 sf | 30 sf | 20 sf | 20 sf |
| - Arterial frontage | 30 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| - Collector frontage | 20 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| - Local frontage | 15 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 8 ft | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 15 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| Location | ||||||||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs on the same parcel (ft, min) | 500 ft | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Design | ||||||||||
| 9 | Digital | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 10 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2Street Categories are as designated in the Countywide Transportation Plan, as follows: Arterial = Principal Arterial – Freeway (Level 2), Principal Arterial – Non-Freeway/Other (Level 3), or Minor Arterial (Level 4); Collector = Major Collector (Level 5) or Minor Collector (Level 6); Local = Neighborhood Collector (Level 7), Local Secondary Road (Level 8). 3An "individual parcel" means a parcel in separate ownership from adjacent parcels along the same frontage. Individual parcels with less than 500 feet of frontage are allowed 1 ground or pole sign. | ||||||||||
| Table 8.04-2. Pole Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
NR | R | V | R | NR | ||||||
1 | Allowed? | Y | Subject to Table 8.06-4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (all ground and pole signs) | 1 sign at the property entrance | N/A | 1 | N/A | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max-all ground and pole signs) | N/A | N/A | 15 sf | N/A | 20 sf | 120 sf | 100 sf | 120 sf | 120 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | depends on road frontage | N/A | 15 sf | N/A | 10 sf | 20 sf | 30 sf | 20 sf | 20 sf |
| - Arterial frontage | 30 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| - Collector frontage | 20 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| - Local frontage | 15 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 8 ft | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 15 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| Location | ||||||||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs on the same parcel (ft, min) | 500 ft | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Design | ||||||||||
| 9 | Digital | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 10 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2Street Categories are as designated in the Countywide Transportation Plan, as follows: Arterial = Principal Arterial – Freeway (Level 2), Principal Arterial – Non-Freeway/Other (Level 3), or Minor Arterial (Level 4); Collector = Major Collector (Level 5) or Minor Collector (Level 6); Local = Neighborhood Collector (Level 7), Local Secondary Road (Level 8). 3An "individual parcel" means a parcel in separate ownership from adjacent parcels along the same frontage. Individual parcels with less than 500 feet of frontage are allowed 1 ground or pole sign. | ||||||||||
| Figure 8.04-3. Sidewalk Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.04-3. Sidewalk Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.04-3. Sidewalk Signs | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Requirement | Sign Groups1 | ||||||
| Rural R and Rural NR | Rural V | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Urban and Suburban | ||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | N/A | 1 per building entry2 | N/A | 1 per building entry2 | 1 per building entry2 | 1 per building entry2 |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | N/A | 6 sf | N/A | 6 sf | 6 sf | 6 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 3 ft | N/A | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft |
| Design | |||||||
| 7 | Digital | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet and ft = feet R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2"Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | |||||||
| Table 8.04-3. Sidewalk Signs | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Requirement | Sign Groups1 | ||||||
| Rural R and Rural NR | Rural V | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Urban and Suburban | ||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | N/A | 1 per building entry2 | N/A | 1 per building entry2 | 1 per building entry2 | 1 per building entry2 |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | N/A | 6 sf | N/A | 6 sf | 6 sf | 6 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 3 ft | N/A | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft |
| Design | |||||||
| 7 | Digital | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet and ft = feet R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2"Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | |||||||
| Figure 8.04-4. Entry Signs |
|---|
|
| Figure 8.04-4. Entry Signs |
|---|
|
| Table 8.04-4. Entry Signs1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Requirement | Sign Groups | ||||
| Rural NR | Rural R, Rural V, and Neighborhood | Commercial, Employment/ Industrial, and Mixed Use | Urban | ||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y (Subdivision Entry Sign) | Y (Development Entry Sign) | |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 1 per entry3,4 | 1 per entry2,3 | 1 per entry2,3 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | N/A | 80 sf3 | Development project size: < 10 acres: 50 sf
≥ 10 and < 40 acres: 60 sf
≥ 40 acres: 75 sf | Development project size: < 10 acres: 50 sf
≥ 10 and < 40 acres: 60 sf
≥ 40 acres: 75 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 5 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Location | |||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | N/A | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||||
| 9 | Digital (max percent of sign area) | N/A | N | 70% | 100% |
| 10 | Backlight | N/A | N3 | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For this table, an "entry" means a vehicle entry from a collector or arterial road designated on the Countywide Transportation Plan. 3For PD-H and PD-AAAR, 2 subdivision entry signs are allowed per entry, with a maximum individual sign area of 120 sf, minimum 1,000 feet between signs on same side of road or at intersection and may include backlight. 4For Subdivision Entry Signs, an "entry" means a public road or private road entering a subdivision from a local public road designated on the Countywide Transportation Plan. | |||||
| Table 8.04-4. Entry Signs1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Requirement | Sign Groups | ||||
| Rural NR | Rural R, Rural V, and Neighborhood | Commercial, Employment/ Industrial, and Mixed Use | Urban | ||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y (Subdivision Entry Sign) | Y (Development Entry Sign) | |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 1 per entry3,4 | 1 per entry2,3 | 1 per entry2,3 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | N/A | 80 sf3 | Development project size: < 10 acres: 50 sf
≥ 10 and < 40 acres: 60 sf
≥ 40 acres: 75 sf | Development project size: < 10 acres: 50 sf
≥ 10 and < 40 acres: 60 sf
≥ 40 acres: 75 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 5 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Location | |||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | N/A | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||||
| 9 | Digital (max percent of sign area) | N/A | N | 70% | 100% |
| 10 | Backlight | N/A | N3 | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For this table, an "entry" means a vehicle entry from a collector or arterial road designated on the Countywide Transportation Plan. 3For PD-H and PD-AAAR, 2 subdivision entry signs are allowed per entry, with a maximum individual sign area of 120 sf, minimum 1,000 feet between signs on same side of road or at intersection and may include backlight. 4For Subdivision Entry Signs, an "entry" means a public road or private road entering a subdivision from a local public road designated on the Countywide Transportation Plan. | |||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Wall Signs. Wall Signs must comply with Table 8.05-1. The number of signs allowed and the cumulative area allowed for Walls Signs, Awning Signs, and Projecting Signs are counted together.
