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Sign Regulations
To determine which zoning district the property is located in, search the address in the City of Charlottesville’s GIS Viewer
- Sign Permit Exemptions:
- Public Interest Signs: These include traffic notices, safety signs, and historical plaques.
- Flags: Noncommercial flags (up to 3 per property) must not exceed 50 square feet each.
- Home Occupation Signs: Small (1 square foot), non-illuminated signs for home businesses.
- Small Temporary Signs: Signs smaller than 10 square feet used for events, allowed for up to 30 days.
1. Prepare Your Application: Submit your application via the City’s Permit Portal Include:
- Detailed specifications (size, shape, materials, and location).
- Lighting details, such as the type and direction of illumination.
- A site plan showing the placement of the proposed sign.
2. Administrator Review: All applications are reviewed by the Administrator. This includes evaluating compliance with size, location, and illumination standards.
3. Post-Approval Requirements: Once approved, install your sign in accordance with the permit details. Any deviations or alterations require resubmission for review.
Special Districts – Certificate of Appropriateness: If your property is in an ADC, Historic Conservation, or Entrance Corridor district, you must apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness instead of a standard permit.
- These signs are reviewed for compatibility with architectural and historical features (Sections 5.2.6 – 5.2.8).
- Do I need a permit to install a sign?
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Most permanent and temporary signs require a permit. However, some signs, such as public interest signs, small temporary signs under 10 square feet, and noncommercial flags, are exempt.
- How do I apply for a sign permit?
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Submit your application through the City’s Permit Portal with detailed specifications, including size, materials, location, and any proposed lighting.
- Are there special requirements for historic districts?
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Yes, if your property is in an ADC, Historic Conservation, or Entrance Corridor district, you may need to apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness instead of a standard permit. These signs must align with historical and architectural guidelines.
- What happens after my permit is approved?
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Once approved, you must install your sign according to permit details. Any changes require resubmission for review.
- Where can I locate the sign ordinance?
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The sign ordinance can be found in Division 4.11 of the Development Code.
- How are Temporary Signs regulated?
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A. Small Temporary Sign
- Temporary sign that is up to 10 square feet in area
- May be installed for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive days, up to 2 times per 12 month period
- Must be rectangular in shape
- No permit requirements
B. Large Temporary Sign
- Temporary sign permitted up to 32 square feet.
- May be installed for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive days, up to 2 times per 12 month period
- Must be rectangular in shape
- Only one large tempaory sign is permitted per lot at any time.
- Can not be located within Residential (R-) Districts
- A sign permit is required for a temporary sign, which can be applied for on the City’s Permit Portal (There is no fee for this permit)
- What is considered a Temporary Sign and do I need a permit?
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A. Small Temporary Sign
- Temporary sign that is up to 10 square feet in area
- May be installed for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive days, up to 2 times per 12 month period
- Must be rectangular in shape
- No permit requirements
B. Large Temporary Sign
- Temporary sign permitted up to 32 square feet.
- May be installed for a period not exceeding 30 consecutive days, up to 2 times per 12 month period
- Must be rectangular in shape
- Only one large temporary sign is permitted per lot at any time.
- Can not be located within Residential (R-) Districts
- A sign permit is required for a temporary sign, which can be applied for on the City’s Permit Portal (There is no fee for this permit)
- Are there Temporary Signs that are not permitted?
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- The following signs are specifically prohibited:
- Inflatable signs
- Any portable signs other than a sidewalk sign
- Sings intended to flutter in the wind to attract attention, this includes feather signs
- Neon Signs
- Any sign that includes scrolling messages or video
- Any sign on public land or right-of-way that is not authorized by a permit or public authority
- The following signs are specifically prohibited: