Signs

All applications for signs must be submitted online via ePortal. In-person services are not available due to the review complexity and length of time required.

To apply, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to "Apply", select "Plans", and select “Zoning Approval – Sign.” Please follow the instructions on screen.

Please note:

• Signs must be submitted online via the ePortal.
  • Due to the complexity of sign requests, over the counter review is not available.
• Signs are subject to an overall 26 business day review period. Formal review begins once all required documentation has been uploaded and fees have been paid.
• Tenants are required to have Zoning Approval for Occupancy prior to signage consideration.
• Signs under 2 sq. ft. are considered signs but do not require zoning approval.
• Electronic message board signs are not permitted without Special Use Permit approval.
• Roof signs are not permitted. For a list of unpermitted signs, visit our zoning ordinance SEC 32-250.24.
• A sign reface is defined as taking out a piece of acrylic with the sign copy on it and replacing it with the exact same size of acrylic that has the new sign copy on it.
• Review of signage includes in depth research of the zoning ordinance and any applicable proffers, rezonings, special use permits, non-conforming uses, deed of easements, address validations, and site plans.
• Architectural Review Board (ARB) approval may be required based on proffered conditions.
• For building plan submission requirements, visit building plan requirements.
  • Building Division Commercial Freestanding Sign ePlan Checklist.
• After zoning approval is issued, applications for sign permits must be submitted to the Building Plan Review Division, for review. For information on addition permits and submission requirements, visit Building Development Division, call (703) 792-4040 or email [email protected].
• This overview is for general information purposes only and may not reflect all aspects of the review process. Site specific requirements will be discussed at the time of formal review.

• Provide a completed Application to Alter, Erect, Reface, or Relocate a Permanent Sign.
• Landlord Approval Letter.
• Provide the to-scale sign renderings/drawings that include the following:
  • Detailed sign dimensions.
  • Location of the sign.
  • Color (background, font, logo).
  • Identify sign lettering or content (including logo, if applicable).
  • Show the full length of the tenants unit width in the building on which the sign will be mounted.
    • Includes an image of the building and tenants unit with the width drawn on the image.
  • Diagram showing the projection from building (maximum 18”)
  • Type of illumination (if applicable)
  • Installation method.
• For freestanding signs, additional items are required for submission:
  • Completed Address Validation Letter.
  • To-scale site plan that includes the sign drawn on to-scale and setbacks from the sign to the property lines listed
• Review the Zoning Fee Schedule for the applicable processing fee and pay by credit card.
• Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project.

• If a project is within any easements, including environmental and utility easements, written approval from the easement holder may be required.
• For freestanding signs, the completed address validation letter is required. This can be obtained from Geospatial Technologies Services. For questions, contact GTS at [email protected] or call (703) 792-6840.
• Prince William County Sign Ordinance - Section 32-250.21 thru Section 32-250.29
• If the location requesting the sign has additional requirements for consideration by means of a special use permit, proffer, or rezoning, the more restrictive rule will apply.
• To find a sign setback requirements and additional general regulations for signage, visit the Prince William County Sign Ordinance Section 32-250.27.
• To find the general regulations on location, number, size, and heights of signage, visit the Prince William County Sign Ordinance Section 32-250.28.
• To find how to measure the sign area, visit the Prince William County Sign Ordinance Section 32-250.25.

• To research a property, visit the County Mapper to find the zoning district, environmental impacts, and any overlay districts.
• For record requests, contact the Records Center at (703) 792-6863.
• To get utilities marked before you dig, call 1-800-552-7001or visit va811.
• For more zoning ordinance definitions, visit Section 32.100
• Sign definition: Sign shall mean any display, visible to and designed to communicate information to persons in a public area, of letters, words, numerals, figures, logos, devices, emblems, pictures, or any parts or combination, by any means whereby they are made for the purpose of making anything known, where such display is made on, attached to, or as a part of a structure, surface, or any other thing, including, but not limited to, the window (inside or outside), wall, ground, rock, tree, or other natural object. For the purpose of this Chapter, the display of merchandise for sale on the site of the display shall not be deemed a sign.