For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMATED SIGN. A sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
AREA OF SIGN. Is measured from the outer edge of the sign or frame holding the sign.
AWNING. A moveable shelter supported entirely from the building and a type which can be retracted, folded, or collapsed against the face of the building. Regulations regarding canopies apply to all AWNINGS.
BANNER. A sign or street graphic composed of fabric or similar material that is mounted to a pole, building, or other structure by a frame at one or more edges.
BILLBOARD. See OFF-PREMISES SIGN.
BUSINESS SIGN. A sign which identifies and/or directs attention to the business, profession, commodities, services, entertainment, or activities conducted, sold, displayed, or offered or stored on the premises where the sign is located.
CANOPY. A permanently roofed shelter covering a sidewalk, driveway, or similar area, which shelter may be wholly or partially supported by columns, poles, or braces extended from the ground; provided, that in no event shall said canopy extend over the public right-of-way.
CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A temporary sign announcing subdivision development construction or other improvements of property by a builder, contractor, or other person furnishing services, materials, or labor to said premises.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN. An electronic sign which flashes or rolls a message across it about the services or products of the business and may also have the time and temperature displayed. The ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SIGN may be incorporated into a business sign but may not increase that sign’s maximum size or height.
HEIGHT. The vertical distance measured from the elevation of the nearest sidewalk (or in the absence of a sidewalk from the lowest point of finished grade on the lot upon which sign is located, but within 25 feet of the sign) to the uppermost point of the sign or sign structure.
ILLUMINATION, DIRECT. Lighting by means of an unshielded light source (including neon tubing) which is effectively visible as part of the sign, where light travels directly from the source to the viewer’s eye.
ILLUMINATION, INDIRECT. Lighting by means of a light source which is directed at a reflecting surface in such a way as to illuminate the sign from the front, or the entire building facade upon which the sign is displayed.
ILLUMINATION, INTERNAL. Lighting by means of a light source which is within a sign having a translucent background simulating opaque letters or designs, or which is within letters or designs which are themselves made of translucent materials.
MARQUEES. A permanently roofed structure attached to and wholly supported by a building, and projecting from the building.
NAME PLATE AND HOME OCCUPATION SIGN. A sign indicating the name, occupation, or address of a person or persons residing on the same premises or legally occupying the same premises.
OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGN. Any off-premises sign, including a billboard or general outdoor advertising device, which advertises or directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or activity conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than on the same lot or within the same building upon which sign is erected or displayed.
ON-PREMISES SIGN. A sign which relates solely to a use, business, profession, service, and the like, provided or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.
PORTABLE OR WHEELED SIGNS. A sign that is moveable and temporary, constructed for the purpose of display and advertisement. These signs can only be used for special events.
REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign indicating the availability for sale, rent, or lease of the specific lot, building, or portion of a building upon which the sign is erected or displayed
ROOF LINE. The highest point on any building including any parapet wall, not including chimneys and exhaust-system housing.
SIGN. Any writing, pictorial representation, decoration (including any material used to differentiate sign copy from its background), form, emblem or trademark, flag or banner, or any other figure of similar character. If, for any reason, it cannot be readily determined whether or not an object is a SIGN, the Building Inspector and/or County Engineer shall make such determination.
SIGN FACE. The surface of a sign, upon, against, or through which the message is displayed or illustrated.
TEMPORARY SIGN. Any sign not permanently erected, visible for no more than 60 days in any one-year period.
WIND SIGN. A sign consisting of one or more banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers, or captive balloons, or other objects or material fastened in such a manner as to move upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze.
(Ord. 2006-3, passed 5-8-2006)