(a) Signs Generally. As used in this chapter, "sign" means any object, device, display, figure, structure or part thereof, visible from a public way, which is affixed to or integrated into a building, a structure or land or otherwise situated on a lot or upon a single parcel of real property, as defined in Section 5301.02(a) of the Ohio Revised Code, and which is designed, intended or used to convey a message, advertise, inform or direct attention to a person, institution, organization, activity, place, object or product. Signs shall be further classified by structural type and use.
(b) Definition of Signs by Structural Type. As used in this chapter:
(1) "Canopy sign" means a sign attached to the soffit or facia of a canopy, to a covered entrance or walkway or to a permanent awning or marquee.
(2) "Ground sign" means a free-standing sign which has a supporting base designed as an integral part of the sign and resting totally or primarily on the ground.
(3) "Pole sign" means a sign which is supported wholly by a pole or poles and designed so as to permit pedestrian or vehicular traffic thereunder. (Such signs are not permitted.)
(4) "Portable sign/mobile graphic" means a sign which is designed to be portable and is not permanently attached to any part of a building. (Such signs are not permitted.)
(5) "Roof sign" means a sign erected upon and completely over the roof of any building. (Such signs are not permitted.)
(6) "Wall sign" means a sign integral with the exterior face of an exterior wall of a building, or attached to the wall or parallel with the wall and projecting not more than twelve inches therefrom.
(7) "Projecting sign" means a sign attached to an outside building wall and projecting at a ninety-degree angle therefrom.
(8) "Permanent or temporary window sign" means a sign attached or affixed to the interior surface of window or door of a building.
(9) "Electronic moving message/digital display sign" means a sign, or portion thereof, that displays electronic text information, or still images, graphics or pictures, with or without information. The message shall be defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (led's), fiber optics or other illumination devices within the display area, and the message change sequence shall be accomplished immediately or by means of face, repixalization, or dissolve modes. Electronic graphic display signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays.
(c) Definition of Signs by Use. As used in this chapter:
(1) "Identification sign" means a sign intended to announce or promote the use, activity, service or business on the premises.
(2) "Residential development identification sign" means a sign identifying the name and address of a completed residential subdivision or multifamily development.
(3) "Construction identification sign" means a temporary sign identifying the name of a subdivision, building or public works project or facility during the time of construction.
(4) "Information sign" means a sign intended to instruct employees, customers or users as to specific parking requirements, the location of a site or building, regulations pertaining to specific activities on a site or in a building, specific services offered or methods of payments accepted. In Residential Districts, information signs may include security identification signs, no-trespassing signs, signs identifying the presence of animals and signs directing deliveries, etc.
(5) "Directional sign" means a sign directing or guiding traffic and parking on private property. