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S I G N & F A Ç A D E
DESIGN MANUALEast Boston
CONTENTS
STOREFRONTS ................................................................................................................................... 4
DOORS ................................................................................................................................................ 8
WINDOWS ........................................................................................................................................ 10
SIGNAGE .......................................................................................................................................... 12
AWNINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 14
LIGHTING ......................................................................................................................................... 16
EXAMPLES ......................................................................................................................................... 20
DIAGRAMS ....................................................................................................................................... 34
GLOSSARY ........................................................................................................................................ 38
4
ST
OR
EF
RO
NT
S
The storefront generally refers to the portion of the facade at street level which represents the business within. The building facade and the storefront have signifi cant potential to enhance the overall downtown district character. In addition to projecting an image of the business within, storefronts can refl ect the image of the neighborhood. Attention to design, architectural details and maintenance are all ways to create an attractive storefront. Displays should add texture, color and visual activity to the pedestrian experience.
• Storefronts should maintain consistency with
historic character, and improvements should
be made to show the original style and materi-
als of the building when possible.
• Storefronts should fi t into the original storefront
opening.
• Strive to achieve continuity among neighboring
storefronts.
• Solid window frame color is recommended.
• Improvements to storefronts and signage must
comply with zoning codes and signage codes
and satisfy permitting requirements.
• The horizontal band located at the top of a
storefront is an appropriate location for sig-
nage for the business.
• Windows and doors should be consistent in
height and design to create a cohesive appear-
ance for the storefront.
• Storefront windows should be clear of exces-
sive displays or signs and the interior of the store
visible to customers and pedestrians from the
outside.
• Storefront windows or doors should never be
permanently blocked off.
• Original materials should be used, maintained,
repaired and uncovered whenever possible
• Replacement materials should be matched as
closely as possible
• Materials used should be of a high quality. Good
high quality materials include: stone, brick, and
terra cotta.
• Easily maintained materials should be used.
1 }{
5
Above and right: Consistent color schemes that highlight the architectural details creates a unifi ed look to the storefront that is appealing and cohesive. Source: CGI
Top photo: This storefront utilizes materials that are consistent with the rest of the building. Large, open windows with solid color frames are free of extra signage and clutter making the storefront clean and at-tractive. Small decorative awnings fi t in to the overall design and adds extra visual interest. Source: CGI
6
Source (all): CGI
7
Source (all): CGI
8
DO
OR
S
2 Primary entrances should be designed to enhance the overall building facade and storefront but should also keep in mind their practical uses. Doors should provide a clear point of access to the business while also upholding the design of the building. Entrances that incorporate large panels of glass or other transparent materials are beneficial as they allow more daylight into the business space and also increase visibility , both inside and out, for a higher sense of security.
• Doors with large glass panel are recommended.
• Doors should be compatible with the overall
building character.
• Recessed doorways provide many benefi ts
to the storefront such as: providing shelter for
customers in bad weather, helping to clarify the
entrance to the business and giving space to
outward swinging doors.
• New store entrances must comply with stan-
dards to be accessible to the physically disabled.
• Residential doors that are located on the front
of the building should be visually separate
from the storefront as to not create confusion
of its purpose.
• Doorways should be clear of excessive mer-
chandise displays.
}{
9
Source (all): CGI
10
WI
ND
OW
S
3 On a storefront level, windows provide a visual connection between the interior of a business and the pedestrian passing by. For this reason it is important that there is emphasis on the size and transparency of lower story windows. Upper fl oors windows should be of an appropriate size and relate to the architectural style of the building. Smaller, evenly spaced windows for upper fl oors are generally recommended.
• Transparent glass rather than tinted, textured
or dark glass.
• 70% of window area must be uncovered.
• Historic features i.e. decorative moldings, special
glazing and frames should be preserved when
possible.
• Deteriorated materials should be replaced with
matching materials.
• Window heights should be aligned and win-
dow size should be unifi ed to create a consis-
tent look for the entire storefront.
}{
11
Upper left: The lighted sign boxes in the upper windows creates a unifi ed look for this store which occupies the fi rst through third fl oor in the building. Source: DHC Design
Upper right and bottom left: Applied vinyl graphics. Source: CGI
12
SI
GN
AG
E
4 Signage should provide information that is simple and legible, of a size and location that avoids competing with or obscuring the architecture of the building. In general, the number of signs on a facade should be kept to the minimum necessary to effectively communicate the messages being conveyed. Signage should be unique to this town rather than being generic, and should focus on advertising local businesses, not national product brand names or logos.
