For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context indicates or requires a different meaning.
AREA, OR SURFACE AREA OF A SIGN. That area per face enclosed by one outline, the sides of which make contact with the extreme points or edges of the sign, excluding the supporting structure which does not form part of the sign proper or of the display.
BALLOON SIGNAGE. Tethered gas balloon signage shall comply with the Village of Birch Run Ordinance # 98-4.
BANNER. A fabric, plastic, or other sign made of non-rigid material without enclosing structural framework. A BANNER is also defined not to exceed 45 square feet in area per sign.
BILLBOARD. A sign complying with the Village of Birch Run Billboard Ordinance # 97-8.
BUSINESS CENTER. A grouping of two or more business establishments on one or more parcels of property which may share parking and access and are linked architecturally or otherwise present the appearance of a unified grouping of businesses. A BUSINESS CENTER shall be considered one use for the purposes of determining the maximum number of pylon or ground signs. A vehicle dealership shall be considered a BUSINESS CENTER regardless of the number or type of models or makes available, however, used auto/truck sales shall be considered a separate use in determining the maximum number of pylon signs, provided that the used sales section of the lot includes at least 25% of the available sales area.
CANOPY SIGN. A non-rigid fabric marquee or awning-type structure which is attached to the building by supporting framework, which includes a business identification message, symbol, and/or logo. See WALL SIGN.
CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN. A permanent reader board attached to a pylon or monument sign or to the exterior of a wall where copy is changed mechanically, electronically or manually, including time/temperature sign.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A sign identifying the name(s) of project owners, contractors, developers, architects, designers, engineers, landscape architects, and financiers of a project being constructed or improved; and not including any advertising of any product or announcement of availability of leasing space.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign, which assists motorists in determining or confirming a correct route, specifically enter, exit, and parking signs. A business identification or logo on a sign is considered and calculated as part of the allowable square footage for a monument or ground sign.
ELECTRIC SIGN. Any sign containing electric wiring. This does not include signs illuminated by a separate exterior floodlight source.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign supported by one or more uprights, braces, pylons, or foundation elements located in or upon the ground and not attached to a building.
GROUND LEVEL SIGN. The elevation to be used for computing the height of signs. Defined as the roadway centerline grade elevation at its intersection with the centerline of the driveway serving the parcel which is located nearest to the sign location.
ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign that provides artificial light directly or through any transparent or translucent material.
INSTITUTIONAL BULLETIN BOARD. A structure containing a surface area upon which is displayed the name of a religious institution, school, library, community center, or similar institution and the announcements of its services or activities.
INTEGRAL SIGN. Name of buildings or farm, date of erection, monumental citations, commemorative tablets and the like when made an integral part of the walls of the structure (or roof for farm buildings).
JOINT IDENTITY SIGN. A sign which gives direction and identification to a group of adjacent businesses whether or not under single management or ownership.
MONUMENT SIGN. A freestanding sign where the base of the sign structure is permanently in the ground or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features.
NON-RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL PREMISES. Premises which are improved for the purpose other than single or multiple family residences, or in the case of a vacant parcel, which is classified in a district other than residential under the Village of Birch Run Zoning Ordinance.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A sign which identifies a use or advertises products and services not available on the site or parcel on which the sign is located; a sign which directs travelers or provides a message unrelated to the site on which the sign is located, such as, billboards.
OUTLET SHOPPING CENTER. A group of 25 or more business establishments on one or more parcels of property which may share parking and access and are linked architecturally or otherwise present the appearance of a unified grouping of businesses. An OUTLET SHOPPING CENTER shall be permitted sign approval by an overlay or typical sign schematic (Exhibit A attached to Ordinance 03-2006).
POLITICAL SIGN. A temporary sign used in connection with local, state, or national elections or ballot issues.
PORTABLE SIGN. A sign designed to be moved from place to place, whether or not it is permanently attached to the ground or structure. This includes hot-air and gas-filled balloons, banners, pennants, streamers, festoons, ribbons, tinsel, pinwheels, non-government flags, searchlights; but excludes political signs, real estate signs, construction signs, permanent changeable message signs, and regulatory/government signs.
PROJECTING SIGN. A sign, other than a wall sign, that is affixed to any building or wall and whose leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond a building or wall.
PYLON (POLE) SIGN. A sign supported on the ground by a pole, braces, or monument, and not attached to any building or other structure.
REAL ESTATE OPEN HOUSE (TEMPORARY) SIGN. Temporary signs, which advertise and direct the public to an open house for a building, which is available for sale or lease, with the event, held on a specific day.
REAL ESTATE SIGN/RENTAL SIGN. An on-premises temporary sign advertising property or structure's availability for sale or lease.
REGULATORY SIGN. A sign installed by public agency to direct traffic flow, regulate traffic operation or provide any information deemed necessary for public safety, health and welfare. Any of these signs shall be in conformance with the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices where applicable.
RESIDENTIAL PREMISES. Premises which are improved with a single or multiple residential unit(s), or, in the case of a vacant parcel, which is classified in a residential district under the Village of Birch Run Zoning Ordinance.
SETBACK SIGN. A distance measured from the outer boundary of a parcel in which erection of a sign is not permitted. A front setback is measured from the edge of the right of way of any abutting roadway. A rear setback is measured from the property line opposite the roadway. A side setback is measured from any other abutting property line. Corner lots shall require two front setbacks, but only one rear setback.
SIGN. Any device, structure, fixture, figure, symbol, banner, pennant, flag, balloon, logo, or placard consisting of written copy, symbols, logos and/or graphics, designed for the purpose of bringing attention to, identifying or advertising an establishment, product, goods, services, or other message to the general public. However, a SIGN shall not include a sign located completely within an enclosed building.
SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS. Any other temporary sign. See Table of Sign Standards.
STREET BANNER. Any sign complying with the Village of Birch Run Banner Ordinance # 97-5.
TEMPORARY LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SIGN. Signs pertaining to the sale, lease, rent or development of a subdivision, planned shopping center, office building, industrial park or similar land parcel. See Table of Sign Standards.
THRU-LOT. A lot or parcel of land having frontage on two approved non-intersecting streets or roads, either public or private.
WALL SIGN. A sign placed flat, adjacent to the building, extending from the building as a canopy sign or projecting sign, or placed on a separate canopy such as over gasoline pumps.
(Ord. 03-2006, passed 4-24-2006)