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 and has failed to be kept in good aesthetic condition, for a minimum of a six month period or as otherwise defined by state law.
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.
BANNER SIGN. A sign made of fabric or other similar nonrigid material with no enclosing framework or electrical components that is supported or anchored on two or more edges or at all four corners. Banners also included nonrigid signs anchored along one edge, or two corners, with weights installed that reduce the reaction of the sign to wind.
BILLBOARD. A permanent freestanding sign erected and maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the display of commercial or noncommercial messages.
COMMERCIAL COMPLEX. Two or more commercial uses on a single lot or adjacent lots which are dependent upon each other to meet minimum standards for parking, vehicular circulation, or landscaping or which are approved as elements in an overall site plan.
DOWNTOWN DISTRICT. As defined in Exhibit A, attached to Ord. 1679.
ELECTRONIC SIGN. An illuminant advertising media which include fluorescent signs, HID (high intensity displays), incandescent signs, LED signs, and neon signs.
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.
ENTRANCE SIGN. A sign that detonates the direction or function of various parts of a building and does not bear any advertising matter and/or a permanent sign that is located near a business' access road and indicates the flow of traffic for road vehicles.
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 advertising 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.
FLAG. Any fabric or flexible material with a distinctive design that is uses as a symbol attached to or designed to be flown from a pole.
(1) Horizontal flag. A flag designed to be attached to a pole on one specific side or be flown and displayed in a horizontal orientation.
(2) Vertical flag. A flag designed to be attached to a portable pole or support or structure on multiple sides or be flown and displayed in a vertical position. This shall include feather flags, bow flags, bowhead flags, banner flags, wind flags, feather banners, and tear drop flags.
(3) Pennant flag. A type of long, tapering horizontal flag or triangular in shape.
FLASHING. A light showing one or more flashes at regular intervals.
FREESTANDING 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.
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 sign that is made of corrugated plastic or other material and a metal or wood frame with tines that are placed in the ground for a foundation. This shall include yard signs, placards, and road signs.
MOBILE OR PORTABLE SIGN. Any outdoor sign, message, or billboard that is capable of being moved intended to advertise or inform or otherwise direct attention to the business. Mobile or portable signs include sandwich board signs, portable reader boards on wheels that display changeable copy, signs on trailers, balloons, and other similar signs.
MONUMENT SIGN. A freestanding sign supported primarily by an internal structural framework or integrated into landscaping or other solid structural features other than support poles.
NUISANCE. A sign unreasonably interferes with the rights the general public shares in common.
ON-SITE BUSINESS SIGN. Any sign that identifies the business conducted at the site or principal products sold at the site. On-site business signs must be located on part of the property that is developed for and being used as an integral part of the business, or on the same parcel within 50 feet of the main entrance of the business. A sign may be located on the same parcel of a business and not qualify as an on-site business sign for the business if the sign is not on a portion of property being used for the business.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING DEVICE. Any sign that is not an on-site business sign (on-premise) and that is owned by a person or entity that is earning compensation directly or indirectly from a third party or parties for the placement of a message on the sign. Billboards, outdoor advertising structures, and off-premises signs are all considered outdoor advertising devices.
PERMANENT SIGN. Any sign that is designed, intended or used to advertise or inform or otherwise direct attention to an organization.
POLE SIGN. A sign supported by uprights or braces placed upon or into the ground and detached from any building.
PUBLIC SERVICE OR PUBLIC INFORMATION SIGN. A sign which contains information such as activities, events, time, date, temperature, atmospheric condition or news of interest to the general public.
REAL ESTATE SIGN. A temporary sign advertising the sale, auction, lease or rental of property or premises upon which it is located or direction to a property for sale, auction, lease, or rental.
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 advertisement tool composed of two boards with a message or graphic on it and being either carried by a person, with one board in front and one behind in a triangle shape, hinged along the top, creating a "sandwich" effect; or set up next to a store advertising its goods.
SIGN. Any structure or part thereof or device attached thereto or represented thereon, which shall display or include a letter, words, model, banner, flag, pennant, insignia, or representation used as, or which is in the nature of an announcement, direction or advertisement. Noncommercial flags or any flags displayed from flagpoles will not be considered signs.
SIGN FACE. The portion of a sign, including the display area, border and trim, but excluding the base apron, supports and other structural members, facing traffic moving in one direction.
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 ten feet from the stop bar of the approach road (in lieu of a stop bar, the stop sign will be used. In lieu of a stop sign, a line will be determined off the edge of the adjacent road and the measurement will be 15 feet). The other will be 100 feet measured down the road edge beginning from the road edge of the approaching road. *The "edge line" of white line painted on the edge of the road to mark legal driving surface will be considered the road edge. In lieu of an "edge line ", the edge of pavement, concrete, gravel, or other driving surface will be used for measurement.
SUBDIVISION SIGN. A freestanding or ground sign which identifies the name of a neighborhood, subdivision, or development. These will be allowed at each entrance and must be located on private property or common ground.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign that is constructed of lightweight materials with a limited life expectancy, such as paper, corriboard, timber or light plastic.
VISION. The faculty or state of being able to see.
WINDOW SIGN. A sign posted, painted, placed or affixed to the interior or exterior of a window. Signs that face a window exposed to public view and located within twelve inches of the window are considered a window sign.
UNZONED COMMERCIAL and UNZONED INDUSTRIAL. According to State Department of Transportation's Rules and Regulations for the Control of Outdoor Advertising and adopted herein. TCA 54-21-103 (Acts 2020, Ch. 706 ss 8)
(Ord. 1679, passed 8-9-2022)