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Signs constitute a separate and distinct use of the land upon which the signs are placed and affect the use of streets, sidewalks, other public places, and private places open to the public. The use of signs is an important tool used by public, private and government agencies to communicate information to the general consumer. Signs should be erected and maintained in a manner which enhances both the dissemination of information and the appearance of the community. The regulations for signage are contained in Section 34. Nameplates, Signs, And Other Displays Or Devices To Direct, Identify, And Inform of the Arlington County Zoning Ordinance. The regulations contained in this section, advance significant county interests and are the minimum amount of regulations necessary to achieve them. Signs shall be permitted only on private property and not on public property or public easement areas, unless specifically provided for in this section. The unregulated construction, placement, and display of signs constitutes a public nuisance detrimental to the health, safety, convenience, and welfare of the residents of the County. A sign permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Administrator before any sign or advertising is erected, displayed, replaced, refaced or its dimensions altered (except any sign listed in Subsection E of this Section). Every application for a sign permit shall be accompanied by plans showing the area of the sign, the size, and design proposed; the method of lighting, if any; and the exact location proposed for the sign. A sign permit for a permanent sign shall be approved or rejected within five (5) business days. Prohibited signs and other signs not identified in this section shall not be permitted by variance. Special exceptions: A comprehensive sign plan may be approved by use permit or site plan approved as provided in Section 36 of the Zoning Ordinance of Arlington County. The comprehensive sign plan shall establish the placement of signs, the hours of lighting, the height of signs, the total number of square feet of sign surface, and the number of signs to be placed on a site. Every application for a comprehensive sign plan shall be accompanied by a fee (125KB PDF Format). Sign permit approval may be by-right under Section 34, administratively, or by the County Board. You may call the Zoning Administration Office at 703-228-3883 to find the zoning for the specific address you are interested and this information will determine if the signage will need by-right, administrative or County Board approval. If the sign(s) requires administrative or County Board approval the Zoning Administration Office has copies of the brochure, Guidelines For Site Plan Buildings, available for free, contact the office at 703-228-3883. If you have any questions regarding signage please don't hesitate to call the Zoning Administration Office at 703-228-3883. | 
