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Signage Education – Lobby Signs that Stand Out (Stand Off)

We have all been in the lobby of an office and noticed a sign with the name of the company on the wall.  Sometimes the sign only deserves a quick glance and looks like many others you have seen.  On occassion, you will see a sign that is more memorable.  Was it the finish of wood or metal that caught your eye?  Why did that sign stand out?  Perhaps it is actually the mounting method of the sign – that made you look!  Not all flush mounted signs attract the attention as one which stands off the wall.  For example, many signs are made from a solid acrylic or metal. To make the sign unique, a spacer is placed behind the letter, sometimes only 1/2″ inch to cast a shadow.  Depeding on the lighting of the room, the sunshine from a nearby window or door, the sign changes appearance.  If you wait in the doctors office too long,  hour to hour!

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Signage Education – Carved Signs

When you think of the cool signs that you’ve seen, the added dimension of a carved sign is something you remember. Most businesses don’t think about the added value of attracting attention to a sign that is carved.  Just think about your sign with an added feature that creates interest.  Customers stop and think about the sign, almost like artwork.  The carved sign typically uses High Density Foam to achieve the look. The sign foam is durable, yet pliable to make a custom sign.  The sign foam can be painted to a color scheme that is flashy or artsy.  When designing a sign think about the affect a carved feature may add.  Even if your customers or prospects pause a few moments and admire, it is worth it!  How many times do they do that when they see your printed brochure?  Create a new dimension and get into the visual communication role, not just a sign. The carved signs can be either interior or exterior.  Shown here is a carved piece to accompany ordinary acrylic letters on a lobby wall.

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Signage Education – City of Inverness FL Sign Code

Inverness Code:

Sec. 2.10.  Signs.

A.   Purpose, Intent and Benefit.   

1.   The purpose of this Code is to establish sign standards that will be easy to interpret, that will promote safety, convenience and will expedite vehicular movement throughout the city. It is intended to encourage the use of signs which are:

a.   Harmonious with the surrounding area;

b.   Appropriately installed and maintained so as not to endanger the public or to be a distraction for motorists.

2.   The benefits of this Code are as follows:

a.   Better aesthetic and visual environment;

b.   Better control of the type and number of signs permitted;

c.   Appropriate placement of signs throughout the city;

d.   Ease and clarity of the permitting process.

B.   General Provisions.   

1.   Applicability.  The requirements of this section shall apply to all incorporated land within the jurisdiction of the City of Inverness. 

2.   Relationships to the Building and Electrical Codes.  These requirements are intended to compliment requirements of the Building and Electrical Codes adopted by the City. Where there is inconsistency between these regulations and the Building or Electrical Code, the more stringent requirements shall apply. 

3.   Permit required.  All signs except those exempt under subsection K of this section shall require a sign permit. 

C.   Measurement Determinations.   

1.   Sign area.   

a.   Freestanding (ground) and projecting signs are denoted by a regular geometric shape that contains the area within a single continuous perimeter. The sign area encloses the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem or any figure or similar character, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed. This excludes the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign is placed. Where a sign has two (2) display faces placed back to back and at no point more than two (2) feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one (1) face; if the two (2) faces are of equal area or as the area of the larger face if the two (2) faces are of unequal area. Where a sign has more than one (1) display face, all areas that can be viewed simultaneously shall be considered as the sign area. (See Figure 2-2.)

b.   In the case of three (3) dimensionally product displays, the area shall be determined by drawing a geometric figure around the projected image of the sign and multiplying that area by two (2). The “projected image” is that image created by tracing the largest possible two-dimensional outline of the sign. (See Figure 2-3.)

c.   Window signs:  The area of any painted sign directly on a window shall be the area within a continuous geometric figure formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation or figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the window. (See Figure 2-4.) 

1)   Maximum window coverage: The combined area of permanent and temporary signs placed on or behind windows shall not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total window area at the same floor level on the side of the building or unit upon which the signs are displayed.

d.   Marquee signs:  The area of signs applied directly to the fabric of a marquee shall be the total of all signs on all faces of the structure. All sign copy on each face shall be computed within one (1) geometric figure formed by extending lines around the extreme limits of writing, representation or any figure of similar character depicted on the surface of the face of the marquee. 

e.   Other signs:  In the case of a sign (other than freestanding, projecting or marquee) whose message is fabricated together with a background that borders or frames the message, the sign face area shall be the total area of the entire background. 

In the case of a sign (other than freestanding, projecting or marquee) whose message is applied to a background with no border or frame, the sign face area shall be the smallest regular geometric shape that can encompass all words, letters, figures, emblems and other elements of the sign message.

Figure 2-5 illustrates several types of signs that require calculation of sign area before they are permitted in the City of Inverness.

D.   Sign Height.  Sign height is determined by the vertical distance from the finished grade at the base of the supporting structure to the top of the sign or its frame or supporting structure, whichever is higher. (See Figure 2-5 and subsection K). 

E.   Sign Regulations Per Overlay and Specific Districts.  Signs may be erected, maintained and displayed only when in compliance with the following provisions: 

1.   All districts.   

a.   No more than one (1) sign for each street frontage advertising the sale, lease or rental of the lot or premises on which it is placed shall be permitted. Such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in area in residential districts or thirty-two (32) square feet in area in a residential/office, CBD, commercial or industrial district. Such sign shall be removed within twenty-one (21) days after subject property has been sold or the word “sold” or similar wording has been placed on the sign property.

b.   Temporary signs placed on and identifying construction sites shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area and shall be removed upon completion of the construction.

c.   No trespassing signs, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area may be erected provided no such sign shall be placed within seventy-five (75) feet of another such sign on the same premises. (Refer to K8.)

d.   One (1) identification sign may be erected for each street frontage of a school, college, church, hospital or other similar public or semipublic institution. Such signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area and shall not be placed closer than five (5) feet to right-of-way or twenty-five (25) feet to a side property line. Provided, however, that if a facility identified above is within a non-residential district then such regulation within such applicable district shall apply.

e.   One (1) sign advertising or announcing a special event or function of a religious, charitable or fraternal organization may be erected on the premises where such event is taking place provided said sign does not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area, is not located within five (5) feet of right-of-way or twenty-five (25) feet to a side property line, except for corner lots, which must conform to a sight triangle (see Figure 2-6) such sign shall not be erected more than fifteen (15) days prior to the event and shall be removed promptly after the circumstances leading to its erection no longer apply.

