The effective date of this article as originally adopted, or the effective date of an amendment to it if the amendment makes a sign nonconforming.

a.

Except as otherwise provided in this Article, no sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or altered except in accordance with the provisions of this section. Mere repainting or changing the message of a sign shall, in and of itself, be considered maintenance.

b.

If site plans submitted for a zoning permit include sign plans in sufficient detail that the Zoning Administrator can determine whether the proposed sign or signs comply with the provisions of this article, then issuance of the requested zoning permit shall constitute approval of the proposed sign or signs.

c.

Signs not approved as provided in Subsection b or exempted under the provisions referenced in Subsection a may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or altered only in accordance with a sign permit issued by the Zoning Administrator.

1.

Sign permit applications and sign permits shall be governed by the same provisions of this ordinance applicable to zoning permits.

2.

In the case of a lot occupied or intended to be occupied by multiple business enterprises (i.e., a shopping center), sign permits for a freestanding sign shall be issued in the name of the lot owner or his agent rather than in the name of the individual business enterprise requesting a particular sign. The Zoning Administrator may assist the owner by suggesting a formula whereby the maximum square footage of sign area allowed on the lot may be allocated equitably among all tenants, but the Town shall be responsible for enforcing only the provisions of this ordinance and not the provisions of any allocation formula, lease, or other private restriction.

d.

As applicable, in addition to Town approval, no sign may be attached to a utility pole or highway sign without written consent from the owners of such poles or signs.

e.

Only the type of signs listed in this Article and described in Article II, Definitions, shall be permitted subject to the regulations specifically set forth and all other applicable regulations of this Ordinance.

f.

Unless otherwise specifically provided, or unless clearly required by the context, the words and phrases defined in Article II shall have the meaning indicated when used in this article.

The following signs are exempt from regulation under this Ordinance except for those stated in Subsections 22-190b through e Although these signs do not require the issuance of a permit, no sign may be attached to a utility pole or highway sign without written consent from the owners of such poles or signs.

a.

Residential identification signs in the R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts.

b.

Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic, directional, or regulatory signs.

c.

Public utility signs.

d.

Flags, pennants, or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.

e.

Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art, so long as such features or works do not contain letters, trademarks, moving parts, or lights.

f.

Internal directional signs.

g.

Signs painted on or otherwise permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles that are not primarily used as signs.

h.

Signs proclaiming religious, political, or other noncommercial messages that do not exceed one per abutting street and 16 square feet in area and that are not internally illuminated.

i.

Hunting, fishing, or trespassing signs.

a.

The following temporary signs are permitted without a permit. However, such signs shall conform to the requirements set forth below as well as all other applicable requirements of this ordinance except those contained in Sections 22-179 and 22-190. Unless otherwise noted all temporary signs are allowed within all zoning districts.

1.

Signs containing the message that the real estate on which the sign is located (including buildings) is for sale, lease, or rent, together with information identifying the owner or agent. Such signs shall be removed immediately after sale, lease, or rental and are subject to the following conditions.

(a)

Signs indicating the availability of a single family residence for sale, lease, or rent may not exceed four square feet in area.

(b)

For undeveloped properties less than three acres in area in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and RMX districts, a single sign not to exceed 16 square feet is allowed. For individual lots within a residential subdivision, signs are limited to four square feet.

(c)

For undeveloped properties three acres or greater in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and RMX districts and properties, a single sign not to exceed 32 square feet is allowed. For individual lots within a residential subdivision, signs are limited to four square feet.

(d)

For properties in the CC-1 district a single sign not to exceed four square feet is allowed.

(e)

For properties in the CG-2, BP, and I-1 districts. A single sign not to exceed 32 square feet is allowed.

2.

Temporary construction site identification signs

3.

Temporary holiday display or signs.

4.

Temporary election signs.

5.

Temporary special event signs in the CC-1, CG-2, and I-1 Zoning Districts.

6.

Temporary For Sale Signs.

7.

Temporary Yard/Garage/Estate Sale signs.

8.

Home Occupation Signs provided that the activity has received special exception with conditions.

b.

Other temporary signs not listed in Subsection a. shall be regarded and treated in all respects as permanent signs, except that (as provided in Section 22-184) temporary signs shall not be included in calculating the total amount of permitted sign area.

(Town Council Amended on 5-8-2017)

a.