• Signs should be sized and placed to reinforce
the architectural elements of the façade.
• Signage should be creative and legible and be
iconic, graphic oriented or three dimensional.
• Signs should be placed in a clear, well-defi ned
area or wall space.
• Remove all old sign materials that are not in use.
• Durable, quality materials such as MDO plywood,
metal, or molded letters should always be used.
• Projecting signs/blade signs hung perpendicular
to the sidewalk and scaled for pedestrian use:
must be at least 10 feet above ground level and
project no more than 6 feet from the building.
• Window graphics should be used to provide
information for the business such as hours of
operation or services offered.
• Historic signs should be restored if they are a
contribution to the character of the storefront.
• Back-lit, reverse channel letters should be used
when possible.
• Signs should not be fl ood-lighted. Small,
shielded light sources are encouraged.
• Signs should contain simple information only,
(too much information can be confusing and
distracting).
• Primary signage should avoid advertising na-
tional brands or logos and instead focus on the
particular business.
• A projecting sign must be attached to the
building at a right angle, have no more than
two faces, and can project no more than 6 feet
from the building. The bottom of the sign must
be at least 10 feet from the ground level and
}{
13
the top may not extend more than any of the
following: 25 feet above grade, the top of the
sills of the fi rst level of windows above the fi rst
story, or the lowest point of the roof.
• Window signs should cover no more than 30%
of the available window area.
• Signage should not obscure the buildings
unique architectural features.
• Temporary signs, such as paper signs or ban-
ners are discouraged.
• Flat wall signs should be clearly incorporated
into the design of the facade and form a well
defi ned band.
• Signage and fonts should be coordinated with
the architectural style of the building.
• Buildings that have multiple storefronts should
have signs that relate well to each other. Source: CGI
14
PROJECTING SIGNA sign that is attached to a building but ex-
tends beyond the building structure. Regula-
tors often set a predetermined distance that
a sign must extend beyond a building for it
to be considered a projecting sign. A deco-
rated awning is an example of a projecting
sign. Also referred to as blade sign. *
(Glossary terms prepared by Kyle T. Reath of Ellipsis and Jack Biesek of Biesek Designs for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design.)
Source (all): CGI
15
Source (all): CGI
16
MOUNTED LETTERSRefers to letters that are mounted to the face
of the building, similar to a wall sign, but with
out the sign back. Included in this category
are pin-letters which are similar but are
mounted and leave a 1 -2” space between the
letter and the wall in order to visually create
more depth. *
(Glossary terms prepared by Kyle T. Reath of Ellipsis and Jack Biesek of Biesek Designs for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design.)
Source (all): CGI
17
FLAT SIGN
A fl at sign or fascia sign is a sign that is mounted on a wall
and whose face runs parallel to the wall. A fl at sign might also
project from the wall on which it is mounted. Also referred to as
a wall sign. *
(Glossary terms prepared by Kyle T. Reath of Ellipsis and Jack Biesek of Biesek Designs for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design.)
Source (all): CGI
18
AW
NI
NG
S
5 Awnings with a traditional design and appearance are encouraged as facade elements when they serve to protect pedestrians from the sun and rain, provide a secondary location for signage, add color and interest to building storefronts and facades, and add emphasis to display windows and doorways.
• Awnings that are a traditional shape with
either a solid valance or no valance and open
ends are encouraged.
• Awnings can be a utilized to protect pedestri-
ans, customers and displays from sun and rain.
• Awnings on a building with multiple storefronts
should be consistent in location and size.
• Canvas awnings with metal frames are encouraged.
• Under-awning lights that illuminate the side-
walk and storefront are encouraged.
}{
This storefront has fl at awnings with open ends and no valance. Source: CGI
19
Above: Traditional shaped awning with vinyl graphics applied and lit with wall mounted lights. Source: CGI Top: Awnings fi t to the windows are allow architectural details. Source: CGIBottom: This mix of fl at and dome awnings provides shade from the sun. The bold stripes and color compliment the mounted lettering. Source: CGI
20
LI
GH
TI
NG
6 Lighting has two purposes: illuminating the business and discouraging crime. Lighting creates a feeling of security for the passerby and is an important factor in a commercial setting. A variety of light sources and locations should be considered in carrying out storefront renovations. Sign lights, display window lights , architectural lighting, and general area lighting is encouraged to advertise the business, highlight building features, and to illuminate dark corners of the property or street. In some cases, where general street lighting is suffi cient, a storefront may require minimal illumination.
