Sign Regulations in Hillsville, Virginia
Hillsville, Virginia has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Public and Semipublic Identification Sign, Residential Identification Sign, Real Estate Sign (On‑Premises, Residential Districts). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: February 16, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Hillsville, Virginia
Sample Sign Requirements in Hillsville
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public and Semipublic Identification Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — |
| Residential Identification Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — |
| Real Estate Sign (On‑Premises, Residential Districts) | 4 ft for permit‑exempt real estate signs | 6 sq ft | May be erected up to the property line (§171-71.2A) |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for HillsvilleFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
21
- Public and Semipublic Identification Sign
- Residential Identification Sign
- Real Estate Sign (On‑Premises, Residential Districts)
- Civic Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Hillsville
Other Cities in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Hillsville vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Hillsville, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Hillsville, regulated sign types include Public and Semipublic Identification Sign, Residential Identification Sign, Real Estate Sign (On‑Premises, Residential Districts), Civic Sign, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Hillsville vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Hillsville are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Hillsville has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Hillsville, Virginia Sign Rules at a Glance
Hillsville, Virginia regulates 21 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Institutional Identification Sign (Churches, Schools, Hospitals, Assisted Living in R-1 or R-2)s in the A-1 Agricultural/Residential District (A-1); Residential District (R-1, R-2); MHP Mobile Home Park Residential District (MHP) zoning district are capped at Freestanding/projecting signs up to 15 ft (25 ft within 2‑mile radius of I‑77) (§171-66K(1)) tall and As allowed under Neighborhood Commercial (NC) standards for that specific sign type (e.g., overhanging, freestanding, projecting) up to 64 sq ft total for freestanding/projecting per establishment, with a Freestanding signs not within five feet of any street line or in public way unless otherwise authorized (§171-66C). setback (Sec. §171-69A(4); §171-69B(1)–(2); §171-66K; §171-71.6C–E). Most commercial signs in Hillsville require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Hillsville, Virginia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Hillsville (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 Agricultural/Residential District (A-1); Residential District (R-1, R-2); MHP Mobile Home Park Residential District (MHP) | 6 | Freestanding/projecting signs up to 15 ft (25 ft within 2‑mile radius of I‑77) (§171-66K(1)) | As allowed under Neighborhood Commercial (NC) standards for that specific sign type (e.g., overhanging, freestanding, projecting) up to 64 sq ft total for freestanding/projecting per establishment | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial District (NC); Core Commercial District (CC); General Commercial District (GC); Industrial District (I); Landfill District (L) | 6 | 15 ft from grade; up to 25 ft within 2‑mile radius of Interstate Route 77 (§171-66K(1)) | 200 sq ft aggregate sign area for development | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 9 | 20 ft | 50 sq ft | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Hillsville
A-1 Agricultural/Residential District (A-1); Residential District (R-1, R-2); MHP Mobile Home Park Residential District (MHP)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public and Semipublic Identification Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | — | Maximum 1 per use | Must be located on the premises of the public or semipublic use | — | Unlock | §171-69A(1) |
| Residential Identification Sign | — | 6 sq ft | — | — | — | Must be located on the premises | — | Unlock | §171-69A(2) |
| Real Estate Sign (On‑Premises, Residential Districts) | 4 ft for permit‑exempt real estate signs | 6 sq ft | — | May be erected up to the property line (§171-71.2A) | — | Must be located on the premises; may be erected up to the property line for permit‑exempt real estate signs | — | Unlock | §171-69A(2); §171-71.1B–F; §171-71.2A |
| Civic Sign | — | 9 sq ft | — | — | — | Must be located on the premises of the civic use | — | Unlock | §171-69A(2) |