2.   Residential districts.   

a.   Single-family dwelling:  One (1) nameplate or identification sign, not exceeding one hundred forty-four (144) square inches in area, may be erected. 

b.   Duplex or two-family dwelling:  One (1) nameplate or identification sign, not exceeding one hundred forty-four (144) square inches in area, may be erected for each dwelling unit. 

c.   Multiple-family dwelling:  One (1) sign identifying the building and its address and the management’s name, address and phone number may be erected provided the sign shall not exceed sixteen (16) square feet in area and shall not be located within fifteen (15) feet of any property line. 

d.   Model homes:  One (1) sign, not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet, may be erected on the site of a model home. No streamers, flags, banners, pennants or similar devices shall be permitted. 

3.   Residential/Professional district.   

a.   Signage may be erected, affixed or attached to the front, side or rear of a building so occupied.

b.   Total permitted signage area of thirty-two (32) square feet may consist of an affixed, attached and one (1) freestanding sign or a combination of said signs.

c.   There shall be a minimum sign setback of five (5) feet from any property line and shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height.

d.   One (1) sign, not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, may be erected to control and direct traffic at each entrance and/or exit for off-street parking areas. Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, that are necessary to direct and control traffic within a parking area may be erected. Traffic control signs will not be considered as part of the total permitted sign area.

4.   CBD district.   

a.   Permitted uses within CBD districts may erect, affix, paint or attach signs to the front, side or rear of the building so occupied. In the event of a shopping center or other multiple occupancy of a building, the sign or signs may only be erected, affixed or attached to that portion of the building occupied by said use. The sign area of such sign(s) shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the area of the front facade of the building or portion of the building occupied by said use. The sign area of any sign painted on or affixed to a door, window or any other part of the building or property shall be considered as part of the total permitted sign area.

b.   In the event the portion of the building occupied does not front on a public right-of-way an identification sign, sized in accordance with paragraph 4.a. above, may be placed on that portion of the building fronting on a right-of-way. In this case the total sign area fronting on a right-of-way shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the front facade.

c.   One (1) sign, not exceeding three (3) square feet in area, may be erected to control and direct traffic at each entrance and/or exit of off-street parking areas. Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, that are necessary to direct and control traffic within a parking area may be erected. Traffic-control signs shall not be considered as part of the total permitted sign area.

d.   Where permitted, a model home may erect a sign not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in area.

5.   Commercial districts.  Any use permitted in CBD. 

6.   Industrial districts.   

a.   Permitted uses within the industrial district may erect, affix, paint or attach signs to the front, side or rear of the building so occupied. In the event of multiple occupancy or use, the sign or signs may only be erected, affixed, painted or attached to the portion of the building occupied by said use. The sign area of such sign(s) shall not exceed fifteen (15) percent of the area of that front facade of the building or portion of the building occupied by said use. The sign area of any sign painted on or affixed to a door, window or any other part of the building or property shall be considered as part of the total permitted sign area.

b.   Same uses as permitted under commercial and CBD.

7.   Government use.   

a.   One (1) attached sign not exceeding twelve (12) square feet in sign surface area and one (1) detached or freestanding sign not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in sign surface area and not exceeding fifteen (15) feet in height above finished grade on each street side on a parcel containing uses indicated in the land use regulation schedules as public and semi-public.

F.   Sign Maintenance, Inspections and Non-Conforming Use.   

1.   All signs, including their supporting structures, shall be maintained in a safe and attractive manner.

2.   Should any sign be found unsafe, improperly maintained or in violation of this Code, the Building and Zoning Official shall notify the sign owner or property owner either in person or in writing. If the needed repair, maintenance or violation is not corrected within five (5) days, the Building and Zoning Official may have the said sign removed or repaired at the owner’s expense. Any sign posing an immediate hazard or danger may be removed by the Building and Zoning Official without notice.

3.   All nonconforming signs attached to a building or erected on a parcel of land shall be removed if the business or use to which the signs pertain is changed, removed, vacated or abandoned.

(Ord. No. 337, State Statute 10, 1-7-86)

G.   Political Signs.   

1.   No political signs shall be erected on or over any public right-of-way, attached to any tree or utility pole nor shall any political sign be placed on any property without written consent of the owner of said property.

2.   Any person or any entity wishing to place political signs within the city shall register with the Department of Development Services prior to installing the signs. The registration shall constitute a permit allowing such political signs, provided however, that permitee complies with the following requirements:

a.   That permitee removes all signs no later than seven (7) days after the election or referendum.

b.   That permitee acknowledges that any of permittee’s signs placed on city property or within city right-of-ways may be removed and discarded by the city without notice to permitee.

c.   That all political signs shall be set back two (2) feet from any public right-of-ways.

d.   A political sign shall not exceed nine (9) square feet in a residential district or thirty-two (32) square feet in a non-residential district and shall have a maximum height of five (5) feet in residential districts and ten (10) feet in non-residential districts.

e.   Number of Signs. Only one (1) political sign will be permitted per lot by the same candidate. For the purpose of determining the number of signs, a sign shall be construed to be a single display surface, effect or device containing elements organized, related and composed to form a single sign unit. Where a sign has two faces placed back to back and at no point more than two (2) feet from one another, it shall be counted as one sign.

(Ord. No. 2002-612, § 1, 11-5-02)

H.   Signs Prohibited in All Zoning Districts.   

1.   Signs with flashing or intermittent lighting.  This prohibition shall not include time, temperature or electrically controlled changing copy signs. 

2.   Roof mounted sign or signs that protrude above the roof line.

3.   Immoral display.  Any sign which displays any statement, work, character or illustration of an obscene, indecent or immoral nature. 

4.   Signs that emulate federal, state, county or city traffic-control signs or devices.

5.   Signs that are located on, project into or over a public right-of-way.

6.   Signs that project more than three (3) feet from the building to which they are attached.

7.   Advertising signs in residential districts.

8.   Advertising signs within five (5) feet of a property line.

9.   Signs that revolve, rotate, move or give the illusion of movement shall not be located within fifty (50) feet of a right-of-way.

10.   Non-governmental signage and off-site signs shall be prohibited from existing and future rights-of-way.

(Ord. No. 98-573, § 1, 10-6-98)

I.   Freestanding (Ground) Signs.  One (1) freestanding, on-premises identification sign permanently erected with a footing and foundation, may be erected on a lot in a CBD, commercial or industrial district. Such sign shall not exceed eighty (80) square feet in area, twenty-five (25) feet in height or be located within five (5) feet of a property line. (See special exception for shopping centers.) 

