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GLOSSARY'
<br />The following is a sampling of some of he most common content -neutral temporary sign types.
<br />A -Frame Signs (aka Sandwich Board
<br />Signs or Sidewalk Signs)
<br />A freestanding sign ordinarily in the
<br />shape of an "A" or some variation
<br />thereof, which is readily moveable and
<br />not permanently attached to the ground
<br />or any structure. See also the definition
<br />of T -frame signs.
<br />Air -Activated Graphics
<br />A sign, all or any part of, which is de-
<br />signed to be moved by action of forced
<br />air so as to make the sign appear to be
<br />animated orotherwise have motion.
<br />Balloon Signs (aka Inflatable Devices)
<br />A sign that is an air -inflated object,
<br />which may be of various shapes, made
<br />of flexible fabric, resting on the ground
<br />ora structure and equipped with a por-
<br />table blower motor that provides a con-
<br />stant
<br />flow of air into the device. Balloon
<br />signs are restrained, attached, or held
<br />in place by a` cord, rope, cable, or similar
<br />method. See also the definition for air -
<br />activated graphics.
<br />Banner Signs
<br />A temporary sign composed of cloth,
<br />canvas, plastic, fabric, or similar light-
<br />weight, nonrigid material that can be
<br />mounted to a structure with cord, rope,
<br />cable, or a similar method or that may be
<br />supported by stakes in the ground.
<br />Blade Sign (aka Feather Signs, Teardrop
<br />Signs, and Flag Signs)
<br />A temporary sign constructed of cloth,
<br />canvas, plastic fabric, or similar light-
<br />weight, nonrigid material and supported
<br />by a single vertical pole mounted into
<br />the ground or on a portable structure.
<br />Freestanding/Yard Signs
<br />Any permanent or temporary sign placed
<br />on the ground or attached to a support-
<br />ing structure, posts, or poles, that is not
<br />attached to any building.
<br />Pennants
<br />A triangular or irregular piece of fabric or
<br />other material, whether or not contain-
<br />ing a message of any kind, commonly
<br />attached by strings or strands, or sup-
<br />ported on small poles, intended to flap
<br />in the wind.
<br />People Signs (aka Human Mascots, Sign
<br />Spinners, and Human Signs)
<br />A person, live or simulated, in the public
<br />right-of-way who is attired or decorated
<br />with insignia, images, costumes, masks,
<br />or other symbols that display com-
<br />mercial messages with the purpose of
<br />drawing attention to or advertising for an
<br />on -premise activity. Such person may or
<br />may not be holding a sign. [Note: There
<br />is significant debate about whether a
<br />people sign is really a sign or whether
<br />they can be regulated by zoning, espe-
<br />cially in light of Reed. Many communi-
<br />ties still regulate these signs, but this
<br />requires special consideration.]
<br />Portable Message Center Signs
<br />A sign not permanently affixed to the
<br />ground, building, or other structure,
<br />which may be moved from place to
<br />place, including, but not limited to, signs
<br />designed to be transported by means of
<br />wheels. Such signs may include change-
<br />able copy.
<br />Snipe Signs (aka Bandit Signs)
<br />A temporary sign illegally tacked, nailed,
<br />posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise at-
<br />tached to trees, poles, stakes, fences, or
<br />other objects.
<br />T -Frame Signs
<br />A freestanding sign ordinarily in the
<br />shape of an upside down "T" or some
<br />variation thereof, which is readilymove-
<br />able and not permanently attached to
<br />the ground or any structure. See also the
<br />definition forA-frame signs.
<br />Vehicle Signs
<br />Any sign permanently or temporarily at-
<br />tached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer
<br />in any manner so that the sign is used
<br />primarily as a stationary sign.
<br />and each community has its own preferences
<br />for what types of signs it wants to allow. When
<br />determining what sign types to allow in your
<br />community, be sure to consider the character
<br />of the area or zoning district where you are al-
<br />lowing the signs. In downtown and pedestrian -
<br />focused areas, banners and sidewalk signs
<br />are far more prevalent; larger temporary signs,
<br />such as yard signs, blade signs, and banners,
<br />are more common along high -traffic areas and
<br />in more suburban or rural areas. When it comes
<br />to historic districts or other unique areas, it is
<br />not that uncommon to see a complete prohibi-
<br />tion of temporary signs other than those that
<br />might be posted in a window or a banner at-
<br />tached to a building. With an increasing focus
<br />on regulating the character of land use, such as
<br />in form -based codes, there is more opportunity
<br />to write sign regulations specific to the form of
<br />development.
<br />Specify Temporary Sign Allowances
<br />It is not realistic or advisable to recommend
<br />that a community simply allow "X" amount of
<br />sign area and let a property owner determine
<br />how much of that area should be utilized for
<br />permanent or temporary signs. It may look like
<br />the easiest of solutions, but it ends up being
<br />an administrative nightmare for staff. Every
<br />time the owner increases or decreases the
<br />amount of temporary signs, there is a possibil-
<br />ity of creating nonconforming sign issues or,
<br />more likely, eliminates all possibility oftempo-
<br />rary signs if the owner spends the allowance
<br />completely on permanent signs. The latter is-
<br />sue becomes a problem when there is a legiti-
<br />mate need for a temporary sign in a situation
<br />where, for example, the property is for sale.
<br />Most communities do not want to take an ex-
<br />ZONINGPRACTICE 2.16
<br />AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION Ipage5
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