Newport News, VA Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 33.01-3 (Sign definition)
- Exemption condition
- No commercial message
- Permit required
- None for pure holiday decor
- Also exempted
- Works of art
Summary
Temporary holiday decorations that don't carry a commercial message fall entirely outside Newport News's sign code, so no permit, size limit, or removal deadline applies to seasonal lights, wreaths, or lawn displays.
Sign. A structure, wall or other object, or such portion thereof, used for the display of any information or message, including, without limitation, any device, structure, fixture or placard using graphics, symbols and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying any establishment, product, goods, services, activity or entertainment; provided, however, that this definition shall not include works of art or temporary holiday decorations that do not convey a commercial message. (See also "flashing light.")
Sign regulations. The provisions of this chapter 33.01.
Temporary sign. A sign not intended for permanent use to be displayed and removed within a limited period of time and neither permanently installed in the ground nor permanently affixed to a building or structure permanently installed in the ground.
Townhouse. See dwelling, townhouse.
Vehicular sign. A sign attached or painted on a bus, car, truck or trailer.
Wall sign. A sign painted on, or attached to, and erected parallel to the face of an outside wall of a building, and not projecting more than eighteen (18) inches from the wall.
Window sign. A sign which is:
(1)Physically affixed to a building window or(2)Legible from any vehicular public right-of-way through a building window.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 81).
Full Breakdown
The Sign Ordinance's own definition of "sign" in § 33.01-3 carves out temporary holiday decorations that do not convey a commercial message, along with works of art. Because they never meet the definition of a regulated sign, none of Chapter 33.01's permit, size, setback, or removal requirements attach to them. The exemption ends the moment a display starts advertising a business, product, or service: at that point it becomes a sign subject to the ordinance.
Violations & Fines
No permit or size violation applies to a purely decorative holiday display. If the display conveys a commercial message, it becomes a regulated sign and is subject to the permit and dimensional rules in § 33.01-5 and § 33.01-6, enforceable by the zoning administrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for holiday lights in Newport News?
What if my holiday display advertises my business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
Compare Newport News to another location·View the Virginia sign regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.