| Directional Sign (Residential/A-1/MHP) | — | Up to 6 sq ft if treated as parking/functional or temporary directional sign | — | May not be placed in public right‑of‑way except as specifically authorized (§171-66C; §171-71M). | — | On premises; may be at entrances/exits or within parking areas as applicable | — | Unlock | §171-69A(3); §171-68B; §171-71.2E, §171-71.2F, §171-71.2G, §171-71.2J, §171-66E |
| Institutional Identification Sign (Churches, Schools, Hospitals, Assisted Living in R-1 or R-2) | Freestanding/projecting signs up to 15 ft (25 ft within 2‑mile radius of I‑77) (§171-66K(1)) | As allowed under Neighborhood Commercial (NC) standards for that specific sign type (e.g., overhanging, freestanding, projecting) up to 64 sq ft total for freestanding/projecting per establishment | — | Freestanding signs not within five feet of any street line or in public way unless otherwise authorized (§171-66C). | General maximum 2 signs per major street frontage and 1 per additional frontage (§171-66J); only one freestanding or projecting sign per parcel (§171-66K(2)), plus overhanging sign limits (§171-69B(1)). | On premises of the institutional use | — | Unlock | §171-69A(4); §171-69B(1)–(2); §171-66K; §171-71.6C–E |
Neighborhood Commercial District (NC); Core Commercial District (CC); General Commercial District (GC); Industrial District (I); Landfill District (L)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overhanging Sign (Projecting from Building Front) | Bottom of overhanging sign at least 8 ft above public walkway; no more than 15 ft above grade except within 2‑mile radius of I‑77 where up to 25 ft (§171-66D, §171-66K(1)) | Up to 10 sq ft | — | Projection limit: no more than 5 ft from building front; not into street right‑of‑way beyond what is allowed by §171-66D. | Maximum 1 overhanging sign per business under this provision | Refers to a business operated on the premises; may protrude from the building front over walkways subject to projection/clearance limits. | — | Unlock | §171-69B(1); §171-66D; §171-66K(1) |
| Freestanding / Projecting Sign Aggregate (On‑Premises Business Identification) | 15 ft from grade; up to 25 ft within 2‑mile radius of Interstate Route 77 (§171-66K(1)) | 64 sq ft (total for all freestanding and projecting signs per business establishment on the premises) | — | No part of freestanding/projecting sign higher than 15 ft (or 25 ft near I‑77). Must not be within 5 ft of street lines or in public ways unless authorized (§171-66C). | Max 1 freestanding or projecting sign per parcel (§171-66K(2)); overall any establishment may have no more than 2 signs per major street frontage plus 1 per additional frontage (§171-66J). | Must be located on the premises of the business establishment | — | Unlock | §171-69B(2); §171-66J; §171-66K(1)–(3) |
| Wall Sign (Commercial/Industrial/ Landfill Uses) | Cannot project more than 15 inches from wall; must remain below roofline (not a roof sign) per definition | Not specified numerically in district section; constrained only by overall number of signs and general design rules | — | Must not obstruct doors, windows, fire escapes, light or ventilation (§171-66N). | Counted toward maximum 2 signs per major frontage and 1 per additional frontage (§171-66J). | Affixed to exterior wall or architectural projection of building housing the use | — | Unlock | §171-66M(2); Definitions – WALL OR FASCIA SIGN; §171-66K(3) |
| Animated / Electronic Message Sign (NC/CC/GC/I) | Subject to freestanding/projecting height limits (15 ft or 25 ft near I‑77) or wall sign height context | Counts within the 64 sq ft freestanding/projecting aggregate where applicable; no separate maximum stated | — | Same as the underlying sign structure (freestanding/projecting/wall). | Maximum 1 animated/electronic sign per establishment (double‑sided allowed). | On‑premises only; within NC, CC, GC and I districts. | — | Unlock | §171-69B(2)(a)–(b); §171-66F; §171-71.6C–E |
| Off‑Premises Freestanding Sign (GC and I Only) | 8 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from any street line, other property line or driveway (§171-69B(3)(b)). | Max 1 off‑premises sign per use per direction of travel along a route; spacing at least 300 ft apart on same side of street. | Off the premises of the business or permitted use it refers to; only in GC and Industrial Districts. | — | Unlock | §171-69B(3)(a)–(e) |
