Definitions. For the purpose of this article, the terms used herein are defined as follows:
ANIMATED SIGNA sign with action or motion, flashing, color changes requiring electrical energy or electronic manufactured sources of supply, but not including wind-actuated elements such as flags, banners or specialty items.
AWNINGA structure, as of canvas, stretched over a frame as a shelter from weather.
BANNER SIGNAny sign intended to be hung either with or without frames, possessing characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind, but a single United States national flag of reasonable size shall not be considered a banner for the purpose of this article unless its use or purpose is that of advertising the location of the business at which it is flown.
BEACON LIGHTAny light with one or more beams, capable of being directed in any direction or directions or capable of being revolved automatically.
CHANGEABLE ELECTRONIC VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNA sign that changes its display by programmable electronic or mechanical processes, automatically or by remote control, and displays a message or image by means of an electronic image, illuminated segments, a series of grid lights or video (including, but not limited to, a television screen, plasma screen, digital screen, LED screen, video board, or holographic display).
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775; amended 5-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1851]
CORNICEThe cornice directly over a window in the ground floor of a building.
CURBLINEThe established line and grade for the upper and outer edge of a curb.
DIRECTORY SIGNA group of small signs advertising a group of professional, commercial or industrial individuals, companies, businesses or industries. Such signs may be erected in the manner of a freestanding sign or may be attached to a building or wall.
ERECTTo put in place and fasten to a building or elsewhere any sign or structure regulated by this article.
FESTOON LIGHTINGA directly illuminated sign comprised of either:
(1) A group of incandescent light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or structure.
(2) Light bulbs not shaded or hooded or otherwise screened to prevent direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
FLASHING SIGNAn illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and/or color at all times when in use.
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign which is not supported by attachment to a building or a wall.
HEIGHTWhen applied to signs, the distance overall from top to bottom as erected in a vertical line.
NONCONFORMING SIGNAny sign which does not comply with the applicable sign provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such sign was lawfully in existence prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNA sign which advertises or otherwise directs attention to an activity not on the same lot.
PERSONThe owner or person in possession of the premises and the erector of the sign, and shall include all individuals, partnerships, corporations and unincorporated associations.
PROJECTING SIGNAny sign mounted to a wall or other vertical building surface other than a wall sign.
REBUILDIn connection with signs and structures, to make changes, additions or repairs which necessitate their temporary removal from their fastening.
RELOCATEThe removal of a sign from one building or location to another from its existing location to another location on the same building or property.
ROOF SIGNA sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partly supported by said building.
SIGNAn identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or nonilluminated, which is visible from any public place and draws attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard or temporary display designed to advertise, identify or convey information, with the exception of national flags of reasonable size.
SIGN AREAThe area of all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with the background on which they are displayed. "Sign area" excludes any supporting framework and bracing, provided that it does not contain any lettering, wording, designs or symbols. Where the sign consists of a double face, only one side shall be considered for the purpose of calculating total sign area. Where both sides are not identical, all sides shall be considered in calculating total sign area.
[Added 8-5-2009 by Ord. No. 1775]
STREET BANNER SIGNAny banner sign which is stretched across and hung over a public right-of-way.
STREET LINEThe line of dedication in the case of a dedicated street and a line 25 feet on each side of the center line in the case of an alley, driveway or private road.
STRUCTUREA marquee or steel framework supporting the roof sign.
THICKNESSThe distance between the outer surfaces of the two main spaces which are separated for construction purposes.
TRAILER SIGNAny sign which is erected upon a structure having wheels, rollers or similar devices facilitating movement and is capable of being moved from one location to another.
WALL SIGNA sign which is painted on a wall, glass surface or building or which consists of letters or symbols fastened either directly to a wall or a building or fastened to a panel which in turn is fastened to a wall or building, and which does not project more than six inches from the building or structure.
WAYFINDING SIGNA sign and related equipment owned or operated by (or on behalf of) the Borough of Lansdale for the benefit of visitors, residents and businesses in the Borough of Lansdale to identify and help direct individuals to businesses, cultural institutions, recreation areas, public facilities, destinations of interest and other attractions located in the Borough of Lansdale.
[Added 5-21-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-1851]
WIDTHThe overall distance by a horizontal line from one side of the sign to the other as the sign is erected and installed.
WINDOW SIGNAny sign which in any manner is affixed to the exterior or interior of a glass surface where such glass surface comprises any portion of the building front on a public street.
ZONING OFFICERThe person regularly assigned to that office or anyone temporarily performing the duties of the office or any other official to whom the duties of the office may be assigned by the Council or Borough Manager.