University of Virginia Library

Sec. 28-1. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following words and
phrases shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them
by this section:

Advertising sign. Any sign which directs attention to a
business, commodity, service or entertainment, whether or
not conducted, sold or offered upon the land or in the building
where such sign is located or to which it is attached.

Billboard (poster panel). Any board, panel or tablet used
for the display of printed or painted advertising matter.

Business sign. Any sign which directs attention to a business,
profession, commodity, service or entertainment sold or


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offered upon the land or in the building where such sign is located
or to which it is attached.

Erect. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend,
project by light beam or affix any sign.

Area of facing or surface. The surface and enclosing structure
of ornamentation upon, against or through which the
message is displayed or illustrated on the sign. Where signs
do not have backboards or frames, the total area shall be determined
by measuring the smallest rectangle which encloses
all letters or symbols thereof.

Flashing sign. Any illuminated sign on which there is artificial
light which is not constant in intensity or color at all
times when such sign is in use; however, the changing of
time and temperature data on a sign shall not be construed as
a flashing sign.

Ground sign. Any sign supported by uprights or braces
placed in or upon the ground and not attached to any building.

Height. The over-all distance from the ground level to the
top of the sign structure.

Illuminated sign. Any sign which has characters, letters,
figures, designs or outline illuminated by artificial light as
a part of the sign proper.

Incombustible material. Any material which will not ignite
at or below a temperature of twelve hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

Marquee. Any canopy or other covered structure, other than
a projecting sign, projecting from and wholly supported by
a building and extending beyond the building wall.

Nonstructural trim. The moldings, battens, cappings, nailing
strips, latticing and platforms which are attached to the
sign structure.

Painted sign. Any sign painted on the exterior surface of
a building.

Projecting sign. Any sign which is attached to a building
or other structure and extends more than twelve inches beyond
the face of such building or structure.


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Roof sign. Any sign erected, constructed and maintained
wholly upon or over the roof of any building.

Sign. Every billboard, ground sign, wall sign, roof sign,
illuminated sign, projecting sign, temporary sign or other
outdoor display structure, and such term shall include any
announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration
or insignia used to advertise or promote the interest of
any person or cause when placed out of doors in view of the
general public.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected, the use of
which requires a location on the ground or which is attached
to something having a location on the ground.

Temporary sign. Any sign, banner, pennant or valance of
advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric,
cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without
frames, intended to be displayed for not more than thirty
days.

Wall sign. Any sign or lettering, projecting not more than
twelve inches, which is placed against or attached to the
front, rear or side wall of a building, but such term shall not
include professional name plates that comply with subsections
(c) and (e) of section 28-9. (8-5-63.)