• Indirect lighting is encouraged.
• General interior lighting of display areas helps
prevent break-ins by allowing both police and
passersby to see the activity inside a store.
• The scale and style of light fi xtures should be in
keeping with the storefront’s design.
• Decorative fi xtures such as sconces and gen-
eral building lighting will accent a storefront
and enhance a building’s architectural details.
• Lighting should attract attention to signs, store
information, or building details, but not to itself.
• Supplementary security lighting such as fl oodlights
should be hidden or shielded to avoid glare.
Note: Certain Types of sign lights such as neon lights and dynamic lights are regulated by the Boston Zoning Code. Refer to neighborhood district regulations for specifi c requirements of an area.
}{
21
Gooseneck lights provide indirect illumination for wall mounted signage and projecting signs. Source: CGI
22
Wall mount light fi xtures accent the architectural details of the building. Source: CGI
Wall mount gooseneck lights the storefront details. Source: CGI
Wall mount light fi xtures bring attention to the pin-mounted metal sign. Source: CGI
23
Top right: Flat sign with evenly spaced lighting fi xtures. Source: DHC Design
Top left: Decorative detailing incorporated into the signage and lighting. Source: CGI
Bottom left: Wall mounted gooseneck lighting highlight Above: Blade sign with integrated lighting. Source DHC Design
Left: Linear fl orescent placed over sign. Blade sign has side incandescent illumination. Source: DHC Designs
24
EX
AM
PL
ES
7 The following site studies were chosen in the East Boston neighborhood for the purpose of illustrating some of the options available for storefront facade and signage improvements. }{
25
26
27
Dimensional wall sign with raised lettering and raised graphic
Cross section
Wall sign and pin lettering
SITE STUDY 1
This building on the north side of Bennington Street
was formerly a single occupancy tenant : most likely
a fi ve and dime or small department store. Presently
it is occupied by several tenants whose various signs
are put up without relation to one another.
An improvement might be a master sign board
area within which individual signs may be placed by
tenants. As businesses change in the building signs can
be put up and taken down without much cost to the
tenant. Lighting would be integrated into this master
sign board area to provide lighting for the fl at signs.
The addition of awnings for this south facing building
will unify the façade of the building at the street level.
Shown in the rendering the awnings are in a unifi ed
color and are framed with 1” hollow tube metal fram-
ing. The sides are open and there is no valance.
The additions of awnings to the buildings on the
North side of Bennington Street, facing directly
south, would be encouraged to both provide a
unifi ed façade and to provide shade to businesses
which receive direct sunlight during the day.
28
29
Backlit pin letteringDimensional graphic
Possible blade sign
SITE STUDY 2
This building on the north side of Bennington Street
was formerly a single occupancy tenant: most likely
a small grocery store such as an A&P. Presently it
is occupied by several tenants whose various signs
are put up without relation to one another.
The solution would be to center all signs over each
business as required by the Boston sign code to de-
fi ne and clarify the area occupied by the business.
These would be either fl at signs with printed letter-
ing and graphics, raised lettering applied to the
sign, or raised pin type letter with backlighting. The
nature of the business (daytime or nighttime) would
determine the need for lighting at night.
Also encouraged would be the addition of awnings
to the all of the entrances to the businesses. The
additions of awnings to the buildings on the North
side of Bennington Street, facing directly south,
would be encouraged to both provide a unifi ed
façade and to provide shade to businesses which
receive direct sunlight during the day.
30
31
SITE 3
This building on Meridian Street is representative
of a recurring type in the East Boston Main Streets
District. That is a commercial building with more
than two stories with businesses occupying each
fl oor. For the business owner there is the problem
of advertising a business with a sign while comply-
ing with the Boston Sign Code.
The solution on the ground fl oor would be to center
all signs over architectural elements as suggested by
the Boston sign code to defi ne and clarify the area
occupied by the business. This would be accom-
plished by fl at signs centered over door and window
areas as shown, or with appropriate awning signs.