(Ord. No. 93-484, § 6, 11-2-93)

J.   Banners, Temporary or Portable Signs.   

1.   Banners, flags, pennants, streamers or similar devices are permitted for a minimum of seven (7) consecutive days for a maximum of forty-nine (49) days during a twelve-month period.

2.   All temporary or portable signs, except those announcing or advertising temporary events are prohibited within the City of Inverness.

3.   A permit shall be required prior to placement of the sign. The permit shall indicate the date the sign is placed and the date it is to be removed. In the event the sign is not removed by the specified removal date, the building or zoning official shall have the sign removed at the owner’s expense.

(Ord. No. 95-526, § 1, 1-3-95; Ord. No. 98-573, § 1, 10-6-98)

K.   Exempt Signs.  The following types of signs are exempt from permit requirement, provided that each sign is placed and constructed so as not to create a hazard and provided that the location requirement of subsection E of this section is met. 

1.   Signs necessary to promote health, safety and welfare and other regulatory, statutory, traffic control or directional signs erected on public property with permission as appropriate from the United States Government, State of Florida, Citrus County or the City of Inverness.

2.   Public utility signs that identify the location of underground utility lines and facilities, high voltage lines and facilities and other utility facilities and appurtenances.

3.   Decorative flags and bunting for a celebration, convention or commemoration of significance for the entire community when authorized by the City Manager for a prescribed period of time.

4.   Memorial signs or tablets, and names of buildings and dates of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials and attached to the surface of a building.

5.   Signs incorporated into machinery or equipment by a manufacturer or distributor which identify or advertise only the product or service dispensed by the machine or equipment, such as signs customarily affixed to vending machines, newspaper boxes, telephone booths and gasoline pumps.

6.   Advertising and identifying signs located on taxicabs, buses, trailers, trucks or vehicle bumpers, provided such sign does not violate subsection H of this section.

7.   Warning signs may be permitted provided that they do not exceed two (2) square feet and are located within the property lines. Warning signs may include, but shall not be limited to, “No Trespassing”, “Beware of Dog”, “No dumping”, “No Loitering”, and “No Parking” signs. Such signs will be limited to one (1) per residential lot of one hundred fifty (150) feet or less of frontage and for parcels with frontage greater than one hundred fifty (150) feet will maintain a minimum separation of seventy-five (75) feet, providing there is no conflict with Florida Statutes. In that event, the State Statutory requirement shall prevail.

8.   Signs may be allowed for occupant identification, subject to the following standards:

a.   One (1) sign shall be allowed, not to exceed one (1) square foot in area;

b.   The sign may designate the occupant or a lawful home occupation.

9.   Where a church, academic school, public assembly facility or hospital/emergency room is located on a local street, one (1) or more directional signs may be allowed.

a.   A directional sign shall not be located in the public right-of-way.

b.   A directional sign shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area.

10.   Legal notices and official instruments.

11.   Holiday lights and decorations.

12.   Signs carried by a person and not set on or affixed to the ground.

13.   On-site religious displays.

14.   National or state flags.

15.   Temporary signs for the sale of real estate as herein provided in this section, E.1.a.

L.   Advertising signs  (off-premises advertising signs): 

1.   No off-premises advertising sign shall be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of any other advertising or freestanding sign on the same side of the street. The City Council shall have the option, if certain conditions are found to exist, to grant a waiver of the distance requirements of one thousand (1,000) feet. The waiver option may be granted by the council when there are special or unique circumstances where the off-premises advertising sign applied for does not have a significant negative impact on surrounding land owners or the general public.

2.   The total sign area of an advertising sign or signs at one (1) location shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet. In the event of a back-to-back sign, only one (1) side shall be measured for sign area.

3.   No advertising sign shall exceed twenty-five (25) feet in overall height.

4.   In accordance with Chapter 12, Inverness City Code, an occupational license shall be obtained each year. The license number shall be painted on or affixed to each advertising sign. Any advertising sign not displaying the license number may be removed at the direction of the Zoning Official after fifteen (15) days’ written notice to the sign owner or property owner.

5.   All off-premises advertising signs must be approved by City Council.

(Ord. No. 93-482, § 1, 9-7-93)

M.   Subdivision Signage.   

1.   Street name and approved traffic-signs.   

a.   Street names signs:   

1)   Street name and approved traffic-control signs designed, constructed and mounted in accordance with city standards shall be placed at the intersection of or along each street or thoroughfare in the subdivision.

2)   Street names are subject to building and zoning department approval to avoid duplication.

3)   Street numbers will be assigned by the building and zoning department.

4)   The minimum height of a street name sign, measures to the top of the sign, shall be seven (7) feet. Each sign post shall be at least three (3) feet below grade, encased in concrete with a minimum of four (4) inches in diameter.

5)   The point of installation of street name signs shall be determined by the intersection of lines measured seven (7) feet from parallel to the intersecting streets.

2.   Signs at subdivision entrances.   

a.   One (1) sign is permitted at only one (1) entrance into the development from each abutting street. The sign may be a single sign with two (2) single-faced structures of equal size located on each side of the entrance. No face of the sign shall exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size, and may be illuminated in a steady light only.

b.   Traffic-control signs:   

1)   The minimum height of a traffic-control sign measured from grade level to the bottom of the sign shall be five (5) feet.

2)   Sign materials shall be reflective sheeting.

3)   Each traffic sign post shall be at least three (3) feet in the ground, encased in concrete with a minimum diameter of four (4) inches.

4)   Each traffic sign shall be a “breakaway” type according to Federal Highway Administration standards.Fig. 2-2Fig. 2-3Fig. 2-4Fig. 2-5

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Signage Education – Sign Code Hillsborough County Florida

The following On-premises signs are permitted as set forth herein:

A.

Building Signs are permitted in all zoning districts except residentially zoned districts subject to the following provisions:

1.

Maximum height: A Building Sign shall not be permitted above the roofline, cornice line, parapet, or the highest point of a façade.

2.

Maximum sign area: Each Premises, and in the case of multi-occupancy buildings, each unit, shall be permitted to display Building Sign(s), the Aggregate Sign Area of which shall not exceed 1¼ square feet per each linear foot of building frontage facing a public street or parking lot, but in no event more that 200 square feet of Aggregate Sign Area. For each unit not facing a public street or parking lot, the Aggregate Sign Area shall not exceed 1¼ square feet for each lineal foot of unit frontage for the elevation on which the building sign will be installed, but in no event more than 200 square feet of Aggregate Sign Area. Each Premises shall be entitled to a minimum Aggregate Sign Area of 20 square feet.

3.

Other limitations: Building Signs shall not project more than four feet from the building wall to which the sign is attached, nor shall a Building Sign project into the public right-of-way

B.