| Planned Commercial Development Aggregate Signage (GC and I within 2‑Mile I‑77 Area) | Subject to general freestanding/projecting height limits (15 ft or 25 ft near I‑77) unless otherwise specified in approved site plan | 200 sq ft aggregate sign area for development | — | As specified in approved site plan and must comply with general setback/visibility rules. | Number and distribution of signs governed by approved site plan within the 200 sq ft aggregate. | Within GC and I Zoning Districts, for planned commercial developments other than shopping centers which require a site plan and are located within a two‑mile radius of the midpoint between two bridges at Exit 14 of Interstate Route 77. | — | Unlock | §171-69B(4) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historic Site Sign | 9 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | 1 per registered site/structure/landmark | At or for each site, structure, or landmark registered with the Virginia Landmarks Register or the National Historic Register. | — | Unlock | §171-71.7A |
| Historic District Sign | 9 ft | 12 sq ft | — | — | — | Within historic districts, relating to the historic, architectural, cultural, or archeological significance of the district. | — | Unlock | §171-71.7B |
| Location Sign (General) | — | — | — | May be in right‑of‑way only with written permission; otherwise subject to general setback/visibility rules. | 1 per establishment | May be freestanding and may be located within the public right‑of‑way with written permission from the Administrator. | — | Unlock | §171-71.7C |
| Temporary Sign (General) | — | 32 sq ft total temporary sign area per lot; each grand‑opening‑type sign up to 32 sq ft | — | Not attached to utility poles, meter posts, or trees within any public street right‑of‑way. | Limited by 32 sq ft per lot total and by frequency/duration caps; §171-71.2F further caps certain temporary informational signs to 2 per establishment at any time. | On‑premises; signs must be securely affixed to a building or the ground, not to utility poles, meter posts or trees within public street right‑of‑way. | — | Unlock | §171-71.1A–G |
| Real Estate Sign (General Permit‑Exempt) | 4 ft | 6 sq ft | — | May be erected up to property line; still must not obstruct visibility per §171-66E. | — | Advertises sale or rental of land or building upon which sign is located; may be erected up to the property line. | — | Unlock | §171-71.2A; §171-71.1B–E |
| Professional Nameplate / Home Occupation / Resident Name Sign | — | 1 sq ft for professional nameplate and home occupation sign; 1 sq ft for resident name sign (§171-71.2B, §171-71.2I, §171-71.2K); up to 6 sq ft for combination nameplate/address (§171-68G). | — | — | Home occupation identifying sign limited to 1; resident name/address signs ‘signs’ in ordinary practice 1 per dwelling entrance though code explicitly limits only home occupation sign to 1. | Placed upon the wall of the building or other existing permanent structure on premises of the resident/professional. | — | Unlock | §171-71.2B, §171-71.2I, §171-71.2K; §171-68G–H |
| Subdivision or Housing Development Entrance Sign | 6 ft | 25 sq ft | — | — | — | For subdivision, housing development, multiple‑family dwelling complex or townhouse development; typically at entrance. | — | Unlock | §171-71.2H |
| Town Entrance Group Identification Sign | 20 ft | 50 sq ft | — | May be located within public right‑of‑way with approval of Zoning Administrator and/or VDOT. | — | At major entrances to Hillsville; may be within public right‑of‑way with approval. | — | Unlock | §171-71.10 |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Hillsville are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Hillsville
- No sign may be erected that fails to comply with all provisions of Article XIV, the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and applicable state and federal regulations pertaining to signage (§171-64D(1)).
- Where sign regulations conflict with other codes, the most restrictive provision applies to any sign (§171-64D(2); §171-64E).
- No sign other than an official traffic or similar sign may be erected within five feet of any street line or within any public way unless specifically authorized by other ordinances or by the Zoning Administrator (§171-66C).
- Signs projecting over public walkways must maintain at least eight feet of clearance from grade to the bottom of the sign, and projections over vehicular access areas must comply with minimum height clearances imposed by the jurisdiction (§171-66D).
- No sign or sign structure may be erected at a street intersection so as to obstruct free and clear vision or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device (§171-66E).
- All signs must be kept in good condition, repair, and legible; unsafe or unlawfully installed/maintained signs must be brought into conformity or removed upon notice, or the Town may remove them at the owner’s expense (§171-66G; §171-71.11C–D).
- Obsolete sign copy that no longer advertises or identifies a use on the property must be covered or removed within 30 days; if not, the Town may remove it at the owner’s expense (§171-66H).