For the purpose of determining the number of signs, a sign shall be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing elements organized, related, and composed to form a unit. Where matter is displayed in a random manner without organized relationship of elements, each element shall be considered a single sign.

b.

A two-sided or multi-sided sign shall be regarded as one sign so long as:

1.

With respect to a V-type sign, the two sides are at no point separated by a distance that exceeds five feet; and

2.

With respect to double faced (back-to-back) signs, the distance between the backs of each face of the sign does not exceed three feet.

a.

The surface area of a sign shall be computed by including the entire area within a single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse, enclosing the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it placed, but not including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself.

b.

If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all of the area, including that between sections or modules, shall be included in the computation of the sign area for wall mounted or building signs. For freestanding signs that consist of more than one section or module, the computation of the sign area shall conform to paragraph A of this section for each individual section or module, but not including any supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself.

c.

With respect to two-sided, multi-sided, or three-dimensional signs, the sign surface area shall be computed by including the total of all sides designed to attract attention or communicate information that can be seen at any one time by a person from one vantage point. Without otherwise limiting the generality of the foregoing:

1.

The sign surface area of a double faced, back to back sign shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign, so long as the distance between the backs of such signs does not exceed three feet.

2.

The sign surface area of a double faced sign constructed in the form of a "V" shall be calculated by using the area of only one side of such sign (the larger side if there is a size difference), so long as the angle of the "V" does not exceed 30 degrees and at no point does the distance between the backs of such sides exceed five feet.

a.

Unless otherwise provided in this article, the total surface area devoted to all building signs on any lot shall not exceed the limitations set forth in this section and in Sections 22-195 and 22-196, and all signs including temporary signs shall be included in this calculation.

b.

If a lot has frontage on more than one street, then the total sign surface area permitted on that lot shall be the sum of the sign surface area allotments related to each street on which the lot has frontage. However, the total sign surface area that is oriented toward a particular street may not exceed the portion of the lot's total sign surface area allocation that is derived from frontage on that street.

a.

Unless otherwise provided in this article, the total surface area devoted to all free-standing signs on any lot shall not exceed the limitations set forth in this section and in Section[s] 22-195 and 22-196, and all signs including temporary signs shall be included in this calculation.

b.

For purposes of this section, a side of a free-standing sign is any plan or flat surface included in the calculation of the total sign surface area as providing Section 22-183. For example, wall signs typically have one side. Freestanding signs typically have two sides (back to back), although four-sided and other multi-sided signs are also common.

c.

In no case may a single side of a freestanding sign exceed 50 square feet in surface area if the lot on which the sign is located has less than 200 feet of frontage on the street toward which that sign is primarily oriented, 75 square feet on lots with 200 or more but less than 400 feet of frontage, and 100 square feet on lots with 400 or more feet of frontage.

d.

With respect to freestanding signs that have no discernible sides, such as spheres or other shapes not composed of flat planes, no such freestanding sign may exceed the maximum total surface area allowed under Subsections b or c for a single side of a freestanding sign.

e.

To encourage the reduction in height of freestanding signs, an increase of 20 percent of the sign area permitted in the base zone will be allowed if a freestanding sign is no more than seven feet.

a.

Except as authorized by this Article, no development may have more than one freestanding sign.

A residential subdivision or multi-family development may have up to two signs identifying such subdivision or development. Such signs are not internally illuminated and may not exceed 32 square feet if only one sign is utilized. If two signs are utilized neither sign may exceed 16 square feet in area.

a.

No sign may extend above any parapet or be placed upon any roof surface. This subsection shall not apply to displays, including lighting, erected in connection with the observation of holidays on the roofs of residential structures.

b.

No building sign attached to a building may project more than 12 inches from the building wall.

c.

No sign or supporting structure may be located in or over the traveled portion of any public right-of-way unless the sign is attached to a structural element of a building and an encroachment permit has been obtained from the Town and the Virginia Department of Transportation.

d.

No part of a freestanding sign may exceed a height, measured from ground level (not including artificial berms), of 25 feet in the CG-2 and BP Business Park districts and 15 feet in all other districts.

e.

No sign shall obstruct a clear view to and from traffic along any street right-of-way entrance or exit.

a.

Unless otherwise prohibited by this ordinance, signs may be illuminated if such illumination is in accordance with this section.

b.

No sign within 150 feet of a residential zone may be illuminated between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m., unless the impact of such lighting beyond the boundaries of the lot where it is located is entirely inconsequential.

c.

