As used in this chapter, the terms listed below shall be interpreted according to the following definitions:
(a) Sign. Any device, structure, fixture, painting or visual image designed to be seen from an outdoor location and using graphics, symbols, letters or numbers for the purpose of conveying a message or advertising or identifying any establishment, product, goods or service. (A searchlight is not classified as a sign).
(b) Sign Panel. A structural object or portion of a structural object designed to form a distinct background area or frame for the display of a sign’s information – including all non-opaque surface area of an internally illuminated canopy or wall panel displaying signage.
(c) Unit of a Building. A space occupying a portion of the ground floor of a building, containing an entrance from the building exterior, and separated from other such spaces by a party wall or walls.
(d) Freeway. A limited-access or controlled- access public highway characterized by entrance and exit ramps and an absence of traffic signals and stop signs along the main roadway.
(e) Signs by Use Type. For the purpose of identifying permitted signs, all signs are classified by use type and defined as follows:
(1) Billboard. A sign directing attention to a specific business, product, service, entertainment activity or other commercial activity sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than upon the lot on which the sign is located.
(2) Bulletin Board. A sign for the display of announcements of a public or semi-public institution and located on the grounds of that institution.
(3) Business Sign. An “identification sign” (as defined below) which also may display such detailed information about the operation of a business as brand names of goods or services offered on the premises, prices or special “sale” information, forms of payment accepted, hours of operation, telephone number or other similar information.
(4) Development Sign. A temporary sign announcing a development to be located on the subject property and identifying firms or individuals participating in the development process.
(5) Directional Sign. A sign indicating a direction or a location to which pedestrian or vehicular traffic is requested to move.
(6) Identification Sign. A sign identifying or naming a building, business, institution, residential development or other use and displaying such other information as the owner, manager and address of the use or building.
(7) Information Sign. A sign which presents miscellaneous information or instructions intended to serve the public rather than to promote a business, product or issue and not containing information included in the definition of any other sign.
(8) Nameplate. A sign indicating the name, address and/or profession of a person or persons occupying a residence.
(9) Political Sign. A temporary sign advocating action on a public issue, indicating a candidate for public office, or expressing an opinion or belief.
(10) Real Estate Sign. A temporary sign promoting the rental, sale or lease of property.
(11) Temporary Sign. A sign announcing special events or sales, the sale or rental of property, political positions or other matters and intended for use for a limited period of time.
(12) Wall Mural. A sign that displays high resolution static or electronic graphic or photographic images, including decorative art and art used in commerce, placed on an unsightly wall of a building, or unsightly roof surface generally parallel to the building wall surface. A wall mural may display words in accordance with Section 350.161 and otherwise shall comply with Section 350.161. A wall mural may depict or direct attention to a specific business, product, service, entertainment activity, or other activity. Wall murals shall not be deemed billboards or wall signs for purposes of Chapters 350 and 341 of this Zoning Code and Chapters 161, 303, 3113, and 317 of the Codified Ordinances.
(f) Signs by Structural Type. For the purpose of identifying permitted signs, all signs and particular related objects are classified by structural type and defined as follows:
(1) Banner. A temporary sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole or a building (excluding flags and pennants as defined herein).
(2) Changeable Copy Sign (Automatic). A sign or portion thereof on which the copy changes automatically or animation is displayed through electrical or electronic means (e.g., time and temperature units and message centers).
(3) Changeable Copy Sign (Manual). A sign or portion thereof on which copy is changed manually through placement of letters or symbols on a sign panel.
(4) Canopy Sign. A sign attached to or printed on the fascia or valence of a canopy, awning or marquee or hanging from the soffit (underside) of such structure.
(5) Flag. An object, typically of lightweight fabric material, used as a symbol of a government, political entity or nationality group.
(6) Flashing Sign. A sign illuminated by intermittent light in a manner designed to attract attention.
(7) Free-Standing Sign. A sign which is not attached to a building and which is either attached directly to the ground, placed directly on the ground, displayed on a natural or man-made object (other than a building), or elevated on a pole or other supporting structure attached to the ground.
(8) Pennant. An object or sign of lightweight fabric or similar material, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in series, and designed to move in the wind, also including streamers, pinwheels, balloons and similar small objects.
(9) Portable (Mobile) Sign. A temporary sign which is designed to be moved and is not permanently attached to any part of a building or to the ground.
(10) Projecting Sign. A sign erected on the outside wall of a building and projecting out at an angle therefrom.
(11) Roof Sign. A sign created upon and completely over the roof of any building.
(12) Wall Sign. A sign attached to or displayed or painted on an exterior wall in a manner parallel with the wall surface and not projecting more than sixteen (16) inches from such surface. (A sign mounted on a roof surface which is generally parallel to the wall surface shall also be considered a “wall sign.”)
(13) Window Sign. A sign painted on, attached to, or suspended directly behind or in front of a window or the glass portion of a door.
(Ord. No. 1282-06. Passed 11-27-06, eff. 1-6-07)