Chapter 7.02 — SIGN TERMS AND TYPES

[9-21-2022 by Ord. 1782]

This Chapter provides definitions of terms and phrases related to signage used in this Code that are technical or specialized, or that may not reflect common usage. If any of the definitions in this Chapter conflict with definitions in other provisions of the Code, these definitions shall control for the purposes of this Code. If a word is not defined in this Chapter, or in other provisions of the Code, the Director shall determine the correct definition.

[9-21-2022 by Ord. 1782]

• A. "A" Sign Terms.

APPROVED BOTTOM-MOUNTED OUTDOOR ADVERTISING FIXTURE

A system of lighting which is installed at or on the lower portion of a billboard.

• B. "B" Sign Terms.

BALLOON

A colored bag made of flexible material, inflated with air or other gas, and sealed, often to make it rise in the air.

BALLOON BOBBER

A reusable pre-formed balloon with regular air made of a durable PVC vinyl that does not need to be inflated, and typically attached to a short pole.

BUILDING ELEMENT

The maximum lineal dimension of an exterior wall, excluding canopies and projections, measured on a straight line parallel to the site's street frontage.

C. "C" Sign Terms.

COMMERCIAL MESSAGE

A message conveyed by any sign that is solely intended to interest, entice, or solicit any person to participate in commercial transactions with a business, including offers of goods, cash, discounts on products or services, or other items, including the offering of free goods or services made in exchange for or with the intent to induce the recipient's willingness to receive information relating to a possible commercial transaction.

D. "D" Sign Terms.

DIRECT ILLUMINATION

Illumination resulting from light emitted directly from a light bulb or light fixture, not light diffused through translucent signs or reflected from other surfaces such as the ground or building face.

• E. "E" Sign Terms.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY

A sign or portion of a sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or some other electronic means of changing its characters, letters, numbers, illustrations, display, color, and/or light intensity, including animated graphics and video, by electronic or automatic means. A sign utilizing Electronic Message Display Technology is not a Single- or TwoColor LED Sign.

F. "F" Sign Terms.

FLAG

A fabric sheet of square, rectangular, or triangular shape that is typically mounted on a pole.

• G. "G" Sign Terms.

• H. "H" Sign Terms.

HALO ILLUMINATION

A form of sign illumination in which neon tubing, LED, or similar lights are mounted within the letter to illuminate the mounting surface causing a halo of light around the letter.

HISTORICAL PLAQUE

A sign that memorializes a person, event, building, former use of a place, or something else of historical significance.

• I. "I" Sign Terms.

• J. "J" Sign Terms.

• K. "K" Sign Terms.

L. "L" Sign Terms.

LANDSCAPE AREA

For purposes of sign regulation, an area surrounding the base of a freestanding sign, and containing living plant materials with or without a fixed border.

LASER LIGHT DISPLAY

A display that emits light through the use of a laser beam(s).

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

A semiconductor diode that emits light when a voltage is applied to it.

LOGO

See Sign, Logo.

M. "M" Sign Terms.

• N. "N" Sign Terms.

NEON

A type of illumination emanating from a luminous glass tube filled with a gas or gas mixture (including neon, argon, mercury, or other gases), usually of small diameter (10 to 15 millimeters), caused to emit light by the passage of an electric current, and commonly bent into various forms for use as decoration or signs. A "neon" tube. Does not include common fluorescent tubes.

• O. "O" Sign Terms.

• P. "P" Sign Terms.

PAN CHANNEL LETTER

A specific type of permanent sign letter consisting of a metal pan enclosure fabricated in the shape of a letter. The metal pan enclosure is used to house the lighting and electrical components of the letter and can be mounted directly to wall of a building. The sign face is usually made of colored plastic attached to the metal pan to seal it off from pests and harsh weather.

PLATE LINE

The uppermost horizontal line of a building wall upon which the roof above rests.

PROFESSIONALLY CRAFTED or PAINTED SIGN

A temporary or permanent sign that is made to a high standard by a competent individual(s) skilled in sign design, fabrication, and installation.

• Q. "Q" Sign Terms.

• R. "R" Sign Terms.

RACEWAY

An enclosed conduit for electrical wiring.

• S. "S" Sign Terms.

SIGN

A permanent or temporary structure, device, figure, display, message placard or other contrivance, or any part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is designed, constructed, intended or used to advertise, provide information in the nature of advertising, provide historical, cultural, archaeological, ideological, political, religious, or social information, or direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, business, product,

service, message, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, or illumination.

