(A) Placement. Except as otherwise permitted, all signs shall leave a vertical clearance over any sidewalk of at least seven feet and shall not overhang any vehicular right-of-way.
(B) Illumination. All permitted signs may be indirectly lighted, unless such lighting is specifically prohibited in this subchapter. Box signs may be internally lighted.
(1) In the case of indirect lighting, the source shall be so shielded that it illuminates only the face of the sign. However, wall signs shall be indirectly illuminated or have shielded direct lighting, unless otherwise prohibited within this chapter. Indirect lighting shall consist of full cut-off or directionally shielded lighting fixtures that are aimed and controlled so that the directed light shall be
substantially confined to the sign to minimize glare, sky glow, and light trespass. The beam width shall not be wider than that needed to light the sign.
(2) Internal illumination shall be limited to the illumination standards for outdoor lighting in § 157.287. No sign shall be permitted to have an illumination spread of more than five-hundredths foot-candle at the lot line, shine into oncoming traffic, affect highway safety, or shine directly into a residential dwelling unit. In no event shall the illumination of any sign resulting from any internal or external artificial light source exceed 100 lumens. All lighting fixtures used to illuminate a sign shall be full-cutoff, as defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and shall have fully shielded or recessed luminaires with horizontal-mount flat lenses that prevent upward light scatter and protect the dark night sky.
(D) Temporary signs. In the Old and Historic Occoquan District, temporary sign colors shall be consistent with the ARB guidelines.
(1) Temporary signs shall not contain more than four colors.
(2) Banners shall be attached to an existing principal structure (with a clearance of at least 12 inches from the edge of the store or building) or sign pole. They must not obscure architectural features of the building (such as windows, railings, or ornamentation) and shall not exceed 16 square feet in total area. They may be hung in a horizontal or vertical manner and shall be attached at all four corners in a taut manner.
(3) Temporary sign permits shall be for 20 consecutive days and no more than twice in one calendar year per sign per business per parcel.
(4) Temporary signs installed and used for special events and festivals sponsored by the town may be erected without a permit and shall be removed within two days after the event.
(E) Flags. In the Old and Historic Occoquan District, flags shall be attached to an existing principal structure or pole. They must not obscure architectural features of the building (such as windows, railings, or ornamentation).
(1998 Code, § 66-367) (Ord. passed 9-5-2017; Ord. 2020-06, passed 11-4-2020; Ord. O-2023-12, passed 6-6-2023) Penalty, see § 10.99