# Sign Regulations in Norfolk, Virginia

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Norfolk, Virginia, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Norfolk, Virginia (VA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/virginia/norfolk
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-14
- **Source:** [other municipal code](https://www.norfolk.gov/DocumentCenter/View/35581/Adopted-Zoning-Ordinance?bidId=#page=611)

## At a glance

Norfolk, Virginia regulates 45 sign types across 20 zoning districts. Freestanding Sign (Pole/Monument)s in the Office (O), Business and Commerce Park - Office (BC-O), Business and Commerce Park - Industrial (BC-I) zoning district are capped at 12 ft. tall and 50 sq. ft./face, with a 25 ft. minimum from right-of-way. setback (Sec. Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.6, 5.7.4.E, 5.7.9). Most commercial signs in Norfolk require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (20 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | 12 ft. (16 ft. if set back 20 ft. from public right-of-way) | Typically 32 sq. ft. per face or as district permits. | — |
| Single Family 2 (SF-2), Single Family 4 (SF-4), Single Family 6 (SF-6), Single Family 10 (SF-10), Single Family - Traditional (SF-T), Residential - Coastal (R-C) | 6 | 4 ft. | 24 sq. ft. total/lot | — |
| Multi-Family - Neighborhood-Scale (MF-NS), Multi-Family - Apartment Complex (MF-AC), Multi-Family - High Rise (MF-HR) | 6 | Ground: distance to nearest property line; Wall: min. 8 ft. above grade | 32 sq. ft. | — |
| Neighborhood Commercial (C-N), Community Commercial (C-C), Regional Commercial (C-R) | 7 | 12 ft.; (16 ft. if setback ≥20 ft. from right-of-way) | 60 sq. ft. per sign, cumulative max 60 sq. ft. for lot/frontage | — |
| Office (O), Business and Commerce Park - Office (BC-O), Business and Commerce Park - Industrial (BC-I) | 7 | 12 ft. | 60 sq. ft./sign; 60 sq. ft./lot or street frontage. | — |
| Downtown - Waterfront (D-W), Downtown - Business Center (D-BC), Downtown - Mixed-Use (D-MU), Downtown - Arts and Design (D-AD), Downtown - Fort Norfolk (D-FN), Downtown - Saint Paul’s (D-SP), Granby/Monticello Corridor Mixed-Use (G-1) | 6 | 12 ft. | 100 sq. ft. or 24 sq. ft. (depending on street) | — |
| Industrial - Light (I-L), Industrial - General (I-G), Industrial - Waterfront (I-W), Industrial - Deep Water (I-DW) | 7 | 12 ft. | 75 sq. ft. (sign face; up to 2 faces). 32 sq. ft. for smaller lots. | — |
| Ghent Historic and Cultural Conservation (HC-G1, HC-G2, HC-G3), West Freemason Historic and Cultural Conservation (HC-WF1, HC-WF2), East Freemason Historic and Cultural Conservation (HC-EF), Historic Overlay (HO), Downtown Historic Overlay (HO-Downtown), Norfolk & Western Historic Overlay (HO-N&W) | 6 | Ground: up to property line distance; wall-mount: ≥8 ft above grade. | 32 sq. ft. total (per building, unless otherwise specified, e.g. HC-EF >35 ft. bldg: 100 sq. ft.) | — |
| Institutional (IN), Institutional - Campus (IN-C) | 7 | 12–16 ft. | 60 sq. ft./sign; 60 sq. ft. per lot/event/frontage | — |
| Airport (A) | 6 | Per NIA-LASO; entry signs typically 12 ft. or per plan. | Per Airport Exterior Signage Plan. Example: main entrance signs/external monument per NIA-LASO—likely up to or exceeding 60 sq. ft.; tenant/wayfinding per sign plan, generally smaller. | — |
| Open Space and Preservation (OSP), Resource Conservation (RESOURCE) | 4 | Ground ≤property line dist.; wall flag: ≥8 ft. above grade | 24 sq. ft./flag (max 2 per park/site) | — |
| Military Installation (MI) | 4 | 4 ft. | 16 sq. ft. recommended for entrance or public/community-facing facility (if city jurisdiction applies). | — |
| Monarch Way (MW) | 6 | Ground: property line distance; wall: min. 8 ft. above grade | 24 sq. ft./flag (2 max except by MW design plan) | — |
| East Beach Harbor (EBH) | 6 | Ground: up to property line dist.; wall: min. 8 ft. above grade | Clubhouse/marina: Up to 32 sq. ft. (smaller businesses) or as per district plan; no sign above roofline. | — |
| Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Transit-Oriented Development – Core (TOD-C), Transit-Oriented Development – Support (TOD-S) | 6 | Ground: up to property line; wall: min. 8 ft. above grade. | 24 sq. ft./flag (max 2 per building, business, or entry) | — |
| Granby/Monticello Corridor Mixed-Use (G-1) | 6 | Ground: up to property line; wall: ≥8 ft. above grade. | 32 sq. ft. max (under 32 ft. frontage); upper-facade/skyline sign: up to 100 sq. ft. or 2% of bldg facade (up to 600 sq. ft.). | — |
| Planned Development (PD) | 6 | Ground: up to property line; wall: min. 8 ft. above grade. | 24 sq. ft. per flag (up to 2 unless plan/manager allows more for event) | — |
| Airport Safety, Air Installation Compatibility Use Zone, and Noise Zone Overlays (ASO/AICUZ), Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Overlay (CBPA-O), Flood Plain / Coastal Hazard Overlay (FPCH-O) | 4 | No sign above height restriction plane set by FAA/Code (generally 35–45 ft or as determined by ASO/AICUZ map). | As in base zoning, except see special limits for approach/clear zones (may require further reduction by city or FAA). | — |
| Historic Landmark Designation (HL) | 5 | Ground: up to property line or limited by ARB/COA; wall: ≥8 ft. above grade or as COA. | Up to 32 sq. ft./face typical, unless COA or CUP more strict (historic intent controls). Max based on Table 5.7.7(A) unless more strict per COA. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones (Unzoned/Default or Multiple-Use/Overlay/Nonstandard Situations) | 6 | Ground: to property line; wall: min 8 ft. above grade. | 24 sq. ft./flag (max 2 per business/site/entrance). | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 20 zones)