SIGN FACE

The exterior surface of a sign, exclusive of structural supports, on which is placed the sign copy.

SIGN STRUCTURE

The supports, uprights, bracing, and/or framework of a sign.

SIGN, A-FRAME

A portable pedestrian-oriented sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground to advertise special goods, services, or products offered on the site (also known as a Sandwich Board Sign or an Upright Sign).

SIGN, ABANDONED

A sign that identifies a business, lessor, owner, product, service, or activity that is no longer on the premises where the sign is displayed.

SIGN, AWNING

Any permanent sign that is part of or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover located over a door, entrance, window, storefront, or outdoor service area.

SIGN, BANDIT

Any sign that is placed on public or private property without the consent of the property owner or as authorized in Chapter 3.05 (Sign Regulations).

SIGN, BANNER

A temporary sign constructed of cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar material and securely attached to a wall or support structure. Flags are not considered temporary banners.

SIGN, BILLBOARD

A permanent structure for the display of a commercial or non-commercial message.

SIGN, BLADE

A permanent sign that is perpendicular to the face of a building and projects outward from the building face.

SIGN, BUILDING IDENTIFICATION

A permanent sign consisting of letters or numbers applied to a building wall, engraved into the building material or consisting of a sculptural relief which contains the name of the building or describes its function, but which does not advertise any individual tenant of the building or any products or services offered.

SIGN, BUILDING MOUNTED

A permanent sign attached, connected, painted, or erected on the wall, parapet, or fascia of a building or structure.

SIGN, CABINET

A permanent building-mounted or freestanding sign with its text and/or logo symbols and artwork on a translucent face panel that is mounted within a metal frame or cabinet that contains the lighting fixtures which illuminate the sign face from behind.

SIGN, CANOPY

A permanent sign that is printed, painted, or affixed to a canopy, typically used to accent building entries.

SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY

A permanent sign that is designed so that characters, letters, numbers, or illustrations can be manually or mechanically changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.

SIGN, CHANNEL LETTER SIGN

A sign made with three dimensional, individually manufactured letters, figures, or other symbols which may contain a light source that illuminates the front face of the signs letters, figures, or other symbols.

SIGN, COPY

Any graphic, word, numeral, symbol, insignia, text, sample, model, device, or combination thereof that is primarily intended to advertise, identify, or notify.

SIGN, DIRECTIONAL

A permanent sign erected to inform the viewer of the approximate route, direction, or location of a facility or tenant.

SIGN, DIRECTORY

A permanent sign on a multi-tenant site providing information including a list of tenants and occupants, addresses, and suite numbers or a map of the building or complex. These signs are typically internal to a center, oriented to pedestrians, or motorists circulating in a parking lot rather than vehicles traveling on an arterial street.

SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE DISPLAY

A permanent sign or portion of a sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or some other electronic means of changing its characters, letters, numbers, illustrations, display, color, and/or light intensity, including animated graphics and video, by electronic or automatic means. An Electronic Message Sign is not a Single- or Two-Color LED Sign.

SIGN, EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED

Any permanent sign, the facing of which reflects light from an external light intentionally directed upon it.

SIGN, FEATHER BANNER

A portable sign that is taller than it is wide and made of a flexible material (typically cloth, nylon, or vinyl) and mounted to a pole.

SIGN, FREESTANDING

A permanent sign that is erected or mounted on its own self-supporting permanent structure or base detached from any supporting elements of a building.

SIGN, FREESTANDING PROJECTING

A permanent freestanding sign type featuring a double or single sided sign face, projecting outward at a perpendicular angle from a sign pole or post.

SIGN, FREEWAY ORIENTED

A permanent sign in the freeway corridor, i.e., a zone measuring 1,320 feet from the center line of the freeway. The width of the storm channel shall not be included in determining this distance.

SIGN, FRONT YARD

A permanent freestanding sign type featuring a double or single sided sign face, projecting outward at a perpendicular angle from a sign pole or post.

SIGN, FUEL PUMP TOPPER

A sign affixed to the top of an operable fuel dispensing pump used to advertise goods offered for sale on the same parcel on which the fuel pump is located.

SIGN, INCIDENTAL

A sign which provides incidental information, including security, credit card acceptance, business hours, open/closed, directions to services and facilities, or menus.

SIGN, INDIVIDUAL LETTER

A cut-out or etched letter or logo which is individually mounted on a building wall, or freestanding sign.

