As used in this part, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated;
ABANDONED SIGN
A sign which has not identified or advertised a current business,
service, owner, product, or activity for a period of at least 90 days.
ADDRESS SIGN
A sign that designates the street number and/or street name
for identification purposes, as designated by the United States Postal
Service. (Also known as a "nameplate sign.")
ANIMATED SIGN
A sign employing actual motion, the illusion of motion, or
light and/or color changes achieved through mechanical, electrical,
or electronic means. Animated signs, which are differentiated from
changeable signs as defined and regulated by this part, include the
following types:
(2)
MECHANICALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs characterized by repetitive motion and/or rotation activated by a mechanical system powered by electric motors or other mechanically induced means.
(3)
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATEDAnimated signs producing the illusion of movement by means of electronic, electrical, or electromechanical input and/or illumination capable of stimulating movement through employment of the characteristics of one or both of the classifications noted below:
(a)
FLASHINGAnimated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by a repetitive cycle in which the period of illumination is either the same as or led than the period of nonillumination.
(b)
PATTERNED ILLUSIONARY MOVEMENTAnimated signs or animated portions of signs whose illumination is characterized by stimulated movement through alternate illuminated elements for the purpose of producing repetitive light patterns designed to appear in some form of constant motion.
ATTRACTION-BOARD SIGN
A permanent sign on which the information is changed periodically
and identifies special, unique, limited activities, services, products,
or sales or limited duration. Also included in this definition are
"digital display signs," "message center sign," and "changeable-copy
sign."
AWNING
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that projects
from a wall for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window. An awning
is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted
to a position against the building when not in use.
AWNING SIGN
Any sign that is part of or attached to the surface of an
awning.
BALLOON
A rubber sac inflated with air or helium and then sealed
at the neck, used as a child's toy or as a decoration.
BALLOON SIGN
A lighter-than-air, gas-filled balloon, tethered in a fixed
location, which contains an advertisement message on its surface or
attached to the balloon in any manner. This includes inflatable tube-like
signs with forced air.
BANDIT SIGN
A sign tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise
attached to objects such as, but not limited to, trees, poles, stakes,
fences, public benches, streetlights, or other objects, or placed
on any public property or in the public right-of-way or on any private
property without the permission of the property owner. (Also known
as a "snipe sign.")
BANNER
Any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material
attached to any structure, staff, pole, rope, wire, or framing which
is anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners are
temporary in nature and do not include flags.
BEACON LIGHTING
Any course of electric light, whether portable or fixed,
the primary purpose of which is to cast a concentrated beam of light
generally skyward as a means of attracting attention to its location
rather than to illuminate any particular sign, structure, or other
object.
CANOPY
A structure other than an awning made of fabric, metal, or
other material that is supported by columns or posts affixed to the
ground and may also be connected to a building.
CANOPY SIGN
Any sign that is part of or attached to a canopy.
CHANGEABLE-COPY SIGN
A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols change,
either automatically through electrical or electronic means, or manually
through placement of letters or symbols on a panel mounted in or on
a track system. The two types of changeable-copy signs are manual
changeable-copy signs and electronic changeable-copy signs, which
include: message center signs, digital displays, and tri-version boards.
CHANNEL-LETTER SIGN
A sign consisting of fabricated or formed three-dimensional
letters, individually applied to a wall, which may accommodate a light
source.
CLEARANCE
The distance above the walkway, or other surface, if specified,
to the bottom edge of a sign. This term can also refer to a horizontal
distance between two objects.
DIGITAL DISPLAY
The portion of a sign message made up of internally illuminated
components capable of changing the message periodically. Digital displays
may include, but are not limited to, LCD, LED, or plasma displays.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN
Signs designed to provide direction to pedestrian and vehicular
traffic into and out of, or within, a site.
EAVELINE
The line formed by the intersection of the wall and the roof
of a building.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER
An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable
message and/or graphic presentation capability can be electronically
programmed by computer from a remote location. Also known as an EMC.