Lighting directed toward a sign shall be shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly into a public right-of-way or residential premises.

d.

Except as herein provided, internally illuminated signs are not permissible in any residential districts This subsection shall not apply to the following types of signs:

1.

Signs that constitute an integral part of a vending machine, telephone booth, or similar device whose principal function is not to convey an advertising message.

2.

Signs that do not exceed two square feet in area and that convey the message that a business enterprise is open or closed or that a place of lodging does or does not have a vacancy.

e.

Subject to Subsection g, illuminated tubing or strings of lights that outline property lines, sales areas, roof lines, doors, windows, or similar areas are prohibited unless the lighting is an integral part of the sign design or building design, subject to Zoning Administrator approval.

f.

Subject to Subsection g, no sign may contain or be illuminated by flashing, scrolling, or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity, except signs primarily indicating the time, date or weather conditions. Such signs must meet requirements of the Virginia Department of Transportation

g.

Subsections e and f do not apply to temporary signs erected in connection with the observance of holidays.

h.

Electronic signs allowed in CG-2 and I-1; the pixel pitch of the electronic display portion of such shall be 16 millimeters or smaller, no audio speakers are permitted to be attached to such signs.

(Town Council Amended on 5-8-2017)

i.

All electronic displays shall remain static for a period of at least three seconds. Three seconds change sequences shall be accomplished by means of instantaneous re-pixelization, scrolling, flashing, blinking or any other type of intermittent illumination of elements of the display.

(Town Council Amended on 5-8-2017)

j.

Such electronic signs shall not exceed a maximum illumination of 10,000 nits from sunrise to sunset or 750 units between sunset and sunrise and shall be equipped with a working dimmer to control device capable of automatically redimming the illumination of the required sunset to sunrise level. Prior to issuance of the sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity has been factory preset not to exceed the intensity level.

(Town Council Amended on 5-8-2017)

a.

No off-premises signs (except those exempted from regulation or from permit requirements under Section 22-180 or 22-181) may be located in any district other than the CG-2 and BP districts. Off-premises signs shall not exceed 25 feet in height and shall not be any larger than 50 square feet in total sign area.

b.

No sign may be located so that it substantially interferes with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit from public streets or private roads.

c.

Signs that revolve or are animated or that utilize movement or apparent movement to attract the attention of the public are prohibited.

d.

No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, size, shape, nature, or message it would tend to obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or other signs erected by governmental agencies.

e.

Freestanding signs shall be securely fastened to the ground or to some other substantial supportive structure so that there is virtually no danger that either the sign or the supportive structure may be moved by the wind or other forces of nature and cause injury to persons or property.

f.

In addition to the other provisions of this article, all signs in the Town may be subject to the following additional design standards:

1.

Every sign shall have good scale and proportion in its visual relationship to buildings and surroundings.

2.

Every sign shall be designed as an integral architectural element of the building and site to which it principally relates.

3.

The colors, materials, and lighting of every sign shall be restrained and harmonious with the building and site to which it principally relates.

4.

The number of graphic elements on a sign shall be held to the minimum needed to convey the sign's major message and shall be composed in proportion to the sign face.

5.

Each sign shall be compatible with the signs on adjoining premises and shall not compete for attention.

6.

Identification signs of a prototype design and corporation logos shall conform to the criteria for all other signs.

g.

The Zoning Administrator may require landscaping and additional provisions for freestanding signs not of a temporary nature,

h.

The Zoning Administrator may determine if proposed new signs meet the performance standards set forth in Subsection f.

a.

All signs and all components thereof, including without limitation supports, braces, and anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair. With respect to freestanding signs, components (supporting structures, backs, etc.) not bearing a message shall be constructed of materials that blend with the natural environment or shall be painted a neutral color to blend with the natural environment.

b.

If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting "shell" of a sign or the supporting braces, anchors, or similar components, the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within 30 days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining components of the sign. This subsection shall not be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a sign.

No person may, for the purpose of increasing or enhancing the visibility of any sign, damage, trim, destroy, or remove any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation located:

a.

Within the right-of-way of any public street or road, unless the work is done pursuant to the express written authorization of the agency having jurisdiction over the streets.

b.

On property that is not under the ownership or control of the person doing or responsible for such work, unless the work is done pursuant to the express authorization of the person owning the property where such trees or shrubs are located.

c.

