HomeMy WebLinkAboutZTA201000005 Legacy Document 2012-06-28COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596
Phone (434) 296 -5832 Fax (434) 972 -4176
MEMORANDUM
TO: File
FROM: Ron Higgins
DATE: September 23, 2011
RE: ZTA- 2010 -00005 Signs
The Albemarle County Planning Commission, at its meeting on September 13, 2011, by a vote of 4:0,
recommended approval of the above -noted Zoning text Amendment to the Board of Supervisors.
The Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on this item at its November 2, 2011 meeting. An
updated staff report will be provided in the near future.
ZTA- 2010 -00005 Signs — Recommendations
Attachment A of Staff Report
Draft: 08/29/11 1 ORDINANCE NO. 11 -18( )
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 18, ZONING, ARTICLE II, BASIC REGULATIONS, AND
ARTICLE 111, DISTRICT REGULATIONS, OF THE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE,
VIRGINIA
BE IT ORDAINED By the Board of Supervisors of the County of Albemarle, Virginia, that Chapter 18,
Zoning, Article II, Basic Regulations, and Article III, District Regulations, are hereby amended and
reordained as follows:
By Amending:
Sec. 4.15.1 Purpose and intent
Sec. 4.15.2 Definitions
Sec. 4.15.4 Signs authorized by sign permit
Sec. 4.15.6 Signs exempt from the sign permit requirement
Sec. 4.15.7 Prohibited signs and sign characteristics
Sec. 4.15.8 Regulations applicable in the MHD, RA, VR, R -1 and R -2 zoning districts
Sec. 4.15.9 Regulations applicable in the R -4 and R -6 zoning districts
Sec. 4.15.11 Regulations applicable in the PUD, DCD and NMD zoning districts
Sec. 4.15.12 Regulations applicable in the C -1 and CO zoning districts
Sec. 4.15.13 Regulations applicable in the HC, PD -SC and PD -MC zoning districts
Sec. 4.15.14 Regulations applicable in the HI, LI and PD -IP zoning districts
Sec. 4.15.15 Regulations applicable in the entrance corridor overlay district
Sec. 30.6.4 Certificates of appropriateness
Sec. 30.6.5 Development exempt from requirement to obtain certificate of appropriateness
By Adding:
Sec. 4.15.4A Signs authorized by temporary sign permit
Chapter 18. Zoning
Article 11. Basic Regulations
Sec. 4.15.1 Purpose and intent
The purpose and intent of this section 4.15 include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. The board of supervisors finds that signs are a separate and distinct use of the property upon which they
are located and affect the uses and users of adjacent streets, sidewalks and other areas open to the public;
that signs are an important means of communication for businesses, organizations, individuals and
government; and that the unregulated erection and display of signs constitute a public nuisance detrimental
to the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the public. Therefore, the purpose of this section
4.15 is to establish reasonable regulations pertaining to the time, place and manner in which outdoor signs
and window signs may be erected and maintained in order to:
1. Promote the general health, safety and welfare, including the creation of an attractive and harmonious
environment;
2. Protect the public investment in the creation, maintenance, safety and appearance of its streets, highways
and other areas open to the public;
Draft: 08/29/112
3. Improve pedestrian and vehicular safety by avoiding saturation and confusion in the field of vision that
could otherwise result if such signs were not regulated as provided herein; and
4. Protect and enhance the county's attractiveness to tourists and other visitors as sources of economic
development.
b. The board of supervisors finds that the regulations in this section 4.15 advance the significant
governmental interests identified herein and are the minimum amount of regulation necessary to achieve
them.
c. Signs are classified and regulated in this section 4.15 by their purpose (e.g., bonus tenant panel),
physical type (e.g., freestanding sign), location (e.g., off -site sign) and characteristics (e.g., illuminated
sign). By classifying and regulating signs by their purpose, the board of supervisors does not intend to
regulate their content and, more specifically, any particular viewpoint, but rather intends to create a
reasonable classification by which to regulate the time, place and manner of signs.
cd. The regulations in this section 4.15 shall apply to all outdoor signs and window signs. Each sign
subject to this section 4.15 shall comply with all regulations applicable to that sign.
d. Signs are classified and regulated in this section 4.15 by their purpose (e.g., anchor sign), physical type
(e.g., freestanding sign), location (e.g., off -site sign) and characteristics (e.g., illuminated sign). Each sign
subject to this section 4.15 shall comply with all regulations applicable to that sign.
