For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
“BILLBOARD.” Office signs, notice, poster, display or other device intended to attract the attention of passengers of motor vehicles on the highways, and shall include a structure erected or used in connection with the display of any device and alt lighting or other attachments used in connection therewith. However, it does not include directional of other official signs or signals erected by the state or other public agency having jurisdiction.
“BULLETIN BOARD.” Any sign erected by a charitable, educational or religious institution or a public body, which is erected upon the same properly as said institution, for purposes of announcing events which are held on the premises.
“DISPLAY SURFACE AREA.” The gross geometric area enclosed by the display surface of the sign including the outer extremities of all letters, characters and delineations; structural supports for free standing signs; provided further that both faces of a double face sign shall be considered in determining the display surface area; provided further that in no event shall area computed herein be less than areas as defined in the city Zoning Ordinance relating to sign size and location.
“ERECT.” To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix, and paint a wall sign.
“FACE.” A surface lying in a single plane.
“FREESTANDING SIGN.” A sign which is attached to or a part of a completely self supporting structure. The supporting structure shall be firmly in or below the ground surface and not attached to any building or any other structure whether portable or stationary.
“IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION SIGNS.” Signs of an identification or information nature bearing no advertising.
“NON-CONFORMING SIGNS.” A sign existing at the effective date of the adoption of this subchapter and for which a city sign permit has previously been issued or could have been issued by the city without City Commission approval which could not be built under the terms of this subchapter or the now existing zoning district regulations for the city.
“OFF-SITE SIGN.” A sign other than an on-site sign.
“ON-SITE SIGN.” 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.
“PORTABLE OR TEMPORARY SIGNS.” A single or double-faced painted or poster panel type sign or some variation thereof, which is temporary in nature located on the ground or mounted on wheels, easily movable, and not permanently attached and sometimes referred to as a "small freestanding sign". (These signs are not legal in the city.)
“SIGN.” Includes every device, frame, figure, character, letter, mark, plane, point, design, picture, stroke, stripe, trademark or reading matter, which is used or intended to be used to attract or convey information when the same is placed out of doors in view of the general public. Where matter is displayed in a random manner without organized relationship to elements, or where there is reasonable doubt as to the relationship of elements, each element shall be considered a single sign.
“SIGN, ADVERTISING.” A sign which directs attention to a business, product, activity, or service which is not necessarily conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
“SIGN, BUSINESS.” A sign which directs attention to a business, profession, service, product, activity, or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.
“SIGN OFFICER.” The Code Enforcement Officer or Citation Officer of the city or other person authorized by the City Commission to perform the functions of the sign officer.
(Ord. 97-02, passed 3-24-97)