19981110 r-98-61RESOLUTION NO. R-98-61
A REsoLUTION ADOPTING A pOLICY FOR
LIGHTED sIGNAGE WITHIN RiGHTS-OF-WAY
IN THE CITY OF FAIRFAX
wHEREAS, the City of Fairfax desires to improve traffic flow and safcty b) I~aving
well marked streets and highways; and
WHEREAS, in the evening hours motorists unfamiliar with the area ma.x
difficulty finding certain sites within the city which could lead to more frequent
changes, more frequent U-tums and other unsafe maneuvers resulting in a greater' poi cntial
for accidents and congestion; and
WHEREAS, lighted signs may be appropriate for better marking of
facilities that are not directly entered from the main arterial roads.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of thc t ~il? of
Fairfax to adopt the "Policy For Lighted Signage Within Rights-of-Way in thc
Fairfax" dated November 3, 1998, as attached to the staff report.
Adopted this 10th day of November, 1998.
Mayor
ATTEST:
'lerk
II.
III.
IV.
Adopted: November 10, 1998
Policy For Lighted Signage
Within Rights-of-Way in the
City of Fairfax
Introduction.
This Policy provides the requirements for use of lighted signs within the public rights-of-way
within the City of Fairfax.
Purpose
The purpose of this Policy is to provide a description of the circumstances under which lighted
signs may be placed within the public right-of-way for the purpose of guiding motorists and others
to specific facilities and places of interest in the city. The lighted signs will assist the public in
locating government offices, meeting places and other significant sites.
Policy on Use of Lighted Signs in the Right-of-Way
It is the policy of the City Council of the City of Fairfax, Virginia to allow the placement within
the public right-of-way of lighted signs that meet the requirements outlined in section V below.
This policy shall be applicable only on arterial streets. No lighted signs may be placed on local
streets.
This policy shall not be applicable to traffic control signs installed by the city for the purpose of
enforcing traffic laws and warning the public of traffic hazards.
Definitions
"Facility" or "facility" shall include municipal buildings, courthouses, schools, universities, health
clinics, fire stations, libraries, detention facilities, recreational facilities, and transportation
facilities owned or operated by federal, state or local government agencies.
"Lighted signs" shall include any internally illuminated sign manufactured for exterior use and for
mounting on signal poles or other similar structures, meeting the criteria set forth below.
Requirements for Providing Lighted Signs
1. (a.) Officials of the organization requesting a lighted sign or signs must demonstrate that their
facility falls within the definition of Facility listed in section IV above. The decision of the
city manager shall be final regarding interpretation of this definition.
(b.) The city manager may approve signs for organizations not meeting the definition of
"Facility" provided the city manager determines there to be a public interest, such as a benefit
to traffic flow and safety.
Preference shall be given to those sites that have regular nighttime activities.
2. The requesting organization must agree to pay for the capital cost for installation of the
sign(s), including any special poles or posts that must be erected, and an annual fee for
operating costs and maintenance. Capital costs shall be determined at the time of installation
of the sign(s). Operation and maintenance fees shall be set annually by the City Council in
the schedule of rates and levies.
Policy For Lighted Signage Within
Rights-of-Way in the City of Fairfax
Adopted: November 10, 1998
Page 2 of 2
VI.
3. Signs shall be placed on traffic signal poles, mast arms or poles specifically erected for this
purpose.
4. Sign size, lettering size and style, color, brightness and all operating characteristics of the
lighted sign shall be as determined by the city.
5. Company names or logos shall not be used on signs. The city manager shall have final
authority over the wording of the signs.
6. Messages shall be limited to the name of the facility and short, specific directions, such as
"Next Left", "Second Right" or "Turn Here '-)."
Implementation
Installation of signs shall be the responsibility of the director of public works. Materials shall be
ordered upon receipt of payment for the capital cost of the sign(s). Installation shall commence
within two (2) weeks of the delivery of all sign materials to the city.