The following definitions for signs shall apply in the administration of this article:

A-frame sign means a two-faced sign with supports that are connected at the top and separated at the base, forming approximately an "A" shape. Such signs are also referred to as "sandwich board" signs and are included in the term "portable sign."

Address sign means a permanent sign affixed to a structure for the purpose of directing or assisting police, fire or other emergency personnel to that structure, or otherwise assisting such personnel in locating the same, shall be permitted not to exceed two square feet.

Art display means: A hand-carved or hand-cast work expressing creative skill or imagination in a visual form that is intended to beautify or provide an aesthetic influence on a public area. An art display may include a three-dimensional statue that is placed in a park, courtyard, lawn, or similar area for public display. An art display depicting a business or product for sale shall be administered as a pole or monument sign.

Awning means a sign that is imprinted upon or affixed to a roof-like cover comprised of vinyl, canvas, or other type of fabric or similar flexible material, whether retractable or not, and affixed to and extending from a building with open air underneath. An awning is designed and intended for sheltering occupants of or visitors to a building from the elements.

Banner means a sign made of a flexible material designed to be installed at each of four corners, or along one or more edges, on poles, posts or other framework, or affixed to a flat surface such as the exterior wall of a building.

Bulletin board means a sign having one or more sign faces comprised of corkboard, fabric, vinyl or similar material, whether enclosed within a cabinet or unenclosed, designed or used for the display of information or messages, typically using changeable copy.

Canopy means a sign that is imprinted upon or affixed to a canopy, including a fuel canopy. A canopy is a freestanding structure, whether temporary or permanent, which contains four or more poles or posts for structural support extending from the roof to the ground, provides a roof, but not walls, over a specific area and is designed and intended for overhead cover to protect people from the elements.

Changeable copy means letters, symbols and numbers that appear on a sign that can be rearranged manually.

Feather or teardrop sign means a sign made of a flexible material designed to be attached along one side to a pole or frame, that is anchored to the ground.

Flag or pennant means a sign made of a flexible material, typically oblong or square, attachable by one edge to a pole or rope and designed to move under the force of the wind. The official flag of any state or political subdivision thereof, or any sovereign nation, including but not limited to the flag of the United States of America, shall not be considered a flag subject to the regulations of this article.

Freestanding.

1. The term "freestanding" means a sign that is not affixed to a building or similar structure but is anchored into the ground or a structure specifically designed to hold the sign in place. Pole and monument signs are considered freestanding signs.
2. The term "freestanding" does not include a wall, projecting, canopy or awning sign.

Government means a sign erected and maintained by a governmental entity for the public benefit including, but not limited to traffic, utility, parking, and regulatory signs; commemorative and historical markers; special events; or as required by law on any public property, or on private property upon which the governmental entity has an obtained an easement, written agreement or other written permission from the property owner.

Individual establishment. For purposes of this article, the term "individual establishment" means one or more uses or activities that occupy the same physical space within a building or on a lot containing non-residential uses, whether said space is leased or owned by the proprietor of the establishment. The space, and not the number of uses or activities within or upon said space, shall constitute an individual establishment for the purposes of administering this article.

Lawn sign means a temporary sign displayed in a front, side or rear yard and typically comprised of corrugated plastic, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl, cardboard, aluminum or similar material, whether attached to an "H-stake" wire frame mounted in the ground or not.

Monument means a sign which is designed so its entire bottom edge is in contact with or is within six inches of the ground upon which it is installed.

Mural means visual depictions and/or works of art or licensed reproductions of original works of art that are applied, painted, implanted, or placed directly onto the exterior of any structure that are not depicting a business or product for sale. A mural depicting a business or product for sale shall be administered as a wall sign.

Pole means a freestanding sign that is mounted on or affixed to one or more posts or poles.

Portable means any sign that can be moved from one location to another by one person without the aid of a machine. A portable sign shall not be considered a temporary sign for the purposes of administering this article.

Projecting means a sign that hangs or extends from a building or a structure.

Security/warning/directional signs are visual representations that convey relevant safety or direction information for employees and visitors. Such signs do not advertise businesses or products.

