Unified Development Ordinance

Article 11: Interpretation and Definitions Section 11.5. Terms and Uses Defined 11.4.3. Illuminated Signs

S IGN Any object or device containing letters, figures, and/or other means of communication or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors or which the effect produced is to advertise, announce, communicate, identify, declare, demonstrate, direct, display, and/or instruct potential users of a use product or service. S IGN A REA /S URFACE AREA The entire area shall be measured by the square, rectangle, semicircle, or parallelogram thereof, and comprise the entire sign inclusive of any border or trim and all the elements of the matter displayed, but excluding the base or apron, supports and other structural members. In the case of three-dimensional letters or painted letters directly on a building wall surface, the surface area shall be defined as that area encompassing the area of the letters including any trim or border. S IGN P ERMIT A document that is issued by the Planning Director that authorizes the posting, display, repair, change, painting, or erection of a sign or sign structure as being in compliance with signage standards in Section 5.16, Signage. S IGN , A DDRESS A sign identifying the street number and/or name of the occupant of the property on which the sign is located. S IGN , A WNING A sign affixed to or part of an awning supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed on nonrigid materials except for the supporting framework. S IGN , A WNING -M OUNTED A sign affixed to or part of an awning supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed on nonrigid materials except for the supporting framework. S IGN , B RACKET -M OUNTED A sign hanging from a bracket attached to and projecting out from a building face or wall, generally at a right angle to the building and that may swing. S IGN , C HANGEABLE C OPY A sign that is designed to accommodate the frequent changing of message copy (e.g., letters, numerals, graphics), whether through manual means (e.g., changing of attachable characters or graphics), mechanical means (e.g., rotation of sign face or sign panels), or electronic means (e.g., automatic switching of sign face or sign panels or of the message itself). Changeable copy signs include bulletin or reader boards, time and temperature signs, and electronic message signs. S IGN , E LECTRONIC A sign that changes its message copy by means of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs, or other illumination devices within the display area. S IGN , B ANNER Any sign, except an awning sign, made of flexible, fabric-like material, for temporary use.

S IGN , F ENCE WRAP Temporary sign affixed to a perimeter fencing at a construction site.

Morrisville, NC

October 1, 2021

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 11-69