For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall govern the meaning of the terms used:
BUILDING LINE. The minimum distance required between the right of way and the nearest supporting member of a building, structure, or sign, as specified in the building code.
FACE. The area or display surface used for the message.
LOT. Part of a subdivision, the plat of which has been recorded in the office of the Wayne County Register of Deeds; or a plot of land, the deed of which has been recorded in the office of the Wayne County Register of Deeds.
MARQUEE. A roof like structure or awning projecting over an entrance, as to a theater.
PARCEL. One or more lots under single ownership and control, which are used, developed, or built upon as a unit. Such lots may be in one or more subdivisions, and in one or more municipalities.
SIGN. Any use of words, numbers, figures, devices, designs, logos or trademarks visible to the general public and designed to inform or attract the attention of persons not on the premises on which the SIGN is located, including the structure upon which such words, numbers, figures, devices, designs, logos or trademarks are or may be written, printed or affixed unless said structure is a building as defined in applicable city codes. A SIGN shall include a device commonly known as a “search lights” or mechanism which emits beam(s) of light into the air as well as “floating” displays such as balloons or stuffed or inflated figures.
(1) ANIMATED SIGN. A sign which uses lights, moving parts, or other means to depict a creature or being as living or having life.
(2) AWNING SIGN. A sign which is printed on or affixed to an awning or canopy.
(3) BANNER SIGN. Signs produced on cloth, paper, fabric or other combustible material of any kind, either with or without frames.
(4) BILLBOARD. A freestanding or ground sign with an area in excess of 200 square feet.
(5) FESTOON SIGN. A sign consisting of a wreath or garland of flowers, leaves, paper or other material hanging in a loop or curve.
(6) FREESTANDING OR GROUND SIGN. A sign which is erected upon or supported by the ground, including signs on poles or pylons that are anchored in the ground.
(7) MONOLITH SIGN. A three-dimensional, self-supporting, base-mounted, freestanding sign, consisting of two or more sides extending up from the base, and upon which a message is painted or posted. A MONOLITH SIGN may also consist of a base-mounted cylindrical structure upon which a message is painted or posted.
(8) NONCONFORMING SIGNS. Signs which are prohibited under the terms of this chapter but were in use and lawful at the date of enactment of this chapter, shall be deemed nonconforming.
(9) OBSOLETE SIGNS. Signs that advertise a product that is no longer made or that advertise a business that has closed.
(10) OUTLINE TUBING SIGN. A sign consisting of glass tubing, filled with a gas such as neon, which glows when electric current is sent through it.
(11) PENNANT SIGN. Signs or displays consisting of long, narrow, usually triangular flags.
(12) PORTABLE SIGN. Signs which are not permanently affixed to a building face or to a pole, pylon, or other support that is permanently anchored in the ground. PORTABLE SIGNS are capable of being readily moved from one location to another.
(13) PROJECTING SIGN. A sign so constructed and erected as to be attached at one end to a building, metal pole or other structure and projecting out therefrom.
(14) REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign used to indicate that a parcel of property or building is for sale, lease or rent.
(15) ROOF SIGN. A sign erected upon and structurally supported by the roof of a building.
(16) SANDWICH SIGN. A sign consisting of two advertising boards laid back-to-back and at least partially supported by each other.
(17) SPINNERS. A sign or display consisting of paper, plastic, or other types of parts that spin.
(18) EMPORARY SIGN. A sign which is intended to be erected only a few days or weeks including portable signs, trailer signs, banners, pennants or any other sign which is not permanently affixed to a building face or to a pole, pylon or other support that is permanently anchored on the ground.
(19) TRAILER SIGNS. A sign that is mounted on a frame with wheels, and is capable of being pulled by a vehicle or by hand. For the purposes of this chapter, TRAILER SIGNS shall be considered portable signs.
(20) WALL SIGN. A sign which is attached to, affixed to, placed upon, or painted upon any exterior wall or surface of any building, building structure, or part thereof, provided that no part of any such sign extends more than 12 inches from the face of the exterior wall. For the purposes of this chapter, signs attached to the face of a mansard roof shall be considered WALL SIGNS.
(21) WINDOW SIGN. Any sign located in or on a window and visible to the general public on the exterior.
VARIANCE. A modification of the literal provisions of this chapter, granted when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship due to circumstances unique to the individual parcel on which the VARIANCE is granted.
(Ord. 792, passed 12-3-01; Am. Ord. passed 2-20-17)