Sign means a name, identification, description, display or illustration, which is affixed to, painted or represented directly upon a building or other outdoor surface which directs attention to or is designed or intended to direct attention to the sign face or to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business. Signs located completely within an enclosed building, and not exposed to view from a street, shall not be considered a sign for the purposes of this article. Each display surface of a sign or sign face shall be considered a sign or integral component thereof.

Sign area means the space enclosed within the extreme edges of the sign for each sign face, not including the supporting structure or, where the copy is attached directly to a building wall or surface, the space within the outline enclosing all of the characters of the words, numbers or design.

Sign copy or message means any letter, word, numeral, figure, symbol, logo, insignia, emblem, graphic, device or combination thereof which constitutes the message of the sign and communicates the information thereon.

Sign face means the entire display surface area of a sign upon, against or through which the copy is placed.

Temporary sign means any sign that is designed or intended to be displayed for limited period of time. Temporary signs shall be subject to the provisions of section 42-407 in addition to any other applicable provisions of this article applicable to the specific sign type. A portable sign shall not be considered a temporary sign for the purposes of administering this article.

Wall means a sign affixed to, imprinted upon, or projecting from or onto an exterior building wall or structure.

Window means a sign that is affixed, painted, stenciled or otherwise imprinted within or upon the flat surface of a window or door, or placed immediately behind the window or door so as to attract the attention of persons outside the building, but excluding merchandise in a window display.

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018, Ord. No. 2025-02-0003, 2-20-2025)

1. In general, the purpose of this article is to regulate the size, illumination method, movement, materials, location, height and condition of all signs placed on private property for exterior observation, thus furthering and ensuring the protection of property values, the character of the town's neighborhoods, the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community, protection against destruction of or encroachment upon historic buildings and areas, the safety and welfare of pedestrians and vehicular traffic, and the objectives of the town's comprehensive plan. This article is intended to allow adequate communication through signage in a manner consistent with the First Amendment guarantee of free speech, while encouraging aesthetic quality in the design, location, size and purpose of signs.
   Any sign placed on land or on a building for the purpose of identification or directing persons to a use conducted thereupon or therein shall be deemed to be an integral but accessory and subordinate part of the principal use of land or building. Therefore, the intent of this article is to establish limitations on signs in order to ensure they are appropriate to the land, building or use to which they are appurtenant and are adequate for their intended purpose while balancing the individual and community interests identified herein. These regulations do not regulate every form and instance of visual speech that may be displayed anywhere within the jurisdictional limits of the town, nor do they entirely eliminate all of the harms that may be created by the installation and display of signs. Rather, they are intended to regulate those forms and instances that are most likely to meaningfully affect one or more of the purposes set forth herein, as well as to strike an appropriate balance that preserves ample channels of communication by means of visual display while still reducing and mitigating the extent of the harms caused by signs.
   The provisions of this article are intended to permit signs that are:
   1. Compatible in appearance with the landscape, streetscape and architecture of surrounding buildings;
   2. Legible and appropriate to the activity to which they pertain;
   3. Not distracting to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists; and
   4. Constructed and maintained in a structurally-sound and attractive condition.
2. Specifically, this article is intended to:
   1. Reduce traffic hazards caused by unregulated signs that may distract, confuse and impair the visibility of motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians;
   2. Promote the safety of public streets, highways, and other public facilities for users;
   3. Provide convenience to businesses and citizens;
   4. Protect property values; and
   5. Further economic development.

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018)

Signs shall constitute a separate and distinct use of the land to which they are appurtenant. For purposes of this chapter, signs are considered as accessory uses of real property and shall only be located on the property to which they pertain. With the exception of government signs, signs not expressly permitted as being allowed by right or by conditional use permit under this article, by specific requirements in another section of this chapter, or otherwise expressly allowed by the town council or board of zoning appeals, are prohibited. Government signs shall be exempt from the requirements of this article.

(a) Nothing in this ordinance shall act to restrict or abridge a resident’s right to free speech and shall not apply to signs or content which are protected by the First Amendment. (b) Changeable copy. No standards apply to changeable copy. Standards apply to the types of signs upon which the changeable copy is affixed, as set forth in this article. (c) Prohibited Signs. Signs with any of the following characteristics are prohibited and therefore shall not be permitted through the Comprehensive Sign Process.

