For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AWNING. A retractable or non-retractable shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building, constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework.
BANNER. Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is secured or anchored to its support at one or more edges. National flags, state or municipal flags, or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered BANNERS.
BILLBOARD. Any sign, detached or attached, except a ghost sign, exceeding 64 square feet in area and which is designed or intended to direct attention to a business, product, service, event or attraction that is not sold, offered or existing on the property where the sign is located.
BILLBOARD, ABANDONED. Any billboard which has been left without needed protection, care or support or maintenance for at least 12 months.
BILLBOARD, DIGITAL. Any billboard which uses electronically projected text, images or graphics. DIGITAL BILLBOARDS include, but are not limited to, billboards that use light emitting diodes (LEDs), plasma displays, fiber optics or other technology that results in bright, high-resolution text, images and graphics.
BILLBOARD, EXISTING. A billboard which was constructed, maintained and in use or for which a permit was issued on or before 3-3-2022.
BILLBOARD, NEW. A billboard for which a permit to construct is issued after 3-3-2022.
BILLBOARD, NON-CONFORMING. An existing billboard which is located in an area or zone not permitted by the provisions of this chapter.
CANOPY. A roofed structure constructed of fabric or other material placed so as to extend outward from a building providing a protective shield for doors, windows and other openings supported by the building and supports extending to the ground directly under the CANOPY.
COPY. Alphabetic or numeric information that together with logos, conveys the primary message of a sign.
CURFEW. The time between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. where within digital signs are required to be shut off.
DWELL TIME. The length of time that elapses between changes in text, images or graphics on a digital sign.
FIELD. The background of certain types of signs, which is uniform in color and appearance and upon which copy and logos are displayed.
FLAG. Any fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity.
LOGO. A symbol or trademark of a company designed for easy recognition, which may or may not include alphanumeric copy.
MARQUEE. A permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the facade of a building.
PARAPET. The extension of a false front or wall above a roof line.
PREMISES. A lot, parcel, tract or plot of land together with any buildings or structures thereon.
PUBLIC PROPERTY. Any property owned by a governmental entity.
ROTATION TIME. The time it takes for static text, image and graphic on a digital sign to transition to a different text, image or graphic.
SIGN. Any advertising message, announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia, surface or space placed, erected or maintained in view of the observer thereof for identification, advertisement or promotion of the interests of any person, entity, product or service, and visible from outdoors. The definition of SIGN shall also include the sign structure, supports, lighting system and any attachments, ornaments or other features used to draw the attention of observers.
SIGN AREA, CUMULATIVE. The cumulative area for all signs on a building for building-mounted signs and, in addition, the cumulative area of all free-standing signs on a site.
SIGN AREA. For signs that have a frame or a separate background, the area of a sign that is used for writing, representation, emblem or other display purposes located within the area of the frame or separate background containing the display, excluding the structural supporting framework, bracing or wall provided such wall meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself. In computing SIGN AREA, only one side of a back-to-back or double face sign shall be computed when the signs are parallel or diverge from a common edge by an angle of not more than 30 degrees. For signs that do not have a frame or a separate background, SIGN AREA shall be computed on the basis of the least rectangle, triangle or circle large enough to frame the display, including any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed. When a low-profile sign is mounted on a base rising a maximum of three feet and consisting of materials matching the predominant materials used in the construction of the principal building on the premises where the sign is located, the area of the base shall not be included in the calculation of sign area.
SIGN HEIGHT. The vertical distance measured from the highest point of the sign, excluding decorative embellishments, to the grade of the adjacent street or the surface grade beneath the sign, whichever is less. When a low-profile sign is mounted on a base rising a maximum of three feet and consisting of materials matching the predominant materials used in the construction of the principal building on the premises where the sign is located, the height of the base shall not be included in the calculation of SIGN HEIGHT.
SIGN, ABANDONED. Any sign applicable to a use that has been discontinued for a period of three or more months.
SIGN, ANIMATED. Any sign which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene. Such motion does not refer to methods of changing copy. ANIMATED SIGN does not include a digital sign, as defined herein.
SIGN, AWNING. Any sign painted on, attached to or otherwise incorporated into an awning.
SIGN, BUS BENCH. Any sign incorporated into the design and/or construction of a bench providing seating for users of a public transportation system.
SIGN, CABINET. A sign consisting of a frame, usually but not necessarily consisting of metal, containing or covered by transparent, translucent or opaque material that includes the sign copy.
SIGN, CANOPY. Any sign painted on, attached to or otherwise incorporated into a canopy.
SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY. A sign that is characterized by graphical content that can be changed or altered through manual, mechanical or electronic means. CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN does not include a digital sign, as defined herein.
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION. A temporary sign placed on a site identifying a new development, the project contractor, builder and/or institution providing financing for the project. CONSTRUCTION SIGNS may include a plat map, project marketing sign and real estate information.
SIGN, DIGITAL. Any sign or portion thereof that uses light emitting diode technology or other similar technology to produce an illuminated image, picture or message of any kind whether the image, picture or message is moving or stationary. This type of sign includes any sign that uses LED technology of any kind, whether conventional (using discrete LEDs), surface mounted (otherwise known as individually mounted LEDs), transmissive, organic light emitting diodes (OLED), light emitting polymer (LEP), organic electro polymer (OEL) or any other similar technology.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL/INFORMATIONAL (OFF-PREMISES). Signs that serve as directional guides for vehicular or pedestrian traffic to:
(1) Recognized areas of regional importance and patronage, including:
(a) Recreational and entertainment centers of recognized regional significance;
(b) Religious, civic or fraternal organizations;
(c) Historical landmarks, churches, schools, community centers, hospitals, parks or other such sites; and
(d) Public safety, municipal directional, parking and essential services.
