• Remove definitions that are not listed elsewhere in the sign regulations 
• Consolidate sign types 
• Revise digital sign definition 
• Define internally illuminated panel sign, sign area, and sign area ratio 
• Revise roof sign definition to clarify that signs on parapets are not roof signs 
• Revise sign definition for clarity 

• Staff proposes additional flexibility and minor increases in signs allowances based on projects with sign SUPs approved by City Council, prior zoning history, and neighboring jurisdictions:
  • Eliminate setbacks.
  • Increase maximum wall sign size limit.
  • Standardize temporary sign time limits.

• Staff proposes to:
  • Allow digital signs by administrative SUP with the following additional restrictions:   
    • Must comply with current illumination standards.
    • Text and graphics shall not be animated, move, or flash.
    • Digital signs shall have an automatic photocell dimmer. 
    • The changing of text or graphics shall occur no more than two times per minute. 
  • Delete Coordinated Sign SUP and general SUP and create administrative SUP process and criteria for relief from sign rules related to time limits for temporary signs, size, height, and number of signs, along with digital signs.
  • Eliminate SUP requirement for illuminated signs above 35 feet. These signs would continue to be prohibited within the historic district and facing the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Staff proposes to:

• Remove when zoning approval is required because a) permitting is dictated by Code Administration and b) signs addressed by the ordinance must always comply with zoning regardless of whether City permits are required. 
• Remove sign provisions that are similar to language found in the Master Plan or other sections of the Zoning Ordinance.  

• Staff proposes to:
  • Amend how sign area is calculated, e.g., the base of a freestanding monument sign would not be included in sign area total
  • Retain A-frame sign prohibitions  
• General reorganization 

The community is encouraged to participate in the following public hearings:

Planning Commission public hearing
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Location: City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Staff will present recommendations. Planning Commission will hear public testimony (sign up to speak here) and discuss staff’s recommendations. Planning Commission will then vote to recommend approval or denial of the proposal to City Council. 

City Council public hearing
Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30 a.m.
Location: City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 301 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314

Staff will present Planning Commission’s recommendations. City Council will hear public testimony (sign up to speak here) and discuss staff and Planning Commission’s recommendations. City Council will then vote to approve or deny the sign ordinance amendments. 

• In addition to the below, staff held virtual open houses regarding the draft recommendations on December 16, 17, 19 and 20.
• Wednesday, December 18, 6 p.m. - Community Meeting #2, Del Pepper Community Resource Center, 4850 Mark Center Drive
  • Presentation
  • Meeting video
• Wednesday, April 17, 7 p.m. - Board of Architectural Review, City Hall, 301 King Street, Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
  • Staff provided an informational update to the Board of Architectural Review
  • Presentation
• Thursday, April 4, 7 p.m. - Planning Commission Work Session, City Council Chambers, second floor, City Hall, 301 King Street
  • Staff presented draft recommendations and community input. Planning Commission discussed and provided policy direction to staff.
• Monday, April 1 - Community Meeting #1 ,  City Hall, 301 King Street, Room 2000
  • Staff introduced the sign ordinance update and sought input from meeting attendees. 
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Presentation
  • Meeting video