Canopy Signs are permitted in commercial and manufacturing zoning districts subject to the following provisions:

1.

Canopy Signs shall be allowed in addition to Building Signs.

2.

The aggregate sign area of all Canopy and Building Signs combined per elevation shall not exceed the aggregate sign area permitted for Building Signs.

3.

Canopy Signs shall not be permitted above the roofline of the canopy structure.

C.

Ground Signs: Ground signs are permitted in all zoning classifications subject to the following provisions:

1.

General Ground Sign provisions

a.

Maximum Height: No ground sign shall exceed 30 feet in height if located adjacent to an expressway or arterial highway or 15 feet in height if located adjacent to a collector or local street. Height shall be measured from the existing grade of the street which provides access to the premise, nearest the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign structure.

b.

Setback: Except as provided in Subparagraph (c) hereof, all ground signs shall be setback a minimum of ten feet from the right of way line and not within the required site distance pursuant to Florida Department of Transportation Design Standard Index No. 546. All ground signs shall be setback a minimum of ten feet from any side yard property line.

c.

Monument Signs: Monument signs shall be set back a minimum of 15 feet from the right-of-way line, but shall be permitted an increase in height of one foot for each one foot of additional setback provided from the right-of-way line up to a maximum height of 30 feet when adjacent to expressways and arterials or 15 feet when adjacent to collectors and local roads.

2.

Non-Residential Zoning District

a.

Maximum Number:

i.

Each Premises having street frontage of 300 feet or less shall be permitted one ground sign

ii.

Each Premises with street frontage of 300 feet or more shall be permitted to have one ground sign for each additional 300 feet of street frontage.

iii.

Where a Premise fronts on more than one public street, the distance requirements found in Section 7.03.00.C.2.a.i.—ii. shall apply to each frontage.

b.

Maximum Sign Area

i.

The maximum allowable Aggregate Sign Area for each ground sign shall not exceed one square foot for each lineal foot of public street frontage on the street where the sign is located or 100 square feet, whichever is less and no single sign face shall exceed 50 square feet in Aggregate Sign Area.

ii.

If a premise is permitted to have more than one ground sign, then all allowable ground signs may be combined into a single ground sign which shall not exceed 200 square feet in Aggregate Sign Area, and no single face shall exceed 100 square feet in Aggregate Sign Area.

c.

Ground signs shall be placed no closer than 150 feet apart on the same premises.

3.

Residential Zoning Districts

a.

Each residential dwelling will be permitted to have one ground sign not exceeding six square feet of Aggregate Sign Area and not exceeding six feet in height. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be construed to permit a sign if private restrictions prohibit or restrict the display of signs.

b.

Residential support uses: Each residential support use will be permitted to have one ground sign not exceeding 32 square feet of aggregate sign area and not exceeding eight feet in height.

c.

Residential entry signs: Not more than two ground signs are permitted to be installed or erected at each entrance to a platted subdivision, multiple family development (apartments, condominiums and mobile home parks) provided the combined Aggregate Sign Area of said signs shall not exceed 50 square feet.

D.

Flags: Each premise shall be permitted to display an unlimited number of flags, and the aggregate sign area of such flags shall not be included in the calculation of building signs for said premise; provided that any flag displayed on a premise shall only be displayed from a flagpole, as that term is defined in these regulations.

E.

Temporary Signs

1.

Sign Types: A temporary sign may be a ground or building sign but may not be illuminated by electricity and must be constructed of rigid materials except as permitted in subparagraph of this Paragraph D.

2.

Maximum Size: Unless otherwise provided in subparagraphs (f) and (g) of this paragraph (D) each premise may display temporary signs whose Aggregate sign areas shall not exceed 32 square feet. However, any double faced sign allowable under subparagraph 4(e) of this section shall be permitted 64 square feet of Aggregate sign area if no single face exceeds 32 square feet of Aggregate sign area, and if no other temporary sign is displayed on the premises.

3.

Maximum Height: Unless otherwise provided in subparagraph (g) of this paragraph (D) temporary signs shall not exceed eight feet in height.

4.

Each Premises shall be permitted temporary signs as follows:

a.

One real estate sign

b.

One grand opening sign, which may be a banner, provided that the sign shall not be displayed for more than 14 days during any 12 consecutive calendar months.

c.

One construction sign provided that such sign shall not be displayed more than 60 days prior to the beginning of actual construction of the project, and shall be removed no later than the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy for all or any portion of the construction project. In the event a construction sign is displayed but construction is not initiated within 60 days after the sign is erected, or if construction is discontinued for a period of more than 60 days, the construction sign shall be removed.

d.

One temporary sign for a premises that has no permanent sign provided that such temporary sign may not be displayed for a period of more than 60 days or until installation of the permanent sign, whichever shall occur first.

e.

Non-commercial signs displayed before, during or after an event or occurrence scheduled to take place at a specific time and place. All such signs shall be removed within 20 days after the end of the scheduled event or occurrence to which they relate.

f.

One balloon sign, not to exceed 30 feet in height, may be displayed per premises in non-residential districts or within non-residential designated areas of planned development districts for not more than ten consecutive calendar days nor more than 20 calendar days in a single year. The size limitation in subparagraph (D)(2) of this section shall not apply to balloon signs permitted by this subparagraph.

g.

Temporary pennants or banners may be displayed for a period not to exceed 90 consecutive calendar days, nor more than 180 days in a calendar year, provided (i) no such pennant or banner may displayed at a height of more than 18 feet; (ii) the quantity of temporary pennants and banners shall not exceed one linear foot per ten square feet of outdoor display area covered; (iii) shall be displayed only in non-residential zoning districts, as well as within non-residential designated areas of planned development districts; (iv) shall be attached to poles designed expressly for that purpose and shall not be affixed to vehicles, buildings or utility poles; (v) shall be of a uniform dimension throughout the premises; (vi) shall be made of mylar material; and (vii) shall be maintained in a state of good repair, and pennants or banners that are frayed, torn or otherwise in disrepair are prohibited.

h.

Temporary pennants may be continuously displayed for up to a one year period provided that the quantity of pennants shall not exceed one-half lineal foot per ten square feet of outdoor display area covered.

5.

A Street Banner shall have a maximum dimension of 2.5 feet horizontally and 6 feet vertically and may be single or double sided. Only one Street Banner is allowed per light pole. The clearance between the bottom of the Street Banner and ground shall be a minimum of 8 feet. No portion of a Street Banner shall project over any vehicular travel route or parking space. The Street Banners shall be maintained in a state of good repair and shall not be frayed or torn.

