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A-FRAME SIGN
An upright, rigid supporting frame in the form of a triangle or an inverted V.
AGRICULTURAL SIGN
A temporary or permanent sign identifying or promoting agricultural products produced and/or sold on the premises.
 
ARCADE SIGN
A sign suspended above and perpendicular to a covered sidewalk in a multitenant building, identifying an establishment to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
 
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AWNING SIGN
Fixed or movable devices attached to the building wall, constructed of fabric or metal and which are located above the storefront and designed to shade the sidewalk and storefront, and may include sign graphics or text printed on the exposed surfaces.
 
BANNER SIGN
A sign made of a bon-rigid material, including but not limited to cloth, canvas, or plastic.
 
BARBER POLE SIGN
A striped, oftentimes rotating, cylindrical sign used to identify a hair cutting establishment.
 
CHANNEL LIT SIGN
A sign with "channel" letters using a light source fully contained within the "channel" constructed letters having a translucent face and opaque sides. Alternatively the letters may have an opaque face and translucent sides. No part of the letter may be open or transparent. "Channel" letters may be surface-mounted or pin-mounted or bracketed off the wall surface or the face of the sign box.
 
CONSTRUCTION SIGN
A temporary sign erected on a site which designates individuals or firms relating to a construction project on the premises.
 
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DIRECTIONAL SIGN
A sign which improves the flow and safety of vehicular and pedestrian circulation on a site through the use of messages such as parking in rear, drive through or shipping and receiving.
 
FLASHING SIGN
Any sign in which or upon which artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times and specifically projecting signs that scroll, alternate, or otherwise move or change a message using lighting, screens, projections, or moving parts of any kind.
 
GOVERNMENTAL SIGN
A sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental functions or required by law, ordinance, or other governmental regulations.
 
GROUND SIGN
A freestanding sign placed on the ground or supported by a structure other than a building, such as an ornamental wall or fence.
 
HALO ILLUMINATED SIGN
See HALO-LIT SIGN
HALO-LIT SIGN
A sign with individual and dimensional letters that is back lit and designed so no light projects through the sign and the light source is fully obscured within the letters of the sign.
H-FRAME SIGN
An upright sign supported by a base in the form of an "H."
HOME-BASED BUSINESS SIGN
A sign no larger than four square feet identifying a home based business approved under Ch. 470 Article III.
INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign illuminated either by an external, artificial light source projected upon the sign surface (floodlighting) or an artificial light source projected at the rear of an opaque surface (halo lighting).
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN
A sign illuminated by an internal, artificial light source (typically fluorescent or incandescent light bulbs) which passes through a translucent surface, illuminating the copy and/or background.
MENU BOARD SIGN
A sign that identifies specific products or services that may be ordered and obtained at a business, including sales at a drive-through facility.

 
 
MESSAGE BOARD/BULLETIN BOARD SIGN
A fixed wall or ground sign used to identify a business key products, services, or events, often seasonal or sale-related, but the message is allowed to be changed in conformance with these regulations, without requiring a sign permit each time the message is changed.
MODEL GROUND SIGN
A ground sign which is pre-approved by the Zoning Commission for immediate use as permitted in Table 470-703D (1)(e).
MOVING SIGN
Any sign, or any portion of any sign, which is not fixed or stationary, or which is capable of any movement whatsoever; excluding barber poles and clocks.
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MULTITENANT SIGN
A freestanding sign that identifies two or more establishments within a place of business.

