Statuary on the exterior of a built object is any kind of three-dimensional sculptural work appended to its roof or facade, which clearly depicts some human, animal, thing, event, or grouping thereof. Unlike relief carving which is aligned closely to the plane of the facade, statuary extends prominently above or out from the surface, and could be considered a free-standing artwork if it were detached.

This does not include caryatids or gargoyles, each of which is covered by a separate category of ornamental feature.

It also does not apply to structures which are statues themselves, regardless of whether the structure includes a pedestal.