For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AWNING. A structure attached to a building, typically made of tubular frame and covered with canvas or similar soft material(s).
BULLETIN BOARD. A sign used for the posting of events, notices, hours or related information.
DIRECTORY SIGN. A freestanding sign identifying the location of five or more separate businesses. One or more maps may be incorporated as part of the DIRECTORY SIGN along with a listing of business names and types.
EVENT SIGN. A sign announcing a noteworthy happening, social occasion or activity taking place at a particular date and time.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign having not more than two sides erected at grade level supported by one or more uprights, or other structural members, which are placed in or on an approved foundation and not attached to any building.
INCIDENTAL SIGN. A sign which is incidental to the primary use and is for public information and not for advertising purposes.
OBSOLETE SIGN. A sign which identifies a use that is no longer on the site.
OPEN HOUSE SIGN. A form of event sign directing people to homes that are for sale and open to the public for physical viewing without prior appointment. Such signs may identify the street address and the times for such public viewing.
PERMANENT SIGN. Any sign which is permanently affixed or installed and is intended for long-term use, generally being in place longer than 90 days.
POLITICAL SIGNS.
(1) POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SIGN. A temporary sign that announces or supports political candidates or issues in connection with any national, state or local election. POLITICAL ELECTION SIGNS include only those signs specifically advocating on behalf of a person, or a position on a question, to be considered by voters on a ballot that has been certified in accordance with the Illinois Election Code.
(2) POLITICAL MESSAGE SIGN. A sign, other than a political campaign sign, that expresses a noncommercial message regarding an issue of political or public concern.
PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign not permanently attached to an approved foundation or a building.
PROJECT IDENTIFICATION SIGN. Any sign identifying only a general contractor’s name and telephone number and the project name for building construction and remodeling projects.
PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign projecting from and attached perpendicular to a wall of a building. A sign attached to the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face(s) in a plane perpendicular to the building wall.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. The land area over which the city has rights either through ownership or easement, to use for public street and utility purposes.
REAL ESTATE SIGN. Any freestanding sign that announces the sale or lease of property, excluding tract identification signs.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGN. A portable A-frame sign that is designed to be self-supporting by nature.
SETBACK. The minimum horizontal distance between the front line of a building or structure and the street right-of-way line, as required by the city Zoning Code.
SIGN. Any visible identification, description, illustration, object or device, illuminated or non-illuminated, which directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation. This definition does not include products typically displayed in the window(s) of businesses.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A real estate sign, or any other sign in place for 90 days or less.
TOTAL SURFACE AREA. The entire area within any continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of lettering, representations or other figures or messages, together with any material or color which is an integral part of the display or which is used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed.
TRACT SIGN. Any freestanding sign which announces the sale or lease of a subdivided or an unsubdivided tract of land containing 20 or more acres.
WALL SIGN. A sign attached to the wall of a building or structure, with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to the building wall.
(Prior Code, Ch. 36, § 1, Art. II) (Ord. 93-64, passed 10-4-1993; Ord. 07-01, passed 1-2-2007; Ord. 2008-05, passed 1-22-2008; Ord. 2012-01, passed 1-17-2012)