- Nonconforming signs may not be structurally altered, enlarged, or re-erected so as to increase their degree of nonconformity, and severely damaged/deteriorated nonconforming signs must be removed or rebuilt without increasing height or area (§171-66I).
- No establishment may exceed the maximum number of signs allowed per frontage as set by §171-66J; signs under one square foot or exempt from permit do not count toward this limit (§171-66J).
- No part of any freestanding or projecting sign may exceed 15 feet in height from grade, except within a two‑mile radius of Interstate Route 77 where signs up to 25 feet are allowed (§171-66K(1)).
- Only one freestanding or projecting sign per parcel is allowed, subject to exceptions in §171-66J (§171-66K(2)).
- No sign may be erected, replaced or relocated so as to prevent free ingress/egress from any required door, window or fire escape or to obstruct required light or ventilation from any window; no advertising or business sign may be attached to a standpipe or fire escape (§171-66N).
- Any sign affixed to, hung, placed or painted on any other sign, fence, cliff, tree, public utility pole, radio/television tower, or similar tower is prohibited, except official traffic, parking or informational signs placed on utility poles by the Town (§171-71A, §171-71H).
- Any sign or banner within or across a public right‑of‑way is prohibited unless specifically approved by the Town Manager or designee or otherwise allowed in the ordinance (§171-71B; §171-71M; §171-71V).
- Any sign attached to, rather than painted on, an awning that is not a marquee is prohibited (§171-71C).
- Flashing or moving signs are prohibited, except those officially erected for safety purposes (§171-71D).
- Any sign advertising a business, product, or service not conducted, produced, or sold as a primary product under license on the premises is prohibited; when a business is vacated, its sign must be removed within 60 days (§171-71E).
- Any sign that imitates an official traffic sign or signal or that conflicts with traffic safety due to its location, coloring, movement, shape, or illumination is prohibited (§171-71F).
- Portable signs are prohibited (§171-71G).
- Any sign, except an official public notice, attached to any utility pole or structure supporting wire, cable, or pipe, or to public property of any kind is prohibited (§171-71H).
- Signs advertising activities or products that are illegal under federal, state, Town, or county law are prohibited (§171-71I).
- Any electrical sign that does not display a UL, ETL, CSA, or ULC label is prohibited (§171-71J).
- Any sign that by size, illumination, location, or height obstructs the vision of motorists or pedestrians at intersections or obstructs vision when entering a public right‑of‑way from private property is prohibited (§171-71K).
- Any sign that obstructs any window or door opening used as means of egress, prevents free passage on a roof, or interferes with an opening required for ventilation is prohibited (§171-71L).
- Signs in public rights‑of‑way are prohibited except as specifically provided in the ordinance; any such sign may be ordered removed if the use of the right‑of‑way changes or is inconsistent with the sign’s existence (§171-71M; §171-71; §171-71.3).
- Any sign that violates any provision of federal or state law relative to outdoor advertising is prohibited (§171-71N).
- Signs with moving components are prohibited (§171-71O).
- Pennants and streamers are prohibited except as specifically allowed for temporary grand opening signs (§171-71P; §171-71.1G).
- Large floating or stationary balloons used as signs are prohibited (§171-71Q).
- Signs attached, painted, or mounted to unlicensed and inoperative or generally stationary vehicles are prohibited (§171-71R).
- Any sign representing or depicting specified sexual activities, specified anatomical areas, sexually oriented goods, or containing obscene text or pictures as defined by Virginia Code is prohibited (§171-71S).
- Off‑premises signs are prohibited town‑wide, except for location signs allowed elsewhere in the article (§171-71T).
- Billboards are prohibited, except those existing at the adoption of the chapter; existing billboards may be repaired but not replaced (§171-71U).
- Temporary signs may not be illuminated (§171-71.1F).
- Temporary signs may not be attached to utility poles, meter posts, or trees within any public street right‑of‑way; no notice may be placed on the property of another without written consent (§171-71.1E).
- No sign may be erected, installed, altered, modified, refaced, rehung, or replaced over public property without proof of required public liability insurance; signs must be removed if insurance is cancelled after notice (§171-71.4).