F.

Window Signs: Window signs shall be permitted, provided that such signs, in Aggregate Sign Area, do not cover more than 25 percent of the total window surface area of the premises facing a public street or parking lot. Window Signs shall not be included in calculating the Aggregate Sign Area for building signs.

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Signage Education – City of Tampa FL sign regulations

Standards for on-site signs in office, commercial and industrial districts. Where property is in a site planned controlled zoning district or a designated Overlay District, additional or modified regulations may apply. In those zoned areas, the most restrictive regulation applies.

(1)

Regulations for freestanding signs. Freestanding signs shall be allowed in office, commercial and industrial districts, provided the following specific regulations are met, in addition to the general regulations stated above.

a.

Number: One (1) Freestanding sign is permitted for each parcel having street frontage.

i.

If a parcel is a corner lot, as defined in 27-100(d)(1), then one (1) additional freestanding sign is permitted to be located adjacent to the second street frontage provided that the second street frontage is a minimum of three hundred (300) feet of continuous, lineal public street frontage; or

ii.

Three hundred (300) feet, one (1) additional freestanding sign is permitted for each additional three hundred (300) feet of continuous, lineal street frontage.

b.

Placement (See Diagram 2):

i.

The placement and orientation of a freestanding sign, as permitted by this section, shall be limited to arterial and/or collector street roadways (as identified in the City of Tampa Department of Public Works “Roadway Functional Classification System”), unless either of the following situations exist:

1.

The zoning lot has street frontage only on local street; or

2.

The zoning lot has street frontage on a local street where the entire block face on the local street, on both sides of the local street, has no residentially zoned parcels.

ii.

Freestanding signs shall be placed no closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet apart on the same parcel.

c.

Size:

i.

The allowable sign area for a freestanding sign shall be one (1) square foot of sign surface area for each lineal foot of street frontage on an abutting public street as follows:

ii.

If a parcel is entitled to more than one (1) freestanding sign under this section, then two (2) or more allowable freestanding signs may be combined into a single freestanding sign, not to exceed a maximum allowable sign surface area of one hundred (100) square feet per sign face.

iii.

The allowable sign surface area shall not include any decorative elements surrounding the sign face. However the decorative elements shall not protrude more than three (3) feet beyond the sign face.

d.

Height: The maximum height of a freestanding sign at the five-foot setback line shall be ten (10) feet measured from the established grade at the property line, on which the parcel has access to that portion of the freestanding sign closest to the right-of-way at the leading edge of the freestanding sign. For every one (1) foot of additional setback, the height of the freestanding sign may be increased by one (1) foot to a maximum height of twenty (20) feet. In no event may the freestanding sign interfere with the visibility triangle as provided in section 27-240 of the City Code.

e.

Design: The sign face shall be supported by a sign structure which shall consist of a single pier or pillar with a minimum diameter or horizontal dimension of thirty (30) inches or, alternatively, by two (2) piers or pillars, each with a minimum diameter or horizontal dimension of twelve (12) inches. The sign structure shall have materials and architectural details consistent with the principal building it serves or in a manner shown in Diagrams 3 and 4 below.

Diagram 1

Diagram 2

Diagram 3

Diagram 4

(2)

Regulations for building signs. Building signs shall be allowed in office, commercial and industrial districts, provided the following specific regulations are met, in addition to the general regulations stated above:

a.

Number:

i.

Single occupancy parcels. One (1) building sign shall be permitted for each single-occupancy parcel having street frontage. Corner parcels or double-frontage parcels shall be allowed one (1) sign per street frontage.

ii.

Multi-occupancy parcels. One (1) building sign shall be permitted for each establishment with a main door entrance which faces a public street in a multiple-occupancy parcel. Establishments located at a corner shall be allowed one (1) building sign for each side of the establishment which faces a public street. Building signs displayed on a multi-occupancy parcel shall be uniformly designed.

b.

Size: The maximum allowable sign surface area for each building sign shall be one and one-quarter (1¼) square feet per linear foot of building frontage abutting public street, excluding parking garages that abut a public street.

c.

Design:

i.

One (1) Projecting sign may be substituted for each building sign, provided that the sign surface area of the projecting sign shall not exceed the maximum allowable display area of the building sign which the projecting sign replaces.

ii.

Building signs shall not project beyond the roofline or side walls of the establishment to which the sign is attached, nor shall the building sign project more than twelve (12) inches out from the wall to which it is attached.

iii.

Building signs may contain a six-inch decorative border which shall not be counted as part of the sign surface area calculations.

d.

Awning signs: Copy contained on an awning attached to a building shall be considered a building sign for purposes of calculating the maximum allowable. Sign surface area. The awning upon which the copy is displayed must be a single color, made of opaque materials for the portion of the awning which is not used as the sign surface area. Down lighting shall be encouraged.

(3)

Regulations for projecting signs. Projecting signs shall be allowed in office, commercial and industrial districts, provided the following specific regulations are met, in addition to the general regulations stated above:

a.

Projecting signs may be substituted for the permitted wall sign referenced above, provided that the display area square footage of the projecting sign is not greater than the maximum square footage permitted for a wall.

b.

Projecting signs shall not project more than four (4) feet from the building wall to which the projecting sign is attached.

c.

Projecting signs shall not be located above the roofline of the building nor more than eighteen (18) feet above the grade of the street, whichever is less.

d.

The supporting hardware of a projecting sign shall not be visible from the street or sidewalk.

e.

Projecting signs shall not be constructed in violation of the public space encroachment limitations specified in this chapter.

f.

Projecting signs shall not be erected closer than ten (10) feet from an interior lot line or an adjacent establishment.

g.

Projecting signs, when specifically allowed by this Code, which project over any public or private pedestrian way shall be elevated a minimum of nine (9) feet above such pedestrian way. Projecting signs, when specifically allowed by this Code, which project over any public or private street shall be elevated a minimum of fifteen (15) feet above such street.

(4)

Regulations for marquee, canopy and awning signs. Marquee, canopy and awning signs shall be allowed in office, commercial and industrial districts, provided the following specific regulations are met, in addition to the general regulations stated above:

a.

One (1) sign located on a marquee, canopy or awning shall be affixed flat to the surface and shall not rise in vertical dimension above the marquee, canopy or awning.

b.

The maximum allowable display area for awning, canopy and marquee signs shall not exceed two (2) square feet per linear foot of building frontage facing a public street.

c.

Canopy and awning signs shall be permitted only when in lieu of a wall sign.

(5)

[Reserved.]

