News Flash

Throughout the year, temporary signage can be seen along Goochland County roadways. This type of signage regularly increases during the election cycle. Temporary signage provides a cost-effective way to display a message for a short period of time. These guidelines are intended to inform those who place temporary signs of the laws and regulations pertaining to placement, size, and duration. 

What is a Temporary Sign?
A temporary sign is defined as any sign less than 32 square feet in size or less than 10 feet in height. 

Temporary Sign Guidelines

• Sign permits are not required
• Political Signs are considered temporary signs under Goochland’s zoning ordinance
• Signs are allowed for a maximum 180-day period per calendar year on commercial properties
• There is no time limit on agricultural or residential properties
• Signs should:
  1. Not obstruct lines of sight or distract motorists or pedestrians
  2. Be set back at least 5 feet from the property line or right-of-way
  3. Be structurally safe and the design and materials are not hazardous
• When placing signs on private property:                
  1. Get the permission of the property owner
  2. Ensure compliance with County sign regulations (Art. 26, Sec. 15-417 et seq.)
• Do not place signs on public property, in rights-of-way, on traffic signs, or utility poles:
  1. For any questions about VDOT regulations and Virginia law, call 1-800-FOR-ROAD
  2. Any sign that is placed on public property, in the right-of-way, or poses a safety hazard will be removed and may be stored for owner retrieval
  3. Arrangements to pick up signs may be made by calling (804) 556-5374 between 7:30 AM and 6:00PM daily

For more information on the applicable codes, see Virginia Code Sections 15.2-109 and 33.2-1224 and Article 26, Section 15-417 of the Goochland County Zoning Ordinance.  

For additional information, please call (804) 556-5859 or email dlloyd@goochlandva.us.