SIGN, INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED

Any permanent sign in which the source of light is entirely enclosed within the sign and not directly visible.

SIGN, LANDMARK

A historically designated sign determined by the City to have attained a high degree of community, cultural, aesthetic, or historic designation and significance.

SIGN LED

A permanent sign consisting of light emitting diodes (electronic components that let electricity pass in only one direction) that emit visible light when electricity is applied.

SIGN, LOGO

A stylized group of letters, words, numbers, or symbols used to represent and distinguish a business or product.

SIGN, MARQUEE

A permanent sign structure placed over the entrance to a building and typically used for a theater or other entertainment use.

SIGN, MONUMENT

A permanent freestanding sign, with a solid base that is equal to or larger than the width of the sign face.

SIGN, NON-CONFORMING

Any permanent sign legally established prior to the Effective Date which does not fully comply with the standards imposed by the individual sections of this Code.

SIGN, OFF-PREMISES

Any sign that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, product, structure, use or property different from a structure or use existing on the property where the sign is located, and/or any sign on which space is rented, donated, or sold by the owner of said sign or property for the purpose of conveying a message.

SIGN, PAINTED WALL

A permanent sign painted directly onto the exterior wall of a building and having no sign structure.

SIGN, PAN OR REVERSE CHANNEL LETTERS

A sign made with three dimensional, individually manufactured letters, figures or other symbols with an open back which may contain a light source to provide light onto the sign background against which the channel letters are silhouetted.

SIGN, PENNANT

A sign made of flexible materials usually longer than it is wide, often triangular in shape, and frequently displayed with other pennants on a string.

SIGN, PERMANENT

A sign constructed of durable materials and intended to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is located on the premises.

SIGN, PORTABLE

A sign not permanently attached to the ground, a building, structure, or other immovable object. Includes an A-frame sign, yard sign type I signs, non-permanent window signs, and sign walker signs.

SIGN, POST

A permanent sign mounted on either a single post or two or more posts.

SIGN, PROHIBITED

Any sign not in accordance with or authorized in Chapter 3.05 (Sign Regulations).

SIGN, PROJECTING

A permanent sign that is perpendicular to the face of a building and projects outward from the building face.

SIGN, RAISED LETTER

A permanent sign containing copy, logo, and/or decorative embellishments in relief on the face.

SIGN, ROOF-MOUNTED

Any permanent sign erected, painted, or attached on or over the roof of a building.

SIGN, SERVICE ISLAND CANOPY

A permanent sign mounted on or under a service island canopy, including on a fascia.

SIGN, SINGLE-COLOR OR TWO-COLOR LED

A permanent or temporary sign or portion of a sign composed of single-color or two-color LEDs that displays static or changeable sign messages using characters, letters, and numbers only. Examples of these signs include, but are not limited to, "open" or "closed" signs, "time and temperature" signs, or signs indicating the number of available spaces in a parking facility.

SIGN, SPINNER

A lightweight, durable, and colorful device designed to be affected by the movement of air so that it spins or rotates in a manner to capture attention.

SIGN, TEMPORARY

A sign intended for limited period of display which is not permanently affixed to a structure or window. Includes a banner sign and yard sign type II and type III signs.

SIGN, VEHICLE

Any sign on or affixed to a truck, van, automobile, trailer, or other vehicle.

SIGN, WALKER

A person who wears, holds, or balances a sign.

SIGN, WALL

A permanent sign affixed to or erected against the wall or fascia of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign parallel to the plane of wall or fascia to which it is affixed or erected.

SIGN, WINDOW

A permanent or non-permanent sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in, on, or within a window, or otherwise exposed to public view through a window.

SIGN, YARD, TYPE I

A small portable sign typically constructed of corrugated plastic and supported on an H- shaped wire frame used for example, for advertising by local businesses or by election campaigns. (Syn: Lawn Sign).

SIGN, YARD, TYPE II

A temporary sign mounted on a single post installed securely in the ground with a small sign hanging from a cross-bar mounted parallel to the ground.

SIGN, YARD, TYPE III

A temporary large typically wooden sign mounted on two posts installed securely in the ground.

STATIC DISPLAY

A sign face that does not change within a 24-hour period.

• T. "T" Sign Terms.

• U. "U" Sign Terms.

• V. "V" Sign Terms.

VALANCE

The vertical front face of an awning, parallel to the face of the building to which it is mounted.

• W. "W" Sign Terms.

• X. "X" Sign Terms. Y. "Y" Sign Terms. Z. "Z" Sign Terms.