For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
1. Portable Sign. Any device designed to inform or attract attention of persons not on the premises on which the device is located, which device can be easily transported or carried from place to place and which is not attached to the real estate on which it is located in a permanent manner.
2. Sandwich Sign. A device limited in size to eight (8) square feet which is place in front of a building advertising such things as daily specials and can be posted only during the hours of operation of the business and which must not be placed on a public right-of-way. Such device may be and frequently is, in the shape of an A frame.
3. Sign. Any device designated to inform or attract attention of persons not on the premises on withc the sign is located, provided however that the following shall not be included in the application of the regulations herein:
a. Signs not exceeding one (1) square foot in area and bearing only property numbers post box numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations.
b. Legal notices; identification, information, or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies.
c. Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights.
d. Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising matter other than logos and business names and limited to a maximum of four (4) square feet in size.
4. Signs - Number and Surface Area. For the purpose of determining the 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 of elements, or where there is reasonable doubt about the relationship of elements each element shall be considered to be a single sign. The surface area of a sign shall be computed as including the entire area within a regular geometric form or combinations of regular geometric forms comprising of all of the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed. Frames and structural members not bearing advertising matter shall not be included in computation of surface area.
5. Signs - Off Site. Signs other than on-site signs.
6. Signs - On-Site. 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.
7. Structure. Anything constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground, or attached to something having a fixed location on the ground. Among other things, structures include buildings, mobile homes, walls, fences, billboards, signs, and poster panels.
8. Temporary signs. Signs advertising or identifying an infrequent, irregular or non-continuous event, sale or occasion. Such signs are limited in duration to thirty (30) days posting and are subject to all other regulations of this ordinance concerning setbacks from property lines. Temporary signs which are less than twelve (12) square feet in gross surface area shall not be illuminated and shall not be required to obtain a permit. Among others, political and for sale/rent signs shall be considered to be temporary signs.
(Ord. No. 2007-33, 12-27-07)