| Figure 8.05-1. Wall Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.05-1. Wall Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.05-1. Wall Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial
| Employment/ Industrial | Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
| NR | R | V | R2 | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | Per lot: 2
| 2 | 2 per building + 1 per tenant space per public building entry3,4 | 2 per building | 2 per building | 4 per building + 1 per tenant space per public building entry3,4
| |||
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all wall signs, per building) | 40 sf | 4 sf | 20% per façade5 | 4 sf | 20 sf | 20% per façade5 | |||
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | 20 sf | 4 sf | 5% of building façade5, up to 100 sf | 4 sf | 20 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf | 5% of building façade5, up to 100 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | A Wall Sign must not extend above or beyond the perimeter of the wall or façade to which it is attached. | ||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| 7 | Digital (max) | N | N | N | N | N | 70% | 50% | 70% | 100% wall sign only |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For MFA buildings in the NR Sign Group, Neighborhood NR regulations apply. 3For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "Public Building Entry" means an exterior public entrance dedicated to a tenant space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. Such building entry may be on the front, side, or rear of a building. 4For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. 5For purposes of this Section 8.05, "façade" does not include any rooftop structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical room). | ||||||||||
| Table 8.05-1. Wall Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial
| Employment/ Industrial | Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
| NR | R | V | R2 | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | Per lot: 2
| 2 | 2 per building + 1 per tenant space per public building entry3,4 | 2 per building | 2 per building | 4 per building + 1 per tenant space per public building entry3,4
| |||
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all wall signs, per building) | 40 sf | 4 sf | 20% per façade5 | 4 sf | 20 sf | 20% per façade5 | |||
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | 20 sf | 4 sf | 5% of building façade5, up to 100 sf | 4 sf | 20 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf | 5% of building façade5, up to 100 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | A Wall Sign must not extend above or beyond the perimeter of the wall or façade to which it is attached. | ||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| 7 | Digital (max) | N | N | N | N | N | 70% | 50% | 70% | 100% wall sign only |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For MFA buildings in the NR Sign Group, Neighborhood NR regulations apply. 3For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "Public Building Entry" means an exterior public entrance dedicated to a tenant space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. Such building entry may be on the front, side, or rear of a building. 4For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. 5For purposes of this Section 8.05, "façade" does not include any rooftop structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical room). | ||||||||||
| Figure 8.05-2. Window Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.05-2. Window Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.05-2. Window Signs | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Urban and Suburban Mixed Use | ||||
| NR | R | V | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | 3 | N/A | 3 | 3 | 4 per building façade or 4 per tenant space2 | ||
| Dimensions | ||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Lesser of 25% of the total square footage of window area or 10 sf | ||
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | 1.5 sf | N/A | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | ||||||||
| 7 | Digital (max percent of sign area or 30 sf, whichever is greater) | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | 100% |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For purposes of Section 8.05, "façade" does not include any rooftop Structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical room). 3For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "Public Building Entry" means an exterior public entrance 4For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | ||||||||
| Table 8.05-2. Window Signs | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Urban and Suburban Mixed Use | ||||
| NR | R | V | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | 3 | N/A | 3 | 3 | 4 per building façade or 4 per tenant space2 | ||
| Dimensions | ||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Lesser of 25% of the total square footage of window area or 10 sf | ||
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | 1.5 sf | N/A | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | ||||||||
| 7 | Digital (max percent of sign area or 30 sf, whichever is greater) | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | 100% |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For purposes of Section 8.05, "façade" does not include any rooftop Structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical room). 3For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "Public Building Entry" means an exterior public entrance 4For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | ||||||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Light Post Banners. Light Post Banners must comply with Table 8.06-1.