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.01; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.2 Definitions
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and implementation of this section 4.15:
(2) Anchor sign. The term "anchor sign" means a sign that identifies any specific business within a
shopping center.
(8.1) Bonus tenantpanel: The term "bonus tenant panel" means an additional sign permitted for individual
tenants in shopping centers or planned developments when added to the freestanding sign for the shopping
center or planned development.
(14.1) Cornice line. The term "cornice line" means the location of a cornice along the top of a wall; or, for
a wall that has no cornice, the corresponding horizontal line along the top of a wall where a cornice would
traditionally be located. In all cases, the "cornice line" applies to the main walls of a building and does not
apply to features that extend above the top of the main walls of a building.
Draft: 08/29/113
(16) Electric message sign. The term "electric message sign" means a sign on which the copy can be
changed or altered by electric, electro- mechanical or electronic means.
(35) Off -site sign. The term "off -site sign" means: (i) within a zoning district other than a planned
development, a sign that is not located on the same lot with the use to which it pertains, but does not
include a sign located in a public right -of -way; or (ii) within a planned development zoning district, a sign
that is not located within the area depicted on the application plan approved for the planned development,
but does not include a sign located in a public right -of -way.
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.03; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01; Ord. 05- 18(4), 3- 16 -05; Ord. 10- 18(1), 1- 13 -10; Ord.
10- 18(3), 5 -5 -10; Ord. 10- 18(5), 5- 12 -10)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.4 Signs authorized by sign permit
Except as provided in sections 4.15.6 (exempt signs) and 4.15.24 (nonconforming signs) Except for
temporary signs subject to the permitting requirements of section 4.15.4A, signs exempt from this section
under section 4.15.6 or nonconforming signs subject to section 4.15.24, a sign permit shall be required for
each sign erected on the same lot with the principal use to which it pertains, prior to its erection, alteration,
replacement or relocation, as provided herein:
a. Application. An application for a sign permit shall be submitted to the department of building code and
zoning services community development, together with payment of the fee required for the application
pursuant to section 35.0 35.1 of this chapter. A complete application shall consist of the following:
1. A fully completed application form, provided to the applicant by the zoning administrator;
2. A schematic legibly drawn to scale and sufficiently detailed showing the location and dimen -sions of the
sign; and
3. Any plans, specifications and details pertaining to, among other things, the sign materials, the methods
of illumination, methods of support, components, and the condition and age of the sign, as determined by
the zoning administrator to be necessary for the review of the application.
b. Application review and permit issuance. A sign permit application shall be reviewed and acted upon by
the zoning administrator only as provided herein:
1. Timing of application. An application for a sign permit may be filed at any time, and if a special use
permit for the sign is required under section 4.15.5 or a certificate of appropriateness for the sign is
required under section 4.15.15 and section 30.6 of this chapter, the application may be filed with or any
time after the application for the special use permit or certificate of appropriateness is filed.
12. Action on application. Within thirty (30) days of the receipt of a complete sign permit application, or
within seven (7) days of the receipt of a complete sign application for a temporary sign, the zoning
administrator shall review the application and either: (i) approve the
Draft: 08/29/114
application; (ii) deny the application; or (iii) refer the application to the applicant for more information as
may be required by subsection 4.15.4(Aa)(3); (iv) refer the application to the board of zoning appeals
because the applicant must obtain a special use permit pursuant to section 4.15.5; and/or (v) refer the
application to the architectural review board because the proposed sign will be located within the entrance
corridor overlay district and a certificate of appropriateness is required. An application shall be denied only
if the proposed sign is a prohibited sign, or does not comply with the regulations set forth in this section
4.15 or, a required special use permit or certificate of appropriateness for the sign was not granted. If the
application is denied, the reasons shall be specified in writing.