(1) Signs Not Enumerated. Any sign not specifically permitted by this Article;

(2) Teardrop and feather signs.

(3) Off-Premises Signs. Any sign not located on the property or structure to which it directs attention or to which it is appurtenant, except:

i. Any sign erected or maintained by or under the supervision of the Town or other governmental authority or the Virginia Department of Transportation; and

ii. Any other off-premises sign that is specifically provided for in this Chapter.

(4) Snipe Signs. Signs fastened, placed, painted, pasted, or attached in any way to, in, or upon any tree, fence, public utility pole, rock, curbstone, sidewalk, light post, hydrant, bridge, highway marker, publicly owned art within the public right-of-way, or another sign, except as required by law.

(5) Attention-Getting Devices. Balloons, feather signs, or inflated devices, animated signs, unless otherwise permitted by this Article.

(6) 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.

(7) Obscene Signs. Any sign containing obscene text or pictures as defined by the Code of Virginia § 18.2-372.

(8) Illegal Activity. Signs advertising activities or products that are illegal under federal, state, or county law.

(9) Signs with Neon/Lighted Outlines. Outlines of any building or sign with exposed neon illumination or other permanent lights except as specifically permitted.

(10) Animated Signs.

(11) Roof signs. No sign shall be located on a roof of any type, provided that this provision shall not apply to canopy signs.

(12) Signs in the public right-of-way. No sign shall be located in a public street right-of-way without written permission of the Virginia Department of Transportation and evidence of such permission provided to the town. In addition, no sign shall be attached to any public street sign or traffic control sign. Any employee of the town shall be authorized to remove any sign so located in violation of this subsection without notice to the owner or party who installed the sign.

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018, Ord. No. 2025-02-0003, 2-20-2025)

Any sign that is erected, installed, affixed, relocated, or replaced in any zoning district shall require a sign permit, except as otherwise provided in this article. Installation of any signage regulated by this article shall be in conformance with the approved sign permit.

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018)

1. General sign standards. Except where further specifically limited or restricted, the following standards generally apply to signs as set forth in this section:
   1. Determination of sign height. The height of a sign shall be measured from the ground level to the top-most portion of the sign structure.
   2. Number of sign faces. No sign shall have more than two sign faces.
   3. Determination of monument sign area. The surface area of the sign face or the space enclosing lettering or logo, not the structure upon which the sign may be mounted, shall determine the total square footage of the monument sign.
   4. Determination of sign area. The sign area is a measure of the surface area which encompasses any regular geometric figure (square, circle, rectangle, or triangle-) enclosing all parts of the sign face.
   5. Area of sign with two sign faces. The area of a sign with two sign faces shall be computed according to the following:
      1. Sign faces separated by an interior angle of 45 degrees or greater, both sign faces shall be included in the sign area.
      2. Sign faces separated by an interior angle of less than 45 degrees, one sign face shall be included; provided, however, the area of the largest sign face shall be used when two faces are unequal in areas.
   6. Sign illumination. These standards apply to all signs:
      1. Internally illuminated signs, including backlit or neon signs or signs comprised of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), shall be prohibited, except where expressly permitted in this article.
      2. The exterior illumination of signs shall be focused only upon the sign face and shall not cast distracting glare or reflect light beyond the property upon which the sign is located.
      3. Illumination of signage shall not, nor shall it cause the sign or copy to appear to, move, flash or be animated.
2. Standards by sign type. Signs are to be considered permanent and permits required, unless otherwise stated. The following standards apply in all districts unless otherwise stated.
   