| Table 8.06-1. Light Post Banners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Groups1 | |||
| Standard | Rural NR, Rural R, and Neighborhood | Rural V, Commercial, Employment/Industrial, Suburban Mixed Use, and Urban | |
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 2 per light post affixed at the same height on the light post |
| Dimensions | |||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max-all light post banners on property) | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | N/A | 8 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | No point of the banner can extend higher than 15 ft above grade. |
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||
| 9 | Backlight | N/A | N |
| 10 | Illumination, External | N/A | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. | |||
| Table 8.06-1. Light Post Banners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Groups1 | |||
| Standard | Rural NR, Rural R, and Neighborhood | Rural V, Commercial, Employment/Industrial, Suburban Mixed Use, and Urban | |
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 2 per light post affixed at the same height on the light post |
| Dimensions | |||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max-all light post banners on property) | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | N/A | 8 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | No point of the banner can extend higher than 15 ft above grade. |
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||
| 9 | Backlight | N/A | N |
| 10 | Illumination, External | N/A | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. | |||
| Table 8.06-2. De Minimis Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All Sign Groups1 | |
| 1 | Allowed? | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A |
| Dimensions | ||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all de minimis signs) | 4 sf per building or 4 sf per tenant space in a multitenant building2 |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | 2 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A |
| Design | ||
| 7 | Digital | Y (100%) |
| 8 | Backlight | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | ||
| Table 8.06-2. De Minimis Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All Sign Groups1 | |
| 1 | Allowed? | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A |
| Dimensions | ||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all de minimis signs) | 4 sf per building or 4 sf per tenant space in a multitenant building2 |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | 2 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A |
| Design | ||
| 7 | Digital | Y (100%) |
| 8 | Backlight | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | ||
| Table 8.06-3. Temporary Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All Sign Groups | |
| 1 | Allowed? | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A |
| Dimensions | ||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max) | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | 32 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 8 ft |
| Location | ||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | 20 ft |
| Design | ||
| 7 | Digital | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTE: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. | ||
| Table 8.06-3. Temporary Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All Sign Groups | |
| 1 | Allowed? | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A |
| Dimensions | ||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max) | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | 32 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 8 ft |
| Location | ||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | 20 ft |
| Design | ||
| 7 | Digital | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTE: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. | ||
| Table 8.06-4. Miscellaneous Signs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | ||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | ||||
| NR | R | V | |||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | 4 | 2 | 4 | N/A | 1 per tenant per public building entry | |||
| Dimensions | |||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative sign area (max all Miscellaneous Signs) | 24 sf | 32 sf | 24 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area | 6 sf | 20 sf | 6 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 5 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Design | |||||||||
| 7 | Digital | N | N | N | N | 70% | N | 70% | 100% |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2 "Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | |||||||||
| Table 8.06-4. Miscellaneous Signs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | ||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | ||||
| NR | R | V | |||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | 4 | 2 | 4 | N/A | 1 per tenant per public building entry | |||
| Dimensions | |||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative sign area (max all Miscellaneous Signs) | 24 sf | 32 sf | 24 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area | 6 sf | 20 sf | 6 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 5 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Design | |||||||||
| 7 | Digital | N | N | N | N | 70% | N | 70% | 100% |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2 "Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | |||||||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Maintenance. The sign owner must repair or replace light modules on digital signs within 30 days after they become broken, burned-out, or substantially dimmed.
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Freestanding Sign Area. The area of a Freestanding Sign is determined by:
| Table 8.11-1. Calculating the Volume of a Cube |
|---|
V = W x L x H, where V = volume L = the cube's length W = the cube's width [Either side may be designated as the length or width, as this will not change the result.] H = the cube's height, measured from the finished grade |
| Table 8.11-1. Calculating the Volume of a Cube |
|---|
V = W x L x H, where V = volume L = the cube's length W = the cube's width [Either side may be designated as the length or width, as this will not change the result.] H = the cube's height, measured from the finished grade |
| Figure 8.11-1. Freestanding Sign Measurements |
|---|
![]() |
Equal to the entire area of an exterior wall of a building within a continuous perimeter (depicted with a dashed line in Figure 8.11-2); and
| Figure 8.11-2. Building Facade Measurements |
|---|
|
| Figure 8.11-4. Irregular Shaped Sign Measurements |
|---|
![]() |
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Purpose: The purpose of these Mural regulations is to:
Text. Murals may include words, logos, emblems, trademarks, artist and sponsor name, or numbers (hereinafter "text") within the depiction that do not exceed the following cumulative area, whichever is less:
| Table 8.09.01-1. Murals | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
| NR | R | V | R4 | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | Per lot: Lot < 5 acres: 1
Lot > 5 acres: 2 | N/A | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative mural area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual mural area (max) | 50 sf | N/A | 50 sf | 16 sf | 100 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | A mural must not extend above or beyond the perimeter of the wall or façade to which it is attached. | ||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| 7 | Digital | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2"Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. 3"Façade" does not include any rooftop structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical structure). 4 For MFA buildings in the Neighborhood R Sign Group, Neighborhood NR regulations apply. | ||||||||||
| Table 8.09.01-1. Murals | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
| NR | R | V | R4 | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | Per lot: Lot < 5 acres: 1
Lot > 5 acres: 2 | N/A | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative mural area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual mural area (max) | 50 sf | N/A | 50 sf | 16 sf | 100 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | A mural must not extend above or beyond the perimeter of the wall or façade to which it is attached. | ||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| 7 | Digital | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2"Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. 3"Façade" does not include any rooftop structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical structure). 4 For MFA buildings in the Neighborhood R Sign Group, Neighborhood NR regulations apply. | ||||||||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Purpose: The purpose of these Art Display regulations is to:
| Figure 8.09.02-1. Art Display |
|---|
|
| Figure 8.09.02-1. Art Display |
|---|
|
| Table 8.09.02-1. Art Display | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | ||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | ||||
| R | NR and V | R | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 1 | N/A | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual volume (cf2, max) | N/A | 1,500 cf | N/A | 1,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 5,000 cf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 11 ft | N/A | 9 ft | 18 ft | 18 ft | 18 ft | 24 ft |
| Location | |||||||||
| 7 | Right-of-Way Setback (ft, min) | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs or Art Displays (ft, min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||||||||
| 9 | Digital | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 10 | Backlight | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 11 | Illumination, External | N/A | N | N/A | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, ft = feet, and cf = cubic feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2Maximum area is measured as any rectangular plane from the lowest to the highest point of the structure and extending to the furthest horizontal edges of the structure. | |||||||||
| Table 8.09.02-1. Art Display | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | ||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | ||||
| R | NR and V | R | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 1 | N/A | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual volume (cf2, max) | N/A | 1,500 cf | N/A | 1,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 5,000 cf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 11 ft | N/A | 9 ft | 18 ft | 18 ft | 18 ft | 24 ft |
| Location | |||||||||
| 7 | Right-of-Way Setback (ft, min) | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs or Art Displays (ft, min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||||||||
| 9 | Digital | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 10 | Backlight | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 11 | Illumination, External | N/A | N | N/A | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, ft = feet, and cf = cubic feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2Maximum area is measured as any rectangular plane from the lowest to the highest point of the structure and extending to the furthest horizontal edges of the structure. | |||||||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Signs
Purpose. The visual environment has an effect on, and is an important element of, safeguarding life, health, and property, and preserving the natural beauty, historic and cultural attributes, unique character, and attractiveness of communities. Careful control of signs can protect the general welfare, safety of individuals, and property values, support economic vitality and viability, and enhance Loudoun’s communities overall. This Chapter, therefore, establishes well-designed signs that contribute in positive ways to Loudoun County’s visual environment while expressing local character and helping to develop a distinctive image of the County. This Chapter establishes standards for the physical type, number, physical dimensions, location, design, construction, installation, display, and safety of signs to accomplish the following purposes:
Determine placement consistent with traffic safety by reducing traffic hazards caused by distractions to motorists and impairment of sight lines;
Protect property values by facilitating harmony between residential and commercial uses;
Incorporate new technologies for sign design and display where consistent with their context and the County's long-range planning policies;
Complement the character of the surrounding built and natural environment;
Preserve the residential character of residential neighborhoods;
Reduce administrative burdens;
Avoid the creation of nonconformities;
Facilitate the implementation of the General Plan's policy areas and place types; and
Preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety and general welfare.