 
NEON SIGN
A sign made of shaped glass tubing, illuminated by electrically charged neon or similar inert gases.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNS (BILLBOARDS)
A sign owned or operated by any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of outdoor advertising for compensation for the use of such signs, or any sign advertising a commodity or activity not sold, produced or conducted on the lot.
OFF-SITE PROMOTIONAL MODEL GROUND SIGN
A promotional model ground sign limited to advertising either a bed-and-breakfast establishment or the sale of agricultural goods on a Residence District lot that is remotely located from the lot on which the sign is to be placed, as permitted in Table 470-703D(1)(f).
OPEN SIGN
A flag or window sign indicating that an establishment is open for business.
POLITICAL SIGN
A temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidate or issues in connection with any national state, or local election.
PROMOTIONAL MODEL GROUND SIGN
A ground sign used to identify a business' key products, often seasonal or sale-related. Posts are anchored for public safety, but signage is changeable, as permitted in Table 470-703D(1)(f).
PUBLIC INTEREST SIGN
A temporary ground sign that advertises household sales, civic and philanthropic events.
(public hearing sign)
PUSH THROUGH SIGN
A sign with "push-through" letters which are translucent acrylic plastic letters inserted through the opaque face of a light cabinet; the face of the letters may be opaque or translucent. The fully contained light source within the light cabinet causes the translucent letter to glow and illuminates the face of the light box.
 
REAL ESTATE SIGN
A temporary ground sign offering for sale or lease the property on which it is located or advertising a real estate development on the premises.
 
REAL ESTATE, OFFSITE SIGN
A sign that directs traffic to property that is for sale or lease but not located on the property upon which the sign is placed.
ROOF SIGN
A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or that is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that project above the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable, or hip roof.
SELF STANDING SIGN
A sign that is a self supported structure, erected on the ground and not accessory to any building or structure on the lot.
 
SIGN
Any banner, billboard, display, flag, illumination, illustration, insignia, lettering, logo, pennant, picture, structure or other device, however made, displayed, painted, supported or attached, intended for use for the purpose of advertisement, identification, publicity or notice when visible from any street or from any lot other than the lot on which the sign is located and either:
1) located out-of-doors or
2) located indoors and intended to be viewed from outside the building, or any building feature, including with limitation, roof, awning, or other special illumination, special colors or effects, or building or roof lines which serve to identify the use or occupancy of any building or site through a recognized motif or symbol. The term "sign" includes vehicle signs. However, it shall not include any flag, pennant or insignia of any governmental unit, any traffic or directional signs located within the right-of-way of a street when authorized by the Town of Canton or State of Connecticut. 
SIGN AREA
The area of a sign shall be the entire area encompassed by the perimeter of the sign consisting of the best fit of not more than five rectangles, triangles or circles. Any sign may be double facing and only one face shall be counted in determining conformity to sign area limitations. The area of a three-dimensional sign shall be the sum of all sides or sign faces divided by two.
See Diagrams § 470-703E(1) and § 470-703E(2).
SIGN-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page under their specific sign name.

SIGN 
SIGN, A-FRAME
SIGN AREA
SIGN, ARCADE
SIGN, AWNING
SIGN, BARBER POLE 
SIGN, CHANNEL-LIT
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION 
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
SIGN, FLASHING
SIGN, GOVERNMENTAL
SIGN, GROUND
SIGN, HALO ILLUMINATED
SIGN, INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED
SIGN, INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
SIGN, MESSAGE BOARD/BULLETIN BOARD
SIGN, MENU BOARD
SIGN, MODEL GROUND
SIGN, MOVING
SIGN, MULTITENANT
SIGN, NEON 
SIGN, OFF-SITE PROMOTIONAL MODEL GROUND
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES (BILLBOARDS)
SIGN, OPEN
SIGN, POLITICAL
SIGN, PROMOTIONAL MODEL GROUND
SIGN, PUBLIC INTEREST 
SIGN, PUSH THROUGH
SIGN, REAL ESTATE
SIGN, ROOF
SIGN, SELF-STANDING
SIGN, SKY
SIGN, THREE DIMENSIONAL
SIGN, VEHICLE
SIGN, WALL OR ATTACHED
SIGN, WELCOME NEW BUSINESS MODEL GROUND
SIGN, WINDOW 
See Article 4: Signs for photographic descriptions.
SKY SIGN
Any sign suspended in the air by means of a balloon or other lighter-than-air device.
STREAMER SIGN
A ribbon like flag usually suspended from a rope or cord attached to a structure, pole or vehicle and intended to capture attention by flapping in the wind.
TAG-LINE to a WALL SIGN
See WALL or ATTACHED SIGN
THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIGN
Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e. balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks).
 