Supporting this would be appropriate window
lettering or lit signs in the ground fl oor windows.
These signs and lettering should cover no more
than 30 percent of the window.
For the second fl oor business awning signs would
be appropriate if signs are less than 25 feet in
height from the ground. A fl at sign centered over
their entry would be appropriate.
Supporting this would be additional lettering on the
windows and or lighted sign boxes mounted inside
of the windows. See section three which has exam-
ples of lettering and lighted boxes on upper stories.
Businesses on fl oors above the second fl oor of
a building may have less of a retail function and
more of a professional or institutional nature such
as a church, lawyer, doctor, dentist or church.
Window lettering may be suffi cient to provide these
businesses with enough identity from the street.
32
33
SITE STUDY 3
This building on the north side of Bennington Street
is a jewelry store which is part of a building that
has residences above.
Possible improvements to this store would be a new
awning, fl at sign and vinyl applied graphics to the
storefront windows.
In preparation for the new signboard some deco-
rative fi nish carpentry could accentuate the entry
door to the apartments to the left of the storefront.
This would be provided by the owner and may be
included in the façade improvement.
The new awnings would be 1” hollow tube metal
framing. The sides are open and there is no valance.
As in the last two examples the addition of aw-
nings to the all of the entrances to the businesses
would be encouraged would be. The additions
of awnings to the buildings on the North side of
Bennington Street, facing directly south, would be
encouraged to both provide a unifi ed façade and
to provide shade to businesses which receive direct
sunlight during the day.
Vinyl applied window graphic
Wall sign
Blade sign
34
35
Locksmith24 Hour Service
Possible blade signs
SITE STUDY 4
These two buildings are on the south side of Ben-
nington Street, have businesses on the ground fl oor
level and apartments above.
Possible improvements to these stores would be a
new sign for the locksmith shop, centering the fl at
sign of the business on the right and vinyl applied
graphics to the storefront windows.
These building are on the south side of Bennington
Street and face directly north. The additions of
awnings to the buildings on the south side of Ben-
nington Street would not be encouraged because
these buildings do not receive any direct sunlight
during the day.
Additional signs in the form of “blade signs” perpen-
dicular to the buildings would be encouraged in lieu of
awnings to create visual interest and also to advertise
the businesses on the south side of Bennington Street.
36
37
Wall mounted back lit acrylic blocks with a glossy fi nish and pin-letters
&&&&&
&&&&&&&&&&
&Possible blade signs illustrating different color variations
Flat sign with acrylic or mounted lettering
SITE STUDY 5
This façade has two businesses on its frontage.
One Business has an awning sign and the other has
a printed fl at sign.
In order to create a cleaner look and unify the
frontage for both businesses it is suggested the
awning to the left be removed and both businesses
could receive new fl at signs which are located on a
new defi ned sign board area.
The nail salon’s sign would consist of wall mounted
back lit acrylic blocks with a glossy fi nish and back
lit pin letters.
The Variety store to the left is shown with a fl at sign
with acrylic letters mounted to the sign.
To support the new signs appropriate window
lettering and graphics would be applied to the
storefront windows.
Removal of roll down grates is encouraged through-
out the district and would be part of this scheme.
Possible blade sign
38
AP
PE
ND
IX
8 The following diagram have been included to help illustrate key points pertaining to building feature terminology as it will to help with understanding the correct placement of signage. As the discussion of signage can be complicated, because of the various types of signs and the many terms that are used in zoning, signage fabrication and signage use. The included glossary of terms has been found to be very useful as a resource to assist in the explanation of signage standards, guidelines and programs. (Glossary terms prepared by Kyle T. Reath of Ellipsis and Jack Biesek of Biesek Designs for the Society for Environmental Graphic Design.)
}{
39
Cornice
Keystone
Lintel
Sill
Horizontal Course
Frieze or Horizontal Signage Band
Exterior Light Fixture
Transom
Column or Pier Capital
Column or Pier
Storefront Display Window
Sill course
Base Panel
Column or Pier Base
FACADE DIAGRAM
40
GL
OS
SA
RY
Advance notice sign - A sign used to provide an
advance notice prior to a roadway, street, or
building entrance. Similar to a directional sign, but
usually announces a single destination.