### Office (O), Business and Commerce Park - Office (BC-O), Business and Commerce Park - Industrial (BC-I)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | As formula, per building frontage | — | — | No max, total area per facing applies. | Front, side, or rear facing public street or main customer/employee entrance. | — | Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.4, 5.7.5, 5.7.9 |
| Freestanding Sign (Pole/Monument) | 12 ft. | 50 sq. ft./face | — | 25 ft. minimum from right-of-way. | 2 per lot. | On-site, at least 25 ft. from public right-of-way. | — | Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.6, 5.7.4.E, 5.7.9 |
| Ground Sign | 12 ft. | 50 sq. ft./face | — | 25 ft. min. from r-o-w | Included in total of 2 freestanding signs. | At vehicular entrance, within landscaped area, not in required buffer/setback. | — | Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.6, 5.7.4.E, 5.7.9 |
| A-frame Sign | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft./face | — | — | 1/business | Sidewalk within 10 ft. of business entrance, clear 4–5 ft. minimum pedestrian path. | — | Table 5.7.7(B); Sec. 5.7.6.F |
| Yard Sign (Temporary) | — | 60 sq. ft./sign; 60 sq. ft./lot or street frontage. | — | Not in right-of-way. | One per frontage per event | On lot, not within public right-of-way. | — | Table 5.7.7(B) |
| Banner (Temporary) | — | 24 sq. ft. | — | Within 20 ft. of entrance (Table 5.7.7(B)). | 1 per business per event period. | Building/yard, within 20 ft. of entrance; not in public right-of-way. | — | Table 5.7.7(B) |
| Flag Sign | Ground: ≤distance to property line; wall-mount: ≥8 ft above grade | 24 sq. ft. per flag | — | Ground flags up to property line; wall-mounted ≥8 ft. above grade. | 2 per business | Yard or wall-mounted (meeting height rule). Not in right-of-way. | — | Table 5.7.7(B) |

