For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED SIGN. A sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
AREA OF SIGN. The area of one face for a flat sign only. For signs with three or more faces, the AREA OF SIGN will mean the total of all faces. This includes any frame or integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, whether on-premises or an off-premises sign, all AREAS will be totaled to compute the area of the sign.
AWNING, CANOPY, or MARQUEE. A roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face.
BANNER. A sign of light weight material, including flags, that is mounted to a pole or a building at one or more edges. National, state, municipal, or other official flags shall not be considered BANNERS.
BUILDING FRONTAGE. The linear length of a building facing the public access or right-of-way.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, and/or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign erected on a freestanding frame, mast, or pole, and not attached to any building.
GROUND SIGN. A sign which rests on the ground and which is not securely (permanently) affixed to the ground or any structure.
HEIGHT OF SIGN. The vertical distance measured from the highest point of the adjacent sidewalk grade, adjacent street grade, or upper surface of the street curb to the highest point of the sign. Elevated roadways shall not be used to compute SIGN HEIGHT.
JURISDICTIONAL AREA. Refer to MCA § 76-2-310(1).
NONCONFORMING SIGN. Any advertising structure or sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this chapter and any amendments thereto, and which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions of this chapter.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN OR OFF-SITE. Any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment not located on the zone lot upon which the sign is located.
PERMANENT SIGN. A durable sign securely affixed to the ground or to a structure.
PORTABLE SIGN. A sign not permanently attached to the ground or building.
PREMISES. Any area of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity and use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.
PROJECTING SIGN. A sign which is attached to, suspended from, or supported by a building and which projects more than 16 inches from the building.
PUBLIC BULLETIN BOARD. An enclosed area for temporary posting of community information or events.
ROOF SIGN. A sign erected upon, against, or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building.
SIGN. Any device, structure, fixture, or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying any establishment, product, goods, or service.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign which is not permanently affixed.
TRADE DRESS. Any recognizable colors. Numbers, letters, or symbols are signage, not TRADE DRESS.
WALL SIGN. A sign painted on, attached to, or erected against a wall of a building with the face parallel to the building wall and extending not more than one foot therefrom.
ZONE LOT. A parcel of land in single ownership that is a sufficient size to meet minimum zoning requirements for area, coverage, and use, and that can provide such yards and other open spaces as required by the zoning regulations.
(2015 Code, § 8-1-4) (Ord. 448, passed 3-20-2000)