Illegal Roadside Signs Targeted

Since action by the previous board has done little to lessen the number of illegal signs that populate rights of way and green areas in Loudoun, the board of supervisors is looking to work with the Virginia Department of Transportation on an agreement that would allow county zoning inspectors to remove the signs and take action to prosecute repeat offenders.

"The actions the previous board took have not solved the problem or have not even begun to solve the problem. There seems to be total contempt right now for the sign ordinance," Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue Ridge) said, calling the roadside advertising "visual litter."

Following a suggestion by Supervisor Stevens Miller (D-Dulles), the negotiations will also examine the potential to involve resident volunteers in the clean-up process.

Under the sign ordinance, businesses and organizations are prohibited from placing signs in rights of way, but many continue to do so.

Supervisor Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) raised a concern that many churches and religious organizations use signs at intersections to advertise their services, many of which are held in rented space in Loudoun schools.

"And they have no other way to do signage. My concern is they would be deemed a repeat offender," Waters said.

The Broad Run District supervisor asked that churches be taken into consideration for temporary signage, from Saturday evening to Sunday, during the discussions with VDOT.

Other supervisors were concerned with giving the zoning enforcement staff new duties at a time when many residents, particularly those in the Sterling area, are calling for more proactive enforcement measures in their community.

"I don't think we should take two three of these guys when they should be doing something a little more important than picking up signs," Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) said.

For board Vice Chairman Susan Klimek Buckley (D-Sugarland Run) the issue was more about funding, especially during a tight budget season.

"I do not think now is the time to increase zoning inspectors' workload. We will be redirecting staff, and that costs money," she said.

In the end, however, only Delgaudio opposed the motion, as most supervisors were content that the details of the agreement would have to come back to the full board before being enacted.