Illuminated Signage For The Birchmere Along Mount Vernon Avenue Up For City Approval

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Birchmere, an entertainment venue offering a variety of performances in Alexandria's Arlandria neighborhood, is seeking city approval to allow illuminated signage.

The venue is requesting a waiver of signage requirements that would allow a 78-square-foot digital sign along Mount Vernon Avenue. After discussions with city staff, the proposal was amended to incorporate the original "Birchmere" sign on the digital sign.

"The advertising on the changing digital displays provides the ability to showcase the daily changing performers while also providing a clear signage for people who are unfamiliar with the neighborhood and how to access the parking area," a city staff report reads.

In addition, the venue is seeking an illuminated rectangular pole sign at the entrance into the parking lot. The digital pole sign was added in July 2022, replacing a previous sign. However, the city issued a violation notice in November 2022, as a special use permit would be required for a sign not complying with the zoning ordinance.

City staff recommended approval of the request with conditions. The signage location is near commercial businesses and will not provide a distraction to drivers, according to a city staff report. However, there are some apartments and townhouses near the signage.

One of the conditions is the hours the illuminated signage can be displayed. While the venue requested the sign be illuminated from 6:30 a.m. to midnight, city staff recommended limiting hours to 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., which follows the city zoning ordinance.

According to the city staff report, there have been no comments submitted from businesses or residential communities on the proposal. The city has received comments supporting the proposal from Birchmere performers.

The Planning Commission will first consider the proposal on Tuesday. If recommended by the Planning Commission, it will go to City Council on March 18.