### Industrial - Light (I-L), Industrial - General (I-G), Industrial - Waterfront (I-W), Industrial - Deep Water (I-DW)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | No explicit district-wide maximum; area is per building frontage. | — | — | No maximum; total area per frontage. | On main building/facade facing street, entrance, or designated customer/employee entry. | — | Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.4, 5.7.7, 5.7.9 |
| Freestanding Sign (Includes Ground/Monument) | 12 ft. | 75 sq. ft. (sign face; up to 2 faces). 32 sq. ft. for smaller lots. | — | 5 ft. min. from right-of-way | <100 ft. frontage: 0 \| 100–200 ft.: 1 \| >200 ft.: 1 + 1/additional 400 ft. of frontage. | On site, principal street/frontage, not within right-of-way. | — | Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.6.C; 5.7.4.E; 5.7.9 |
| Ground/Monument Sign | Monument sign: typically 4 ft.; pole signs permitted up to 12 ft.; | Same as above. | — | 5 ft. min. from r-o-w | Counts within freestanding sign total. | Front yard or at entrance, min 5 ft. from r-o-w. | — | Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.6.C, 5.7.4.E |
| A-frame Sign | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft./face | — | — | 1 per business, per street. | Sidewalk/plaza within 10 ft. of entrance. 4–5 ft. clear pedestrian path required. | — | Table 5.7.7(B); Sec. 5.7.6.F |
| Banner (Temporary) | — | 24 sq. ft. | — | Within 20 ft. of entrance; not in r-o-w. | 1 per business/event period. | On building or within 20 ft. of pedestrian entrance; not in r-o-w. | — | Table 5.7.7(B); Sec. 5.7.7, 5.7.9 |
| Yard Sign (Temporary) | — | 60 sq. ft./sign, max 60 sq. ft. per property/period. | — | Not in right-of-way. | 1 per frontage/event/period. | Yard, not in right-of-way. Must be removed after event/period. | — | Table 5.7.7(B) |
| Flag Sign | Ground flag: up to distance to nearest property line; Wall-mount: ≥ 8 ft. above grade. | 24 sq. ft./flag | — | Ground: up to property line; wall: min. 8 ft. above grade. | 2 per business | Ground flag: on site, not r-o-w. Wall-mount: on building, min. 8 ft above grade. | — | Table 5.7.7(B) |

### Institutional (IN), Institutional - Campus (IN-C)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | At principal entrance: 24 sq. ft.; elsewhere: by frontage as above. | — | — | At principal entrance: 1; elsewhere: per total area allocation (multiple permitted if area allows). | On principal building(s) at main and/or secondary entrances, and on other building facades facing streets or main traffic. | — | Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.4; Sec. 5.7.7; Sec. 5.7.9 |
| Ground/Monument Sign | Entrance monument: 8 ft. Others: 4 ft. | 32 sq. ft./sign (entrances); 9 sq. ft. elsewhere | — | 5 ft. min. from right-of-way; not in required buffer/yard. | 1 per vehicular entrance (monument); elsewhere: 1 per entrance/location (ground). | At vehicular entrances (monument) or elsewhere on campus/perimeter (ground signs), not in public right-of-way or buffer. | — | Table 5.7.7(A), Sec. 5.7.6, Sec. 5.7.4.E, Sec. 5.7.9 |
| Freestanding Sign | 12–16 ft. | 48 sq. ft./face (freestanding/entrance) | — | 5 ft. min. from right-of-way; 20 ft. if 16 ft. high. | 1 per principal vehicular/campus entrance. | Principal campus entrance, strictly at entrance drive/road as identified in campus sign plan, not scattered throughout campus. | — | Table 5.7.7(A); Sec. 5.7.6.C; Sec. 5.7.4.E |
| A-frame Sign | 4 ft. | 6 sq. ft./face | — | As above | 1 per building entrance open to the public/service | Within 10 ft. of public/office entrance, on sidewalk or paved area—must leave 4–5 ft. minimum pedestrian travel path. | — | Table 5.7.7(B); Sec. 5.7.6.F; |
| Banner (Temporary) | — | 32 sq. ft./banner (institutional/educational/campus); 200 sq. ft. for universities for major events/cultural facilities per Table 5.7.7(B) | — | Within 20 ft. of entrance; not in right-of-way. | 1 per event/entrance (3 for university/cultural facilities major events) | On building, ground, or fence within 20 ft. of main entrance; not in right-of-way. | — | Table 5.7.7(B) |
| Temporary Yard Sign | — | 60 sq. ft./sign; 60 sq. ft. per lot/event/frontage | — | Not in right-of-way. | 1 per lot/event/frontage | Yard, landscape, or campus green (not right-of-way); not at vehicular exit/entrance unless specifically placed for event. | — | Table 5.7.7(B) |
| Flag Sign | Ground: up to property line; wall flag: min. 8 ft. above grade. | 24 sq. ft./flag (max 2) | — | See above; ground: up to property line distance; wall: min. 8 ft above grade. | 2 per institution/campus | Ground or wall-mounted (not in r-o-w); must not obscure entrances, exits, or sight lines at campus drives. | — | Table 5.7.7(B) |

