Unified Land Development Code - Town of Gilbert

GLOSSARY
against which it is placed. For a freestanding sign, the definition of sign area also includes the entire
base of the sign above the ground level, but does not include the perimeter architectural
embellishments and details such as decorative columns and caps. When the sign only consists of
letters, designs, or figures engraved, painted, projected, or fixed on a building or perimeter wall, the
total area of the sign shall be the area of the smallest rectangle within which the entire fixed lettering
and/or artwork is inscribed. All sides of a sign visible from anyone (1) location shall be measured in
determining the area of the sign, except that only one (1) side of a sign shall be measured if the two (2)
sides are back to back or separated by an angle of forty-five (45) degrees or less. If the two (2) sides
are not of equal size, the larger side shall be measured. A back to back sign shall have parallel faces,
separated by not more than two (2) feet.
Sign area, sum total Aggregate area of all signs for any individual use (excluding traffic directional
signs). In every event, computation of allowable sign area includes all existing signs on the premises,
whether such signs are conforming or non-conforming unless specifically excepted by the terms of this
Article.
Sign, attached. Any sign, which is attached, fastened, connected or supported in whole or in part by a
building or structure other than a sign structure, which is supported wholly by the ground.
Sign, automated teller machine directional A traffic directional sign which is used to direct pedestrian or
vehicular traffic on a parcel to the location of an automated teller machine.
Sign, awning. Signs which are placed on or integrated into fabric or other material canopies which are
mounted on the exterior of a building.
Sign, boutique. A temporary sign intended to advertise the location of the boutique sale from a
residential use.
Sign, change panel or copy change. A sign designed to permit immediate change of copy, which may be
other than the name of the business, i.e. message, time, special event, date, and temperature, or a
change panel message reader.
Sign, contractor or subcontractor. The temporary signs which identify the contractor or subcontractor
engaged in the construction, reconstruction or repair of a building or buildings on a parcel.
Sign, construction. A temporary sign erected on the parcel on which construction is taking place, or will
take place within one year, indicating the names of the architects, engineers, landscape architects,
contractors or similar artisans, and the owners, financial supports, sponsors, and similar individuals or
firms having a role or interest with respect to the structure or project.
Sign, detached. Any sign supported wholly by the ground or a fence.
Sign, directional A sign limited to directional messages such as entrance/exit or direction instruction to
direct on-site traffic circulation. Directional signs intended for residential planned developments may
be on or off premise such as model home complex signs.
Sign, directory. A sign intended to show the relative locations of or direction to the several commercial
or industrial activities within a shopping center or multiple use industrial or business
park, or multiple building residential complex.
Glossary, Pg. 28.2