Commission initiates and endorses comprehensive sign‑ordinance update, retains exception path for unusual proposals

The Alexandria Planning Commission on Jan. 9 initiated and recommended approval of a comprehensive update to the city’s sign ordinance (Zoning Text Amendment 2024‑0000010), expanding administrative review for many sign requests while reinstating a pathway for special use permit exceptions for unusual proposals.

Rachel Drescher of the Department of Planning and Zoning presented the package, which reorganizes and streamlines sign definitions, consolidates similarly functioning sign types, and proposes larger allowable wall sign area ratios (1.5 sq. ft. per foot of building width; 2 sq. ft. for buildings over 40 feet tall). The proposal would shift many sign waivers from full public hearing special use permits to an administrative SUP process for changes in sign size, height, number, temporary time limits or digital signs; the city would retain a public SUP pathway for truly exceptional requests.

Staff said digital signs would be allowed by administrative SUP with limits: no animation or flashing, automatic photocell dimmers, controlled brightness tied to existing city lighting code, and a cap on text/graphic changes (no more than two changes per minute). Outreach included two community meetings, office hours, business association briefings and meetings with disability and business groups; concerns focused on historic‑district impacts, digital/portable sign impacts and dark‑skies illumination.

Commissioners debated whether to retain an explicit provision allowing applicants to seek a full‑hearing special use permit for exceptions that do not fit administrative standards. Several commissioners and staff agreed reinstating Section 9.103(d) (the exception/exceptional‑use SUP pathway) would preserve a predictable avenue for creative or large‑scale proposals that do not fit neatly into administrative criteria; the commission added that language back into the proposed amendment before recommending approval.

Two separate votes were recorded: the commission voted unanimously (5‑0) to initiate the zoning text amendment and then voted 5‑0 to recommend approval to City Council with the reinstatement of the exception language. Staff said enforcement and complaints would continue to be handled through the city’s Alex311 request system and that existing city code limits on brightness and location (historic districts, parkways) would remain in effect.