23. Failure to timely act. If the zoning administrator fails to take one of the actions described herein within
thirty (30) days of receipt of a complete sign permit application, or within seven (7) days of the receipt of a
complete sign application for a temporary sign, the permit shall be deemed approved as received.
c. Administration, generally. Except for permits issued for temporary signs, which are subject to the
regulations in subsection (D), the following regulations shall apply to the administration of sign permits:
1. A sign permit shall become null and void if the use to which the sign permit pertains is not commenced
within six (6) months after the date the sign permit, special use permit or certificate of appropriateness is
issued, whichever is later or, if the sign contains exclusively noncommercial copy, the sign is not erected
within six (6) months after the date the sign permit is issued. Upon written request by the permittee and
upon good cause shown, the zoning administrator may grant an extension of the six (6) -month period.
2. The zoning administrator shall revoke a sign permit if the sign does not comply with any applicable
regulation of this section 4.15.
d. Administration, permits for temporary signs. The following regulations shall apply to the administration
of sign permits issued for temporary signs:
1. A temporary sign that is a portable sign shall be stabilized so as not to pose a danger to public safety.
Prior to the sign being erected, the zoning administrator shall approve the method of stabilization.
2. No more than four (4) permits for temporary signs shall be issued by the zoning administrator to the
same establishment in any calendar year.
3. Each permit for a temporary sign shall be valid for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) consecutive days
after the erection of the sign.
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, §§ 4.15.09, 4.15.09.1, 4.15.09.2, 4.15.09.3; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01)
State law reference — Va. Code §§ 15.2 -2280, 15.2 -2286.
Sec. 4.15.4A Signs authorized by temporary sign permit
A permit shall be required for each temporary sign (hereinafter, a "temporary sign permit "), prior to its
erection, alteration, replacement or relocation, as provided herein:
Draft: 08/29/115
a. Application. An application for a temporary sign permit shall be submitted to the department of
community development, together with payment of the fee required for the application pursuant to section
35.1 of this chapter, and comply with the application requirements of subsection 4.15.4(a).
b. Application review and permit issuance. A temporary sign permit application shall be reviewed and
acted upon by the zoning administrator only as provided herein:
1. Action on application. Within seven (7) days after receipt of a complete application, the zoning
administrator shall either: (i) approve the application; (ii) deny the application; or (iii) refer the application
to the applicant for more information as may be required by section 4.15.4(a)(3). An application shall be
denied only if the proposed temporary sign is a prohibited sign or does not comply with the regulations set
forth in this section 4.15. If the application is denied, the reasons shall be specified in writing.
2. Failure to timely act. If the zoning administrator fails to take one of the actions described herein within
seven (7) days of the receipt of a complete sign application for a temporary sign, the permit shall be
deemed approved as received.
c. Administration. The following regulations shall apply to the administration of sign permits:
1. Number ofpermits. No more than six (6) temporary sign permits shall be issued by the zoning
administrator to the same establishment in any calendar year.
2. Period of validity. Each temporary sign permit shall be valid for a period not to exceed fifteen (15)
consecutive days after the erection of the sign, provided that a temporary sign permit issued while a
permanent sign is being made may be valid for longer than fifteen (15) days until the permanent sign is
erected.
3. Aggregate duration for temporary signs in calendar year. Temporary signs shall not be erected at an
establishment for more than sixty (60) days, in the aggregate, in a calendar year.
4. Portable signs; stabilization. A temporary sign that is a portable sign shall be stabilized so as not to pose
a danger to public safety. Prior to the sign being erected, the zoning administrator shall approve the method
of stabilization.
d. Exemptions. A temporary sign permit is not required for a sign exempt from the sign permit requirement
under section 4.15.6 or nonconforming signs subject to section 4.15.24.
See. 4.15.6 Signs exempt from the sign permit requirement
The following signs are exempt from the sign permit requirement set forth in to obtain a sign permit under
section 4.15.4 and a temporary sign permit under section 4.15.4A, provided that they comply with the
regulations set forth below and all other applicable regulations of this section 4.15:. A sign exempt from
the requirements to obtain permits under sections 4.15.4 and 4.15.4A is not exempt from the requirement
to obtain a special use permit under section 4.15.5 if required.