VEHICLE SIGN
Any permanent or temporary sign affixed to, painted on, or placed in or upon any parked vehicle, parked trailer, or other parked device capable of being towed, which is obviously and conspicuously parked so as to advertise the business to the passing motorist or pedestrian; and the primary purpose of which is to provide additional on-lot signage, or is to serve the function of an outdoor advertising sign.

The primary purpose of such vehicle or equipment shall be presumed to be for the display of such signage if the vehicle/equipment meets one or more of the following:
(a) Not in operating condition;
(b) Not currently registered or licensed to operate on public streets;
(c) Not actively used in the daily function of the business to which the signs relate;
(d) Not properly parked in a designated parking space; or,
(e) Used primarily as a static display for the display of such signage, except as otherwise authorized in subparagraph (d) in this section.
 
Vehicles and equipment engaged in active construction projects and the on-premise storage of equipment and vehicles offered to the general public for rent or lease shall not be considered to be vehicle signs.
 

 
WALL or ATTACHED SIGN
A sign mounted on the wall of a building.
WELCOME NEW BUSINESS MODEL GROUND SIGN
A temporary ground sign pre-approved by the Zoning Commission for a new business to use before permanent signage is erected.
WINDOW SIGN
A sign painted on, affixed to, or placed within three feet of the interior face of a window or door and visible from the exterior.
Sign measurement.
(1) The area of any sign shall be the entire area encompassed by the perimeter of the sign consisting of the best fit of not more than five rectangles, triangles or circles.

(2) All dimensions for signs shall be based on measurements to the outside edge of the sign excluding any structure necessary to support the sign.

(3) Any sign may be double facing, and when a sign is attached to the ground, only one face shall be counted in determining conformity to sign area limitations, provided that the interior angle of the sign is 30° or less, and the distance between faces does not exceed 18 inches.

(4) The depth of a sign may be calculated as part of the sign area if considered to be an integral part of the sign message. The area of a three-dimensional sign shall be the sum of all sides or sign faces divided by two.

See  Diagram 470-703E(1) and  Diagram 470-703E(2) for illustrative information.

General sign standards.
Sign location.
(a) Except as may be otherwise provided in these regulations, all signs shall be located on the property to which they pertain.

(b) No sign shall be painted, drawn, or otherwise established directly upon the surface of any building unless a special permit is approved by the Commission.

(c) Ground signs shall not be located less than 15 feet from the paved portion of a street unless they are wall signs attached directly to a building or otherwise approved by the Commission.
 
[1] For buildings located closer than 15 feet from the paved portion of a street, perpendicular wall signs of no more than 24 square feet may be substituted for the ground sign.

[2] Signs subject to the approval of the Collinsville Historic District Commission shall be exempt from the requirements of this Subsection (c).
 
(d) Signs or associated plantings shall be located and maintained so that they will not cause danger to traffic on a street by obscuring the sight line. Signage shall comply with the standards of § 470-708.

(e) Wall signs shall be located on the elevation of the building which corresponds to the activity to which they pertain, or the location of the primary entrance.
 
Sign design.
(a) All letters used on signs shall be fabricated to have a measurable dimensional thickness of no less than 1/4 inch. Painted-on letters of sheet or film applied letters are not permitted except for temporary signs, open and closed signs, awning signs, and menu board signs.

(b) All signs shall be professionally made or have a professional appearance.

(c) Sign letters, backgrounds, cabinets, light sources and all materials and hardware shall be durable and suitable for exterior use.
 
(d) Signs shall be made of wood, metal, glass, brick, concrete, stone, or plastic.

(e) All signs shall be firmly and safely mounted.

(f) All tenant signs shall be fully integrated into the design of the storefront or building area.

Sign construction and safety.
(a) Signs shall be constructed of good material, firmly supported and maintained in good condition. All signs must comply with the Connecticut State Building Code.

