News Flash

On Monday, September 29, Goochland County will begin fall with a sign removal program to promote litter control. Goochland County’s sign removal program has been established to control litter and enhance the community’s roadways by removing signs illegally placed within the road right-of-way (ROW). 

Roadside signs are prohibited and potentially dangerous. Goochland County will remove the signs and take them to the Central Convenience Center for return to the sign owner and/or disposal. Visible crossroads and corridors will be monitored regularly.  More information is available online at https://www.goochlandva.us/1422/Litter-Control. 

Important Reminders

While roadside signs within the right-of-way are prohibited under state and county law, Goochland County code also has rules for temporary signs (political, special events, etc.).  

Temporary signs:

• Goochland County code requires a minimum setback of 5’ from the ROW for temporary signs. 
• These signs are outside the authority of VDOT or Goochland County to remove, except for objects that block safe sight distance or distract drivers with blinding lights.

• Goochland County codes may apply to these signs. The county code for those is below.
• Sec. 15-417. - Temporary signs. 
  • Temporary signs cannot exceed 32 square feet. 
  • Sign height cannot exceed 10 feet. 
  • A sign permit is not required. 
  • Display of temporary signs is permitted for one 180-day period during the calendar year except: 
    • There is no time limit for temporary signs on property zoned or being used for agricultural or residential purposes; and 
    • Banners, feather signs, or other signs that flutter, wave, or move are only permitted for one 30-day period during a calendar year.

Signs removed from the right-of-way by Goochland County will be stored at the Central Convenience Center for one week and owners contacted, after which time the signs will be placed in the trash. 

NOTE: Signs outside of the road right-of-way may have been placed in violation of county codes: Sec. 15-414 - Prohibited signs. and Sec. 15-417. - Temporary signs.  Potential violations are investigated by zoning and code enforcement personnel. Citizens are asked to report any signs that may violate the county sign code to the Community Development Customer Service Center at 804-556-5860, by sending a zoning complaint form available at https://va-goochlandcounty.civicplus.com/FormCenter/Planning-Zoning-5/Complaint-Form-45, or by email to CommDev@goochlandva.us