(7) Home occupation class B or major home occupation sign. A home occupation class B or major home
occupation sign that does not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area.
Draft: 08/29/116
(18) Window sign. A permanent window sign, provided that it does not exceed twenty -five percent (25 %)
of the total area of the window or door on which it is located, and the aggregate area of all window signs
on each window or door does not exceed twenty -five percent (25 %) fifty percent (50 %) of the total area of
the window and or door; and further provided that if a permanent window sign will be on a structure
within the entrance corridor overlay district and the window sign is visible from an entrance corridor
overlay street, that the aggregate area of all window signs shall not exceed nine (9) square feet per business
and that a certificate of appropriateness for the window sign is obtained as provided in section 4.15.15.
(Amended 3- 16 -05)
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.04; Ord. 01-18(3),5-9-01; Ord. 05-18(4),3-16-05; Ord. 10-18(4),5-5-10)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.7 Prohibited signs and sign characteristics
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section 4.15, the following signs and sign characteristics are
prohibited in all zoning districts:
b. Signs with characteristics that create a safety hazard or are contrary to the general welfare. Signs
whose construction, design, location or other physical characteristic create a safety hazard or are contrary
to the general welfare, as follows:
7. Sign that obstructs vision. A sign that obstructs free or clear vision, or otherwise causes a safety hazard
for vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic due to its location, shape, illumination or color; and window
signs whose aggregate area on a window or door exceed twenty -five percent (25 %) fifty percent (50 %) of
the total area of the window or door. (Amended 3- 16 -05)
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.06; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01; Ord. 05-18(4),3-16-05)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.8 Regulations applicable in the MHD, RA, VR, R -1 and R -2 zoning districts
The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign
area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required
within the Monticello Historic District (MHD), Rural Areas (RA), Village Residential (VR) and
Residential (R -1 and R -2) zoning districts:
Sign Type
Number of Signs Allowed
Sign Area Sign Height
Sign
(Maximum) (Maximum)
Setback
(Minimum)
Directory
1 or more per establishment,
24 square feet, 6 feet
10 5 feet
as authorized by zoning
aggregated
administrator
Freestanding
1 per street frontage, or 2 per
24 square feet, 10 feet
10 5 feet
entrance, per lot with 100 or more
aggregated; if more
feet of continuous street frontage,
than 1 sign, no single
plus 1 per lot if the lot is greater
sign shall exceed 12
than
Draft: 08/29/117
4 acres and has
more than 1 approved entrance on
square feet
its frontage
Subdivision
2 per entrance per 24 square feet,
6 feet
5 feet
subdivision aggregated, per entrance
Temporary
1 per street 24 square feet
10 feet, if freestanding
10 5 feet
frontage per
sign; 20 feet, if wall sign,
establishment
but not to exceed the top
of the fascia or mansard
Wall
As calculated 40 square feet,
20 feet
Same as that
pursuant to aggregated in the
RA
applicable to
section 4.15.20 zoning district; 20 square
structure
feet, aggregated, in other
zoning districts
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.12.1; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01; Ord. 05- 18(5), 6 -8 -05)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.9 Regulations applicable in the R -4 and R -6 zoning districts
The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign
area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required
within the Residential (R -4 and R -6) zoning districts:
Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area Sign Height Sign Setback
