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.
(b) 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) “Directional sign.” A sign indicating a direction or a location to which pedestrian or vehicular traffic is requested to move, including identifying the entrance to or exit from the lot.
(3) “Identification sign.” A sign intended to identify or name a building, business, institution, residential development or other use located on the site.
(4) “Instructional sign.” A sign that has a purpose secondary to the use on the lot and which is intended to:
A. Instruct employees, customers, or other users as to matters of public safety or necessity, such as signs for handicapped parking, the location or regulations pertaining to specific activities on the site or in the building, and including a sign erected by a public authority, utility, public service organization, or private industry that is intended to control traffic;
B. Direct, identify or inform the public; or
C. Provide needed public service as determined by the rules and regulations of governmental agencies or through public policy.
(5) “Nameplate.” A sign indicating the name, address and/or profession of a person or persons occupying a building.
(6) “Political sign.” A sign advocating action on a public issue, indicating a candidate for public office, or expressing an idea, opinion or belief and containing no commercial message.
(7) “Real estate/development sign.” A temporary sign promoting the rental, sale or lease of property, or the construction activities underway on a lot.
(c) 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 made of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a building or other structure at one or more edges.
(2) “Building sign.” Any identification sign attached parallel to any part of a building and including wall signs and canopy signs,
(3) “Changeable copy sign.” A sign or portion thereof on which the sign copy and/or graphics are not permanently affixed to the structure, framing or background allowing the letters, characters, or graphics to be modified manually or by electronic or mechanical devices from time to time, such as a bulletin board or announcement board.
(4) “Canopy sign.” A sign attached to or printed on the fascia or valence of a canopy, awning or marquee.
(5) “Under-canopy sign.” A sign hanging from the soffit (underside) of a canopy or awning, intended to be viewed by pedestrians walking under the canopy.
(6) “Free-standing sign.” A sign that 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.
(7) “Inflatable sign.” A sign made of flexible material, or fabric that is made to take on a three-dimensional shape (to blow up like a balloon) when filled with a sufficient volume of air or gas. Commonly used as a temporary sign for special events or promotions.
(8) “Permanent sign.” A sign that complies with the construction standards of this chapter and is not a temporary sign.
(9) “Portable (mobile) sign.” A temporary sign that 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 that is attached to a building wall and extending 12 or more inches beyond the building at an angle therefrom.
(11) “Roof sign.” A sign created upon and completely on or over the roof or parapet wall of any building.
(12) “Temporary sign.” A sign that is designed to be used only temporarily for a duration less than the occupancy of the use, is not intended to be permanently secured in the ground or to a building or other permanently located structure, and which contains information or message other than the name of the business or occupant.
(13) “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 16 inches from such surface, and which does not project above the roofline or beyond the corner of the building.
(14) “Window sign.” A sign that is applied or attached to a window or glass portion of a door, or a sign located near a window within a building for the purpose of being visible to and read from the outside of the building, except for signs that are not legible from a distance of more than three feet beyond the building in which such sign is located.
(Ord. 87-2009. Passed 4-20-09. Effective 5-20-09.)