Permanent Sign

The process outlined below is for the erection, installation, structural alteration, modification, relocation, or replacement of a permanent sign or sign structure.

Where permitted by the Zoning Ordinance, sign types include freestanding, building mounted, window, or upper-story wall and may include illumination, electronic reader board, or changeable copy characteristics.

Signs erected or posted for a period not exceeding 30 calendar days, see Temporary Signs. Signs within the public right-of-way (e.g., sandwich board sign). See the Movable Sign in the Public Right-of-Way page.

Submission Requirements

  • Completed Permanent Sign Permit Application.
  • Certificate of Appropriateness, if located in the H-1 or H-2 Historic Districts.
  • Approved Encroachment Permit if proposed sign or sign structure extends over a public right-of-way.
  • Flood elevation certificate, if property located in a floodplain.
  • Owner/Builder Affidavit, if applying for exemption from state contractor licensing.
  • Freestanding Sign: Scaled basic development plan showing sign location. Scaled plan of proposed sign. Scaled plan of sign foundations/footings. Weight of sign and method of attachment.
  • Building Mounted/Upper-Story Wall Sign:
    • Scaled basic development plan showing sign location on building wall.
    • Scaled plan of proposed sign and location of sign on the building wall (including horizontal linear dimension of the building wall/storefront on which the sign is to be affixed and the dimensions and location of the proposed sign and any existing signs on the applicable wall).
    • Weight of sign and method of attachment.
  • Illuminated Sign:
    • Electrical details.
    • Shielding or screening detail, if externally illuminated.
Signs greater than 32 square feet or 6 feet in height are required to be designed by a Virginia Registered Design Professional.

Review Process

Once your permit application has been deemed complete and initialized in our system (you will receive a Permit Submittal Confirmation Letter), City staff has 10 business days for zoning review and 10 business days for building review for a total of 20 business days. You may receive comments from City staff if additional information is needed to complete a thorough review. An Additional Submissions Form must accompany any resubmission of plans or information.

Signs are reviewed for compliance with the following codes:
  • Division 6. Signs, Chapter 36.2, Zoning, Code of the City of Roanoke
  • 2015 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
Visit the City of Roanoke's Real Estate GIS page to determine your property's zoning designation.

Fees

Fees are due at time of permit issuance. The fees for a Plumbing Permit are as follows:
  • Building Permit Fee
Valuation of Work
Building Permit Fee
$0.01 to $1,000
$45
$1,000.01 to $50,000
$45 for the first $1,000.01 plus $5 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to an including $50,000.
$50,000.01 to $100,000
$290 for the first $50,000.01 plus $4 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to an including $100,000.
$100,000.01 to $250,000
$490 for the first 100,000.01 plus $3.50 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and including $250,000.
$250,000.01 to $500,000
$1,015 for the first $250,000.01 plus $3.25 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.
$500,000 and up
$1,827.50 for the first $500,000.01 plus $3.00 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof.

  • Plan Review Fee (for applications requiring building plans only): 10% of the building permit fee.
  • 2% state levy of total fee.
  • Basic Development Plan Review Fee: $25

Expiration

If the sign is not erected, sign permits shall become null and void within 6 months of the date issuance. The Zoning Administrator may grant 1 six-month extension for good cause upon written request.