(Maximum) (Maximum) (Minimum)
Directory 1 or more per establishment, 24 square feet, 6 feet 10 5 feet
as authorized by zoning aggregated
administrator
Freestanding
1 per street frontage, or 2 per
24 square feet,
10 feet
10 5 feet
entrance, per lot with 100 or
aggregated; if
more feet of continuous street
more than 1 sign,
frontage plus 1 per lot if the
no single sign shall
lot is greater than 4 acres and
exceed 12 square
has more than 1 approved
feet
entrance on its frontage
Projecting
1 per street frontage
24 square feet
20 feet, but not to
Not
exceed the top of
applicable
the fascia or
mansard
Subdivision
2 per entrance per
24 square feet,
6 feet
5 feet
subdivision
aggregated, per
entrance
Temporary
1 per street
24 square feet
10 feet, if
10 5 feet
frontage per establishment
freestanding sign;
20 feet, if wall sign,
but not to exceed
the top of the fascia
or mansard
Wall
As calculated pursuant to
20 square feet,
20 feet
Same as that
section 4.15.20
aggregated
applicable to
structure
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.12.2; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.11 Regulations applicable in the PUD, DCD and NMD zoning districts
The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign
area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required
within the Planned Unit Development (PUD), Downtown Crozet (DCD) and Neighborhood Model (NMD)
zoning districts:
Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area Sign Height Sign
(Maximum) (Maximum) Setback
Directory 1 or more per establishment, 24 square feet, 6 feet
as authorized by zoning aggregated
administrator
1 per street frontage, or 2 per 24 32 square feet, 12 feet
entrance, per lot
Draft: 08/29/118
5 feet
(Minimum)
5 feet
Freestanding
with 100 or more feet of continuous
street frontage plus 1 per lot if the lot
is greater than 4 acres and has more
than 1 approved entrance on its
frontage
Projecting 1 per street
frontage
Subdivision
Temporary
Wall
2 per entrance
per subdivision
1 per street
frontage per
establishment
As calculated
pursuant to
section 4.15.20
24 square feet
24 square feet,
aggregated, per entrance
24 square feet
1 square foot 1.5 square
feet per 1 linear foot of
establishment structure
frontage, not to exceed
32 square feet if
residential wall sign, or
100 square feet if
nonresidential wall sign
aggregated, plus bonus tenant panels as
provided in section 4.15.16(b); if more
than 1 sign, no single sign shall exceed
12 square feet
30 feet, but not to
exceed the top of the
fascia or mansard
6 feet
12 feet, if freestanding
sign; 20 feet, if
residential wall sign; or
30 feet if
nonresidential wall
sign, but not to exceed
the top of the fascia or
mansard cornice line
20 feet, if residential
Not applicable
5 feet
5 feet
Same as that
wall sign; or 30 feet if applicable to
nonresidential wall structure
sign
Not to exceed the
cornice line
Within the DCD, oOne (1) sandwich board sign is permitted for each establishment, subject to the
following: (1) the sign shall not exceed four (4) feet in height, two (2) feet in width or eight (8) square feet
of area per sign face; (2) if the sign is placed on a sidewalk or any other public pedestrian right -of -way, it
shall be placed in a location that provides a contiguous and unobstructed pedestrian passageway at least
three (3) feet wide; (3) the sign shall not be located in any required off - street parking space, driveway,
access easement, alley or fire lane; (4) the sign shall not be illuminated; (5) the sign shall be removed
during non - business hours; and (6) if the sign is located on county -owned right -of -way, prior to placement
of the sign the owner shall agree to indemnify and hold harmless the county against any claim or liability
arising from the placement of the sign, and the agreement shall be in a form and have a substance approved
by the county attorney. Sandwich board signs shall be exempt from review and approval under section 30.6
subject to the requirements of section 4.15.16(i).
