Portsmouth, VA Sign Regulations: Window Signs (2026)

Sec. 2-307(J)(3)(h) sets the window sign standard within the Signage article's Permanent Attached Sign Standards. The code defines a window sign, in the definitions of Sec. 2-307(A), as a sign painted on, applied to, or attached to a window or door, or located within three feet of the interior of a window or door, that is legible and intended to be read from outside the building. Subsection (J)(3)(h)(i) caps window signage on any single floor at 20 percent of the facade area comprised of windows on that floor, and (h)(ii) prohibits any illumination of a window sign except by a source external to the sign, ruling out internally lit or backlit window signs.

Window signs in the NMU, GMU, IN, and WF zoning districts, and in the MU-H district when consistent with adopted design standards, are listed among the signs exempt from needing a separate Zoning Permit under Sec. 2-307(G)(7), though they must still comply with the 20 percent area and illumination standards. A temporary window sign is separately governed under Sec. 2-307(K)(2)(d), which requires it to meet the same standards as a permanent window sign in Sec. 2-307(J)(3)(g)-(h). Signs in the Historic Districts and Downtown Design Overlay District must additionally satisfy Historic Preservation Commission or Downtown Design Committee design guidelines under Sec. 2-307(D)(3).