Animated sign - A sign that shows motion or
changes in copy or color, most often through the
use of electric or electronic means.
Architectural signage – a term that was coined in
the 1960s to identify visual communications and
wayfi nding information in the built environment.
Hence, physical enhancements to a building
or space with the purpose of identifying or
communicating information.
Awning – a shelter usually constructed of nonrigid
materials on a supporting framework that projects
from and is supported by the exterior wall of a
building. An awning may or may not be illuminated
and/or decorated with graphics to serve as a sign.
There are also glass and metal awnings.
Back-lighted sign – a sign consisting of a cabinet
containing a light source surrounded by one or
more translucent faces, which may be illuminated
for visibility.
Back-to-back – two or more sign faces mounted on
a common structure but facing in opposite directions;
many pole signs are back-to-back or double-sided.
Banner – a sign made of fabric, plastic, or other
nonrigid material which has no enclosing framework.
It may be painted, screen-printed, digitally printed, or
decorated with vinyl.
Billboard – a large outdoor board used for posting
advertising. The name comes from the traditional
practice of posting bills, or prepainted messages. In
the 19th century, it became common for businesses to
lease separate board space for their bills, hence the
name billboard.
Blade sign – a type of projecting sign mounted on
41
a building facade or storefront pole or attached to
a surface perpendicular to the sign’s surface and
to the normal fl ow of traffi c. carved letters – usually
v-carved, u-carved or squared-carved into wood
or stone. Created by hand-carving with chisel and
mallet, sandblasting technique, or by a computer-
controlled routeror engraver. Two types of carving,
bas-relief and incised, are generally done by hand.
Carved signs – letters or shapes incised or relieved into
sign substrate surface. Can refer to routing process.
Cast Metal or Acrylic - Letters are formed using
a mold, giving a more sculptured appearance,
generally with more rounded edges. Letters can be
cast with metal, acrylic or foam.
Changeable copy sign – a sign on which the copy
can be changed, either manually through the use
of attachable letters (usually plastic), mechanically
using rotating panel elements, or electronically
using computer-controlled incandescent bulbs,
light-emitting diodes (LED), liquid crystal displays
(LCD), plasma screen, etc.
Channel letter – the outline of a letter, with metal
returns, into which a neon tube is placed. The
depth of the channel may vary, depending on the
viewing angle. The channel letter may be open
faced, plastic-faced, or a reverse channel letter
with halo illumination.
Copy – most commonly, the words or message
to be displayed on a sign. May be expanded to
include all graphics on a sign face.
Crossbar – a horizontal arm that is attached to
a sign. The crossbar typically runs perpendicular
to the sign’s face and parallel to the building’s
facade. It is used with guy wires to help stabilize
building-mounted signs.
Design intent drawings – drawings that show only
the size, profi le, and basic relationship of parts,
but no specifi c details of material or construction.
Usually, these drawings are provided as bid
documents from which the selected fabricator
develops shop drawings and/or prototypes to
defi ne and confi rm specifi c details.
Directional sign – a sign intended to provide
directional information. While a directional
sign may be considered any on-premise sign
that provides such information, the Highway
Beautifi cation Act sets guidelines for the size,
placement, and content of purely directional signs.
Double-face – a sign with two parallel but
opposing faces; a back-to-back sign.
Edge lighting – a technique used to illuminate (by
internal refraction) carved, incised, or sandblasted
lettering and images, usually glass or acrylic, by
lighting the edge of the transparent material.
42
Electric sign – a sign that contains electrical fi xtures
or connections.
Embellishments – any addition to a sign face that
provides a three-dimensional effect. Cut-outs, push-
through shapes/letters, neon strips, and clocks are
all examples of embellishments.
Embossing – the process of producing raised
letters, particularly those produced by engraving
dies or plates.
Engraving – a method of marking metal, plastic,
or glass in shallow, negative relief utilizing a bit or
graver. Engraving may be done freehand, using a
pantograph, or by computer-driven equipment. The
engraved area may be fi lled to create greater contrast.
Entrance canopy – a canopy or awning attached to
the facade of a building to provide shelter and to
defi ne the building entrance. Often used as a vehicle
for identifying building.
Etched and paint-fi lled – etched (chemically) or
incised (mechanically or by the abrasive method)
and then fi lled with color to create a desired
contrast and appearance.
Facade – the front or principal entrance of a
building.
