For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ADVERTISING SIGN. See COMMERCIAL SIGN.
ANIMATED SIGNS. A sign depicting action, motion, light or color changes through electrical or mechanical means. Although technologically similar to flashing signs, the ANIMATED SIGN emphasizes graphics and artistic display, This includes, but is not limited to, dynamic signs.
ARCHITECTURALLY INCORPORATED FEATURES. Artwork, corner stones, dates and names on cornice or incorporated into other parts of the structure in brick, stone or other permanent means into the architecture of a structure.
ARTWORK. Two or three-dimensional representation of a creative idea that is expressed in a form and manner as to provide aesthetic enjoyment for the viewer rather than to specifically convey the name of the business or a commercial message about the products or services offered on the property upon which the artwork is displayed. This includes images integrated into the structure via brick, stone or other architectural detail.
AWNING. A roof-like structural element (also called a MARQUEE) to provide shelter from the weather constructed of rigid or non-rigid materials on a supporting framework which either:
(1) Projects from and is supported entirely by the exterior wall of a building typically over a window or doorway; or
(2) Projects from and is supported on one end from the building and on the outer end by not less than one stanchion, pillar or post. (See also CANOPY.)
AWNING SIGN. A sign that is incorporated into an awning by either print or directly adhering to the awning material.
BACK LIT CUTOUT SIGN. A sign that is lit from behind or within where the sign message is cutout or clear to allow the light to shine through only in those locations (as opposed to a back lit sign with a translucent glowing sign face).
BACK LIT SIGN/HALO. An illuminated message (sign copy) with an open or translucent back, so light from the copy is directed against the surface behind the copy producing a halo lighting effect around the copy. Also referred to as SILHOUETTE LIGHTED or HALO LIGHTED.
BALLOONS, INFLATABLES, DANCING WIND, WIND, AIR BLADES OR WIND BLADE SIGNS, DYNAMIC FLAGS, DYNAMIC TUBES. Typically made of nylon or other flexible material which use blowers, helium or natural wind is used to inflate or create movement to attract attention to the premises or sign.
BANNER/COMMERCIAL FLAG. A sign made of fabric, plastic, vinyl or other non-rigid material which has no enclosing framework; may be painted, screen-printed, digitally printed or decorated with decals and may be used for either permanent or temporary signage.
BENCH SIGN. A freestanding sign located on the seat or back of a bench or seat or other type of street furniture.
BOX SIGN. See CABINET SIGN.
BUILDING-MOUNTED SIGN. A sign that is applied or attached to a building. (See also WALL SIGNS.)
BUSINESS.
(1) For the purpose of determining the maximum number of signs per structure or business, a separate BUSINESS is considered any operation that has a different name than other businesses in the same location.
(2) Individual dwelling units would qualify for the same amount of signage as individual BUSINESSES.
CABINET SIGN. A sign which is totally enclosed and which may have internal lighting. Most box signs have translucent plastic portions carrying text on one or more faces.
CANOPY. A roof-like shelter which is (unlike an awning) supported entirely by stanchions, pillars or posts and is not connected to a building. (See also AWNING.)
CANOPY SIGN. A sign that is incorporated into or attached to a canopy, typically along the horizontal sides of a canopy roof.
CHANGEABLE COPY PANEL. A section of a sign that functions as a changeable copy sign.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN (PERMANENT). A sign composed of individual letters panel- mounted in or on a track system, chalk or white boards where the message may be regularly altered, but where the sign face and sign structure is permanent (including portable signs that are displayed in a permanent manner).
CHANGEABLE TEMPORARY SIGN. The use of temporary type signs (such as banners) that are permanently displayed, but periodically changed to advertise different messages (i.e., for seasonal events, sale events, daily specials or changing products or exhibits).
CHANNEL LETTER. Fabricated or formed three-dimensional letter that may accommodate a light source. (Also referred to as a CAN LETTER.)
CIVIC, NON-PROFIT OR CHARITABLE EVENTS. A special event (as opposed to an ongoing operation) that is sponsored and/or organized by a government or charitable organization registered as a 501c3 with the IRS.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE/SIGN. Any wording, logo or other representation or image as part of a sign that directly or indirectly names, advertises or calls attention to a product, service, sale or sales event or other commercial activity.
