§ 18.42.030 — Definitions

A-Frame Sign. A freestanding sign usually hinged at the top, or attached in a similar manner, and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter "A." These signs are usually designed to be portable. Animated Sign. A sign with motion, flashing lights or color or intensity changes requiring electrical energy or electronic or manufactured sources of supply. Animated sign does not include a sign which tells only time and temperature in alternating sequence. Awning and Canopy sign. A nonelectric sign that is printed on, painted on, or attached to an awning or canopy and is only permitted on the vertical surface or flap (see Figure 3-17). Billboard. An off-site freestanding sign. Building Frontage. The side of the building facing and measured parallel to the street for a single tenant. On a corner parcel, either side may be considered for the structure frontage. For a multi-tenant building, building frontage is the frontage facing the interior parking lot. Cabinet Sign. Also referred to as wall sign or box sign, are internally illuminated signs, typically mounted to a storefront wall with interchange panel that include sign text. Comprehensive Sign Program. A program that is required for all new commercial, mixed-use, office, and industrial developments with five or more signs and optional for all new commercial, mixed-use, office, and industrial developments with less than five signs. Directory Sign. A sign for listing the tenants or occupants of a structure or center. This sign may be combined with the logo sign (see Figure 3-20). Directional Sign. A sign indicating where customers or clients need to be directed by means of arrows (see Figure 3-19). Eaveline. The lowest level of a roof, eave or parapet. Freeway- and Expressway-Oriented Signs. A freestanding sign that is only allowed along designated freeway and expressway roadways (i.e., Highway 101, 237, Interstate 280, El Camino) by the City and is oriented for high-speed vehicle traffic. Foot-candle. A unit of illuminance or illumination, equivalent to the illumination produced by a source of one candle at a distance of one foot and equal to one lumen incident per square foot. Fin, Feather or Sail Sign. A freestanding vertical banner which moves by the wind. Freestanding Drive-Thru Menu Board. A freestanding sign which is located in the adjacent to the drive aisle for a drive-thru establishment. Typically, these signs include a menu of options and prices (see Figure 3-26). Freestanding Sign. A sign which is supported by one or more uprights, braces, poles, or other similar structural components that are not attached to a structure (see Figure 3-21). Graphics. Decorative portion of a sign not containing a commercial message, trademark or logo-type brand name. Iconic Sign. A sign that is considered historically significant to the City, determined by established criteria and standards (see 18.42.130). Logo Sign. A trademark or symbol of any business or organization. This sign may be combined with the directory sign. Luminous Tube Sign. A sign that consists of or is illuminated by exposed electrically charged gas-filled tubing (e.g., neon and argon signs), or by fiber optics, or LEDs (see Figure 3-23). Menu Board. Menus displayed on the exterior premises of a restaurant (see Figure 3-25). Monument Sign. A monument sign is a type of Freestanding Sign that has a solid base that extends from ground level, without the use of exposed poles or pylons (see Figure 3-21). Nameplate. A sign indicating the name and/or address of a structure or occupant. Nonconforming Sign. A sign that was originally lawfully erected and maintained, but which does not conform to the current standards of this Chapter or is now prohibited. Obsolete Sign. Sign with no relevant identification or message for a discontinued use, activity or need as displayed on the sign. Off-Site Sign. A sign which advertises a business, product, service or entertainment primarily conducted, sold or offered other than upon the parcel where the sign is located. On-Site Sign. A sign which advertises a business, product, service or entertainment primarily conducted, sold, or offered on the premises where the sign is located. Also, cited as on-site sign. Painted Sign. A sign that is applied with paint or similar substance on the surface of a wall or fence (see Figure 3-24). Parapet. The extension of a false front or wall above a roofline. Portable Sign. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground. Projecting Sign. A sign that projects from and is supported by a wall of a structure (see Figure 3-28). Real Estate Sign. A sign advertising real property for sale, exchange, lease, or rent. Roof Sign. A sign erected, constructed, or placed upon or over a roof of a building, including a mansard roof and which is wholly or partially supported by such buildings. Service Station Gas Price Sign. A sign containing prices and grades of fuel for sale at a service station (see Figure 3-27). Sign. A structure or visual device or representation designed and used for the purpose of communicating a message or identifying or attracting attention to a parcel, product, service, person, cause or event. Sign Area. An area designated by a maximum of eight straight connected lines which enclose all words, letters, figures, symbols, designs, and pictures, together with all framing, background material, colored or illuminated areas and attention attracting devices forming an integral part of an individual message (see Figure 3-16). Sign Height. Sign height is measured by the vertical distance from the top of nearest street curb. Subdivision Entry Sign. A monument sign identifying a subdivision and located at the entrance of a subdivision (see Figure 3-18). Temporary Sign. A sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time. Vehicle Sign. A sign which is attached to or painted on a stationary vehicle which is parked on or adjacent to a property with the principal purpose of attracting attention to a product sold, or activity or business located on the property. Wall Sign. A sign attached (including painted signs) to a wall within the basic structure form. (see Figure 3-29). Wind-Activated Signs. Signs that are move or are activated by wind. Wind-activated signs include pennants, spinners, banners, and unofficial flags or other similar specialty items Window Sign. A sign that is applied or attached to a window located in such a manner that it can be seen from the exterior of the structure (see Figure 3-30).