## Prohibited signs in Norfolk

- A sign not expressly permitted under the regulations of this section or other applicable provision of this Ordinance is prohibited.
- A sign that moves or gives the appearance of moving and any sign which flutters, undulates, swings, rotates, oscillates or otherwise moves by natural or artificial means is prohibited.
- A flashing sign, except for a public service message board or an outdoor advertising sign displayed in compliance with the provisions of this section, is prohibited.
- A sign which is false or misleading such that it creates a threat to vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian safety is prohibited.
- A portable sign, but not including an A-frame sign displayed in compliance with the provisions of this section, is prohibited.
- An awning sign or canopy sign that projects vertically above or below or horizontally beyond the physical dimensions of the awning or canopy upon which it is affixed is prohibited.
- An off-premises sign except for an outdoor advertising sign or a public service message board displayed in compliance with the provisions of this section is prohibited.
- A sign which is structurally unsafe or hazardous is prohibited.
- A sign located on a zoning lot where no principal use exists, except for a temporary sign located on a lot being offered for sale or lease at the time of application for the Sign Certificate, is prohibited.
- A feather sign is prohibited.
- A temporary sign that is still on display after the shorter of the duration indicated in the application or three months after it was first displayed is prohibited.
- No sign shall be maintained at any location that obstructs, impairs, obscures, interferes with the view of, or is confused with, any traffic control sign or devices.
- No sign or sign structure shall obstruct free ingress to or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required accessway.
- No sign, nor any part of a sign other than a supporting pole or brace no greater than 18 inches in width or diameter, shall be located lower than nine feet from grade within the area of any sight distance triangle.
- No sign, nor any part of a sign, shall block or divert a natural drainage flow onto or off of any land.
- Signs or lighting that imitate or interfere with an official highway or traffic control light or sign, or are in the direct line of vision with any traffic control light or sign, are prohibited.
- Searchlights, except as provided for certain activities, are prohibited.
- Light types of limited spectral emission, such as low pressure sodium or mercury vapor lights, are prohibited for sign illumination.
- Installation of a sign on public property (including right-of-way) is not governed by the zoning ordinance and may be subject to other prohibitions in City Code.
- Signs shall not be structurally unsafe or hazardous, nor fail to be kept in good repair.
- Signage shall not violate the applicable conditions of approval that apply to a site or a use on the site.
- Sign faces and structures must be removed if the related use has ceased operating on the site for six months.
- No new outdoor advertising sign (billboard) shall be erected except by conditional use permit and only in specified zoning districts.

## Signs exempt from permit in Norfolk

- Routine sign maintenance or changing of lettering or parts of signs designed to be regularly changed, including sign face changes, are exempt from sign certificate requirements.
- Illegible signs (signs not legible from the exterior or public areas) are exempt from sign certificate requirements.
- Uniform signage compliant with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices is exempt.
- Pavement markings (flush with asphalt, concrete, or similar paved surface) are exempt.
- Signs posted or required by a government entity in compliance with law are exempt from sign certificate requirements.
- Flag signs are not exempt from sign certificate requirements but are not counted toward maximum sign allotment.
- A sign located on property with a single-family, two-family, semi-detached dwelling or individual townhouse, and in compliance with Article 5, is exempt from sign certificate; counted toward maximum allotment.
- Window signs, vending machine signs, gas pump signs, and interior signs not designed to be seen from the outside are exempt from sign certificate requirements.
- Installation of any sign on public property is governed by City Code and not the zoning ordinance, and these regulations do not apply to property owned by the city, Commonwealth, or United States.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- Sign Certificate is required for any sign except those expressly exempted; a Sign Certificate application must include location information, scaled drawings with dimensions, existing conditions inventory, photographs, landscaping agreement if for a freestanding sign, and fee.
- Outdoor advertising (billboards) require both a Conditional Use Permit and, in some cases, state permit from the Virginia Department of Transportation.
- Alternative signage plans (including master sign plans) for large scale land uses with common design elements (such as shopping centers, office parks, special districts, universities, medical centers, or campuses) may be approved as a Conditional Use Permit in lieu of standard sign regulations.
- Historic and other overlay districts may have unique and/or additional requirements for sign approvals, up to and including Certificates of Appropriateness (COA) from the Architectural Review Board.
- All freestanding signs must be landscaped according to specification and require plans.
- Permanent and temporary sign applications require scaled drawings, photographs, removal timelines, and fees.
- Any sign not expressly permitted, or that does not have applicable permits or approvals, is prohibited.
- Localized Alternative Sign Overlay Districts exist with specific, non-standard sign programs for certain sites and must be consulted where applicable.
- Failure to maintain signage or comply with sign plans or conditions of approval may result in enforcement actions up to and including revocation of certificates and required removal.
- Sign regulations reference requirements in other codes, including the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 20 zoning districts in Norfolk — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Norfolk+VA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-norfolk

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