As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following shall apply:
ABANDONED SIGN. A sign or structure that has ceased to be used or has failed to be kept in good aesthetic condition, for a minimum of a six month period or as otherwise defined by state law.
AWNING. A roof-like cover or shelter attached to a building or a portion thereof and constructed of rigid or non-rigid materials on or under a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable.
BACK-TO-BACK SIGN. A structure with two sign faces oriented in opposite directions, placed either parallel or forming a V, with an angle no more than 45 degrees.
BILLBOARD. Any sign, typically used in the outdoor environment for off-premise advertising or the display of other commercial or noncommercial messages.
CANOPY. A multisided overhead structure supported partially or entirely by columns, but not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and or soffit of a free-standing canopy may be illuminated by means of internal or external sources of light.
COMMERCIAL COMPLEX. Two or more commercial uses on a single lot or adjacent lots which are approved as elements in an overall site plan.
DOWNTOWN DISTRICT. As defined in Exhibit A, attached to Ordinance 1720, passed 8-13-2024.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER (EMC). A sign that has changing light intensity, and brightness of color and is capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or images that can be electronically changed by remote or automatic means.
ELECTRONIC SIGN. An illuminant advertising media which include fluorescent signs, HID (high intensity displays), incandescent signs, LED signs, and neon signs.
ERECT. To construct, build, raise, assemble, place, attach, create, or in any other way bring into being or establish a sign. The term ERECT shall not mean a change in the message or customary maintenance and repair on a sign; however, repair and maintenance will not include replacing the support structure, except to correct destruction caused by tornadoes or severe storms when designated as such by Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign on a frame, pole, or other support structure not attached to any building.
GROUND SIGN. A freestanding sign without visible support.
LAWN SIGN. A freestanding temporary sign that is typically made of corrugated plastic or other material and sometimes including a metal or wood frame, with tines that are placed in the ground for a foundation, and having a sign face surface area of not more than four square feet (576 square inches).
MOBILE OR PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign which is designed to be readily transportable from place to place, not permanently attached to a footer or masonry foundation, or any such sign, which generally meets these criteria, as shall be determined by the Building Official to be a mobile or portable sign. Mobile or portable signs include, but are not limited to, sandwich board signs, portable reader boards on wheels that display changeable copy, signs mounted upon trailers or vehicles, balloons, and other similar signs.
NUISANCE. A sign that unreasonably interferes with the rights the general public shares in common. Any sign erected or maintained in violation of this chapter is declared to be a nuisance to which the provisions of Title 13, Chapter 6 apply.
OFF-PREMISE SIGN. Any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, good, service, facility, event, or thing located or to be conducted, sold, rented, leased, or otherwise offered elsewhere than on the premises.
ON-PREMISE SIGN. Any sign that identifies or advertises goods, services, facilities, events, or attractions available on the same premises or identifies the owner or occupant of the same premises.
PERMANENT SIGN. A sign that is, by reason of construction, intended to be displayed for an unlimited amount of time, or otherwise long-term basis. Not a temporary sign.
POLE SIGN. A sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon or into the ground and detached from any building.
ROADWAY. A certain width of the public right-of-way that has been paved or otherwise improved (commonly from curb to curb or ditch to ditch) and intended for the use by motor vehicles and bicycles.
ROOF SIGN. A sign erected on a roof, or signs that project above the highest point of the roofline, parapet, or fascia of a building.
SANDWICH BOARD. Type of sign usually composed of two boards with one board in front and one behind in a triangle shape, hinged along the top, creating a "sandwich" effect; or a single board set up in a lean-to fashion.
SIGN. Any structure or part thereof or device attached thereto or represented thereon, displaying or including, or designed to display or include, any writing, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, pictorial representation, emblem, or any other representation of similar character used as, or which is in the nature of an announcement, direction, advertisement, or other display directing attention, which is visible from outside a building. Any of the above characteristics constitutes a sign within a building, only when illuminated and located in a window. For the purposes of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.
SIGN FACE. The portion of a sign including the display area, border, and trim, but excluding the base apron, supports and other structural members.
SIGHT TRIANGLE. The area located at the intersection of two or more streets, whether public or private, or a street and private driveway through which an unobstructed view of approaching traffic is necessary for motorists. This area shall be the triangular shape created by the edge line of intersecting roads and a third line determined by connecting two points measured down the edge of each intersecting road. One point shall be ten feet from the stop bar of the approach road, or in lieu of a stop bar, the stop sign, or lieu of a stop sign, 15 feet from the edge of the intersecting road. The other point shall be 100 feet measured down the intersecting road edge beginning from the edge of the approach road. The white "edge line" painted on the edge of the road to mark the legal driving surface will be considered the road edge. In lieu of an "edge line", the outer edge of pavement, concrete, gravel, or other driving surface will be used for measurement.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign that is, by reason of construction, intended to be displayed for a short period of time. Not a permanent sign.
(Ord. 1720, passed 8-13-2024)