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.12.4; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01; Ord. 03- 18(2), 3- 19 -03; Ord 10- 18(1), 1- 13 -10)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.12 Regulations applicable in the C -1, and CO and HC zoning districts
The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign
area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required
within the Commercial (C -1), and Commercial Office (CO) and Highway Commercial (HC) zoning
districts:
Sign Type Number of Signs Allowed Sign Area Sign Height Sign
(Maximum) (Maximum) Setback
(Minimum)
Directory 1 or more per establishment, 24 square feet, 6 feet 5 feet
as authorized by zoning aggregated
administrator
Freestanding 1 per street frontage, or 2 per
32 square feet, 12 feet
5 feet
entrance, per lot with 100 or
aggregated, plus bonus
more feet of continuous street
tenant panels as provided
frontage plus 1 per lot if the
in section 4.15.16(b); if
lot is greater than 4 acres and
more than 1 sign at an
has more than 1 approved
entrance, no single sign
entrance on its frontage
shall exceed 16 square
feet
Projecting* 1 per street frontage
32 square feet 30 feet, but
Not
not to exceed
applicable
the top of the
Draft: 08/29/119
fascia or mansard
Temporary 1 per street 32 square feet
12 feet, if freestanding
5 feet
frontage per
sign; 30 feet if wall sign,
establishment
but not to exceed the top
of the fascia or mansard
cornice line
Wall* As calculated 1 square foot 1.5
square 30 feet Not to exceed the
Same as that
pursuant to feet per 1 linear foot of cornice line
applicable to
section 4.15.20 establishment structure
structure
frontage, not to exceed 100
square feet
*Each establishment may have both a projecting sign and a wall sign, provided that the aggregate sign area
of the two signs shall not exceed thirty -two (32) square feet. If the establishment has both such signs, the
allowed sign area of the wall sign shall be reduced by the sign area of the projecting sign (which may not
exceed thirty -two (32) square feet).
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.12.5; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.13 Regulations applicable in the HC, PD -SC and PD -MC zoning districts
The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign
area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required
within the Highway Commercial (HC), Planned Development- Shopping Center (PD -SC) and Planned
Development -Mixed Commercial (PD -MC) zoning districts:
Sign Type Number of Signs Sign Area Sign Height Sign Setback
Allowed (Maximum) (Maximum) (Minimum)
Directory 1 or more per 24 square feet, 6 feet 5 feet
establishment, aggregated
as authorized by zoning
administrator
Freestanding 1 per street frontage, or 2
per entrance, per lot with
100 or more feet of
continuous street frontage
plus 1 per lot if the lot is
greater than 4 acres and
has more than 1 approved
entrance on its frontage
32 square feet,
aggregated, plus bonus
tenant panels as
provided in section
4.15.16(b); if more
than 1 sign at an
entrance, no single sign
shall exceed 16 square
12 16 feet 5 feet
feet
Projecting* 1 per street frontage
32 square feet
30 feet, but not to
Not
Allowed
exceed the top of
applicable
establishment,
the fascia or
as authorized by zoning
administrator
mansard
1 per street frontage, or 2
Temporary 1 per street
32 square feet
12 feet, if
5 feet
frontage per establishment
continuous street frontage
freestanding sign;
plus 1 per lot if the lot is
greater than 4 acres and
30 feet if wall
has more than 1 approved
sign, but not to
exceed the top of
the fascia or
mansard cornice
line
Wall* As calculated pursuant to
1.5 square feet per 1
30 feet Not to
Same as that
section 4.15.20
linear foot of
exceed the cornice
applicable to
establishment structure
line
structure
frontage, not to exceed
200 square feet
*Each establishment may have both a projecting sign and a wall sign, provided that the aggregate sign area
of the two signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. If the establishment has both such signs, the
allowed sign area of the wall sign shall be reduced by the sign area of the projecting sign (which may not
exceed thirty-two (32) square feet.
One (1) sandwich board sign is permitted for each establishment, subject to the requirements of section
4.15.16(i).
Draft: 08/29/11 10
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.12.6; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.14 Regulations applicable in the HI, LI and PD -IP zoning districts
The following regulations pertaining to the number of signs permitted per lot or establishment, the sign
area, sign height, and setback requirements shall apply to each sign for which a sign permit is required
within the Heavy Industry (HI), Light Industry (LI) and Planned Development - Industrial Park (PD -IP)
zoning districts.