   1. Address sign. One permanent address sign, affixed to the front of a structure, not to exceed 2 square feet, shall be permitted. The address sign shall not be counted towards the sign area or number of signs otherwise permitted for the use. No sign permit shall be required for such sign.
   2. Art Display.
      1. The Art Display's components, including its structure and construction materials, are securely attached to the surface or base upon which it is affixed.
      2. The Art Display is not installed in a location that conflicts with the setback requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
      3. The Art Display does not obstruct pedestrian traffic; and
      4. The Art Display is designed and constructed by an artist who has demonstrated expertise in Art Display design and construction.
   3. Awning. The area of a sign shall not exceed ten square feet.
   4. Banner. The total area of a banner sign shall not exceed 30 square feet. A freestanding banner sign shall be set back at least five feet from the property boundary. The sign shall only be a temporary sign, and shall be subject to the applicable requirements of section 42-407.
   5. Bulletin board. The sign area shall not exceed ten square feet.
   6. Canopy. No more than one sign on a side is allowed and signs are allowed on no more than two sides of a single canopy. The area of each sign on each side of a canopy shall not exceed 20 square feet. The canopy fascia and signage thereon shall be non-illuminated.
   7. Flag or pennant. The area of such signs shall not be included in the total square footage allowed for a use, business or development. Such signs must hang at least eight feet above grade if hanging over a pedestrian walkway, and such signs shall not hang over any portion of a public street right-of-way. No permit is required.
   8. Lawn sign. Such signs shall not be more than 4 square feet in area or 4 feet in height.
   9. Monument.
      1. Maximum height: Six feet.
      2. Maximum sign area: 15 square feet.
      3. Number of sign faces: No sign shall have more than two faces.
      4. Illumination: White external lights only.
      5. Minimum setback of monument signs: Ten feet from any public right-of-way, service drive or entrance.
   10.  Mural.
       1. The Mural's components, including its structure and construction materials shall be securely attached to the structure to which it is applied.
       2. The Mural is located on a side or rear wall of the structure.
       3. The Mural does not cover windows or doors and does not extend beyond the eaves or edges of the structure.
       4. The Mural is designed and constructed by an artist who has demonstrated expertise in mural design and construction.
       5. A mural does not count against the number of signs or total sign area permitted on the property.
       6. A mural containing text or brands other than the artist’s signature or sponsor name or logo, shall be administered as a wall sign.
   11. Pole.
       1. Maximum height: Six feet.
       2. Maximum sign area: 15 square feet, except where otherwise specifically provided.
       3. Maximum signs per lot: One, except where otherwise specifically provided in this article.
       4. Number of sign faces: No sign shall have more than two faces.
       5. Illumination: White external lights only.
       6. Setbacks: 5 feet from any property line, public right -of-way, service drive or entrance and outside the required sight distance at intersections and driveways.
   12. Portable. Such signs are allowed up to 12 square feet for a single-sided sign and 24 square feet for a two-sided sign or A-frame sign. The maximum height shall be four feet. Such signs shall not be displayed after business hours and shall not be placed in the public right-of-way or public access easement in a manner that blocks pedestrian travel on the public sidewalk. Portable signs are authorized on a continuous basis and shall not be considered temporary signs subject to the time restrictions set forth in section 42-407. No permit is required.
   13. Projecting.
       1. A projecting sign may extend horizontally from the building to which it is mounted no more than three feet.
       2. If located over a pedestrian walkway, the bottom of a projecting sign shall be at least eight feet above the walking surface of the walkway and may not overhang a public right-of-way or walkway or private access easement or obstruct any walkway, window, or balcony of an adjoining property.
       3. The area of a projecting sign may be one square foot per linear foot of building facade on which the sign is to be attached, up to 12 square feet.
       4. Setbacks: None.
   14. Security, directional and warning. Such signs shall be permitted in all zoning districts. Signs shall not exceed 2 square feet in area or 6 feet in height. No permit is required.
   15. Temporary. Such signs shall be subject to the requirements of section 42-407 in addition to any other requirements of this article which apply to the specific sign type.
   16. Wall.
       1. No wall sign shall cover, cross, or otherwise hide windows, columns, or other architectural features of a building.
       2. The maximum area of any wall sign shall not exceed one square foot for each linear foot in length of the building facade, or facade of an individual business space, to which such sign is attached up to a maximum aggregate of 100 square feet.
       3. No part of a wall sign shall be located at height exceeding 25 feet above the finished grade directly beneath the sign.
       4. Setbacks: None.
   17. Window. Such signs shall cover no more than 20 percent of the total window area in which they are placed and shall be located no higher than the first floor of a building, unless permitted under an approved comprehensive signage plan or as authorized by section 42-405. Any such window sign may include not more than one internally-illuminated (e.g., backlit, neon or LED-type) sign per individual establishment, not to exceed a maximum area of two square feet, which may be displayed on a continuous basis, provided such sign shall be illuminated only during hours of operation and shall be subject to the restrictions of section 42-403(a.)(6)(c.).