(b) Signs which may become unsafe or in disrepair in the opinion of the Commission shall, upon notice from the ZEO, be repaired or removed by the owner or lessee of the property on which such signs stands within one month of such notice).

(c) No red or green neon signs shall be located within 200 feet of a traffic signal.

Sign lighting. See § 470-703F(4) for detailed information.

Sign height.
(a) Except as may be authorized by the Commission, no detached sign shall exceed 10 feet in height from existing grade. See Diagram 470-703F(1).

(b) For a sign located on a berm, the height of the sign shall be measured from the top of the sign face to ground level at the base of the berm or at the original existing grade.
 
Other standards.
(a) Landscape features that include a road name or street number may be approved by the Commission as part of an overall site plan in addition to permitted signage, provided:
 
[1] No business names or logos are displayed, unless proposed by the applicant in place of other allowed signage;

[2] Natural materials that reflect the site characteristics are used; and

[3] Additional plantings are provided.

Exceptions. See § 470-703F(8) for details.
 
Coordinated sign theme standards. See § 470-703G for detailed information.

See § 470-1507: Signage for architectural standards for signage.

See also Article 4: Signs for an illustrated list of sign types.
The following signs are expressly prohibited:
(a) Any sign not expressly permitted;
(b) Flashing signs, rotating and animated signs;
(c) Moving signs;
(d) Any motion-producing (dynamic) elements or features of any sign, except for wind induced flutter of awnings;
(e) Signs capable of changing image using electronic control;
(f) Signs with display screens using LED, LCD, plasma, or functionally equivalent technology;
(g) Signs capable of slide show or series of stills, or full motion or a combination thereof;
(h) Sky signs;
(i) Any sign with an exposed source of illumination;
(j) Any wall-mounted sign lacking fabricated individual letters; unless the sign is an approved promotional wall sign;
(k) Any sign with translucent cabinet faces enclosing any "light cabinet" (excepting individual letters);
(l) Signs with painted-on letters or sheet or film applied letters, except for temporary signs, open and closed signs, awning signs, and menu board signs;
(m) Off-premises signs (billboards);
(n) Streamers, and banners.

There shall be no temporary signs (including a-frame, h-frame, and signs of similar construction) other than as provided in § 470-703C and D of these regulations.
Discontinued and nonconforming signs.
(a) Signs shall be removed when the purpose for which they were erected no longer exists.

(b) Signs which are no longer functional or have been abandoned shall be removed or relocated by the owner or lessee of the property on which such signs stand within one month following such designation by the ZEO.

(c) The replacement of a nonconforming sign shall be in accordance with these regulations.

(d) A nonconforming sign may be repaired or altered provided that the cost of such repairs or alterations does not exceed 25% of the replacement costs of the sign.

(e) A zoning permit is required for any repairs or alterations.
Purpose. It is the purpose and intent of this section to:
(1) Accommodate the establishment of signs necessary for identification, direction and reasonable commercial promotion while providing minimum standards to preserve the character of Canton by regulating the size, height, location and lighting of signs;

(2) Provide a reasonable and comprehensive system of sign controls to provide for fair and equal treatment of all sign users;

(3) Protect the Town's character by avoiding clutter, while recognizing the need for signs as a major form of communication;

(4) Encourage signs that are well designed and pleasing in appearance with good design relationship and materials location;

(5) Encourage signs that are well designed with safe and appropriate spacing and location;

(6) Promote public safety by providing that official traffic regulating devises be easily visible and free from nearby visual obstructions; and

(7) Protect the residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational character of each district.

Applicability.
(1) No sign shall be established, constructed, reconstructed enlarged, extended, moved or structurally altered except in conformity with these regulations and until a sign permit, if required by this section, has been issued.

(2) For any sign serving a use that was subject to a special permit, a modification of the special permit shall be required if the Zoning Enforcement Officer determines that a proposed change in size, shape, color, material, lighting or location significantly alters the character of the sign.