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Building

Sign Permit

 

A sign permit is required before any sign or advertising is erected, displayed, replaced, refaced, or its dimensions altered. Depending on the type of sign and where it’s installed, you must apply for multiple permits in a specific order.

  • If you are a new business or tenant, you must first apply for a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).
    •  Once you’ve applied for a CO (if applicable), you may apply for a sign permit.
  • All exterior signs and some interior signs require the completion of a sign permit application.
    • The sign permit determines if the sign meets Zoning Ordinance and/or site plan regulations.
  • Any sign attached to a building, sidewalk, ground, or plaza, or that has a footer or attachment, also requires a separate Building Permit in addition to the sign permit.
    • The building permit is issued if the sign meets building code regulations.
    • If the requirements of the building permit cause a change in the dimensions or location of the sign, there may be a need for additional review and/or revision of both the building permit and sign permit.
  • Any sign with electricity also requires a separate Electrical Permit in addition to the sign permit.

Applicants are strongly advised to research whether their site is subject to special exceptions such as site plan conditions, a comprehensive sign plan, or a use permit for signs. Applications for sites which are subject to these special exceptions must be accompanied by information explaining how the proposed sign complies with the conditions for special exception approval. Applications for properties subject to site plan conditions, a comprehensive sign plan, or a use permit may require additional review time to assess compliance with the previous approval. If tenants are unsure whether they are subject to special exception conditions of approval for signs, they should consult their landlord or attorney prior to filing. There are no variances allowed for signs under the current Zoning Ordinance.

Submission Requirements

Note: In-person applications are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 health crisis and Permit Office closure.

The following requirements apply to all sign permit applications. Signs placed higher than 40 ft. must also follow the additional submission requirements found below.

  • You must complete a Sign Permit Application.
  • Every application must be accompanied by:
    • Plans showing the area of the sign, the size, and design proposed; the method of lighting and level of illumination, if any; and the exact location proposed for the sign.
    • Letter of consent from the property owner listed in Arlington tax records, if they are not the same entity as the applicant. An authorized agent may provide consent on behalf of the owner, provided that they submit documentation showing their authorization to do so. Attorneys licensed in Virginia may communicate consent on behalf of a client and self-certify that they are authorized to do so.
    • Two pictures / drawings of the proposed sign including dimensions.
    • Two drawings showing proposed sign placement on building (include entire frontage of building).
    • Plans for attachment or structures, to scale.
    • Illumination specifications, including location of a dimming controller switch.
    • Photo of existing signs, showing entire frontage/elevation of building.
    • Plat showing proposed location of freestanding sign and distance from property lines or any public ways.
    • A copy of the site’s comprehensive sign plan, if there is one, with the proposed sign clearly indicated.
    • Administrative Change Request form, if applicable.
  • To apply online:
    • Submit application via email to contactzoning@arlingtonva.us.
    • Include one permit application per email.
    • If applicable, include plans and supporting documents for each application. The maximum attachment(s) size is 25MB.
    • If multiple emails are required due to file size limitations, please use the same Subject line and indicate there are multiple emails (i.e., 1 of 3).
  • To apply on paper:

  • Additional submission requirements if your sign is to be placed above 40 ft.
    • Certification (by an engineer or other qualified professional licensed and practicing in Virginia) that the proposed sign will comply with luminance standards in the Zoning Ordinance.
      • Permits are not issued for signs above 40 ft. until this certification is provided.
    • Illumination specifications, including hours of illumination.
    • An analysis of whether the sign faces Line A and/or B on Zoning Ordinance Map 13-1.
    • If the proposed sign will face Line A on Map 13-1, the applicant should provide evidence that the sign will be substantially blocked (by buildings or other obstructions) from the residential districts specified in Article 13’s Placement Standards for Signs Above a Height of 40 Feet.
    • Elevation drawings showing the height of the building, the height of the sign (measured from natural grade to the bottom of the sign), the distance from the bottom of the sign to the actual roofline (not parapets or penthouses), and the width of the façade upon which the sign is proposed to be placed.
    • Any relevant legislative history such as site plan amendments or use permits.
    • Two copies of an administrative change application packet (and fee) if the property is subject to a site plan and there has not been prior approval for the sign through either the site plan amendment or administrative change processes.

Review Process

Full review of a sign permit can take up to 35 business days.

Completeness Check

Sign permit applications are accepted and fees assessed within five (5) business days if the application and all supporting documentation are complete. Incomplete applications are subject to rejection and a request for modification when applicable. Reviews may require additional time due to research and other additional submissions if applicable.

Staff Review

Once the application is deemed complete, staff review may take anywhere from 10-30 days, depending on the site and if special exception or comprehensive sign plan conditions apply. Staff perform research and work with the applicant as needed to bring the sign permit application into compliance.

Scheduling Inspections

If your sign permit accompanies a building permit, you must schedule an inspection with the Inspection Services Division (ISD).

Fees

Fee schedules provide the range of fees charged for each type of application or activity related to land development in Arlington. Fees cover permitting, plan review, enforcement, inspection, service delivery, performance agreements, and conditions. There are separate fee schedules for Inspection Services Division (ISD), Zoning, and the Department of Environmental Services (DES). Some permits involve fees from more than one schedule.