SIGNS IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
SIGNS IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY P R E S E N T E D B Y P R O P E R T Y C O D E E N F O R C E M E N T B R A N C H N E I G H B O R H O O D S E R V I C E S D I V I S I O N P W C P U B L I C W O R K S D E P A R T M E N T
CHAPTER 32 [ZONING] OF THE PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY CODE Art I - Part 100 SIGNS: ANY DISPLAY visible beyond the boundaries of the parcel of land on which the display is made, of letters, words, numerals, figures, logos, devices, emblems, pictures, in any combination, by any means for the purpose of attracting attention or making anything known. Every such display shall be deemed a sign whether made on, attached to, or as a part of a structure, surface, or any other thing, including, but not limited to, the window, wall, ground, any rock, tree or other natural object. SIGNS DEFINED
SIGNS DEFINED
CHAPTER 32 [ZONING] OF THE PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY CODE Art II - Part 250.21 Sign Types Allowed Where Permitted: BUSINESS SIGNS freestanding or facade DIRECTIONAL SIGNS FLAGS one each per lot of US; VA; PWC; Military; Corporate; Non-Profit HOME BUSINESS SIGNS MALL/SHOPPING CENTER SIGNS MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL PRICE SIGNS RESTAURANT MENU BOARD SIGNS SECONDARY SIGNS No Trespassing, No hunting, No Parking, etc. SUBDIVISION SIGNS TEMPORARY SIGNS where our major problems occur ALLOWED SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS FREESTANDING AND FACADE BUSINESS SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS FLAGS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS HOME BUSINESS SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS MALL & SHOPPING CENTER SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL PRICE SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS RESTAURANT MENU BOARD SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with or without PERMITS SECONDARY SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS SUBDIVISION SIGNS
ALLOWED SIGNS with PERMITS WARNING THIS PRESENTATION IS NOW VENTURING INTO THE NETHER WORLD OF TEMPORARY SIGNS WHERE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD AND FREQUENTLY MISINTERPRETED NOT ALL TEMPORARY SIGNS HAVE BEEN CREATED EQUAL SOME ARE ALLOWED AND SOME ARE NOT TEMPORARY SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS with PERMITS Art II - Part 250.26 Temporary Signs - up to 32 sf. double faced Allowed with a Sign Permit or Temporary Activity Permit for: TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY for period of activity NOW HIRING, GRAND OPENING for 60 days with no renewal COMING SOON, FUTURE HOME OF for one year with renewal CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SIGNS for one year with renewal TEMPORARY SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS with PERMITS WHEN AUTHORIZED BY A TEMPORARY ACTIVITY PERMIT TEMPORARY ACTIVITY SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS with PERMITS ALLOWED FOR 60 DAYS WITH NO RENEWAL NOW HIRING, GRAND OPENING
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS with PERMITS ALLOWED FOR ONE YEAR WITH RENEWAL COMING SOON & FUTURE HOME OF
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS with PERMITS ALLOWED FOR 1 YEAR WITH RENEWAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS without PERMITS Art II - Part 250.26 Temporary Signs up to 32 sf. double faced Allowed and EXEMPT from a Sign Permit or Temporary Activity Permit: FOR SALE, FOR LEASE up to 16 sf. residential or 32 sf. Commercial POLITICAL/CAMPAIGN signs up to 90 days prior to 5 days after election Up to 3 OPEN HOUSE signs on or off-site 4 hours prior to 2 hours after on private property only SIGN PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS without PERMITS UP TO 32 sq. ft. COMMERCIAL AND 16 sq. ft. RESIDENTIAL WITH NO TIME LIMIT FOR SALE OR LEASE SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS without PERMITS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY UP TO 90 DAYS PRIOR TO 5 DAYS AFTER THE ELECTION POLITICAL SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS without PERMITS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY ONLY UP TO: 3 FT HIGH ; FOUR SQ FT IN SIZE; 1 SIGN PER LOT ON 3 LOTS MAXIMUM; 4 HOURS BEFORE TO 2 HOURS AFTER THE EVENT OPEN HOUSE SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGNS OUR BASIC PURPOSE IS TO PROMOTE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE FOR OUR COUNTY CITIZENS AND GUESTS Certain signs can create driving and safety hazards for the general public, county contractors and county employees They have the potential to distract drivers, obstruct visibility and become airborne hazards in medium to high wind conditions They are especially a hazard for road crews, mowers and landscapers who maintain our public right of ways They are considered by many to be litter and detract from the appearance of our community PROHIBITED SIGNS