Findings: The County finds that the type, dimensions, setbacks, and physical design of signs permitted by this Chapter protect its interests in traffic safety, community character, and design, while allowing for adequate visibility, legibility, and pedestrian or motorist recognition and comprehension. The County finds and determines that the standards set out in this Chapter were developed after a public process in which the design and dimensional standards were tested against industry criteria, past experience in administering sign standards, and community input as to the appropriate characteristics of signs in the County’s various neighborhoods and business areas.
Table 8.01-1. Sign Groups |
|---|
Urban |
Transit Related Center - TRC |
Urban Employment - UE |
Suburban Mixed Use |
Planned Development - Mixed Use Business - PD-MUB |
| Planned Unit Development1 |
| Town Center - TC |
Neighborhood2 |
Joint Land Management Area - JLMA |
| Multifamily Residential - R-24 |
| Planned Development - Active Adult/Age Restricted - PD-AAAR |
| Planned Development - Housing - PD-H |
| Suburban Neighborhood - SN |
| Suburban Compact Neighborhood - SCN |
| Townhouse/Multifamily Residential - R-16 |
| Transitional Residential - TR |
| Transition Compact Neighborhood - TCN |
| Transition Small Lot Neighborhood - TSN |
| Commercial |
Commercial Center - CC |
| Planned Development - Commercial Center (Regional Center) - PD-CC(RC) |
| Transition Community Center - TCC |
| Employment/Industrial |
Commercial/Light Industry - CLI |
| General Business - GB |
| General Industry - GI |
| Industrial Park - IP |
| Office Park - OP |
| Planned Development - Research and Development Park - PD-RDP |
| Planned Development - Special Activities - PD-SA |
| Mineral Resource - Heavy Industry - MR-HI |
| Rural3 |
| Agricultural/Residential - 3 - A-3 |
| Agricultural - 10 - A-10 |
| Agricultural Rural - AR |
| Countryside Residential - CR |
| Planned Development - Rural Village - PD-RV |
| Rural Commercial - RC |
TABLE NOTES: 1See Section 8.02.C. 2For purposes of Chapter 8, in the Neighborhood Sign Group, "Residential" means a lot where the principal use is a dwelling unit and refers to the sign allowance for an individual lot or parcel and not to individual dwelling units. 3For purposes of Chapter 8, in the Rural Sign Category:
|
Table 8.01-1. Sign Groups |
|---|
Urban |
Transit Related Center - TRC |
Urban Employment - UE |
Suburban Mixed Use |
Planned Development - Mixed Use Business - PD-MUB |
| Planned Unit Development1 |
| Town Center - TC |
Neighborhood2 |
Joint Land Management Area - JLMA |
| Multifamily Residential - R-24 |
| Planned Development - Active Adult/Age Restricted - PD-AAAR |
| Planned Development - Housing - PD-H |
| Suburban Neighborhood - SN |
| Suburban Compact Neighborhood - SCN |
| Townhouse/Multifamily Residential - R-16 |
| Transitional Residential - TR |
| Transition Compact Neighborhood - TCN |
| Transition Small Lot Neighborhood - TSN |
| Commercial |
Commercial Center - CC |
| Planned Development - Commercial Center (Regional Center) - PD-CC(RC) |
| Transition Community Center - TCC |
| Employment/Industrial |
Commercial/Light Industry - CLI |
| General Business - GB |
| General Industry - GI |
| Industrial Park - IP |
| Office Park - OP |
| Planned Development - Research and Development Park - PD-RDP |
| Planned Development - Special Activities - PD-SA |
| Mineral Resource - Heavy Industry - MR-HI |
| Rural3 |
| Agricultural/Residential - 3 - A-3 |
| Agricultural - 10 - A-10 |
| Agricultural Rural - AR |
| Countryside Residential - CR |
| Planned Development - Rural Village - PD-RV |
| Rural Commercial - RC |
TABLE NOTES: 1See Section 8.02.C. 2For purposes of Chapter 8, in the Neighborhood Sign Group, "Residential" means a lot where the principal use is a dwelling unit and refers to the sign allowance for an individual lot or parcel and not to individual dwelling units. 3For purposes of Chapter 8, in the Rural Sign Category:
|
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Traffic Hazards. No sign may be located on, illuminate, or mimic traffic control signs. No sign may create a traffic hazard or obstruction for motorists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. The Zoning Administrator may determine that the location, lighting, or design of a sign could cause a traffic hazard or obstruction;
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Ground Signs must include a landscaped base with a minimum depth of 3 feet on all sides (Refer to Figure 8.04-1). The owner or applicant must maintain the landscaped base.