CONFORMING SIGN. A sign that is legally installed in accordance with federal, state and local laws and ordinances.
COPY. The words or message displayed on a sign.
COVERAGE. A total amount of area of signage covering a wall, message covering a sign or a similar comparison described as a percentage or as a number.
DECAL. Words, graphics or a combination of the two screen printed on the non-adhesive side of vinyl film, then cut to a specified shape using a plotter or die and (when used as a sign) adhered to a surface for display.
DIRECT ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign that is illuminated by an external light source that is directed towards and shines on the face of a sign as opposed to internal illumination.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN. Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic including guide signs that show community or neighborhood identification, designations, routes, directions, distances, services, points of interest and other geographical, recreational or cultural information.
DIRECTORY SIGN. A sign that identifies the names and locations of tenants in a multi-tenant building or in a development made up of a group of buildings. (See also MULTI-TENANT SIGN.)
DISPLAYED PERMANENTLY. See PERMANENT SIGN.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. A sign with two parallel opposing (back-to-back) faces.
DYNAMIC/DIGITAL SIGN. Signage where content is displayed in a digital format usually consisting of a computer or playback device connected to a digital screen such as an LCD or plasma display.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER. A variable message sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy. These signs include displays using incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs or a flipper matrix.
FACE (SIGN). The decorated surface of a sign the area on which the sign copy, logo and other design is placed.
FASCIA SIGN. See WALL SIGN.
FLAG. The flag of the United States of America or any officially adopted state, local or organizational flag of a non-commercial nature.
FLAG SIGN. See also BANNERS.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign that is not attached to a building, but is permanently attached to the ground and not portable.
FRONTAGE. See PUBLIC FRONTAGE.
ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign that emits or reflects light from either an internal (electric) source or external floodlights.
INFLATABLE. See BALLOONS, INFLATABLES...ETC.
INTERIM TEMPORARY SIGN. A temporary sign that is used in lieu of a permanent sign and typically used prior to the placement of a permanent sign.
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS. A sign that is illuminated by a light source that is contained inside the sign, as opposed to directly illuminated from an outside source.
LOGO. A design that represents goods, identity or service. Traditionally, any group of type characters such as a company name or product name linked or grouped and displayed in a fixed format and not to be confused with company symbols, abstract or pictorial. The term is currently used to describe any design or symbol, with or without supporting lettering, prepared for a corporation or organization which forms the centerpiece of its corporate identity.
MAINTENANCE (OF A SIGN). Repair of individual elements of a sign or sign structure up to 50% of its replacement value over the life of the sign, which do not include relocation or enlargement of the sign. Repair includes re-painting or the replacement of a damaged sign face.
MARQUEE SIGN. See AWNING SIGN.
MONUMENT SIGN. A free standing sign sitting directly on the ground or mounted on a low base.
MULTI-TENANT/DIRECTORY SIGN. An exterior sign that identifies names and locations of tenants in a multi-tenant building or development of a group of buildings.
NON-COMMERCIAL MESSAGE. Any message which is not a commercial message.
NON-CONFORMING SIGN. Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this chapter.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNAGE. Signs containing commercial messages which pertain to businesses, products, services or events which are not sold or available on the property or premises where the sign is located. Also known as OUTDOOR ADVERTISING.
ON-PREMISES SIGN. A communication device whose message and design relates to a business, an event, goods, profession or service being conducted, sold or offered on the same property as there the sign is erected.
PERMANENT SIGN. A sign which is not temporary in nature (see TEMPORARY SIGN definition) and is intended to be used for the duration of the use of the site. This includes portable signs that do not meet the definition of temporary sign.
PERMANENTLY ATTACHED SIGN. A sign attached to a building, structure or the ground in a manner that enables the sign to resist normal environmental loads, such as wind, and precludes ready removal or movement of the sign.
