For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context indicates or requires a different meaning.
BANNER. Any sign printed or displayed upon cloth or other flexible material, with or without frames.
DISPLAY SURFACE AREA. The net geometric area enclosed by the display surface of the sign including the outer extremities of all letters, characters, and delineations; provided, however, display surface area shall not include the structural supports for freestanding signs; provided further, that each face of a double faced sign as defined shall be considered in determining the display surface area.
ERECT. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, paint, suspend, or affix, a sign.
FLASHING SIGN. An illuminated sign on which artificial or reflected light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times when in use.
FREE-STANDING SIGN. A sign which is attached to or a part of a completely self-supporting structure including a billboard which is so constructed. The supporting structure shall be firmly in or below the ground surface and not attached to any building or any other structure whether portable or stationary.
IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATIONAL SIGNS. Signs of an identification or of informational nature bearing no advertising.
JOINT IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign which serves as common or collective identification for a group of persons or businesses operating on the same zone lot (such as, shopping center, office complex, and the like). Such sign may name the persons, or businesses, included but carry no other advertising matter.
NONCONFORMING SIGN. A sign existing at the effective date of the adoption of this subchapter which could not be built under the terms of this subchapter.
OFF-SITE SIGN. A sign other than an on-site sign.
ON-SITE SIGN. A sign relating in its subject matter to the premises on which it is located, or to products, accommodations, services, or activities on the premises.
PORTABLE TEMPORARY ATTRACTION SIGN BOARD. A single or double surface painted or poster panel type sign or some variation thereof, which is temporary in nature, usually mounted on wheels, easily movable, not permanently attached thereto.
REAL ESTATE SIGN. A temporary sign placed upon property for the purpose of advertising to the public the sale or lease of the property.
ROOF SIGN. Any sign wholly erected, constructed or maintained on the roof structure or parapet wall of any building.
SIGN. Every device, frame, letter, figure, character, mark, plane, point, design, picture, stroke, stripe, trademark or reading matter, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention or convey information when the same is placed out of doors in view of the general public. For the purpose of determining number of signs, a sign shall be considered to be a single display surface or display device containing elements organized, related, and composed to form a unit. Where matter is displayed in a random manner without organized relationship to elements, or where there is reasonable doubt as to the relationship of elements, each element shall be considered to be a single sign.
WALL SIGN. Any sign that shall be affixed parallel to the wall or printed on the wall of any building; provided, however, the wall sign shall not project above the top of the wall or beyond the end of the building. For the purpose of this subchapter, any surface of a mansard roof shall be considered a wall sign. Any sign that is affixed to the face of a building marquee, building awning, or a building canopy shall be considered a wall sign.
(Ord. 612, passed 2-9-1998)