EMCs typically use light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a lighting source.
FADE
A mode of message transition of an electronic message sign
accomplished by varying the light intensity, where the first message
gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and
the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point
of legibility.
FESTOON LIGHTING
A type of illumination comprised of either a group of incandescent
light bulbs hung or strung overhead or on a building or other structure,
or light bulbs not shaded, hooded, or otherwise screened to prevent
direct rays of light from shining on adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
FLAG
Any sign printed or painted on cloth, plastic, canvas, or
other like material with distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols
attached to a pole or staff and anchored along only on edge or supported
or anchored at only two corners.
FLASHING SIGN
A sign whose artificial illumination is not kept constant
in intensity at all times when in use and which exhibits changes in
light, color, direction, or animation. This definition does not include
electronic message center signs or digital displays that meet the
requirements set forth herein.
FREESTANDING SIGN
A sign installed upon the ground directly or through a structure
designed for the exclusive purpose of supporting the sign, and not
attached to a building or other structure. The following are subtypes
of freestanding signs:
(1)
GROUND SIGNA sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a base structure and not mounted on a pole or attached to any part of a building. (Also known as a "monument sign.")
(2)
POLE SIGNA freestanding sign permanently affixed to one or more masts, poles, or open braces that are secured permanently to the ground and have as their principal purpose support of the sign, such that there is a minimum of two vertical feet of open air under any portion of the bottom of the sign.
GAS STATION CANOPY
A freestanding, open-air structure constructed for the purpose
of shielding service station islands from the elements.
GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY SIGN
Any sign for the control of traffic, for identification purposes,
street signs, warning signs, railroad crossing signs, and signs of
public service companies indicating danger or construction which are
erected by or at the order of a public officer, employee, or agent
thereof in the discharge of official duties.
GROSS SURFACE AREA
The area of a sign face shall be computed by means of the
smallest square, circle, rectangle, or triangle which encompasses
the extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, logos,
ornamentations, or other figures, together with any material or color
forming an integral part of the background of the display, that is
used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against
which it is placed. Where the sign has two or more faces, the area
of all faces shall be included in determining the gross surface area.
Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached
to a building or wall, the area shall be considered to be that of
the smallest square, circle, rectangle or triangle which encompasses
all of the letters and symbols. The gross surface area shall not include
any supporting structures, framing, pole, covers or bracing which
is incidental to the display/sign itself and does not bear any advertising
copy.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Signs or displays, including lighting, which are a nonpermanent
installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays, religious
or cultural holidays, or other holiday seasons. (Also known as "seasonal
decorations.")
ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination,
either internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source
contained inside the sign, or externally illuminated by a light source
aimed at its surface.
ILLUMINATION
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly
from a source of light incorporated into an object, structure, or
sign, or indirectly from an artificial source.
(1)
EXTERNAL ILLUMINATIONArtificial light located away from the sign, which lights the sign, the source of which may or may not be visible to persons viewing the sign from any street, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
(2)
INTERNAL ILLUMINATIONA light source that is concealed or contained within the sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface. Message center signs, digital displays, and signs incorporating neon lighting shall not be considered internal illumination for the purposes of this part.
(3)
HALO ILLUMINATIONA sign using a three-dimensional message, logo, etc., which is lit in such a way as to produce a halo effect. (Also known as "back-lit illumination.")
INCIDENTAL SIGN
A sign that displays general site information, instructions,
directives, or restrictions that are primarily oriented to pedestrians
and motor vehicle operators who have entered a property from a public
street. These signs shall not contain any commercial advertising.
INCIDENTAL WINDOW SIGN
Signs displayed in the window displaying information such
as the business's hours of operation, credit institutions accepted,
commercial and civic affiliations, and similar information. These
signs shall be informational only and shall not contain a commercial
message.
INFLATABLE SIGN
A sign that requires air pressure to maintain its shape,
made of flexible fabric, tethered to the ground or structure.