Sign Type
Number of Signs
Allowed
Directory
1 or more per
establishment,
as authorized by zoning
administrator
Freestanding
1 per street frontage, or 2
per entrance, per lot with
100 or more feet of
continuous street frontage
plus 1 per lot if the lot is
greater than 4 acres and
has more than 1 approved
Sign Area
(Maximum)
24 square feet,
aggregated
32 square feet,
aggregate, plus bonus
tenant panels as
provided in section
4.15.16(b); if more
than 1 sign at an
entrance, no single sign
Sign Height
(Maximum)
6 feet
12 feet
Sign Setback
(Minimum)
5 feet
5 feet
Projecting
Temporary
Wall
entrance on its frontage
1 per street frontage
shall exceed 16 square
feet
32 square feet
1 per street 32 square feet
frontage per establishment
As calculated pursuant to
section 4.15.20
1.5 square feet per 1
linear foot of
establishment structure
frontage, not to exceed
200 square feet
30 feet, but not to
5 feet
exceed the top of
the fascia or
mansard
12 feet, if
5 feet
freestanding sign;
30 feet if wall sign,
but not to exceed
the top of the
fascia or mansard
cornice line
30 feet Not to
Same as that
exceed the cornice
applicable to
line
structure
*Each establishment may have both a projecting sign and a wall sign, provided that the aggregate sign area
of the two signs shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. If the establishment has both such signs, the
allowed sign area of the wall sign shall be reduced by the sign area of the projecting sign (which may not
exceed thirty-two (32) square feet).
Within the PD -IP zoning district, one (1) sandwich board sign is permitted for each establishment, subject
to the requirements of section 4.15.16(i).
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.12.7; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Sec. 4.15.15 Regulations applicable in the entrance corridor overlay district
In addition to all other regulations set forth in this section 4.15, the following regulations shall apply within
the entrance corridor overlay zoning district:
a. Certificate of appropriateness required. Prior to the erection of a sign that would be visible from an
entrance corridor street, including a sign erected on or visible through a window on a structure, the owner
or lessee of the lot on which the sign will be located shall obtain a certificate of appropriateness for that
sign unless the sign is exempt under section 30.6.5(d).
Draft: 08/29/11 11
b. Authority and procedure for acting upon application for certificate of appropriateness. The authority
and procedure for acting upon an application for a certificate of appropriateness for a sign shall be as set
forth in section 30.6.
c. Opaque backgrounds. All internally illuminated box -style and cabinet -style signs shall have an opaque
background.
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.12.8; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01; Ord. 10- 18(5), 5- 12 -10)
State law reference — Va. Code §§ 15.2 -2280, 15.2 -2286.
Sec. 4.15.16 Regulations applicable to certain sign types
In addition to all other regulations set forth in this section 4.15, the following regulations apply to the sign
types identified herein:
b. Anchor signs Bonus tenant panels. In each shopping center exceeding one hundred thousand (100,000)
fifty thousand (50,000) square feet in gross floor area: (i) one (1) freestanding anchor sign bonus tenant
panel shall be permitted for each one hundred thousand (100,000) fifty thousand (50,000) square feet in
gross floor area, not to exceed four (4) anchor signs bonus tenant panels at the shopping center; and (ii)
each anchor sign no bonus tenant panel shall not exceed six (6) eight (8) square feet in sign area.
i. Wall signs. In order to be eligible to have a wall sign, the establishment shall have an exterior wall.
Sandwich board signs. Sandwich board signs shall be subject to the following: (1) the sign shall not
exceed four (4) feet in height, two (2) feet in width or eight (8) square feet of area per sign face; (2) if the
sign is placed on a sidewalk or any other public pedestrian right -of -way, it shall be placed in a location that
provides a contiguous and unobstructed pedestrian passageway at least three (3) feet wide; (3) the sign
shall not be located in any required off - street parking space, driveway, access easement, alley or fire lane;
(4) the sign shall not be illuminated; (5) the sign shall be removed during non - business hours; and (6) if the
sign is located on county -owned right -of -way, prior to placement of the sign, the owner shall agree to
indemnify and hold harmless the county against any claim or liability arising from the placement of the
sign, and the agreement shall be in a form and have a substance approved by the county attorney.
j. Signs using rare gas illumination. Signs using exposed rare gas illumination, and signs within the
entrance corridor overlay district visible from an entrance corridor overlay street that use rare gas
illumination covered by a transparent material, shall not have a brightness that exceeds thirty (30)
milliamps. Brightness shall be determined by the zoning administrator, who shall consider information
provided by the sign manufacturer, the rated size of the sign's transformer, and any other relevant
information deemed appropriate. (Added 3- 16 -05)
k. Wall signs. In order to be eligible to have a wall sign, the establishment shall have an exterior wall.
