Sign Regulations in Manassas, Virginia
Manassas, Virginia has specific sign regulations covering 21 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Commercial Flag, All Sign Types. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 8, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Manassas, Virginia
Sample Sign Requirements in Manassas
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - Option 1 | 25 ft (unless in buffer area or community sign: 10 ft) | 50 sq ft | Setback from any right-of-way of at least half the sign height. |
| Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center | 25 ft (unless in buffer area: 10 ft) | 75 sq ft | Same as other freestanding signs. |
| Wall Sign | 25 ft | — | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
21
- Wall Sign
- Commercial Flag
- All Sign Types
- Freestanding Sign - Option 1
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
7
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Manassas
Other Cities in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
In Manassas, wall signs can be up to 25 ft and monument signs are limited to 25 ft (unless in buffer area or community sign: 10 ft). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Manassas, 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 Manassas, regulated sign types include Wall Sign, Commercial Flag, All Sign Types, Freestanding Sign - Option 1, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Manassas, monument signs typically require a Setback from any right-of-way of at least half the sign height. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Manassas are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Manassas has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Manassas, Virginia Sign Rules at a Glance
Manassas, Virginia regulates 21 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign - Option 1s in the B district, I district, P district zoning district are capped at 25 ft (unless in buffer area or community sign: 10 ft) tall and 50 sq ft, with a Setback from any right-of-way of at least half the sign height. setback (Sec. Sec. 130-126(a)(1)a, 130-124(a), 130-126(a)(1)c). Most commercial signs in Manassas require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Manassas, Virginia
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Manassas (7 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overlay district, Historic overlay district | 1 | — | — | — |
| B district, I district, P district | 10 | Flagpole max 30 ft | 75 sq ft | — |
| B-3 district | 1 | Flagpole max 30 ft | 12 sq ft per flag | — |
| I-A district | 1 | 25 ft | — | — |
| R district, A-1 district, R-1, R-2, R-2-S, R-3, R-4, R-7, PMD district | 6 | 30 ft (flagpole) | 32 sq ft | — |
| R-5, R-6 | 1 | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 3 | 6 ft | No more than 25% of transparent window/door area | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Manassas(sample of 3 of 7 zones)
B district, I district, P district
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding Sign - Option 1 | 25 ft (unless in buffer area or community sign: 10 ft) | 50 sq ft | — | Setback from any right-of-way of at least half the sign height. | 1 per street frontage; max 2 consolidated into one (if consolidated, max 75 sq ft per sign) | One per street frontage, located anywhere on lot with required setbacks. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-126(a)(1)a, 130-124(a), 130-126(a)(1)c |
| Freestanding Sign - Shopping Center | 25 ft (unless in buffer area: 10 ft) | 75 sq ft | — | Same as other freestanding signs. | 1 per shopping center lot, in addition to other freestanding/wall signs | — | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-126(a)(1)b |
| Wall Sign | 25 ft | — | — | — | Per building face fronting on street or with public entrance | Each building face fronting on street or with public entrance. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-126(a)(2)a-c; (e) re awnings |
| Wall Sign - Shopping Center | 25 ft | — | — | — | At least 1 per occupant | For each occupant in shopping center, plaza, mall, or other common title. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-126(a)(2)d |
| Projecting Sign | 25 ft | 24 sq ft per sign | — | — | 1 per lot or building frontage for each occupant | One per lot or building frontage for each occupant. Erected over public property: max 6 ft beyond building face, min 8 ft above sidewalk; over vehicle travelway: min 12 ft above grade. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-126(a)(3) |
| Changeable Message Sign | As for sign type being replaced | Cannot exceed 75% of permitted freestanding/wall sign's area | — | — | 1 per lot (replaces one wall or freestanding sign) | In place of one freestanding or wall sign per lot. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-126(b) |
| Portable Sign | 4 ft | 15 sq ft | — | See visibility and sidewalk requirements | 1 per road frontage | 1 per road frontage, only in front of business advertised; 5 ft paved pedestrian pathway required if on sidewalk. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-126(c) |
| Commercial Flag | Flagpole max 30 ft | 50 sq ft (except B-3) | — | Flagpole: min setback equal to pole length. | 1 per business | One per business | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-130(d)(2), 130-130(e), 130-130(b)-(c) |
R district, A-1 district, R-1, R-2, R-2-S, R-3, R-4, R-7, PMD district
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noncommercial Sign | 10 ft | Cumulative total 16 sq ft per parcel (flags excluded) | — | — | — | On the parcel, with owner's consent | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-125(a)(1), 130-124(d)-(h), 130-130(a) |
| Sign for Sale, Rent, Construction, or Renovation | 10 ft | 4 sq ft (single-family); 18 sq ft (other uses) | — | — | — | On property for sale/rent/construction/renovation | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-125(a)(2), 130-129(e) |
| Community Sign (R-5 and R-6) (Single Ownership High-Density Housing) | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 15 ft from right-of-way, 25 ft from adjoining lot line | 1 per road frontage | Freestanding monument or wall sign; 15 ft from right-of-way, 25 ft from adjoining lot line. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-125(b) |
| Community or Non-Residential Use Sign | 10 ft | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per community or use per road frontage | Freestanding monument or wall sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-125(c) |
| Minor Sign | 10 ft | 3 sq ft per sign | — | — | — | On property with owner's consent. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-125(a)(4), 130-129(c)(3) |
| Noncommercial Flag | 30 ft (flagpole) | 24 sq ft per flag (no maximum number) | — | Minimum setback equal to length of pole. | No maximum | On property with owner's consent. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-130(a)-(c), 130-130(d)(1) |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Sign | n/a | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-129(c)(5) |
| Menu Board | 6 ft | — | — | — | — | Adjacent to drive-through lane. | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-129(c)(4) |
| Window Sign | — | No more than 25% of transparent window/door area | — | — | — | Affixed to interior of window or door | — | Unlock | Sec. 130-129(f) |
PermitPal covers all 7 zoning districts in Manassas — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 7 zones for Manassas — start freeProhibited Signs in Manassas
- Any sign not expressly permitted by this chapter.