In any area where such trees or shrubs are required to remain under a permit issued under this ordinance.

a.

Subject to the remaining restrictions of this section, nonconforming signs that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of this article may be continued.

b.

Signs lawfully existing after the effective date of this article, which do not conform to the provisions of this article, and signs, which are accessory to a nonconforming use, shall be deemed to be nonconforming signs. Such signs shall not be enlarged, extended or structurally altered, or reconstructed. No nonconforming sign shall be moved on the same site.

c.

The message of a nonconforming sign may be changed so long as this does not create any new nonconformities (for example, by creating an off-premises sign under circumstances where such a sign would not be allowed).

d.

If a nonconforming sign other than a billboard advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall be removed within 180 days after such abandonment by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other person having control over such sign.

e.

If a nonconforming billboard remains blank for a continuous period of 180 days, that billboard shall be deemed abandoned and shall, within 30 days after such abandonment, be altered to comply with this article or be removed by the sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other person having control over such sign. For purposes of this section, a sign is "blank" if:

1.

It advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted; or

2.

The advertising message it displays becomes illegible in whole or substantial part; or

3.

The advertising copy paid for by a party other than the sign owner or promoting an interest other than the rental of the sign has been removed.

a.

Other than safety and structural requirements, the provisions of the sign ordinance may be waived by the Town Council for historic or unique signs upon application for relief by the sign owner or by a Town-initiated application.

b.

Upon filing of said application, the Planning Commission and/or Board of Zoning Appeals may declare a sign or group of signs to be "historic" or "unique" by making findings according to the guidelines below. Notwithstanding safety, maintenance, or structural regulations contained in this ordinance, a sign so designated shall be deemed to conform with this Article.

c.

Historic or unique sign guidelines. Signs or districts of signs may be so designated upon the finding that they exhibit unique characteristics that enhance the streetscape of the historic identity of the Town or neighborhood. The sign shall be found to be an animated sign, historic sign, or landmark sign, the continued existence of which is encouraged and is beneficial to the public good. Such a sign contributes to the historical or cultural character of the streetscape and the community at large.

d.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit the owner of a designated sign from removing such sign.

a.

A free-standing sign to be used on a parcel of commercial or business park property with multiple uses and a name distinct from that of any occupant, such as a shopping center or industrial park, shall be used only to identify the center or park and or a register to identify the multiple uses.

b.

The sign area in the section or module of a free-standing sign that identifies the commercial or business park property shall in no case exceed 50 square feet in surface area if the property on which the sign is located has less than 200 feet of frontage on the street toward which that sign is primarily oriented, 75 square feet on property with 200 or more but less than 400 feet of frontage, and 100 square feet on property with 400 or more feet of frontage.

c.

Structures less than 10,000 square feet of commercial or business park property with multiple uses shall be limited to the freestanding sign requirements for square footage and height for the zoning district in which they are located as set forth in Sections 22-196 and 22-197.

d.

The sign area used to identify and or a register of the multiple uses within a commercial or business park property shall in no case exceed 100 square feet. The Zoning Administrator may assist the owner by suggesting a formula whereby the maximum square footage of sign area allowed on the property may be allocated equitably among all tenants, but the town shall be responsible for enforcing only the provisions of this ordinance and not the provisions of any allocation, lease or other private restrictions.

e.

Should the property owner or his agent elect to reduce the allowable square footage in the section or module of a free-standing sign that identifies the commercial or business park property, the remaining allowable square footage may be allocated to that portion of the sign used to identify and or register the multiple uses.

f.

Individual shops in a Commercial or Business Park Property with multiple uses may have one building sign per unit not to exceed 100 square feet. In addition to the above, if a store has no visible street frontage, one identification sign not to exceed ten square feet in size, may be located on the side or rear of the building to identify the tenant.

g.

Where a Commercial or Business Park Property with multiple uses has over 1,000 feet of total street frontage, the allowable signage may be divided between two free-standing structures.

Total Maximum Sign Area for signs requiring a permit shall not exceed the following:

^*  See Section 22-185

^{^}  See Section 22-195

^•  See Section 22-189, [specifically Subsections h—j]

^◊  See Section 22-15

^†  See Section 22-181

(Town Council Amended on 5-8-2017; Town Council Amended on 9-10-2018)

Z=Allowed only with zoning permit    N=Not allowed

(Town Council Amended on 5-8-2017)