For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED SIGN. A sign which no longer directs attention to or advertises any person, business, lessor, owner, product, idea, place, activity, institution, or service.
ADVERTISING MESSAGE. The words on a sign describing products or services being offered or available to the public.
ANIMATED SIGN. A sign that incorporates or includes movement either physically or electronically with lights or figures.
AREA OF SIGN. SIGN AREA shall be the gross surface area within a single continuous perimeter composed of a single rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, ornamentations, or other figures, together with any material, or color forming an integral part of the display or to differentiate the sign from the background to which it is placed. Structural supports bearing no sign copy shall not be included in gross surface area.
AWNING. A shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of non-rigid materials except for the supporting framework. When an AWNING contains, embodies or displays any words, trademark, logo illumination or similar representation, these elements shall constitute a SIGN.
BACKGROUND AREA. The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed, as opposed to the copy area, when referred to in connection with wall signs.
BANNER. A sign made of paper, plastic, or fabric of any kind which is intended to be hung either with or without a frame, with or without applied characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations, excluding national, state or governmental flags.
BEACON. A stationary or revolving light (also known as a SEARCHLIGHT) which flashes or projects illumination, single color or multi-colored, in any manner which is intended to attract or divert attention. This term is not intended, however, to include any kind of lighting device which is required or necessary under the safety regulations described by the Federal Aviation Administration or similar agencies.
BILLBOARD. A sign which advertises a business service, organization, event, person, place, or thing, not offered at or relating to the zoning lot upon which the sign is placed.
BUILDING FACE OR WALL. The wall and window area of a building in 1 plane or elevation.
BUILDING FRONTAGE. The linear length of a building facing the right-of-way.
BUSINESS FRONTAGE. The frontage of a lot on a public right-of-way or privately owned circulation road.
CANOPY. A structure other than an awning made of cloth, metal or other materials with frames affixed to a building and carried by a frame which is supported by the ground. When a CANOPY contains, embodies or displays any words, trademark, logo lighting or similar representation, those elements constitute a SIGN.
CHANGEABLE COPY. Letters, numerals or other graphics which are not permanently affixed to a structure and/or set for permanent display, and are intended to be alterable through manual or electronic means.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign of noncommercial nature which directs the reader to public parks, buildings, historical structures or areas, schools and other public institutions; or provides information concerning traffic circulation or parking.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN. A sign that uses changing lights to form a message or messages wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change are electronically programmed and may be modified by electronic processes.
FAÇADE. The face of a building from grade to the top of the roof or parapet in height, and from side wall to side wall or front wall to rear wall in width.
FEATHER SIGN. A lightweight portable or nonportable sign typically consisting of a flag or fabric mounted to a pole which is driven into the ground.
FLASHING SIGN. Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation, or an externally mounted intermittent light source. Automatic changing signs such as the public service time, temperature and date signs, or electronically controlled message centers shall be classified as “changeable copy signs,” not “flashing signs.”
FREESTANDING SIGN. Any sign supported by structures or supports that is placed on, or anchored in, the ground, and are independent from any building or other structure. Pole signs and monument signs are both examples of FREESTANDING SIGNS.
HEIGHT OF A SIGN. The vertical distance measured from the upper surface of the nearest street curb (other than an elevated roadway), to the highest point of the sign.
HIGHWAY IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign designed to be seen by motorists traveling along an interstate highway.
ILLUMINATED SIGN, EXTERNAL. Any sign which is illuminated by lamps not installed on or within the sign face.
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNAL. Any sign which is illuminated by means of light transited through the sign face. INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS include signs where the lamps are mounted on the sign face.
MENU BOARD. A permanent sign used to inform the public of the list of food and drink items available at a restaurant, including the corresponding prices. MENU BOARDS are typically associated with a drive-through facility.
MONUMENT SIGN. Any sign where the bottom side of the sign is placed, or mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign that is permanently placed, on the ground. A MONUMENT SIGN shall have no visible posts, poles, pylons, or other supports designed to raise the sign above the ground. MONUMENT SIGNS are also referred to as GROUND SIGNS and are also considered a freestanding sign.
NIT (UNIT). A unit of measurement which measures luminous intensity. One NIT equals 1 candela per square meter.
NONCONFORMING SIGN (LEGAL). A NONCONFORMING SIGN shall be any sign which:
(1) Was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this subchapter and any amendments hereto, and which fails to conform to all applicable regulations and restrictions contained in this subchapter; or
(2) A nonconforming sign for which a permit has been issued.
OBSCENE. Statements, words, suggestions, or pictures of an indecent or immoral character, such as will offend public morals or decency.
PARAPET. That portion of the wall of a building that rises above the roof level.
PENNANT. Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind.
POLE SIGN. A sign mounted on 1 or more freestanding pole(s) or pylons.
PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including, but not limited to:
(1) Signs designed to be transported by means of wheels.
(2) Signs converted to “A” or “T” frames.
(3) Sidewalk signs.
PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than 12 inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SIGN. Permanent residential development signs at major entrances designed to identify a residential subdivision, and containing no advertising.
ROOF SIGN. Any sign erected, constructed, and maintained entirely or partially upon or over the roof of any building, with the principal support on the roof.
ROOF SIGN, INTEGRAL. Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than 6 inches.
SIGN. A symbol, lettering, pictorial representation, or combination thereof used for information, identification, or directional purposes or to sell or advertise products, services, activities or events.
SIGN FACE. The entire area of a sign on which copy could be placed.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign installed, affixed, or maintained for a short, fixed, period of time.
TENANT IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign used where more than 1 business occupies a building or development, for the sole purpose of identifying which businesses are located within that building or development.
UNLAWFUL SIGN. A sign which does not meet the terms of this subchapter or which the village has declared to be unlawful because it poses a danger to public safety by reason of dilapidation or abandonment; a nonconforming sign for which any permit required under any previous ordinance was not obtained.
VEHICULAR SIGN. Any advertising or business sign attached to or painted on a motor vehicle or trailer, which is parked or placed in position for display to the public.
WALL SIGN. A sign which is placed against a building or other structure and which is attached to the exterior of a building.
WINDOW SIGN. A sign that is posted on the interior or exterior of a window of a building or structure which is intended to be read from the exterior of the building or structure.
(Ord. 2015-08, § 12.02, passed 6-23-2015)