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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.

You must apply for a sign permit in person at the Arlington County Permit Office. The permit application and review process is anticipated to move online in 2020, as part of Permit Arlington.

  • 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 has a footer or attachment, also requires a separate Building Permit in addition to the sign permit.
    • The building permit determines if the sign meets building code regulations.
    • If the building permit changes the dimensions or location of the sign, revise both the building permit and sign permit. Otherwise, revise the building permit as needed. Repeat this step until both building and sign permits are approved.
  • Any sign with electricity also requires a separate Electrical Permit in addition to the sign permit.

A sign permit can be approved or rejected within five (5) business days if all supporting documentation is complete with the submitted permit application. Incomplete applications are subject to rejection, longer approval times and additional review.

Applicants are strongly advised to research whether their site is subject to special exceptions such as site plan conditions, a comprehensive sign plan, or 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 in the special exception. If a tenant is unsure whether they are subject to a special exception 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

Sign Permit applications must be applied for in person. Most sign permits must also be accompanied with a building permit, such as signs with electricity.

The following requirements apply to signs placed below 40 ft. There is an additional set of requirements below for signs placed above 40 ft.

  • 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.

  • 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, height of the sign (measured from natural grade to the bottom of the sign), the distance from the bottom of the 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

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.