As used in this chapter, the following words or phrases shall have the meanings herein:
(a) "Sign" means any device for visual communication which is designed, intended, or used to convey a message, advertise, inform or otherwise direct attention to a person, institution, organization, activity, business, place, object or product. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "sign" shall include any support structures.
(b) Other Definitions.
(1) "Awning" means a hood or cover that projects from the wall of a building. An "awning sign" is a sign that is attached to an awning.
(2) "Banner" means a nonrigid cloth, plastic or canvas sign typically related to a special event or promotion. For the purposes of this chapter, the term "banner" shall not include official flags of public entities, or civic, philanthropic, educational or religious organizations.
(3) "Billboard" means an off-premises sign that is more than two-hundred (200) square feet in area.
(4) "Canopy" means a structure separate from, but associated by use with the principal building, which is supported independently by posts or columns, is open on all sides, and is intended only for shelter or ornamentation. A "canopy sign" is a sign that is attached to or a part of the roof of such a structure.
(5) "Changeable copy sign" means a sign in which the material or message composing the sign, in whole or in part, is manually or mechanically changeable. This definition does not include "digital display signs" or "electronic message boards" as defined below.
(6) "Digital display sign" means a sign which uses digital technology to produce a bright clear image which automatically changes on a programmed interval.
(7) “Directional sign" means any sign which indicates the direction or specific location of an institution, organization or business, which does not include advertising or any information regarding product lines or services offered.
(8) "Electronic message board" means a sign in which the message, consisting of words, letters, numbers and/or symbols, changes on a programmed interval, using electronic technology, while the background of the sign face remains static. In many cases, the message will scroll or move across the sign face. Time and temperature signs are an example.
(9) "Flashing sign" means a sign or graphic which in any manner, as a whole or in part, physically changes in light intensity or gives the appearance of such change.
(10) "Freestanding sign" means a sign which is wholly independent of any building for support.
(11) "Joint Identification sign" means a sign intended to provide the identity or name, for two or more uses within one building or on one property or the name of the building or its address for property occupied by two or more businesses.
(12) "Marquee" means an awning that has been constructed primarily so as to support a sign. "Marquee sign" means a sign that is attached or mounted to a marquee.
(13) "Mural" means a large picture or graphic generally free of a written message that is painted or attached directly to an exterior building surface.
(14) "Off-premises sign" means any sign that identifies or provides information related to a good, service or event that is not located on the property where such sign is located.
(15) "Permanent sign" means a sign intended to be erected or used, or in fact which is used for time period in excess of thirty (30) days.
(16) "Portable sign" means a sign designed or constructed in such a manner that it can be moved or relocated without involving any structural or support changes and shall include:
A. "Trailer sign" means a sign that is constructed on a chassis intended for the mounting of wheels, thereby permitting the sign to be moved, whether or not the wheels are actually mounted on the chassis.
B. "Illuminated portable sign" means an internally illuminated portable sign similar in design to a trailer sign, but without a chassis or explicit provision for the mounting of wheels.
C. "Folding portable sign" means a sign constructed of wood or other durable material which can be folded or collapsed for ease of transport.
(17) "Projecting sign" means a sign which extends outward perpendicular to the building face.
(18) "Roof sign" means any sign erected upon or completely over the roof of any building.
(19) "Temporary sign" means a sign intended to be used, or in fact used, for a time period of thirty (30) days or less during any consecutive twelve (12) month period.
(20) "Vending machine sign" means a permanent sign installed by the manufacturer on a fuel pump, vending machine, or similar outdoor object.
(21) "Wall sign" means a sign attached to a building face, with the exposed face in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall. Wall signs include painted murals, messages, graphics and other designs painted along with any letters or numerals mounted directly on buildings.
(22) "Window sign" means a sign, graphic, poster, symbol or other identification which is physically affixed to or painted on the glass or other structural component of the window.
(Ord. 27-11. Passed 3-14-11.)