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018, Ord. No. 2025-02-0003, 2-20-2025)

1. Individual residential lots. One permanent address sign. No sign permit shall be required for such sign. The address sign shall be in addition to signs permitted by 42-404(b).
   1. Not more than 2 flags, and not more than 1 additional sign, shall be permitted per lot, and the maximum area of any such sign shall not exceed the maximum allowed for the specific sign type, as applicable. Lawn signs shall be permitted without a sign permit and shall not count towards the total number of permanent signs.
      
   2. Permitted sign types are:
      
      1. Address
      2. Banner
      3. Flag
      4. Lawn
      5. Pole
      6. Security, directional, or warning
      7. Wall
2. Residential developments. The following standards apply to residential communities or subdivisions that are developer-owned or that have homeowners' associations, as well as to the common areas within these communities or subdivisions. These standards shall not apply to individual lots within such communities or subdivisions. The Town Center (T-C) Planned Development District residential area, as represented on the adopted concept plan for the T-C District, as amended, shall be considered a residential zoning district for the purpose of administering the requirements of this article.
   1. Type of signs permitted:
      
      1. Banner
      2. Bulletin board
      3. Flag or pennant
      4. Lawn
      5. Monument
      6. Pole
      7. Portable
      8. Security, directional, and warning
   2. One monument sign shall be authorized per external street entrance into the subdivision or community. No other type of sign shall be permitted at these locations, except for temporary signs as described in section 42-407.
   3. Signs shall only be located on commonly owned land within the subdivision or community owned by the developer or homeowners' association.
3. Nonresidential uses in residential districts.
   1. Type of signs permitted:
      1. Address
      2. Art Display
      3. Banner
      4. Flag or pennant
      5. Lawn
      6. Monument
      7. Mural
      8. Pole
      9. Portable
      10. Projecting
      11. Security, directional, and warning
          
      12. Wall
      13. Window
          
   2. Maximum number of signs: 1 per street frontage up to a maximum of 2 per lot. No more than 1 of any type of sign shall be permitted per lot.
   3. Area of individual signs: Monument and wall signs shall be no more than 10 square feet. Projecting signs shall be no more than 5 square feet.
   4. Total area of signage per lot: 30 square feet.
   5. Height of wall sign: No more than 10 feet from the ground.
   6. Setbacks and yards: Signs in front yards shall be setback a minimum of 10 feet from property lines, public right of way, or access easements and outside the required sight distance at intersections and driveways. Signs shall not be placed in side or rear yards, except for through lots, which may have a sign in each of the front yards. A corner lot may only have a sign in 1 front yard.
   7. Illumination: See section 42-403(a)(6).

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018)

1. Generally.
   1. Development and construction standards. All signs erected within the commercial and light industrial zoning districts shall comply with the requirements of sections 42-402 and 42-403. The Town Center (T-C) Planned Development District core area, as represented on the adopted concept plan for the T-C District, as amended, shall be considered commercial zoning districts for the purpose of administering the requirements of this article.
   2. Signs facing residential districts. Any sign erected within 100 feet of either an existing residential use or a residential district and facing the use or district shall be non-illuminated and limited to 16 square feet in area.
2. Signs for individual establishments. An individual establishment located on a single lot is allowed the following signs:
   1. Maximum number of signs: 3, comprised of 2 in fixed locations and 1 portable sign.
   2. Types of signs permitted:
      
      1. Address
      2. Art Display
         
      3. Awning
      4. Banner
      5. Bulletin board
      6. Canopy
      7. Flag or pennant
      8. Monument
      9. Mural
         
      10. Pole
      11. Portable
      12. Projecting
      13. Security, directional, warning
          
      14. Wall
          
      15. Window
          
      
      
   
   
   3. Pole and monument signs will be setback a minimum of 10 feet from any property line, sidewalk or access easement and outside the required sight distance at intersections and driveway entrances.
   4. Fuel pump and charging stations. Fuel pumps or charging stations may not include audio or video advertising displays.
      