(12- 10 -80; 7 -8 -92, § 4.15.12; Ord. 01- 18(3), 5 -9 -01; Ord. 05-18(4),3-16-05)
State law reference — Va. Code § 15.2 -2280.
Draft: 08/29/11 12
Article III. District Regulations
Sec. 30.6.4 Certificates of appropriateness
The architectural review board is authorized to issue certificates of appropriateness for any structure, and
associated improvements, or any portion thereof, that are visible from the EC street to which the parcel is
contiguous, as follows:
b. Types of certificates of appropriateness. The architectural review board is authorized to issue the
following types of certificates of appropriateness:
1. Specific developments. For specific developments associated with one or more building permits or a
single site plan.
2. Signs in a new multi - business complex or shopping center. For all of the signs in a new multi- business
complex or shopping center, where the architectural review board first conducts a comprehensive sign
review. Once a certificate of appropriateness for signs in a new multi- business complex or shopping center
is issued, the director of planning is authorized to determine whether a particular sign satisfies the
conditions of the certificate of appropriateness.
3. County -wide certificates of appropriateness. County -wide certificates of appropriateness may be issued
for classes of structures, sites, improvements, or architectural elements, subject to the applicable design
criteria and procedures, as follows:
a. Categories of structures, sites, improvements, or architectural elements eligible for county -wide
certificates of appropriateness. The following categories of structures, sites, improvements, or architectural
elements shall be eligible for county -wide certificates of appropriateness:
1. Structures located seven hundred fifty (750) feet or more from an EC street that are not more than five
(5) stories tall.
2. Structures that are proposed to be located behind another structure that fronts an EC street as viewed
from the EC street, where the rear structure is no more than twice the height of the front structure.
3. Personal wireless service facilities.
4. Wall signs proposed for structures having a single occupant Signs.
5. Safety fencing and screening fencing.
6. New or replacement rooftop- mounted or ground- mounted equipment.
7. Additions to structures or improvements for which a certificate of appropriateness was issued, where the
design of the addition to the structure or improvement is consistent with the architectural design approved
with the certificate of appropriateness.
8. New structure or site lighting or changes to existing structure or site lighting.
Draft: 08/29/11 13
9. Minor amendments to site plans and architectural plans.
10. Building permits for which the proposed change occupies fifty (50) percent or less of the altered
elevation of an existing structure.
11. Permits classified in sections 5 -202, 5 -203, 5 -204 and 5- 208(A) not otherwise exempt under section
30.6.5(k).
(§ 30.6.4, 10 -3 -90; § 30.6.4.1, 10 -3 -90; 5- 18 -94; § 30.6.4.2, 10 -3 -90; § 3 0.6.5 (formerly § 30.6.3.2, 7 -8 -92;
Ord. 01- 18(3), 5- 9 -01); § 30.6.4, Ord. 10- 18(5), 5- 12 -10)
Sec. 30.6.5 Development exempt from requirement to obtain certificate of appropriateness
The following development is exempt from the requirements of section 30.6:
d. Agricultural product signs, political signs, public signs, sandwich board signs, temporary signs, and
sandwich board signs window signs and signs exempt from the sign permit requirement under section
4.15.6.
(§ 30.6.6, 10 -3 -90; § 30.6.6.1, 10 -3 -90; § 30.6.6.2, 10 -3 -90, 6- 14 -00; § 30.6.6.3, 5- 18 -94; § 30.6.5; Ord.
10-18(5),5-12-10)
(Formerly SIGNS, Now see 30.6.4, 5- 12 -10)
1, Ella W. Jordan, do hereby certify that the foregoing writing is a true, correct copy of an Ordinance duly
adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Albemarle County, Virginia, by a vote of to , as
recorded below, at a regular meeting held on
Clerk, Board of County Supervisors
Aye Nay
Mr. Boyd
Mr. Dorrier
Ms. Mallek
Mr. Rooker
Mr. Snow _
Mr. Thomas