- Signs that violate any law of the commonwealth relating to outdoor advertising.
- Signs attached to, painted on, or otherwise affixed to any rock, vegetation, or other natural feature.
- Signs simulating, or which are likely to be confused with, a traffic control sign or any other sign displayed by a public authority.
- Vehicle or trailer signs.
- Signs more than 25 feet in height.
- Signs hanging from supports, except against the face of a building.
- Signs painted directly on a building, except where expressly permitted by this chapter.
- Moving signs, except for hands of clocks, time or temperature displays, one barber pole per shop (not exceeding 36 inches), flags permitted under this article, and compliant banner signs.
- Flashing signs or other signs displaying flashing, scrolling or intermittent lights, or lights of changing degrees of intensity, except where expressly permitted.
- Signs consisting of illuminated tubing or strings of lights outlining property lines or open sales areas, rooflines, doors, windows or wall edges, except for temporary decorations not to exceed three months per year.
- Signs that emit smoke, flame, scent, mist, aerosol, liquid, or gas.
- Signs that emit sound.
- Any electronic sign generated by a series of moving images, such as an LED, digital display, or other video technology, whether displayed on a building, vehicle, or mobile unit.
- Strings of flags visible from, and within 50 feet of, any street right-of-way.
- Off-site signs, unless specifically permitted by this chapter.
- Signs on the roof surface or extending above the roofline or parapet wall.
- Outdoor advertising signs and billboards.
Exempt Signs in Manassas
- The changing of message content, including message content on a changeable message sign, if permitted in that district.
- Signs erected by the city or other government entity, including but not limited to traffic control signs, signals, regulatory devices, legal announcements, historical markers, and directional signs.
- Yard sale signs permitted under section 130-101.
- Multi-occupant signs erected in multiple-building complexes or on lots supporting three or more occupants, and operating as shopping center, plaza, mall, or other common title.
- Two minor signs, not exceeding three square feet in sign area; freestanding minor signs must be at least 25 feet apart.
- Menu boards located adjacent to a drive-through lane and not exceeding six feet in height.
- Temporary signs not exceeding three square feet in sign area and erected for not more than 30 consecutive days.
- Noncommercial signs on private property, subject to the restrictions on location, cumulative size, and materials provided in this article.
- Signs on property under construction or renovation, for sale, or for rent, not exceeding four square feet for single-family detached properties or 18 square feet for other properties.
- Window signs, provided the aggregate area does not exceed 25 percent of the total transparent area of the windows and doors on the building wall.
- Signs affixed to the interior of a permanent fence at a recreational or sports facility at a private community recreational use, public facility, or educational facility.
- Noncommercial flags in every zoning district without a permit, subject to the general requirements of this article.
- A single commercial flag per business (subject to additional restrictions), no permit required.
- Flags are not permitted to be illuminated unless illumination is required by law.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Manassas
- No sign shall be erected or displayed without a permit, except as otherwise provided in this article.
- A detailed location plan must be submitted with each application for a portable sign.
- Comprehensive sign plans may be approved by special use permit in B, I, and P districts.
- Comprehensive sign plans may be approved by special use permit in R or A-1 districts for private community recreational uses or for uses allowed by special use permit.
- Comprehensive sign plans must establish the time, manner, and placement of signs, frequency of message changes, the materials, the hours of lighting, the height, the total number of square feet of sign surface, and number of signs on a site; height of signs may not be modified above ordinance limits.
- All signs in the historic overlay district require review and may require approval of the architectural review board.
Source: municode municipal code