Fascia-mounted sign – a fl at sign that is mounted on
a wall and whose face runs parallel to the wall . A
fascia-mounted sign might project from the wall on
which it is mounted. Also referred to as wall sign.
Flat cut out letters - Letters and graphics are cut out
of a variety of materials such as aluminum, bronze,
brass, copper, stainless steel or acrylic using either
Waterjet Cut or CNC Machinery. This method
allows for a more detailed cut with sharper corners
and fi ner details.
Flexible-face material – translucent woven vinyl
cloth that is decorated and then stretched across a
frame to form awnings, billboards, and other types
of signage.
Foam board – a type of lightweight, rigid board
used for interior signs. Foam board consists of a
plastic foam sheet laminated on one or both sides
by a variety of paper or plastic substrates.
Foam tape – typically double-sided adhesive tape
used for mounting sign plaques, letters, or other
sign materials to vertical surfaces. Comes in black
or white and in various thicknesses (1/32” to 1/8”
thick) and widths (1/2” to 1” wide).
Font – a specifi c style and group of letter forms
consisting of one complete set of letters, numerals,
symbols, and punctuation used for composing
written communications in a given typeface. Typically
provided in digital form (formerly available in hot
metal and photographic composed typography).
Fonts come in various weights (i.e., light, regular,
43
bold and black weights). Many fonts also are
provided in italic formats. Fonts can be condensed
(made to look narrower) or extended (wider).
Format – the workable space within which the art
and copy must fi t; the shape and area of a sign face.
Also, format may describe the general make-up of a
sign, such as: the format is a sandblasted wood sign
with a push-through logo.
Gateway sign – typically a sign at the entry to
a neighborhood or large facility, graciously
announcing the entrance to a grand destination.
Also called precinct sign.
Gilding – considered by many to be the highest
form of sign art, gilding is the application of thin
metal sheets to glass, signs, and vehicles. After the
work surface is clean and the design is marked out,
a gelatin sizing is brushed on the area to be gilded.
The gold leaf is lightly applied to the work site using
a gilder’s tip and static electricity. After the entire
area is dry, the gold leaf is burnished and holes
and imperfections in the gild are fi lled. The fi nal
step, if the gild is reversed on a window, is painting
the backs of the letters (and an outline) or outlining
them if it is a direct gild. On outdoor application, a
protective clear coat is sometimes applied when the
gilding is on incised stone.
Glass signs – painting, carving, sandblasting and/or
etching are the most popular ways to decorate glass
for signage.
Glazing – 1. the act or process of furnishing or fi tting
with glass. 2. a transparent or translucent color
applied to modify the effect of a painted surface.
Goose neck – the curved support for a light fi xture
normally constructed out of steel conduit. It is used on
billboard and storefront signs as a traditional solution.
Ground sign – a freestanding sign that is mounted
on poles or braces, with no secondary support.
Height – the vertical distance from the grade to the
highest point of the sign face. Sign codes often limit
allowable height of signs.
Identifi cation sign – a sign giving the name of the
business for purposes of identifi cation.
Illuminated sign – a sign which is lighted by either
an internal electrical source or external fl ood lights.
Internally illuminated – a sign that is lighted
through the use of internal electric fi xtures or lamp
banks. See also back-lighted sign.
Legibility – the quality of a sign’s typefaces that
allows it to be easily read and deciphered.
Marquee – 1. the portion of a canopy, sign, or
architectural element protruding from a building
44
face that projects over the public street or sidewalk.
Can be lighted, used for advertising of events,
and is typically used by theaters.. 2. a projecting
structure permanently attached to, but not a part of
the roof. Also known as a canopy.
Menu board – a changeable point-of-purchase
advertising display that allows the retailer to list
products and prices.
Neon tubing – glass tubing fi lled with various gases
and charged with electricity creating an illuminated
tubular sign or decorative elements. Neon itself is
a rare inert gas which, when an electric current is
discharged through it, produces a reddish-orange
glow. Other gases such as argon and mercury can
be used, and will produce other colors. This term
is also often used to describe a type of luminous
tube sign, which may contain other inert gases.
The coating and color of the glass tubing will also
dictate the color of the illuminated tube.
Off-premise sign – a sign that is not located on the
building or property of the business it advertisers.
The most common example of an off-premise sign is
a billboard.
