For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AREA OF SIGN.
(1) The area in square feet of the smallest rectangle enclosing the total exterior surface of a sign having but one exposed exterior surface; should the sign have more than one surface, the sign area shall be the aggregate area of all sign surfaces measured as above; except that, strictly two-sided faced signs (surfaces back to back) shall be considered to have only one face.
(2) If any structural element which supports a sign is designed, painted or otherwise arranged so as to substantially contribute to the advertising qualities of the sign, the structural elements shall be included in the smallest rectangle used to compute the area of the sign.
(3) In the case where a name or design is applied directly to a wall the area shall be the smallest rectangle enclosing the name and/or design. In the case where a name or design is applied to an awning, the area shall also be the smallest rectangle enclosing the name and/or design.
AREA OF DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. The area of a sign in which the two faces are parallel and not more than two feet apart. In computing the area of a doublefaced sign, only one face of the sign shall be included.
BUILDING FACE. The general outer surface of a main exterior wall of a building. For example, a building whose plan is rectangular has four main exterior walls and four building faces.
BUILDING FRONTAGE. The portion of a building parallel and adjacent to a public street and serving as the main access to the building.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign which is self-supporting, standing on the ground in a fixed location and not attached to or projecting over any building or building projection. The signs may be supported from the ground by one or more uprights, poles or posts, with or without braces.
LIGHT POLLUTION. Excessive artificial light that includes LIGHT TRESPASS (light falling where it is not intended, wanted, or needed) or GLARE (excessive brightness which causes visual discomfort or can decrease visibility).
PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign, other than a wall sign, which is erected or supported by a building or roof and which projects outward or upward therefrom. Any sign under a marquee, porch, walkway covering or similar covering structure and in place generally perpendicular to the wall of the adjoining building shall be deemed to be a projecting sign.
SIGN. Any written, pictorial representation, symbol, insignia, banner, placement of lighting or any other feature of similar character, or whatever material, which is used to identify, announce, direct attention to or advertise which is erected on the ground or on any bush, tree, rock, wall, post, fence, building, structure, vehicle or in or on any place whatsoever and which is visible from outside a building.
WALL SIGN. Any sign posted, painted on, suspended from or otherwise affixed to or a part of the material of the exterior surface of any building or structure in an essentially flat position or with the exposed face of the sign in a place approximately parallel to the front of a canopy, porch or similar covering structure.
WINDOW SIGN. Any sign secured to the inside or outside of any window or otherwise located within any building as to be primarily visible from the exterior of any building through any window or door.
(Prior Code, § 17.34.020) (Ord. 352, passed - -1973; Am. Ord. 488, passed - -1981; Am. Ord. 515, passed - -1983; Am. Ord. 785, passed 3-4-2015)