| Figure 8.04-1. Ground Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.04-1. Ground Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.04-1. Ground Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
NR | R | V | R | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Subject to Table 8.06-42 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N | Y | NA | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (all ground and pole signs) | 1 sign at the property entrance | N/A | 1 | NA | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all ground and pole signs) | N/A | N/A | 15 sf | NA | 20 sf | 120 sf | 100 sf | 120 sf | 120 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | depends on road frontage3 | N/A | 15 sf | NA | 15 sf | 60 sf | 100 sf | 60 sf | 60 sf |
| - Arterial frontage | 40 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| - Collector frontage | 20 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| - Local frontage | 15 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 6 ft | N/A | 6 ft | N/A | 8 ft | 15 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| Location | ||||||||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | NA | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs on the same parcel (ft, min) | 500 ft | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | ||||||||||
| 9 | Digital (max percent of sign area or 30 sf, whichever is greater) | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | 70% | 50% | 70% | 100% |
| 10 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted. N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted. N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For Sign Groups, see Section 8.01. 2Rural residential Ground Signs are regulated as Miscellaneous Signs and are subject to Table 8.06-4. 3Street Categories are as designated in the Countywide Transportation Plan, as follows: Arterial = Principal Arterial – Freeway (Level 2), Principal Arterial – Non-Freeway/Other (Level 3), or Minor Arterial (Level 4); Collector = Major Collector (Level 5) or Minor Collector (Level 6); Local = Neighborhood Collector (Level 7), Local Secondary Road (Level 8). | ||||||||||
| Table 8.04-1. Ground Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
NR | R | V | R | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Subject to Table 8.06-42 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N | Y | NA | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (all ground and pole signs) | 1 sign at the property entrance | N/A | 1 | NA | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all ground and pole signs) | N/A | N/A | 15 sf | NA | 20 sf | 120 sf | 100 sf | 120 sf | 120 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | depends on road frontage3 | N/A | 15 sf | NA | 15 sf | 60 sf | 100 sf | 60 sf | 60 sf |
| - Arterial frontage | 40 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| - Collector frontage | 20 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| - Local frontage | 15 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 6 ft | N/A | 6 ft | N/A | 8 ft | 15 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| Location | ||||||||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | NA | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs on the same parcel (ft, min) | 500 ft | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | ||||||||||
| 9 | Digital (max percent of sign area or 30 sf, whichever is greater) | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | 70% | 50% | 70% | 100% |
| 10 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted. N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted. N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For Sign Groups, see Section 8.01. 2Rural residential Ground Signs are regulated as Miscellaneous Signs and are subject to Table 8.06-4. 3Street Categories are as designated in the Countywide Transportation Plan, as follows: Arterial = Principal Arterial – Freeway (Level 2), Principal Arterial – Non-Freeway/Other (Level 3), or Minor Arterial (Level 4); Collector = Major Collector (Level 5) or Minor Collector (Level 6); Local = Neighborhood Collector (Level 7), Local Secondary Road (Level 8). | ||||||||||
| Figure 8.04-2. Pole Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.04-2. Pole Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.04-2. Pole Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
NR | R | V | R | NR | ||||||
1 | Allowed? | Y | Subject to Table 8.06-4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (all ground and pole signs) | 1 sign at the property entrance | N/A | 1 | N/A | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max-all ground and pole signs) | N/A | N/A | 15 sf | N/A | 20 sf | 120 sf | 100 sf | 120 sf | 120 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | depends on road frontage | N/A | 15 sf | N/A | 10 sf | 20 sf | 30 sf | 20 sf | 20 sf |
| - Arterial frontage | 30 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| - Collector frontage | 20 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| - Local frontage | 15 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 8 ft | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 15 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| Location | ||||||||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs on the same parcel (ft, min) | 500 ft | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Design | ||||||||||
| 9 | Digital | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 10 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2Street Categories are as designated in the Countywide Transportation Plan, as follows: Arterial = Principal Arterial – Freeway (Level 2), Principal Arterial – Non-Freeway/Other (Level 3), or Minor Arterial (Level 4); Collector = Major Collector (Level 5) or Minor Collector (Level 6); Local = Neighborhood Collector (Level 7), Local Secondary Road (Level 8). 3An "individual parcel" means a parcel in separate ownership from adjacent parcels along the same frontage. Individual parcels with less than 500 feet of frontage are allowed 1 ground or pole sign. | ||||||||||
| Table 8.04-2. Pole Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
NR | R | V | R | NR | ||||||
1 | Allowed? | Y | Subject to Table 8.06-4 | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (all ground and pole signs) | 1 sign at the property entrance | N/A | 1 | N/A | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max-all ground and pole signs) | N/A | N/A | 15 sf | N/A | 20 sf | 120 sf | 100 sf | 120 sf | 120 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | depends on road frontage | N/A | 15 sf | N/A | 10 sf | 20 sf | 30 sf | 20 sf | 20 sf |
