For the last several months, Berkeley Supervisor Kevin Marshall advocated for changes to the County’s policy covering signs that line public roadways. Since 2012, the County has had an agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) that allows the County to enforce the sign prohibition in the public right-of-way.
On February 25th, the Board of Supervisors voted 7-0 to remove their exemption that permitted signs on the weekend. The Zoning Administrator stated that this exemption made it difficult for Zoning’s limited staff to effectively enforce the rule. The Zoning Department also clarified policy language to create more standard enforcement procedures that will allow other County employees to assist Zoning enforcement.
The new zoning guidance states that any sign within 5 feet of the pavement will be immediately removed. If further than 5 feet, Zoning staff will review the specific right-of-way distance for that section to determine if it needs to be removed.
Signs that are removed will be retained for 5 days before County staff discards them.
Battlefield Supervisor Chris Yakabouski highlighted that political signs are included, and no exception exists for any type of sign.
Courtland Supervisor David Ross asked if volunteers could assist with sign removals, since the Zoning Department is shorthanded. Staff stated they would investigate the feasibility of a volunteer program.
The new enforcement guidelines went into effect immediately.
Click here to read Scott Shenk’s Free Lance-Star article for more information.
Click here to review the County documents covering at the February 25, 2020 Board meeting.
Photo Credit: Free Lance-Star