For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions apply:
COPY. The characters, letters or illustrations displayed on a sign face.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN. All off-premises signs providing directions to a business, office or other activity. If a sign contains any additional message for a business, office or other activity, it shall be construed as an off-premises advertising sign.
DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign designed to give forth artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a light source within or attached to such sign.
DWELLING UNIT. A house, apartment or a group of homes occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters for one or more humans.
EXEMPT SIGN. Any sign which is specifically listed as exempt from this chapter. Exempt signs are not regulated by the terms of this chapter and shall not require a permit.
FREESTANDING SIGN. The general term for any sign which is supported from the ground and not attached to a building.
INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign designed to have illumination from a detached light source, shielded so that no direct rays from the light source are visible elsewhere than on the lot where said illumination occurs.
NONCONFORMING SIGN. Existing signs that are constructed and in place prior to the adoption of this chapter and which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter, as amended, are declared NONCONFORMING SIGNS. An illegal sign is not a NONCONFORMING SIGN.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. Any sign advertising a product, service, business or activity, located or conducted elsewhere than on the premises where the sign is located.
ON-PREMISES SIGN. A sign that draws attention to or communicates information about a business, service or commodity, that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained or provided at a location on the premises where the sign is located.
PERMANENT SIGN. A sign is permanently affixed to the ground if its supporting elements are set in a concrete base in the ground or the sign is otherwise securely fastened to the ground or another permanent structure and is intended to remain in one location for an indefinite period.
PORTABLE SIGN. Any freestanding sign that is not permanently affixed to the ground. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, portable signs shall include any sign mounted on a trailer or on wheels as well as V-shaped or sandwich signs that can with little difficulty be moved from place to place.
SETBACK. The shortest horizontal distance from the property line or right-of-way to the nearest point (leading edge) of the sign or its supporting member.
SHOPPING CENTER. A development having more than one establishment located on the same parcel or on abutting parcels and planned as an integrated development.
SIGHT DISTANCE TRIANGLE. The land adjoining a road intersection that is kept clear of obstructions between three and seven feet above ground as measured along the road flow lines above ground to ensure visibility and the safety of motorists and pedestrians. The protected sight distance area is the triangle with sides that are the intersecting flow lines of two roads at an intersection. Where local roads meet, the legs shall extend at least 35 feet each way from the intersection of the edge of the traveled way.
SIGN. Any name, figure, character, outline, display, announcement, or device, or structure supporting the same, or any other device of similar nature designed to attract attention outdoors, and shall include all parts, portions, units, and materials composing the same, together with the frame, background, and supports or anchoring thereof. A sign shall not include any architectural or landscape features that may also attract attention.
SIGN AREA or SIGN FACE. The area of a sign shall be considered to be that of the smallest rectilinear figure which encompasses all lettering, wording, design or symbols, together with any background difference on which the sign is located, if such background is designed as an integral part of and related to the sign. All cut-outs or extensions shall be included in the area of a sign. Supports and bracing which are not intended as part of the sign shall be excluded.
SIGN HEIGHT. Sign height shall be measured from the ground directly below the center of the sign or from the road grade of the closest point in the road the sign is located along, whichever is higher, to the sign or sign structure’s highest point.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign that is displayed only for a specific period of time. If a sign display area is permanent but the copy displayed is subject to change, that sign shall not be regarded as temporary.
(Ord. passed 1-22-08; Am. Ord. passed 4-17-23)