(6)

One directional sign per entrance into a commercial, office or industrial development, subdivision or zoning lot with a maximum height of five (5) feet for the structure, twelve (12) inches for the copy, and thirty-two (32) square feet. The directional sign shall meet the separation and setback requirements of on-site signs.

(7)

Alternative signage plan. As an alternative to the foregoing regulations, the following developments may establish an alternative signage plan:

a.

The owner(s) of one (1) or more parcels that constitute one (1) zoning lot of record or is/are subject to the same PD zoning site plan may erect on-site signs in accordance with an approved signage plan. A signage plan may be approved by city council as part of the PD zoning of the project or development. If a signage plan is not approved as part of the PD zoning of a project, then a permit may be issued for a signage plan according to the following criteria:

1.

All parcels subject to the signage plan shall be part of the same zoning lot of record and shall be interconnected with internal driveways and easements so that the parcels function as a single project; and

2.

The signage plan shall depict the location and nature of all signs to be erected; and

3.

The signage plan shall not allow more signage than would be allowed under the foregoing regulations if applied to each parcel separately; and

4.

The signs proposed in the signage plan shall conform with the height, setback and distance requirements from other parcels not subject to the signage plan or public place contained in the foregoing regulations; and

5.

The proposed signage plan shall be set forth in a written agreement executed by all persons or entities owning property or having a mortgage interest in one (1) or more of the parcels subject to said signage plan. If the signage plan is approved by staff, then the agreement shall be recorded in the Public Records of Hillsborough County, Florida as covenants and restrictions applicable to signage on all of the subject parcels. A copy of the recorded agreement shall be provided to the city prior to the issuance of any permits to construct or erect signs pursuant to said signage plan.

b.

For developments consisting of more than one (1) parcel or as a single parcel if there is common ownership and there is common ownership and there is proposed a common signage plan which advances the purpose of this chapter by substantially relinquishing entitlements to signage on one (1) parcel in exchange for signage on the adjacent parcel. The signage plan must meet the following criteria:

1.

The purpose of the signage plan is to provide direction to uses located off the arterial or collector roadway.

2.

The directional sign may not exceed fifty (50) square feet in area and should be located so as to facilitiate finding the “user” named on the sign.

3.

For each square foot of signage placed off site, there shall be an “in kind” reduction of signage on site.

4.

The allowable directional signage area on the parcel having frontage on the arterial or collector street may not exceed fifty (50) square feet above the maximum allowed for on-site sign, per this section 20.5-13.

5.

The affected parcels of the development shall abut common improved street right-of-way.

6.

The affected parcels of the development shall not be more than one-quarter (¼) mile (one thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) feet) apart, measured from the nearest property lines.

7.

The affected parcels of the development shall be located in non-residential zoning districts and shall not be separated by a residential zoning category.

8.

The plan must be recorded at the clerk of the circuit court and any revocation of the approved plan must be done with the consent of the City of Tampa. The revocation of the plan will require that each individual zoning lot must comply with the sign regulations of the City of Tampa as a single site.

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Signage Education – Sign Permits Pasco County, FL

201. DEFINITIONS.

Unless specifically defined below, words or phrases used in this Code shall be ascribed a meaning which they have in common usage and which gives this Code its most reasonable application.

Abandoned Sign

Any nonconforming on-premises sign or sign structure which bears no sign or copy for a period of six (6) consecutive months; or displays for a period of six (6) consecutive months information which incorrectly identifies the business, owner, lessor, or principal activity conducted on the site; or which through age, lack of maintenance or obsolescence no longer conforms to the applicable structural or maintenance standards.

Activated Sign

Any sign which contains or uses for illumination any light, lighting device, or lights which change color, flash, or alternate; or change appearance of said sign or any part thereof automatically; any sign which contains moving parts as part of its normal operation, such as rotating signs, shall be considered an activated sign.  Additionally, a sign that depicts or contains copy which moves or appears to be moving, or emits audible sound, vapor, smoke, odor particles, or gaseous matter, or electronic reader boards.

Advertiser

Any person who is a lessee or owner of a sign, an agent of same, or anyone who has beneficial use of a sign.

Advertising Balloon

A sign constructed from nonporous material, which is inflated and is designed to rise and float in the atmosphere. Included in this definition are those advertising balloons that represent the form of a person, place or thing. Aircraft that may meet this definition are not considered advertising balloons. Advertising balloons may be tethered or tied to the ground or may be designed to float freely in the atmosphere.

Aggregate Sign Area

When used in reference to the total allowable sign surface area, the total available display area of all sides or portions of a sign.

Alter (Signs)

This term shall include, but not be limited to, the following: the addition of sign surface area, the changing or relocation of light source, or the relocation of an outdoor advertising display from one position to another. “Alter” includes any and all structural changes in the sign, but shall not include the changing of copy on a sign which is designed as a changeable copy sign, or faces.

Awning Sign

A shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of nonrigid materials (except for the supporting framework) upon which a sign is indelibly drawn, painted or printed.

Banner Sign

Any 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. “Banner” does not include ground signs or pole signs, regardless of whether the ground signs or pole signs are on-site or off-site, and does not include flags, emblems, or insignia of any nation, state, or political subdivision, religious, charitable, political, social or fraternal organization.  All other flags shall be considered banner signs.

Beacon Light

Any light source, whether fixed or activated, which is designed to attract attention to a specific location, place or thing.

Bench Sign

A bench whose primary purpose is collateral with providing transportation service to the public upon which a sign is indelibly drawn, painted, or printed.

Billboard

See Outdoor Advertising Sign.

Broker Identification Strip

A strip of wood or like material or paper affixed to, around or upon a real estate sign to indicate the name of the broker advertising the sale of property.

Building Frontage

The linear length of a building facing a public street right-of-way, exclusive of alleys; or the linear length of the street right-of-way that faces the building, whichever is smaller.

Canopy Sign

A roof-like cover, attached or unattached, extending from the exterior wall of a building and composed of supporting framework of rigid materials upon which a sign is indelibly drawn, painted or printed.

Changeable Copy Sign

Any framed sign, illuminated or not, which is principally devoted to and designed for changeable text and graphics.  This definition shall not include activated signs.

Colonnade Sign

A sign suspended below the roof of a covered walkway, perpendicular to the façade of the structure, oriented to pedestrians and identifying the premises adjacent to it.

Commemorative Decoration

An embellishment placed to honor a certain event, person or place.

Commercial

Engaging in a business, enterprise, activity, or other undertaking for profit.