| - Arterial frontage | 30 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| - Collector frontage | 20 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| - Local frontage | 15 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 8 ft | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 15 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft | 8 ft |
| Location | ||||||||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs on the same parcel (ft, min) | 500 ft | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Design | ||||||||||
| 9 | Digital | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 10 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2Street Categories are as designated in the Countywide Transportation Plan, as follows: Arterial = Principal Arterial – Freeway (Level 2), Principal Arterial – Non-Freeway/Other (Level 3), or Minor Arterial (Level 4); Collector = Major Collector (Level 5) or Minor Collector (Level 6); Local = Neighborhood Collector (Level 7), Local Secondary Road (Level 8). 3An "individual parcel" means a parcel in separate ownership from adjacent parcels along the same frontage. Individual parcels with less than 500 feet of frontage are allowed 1 ground or pole sign. | ||||||||||
| Figure 8.04-3. Sidewalk Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.04-3. Sidewalk Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.04-3. Sidewalk Signs | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Requirement | Sign Groups1 | ||||||
| Rural R and Rural NR | Rural V | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Urban and Suburban | ||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | N/A | 1 per building entry2 | N/A | 1 per building entry2 | 1 per building entry2 | 1 per building entry2 |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | N/A | 6 sf | N/A | 6 sf | 6 sf | 6 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 3 ft | N/A | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft |
| Design | |||||||
| 7 | Digital | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet and ft = feet R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2"Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | |||||||
| Table 8.04-3. Sidewalk Signs | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Requirement | Sign Groups1 | ||||||
| Rural R and Rural NR | Rural V | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Urban and Suburban | ||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | N/A | 1 per building entry2 | N/A | 1 per building entry2 | 1 per building entry2 | 1 per building entry2 |
| Dimensions | |||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | N/A | 6 sf | N/A | 6 sf | 6 sf | 6 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 3 ft | N/A | 3 ft | 3 ft | 3 ft |
| Design | |||||||
| 7 | Digital | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet and ft = feet R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2"Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | |||||||
| Figure 8.04-4. Entry Signs |
|---|
|
| Figure 8.04-4. Entry Signs |
|---|
|
| Table 8.04-4. Entry Signs1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Requirement | Sign Groups | ||||
| Rural NR | Rural R, Rural V, and Neighborhood | Commercial, Employment/ Industrial, and Mixed Use | Urban | ||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y (Subdivision Entry Sign) | Y (Development Entry Sign) | |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 1 per entry3,4 | 1 per entry2,3 | 1 per entry2,3 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | N/A | 80 sf3 | Development project size: < 10 acres: 50 sf
≥ 10 and < 40 acres: 60 sf
≥ 40 acres: 75 sf | Development project size: < 10 acres: 50 sf
≥ 10 and < 40 acres: 60 sf
≥ 40 acres: 75 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 5 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Location | |||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | N/A | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||||
| 9 | Digital (max percent of sign area) | N/A | N | 70% | 100% |
| 10 | Backlight | N/A | N3 | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For this table, an "entry" means a vehicle entry from a collector or arterial road designated on the Countywide Transportation Plan. 3For PD-H and PD-AAAR, 2 subdivision entry signs are allowed per entry, with a maximum individual sign area of 120 sf, minimum 1,000 feet between signs on same side of road or at intersection and may include backlight. 4For Subdivision Entry Signs, an "entry" means a public road or private road entering a subdivision from a local public road designated on the Countywide Transportation Plan. | |||||
| Table 8.04-4. Entry Signs1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard/Requirement | Sign Groups | ||||
| Rural NR | Rural R, Rural V, and Neighborhood | Commercial, Employment/ Industrial, and Mixed Use | Urban | ||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y (Subdivision Entry Sign) | Y (Development Entry Sign) | |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 1 per entry3,4 | 1 per entry2,3 | 1 per entry2,3 |
| Dimensions | |||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | N/A | 80 sf3 | Development project size: < 10 acres: 50 sf
≥ 10 and < 40 acres: 60 sf
≥ 40 acres: 75 sf | Development project size: < 10 acres: 50 sf
≥ 10 and < 40 acres: 60 sf
≥ 40 acres: 75 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 5 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Location | |||||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | N/A | 10 ft | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||||
| 9 | Digital (max percent of sign area) | N/A | N | 70% | 100% |
| 10 | Backlight | N/A | N3 | Y | Y |
| 11 | Illumination, External | N/A | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way R = residential, NR = nonresidential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For this table, an "entry" means a vehicle entry from a collector or arterial road designated on the Countywide Transportation Plan. 3For PD-H and PD-AAAR, 2 subdivision entry signs are allowed per entry, with a maximum individual sign area of 120 sf, minimum 1,000 feet between signs on same side of road or at intersection and may include backlight. 4For Subdivision Entry Signs, an "entry" means a public road or private road entering a subdivision from a local public road designated on the Countywide Transportation Plan. | |||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Wall Signs. Wall Signs must comply with Table 8.05-1. The number of signs allowed and the cumulative area allowed for Walls Signs, Awning Signs, and Projecting Signs are counted together.
