Newport News, VA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Coverage limit
- 25% of each window
- Floor restriction
- Ground floor only
- Permit trigger
- Illuminated or over 25%
- Governing section
- § 33.01-6(e)(3)
Summary
Commercial window signs in Newport News can cover up to 25% of each window opening without a permit, but must sit on the ground floor, and illuminated window signs always need a sign permit.
window sign(s) shall be permitted subject to the following conditions:a.Window signs shall be displayed only on the ground floor of buildings.b.Window signs, which are in whole or in part illuminated or designed to be illuminated by an electrical service, shall be counted as a part of allotted building sign area. Sign permits shall be required for such signs.c.Window signs which do not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of each individual window opening (determined individually and not collectively) shall be permitted. Sign permits shall not be required for this signage except for window signs described in subsection b. immediately above.d.If window signage exceeds the twenty-five (25) percent limitation contained in subsection c. immediately above, whether for one (1) or more window openings, all of the window signage for a building (or for a given storefront, if applicable) shall meet all requirements applicable to display of building signs including the requirement to secure a sign permit. (Ord. No. 4308-92; Ord. No. 4548-93; Ord. No. 4589-94; Ord. No. 5125-98; Ord. No. 6251-06; Ord. No. 6439-07; Ord. No. 7070-14; Ord. No. 7494-18)
Sec. 33.01-6.1. - Electronic display signs.
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
Under § 33.01-6(e)(3), window signs on commercial and industrial buildings are limited to the ground floor only. Each individual window opening is measured on its own, not combined with others, and signage covering 25% or less of that opening needs no sign permit. Once a window sign is illuminated, or the 25% threshold is exceeded on any opening, the signage is treated as a building sign and must meet the full building-sign permit and area requirements of § 33.01-6(e)(2).
Violations & Fines
Displaying window signage above the ground floor, exceeding the 25% per-window cap without converting to a permitted building sign, or illuminating a window sign without a sign permit is a violation the zoning administrator can order corrected or removed under § 33.01-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a storefront window sign in Newport News?
Can a second-floor office display a window sign?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newport News
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