INTERACTIVE SIGN
An electronic or animated sign that reacts to the behavior
or electronic signals of motor vehicle drivers.
LEGIBILITY
The physical attributes of a sign that allow for an observer's
differentiation of its letters, words, numbers, or graphics.
LOT
A designated parcel, tract, or area of land established by
plat, subdivision, or otherwise permitted by law to be used, developed,
or built upon as a single unit under single ownership or control.
MANUAL CHANGEABLE-COPY SIGN
A sign or portion thereof on which the copy or symbols are
changed manually through placement or drawing of letters or symbols
on a sign face.
MARQUEE
A permanent roof-like shelter constructed of durable material
that is supported solely by the building to which it is attached,
and projects from the building face. A marquee is generally located
at the main entrance to a building. This term does not include a canopy
or an awning.
MECHANICAL MOVEMENT SIGN
A sign having parts that physically move rather than merely
appear to move as might be found in a digital display. The physical
movement may be activated electronically or by another means but shall
not include wind-activated movement such as is used for banners or
flags. Mechanical movement signs do not include digital signs that
have changeable, programmable displays.
MEMORIAL SIGN
A memorial plaque or tablet, including grave markers or other
remembrances of persons or events, which is not used for a commercial
message.
MENU SIGN
A permanent sign attached to a building or structure for
displaying the bill of fare available at a restaurant, or other use
serving food, or beverages.
MESSAGE CENTER SIGN
A type of illuminated, changeable copy sign that consists
of electronically changing alphanumeric text often used for gas price
display signs and athletic scoreboards.
MULTI-TENANT SIGN
A freestanding sign used to advertise businesses that occupy
a shopping center or complex with multiple tenants.
MURAL
A hand-produced work of visual art which is tiled or painted
by hand directly upon, or affixed to an exterior wall of a building,
that otherwise doesn't meet the definition of "sign".
NEON SIGN
A sign illuminated by a neon tube, or other visible light-emanating
gas tube, that is bent to form letters, symbols, or other graphics.
NIT
A photometric unit of measurement referring to luminance.
One nit is equal to one cd/m2 (candlepower
per meter squared).
NONCONFORMING SIGN
A sign that was legally erected and maintained before the
effective date of this part, or amendment thereto, that does not currently
comply with sign regulations of the district in which it is located.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN
An outdoor sign whose message directs attention to a specific
business, product, service, event/activity, commercial/noncommercial
activity, or contains a noncommercial message about something that
is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted on the
premises upon which the sign is located. (Also known as a "third-party
sign," "billboard," or "outdoor advertising.")
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC SIGN
Official highway route number signs, street name signs, directional
signs, and other traffic signs erected and maintained on public highways
and roads in the interest of public safety or for the regulation of
traffic.
ON-PREMISES SIGN
A sign whose message and design relate to an individual business,
profession, product, service, event, point of view, or other commercial
or noncommercial activity sold, offered, or conducted on the same
property where the sign is located.
PENNANT
A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or other material,
commonly attached in strings or strands, or supported on small poles
intended to flap in the wind.
PERMANENT SIGN
A sign attached or affixed to a building, window or structure,
or to the ground in a manner that enables the sign to resist environmental
loads, such as wind, and that precludes ready removal or movement
of the sign and whose intended use appears to be indefinite.
PORTABLE SIGN
A sign which is movable by a person without aid of a motor
vehicle or other mechanical equipment.
(1)
SANDWICH-BOARD SIGNA type of freestanding, portable, temporary sign consisting of two faces connected and hinged and whose message is targeted to pedestrians. (Also known as an "A-frame sign.")
(2)
VEHICULAR SIGNA sign affixed to a vehicle in such a manner that the sign is used primarily as a stationary advertisement for the business on which the vehicle sits or is otherwise not incidental to the vehicle's primary purpose.
PRIVATE DRIVE SIGN
A sign indicating a street or drive which is not publicly
owned and maintained to be used only for access by the occupants of
the development and their guests.