PORCELAIN SIGN. A traditional type of metal sign utilizing porcelain enamel paints topped by a ceramic slip to create a durable, glass-like surface that is impervious to the environments, particularly popular in the early 20th century.
PORTABLE SIGN. A sign not permanently secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame or pole and capable of being easily repositioned by means of lifting and moving or rolling on attached wheels. These include, but are not limited to, yard signs, sandwich boards and flag signs.
POST SIGN. A freestanding sign similar to a pole/pylon sign, but shorter than eight feet in height and (unlike a yard sign) placed permanently onsite.
PROJECTED IMAGE SIGN. A commercial message which is projected through light onto a building or similar structure surface.
PROJECTING SIGN.
(1) A sign which projects at right angles to a wall and is designed to be viewed from up or down the street.
(2) PROJECTING SIGNS usually have graphics on either side.
(3) A building-mounted sign with the faces of the sign perpendicular to the building fascia.
PUBLIC FRONTAGE. The part of a lot or parcel that directly abuts a public right-of-way.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. Publicly-owned or controlled streets, alleys, trails or other travel ways held open for public use.
PYLON/POLE SIGN. A permanent freestanding sign eight feet or taller, with visible support structure, usually double-faced, mounted on one or more round poles, square tubes or other fabricated members without any type of secondary support.
ROOF SIGN. A building-mounted sign erected on the roof of a building, including “sky signs”, “painted” (or applied) and “created” roof signs.
SHORT-TERM TEMPORARY SIGN. A temporary sign that is not permanently attached to a building or permanent freestanding sign structure where there is a limited amount of time allowed for display and which may contain an off-premises message unless off-premises signs are specifically prohibited in that district (e.g., sale or special event sign).
SIDEWALK SIGN. A portable sign not secured or attached to or into the ground or surface upon which it is located, but supported by its own frame. These include A-frame or sandwich board signs as well as other small portable freestanding signs not necessarily placed on the sidewalk or within a right- of-way.
SIGHT VISIBILITY TRIANGLE. The area of visibility required on a corner to allow for the safe operation of vehicles, trains, pedestrians and cyclists in the proximity of intersecting streets, rail lines, sidewalks and bicycle paths.
SIGN. Any presentation or representation by letter, symbol, number or combination thereof which does not meet the definition of “artwork” or “architecturally incorporated feature” as defined in this chapter and is placed on a property for the purpose of making something known outside of the structure. SIGNS include, but are not limited to, figures, devices, pennants, emblems and pictures. SIGNS do not include the interior of buildings or the delineative elements thereof with the exception of “window signs”, as defined herein. (For a list of SIGNS not regulated by this chapter, see § 153.22 of this chapter.)
SIGN PLAN. One or more drawings and accompanying lists that illustrate all signage planned for a building or site, indicating locations, size, style and other information of signs proposed.
SUSPENDED SIGN. A sign which is suspended underneath an awning, canopy or overhanging roof structure by means of brackets, hooks, chains or similar means.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign that is displayed for a specified period of time, typically for a periodic or one time special event. This includes “interim”, “short-term” and “changeable” signs.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL FREESTANDING SIGN. A permanent structure separate of a building that provides a sign, which is a three-dimensional figure.
THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIGN. This includes any spherical, free-form, sculptural or other non-planar advertising device either freestanding, hanging or projecting from a structure.
WALL SIGN. A sign that is painted on a wall or flat signs that are placed on or attached to the wall of a building.
WIND SIGNS. See BALLOONS, INFLATABLES...ETC.
WINDOW SIGN. A sign that is directly applied to the window (as in paint) or adhered to the window (glass or frame) by means such as decals, glue or other adhesives.
YARD SIGN. A portable sign with an unchangeable permanent sign face of up to nine square feet posted on wire, wooden, plastic, metal or similar stakes, frame, poles or posts (with or without metal anchors) placed on or inserted into the ground without cement or other similar permanent anchoring techniques.
YEAR. Calendar year from January to January.
ZONING DISTRICTS. As used to regulate sign locations defined in Ch. 162 of this code of ordinances, as adopted or modified.
(Prior Code, § 310.16)