Definitions.
SIGNAny device used to attract the attention of the public for advertising purposes or message conveyance. The word sign includes letters, figures, drawings, lines, trademarks, photographs, and other markings encompassed within the area of the sign.
AREA OF A SIGNThe area of a sign shall be computed by multiplying the greatest vertical dimension by the greatest horizontal dimension of the sign space. The framing or edging of the sign shall be considered part of the sign area. The total area, including both faces of a double-faced sign is included, but for calculating maximum area permitted, the area of only one face of a double-faced sign is counted toward the maximum area permitted.
A-FRAME (SANDWICH) SIGNTemporary signs placed upon the property for the purpose of advertising items sold or services supplied.
AWNING SIGN-CANOPY SIGNRoof-like covering extending over a walkway, sidewalk or exterior place supported by a frame attached to a building and/or ground with a surface made of fabric or more rigid material and either retractable or fixed in place, covered by any lettering, logo, or other characters, symbols or figures.
BANNERAny temporary sign printed or displayed upon cloth or other flexible material.
BILLBOARD SIGNA sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, or attraction that is sold, offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot where such sign is displayed. The term shall include an outdoor advertising sign (vehicle, billboard, trailer, and utility pole).
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNA variable message sign composed of individual letters panel-mounted in or on a track system.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNA sign of noncommercial nature which directs the reader to the location of public or educational institutions, historical structures, historical areas, public parks, or public buildings.
DIRECTORY SIGNA sign which directs attention to a business conducted on the premises, or to a product sold or service supplied by such business.
FACADEPrincipal faces of a building, and is generally one side of the exterior of a building, especially the front, but also sometimes the sides and rear. In architecture, the facade of a building is often the most important from a design standpoint, as it sets the tone for the rest of the building.
FLAGA piece of cloth, varying in size, shape, color, and design, usually attached at one edge to a staff or cord, and used as the symbol of a nation, state, or organization, as a means of signaling, etc.
GARAGE SALEA temporary sign placed upon the property for the purpose of advertising to the public the outdoor sale of used personal or household items held on the seller's premises.
GATED COMMUNITYA form of residential community containing strictly controlled entrances for pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles, and sometimes characterized by a closed perimeter of walls and fences. Gated communities usually consist of small residential streets and include various amenities. For smaller communities this may be only a park or other common area.
GRAFFITI SIGNThe name for images, markings, initials, slogans, or lettering that is scratched, scrawled, painted, or marked in any manner on property.
GROUND SIGNAny nonmovable sign not affixed to a building, but excluding "Pylon Sign." A sign which is supported by 2 or more upright or braces in or upon the ground.
ILLUMINATED SIGNAny sign having a source of light for illumination either externally or internally, or a combination of both.
INDUSTRIAL PARKAn area zoned and planned for the purpose of industrial development.
INFORMATIONAL SIGNAn on-site sign commonly associated with, but not limited to, information and directions necessary or convenient for visitors coming on the property, including signs, marking entrances and exits, parking areas, circulation direction, rest rooms, and pickup and delivery.
MARQUEEA permanent roof-like shelter extending from parts or all of a building face; most commonly a structure placed over the entrance to a hotel, theatre, or store. It has signage stating the name of the establishment or, in the case of theatres, the play or movie and the artist(s) appearing at that venue. The marquee is often identifiable by a surrounding cache of light bulbs.
NAMEPLATEA sign located on the premises giving the name or address, or both, of the owner or occupant of the building or premises.
NONCONFORMING SIGNAny sign which exists, but does not meet the requirement of this section.
OFFICIAL SIGNAny sign erected and maintained by a federal, state, county, or local government agency for public purposes.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNA sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, or attraction that is sold, offered or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot where such sign is displayed. The term off-site shall include an outdoor advertising sign (vehicle, billboard, trailer, and utility pole).
ON-PREMISES SIGNA 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 where the sign is erected.
PEDESTAL SIGNA sign that is mounted on a freestanding pole, post, or other support so that the bottom edge of the sign is 3 to 18 inches above grade.
PENNANTA long, tapering flag or burgee of distinctive form and special significance, used in signaling or for identification.
POLITICAL SIGNA temporary sign related to any political event, issue, or campaign.
PRIVATE COMMUNITYA residential community that can be an association or a proprietary organization. Associations can include condominiums, residential associations, or cooperatives.
PROJECTING SIGNA sign which is affixed to any building and projecting beyond the building wall or parts thereof, structure, building line or property line, but which is not constructed or erected so as to extend above the roofline of the structure to which it is affixed.
PYLON (OR POLE) SIGNA sign in the form of a tower or pier that is mounted on a freestanding pole, post, or other support.
REAL ESTATE SIGNA temporary sign placed upon the property for the purpose of advertising to the public the sale or lease of said property.
ROOF SIGNA sign erected, constructed, and maintained on or above the roof of any building or structure. Decorative façade is not considered a roof if it is affixed to but separate from the main building structure and serves an aesthetic purpose only.
SANDWICH (A-FRAME) SIGNTemporary signs placed upon the property for the purpose of advertising items sold or services supplied.
SCROLLING SIGNThe continuous movement of information either vertically or horizontally on a screen.
SECURITY SIGNInformation sign containing a representation of certain security-related information.
SIGN FACEThe area of a sign on which copy is intended to be placed.
SIGN PERMITA document obtained from the Zoning Official upon payment of required fees, if applicable, granting permission to erect the sign described therein.
SPECIAL EVENTIs one that helps a business or group meet a specific marketing objective—to increase awareness, build goodwill, introduce a new product, or simply to entertain. Special event signs are used to inform and to promote the event, remind attendees about the purpose of the event, etc.
STANCHIOHNAn upright bar or post, often providing support for some other object.
STREAMERSAn ensign, flag, or pennant, which floats in the wind; specifically, a long, narrow, ribbon like flag.
STRIP MALL (a/k/a Shopping Plaza or Mini-Mall)An open area shopping center where the stores are arranged in a row, with a sidewalk in front. Strip malls are typically developed as a unit and have large parking lots in front. They face major traffic arterials and tend to be self-contained with few pedestrian connections to surrounding neighborhoods.
TEMPORARY SIGNA sign or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, wood, plastic, paper, or other light material and designed or intended to be displayed for a short period of time.
WALL SIGNA sign which is affixed to or painted on an exterior wall of any building, Such signs shall project not more than 12 inches from the building wall or parts thereof. No wall sign shall be constructed or erected above the roofline of the structure to which it is affixed.
WINDOW SIGNA sign which is affixed to the inside of any window, or glass portion of any door.