| Figure 8.05-1. Wall Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.05-1. Wall Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.05-1. Wall Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial
| Employment/ Industrial | Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
| NR | R | V | R2 | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | Per lot: 2
| 2 | 2 per building + 1 per tenant space per public building entry3,4 | 2 per building | 2 per building | 4 per building + 1 per tenant space per public building entry3,4
| |||
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all wall signs, per building) | 40 sf | 4 sf | 20% per façade5 | 4 sf | 20 sf | 20% per façade5 | |||
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | 20 sf | 4 sf | 5% of building façade5, up to 100 sf | 4 sf | 20 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf | 5% of building façade5, up to 100 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | A Wall Sign must not extend above or beyond the perimeter of the wall or façade to which it is attached. | ||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| 7 | Digital (max) | N | N | N | N | N | 70% | 50% | 70% | 100% wall sign only |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For MFA buildings in the NR Sign Group, Neighborhood NR regulations apply. 3For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "Public Building Entry" means an exterior public entrance dedicated to a tenant space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. Such building entry may be on the front, side, or rear of a building. 4For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. 5For purposes of this Section 8.05, "façade" does not include any rooftop structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical room). | ||||||||||
| Table 8.05-1. Wall Signs | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial
| Employment/ Industrial | Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
| NR | R | V | R2 | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | Per lot: 2
| 2 | 2 per building + 1 per tenant space per public building entry3,4 | 2 per building | 2 per building | 4 per building + 1 per tenant space per public building entry3,4
| |||
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all wall signs, per building) | 40 sf | 4 sf | 20% per façade5 | 4 sf | 20 sf | 20% per façade5 | |||
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | 20 sf | 4 sf | 5% of building façade5, up to 100 sf | 4 sf | 20 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf | 5% of building façade5, up to 100 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf | 10% of building façade5, up to 200 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | A Wall Sign must not extend above or beyond the perimeter of the wall or façade to which it is attached. | ||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| 7 | Digital (max) | N | N | N | N | N | 70% | 50% | 70% | 100% wall sign only |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | Y | N | Y | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For MFA buildings in the NR Sign Group, Neighborhood NR regulations apply. 3For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "Public Building Entry" means an exterior public entrance dedicated to a tenant space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. Such building entry may be on the front, side, or rear of a building. 4For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. 5For purposes of this Section 8.05, "façade" does not include any rooftop structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical room). | ||||||||||
| Figure 8.05-2. Window Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Figure 8.05-2. Window Signs |
|---|
![]() |
| Table 8.05-2. Window Signs | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Urban and Suburban Mixed Use | ||||
| NR | R | V | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | 3 | N/A | 3 | 3 | 4 per building façade or 4 per tenant space2 | ||
| Dimensions | ||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Lesser of 25% of the total square footage of window area or 10 sf | ||
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | 1.5 sf | N/A | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | ||||||||
| 7 | Digital (max percent of sign area or 30 sf, whichever is greater) | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | 100% |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For purposes of Section 8.05, "façade" does not include any rooftop Structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical room). 3For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "Public Building Entry" means an exterior public entrance 4For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | ||||||||
| Table 8.05-2. Window Signs | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Urban and Suburban Mixed Use | ||||
| NR | R | V | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed (max) | 3 | N/A | 3 | 3 | 4 per building façade or 4 per tenant space2 | ||
| Dimensions | ||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Lesser of 25% of the total square footage of window area or 10 sf | ||
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | 1.5 sf | N/A | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf | 1.5 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | ||||||||
| 7 | Digital (max percent of sign area or 30 sf, whichever is greater) | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | 100% |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N | Y | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For purposes of Section 8.05, "façade" does not include any rooftop Structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical room). 3For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "Public Building Entry" means an exterior public entrance 4For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | ||||||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Light Post Banners. Light Post Banners must comply with Table 8.06-1.
| Table 8.06-1. Light Post Banners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Groups1 | |||
| Standard | Rural NR, Rural R, and Neighborhood | Rural V, Commercial, Employment/Industrial, Suburban Mixed Use, and Urban | |
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 2 per light post affixed at the same height on the light post |
| Dimensions | |||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max-all light post banners on property) | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | N/A | 8 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | No point of the banner can extend higher than 15 ft above grade. |
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||
| 9 | Backlight | N/A | N |
| 10 | Illumination, External | N/A | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. | |||
| Table 8.06-1. Light Post Banners | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Groups1 | |||
| Standard | Rural NR, Rural R, and Neighborhood | Rural V, Commercial, Employment/Industrial, Suburban Mixed Use, and Urban | |
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 2 per light post affixed at the same height on the light post |
| Dimensions | |||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max-all light post banners on property) | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | N/A | 8 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | No point of the banner can extend higher than 15 ft above grade. |
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | N/A | N/A |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||
| 9 | Backlight | N/A | N |
| 10 | Illumination, External | N/A | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. | |||
| Table 8.06-2. De Minimis Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All Sign Groups1 | |
| 1 | Allowed? | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A |
| Dimensions | ||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all de minimis signs) | 4 sf per building or 4 sf per tenant space in a multitenant building2 |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | 2 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A |
| Design | ||
| 7 | Digital | Y (100%) |
| 8 | Backlight | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | ||
| Table 8.06-2. De Minimis Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All Sign Groups1 | |
| 1 | Allowed? | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A |
| Dimensions | ||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max all de minimis signs) | 4 sf per building or 4 sf per tenant space in a multitenant building2 |
| 5 | Individual sign area (max) | 2 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A |
| Design | ||
| 7 | Digital | Y (100%) |
| 8 | Backlight | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2For multitenant buildings with individual exterior building entries for each tenant, "tenant space" means a building space occupied by a tenant or owner and has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | ||
| Table 8.06-3. Temporary Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All Sign Groups | |
| 1 | Allowed? | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A |
| Dimensions | ||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max) | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | 32 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 8 ft |
| Location | ||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | 20 ft |
| Design | ||
| 7 | Digital | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTE: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. | ||
| Table 8.06-3. Temporary Signs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard | All Sign Groups | |
| 1 | Allowed? | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A |
| Dimensions | ||
| 4 | Cumulative area (max) | N/A |
| 5 | Individual sign area (sf, max) | 32 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 8 ft |
| Location | ||
| 7 | ROW Setback (ft, min) | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs (ft, min) | 20 ft |
| Design | ||
| 7 | Digital | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTE: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. | ||
| Table 8.06-4. Miscellaneous Signs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | ||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | ||||
| NR | R | V | |||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | 4 | 2 | 4 | N/A | 1 per tenant per public building entry | |||
| Dimensions | |||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative sign area (max all Miscellaneous Signs) | 24 sf | 32 sf | 24 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area | 6 sf | 20 sf | 6 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 5 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Design | |||||||||
| 7 | Digital | N | N | N | N | 70% | N | 70% | 100% |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2 "Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | |||||||||
| Table 8.06-4. Miscellaneous Signs | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | ||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | ||||
| NR | R | V | |||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N | N | N | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | 4 | 2 | 4 | N/A | 1 per tenant per public building entry | |||
| Dimensions | |||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative sign area (max all Miscellaneous Signs) | 24 sf | 32 sf | 24 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf | 32 sf |
| 5 | Individual sign area | 6 sf | 20 sf | 6 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf | 2 sf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 5 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft | 6 ft |
| Design | |||||||||
| 7 | Digital | N | N | N | N | 70% | N | 70% | 100% |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | N | N | N | N | Y | N | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N | N | N | N | N | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, ft = feet, and ROW = right-of-way NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2 "Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. | |||||||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Maintenance. The sign owner must repair or replace light modules on digital signs within 30 days after they become broken, burned-out, or substantially dimmed.
