Sign Regulations Part II – Adopted Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Following the Part I amendment to rewrite the sign regulations to be content-neutral, Part II focused on a broader review of sign policies in Fairfax County. From December 2021 to May 2022, staff conducted initial outreach and education, highlighting the existing regulations and soliciting feedback on what changes should be considered as a part of the Part II Amendment.
Adopted Text
The Board of Supervisors adopted the Signs Part II Zoning Ordinance amendment on November 21, 2023. The adopted text is included in the link below.
Most notably, the amendment included the following changes:
Revisions of the nighttime brightness limitations for electronic display signs in Planned, Commercial, and Industrial districts. The maximum nit level was increased to 300 nits; signs in these districts located within 150 feet of a lot developed with a single-family dwelling with electronic displays that are visible to such lots are limited to 100 nits;
Consolidation of the comprehensive sign plan (CSP), special exception (SE), and special permit (SP) sign applications into a unified SE application type, featuring revised review criteria and new submission requirements;
Removal of the interpretation applying size limitations for signs in or adjacent to reserved parking spaces, such as electric vehicle charging spaces or mobile pickup parking spaces;
Allowance of a four-square-foot illuminated or electronic window sign;
Requirement for subdivision signs to be located solely at major vehicular entrances within an easement recorded for signage purposes or a common area;
Permission for multifamily buildings to opt for building-mounted signage instead of a freestanding sign;
Allowance of any number of drive-through use ordering boards (up to 20 feet in size); and
Reduction of the appeal timeframe for minor signs.
