Post on 18-Jun-2018
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
SIGNS DEFINED
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.
ALLOWED SIGNS
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
TEMPORARY 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 ACTIVITY SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS with PERMITS
WHEN AUTHORIZED BY A TEMPORARY ACTIVITY PERMIT
SIGN PERMIT EXEMPTIONS
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
FOR SALE OR LEASE SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS without PERMITS
UP TO 32 sq. ft. COMMERCIAL AND 16 sq. ft. RESIDENTIAL WITH NO TIME LIMIT
POLITICAL SIGNS
ALLOWED TEMPORARY SIGNS without PERMITS
ON PRIVATE PROPERTY UP TO 90 DAYS PRIOR TO 5 DAYS AFTER THE ELECTION
OPEN HOUSE 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
PROHIBITED 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
STREAMERS, BANNERS and
BALLOON 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]
PROHIBITED 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
LEGAL TOOL KIT
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
RIGHT OF WAY
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
ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS
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
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