- All sign structural components and lighting fixtures must comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (§171-71.5).
- Any sign containing electrical components must conform to current UL, ETL, CSA or ULC standards and display a label from one of these testing labs (§171-71.6B).
- The Town Manager may order removal or prevent installation of any animated or electronic sign found to negatively affect the health, safety, and welfare of the public (§171-71.6E).
- Any sign unlawfully installed or maintained, presenting a hazard, or certain long‑vacant nonconforming signs must be removed upon notice; the Town may remove hazardous signs immediately and without compensation (§171-71.11D).
Exempt Signs in Hillsville
- Nonconforming signs are not required to be removed solely by passage of time if such a requirement is prohibited by state or federal law (§171-64B).
- The following sign types are exempt from the provisions of the chapter, except they must still meet traffic visibility requirements in §171-66E (§171-68): official notices authorized by a court, public body, or public safety official (§171-68A).
- Directional, warning, or information signs authorized by federal, state, or municipal governments are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68B).
- Memorial plaques, building identification signs, and building cornerstones that are cut or carved into masonry or made of noncombustible material and integral to the building or structure are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68C).
- Government or noncommercial institution flags; other noncommercial state or national flags; and purely ornamental, noncommercial flags (e.g., with graphic depictions such as flowers) are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68D).
- Signs attached to athletic field fences are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68E).
- Religious symbols and seasonal decorations, residential and commercial, within the appropriate public holiday season are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68F).
- Street address signs and combination nameplate/street address signs with no advertising copy and not exceeding six square feet are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68G).
- Any sign with an area of one square foot or less is exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68H).
- Signs on the inside of store windows (except those specifically listed as prohibited) are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68I).
- On‑site convenience/direction signs such as restroom, public telephone, public or freight entrance signs not exceeding three square feet per sign are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68J).
- Gasoline price signs with total area 12 square feet or less are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68K).
- Signs displayed in November and December for selling holiday vegetation and accessory items are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68L).
- Signs displayed on a truck, bus, or other vehicle while in normal business use are exempt, but this does not allow parking such vehicles for display or using the vehicle as a portable sign (§171-68M).
- Menu/daily special signs not exceeding four square feet and attached to a building facade are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68N).
- Signage for Town‑sponsored events as approved by the Town Manager is exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68O).
- Sandwich board signs that do not obstruct vehicular travel, public parking, or pedestrian movement along sidewalks are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68P).
- Political campaign signs or signs demonstrating freedom of speech that do not advertise a product or business are exempt, except from §171-66E (§171-68Q).
- The following signs may be erected in any zoning district without a permit if installed in compliance with Article XIV and any approved site plan (§171-71.2): real estate signs ≤6 sq. ft., non‑illuminated, ≤4 ft high, may be at property line, advertising sale or rental of the land or building where located (§171-71.2A).
- Professional nameplates ≤1 sq. ft. on the wall of the building are exempt from permit (§171-71.2B).
- Monumental inscriptions, memorial signs or tablets with names/dates, cut into masonry or constructed of bronze or other noncombustible material, are exempt from permit (§171-71.2C).
- Non‑illuminated architect/engineer/contractor signs at construction sites ≤32 sq. ft., to be removed after construction, are exempt from permit (§171-71.2D).
- Traffic, municipal, legal notice, directional or informational signs; railroad crossing, danger, safety, temporary or emergency signs; and holiday decorations across a public right‑of‑way when authorized by the Town Manager are exempt from permit (§171-71.2E).
- Temporary directional, political or informational signs ≤6 sq. ft., for permitted activities in the district, erected no more than one month before an event and removed within one week after (and not displayed more than two months per year, max two per establishment) are exempt from permit (§171-71.2F).
- Parking‑lot entrance/exit/conditions‑of‑use signs ≤6 sq. ft. are exempt from permit (§171-71.2G).
- Subdivision or housing development identification signs ≤6 ft high and ≤25 sq. ft., showing only the development name, are exempt from permit (§171-71.2H).
- Residential name/address signs without commercial advertising and not more than one square foot in area are exempt from permit (§171-71.2I).
