For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BUILDING FACADE. The portion of any exterior elevation of a building extended from grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves and the entire width of the building elevation, and which may also be referred to as the BUILDING FACE.
COPY AREA. The sum of the area of the words or numbers included in the sign copy, exclusive of pictorials, trademarks or other advertising symbols.
DISPLAY AREA. The total area upon which sign copy may be placed. In computing the total DISPLAY AREA of a sign, mathematical formulas for geometric shapes formed by straight lines drawn closest to the extremities of the sign, excluding any structural members or embellishments, shall be used.
SIGN.
(1) A structure, including the frame and supports of such containing any printed text, pictorial representation, emblem or other object, and which is used to identify, instruct, attract, guide or advertise.
(2) Uses of SIGN shall be identified to the major categories as follows.
(a) DEVELOPMENT SIGN. A temporary construction sign denoting the architect, engineer, contractor, subcontractor, financier or sponsor of a development and designating the future occupant or use of the development.
(b) DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign of ten square feet or less and containing information relative to entrance, exit and distance to a structure, site or land use. In all instances, a DIRECTIONAL SIGN must be an on-premises sign.
(c) INSTITUTIONAL BULLETIN. A sign of any governmental agency, religious group, hospital or school, located on the premises and bearing only the information related to the activities conducted on the premises, persons involved or other such information.
(d) ON-PREMISES IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign which identifies or advertises the profession, land use activity, individual, product or service occupying or available on the premises.
(e) OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING SIGN. A sign which directs attention to businesses, products, services or establishments located and which, for the purposes of this chapter, shall be considered a principal use.
(f) PUBLIC INFORMATION SIGN. A sign containing only emergency or legal notices and regulatory information.
(g) REAL ESTATE SIGN. A sign advertising the fact that the premises on which it is located is for sale, lease or rent.
(h) TEMPORARY SIGN. A display, informational sign, banner or other advertising device with or without a structural frame, not permanently attached to a building, structure or the ground, and intended for a limited period of display, including decorative displays, for holidays or public demonstrations.
(3) SIGNS shall be classified according to their structural type as follows.
(a) FACIA SIGN. A single-face sign which is in any manner attached or affixed to an exterior wall of a building or structure or mounted above or below a canopy and which projects not more
than 18 inches from and does not extend more than six inches above the parapet line, eaves or building facade. Individual letters, in addition to the box type sign, may also be installed as a FACIA SIGN.
(b) FLASHING SIGN. An illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity or color.
(c) FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign supported by one or more uprights, poles, columns or braces placed in or upon the ground surface and not attached to any building or structure.
(d) ILLUMINATED SIGN. A sign illuminated by gas, electricity or other artificial lights including reflective or phosphorescent light.
(e) MARQUEE OR CANOPY SIGN. A sign attached or applied below a marquee, canopy, awning or other roof-like structure.
(f) MULTI-FACE SIGN. A sign, more than one side of which is visible. A “V-type” sign shall be considered a MULTI-FACE SIGN; provided, the least angle of intersection does not exceed 90 degrees.
(g) PORTABLE SIGN. A temporary sign.
(h) PROJECTING SIGN. A multi-faced sign, end mounted to an exterior wall of a building or structure and which projects out from the wall more than 18 inches.
(i) ROOF-MOUNTED SIGN. A sign erected wholly upon or over a roof of any building.
(j) SINGLE-FACED SIGN. A sign, only one side of which is visible.
(1982 Code, Title II, Ch. 11, § 2) (Ord. passed 6-10-1991)