Temporary Signs

Limited Duration Signs

Temporary signs, known as limited duration signs in Sec. 19.1-278 of the county ordinance, are easy to buy and simple to install. They can provide an effective way to advertise. There are legal limits on where such signs may be posted on private property in Chesterfield County. County code standards control the permitted size, number and location of temporary signs on private property. 

Temporary signs located in the public right-of-way are illegal and subject to removal per Virginia code section 33.2-1224.

Applying for a Permit

Apply for a temporary sign permit by using the Community Development Division's Enterprise Land Management (ELM) Citizen Access Portal. After creating an account in ELM, apply for a limited duration sign permit by following these instructions (PDF). View more information about the ELM portal.

  1. Types
  2. Permitted vs. Prohibited
  3. Enforcement

Types of Temporary Signs

Many different types of temporary signs advertise businesses, political campaigns, community organizations, events, real estate, yard sales, etc. Temporary signs have a limited lifespan and are not permanently mounted. These signs include:

  • A-Frame Signs: Temporary portable signs, also called sandwich boards.
  • Banners: Temporary signs made of flexible material, attached to a frame, posts or a structure. 
  • Flags: Temporary signs of flexible material, used to attract attention to a commercial use or activity. This includes feather flags (vertical advertising flags). 
  • Ground-Mounted Signs: Temporary signs, also called bandit yard, or lawn signs, made of lightweight temporary material and mounted on a wire, stake, stand or frame driven into the ground. 
  • Pole-Mounted Signs: Temporary signs or posters attached to utility poles or traffic safety signs.