- On‑premises functional signs under six square feet (e.g., “fabrication,” “office,” lavatory, telephone) with no commercial advertising are exempt from permit (§171-71.2J).
- Home‑occupation/office identification signs ≤1 sq. ft., attached to the building or other permanent structure, are exempt from permit (§171-71.2K).
- "No Trespassing" signs ≤1 sq. ft. are exempt from permit (§171-71.2L).
- Historic markers <15 sq. ft. approved by the Board of Architectural Review are exempt from permit (§171-71.2M).
- Signs on the inside of store windows are exempt from permit (§171-71.2N).
- Signs ≤25 sq. ft. identifying municipal or governmental buildings/offices or buildings used for religious purposes, erected on the building or its land, are exempt from permit (§171-71.2O).
- Flags flying from a flagpole, up to three at a time, with no individual flag exceeding 50 sq. ft., are exempt from permit (§171-71.2P).
- Business hours‑of‑operation signs in a window, ≤2 sq. ft., are exempt from permit (§171-71.2Q).
- "Private drive" signs ≤2 sq. ft., limited to one per entrance drive, are exempt from permit (§171-71.2R).
- Official notices or advertisements posted pursuant to legal requirements by public officials, court officers, or trustees under deeds of trust or similar instruments are exempt from permit (§171-71.2S).
- Up to two “entrance” or “exit” signs per parking lot entrance/exit (≤2 sq. ft. each), and parking‑restriction signs (≤3 sq. ft. wall‑mounted at least 25 feet apart or ≤2 sq. ft. freestanding at perimeter, ≤4 ft high) are exempt from permit (§171-71.2T).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Hillsville
- A comprehensive signage plan is optional but available: for any proposed development subject to site plan review or any development subject to architectural review, the Zoning Administrator or public body may waive or modify sign requirements by approving a comprehensive signage plan (§171-70A).
- Where a development is subject to both site plan and architectural review, the body/official conducting the architectural review is the decision‑maker on the comprehensive signage plan (§171-70A).
- A comprehensive signage plan is defined as a written plan describing type, quantity, size, shape, color, and location of all signs in a development where one or more signs do not comply with standard requirements (§171-70B).
- A comprehensive signage plan may be approved only if: (1) there is good cause to deviate from strict application of the article; and (2) the plan will serve the public purposes and objectives of the article at least as well as otherwise permitted signage (§171-70C).
- Applications for a comprehensive signage plan must be submitted in writing to the Zoning Administrator with the required fee and must include: narrative description and tally of signs; color illustrations/photographs of each sign and landscaping; type, size, materials, and location of each sign; inventory of all existing signs on the property; illustrations/photos of signage on adjacent properties; and description/illustration of proposed lighting (§171-70D–E).
- Appeals of decisions on a comprehensive signage plan are taken in the same manner as other decisions of the relevant official or public body under the zoning chapter (§171-70F).
- For historic district signs, a sign plan must be submitted with the rezoning application for the historic district (§171-71.7B).
- Only one location sign per establishment is permitted; such signs may be freestanding and located within the public right‑of‑way with written permission from the Administrator (§171-71.7C).
- A signage plan is required as part of any application for a special use permit. The plan must provide sufficient detail (at minimum, general size, location, style, color, and materials of all proposed signs) to allow review of compatibility with the special use and surrounding neighborhood (§171-71.8).
- In evaluating a special use permit, the Commission and Council will consider the appropriateness of the proposed signage plan relative to the character of the development and surrounding area (§171-71.8).
- Signs approved in accordance with a site plan review must comply with the sign specifications on the approved site plan (§171-71.2, preface).
- For planned commercial developments (other than shopping centers) requiring a site plan in the GC and I Districts within two miles of the specified I‑77 location, aggregate sign area up to 200 sq. ft. may be allowed; sizes and locations of signs must be specified in the site plan and approved by the Zoning Administrator prior to finalization of the site plan (§171-69B(4)).
- Applications for sign permits must include the area, size, structure, design, location, lighting, materials, and photographs/sizes of all existing signs on the building or parcel, as well as consent of the property owner/lessee (§171-71.11A(2)).
Source: ecode360 municipal code