Commercial District

A commercial district is any parcel or parcels of land or water zoned C-1, C-2, C-3, or any areas designated and used for commercial purposes within a PUD/MPUD District as defined by the Pasco County Zoning Ordinance enacted November 19, 1975, and as subsequently amended.

Construction Sign

Any sign giving the name of contractors, architects, consultants and lending institutions responsible for construction on the site where the sign is placed, together with other information included thereon.

Copy

The letters, colors, text, or other graphics which comprise the message displayed upon the sign surface area.

Directional Sign

Any permanent or temporary sign which is used principally for the purpose of indicating the direction or location of any object, place, event or area including, but not limited to, those signs which indicate the avenues of ingress and egress from a particular premise, and bearing no additional advertisement beyond the name of the object, place or area.  Directional signs shall not contain names, addresses or occupations of tenants.

Directory Sign 

A sign which gives the name, address or occupation of the tenants of a building, including office directories; church directories; and shopping center, apartment, or townhouse directories.

Double-Faced Sign

A sign having two (2) display surfaces not necessarily displaying the same copy, which are parallel, back-to-back, and not more than forty-eight (48) inches apart.

Erect

To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix, and shall also include the painting of wall signs. This term shall not apply to copy changes on existing permitted signs.

Establishment

Any commercial, industrial, institutional, educational, office, business, social, fraternal or financial entity.

Exempt Signs

All signs for which permits are not required but which must, nonetheless, conform to the other terms and conditions of this Code.

Fascia Sign.

See Wall Sign.

Festoon

Fabric, paper, plastic or foil draped and bound at intervals.

Government Sign

Any sign erected by or on the order of a public official in the performance of his office or duty such as, but not limited to, traffic control signs, street name signs, warning and directional signs, public notices, historical markers, signs identifying governmental facilities, official commemorative signs, or signs of similar nature.

Ground Sign

Any sign other than a pole sign which is placed upon or supported by structures or supports in or upon the ground and independent of support from any building. The base shall touch the ground and continue to top of the sign without any openings, and the finish shall be consistent with materials used on the building that the sign serves.  “Ground signs” shall include monument signs.

Height (Signs)

The vertical distance measured from the finished grade at the base of the sign structure to the highest point of any sign. An elevation survey must be submitted with all applications for permanent on-site and off-site signs.

Holiday Decoration

An embellishment placed specifically for the purpose of celebrating a specific holiday, holiday event or holiday season.

Identification Sign

A sign which depicts the name or address of a building or establishment on the parcel where the sign is located as a means of identifying said building or establishment.

Illegal Sign

Any sign erected prior to the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance in 1975 and not conforming to this Ordinance; any sign erected without a permit subsequent to the enactment of the Zoning Ordinance in 1975; and signs erected prior to or subsequent to the enactment of the Zoning Ordinance in 1975 in violation of the county, state, or federal regulations shall be considered illegal signs.

Illuminated Sign

An illuminated sign is one which either: (a) provides artificial light through exposed bulbs, lamps, or luminous tubes on the sign surface; (b) emits light through transparent or translucent material from a source within the sign; or (c) reflects light from a source intentionally directed upon it.

Industrial District

An industrial district is any parcel or parcels of land or water zoned I-1, I-2, or any areas designated and used for industrial purposes within a PUD/MPUD District as defined by the Pasco County Zoning Ordinance enacted November 19, 1975, and as subsequently amended.

Interior Sign

A sign that is located in the interior of a structure or is located outside a structure but, because of the sign’s placement, design or orientation is not visible to persons from a public place.   An interior sign is not considered an on-site or off-site sign.

Maintain

Maintain shall include general servicing and upkeep in a safe, operable and attractive condition.

Marquee Sign

Any sign which is attached to or hung from a permanent, roof-like structure (marquee) which is supported by a building wall and which projects out from the building line usually but not necessarily over a public right-of-way such as a sidewalk.

Memorial Sign

Any sign erected in remembrance of a person or event or which is commemorative in nature.

Model Sign

A temporary sign that designates particular dwelling units and is used to depict other units of similar design that are for sale.

Multiple Listing Strip

A strip of wood or like material or paper affixed to, around or upon a real estate sign to indicate that the property being advertised for sale is also advertised within the real estate industry by virtue of their multiple listings service.

Multiple Occupancy Parcel

Any parcel that is occupied by more than one (1) establishment.

Multiprism Sign

Signs made with a series of triangular vertical sections that turn and stop to show three pictures or messages in the sign surface area.

No Dumping Sign

A sign having copy that includes the words “no dumping” and which is designed to inform the public that permission to place any putrescible or nonputrescible material or other solid or liquid waste is expressly denied.

Nonconforming Sign

Any sign lawfully in existence within Pasco County on the effective date of this Code which does not conform to the requirements of this Code.  An illegal sign shall not be considered to be a nonconforming sign.

Nonconforming Structure

A structure or part of a structure not designed to comply with the applicable use provisions of Article 500 of this Code or amendments heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of Article 500 of this Code. Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.

Nonresidential District

A nonresidential district is any parcel or parcels of land or water zoned other than E-R, ER-2, R-MH, R-1MH, R-2MH, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MF-1, MF-2, MF-3 or any areas designated and used within a PUD/MPUD district for residential purposes as defined by Article 500 of this code and as subsequently amended.

No Trespassing Sign

A sign having copy that includes the words “no trespassing” and which is designed to inform the public that permission to enter a parcel of land or structure is expressly denied.

Off-Premises Sign

See Outdoor Advertising Sign.

Off-Site Sign

See Outdoor Advertising Sign.

On-Premises Sign

See On-Site Sign.

On-Site Sign (a/k/a On-Premises Sign)

Any sign upon which commercial or noncommercial advertising or any other matter may be displayed, advertising goods, services or other things sold or available upon the parcel where the sign is located. Any authorized or permitted on-site sign is allowed to contain non-commercial copy in lieu of any other permitted copy.

Outdoor Advertising Sign (a/k/a Billboard, Off-site sign, Off-premises sign)

A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured, or furnished at the property on which the sign is located regulated by Section 601.21 of this Section.

Parcel

Any quantity of land being capable of being described with such definiteness that its location and boundaries may be established, and which is designated by its owner or developer as land to be used or developed as a unit.

Pennant

Any flag-like or streamer-like piece of cloth, plastic, foil or paper attached to any staff, cord, building, or other structure at only one (1) or two (2) edges, the remainder hanging loosely.

Permanent Sign

A permanent sign is one which is affixed to a building or the ground in accord with the requirements of the Pasco County Construction Code and any other applicable Federal, State, or local laws, and in such a manner as to be immobile without the use of extraordinary means such as disassembly.