(2) Businesses or uses that are located on premises other than that upon which the sign is located.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL/INFORMATIONAL (ON-PREMISES). A sign guiding or directing vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and including instructions (e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs) and which may contain the name and/or logo of an establishment.
SIGN, DIRECTORY. An identification sign, located on or off the premises to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, that contains the name of a building, complex or center, and name and address of two or more businesses, being part of the same sign structure or interior to the building and visible from the outdoors.
SIGN, ELECTRIC AWNING. Any fireproof space frame structure with translucent flexible reinforced vinyl covering cosigned in awning form, which may include signage. Such awnings are internally illuminated by fluorescent or other light sources in fixtures approved under currently adopted state building codes.
SIGN, EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED. Any sign that has characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by a light source located outside of the sign.
SIGN, FLASHING. A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source used primarily to attract attention. Does not include changeable copy signs, animated signs, digital signs or signs which, through reflection or other means, create an illusion of flashing or intermittent light.
SIGN, FLAT. A sign erected parallel to and attached to the outside wall of a building or structure, and which does not project horizontally more than 24 inches from such building or structure with messages or copy on the face side only.
SIGN, FREE-STANDING. A sign supported upon the ground and not attached to any building or wall. FREE-STANDING SIGNS include high profile and low-profile signs.
SIGN, GHOST. A sign painted on a wall of a building that is at least 50 years old, which sign was present during the history of the building at least 50 years prior to the current date, as documented by historic photographs, drawings or other documentation, and which advertised a product or service which may or may not be currently in existence. The definition of GHOST SIGN does not and is not intended to include billboards. GHOST SIGNS may duplicate their original dimensions and design as documented above. The area of a GHOST SIGN shall not be included in the calculation of sign area for the property on which the GHOST SIGN is located.
SIGN, HIGH PROFILE. An on-premises free-standing sign higher than six feet that is supported by one or more upright members or poles and not attached or braced by any other structure.
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION. A sign that identifies primarily the name and/or logo and/or address of a commercial, industrial or condominium complex and the owner and tenants thereof. IDENTIFICATION SIGNS may also contain information pertaining to the goods or services offered by the commercial, industrial or condominium complex; however, such information shall be secondary in appearance and area to the primary function of identification.
SIGN, INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED. Any sign that has characters, letters, figures, designs or outlines illuminated by a light source located inside of the sign. Internally illuminated sign does not include digital signs, as defined herein.
SIGN, LOW PROFILE. Any free-standing sign having a maximum height of six feet from final grade, or six feet from the top of the base upon which it is constructed, which is incorporated into a landscape design theme or planter box. LOW PROFILE SIGNS may be mounted on a base rising a maximum of three feet and consisting of materials matching the predominant materials used in the construction of the principal building on the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, NON-CONFORMING. 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.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES. Any sign that directs attention to a use, product, commodity or service not related to the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, ON-PREMISES. Any sign that directs attention to a use conducted, product or commodity sold, or service performed upon the premises on which the sign is located, or to which it is affixed.
SIGN, PERMANENT. Any sign or advertising display constricted of durable materials, usually intended to be displayed out of doors as a principal means of identification or advertisement for an indefinite period of time.
SIGN, POLITICAL. A temporary sign on or off premises, announcing, promoting or drawing attention to any candidate(s) seeking public office in a forthcoming election; or signs advocating political issues to be voted upon at any special or general election.
SIGN, PROJECT MARKETING. A temporary sign advertising the availability of a project under construction or recently completed for sale, rental or lease. A PROJECT MARKETING SIGN shall be located on the property to which it pertains.
SIGN, PROJECTING. Any sign attached perpendicular to a building or other structure and extending in whole or in part more than 12 inches beyond any wall of the buildings or structures.
SIGN, REAL ESTATE.
(1) A temporary sign advertising an open house, or the sale, or availability for rental or lease, of the property on which the sign is located, or a sign located off-premises and directing customers to an open house for property for sale, rental or lease.
(2) This definition does not include construction or project marketing signs.
SIGN, ROOF. Any sign erected or painted upon or above the roof or parapet of a building, including ground signs that rest on or overlap a roof.
SIGN, TEMPORARY. Any sign, banner, pennant, valance, inflatable or advertising display constructed of plastic, vinyl, paper, cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wall board or other light materials, with or without light frames, usually intended to be displayed out of doors for an event which spans a short period of time.
SIGN, WALL. A sign that is either painted on a wall or its facing, or is painted in such a way that it gives the visual appearance of being painted on a wall or facing by not having a frame or separation from the wall or facing, or consists of flat, individually constructed letters.
SIGN, WINDOW. Any sign either attached to a window or door or located within a building so as to be visible through a window or door by people outside of the building. This term does not include merchandise displays.
SIGN, YARD SALE. A temporary sign that announces a yard sale, garage sale or similar event on a property.
(Prior Code, § 29.27.010) (Ord. 07-13, passed 7-19-2007; Ord. 22-02, passed 3-3-2022)