   
   
3. Signs for buildings or lots containing multiple establishments. The following sign standards apply to all lots, or multiple contiguous lots under the same ownership, site plan or subdivision approval, or property management, containing multiple establishments or any building(s) containing multiple establishments including but not limited to mixed-use buildings, office parks, light industrial parks and shopping centers:
   1. Project identification or directory sign: One monument or pole sign shall be permitted within 25 feet of the primary vehicular entrance to buildings or developments containing multiple establishments provided the sign is located outside the required sight distance at the intersection or driveway. Such signs shall have a minimum setback requirement of 25 feet from a property line. Such signs shall be permitted to have an area of 1 square foot per 5 linear feet of frontage for the lot(s) comprising the development not to exceed a maximum of 100 square feet of sign area and a maximum height of 12 feet.
   
   
   2. Signs for individual establishments within developments containing multiple establishments: All standards are the same as for individual establishments, except that separate pole or monument signs for individual establishments as authorized by subsection (b) of this section shall not be permitted.
   3. Establishments located on the second floor or higher of a multi-story building may display 1 wall or projecting sign at a height not exceeding the floor level of the second floor of the building upon which such signage is attached.

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018; Ord. No. 2019-08-0002, 8-22-2019, Ord. No. 2025-02-0003, 2-20-2025)

1. A comprehensive signage plan for a single lot or multi-lot development of over two acres with multiple businesses is required and such a plan is meant to provide unified, internally harmonious signage for the entire project.
2. Applications for comprehensive signage plans shall indicate the type of signs, location on the ground or building, size, height, area, design, materials and color.
3. Comprehensive signage plans shall be evaluated in terms of the relationship of the signs to the architecture of the buildings.
4. All signs for single lot or multi-lot developments shall comply with the applicable standards in this article in addition to the standards herein.
5. No modifications shall be made to an approved comprehensive signage plan for any single sign or tenant unless the entire comprehensive signage plan is the subject of amendment.

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018)

1. Any sign type that is otherwise permitted on a permanent basis in accordance with the provisions of this article may be displayed as a temporary sign. Temporary signs authorized hereunder are in addition to permanent signs otherwise approved.
2. Temporary signs shall not be displayed for more than 60 days during any calendar year unless otherwise provided in this article.
3. The maximum sign area and height shall comply with the standards in this article applicable to the specific type of sign unless otherwise provided in this section.
4. With the exception of individual residential lots located in residential districts regulated by section 42-404(a), not more than two temporary signs, including not more than one freestanding temporary sign, shall be displayed on any property at any one time.
5. For sale signs. One freestanding, temporary sign may be located on a property in residential zoning districts, without the need to obtain a permit required by this article, when the property is being offered for sale or lease, and subject to any other applicable provisions of this article.
   1. Property owned in common by a homeowners' association, nonresidential uses, or 3 or more lots of a subdivision in a residential zoning district being offered for sale or lease within such subdivision or development may locate a temporary freestanding sign on the property without the need to obtain a permit required by this Article provided the sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet and not more than 1 sign shall be permitted;
   2. A model home may include up to 3 signs, limited to monument, pole, banner, flag, lawn, or window sign.
      1. The sign height shall not exceed six feet
      2. The sign is not illuminated
      3. The sign shall not overhang a public right-of-way or private access easement
      4. The sign shall be removed within 30 days after sale or lease of the property
   3. One freestanding, temporary sign may be located on a property in commercial and light industrial zoning districts without the need to obtain a permit required by this article and that property is being offered for sale or lease, provided:
      1. The sign area shall not exceed 15 square feet
      2. The sign height shall not exceed 6 feet
      3. The sign, if illuminated, shall be externally illuminated with white light only
      4. The sign shall not overhang a public right-of-way or private access easement
      5. The sign shall be removed within 30 days after sale or lease of the property.
6. Construction signs. One or more freestanding, temporary signs may be located on a property for a period of time during which site development or building construction is occurring on said property, without the need to obtain a permit required by this article, provided:
   1. Not more than 1 sign shall be erected at each public street entrance to the project or subdivision
   2. Such signs shall be removed within 30 days after issuance of the final occupancy permit for the building(s) or development.
7. New use signs. One temporary wall, banner, flag or pennant, or projecting sign meeting all of the requirements of this article applicable to the specific sign type(s) and use, may be attached to a building wherein a new non-residential establishment or use occupies the building or portion thereof in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter and/or chapter 30, Subdivisions of the town Code, for not more than 14 days prior to and not more than 120 days after the date such establishment or use opens to the public.
8. Signs associated with temporary retail sales shall comply with the requirements of Section 42-307.
   

