Temporary Signs

Limited Duration Signs

Temporary signs, known as limited duration signs in Sec. 19.1-278 of the county ordinance, are easy to procure, inexpensive and simple to install. They can provide an effective way to advertise. There are legal limits on where such signs may be posted in Chesterfield County.

Illegally installed temporary signs in the public right-of-way are subject to removal, citation and/or fines, per Virginia code section 33.2-1224.

Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments

The Planning Department held a virtual community meeting regarding proposed code amendments to sections 19.1-272, 19.1-276 and 19.1-278 of the zoning ordinance (PDF). The ordnance amendment was heard and approved by the Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. View Planning Active Projects for more information regarding proposed code amendments relative to limited duration signs.

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: 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 consisting of cloth or other flexible material, used to attract attention to a commercial use or activity. This includes feather flags (vertical advertising flags). 
  • Ground-Mounted: Temporary signs, also called bandit signs or yard signs, made of plastic, foam, PVC, vinyl, cardboard, paper or other lightweight temporary material and are mounted on a wire or wooden stake, stand or frame driven into the ground. 
  • Pole-Mounted: Temporary signs and/or posters attached to utility poles and/or traffic safety signs.