PROJECTING SIGN
A building-mounted double-sided sign with the two faces generally
perpendicular to the building wall, not to include signs located on
a canopy, awning, or marquee. (Also known as "blade sign.")
PUBLIC SIGN
A sign erected or required by government agencies or utilities,
including traffic, utility, safety, railroad crossing, and identification
signs for public facilities.
REFLECTIVE SIGN
A sign containing any material or device which has the effect
of intensifying reflected light.
REVOLVING SIGN
A sign which revolves in a circular motion rather than remaining
stationary on its supporting structure.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A corridor of land set aside for use, in whole or in part,
by a street or other public purpose.
ROOF SIGN
A building-mounted sign erected upon, against, or over the
roof of a building.
SCOREBOARD
A sign contained within an athletic venue and intended solely
to provide information to the attendees of an athletic event.
SCROLL
A mode of message transition on an electronic message sign
in which the message appears to move vertically or horizontally across
the display surface.
SECURITY SIGN
An on-premises sign regulating the use of the premises, such
as a "no trespassing," "no hunting," or "no soliciting" sign. (Also
known as a "warning sign.")
SHIELDED
The description of a luminaire from which no direct glare
is visible at normal viewing angles by virtue of its being properly
aimed, oriented, or located which is properly fitted with devices
such as shields, barn doors, baffles, louvers, skirts, or visors.
SIGN
Any device, fixture, placard, or structure which uses any
color, form, graphic, logo, illumination, symbol, or writing which
advertises, announces the purpose of or identifies the purpose of
a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business,
or solicitation to the public. Also included are any emblems, painting,
flags, banners, pennants, or placards designed to advertise, identify,
or convey information and any permanently installed or situated sign
merchandise.
SIGN HEIGHT
The distance from the existing ground elevation at the base
of or immediately below the sign to the highest point of the sign
structure.
SIGN OFFICER
The Sign Officer shall be the Ferguson Township Zoning Administrator.
STOREFRONT
The exterior facade of a building housing a commercial use
that is visible from a street, sidewalk, or other pedestrian way accessible
to the public and containing the primary entrance to the commercial
establishment.
STREAMERS
A display made of lightweight, flexible materials consisting
of long, narrow, wavy strips, hung individually or in a series, with
or without a logo or advertising message printed or painted on them
and typically designed to move in the wind.
STREET POLE BANNER
A banner suspended above a public sidewalk and attached to
a single street pole. These signs shall not contain any commercial
advertising.
TEMPORARY SIGN
A temporary sign or display that is intended or constructed
for display and generally constructed of lightweight materials and
installed in a manner so as to be easily removed.
TOURIST-ORIENTED DIRECTIONAL SIGN (TOD), STATE RIGHT-OF-WAY
A twenty-four-inch-by-seventy-two-inch or sixteen-inch-by-forty-eight-inch
directional sign on blue or brown background that indicates the name
of and gives directional guidance to the participant's location.
These signs are located for individual participants, following PennDOT's
TODs signage policy and are not part of a larger sign system. TOD
signs are permitted in the state right-of-way.
TRANSITION
A visual effect used on an electronic message sign to change
from one message to another.
TRI-VISION BOARDS
An outdoor unit with a slatted face that allows three different
copy messages to revolve at intermittent intervals.
VENDING MACHINE SIGN
A sign displayed on a vending machine indicating the name
of the product being sold and/or the price of such product.
WALL SIGN
A building-mounted sign which is either attached to, displayed
on, or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall
surface which projects not more than 12 inches from that wall or surface.
A sign installed on a false or mansard roof is also considered a wall
sign. (Also known as: "fascia sign," "parallel wall sign," or "band
sign.")
WINDOW SIGN
A sign which is painted on, applied to, or affixed to a window
or door, or located within three feet of the interior of the window
or door, and is legible and intended to be read from the exterior
of the building.
YARD SIGN
A lightweight, temporary, freestanding sign that is generally
installed in the ground on a wooden post or a thin frame made of metal.