Hampton sign permit requirements
What the Hampton sign code and sign ordinance allow, summarised from Chapter 10 - SIGNS. Every figure below shows the ordinance's own wording, so you can check it rather than take our word for it.
Is a permit required?
Sec. 10-2(3)Permit required prior to erection, display, alteration, repair, or relocation of any sign, including sign face replacement; not required for routine maintenance or changeable copy changes to a legally existing sign with no structural alteration
“Except where expressly provided, a permit shall be required prior to the erection, display, alteration, repair, or relocation of any sign, including sign face replacement. A permit shall not be required for routine maintenance or a change in changeable copy to a legally existing sign that results in no alteration to the sign structure.”
Projecting sign — clearance
Sec. 10-4(7)(b)No less than 8 feet of clearance between a sidewalk or pedestrian area and the lowest point of a hanging or projecting sign
“No less than 8 feet of clearance shall be provided between a sidewalk or pedestrian area and the lowest point of a hanging or projecting sign.”
Window signs — maximum coverage
Sec. 10-9(1)Window signs shall not exceed 33 percent of the area of the window in which they are displayed
“Window signs, provided the total area of the signs shall not exceed 33 percent of the area of the window in which they are displayed.”
Illumination
Sec. 10-4(2)(a)All signs may be externally or internally lighted unless prohibited elsewhere; when externally illuminated the light source shall be shielded to illuminate only the sign face and minimize glare and light trespass
“All signs may be externally or internally lighted unless such lighting is prohibited in this chapter. When externally illuminated, the light source shall be shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and minimizes glare and light trespass on adjacent properties.”
Prohibited sign types
Sec. 10-3; Sec. 10-4(3)Signs not expressly permitted; signs on public right-of-way/city property without encroachment agreement; signs on unlicensed/uninspected vehicles; abandoned nonconforming signs; discontinued signs. Also no sign may be in motion (fluttering/rotating), except flags, feather, inflatable signs, or changing copy on electronic signs where permitted
“No part of any sign may be in motion, such as by fluttering or rotating, whether by internal means or when set in motion by movement of the atmosphere. This prohibition shall not apply to flags, feather, or inflatable signs or the changing copy on electronic signs where permitted.”
Which zoning district this describes
Sec. 10-5(1)General commercial freestanding and wall sign dimensions are set by the 'Table of Freestanding Signage Permitted' and 'Table of Wall Signage Permitted' in article III, which are not included in the supplied text (referenced as attached PDFs). The code varies materially by district (O-MVC, O-CC, DT, HRC, BB, FM, LBP, etc.). Commercial numeric figures could not be extracted.
“Freestanding and wall signs shall be permitted in accordance with the "Table of Freestanding Signage Permitted" and "Table of Wall Signage Permitted" as applicable and set forth in article III of this chapter.”
Not covered in the sign chapter we read: wall sign — maximum area, wall sign — % of facade, freestanding sign — maximum area, freestanding sign — maximum height, freestanding sign — setback, projecting sign — maximum area, digital / electronic message centres, temporary signs and banners. That doesn't mean the city has no rule — it may sit elsewhere in the code.
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us — corrections from local sign shops are how this stays accurate.
Common questions
- Do you need a permit for a sign in Hampton, VA?
- Permit required prior to erection, display, alteration, repair, or relocation of any sign, including sign face replacement; not required for routine maintenance or changeable copy changes to a legally existing sign with no structural alteration
- How much clearance does a projecting sign need in Hampton, VA?
- No less than 8 feet of clearance between a sidewalk or pedestrian area and the lowest point of a hanging or projecting sign
- How much of a window can be covered by signs in Hampton, VA?
- Window signs shall not exceed 33 percent of the area of the window in which they are displayed
- Can a sign be illuminated in Hampton, VA?
- All signs may be externally or internally lighted unless prohibited elsewhere; when externally illuminated the light source shall be shielded to illuminate only the sign face and minimize glare and light trespass
- Which signs are prohibited in Hampton, VA?
- Signs not expressly permitted; signs on public right-of-way/city property without encroachment agreement; signs on unlicensed/uninspected vehicles; abandoned nonconforming signs; discontinued signs. Also no sign may be in motion (fluttering/rotating), except flags, feather, inflatable signs, or changing copy on electronic signs where permitted
- Which zoning district do these Hampton, VA sign rules apply to?
- General commercial freestanding and wall sign dimensions are set by the 'Table of Freestanding Signage Permitted' and 'Table of Wall Signage Permitted' in article III, which are not included in the supplied text (referenced as attached PDFs). The code varies materially by district (O-MVC, O-CC, DT, HRC, BB, FM, LBP, etc.). Commercial numeric figures could not be extracted.
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