# Sign Regulations in Tappahannock, Virginia

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Tappahannock, Virginia (VA)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/virginia/tappahannock
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/VA/Tappahannock/codes/Zoning_Ordinance?nodeId=PUAU_ARTXVISI)

## At a glance

Tappahannock, Virginia regulates 24 sign types across 7 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the CC-1 zoning district are capped at 15 ft tall and 50 sq ft (see Sec. 22-185 for frontage adjustments) (Sec. Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-185; Sec. 22-197). Most commercial signs in Tappahannock require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (7 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 | 9 | 15 ft | 32 sq ft | — |
| RMX | 6 | 15 ft | 16 sq ft | — |
| CC-1 | 12 | 15 ft | 50 sq ft (see Sec. 22-185 for frontage adjustments) | — |
| CG-2 | 11 | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| BP | 9 | 25 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| I-1 | 7 | 25 ft | 250 sq ft | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | — | Varies (see Sec. 22-181): up to 4 sq ft for residential, up to 16-32 sq ft for undeveloped property, up to 32 sq ft in CG-2, BP, I-1; up to 4 sq ft in CC-1 | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 7 zones)

### CC-1

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft | 50 sq ft (see Sec. 22-185 for frontage adjustments) | — | — | 1 | On-premises | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-185; Sec. 22-197 |
| Wall Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On building | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-188b, 22-197 |
| Directional Sign (On-Premises and Off-Premises) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Church Bulletin Board or Identification Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Sec. 22-196 |
| Marquee Sign | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | On building | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Typically sidewalk frontage | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Temporary Banner | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-181 |
| Sail or Feather Flag (Temporary) | — | 32 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |

### CG-2

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 50 sq ft (see Sec. 22-185 for frontage adjustments) | — | — | 1 | On-premises | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-185; Sec. 22-197 |
| Wall Sign | — | 100 sq ft | — | — | 2 per street frontage | On building | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-188b, 22-197 |
| Directional Sign (On-Premises and Off-Premises) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Church Bulletin Board or Identification Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Sec. 22-196 |
| Marquee Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 2 per street frontage | On building | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Typically sidewalk frontage | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Electronic/LED Sign | 25 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-189h-j |
| Billboard | 25 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Off-premises only | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-190a |

### BP

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Freestanding Sign | 25 ft | 250 sq ft | — | — | 1 | On-premises | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-185; Sec. 22-197 |
| Wall Sign | — | 50 sq ft | — | — | 2 per street frontage | On building | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197; Sec. 22-188b |
| Directional Sign (On-Premises and Off-Premises) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Church Bulletin Board or Identification Sign | — | 16 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | — | — | Sec. 22-196 |
| Marquee Sign | — | 75 sq ft | — | — | 4 per street frontage | — | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Sandwich Board Sign | — | 8 sq ft | — | — | 8 | Typically sidewalk frontage | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-197 |
| Electronic/LED Sign | 25 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 | — | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-189h-j |
| Billboard | 25 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Off-premises only | — | Sec. 22-196; Sec. 22-190a |

## Prohibited signs in Tappahannock

- No sign may be constructed, erected, moved, enlarged, illuminated or altered except in accordance with the provisions of this article.
- No sign, unless exempt, may be erected without a permit issued by the Zoning Administrator.
- No sign may be attached to a utility pole or highway sign without written consent from the owners of such poles or signs.
- Only types of signs listed in this Article and described in Article II, Definitions, are permitted.
- No sign may extend above any parapet or be placed upon any roof surface, except for holiday displays on residential roofs.
- No building sign attached to a building may project more than 12 inches from the building wall.
- No sign or supporting structure may be located in or over the traveled portion of any public right-of-way unless attached to a building structural element and with required permits.
- No sign shall obstruct a clear view to and from traffic along any street right-of-way entrance or exit.
- No sign within 150 feet of a residential zone may be illuminated between midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless the lighting impact is inconsequential beyond the lot.
- Lighting directed toward a sign must be shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly into a public right-of-way or residential premises.
- Internally illuminated signs are not permitted in any residential district, with limited exceptions.
- Illuminated tubing or strings of lights that outline property lines, sales areas, roof lines, doors, windows, or similar are prohibited unless integral to sign or building design and approved by the Zoning Administrator.
- No sign may contain or be illuminated by flashing, scrolling, or intermittent lights or lights of changing intensity, except those primarily indicating time, date, or weather.
- No off-premises signs (except exempted signs) may be located outside of the CG-2 and BP districts.
- Signs that revolve, are animated, or utilize movement or apparent movement to attract public attention are prohibited.
- No sign may be erected so that by its location, color, size, shape, nature, or message it would obstruct the view of or be confused with official traffic signs or government signs.
- Freestanding signs must be securely fastened to minimize risk of movement and injury.
- All signs must be kept in a state of good repair.
- Removal, cutting, or damaging of trees or shrubs to increase sign visibility is prohibited unless with proper authorization.
- No nonconforming sign may be enlarged, extended, structurally altered, or moved on the same site.
- If the message of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting structure, the owner must replace the message or remove the remaining components within 30 days.
- No sign may interfere with motorists' safe view at intersections, entrances, or exits.
- Unlawful to increase visibility of a sign by damaging or removing vegetation in the public right-of-way, on others’ property, or in protected areas.

## Signs exempt from permit in Tappahannock

- Residential identification signs in R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoning districts.
- Signs erected by or on behalf of or pursuant to the authorization of a governmental body, including legal notices, identification and informational signs, and traffic, directional, or regulatory signs.
- Public utility signs.
- Flags, pennants, or insignia of any governmental or nonprofit organization not displayed in connection to a commercial promotion or as an advertising device.
- Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings or works of art that do not contain letters, trademarks, moving parts, or lights.
- Internal directional signs.
- Signs painted on or permanently attached to currently licensed motor vehicles not primarily used as signs.
- Signs proclaiming religious, political, or other noncommercial messages (not exceeding one per abutting street, 16 sq. ft. area, not internally illuminated).
- Hunting, fishing, or trespassing signs.
- No permit is required for listed temporary signs in Section 22-181a, which includes real estate signs, temporary construction site identification signs, holiday displays, election signs, special event signs in specific districts, for sale signs, yard/garage/estate sale signs, and home occupation signs (when a special exception has been granted).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- If site plans submitted for a zoning permit include sign plans in sufficient detail for Zoning Administrator review and compliance determination, approval of zoning permit constitutes sign approval.
- Signs not approved as part of the site/zoning plan or not exempted require a separate sign permit from the Zoning Administrator.
- In multiple business enterprise properties (e.g., shopping centers), freestanding sign permits must be issued in the name of the lot owner or agent, and the Zoning Administrator may suggest a formula for equitable allocation of sign area among tenants.
- The Zoning Administrator may require landscaping and additional provisions for freestanding signs not of a temporary nature.
- The Zoning Administrator may determine if proposed new signs comply with performance standards for design (Sec. 22-190f).
- Exception process for historic or unique signs: signage requirements may be waived by Town Council upon application, following a Planning Commission and/or Board of Zoning Appeals review.

## 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 7 zoning districts in Tappahannock — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Tappahannock+VA&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-tappahannock

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