Vienna pilots simpler public-notice signs, online index to make planning notices easier to find

Kelly O’Brien, Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning, presented a pilot for redesigned public-notice signs and a new companion web page (viennava.gov/notice) to make case information easier for passersby to find.

O’Brien said the pilot sign uses a large number in the top right and a short website address so someone who sees a sign can type the number on the website or scan a QR code to be taken directly to a table with the same information that previously appeared in dense text on the sign’s center panel.

"If you see a notice, you can go to that page and there's a table, and you can look by that number to see more and all the same information that's on that center panel," O’Brien said.

O’Brien said the pilot signs — only a few have been made so far — include the case type, address, what is being requested (for example, a variance or increase in students), and hearing dates where known. The signs are intended to reduce legal jargon and direct residents to the website for details; staff also plans to use the same numeric ID in mailed postcards and letters.

Council members asked about practical issues during a short question-and-answer period. One member reported difficulty pulling the link up during the meeting; staff said the link was working and confirmed signs are posted roughly 10 days before the first hearing and remain on site through the second meeting so passersby can see that a case is in process.

O’Brien said the pilot is open to feedback and will be refined based on public and council comments.