CHAPTER 32 [ZONING] OF THE PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY CODE Art II Section 250.22.4 No sign shall be illuminated by flashing, occulting, revolving or intermittent lighting, nor shall any sign consist of any moving parts. Electronic message board signs are not permitted unless a Special Use Permit is obtained. THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE PROHIBITED: WIND ACTIVATED SIGNS tube figures, pinwheels, etc. HELIUM FILLED OR INFLATED SIGNS tethered blimps, etc. STREAMERS, BANNERS AND BALLOONS includes feather banners except pole banners in shopping centers used as logos or seasonal art PORTABLE SIGNS A-frames, sandwich boards, hand held, etc. ILLEGAL ROADSIDE SIGNS formally Popsicle Signs PROHIBITED SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGNS WIND ACTIVATED SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGNS INFLATED SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGNS Banner material when mounted to a solid backing can be approved by permit STREAMERS, BANNERS and BALLOON SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGN EXCEPTION Banners may be permitted on light poles within a shopping center or commercial mall parking lot when used as logos or seasonal art [18 sf max] STREAMERS, BANNERS and BALLOON SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGNS PORTABLE SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGNS ILLEGAL ROADSIDE SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGNS ARE FOUND IN TWO DISTINCT AREAS On privately owned residential or commercial property Where property lines are defined by recorded deeds, plats, approved site plans and certified surveys Violations on private property are pursued under Chapter 32 of the Prince William County Code The Zoning Ordinance On public thoroughfares and the right of way On publicly owned lands controlled by VDOT or the County and defined by approved state highway plans. Right of way easements can exceed the width of an existing road out to 150 feet from centerline to allow for anticipated future growth Violations on public roads are pursued under Virginia State Code 33.1-373 PROHIBITED SIGNS
PROHIBITED SIGNS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY OR IN THE RIGHT OF WAY PROHIBITED SIGNS
HANDLING SIGN VIOLATIONS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY Virginia State Code provides the enabling legislation in our Dillon Rule state for dealing with illegal roadside signs in the public right of way VA CODE 33.1-373 PROHIBITS TEMPORARY ROADSIDE ADVERTISING Declares illegal roadside advertising a public nuisance which may be removed from public roads and demolished without notice by the Commissioner of Highways [VDOT] Provides the authority to issue a civil court summons to violators Allows for the award of civil penalties of $100 per sign per occurrence in violation with the net proceeds being paid into the State Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund LEGAL TOOL KIT
DETERMINING THE RIGHT OF WAY OFFICIAL STATE HIGHWAY PLANS & PROFILES
GUIDELINES FOR DETERMINING THE RIGHT OF WAY IN THE FIELD 1. ALL MEDIANS AND ISLANDS 2. FAR SIDE OF A DITCH OR CULVERT 3. UTILITY POLES 4. SIDEWALK EDGE 5. FIVE (5) FEET OFF THE CURB FACE 6. EDGE OF A MOWED SECTION RIGHT OF WAY
HOW DO WE CONTROL AND MANAGE THE PROBLEM? CURRENT PROGRAMS Education Outreach to Obtain Voluntary Compliance NSD Roadside Removal Program PWC Code Enforcement Removal Team - Punitive PWC Litter Crew Scheduled Removal Routes Litter Control Volunteer Programs Our Community Partners VDOT Adopt a Highway Program Keep Prince William Beautiful Adopt a Spot Program Code Enforcement Zoning Ordinance & State Code Court Action and the Collection of Fines ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS
NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES REMOVAL PROGRAMS ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS
HOW DO WE CONTROL AND MANAGE THE PROBLEM? NEW PROGRAMS IN DEVELOPMENT FOR 2013 Provide new educational material to: New business applicants in the County Established businesses through the PW Chamber of Commerce Establishing a new volunteer program to supplement roadside removal Legislative action to obtain higher fines for repeat offenders {$250} Increase General District Court dockets to three per month for signs Utilize automated phone calling or robo-calls to enhance educational outreach and compliance ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS
TOGETHER WE CAN KEEP PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE THE END RESULT
SIGNS IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY P R E S E N T E D B Y P R O P E R T Y C O D E E N F O R C E M E N T B R A N C H N E I G H B O R H O O D S E R V I C E S D I V I S I O N P W C P U B L I C W O R K S D E P A R T M E N T