The intent of this article is to regulate the size, illumination,
materials, location, height, and condition of all signs placed upon
private property for exterior observation within the County to promote
the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community,
ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists, and preserve property
values. This article is intended to allow adequate communication through
signage while encouraging aesthetic quality in the design, location,
size and purpose of all signs. This article shall be interpreted in
a manner consistent with the First Amendment of the United States
Constitution. If any provision of this article is found to be invalid,
such finding shall not affect the validity of other provisions of
the article that can be given effect without the invalid provision.
The following signs are prohibited in all zoning districts:
A. Any sign which violates any provision of Virginia Code § 33.2-1200
et seq.
B. Any sign which is located anywhere other than on the property or
structure to which it directs attention or to which it is appurtenant.
D. Animated, moving, rotating, flashing signs or appurtenances to signs
which are nonstationary. This does not apply to signs that exclusively
show the time and temperature.
E. Signs which create a traffic hazard by obstructing sightlines, causing
a glare, or causing confusion with an authorized traffic sign.
F. Signs erected in or over a public right-of-way or upon public land
without governmental authority.
G. Signs that cause direct glare into or upon any building or property
other than the building or property on which the sign is located or
to which the sign may be related.
H. Internally illuminated signs on any property located within the Conservation
District, Agriculture District, or any of the residential zoning districts.
Signs shall be located that distance from the street right-of-way as required under Chapter
12, Title 33.2, of the Code of Virginia; provided, however, that signs shall not be placed in nor overhang the street right-of-way nor cause any safety hazard. In addition, freestanding or ground-mounted signs within Local Business (B-1), General Business (B-2), General Industrial (M-1) and Limited Industrial (M-2) Zoning Districts shall be set back at least 10 feet from front setback lot lines or front property boundary lines. Signs that are attached to buildings shall meet the required setbacks for the respective zoning district.
A sign shall be deemed a structure and require a zoning and building permit obtained using the application process set forth in §
165-104. The application for a zoning permit to install a sign must include a sketch of the proposed sign and its support structure, along with the area and height of the sign. For all signs requiring a permit from the Commissioner of Highways pursuant to § 33.2-1208 of the Code of Virginia, evidence of receipt of such permit shall be provided to the Zoning Administrator prior to obtaining a Shenandoah County zoning permit.
If a sign advertises an entity, activity, or location that no
longer exists, is being operated, or is being conducted, the sign
shall be considered obsolete and Zoning Administrator may provide
notice to the owner of the property on which the sign is located that
the sign face must be removed within 60 days. If such removal has
not been completed within the 60-day period and the sign remains obsolete,
the Zoning Administrator may cause the removal and charge the cost
to the owner on whose property the sign is located or take such other
action as is permitted by law.
Temporary signs must meet the requirements of this section in
addition to all other applicable requirements of this article.
A. Temporary signs are allowed for the following periods:
(1) For signs on property that is for sale or rent, only until the property
is sold or rented.
(2) For signs on property with an active building permit, only while
the permit is active (up to a maximum of 24 months).
(3) For signs on a location with a new business, 30 days.
(4) For signs advertising a one-time event, a maximum of 30 days, ending
on the day after the event, at which time the sign must be removed.
(5) For other signs, 60 days.
B. When a temporary sign is removed, it may not be replaced by the same
or another temporary sign for 30 days.
Any sign lawfully in existence at the time of the effective date of this chapter may be maintained although it does not conform with the provisions of this chapter. Such nonconforming signs shall comply in all respects with the requirements of Article
IV relating to nonconforming uses.
Upon proper application, after the process set forth in §
165-106, the Board of Supervisors may grant a special use permit authorizing a sign which would otherwise be prohibited by this article. The permit may contain such conditions as the Board of Supervisors deems proper. Special use permits authorized by this section will be granted only in special circumstances, including but not limited to unusual topography, unusual lot size or shape, or other issues relating to visibility.