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Freestanding Sign Area. The area of a Freestanding Sign is determined by:
| Table 8.11-1. Calculating the Volume of a Cube |
|---|
V = W x L x H, where V = volume L = the cube's length W = the cube's width [Either side may be designated as the length or width, as this will not change the result.] H = the cube's height, measured from the finished grade |
| Table 8.11-1. Calculating the Volume of a Cube |
|---|
V = W x L x H, where V = volume L = the cube's length W = the cube's width [Either side may be designated as the length or width, as this will not change the result.] H = the cube's height, measured from the finished grade |
| Figure 8.11-1. Freestanding Sign Measurements |
|---|
![]() |
Equal to the entire area of an exterior wall of a building within a continuous perimeter (depicted with a dashed line in Figure 8.11-2); and
| Figure 8.11-2. Building Facade Measurements |
|---|
|
| Figure 8.11-4. Irregular Shaped Sign Measurements |
|---|
![]() |
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Purpose: The purpose of these Mural regulations is to:
Text. Murals may include words, logos, emblems, trademarks, artist and sponsor name, or numbers (hereinafter "text") within the depiction that do not exceed the following cumulative area, whichever is less:
| Table 8.09.01-1. Murals | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
| NR | R | V | R4 | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | Per lot: Lot < 5 acres: 1
Lot > 5 acres: 2 | N/A | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative mural area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual mural area (max) | 50 sf | N/A | 50 sf | 16 sf | 100 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | A mural must not extend above or beyond the perimeter of the wall or façade to which it is attached. | ||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| 7 | Digital | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2"Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. 3"Façade" does not include any rooftop structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical structure). 4 For MFA buildings in the Neighborhood R Sign Group, Neighborhood NR regulations apply. | ||||||||||
| Table 8.09.01-1. Murals | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | |||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | |||||
| NR | R | V | R4 | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | Per lot: Lot < 5 acres: 1
Lot > 5 acres: 2 | N/A | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building | 1 per building |
| Dimensions | ||||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative mural area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual mural area (max) | 50 sf | N/A | 50 sf | 16 sf | 100 sf | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | A mural must not extend above or beyond the perimeter of the wall or façade to which it is attached. | ||||||||
| Design | ||||||||||
| 7 | Digital | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N | N | N |
| 8 | Backlight | N | N/A | N | N | Y | Y | Y | N | Y |
| 9 | Illumination, External | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 10 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y | N | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, sf = square feet, and ft = feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2"Building entry" means a building space that has a ground floor public entrance abutting a sidewalk. 3"Façade" does not include any rooftop structure as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (such as an enclosed mechanical structure). 4 For MFA buildings in the Neighborhood R Sign Group, Neighborhood NR regulations apply. | ||||||||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901
Purpose: The purpose of these Art Display regulations is to:
| Figure 8.09.02-1. Art Display |
|---|
|
| Figure 8.09.02-1. Art Display |
|---|
|
| Table 8.09.02-1. Art Display | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | ||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | ||||
| R | NR and V | R | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 1 | N/A | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual volume (cf2, max) | N/A | 1,500 cf | N/A | 1,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 5,000 cf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 11 ft | N/A | 9 ft | 18 ft | 18 ft | 18 ft | 24 ft |
| Location | |||||||||
| 7 | Right-of-Way Setback (ft, min) | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs or Art Displays (ft, min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||||||||
| 9 | Digital | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 10 | Backlight | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 11 | Illumination, External | N/A | N | N/A | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, ft = feet, and cf = cubic feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2Maximum area is measured as any rectangular plane from the lowest to the highest point of the structure and extending to the furthest horizontal edges of the structure. | |||||||||
| Table 8.09.02-1. Art Display | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Sign Groups1 | ||||||||
| Rural | Neighborhood | Commercial | Employment/ Industrial | Suburban Mixed Use | Urban | ||||
| R | NR and V | R | NR | ||||||
| 1 | Allowed? | N | Y | N | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 2 | Permit required? | N/A | Y | N/A | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 3 | Number allowed | N/A | 1 | N/A | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | |||||||||
| 4 | Cumulative area | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 5 | Individual volume (cf2, max) | N/A | 1,500 cf | N/A | 1,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 4,000 cf | 5,000 cf |
| 6 | Height (ft, max) | N/A | 11 ft | N/A | 9 ft | 18 ft | 18 ft | 18 ft | 24 ft |
| Location | |||||||||
| 7 | Right-of-Way Setback (ft, min) | N/A | 5 ft | N/A | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft | 5 ft |
| 8 | Spacing from other signs or Art Displays (ft, min) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Design | |||||||||
| 9 | Digital | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 10 | Backlight | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | N | N |
| 11 | Illumination, External | N/A | N | N/A | N | Y | Y | Y | Y |
| 12 | Illumination, Halo Lit | N/A | N | N/A | N | N | N | Y | Y |
TABLE KEY: Y = The sign type or characteristic is permitted, N = The sign type or characteristic is not permitted, and N/A = The standard does not apply. max = maximum, min = minimum, ft = feet, and cf = cubic feet NR = nonresidential, R = residential, and V = village TABLE NOTES: 1For sign groups, see Section 8.01. 2Maximum area is measured as any rectangular plane from the lowest to the highest point of the structure and extending to the furthest horizontal edges of the structure. | |||||||||
Effective on: 1/1/1901