General Sign Permit Information

Are you looking for information regarding signage related to... 

• opening a new business;
• re-branding your business;
• moving to a new location;
• alterations to existing signage;
• hosting a special event;
• temporary signs.

If you have any questions, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.

Sign Permits

Regulations regarding signs in the Town are outlined in Article 15 of the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance. A separate Sign Permit application is required for each permanent business sign.

Regulations may differ if you are located in the Old and Historic District (See Old and Historic District Sign Guidelines) or in a multi-tenant building/shopping center with an existing comprehensive sign plan (see below).  A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for most signs in the H-1 Old & Historic District , the Gateway District or the  H-2 Historic Corridor District (H-2 is by proffer only). 

You can apply for Sign Permits through our eTRAKiT online portal. When applying for a Sign Permit, the application must include the following: 

• Payment of the associated fee;
• A digital set of plans demonstrating the size, character, color, letter style and design proposed; 
• The method of illumination, if any;
• The exact location of the proposed sign, including a site diagram; 
• In the case of suspended or projecting signs, the method of mounting each sign and its supporting structure. 

Comprehensive Sign Plans

Multi-tenant buildings or parcels with multiple structures are allowed to create Comprehensive Sign Plans to allow for a more cohesive design compatible with the architectural character of a property and can simplify the sign permit process for current and future tenants. For a complete list of properties with Comprehensive Sign Plans in the Town of Leesburg, please visit our interactive map. 

To apply for a new Comprehensive Sign Plan or a Comprehensive Sign Plan amendment, you must submit an application through our eTRAKiT online portal and the application must include the following: 

• A site plan depicting the location of the proposed signs; 
• Colored illustrative drawings; and
• A specification sheet detailing the size, character and color, as well as the method of illumination and supporting structures, if any.

For properties in the H-1 Old & Historic District, Comprehensive Sign Plans require the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness application by the Board of Architectural Review in compliance with the H-1 Old & Historic District Sign Guidelines. Please contact our Preservation Staff at 703-771-2765 for additional information.

For properties in the Gateway District, Comprehensive Sign Plans in the Gateway District are reviewed by an internal staff committee under the guidance Article 15 Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance  and in compliance with the Gateway District Design Guidelines, Chapter 4 Signage. Please contact our Preservation Staff at 703-771-2765 for additional information. 

For properties outside of the H-1 & Gateway Districts, Comprehensive Sign Plans are reviewed by an internal staff committee. Criteria and guidance for these properties is located in Article 15 of the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance.  Please contact our Zoning Staff at 703-771-2765 or via email at zoning@leesburgva.gov for additional information. 

Temporary Sign Permits

The Town issues Temporary Sign Permits in accordance with Article 15 of the Town of Leesburg's Zoning Ordinance as outlined below: 

15.2.5 Temporary Sign Permits. An application for a temporary sign shall state the dates intended for the installation and removal of the sign. If a sign is not installed within thirty (30) days following the issuance of a temporary sign permit, the permit shall be void. The permit for a temporary sign shall state its duration, as provided in the Zoning Ordinance. Temporary signs shall have a sign area no larger than 24 square feet. 

Applications for Temporary Sign Permits must be submitted through our eTRAKiT online portal and should include a set of plans demonstrating the size and placement of the sign.