Virginia_beach sign permit requirements
What the Virginia_beach sign code and sign ordinance allow, summarised from B. - SIGN REGULATIONS. 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. 210.1Permit required for all signs unless otherwise provided; no size threshold exemption stated for general commercial signs
“no sign shall be erected, constructed, replaced, repaired, repainted or otherwise displayed, unless a permit authorizing the same has been issued by the zoning administrator.”
Freestanding sign — maximum height
Sec. 21412 feet from ground level at the base of the sign
“No freestanding sign shall exceed twelve (12) feet in height from ground level at the base of such sign.”
Freestanding sign — setback
Sec. 214At least 7 ft from public right-of-way; signs 8 ft or less in height may be set back 5 ft; 100 ft from interstate/expressways
“No freestanding sign shall be set back less than seven (7) feet from any existing public right-of-way; provided, however, that a freestanding sign having a height of eight (8) feet or less may be set back five (5) feet from any such right-of-way. The minimum sign setback from interstate roadways and expressways designated by the city council shall be one hundred (100) feet.”
Illumination
Sec. 213Illumination allowed but must be shaded/shielded so as not to adversely affect surrounding premises or vehicle operators; no exposed reflective bulbs causing glare; no blinking, flashing or intermittent lights
“The light from any illuminated sign shall be so shaded, shielded or directed that the light intensity or brightness shall not adversely affect surrounding or facing premises nor adversely affect safe vision of operators of vehicles moving on public or private roads, highways, or parking areas.”
Digital / electronic message centres
Sec. 212(m)Electronic display signs generally prohibited except as expressly allowed for major entertainment venues or automobile service stations
“Electronic display signs, except as expressly allowed by the city council in conjunction with major entertainment venues or as otherwise provided in this ordinance.”
Prohibited sign types
Sec. 212Signs imitating traffic signals; signs confusable with traffic devices; signs on public property (except as allowed); pennants/ribbons/streamers/spinners/strings of lights/moving devices; signs on utility poles, trees, or fences; signs advertising illegal activities; signs projecting above the roofline; portable/nonstructural signs (except allowed temporary); electronic display signs (except as allowed); signs emitting sound/smoke/vapor/particles/odors
“Signs that contain or consist of pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, strings of light bulbs, or other similar moving devices.”
Which zoning district this describes
Sec. 210.01(a)Sign height, setback, illumination and prohibition rules apply in all zoning districts; specific commercial-district area/number allowances are set by individual zoning district regulations not included in this text
“The regulations set forth in this part shall apply to signs in all zoning districts, including zoning districts listed in section 102(a)(13).”
Not covered in the sign chapter we read: wall sign — maximum area, wall sign — % of facade, freestanding sign — maximum area, projecting sign — maximum area, projecting sign — clearance, window signs — maximum coverage. 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 Virginia_beach, VA?
- Permit required for all signs unless otherwise provided; no size threshold exemption stated for general commercial signs
- How tall can a freestanding sign be in Virginia_beach, VA?
- 12 feet from ground level at the base of the sign
- How far back from the road must a sign sit in Virginia_beach, VA?
- At least 7 ft from public right-of-way; signs 8 ft or less in height may be set back 5 ft; 100 ft from interstate/expressways
- Can a sign be illuminated in Virginia_beach, VA?
- Illumination allowed but must be shaded/shielded so as not to adversely affect surrounding premises or vehicle operators; no exposed reflective bulbs causing glare; no blinking, flashing or intermittent lights
- Are digital or electronic message signs allowed in Virginia_beach, VA?
- Electronic display signs generally prohibited except as expressly allowed for major entertainment venues or automobile service stations
- Are temporary signs and banners allowed in Virginia_beach, VA?
- Commercial temporary signs (grand opening/special event) up to 32 sq ft, allowed no more than 3 times per year and no more than 7 days each; general temporary signage total 32 sq ft on a lot in non-residential districts, max 8 ft high
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