§ 9-1005. General sign restrictions and prohibitions.
A.
Prohibited. .....In addition to those signs prohibited elsewhere in this Code or by applicable state or federal law, the following signs are prohibited:
1.
Signs that violate any law of the Commonwealth of Virginia relating to outdoor advertising.
2.
Signs that are attached to or utilize utility poles, trees or other signs are prohibited. Signs attached to fences or walls are prohibited unless otherwise specifically allowed by this ordinance.
3.
Signs simulating, or which are likely to be confused with, a traffic control sign or any other sign displayed by a governmental authority. Any such sign is subject to immediate removal and disposal by an authorized county agent or official as a nuisance.
4.
Vehicle or trailer signs.
5.
Any sign displayed without complying with all applicable regulations of this article.
6.
Signs that revolve or that utilize movement or apparent movement to attract the attention of the public are prohibited.
7.
Signs, which contain or consist of pennants, balloons, ribbons, streamers, banners, spinners, strings of lights, or other similar moving or stationary devices, are prohibited, unless otherwise specifically allowed by section 9-1004 of this ordinance.
8.
Signs promoting activities which are illegal under federal, state, or local laws or regulations are prohibited.
9.
Except for movie theater and gasoline station uses, as defined in this ordinance, changeable sign copy shall not be incorporated into a sign face, unless the changeable component of the sign face occupies less than half the total area of the sign face. If changeable copy is used, it shall be located adjacent to or integrated into the sign face, and lettering shall be of a single style and of uniform color and size.
10.
Signs shall not obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder or opening intended to provide light, air or ingress and egress for any building or structure.
11.
No wall sign shall be higher than the peak of the roof or the parapet wall of any building to which the sign is attached.
12.
No sign may be located within the sight triangle as determined by this ordinance or so that it interferes with the view necessary for motorists to proceed safely through intersections or to enter onto or exit from public streets or private roads.
13.
No signs or supporting structures shall be located within or over any public right-of-way unless specifically approved by the regulatory authority.
14.
Portable and off-premises signs shall be prohibited unless otherwise specifically allowed by this ordinance.
15.
Animated signs. This subsection does not apply to flags expressly permitted under this article.
16.
Flashing signs or other signs displaying flashing, scrolling or intermittent lights or lights of changing degrees of intensity.
17.
Signs consisting of illuminated tubing or strings of lights outlining property lines or open sales areas, rooflines, doors, windows or wall edges of any building, except for holiday displays.
18.
Signs that emit smoke, flame, scent, mist, aerosol, liquid, or gas.
19.
Signs that emit sound.
20.
Any electronic sign that is generated by a series of moving images, such as an LED, digital display, or other video technology, whether displayed on a building, vehicle, or mobile unit.
21.
Signs erected on public land other than those approved by an authorized county official in writing, required by law without such approval, or permitted under section 24.2-310(E) of the Code of Virginia (1950, as amended). Any sign not so authorized is subject to immediate removal and disposal by any authorized agent or official of the county. Removal of the sign under this provision does not preclude prosecution of the person responsible for the sign. (3-14-18.)