For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED SIGN. Any sign that is still on the premises 90 days after a business ceases to operate or moves from the location.
AGGREGATE SQUARE FOOTAGE. The total sum of all signs and their areas per parcel.
ANIMATED. Any sign that used movement or change of lighting, either natural or artificial, to depict action or create a special effect or scene. This term does not refer to changeable copy signs.
AWNING. A retractable or fixed shelter constructed of ridged or non-rigid materials on a supporting framework that projects from the exterior wall of a building.
AWNING SIGN. A sign affixed flat against the surface of an awning.
BANNER SIGN. A fabric, plastic or other sign made of non-rigid material without a supporting structural framework.
BILLBOARD. A sign that advertises an establishment, product, service or activity not available on the lot on which the sign is located.
BUSINESS CENTER SIGN. A freestanding or monument identification sign for a group of multiple establishments.
CANOPY. A permanent roof like shelter extending from part or all of a building face over a public access area.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. Any sign designated or constructed whereby the lettering or message usually contained thereon is capable of being changed by rearranging or installing new letters without removing, replacing or resurfacing the face of the sign.
CITY. The City of Bronson.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A sign that identifies the owner, financiers, contractors, architects, engineers or other individuals or firms involved with the project under construction.
COMMERCIAL MESSAGE. Any sign wording, logo or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign that gives directions, instructions or facility information such as parking, exit and entrance signs, or location.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES. Those services that are provided for penetrating to health, safety and welfare of the general public.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign supported on poles, not attached to a wall or building.
GOVERNMENT SIGN. A temporary or permanent sign erected by the city, the county, townships or the state or federal government.
HISTORICAL SIGN. A sign for which certain criteria has been recognized, and has been granted a historical permit.
MALL AREA. Those areas of multi-tenant developments which are designed exclusively for the public promenade of pedestrians.
MARQUEE. A permanent structure constructed of rigid materials that projects from the exterior wall of a building; also a sign affixed flat against the surface of a MARQUEE.
MONUMENT SIGN. A sign supported by a solid base with zero ground clearance, not attached to a wall or building.
MURAL. A design or representation painted or drawn on a wall that does not advertise the establishment, product, service or activity.
POLITICAL SIGN. A sign used to convey political opinions or in support or opposition of political candidates, parties, or other political views.
PORTABLE SIGN. A sign designated to be moved easily, not permanently affixed to the ground, structure or building, and is visible from the public right-of-way, for the purpose of advertisement.
PROJECTING SIGN. A sign attached to a building or wall that extends more than 12 inches from the face of the building or wall.
REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for sale, rent, lease or auction.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. An area of land set aside for the placement of public utilities, sidewalks and vehicular traffic. Generally, when sidewalks are present, the edge of the walk that is closest to the home is the outer most edge of the RIGHT-OF-WAY. Common RIGHT-OF-WAY widths in the city are 49.5 feet, 50 feet, 57.75 feet and 66 feet. The RIGHT-OF-WAY for Chicago Street (U.S. 12) is 99 feet.
ROOF LINE. The top edge of a roof or parapet wall, whichever is higher, but excluding any cupolas, chimneys or other minor projections.
ROOF SIGN. A sign erected above the roof line of a building.
SIGN. A device, structure or fixture using graphics, symbols and/or written copy designed specifically for advertisement identifying an establishment, product, service, activity or statement(s) and/or opinion(s).
SPECIAL EVENTS SIGN. Signs containing public messages concerning special events sponsored by governmental agencies or nonprofit organizations, and/or those special events by for profit organizations as determined by established policy and the Zoning Administrator.
STOREFRONT. The predominant frontage of the building.
SUSPENDED SIGN. A sign suspended from a horizontal plane surface, and supported by the surface.
TEMPORARY SIGN. Any sign used only temporarily and is not attached/affixed in any permanent manner.
WALL SIGN. Any sign painted or attached directly to and parallel to the exterior wall of a building.
WINDOW SIGN. Any paper, cardboard, paint, graphic or material placed on or behind a window visible to the public. This term does not include merchandise displayed in a window.
(Ord. 167, passed - -2003; Ord. 182, § 16, passed 2-13-2012)