Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
County examines sign ordinance and 'big box' restrictions
Revamping sign ordinance
The Board of Supervisors voted 8-1 on Sept. 1 to take another look at its sign ordinance, which dictates where, how big and how many signs can be posted on buildings. The current rules on signs have drawn criticism from business community members, who say it limits their visibility in the county. Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue Ridge) was alone in his dissent of reviewing the sign ordinance, saying the board was opening a can of worms.
“This is probably among the top issues for the business community,” said Supervisor Lori Water (R-Broad Run). She added that when businesses look to locate in Loudoun, the county’s current limits on signs cause them to look elsewhere.
Supervisor Stevens Miller (D-Dulles), who has led the charge on changes to the sign rules, called the current ordinance a “strategic disadvantage” to the county.
'Big box' store limits
The county will move forward with plans to limit “big box” stores, which feature 75,000 square feet or more of commercial retail space. The review of the county rules that would regulate the scale of these stores -- including Target and Wal-Mart -- will likely take several months, county staff said.
On Sept. 1, supervisors voted 7-2 to review the changes that need to be applied to county zoning codes in order to limit “big box” stores. Supervisors Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) and Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) voted against the limits.
“This is micromanaging,” said Delgaudio, who added that limiting certain businesses from coming to Loudoun would prevent certain kinds of economic growth.
Others on the board said changes to the rules would give the county another tool for approving smart land-use in the county.
You must be logged in to post a comment.