Sign Regulations in Frederick County, VA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Frederick County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
In Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, a temporary sign, the category covering campaign and yard signs, on private property is exempt from a sign permit, but may not exceed five feet in height or 50 square feet, and may be displayed up to 30 consecutive days, twice a year.
Frederick County's Temporary Sign Rule Covers Yard Signs
Light RestrictionsFrederick County Code § 165-809.04.A
A. Temporary signs. Temporary signs, as defined in Article XI, Definitions, of this chapter, and located on private property are exempt from standard sign permit requirements, and will not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. (1) Size. Temporary signs may not exceed five feet in height and 50 square feet (SF). (2) Location. Temporary sign...
Garage Sale Signs
In Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, a garage-sale sign counts as a temporary sign under the Zoning Ordinance. It skips the normal sign permit but is capped at 5 feet tall, 50 square feet, out of the public right-of-way, and up for no more than 30 consecutive days, twice a year.
Garage Sale Sign Rules in Frederick County
Light RestrictionsFrederick County Code § 165-809.04.A
Temporary signs, as defined in Article XI, Definitions, of this chapter, and located on private property are exempt from standard sign permit requirements, and will not be included in the determination of the type, number, or area of signs allowed on a property. ... Size. Temporary signs may not exceed five feet in height and 50 square feet (SF). ... Location. Temporary signs should comply with...
Holiday Displays
In Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, the Zoning Ordinance's outdoor lighting standards, including full-cutoff shielding and property-line brightness limits, do not apply to lighting used for holiday decorative purposes, so residents and businesses can display seasonal lights without a photometric plan or fixture permit.
Frederick County Exempts Holiday Lights From Lighting Rules
Few RestrictionsFrederick County Code § 165-807.02.B(5)
B. Exemptions. ... The following lighting is exempt from the requirements of this Part: ... (5) Lighting for holiday decorative purposes; and (6) Lighting for civic activities, fairs or carnivals, provided that the lighting is temporary.
Digital Billboards
In Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, an electronic message sign is allowed in every zoning district but must hold each display static for at least 15 seconds, cannot scroll or flash, and must auto-dim with a light-sensing device as ambient light changes.
Frederick County Regulates Electronic Message Signs
Some RestrictionsFrederick County Code § 165-809.03.E(3)-(4); § 165-809.04.B(2)
(3) For electronic signs, when operating, displays shall be static for a minimum of 15 seconds, and must not be animated by scrolling, flashing or other similar nonstatic displays. (4) Each sign shall have a light-sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change to comply with the limits established in this article. ... A...
Freeway-Facing Signs
In Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, businesses near an interstate interchange can qualify for the IA, Interstate Area Overlay District to put up a bigger freeway-facing sign than the underlying zoning district allows. Section 165-505.04 caps each parcel at one interstate overlay sign, sets a 10-foot minimum setback from every lot line, and limits total sign area to 300 square feet.
Frederick County VA Interstate Overlay Sign Rules
Some RestrictionsFrederick County Code § 165-505.04
C. Number of freestanding commercial business signs. On any parcel within the IA Overlay District, one interstate overlay sign that complies with the requirements set forth in this Part may be erected. D. Setback requirements. (1) All portions of an interstate overlay sign shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any lot line or property boundary line and shall meet all other applicable setb...
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