Pole Sign

A sign, independent of support from any building, that is mounted on freestanding poles or other supports.

Political Sign

A sign identifying and urging support for or opposition to a particular issue, political party, or candidate for public office.

Portable Sign 

Any sign other than a sandwich sign, double or single-faced, which is not permanently erected on the site and which may readily be moved from place to place; except that this definition shall not apply to signs painted directly on vehicles or signs displayed through, but not on, windows.

Professional Office District

A professional office district is any parcel or parcels of land or water zoned PO-1, PO-2, or any areas designated and used for professional office purposes within a PUD/MPUD District as defined by the Pasco County Zoning Ordinance enacted November 19, 1975, and as subsequently amended.

Projecting Sign

Any sign which is attached to and which projects from the outside wall of any building or structure, excluding wall signs as defined herein.

Public Place

Public rights-of-way, any river, channel, lake, bay, body of water, public park or any adjacent parcel under separate ownership.

Real Estate Sign

A sign which advertises the sale, rental, or development of the parcel upon which it is located.

Residential Development Identification Sign

See Subdivision Sign.

Residential District

A residential district is any parcel or parcels of land or water zoned E-R, ER-2, R-MH, R-1MH, R-2MH, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, MF-1, MF-2, MF-3 or any areas designated and used within a PUD/MPUD district for residential purposes as defined by Article 500 of this code and as subsequently amended.

Revolving Sign (a/k/a Rotating Sign)

Any sign so erected or constructed as to periodically or continuously change the direction toward which any plane containing the display surface area is oriented.

Roof Sign

Any sign erected, constructed, or maintained on the roof of any building, above the eaves, or above mansards, parapets, or other similar architectural features of buildings or structures which are capable of supporting signs. A “Roof Sign” is part of the structure for purposes of determining the height of the structure for zoning height restrictions.

Roof Line

The top edge of the roof or parapet. Whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette when viewed from the ground level.

Rotating Sign

See Revolving Sign.

Sandwich Sign

A sign consisting of two (2) sign faces connected at the top with either hinges or fixed fastening devices that is not permanently erected on the site and which may readily be moved from place to place.

Sign

Any device, permanent or temporary, which is visible from a public place or to a public audience and which is designed to attract attention to the subject matter of its copy shall be deemed to be a sign. Specifically excluded from this definition is any mural or painting or other artistic creation etched or painted on the wall of any structure, provided that the mural, painting or artistic creation, contains no off-site or on-site advertising material. Further, flags or emblems of any nation, state or political subdivision or any other noncommercial entity shall not be considered signs. Interior signs, as hereinafter defined, are not regulated by this Code.

Sign Face

The part of a sign on which the copy or message is or could be placed.

Sign Number

For the purpose of determining the number of signs, a sign shall be construed to be a single display surface or device containing elements organized, related, and composed to form a single unit. In cases where material is displayed in a random or unconnected manner, or where there is reasonable doubt as to the intended relationship of such components, each component or element shall be considered to be a single sign. A projecting sign or ground sign with sign surface on both sides of such sign shall be construed as a single sign, and the total area of such sign shall be the area computed on a single side of the sign.

Sign Structure

Any structure which is designed specifically for the purpose of supporting a sign, has supported, or is capable of supporting a sign. This definition shall include any decorative covers, braces, wires, supports, or components attached to or placed around the sign structure.

Sign Surface Area

The surface area of a sign is the entire area within the periphery of a regular geometric form, or combination of regular geometric forms, comprising all of the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed, but not including the sign structure bearing no copy.  The surface area of the sign shall be measured from the outside edges of the sign or the sign frame, whichever is greater. The sign surface area shall include the aggregate sign area upon which copy could be placed, and shall include the total of a single side of a sign surface upon which copy could be placed.

Single Occupancy Parcel

Any parcel that is occupied by a single establishment.

Snipe Sign

A sign made of any material when such sign is tacked, nailed, posted, glued, or otherwise attached to any pole, tree or other natural feature, fence, fence post, bench, stakes, other sign or other similar objects located on public or private property. A snipe sign does not include real estate sales signs, warning signs or open house signs. 

Sold Sign

A strip of wood or like material or paper affixed to, around or upon real estate sign to indicate that the property being advertised is no longer offered for sale.

Special Event Sign

A sign, not within the scope of another defined term of this Section, advertising a temporary event sponsored by a public, social, charitable, educational, religious or other nonprofit institution. 

Subdivision Sign

Any community entry sign which is designed solely to identify a subdivision or neighborhood, including but not limited to industrial and commercial parks, multifamily projects, and single-family residential development.

Substantial Damage (Signs)

Damage of any origin sustained by a sign where the cost of restoring the sign to its condition prior to damage would equal or exceed fifty (50) percent of the adjusted replacement cost of the sign before the damage occurred, as assessed through current Marshall & Swift construction cost data publications.

Temporary Sign

A sign which is not designed, constructed, or intended to be permanent. This definition shall not include prohibited signs. 

Vehicle Sign 

Any sign attached to or placed on a vehicle, including automobiles, trucks, boats, campers, and trailers, that is parked on or otherwise utilizing a public right-of-way, public property or on private property so as to be intended to be viewed from a vehicular right-of-way for the purpose of providing advertisement of products or services or directing people to a business or activity.  This definition is not to be construed to include those signs that identify a firm or its principal products on a vehicle or such advertising devices as may be attached to and within the normal unaltered lines of the vehicle of a licensed transit carrier, when and during that period of time such vehicle is regularly and customarily used to traverse the public highways during the normal course of business.

Wall Sign (a/k/a Fascia Signs)

A sign which is painted on, fastened to, or erected against the wall of a building with its face in a parallel plane to the plane of the building façade or wall and which does not project more than eighteen (18) inches from such building.  This definition shall include the painting of a sign on a wall surface.

Warning Sign

Any sign which is designed to provide public notice of a clear and present danger to public health, safety, and welfare.

Window

An opening to the outside other than a door which provides all or part of the required natural light, natural ventilation, or both to an interior space. The glazed portion of a door in an exterior wall may be construed to be a window in regard to the provision of natural light.

Window Sign

A window sign is one which is painted on, attached to, or visible through a window (excluding displays of merchandise), which identifies or advertises activities, services, goods, or products available on the parcel.

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Signs & Signage News – Tampa, FL · This column is authored by signage company Premier Signs. Located in Hillsborough County (Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Florida) they write about vehicle wraps, car graphics, banners, large format, digital print, illuminated signs.

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