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018, Ord. No. 2025-02-0003, 2-20-2025)

1. Application for a sign permit. Sign permit applications and sign permits shall be governed by the same provisions of this chapter applicable to zoning permits pursuant to this chapter.
   1. Filing of application and fees. Applications for sign permits shall be filed on a form provided by the town and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee stated in the town schedule of fees.
   2. Applicants. Applicants can be property owners or tenants.
   3. Information required. All applications for sign permits shall contain the information requested on the sign permit application form in order to be processed.
2. Sign compliance.
   1. No sign shall be constructed, installed, moved, enlarged, illuminated, or substantially altered unless in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, except as specifically provided in subsection (b)(2) of this section.
   2. Wherever the building size, location, or orientation results in a circumstance which is not adequately addressed in this article, a modification to the standards provided herein may be permitted in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. The applicant for any such modification must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Town Council that compliance with the purpose and intent of the sign regulations will not be compromised. Any modification approved by the Town Council shall be included in a sign permit issued by the zoning administrator.
3. Expiration of sign permits. A sign permit shall expire and become null and void if the approved sign is not erected within a period of 12 months from the date the permit was originally issued. The zoning administrator may grant one extension of the sign permit for a period of up to six months, and in no case shall a permit be valid for more than a total of 18 months. Extensions may only be granted when the proposed sign is in compliance with all current applicable regulations. When approved permits become void or expire a new application is required if a sign is to be allowed.
4. Revocation. The administrator may revoke a permit or approval if it is found that there has been concealment or misrepresentation of material facts in either the application or plans, or the sign has not been constructed as approved.
5. Nonconforming signs. Except as otherwise authorized by this section, nonconforming signs may not be reconstructed, enlarged, extended, structurally altered, or moved except in accordance with division 2 of article II adopted pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 15.2-2307. A nonconforming sign destroyed by an act of God may be repaired, reconstructed, or replaced in accordance with the applicable provisions of division 2 of article II of this chapter.
6. Construction and maintenance standards.
   1. Building code compliance. All signs shall be constructed in compliance with the uniform statewide building code.
   2. Condition of signs. All signs and components shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe, clean and attractive condition.
7. Removal of unsafe signs.
   1. Whenever, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, a sign becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety of a structure or the public, the zoning administrator shall order such sign to be made safe or comply with this chapter, as the case may be, or be removed. The order shall be sent registered or certified mail and shall be complied with within five days from the date of the mailing. Failure to comply with the order shall constitute grounds for the zoning administrator to have the sign removed, and the cost of the removal shall be added to any penalty assessed for the violation under this chapter.
   2. Whenever, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, an unsafe sign poses an imminent threat of serious injury to person or property, and the zoning administrator is unable to contact the property owner, the zoning administrator may cause the sign immediately to be made safe or removed, and the cost thereof shall be charged to the owner.
8. Removal of illegal or abandoned signs. An illegal sign is any sign that does not comply with any provision of this chapter. The zoning administrator may order the removal of any illegal sign at the expense of the property owner. Nonconforming signs that have been abandoned may be removed in accordance with the provisions of Code of Virginia, § 15.2-2307.

(Ord. No. 2017-05-0001, 5-11-2018)