For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
FLAG. Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, or other entity.
SIGN. Any object, device, or structure or part thereof situated outdoors or visible from outdoors which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. This definition does not include national or state flags or their emblem or insignia, interior window displays, athletic scoreboards, or the official announcements or signs of government.
SIGN, AREA. The entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the actual sign copy surface excluding any structural or supporting elements such as uprights, aprons, poles, beams, or standards.
SIGN, AREA IDENTIFICATION OR NAMEPLATE. A freestanding ground sign or pylon which identifies the names of neighborhoods, a residential subdivision, a multiple residential complex, or a commercial or industrial complex consisting of three or more businesses.
SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY/READER BOARD. An outdoor sign or any portion thereof which is permanently affixed or mounted to a support structure or building which has removable characters, letters, or illustrations that may be manually changed or rearranged without altering the underlying sign surface.
SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER. A sign utilizing electronic technology such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, or magnetized flipping devices to display messages, advertising, or animation.
SIGN, FLASHING. An illuminated sign on which such illumination is not kept constant in intensity or color at all times when such sign is in use.
SIGN, FREESTANDING. A sign attached to or a part of a self-supporting structure. Any supporting structure shall be set firmly below the ground surface and shall not be attached to any building or any other structure, pylon, or ground sign.
SIGN, GOVERNMENT. Any sign which directs traffic, displays street names, or which serves any public purpose duly authorized by governing body having jurisdiction thereof.
SIGN, GROUND. A sign supported or upon standards, poles, beams, or other supports directly affixed to the ground.
SIGN, IDENTIFICATION OR NAMEPLATE. A sign which bears the name or address or both of the business or the occupant of the building on which it is located.
SIGN, ILLUMINATED. A sign which has artificial light source directed upon it or which has an interior light source.
SIGN, INFORMATIONAL. A sign erected on private property providing general information about the use or uses on such property that the sign relates to, such as name and address, for the following uses: church, school, hospital, club, library, civic, or other similar types.
SIGN, INSTITUTIONAL. A sign which identifies such uses as hospitals, clinics, churches, schools, government buildings, libraries, museums, apartment complexes, and retirement homes.
SIGN, MARQUEE AND/OR CANOPY. Any message or identification which is affixed to a projection or extension of a building or structure and erected in such a manner as to provide a shelter or cover over the approach of any structure of a store, building, or place of public assembly being at least ten feet above any public sidewalk and being at least two feet behind the face of the curb.
SIGN, MOTION. A sign which revolves, rotates, or moves in any way by mechanical means.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES. A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, ON-PREMISES. A sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted or to a commodity or service sold, offered, or manufactured or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN, PERMANENT. A sign permanently attached to framing or a sign with a support member at or below the frost line or attached to a building or other structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.
SIGN, PYLON. A freestanding ground sign erected upon a post or posts not more than 15 feet apart.
SIGN, PROJECTING. A sign affixed to an exterior wall or roof of a building and which extends more than 18 inches from the face of the building wall and which is perpendicular to the building wall being at least ten feet above sidewalk and being at least two feet behind face of curb.
SIGN, ROOF. A sign erected upon the roof or parapet wall of a building or structure.
SIGN, TEMPORARY. Any sign used for varying periods of time which is not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure. The following are examples of TEMPORARY SIGNS:
(1) BANNER SIGN. A sign constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, paper, cardboard, or any other lightweight material. National, state, or municipal flags or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered BANNERS.
(2) CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A temporary sign identifying a building or construction site, architects, engineers, contractors, or suppliers.
(3) INFLATABLE SIGN. A sign capable of expanding due to the injection of air, gas, water, or vapor.
(4) POLITICAL SIGN. A temporary sign, such as poster card or lawn sign, advertising a candidate or issue to be voted upon a definite election day.
(5) PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure designed to be transported from structure to structure or site to site at periodic intervals. Portable signs include signs attached to or painted on vehicles unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.
(6) REAL ESTATE SIGN. A temporary sign advertising the sale or lease of property or buildings.
SIGN, WALL. A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane approximately parallel to the face of said wall and extending not more than 18 inches from the building wall face.
(Ord. passed - - 2006)