Temporary 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 – Temporary 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 generally 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.
• Only freestanding, banner, and a-frame signs are permitted as temporary signs.
  • Zoning approval permits are not required for A-frame (portable) signs however they must be located at least 50 feet or more from the nearest public street, with a maximum sign area of 12 square feet and a maximum height of 4 feet.
• Example of temporary sign requests include “Now Hiring,” “Now Open,” “Grand Opening,” and “Coming Soon.”
• Temporary freestanding signs may not exceed 32 sq. ft.
• Temporary wall banner signs may not exceed 1.5 square feet per 1 foot of unit width.
• Temporary signs must be set back 10 feet from property lines.
• Illumination on temporary signs is prohibited.
• Temporary signs may not have a permanent foundation or constructed in a manor that requires a building permit.
  • No temporary sign shall require a foundation, support, wiring, fittings, or elements that require a building permit or electrical permit.
• Only one temporary sign may be requested for any site at any one time, unless located on a corner lot.
• A temporary sign may only be permitted in 60 day increments.
  • Additional sign requests may be made for a new 60 day request.
• Temporary signs associated with a temporary activity permit are only valid during the temporary activity permit dates.
• Signs under 2 sq. ft. are considered signs but do not require zoning approval.
• Prohibited signs include, but are not limited to, roof signs, flag signs, and inflatable signs. For a full list of prohibited signs, visit zoning ordinance SEC 32-250.24.
• 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.
• 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 Erect a Temporary Sign.
• Landlord Approval Letter.
• Provide the to-scale sign renderings/drawings that include the following:
  • Detailed sign dimensions including height.
  • Location of the sign.
  • Color (background, font, logo).
  • Identify sign lettering or content (including logo, if applicable).
  • For banner signs, show the full length of the tenant units width on which the sign will be mounted.
    • Includes an image of the building and tenants unit with the width drawn and written on the image.
  • Installation method.

• For temporary 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 temporary 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.
• To find the general regulations for temporary signs, visit the Prince William County Sign Ordinance Section 32-250.29.
• To review the full Prince William County Sign Ordinance – visit Section 32-250.21 thru Section 32-250.29.
• To find the general regulations on location, number, size, and heights of temporary 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.
• 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 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.