Open channel letter – a channel letter with returns
that project forward perpendicularly from face of
letter, and in which the neon tubing is visible.
Painted sign - Sign that has graphics and/or text
painted directly onto the brick facade or the sign
band area.
Permit – a license granted by the appropriate
authorities to allow a sign to be erected.
Pin Mounted letters – Letters that are mounted onto the
building but leave a 1 -2” space between the letter and
the building in order to visually create more depth.
Pole sign – a freestanding sign, usually double-
faced, mounted on a round pole, square tube,
or other fabricated member without any type of
secondary support.
Projecting sign – a sign that is attached to a
building but extends beyond the building structure.
Regulators often set a predetermined distance that
a sign must extend beyond a building for it to be
considered a projecting sign. A decorated awning
is an example of a projecting sign. Also referred to
as blade sign.
Readability – the quality of a sign’s overall design
that allows the viewer to correctly interpret the
information presented on it. Also, the optimum
time and distance in which this can be done. Letter
size and style, legibility of typeface, color contrast
between letters and background, and a sign’s
layout all contribute to readability.
Reverse channel letter – a channel letter that has a
face and sides but no back, and is pinned out from
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a background surface. When the neon tube inside
the letter is illuminated, it produces a halo effect
around the letter.
Roof sign – a sign structure that is erected on or above
a roof, or that is installed directly on a roof’s surface.
Sandblasting – a method for decorating glass or
wood. A rubberized stencil of the artwork is either
hand- or computer-cut and applied to the substrate,
which is then sprayed with a pressurized stream of
sand or synthetic particles to texture the unprotected
area. Once the desired depth has been achieved on
the item being blasted, the stencil is removed, and if
on wood, the surfaces may be painted.
Setback – in a sign or development code, the
distance between the primary face of the sign and
the property line or right of way. The distance is
measured in a straight line from the base/bottom
of the sign. Most municipalities require that signs
comply with specifi ed setbacks or that a variance
from the regulations be applied for and secured.
Sign – any device, structure, display, or placard
which is affi xed to, placed on or in proximity to,
or displayed from within a building to attract
the attention of the public for the purposes
of advertising, identifying, or communicating
information about goods and services.
Signage / signing – interchangeable terms used to
describe signs. Any group of posted commands,
warnings, information, or directions.
Sign code – a sign code may be part of a
government body’s land use planning regulations,
or it may be a separate document designed to
interact with other land use codes. As part of the
police powers granted to local governments, a
sign code normally seeks to promote the health,
safety, and welfare of the public. Sign codes may
regulate size, placement, illumination, structure and
aesthetics of sign content and design.
Sign face – the front surface of the sign (in elevation),
where the graphics are placed. Also called face.
Sign type – defi nes the style or use of each
unique sign component in a system. Sign types
are individually determined in each sign project.
A sampling of sign type descriptions: building
identifi cation, directory, freestanding, monument,
pedestrian directional, pedestrian informational,
post and panel, regulatory, vehicular directional,
vehicular informational, etc.
Sign-Foam® – a brand of specialized polymer
foam cell products designed for three-dimensional
signage applications, available in different
densities and strengths. This open cell foam
machines easily and holds shape well. When
primed and painted, it can look like other more
permanent materials.
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Spinner sign – a sign, either freestanding or wall-
mounted, where the messages rotate in the wind. A
spinner sign is not considered an animated sign.
Stone signs – typically sandstone, granite, marble,
limestone, and other common decorative stone
material. Letters can be stud-mounted to stone or they
can be carved or incised into the face of the stone.
Substrate – the material out of which the face is
made. Wood, metal sheeting, paper, and acrylic
are some examples of sign substrates.
Temporary sign – any sign that is not intended to be
permanently installed. Banners and signs at construction
sites are good examples of temporary signs.
Vinyl letters – letters cut from adhesive-backed
material, in dozens of opaque, translucent,
metallized, and transparent colors and patterns.
Wall mount – a single-face sign mounted on a wall.
Another name for a wall sign.
Wall sign – in the most literal sense, a sign that is
painted on a wall. The term is often expanded to
include fl at signs that are placed on or attached to
the wall of a building. These latter signs are also
called fascia-mounted signs and wall mounts.
Window sign – a sign that is mounted for display on a
window, and intended to be viewed from the outside.
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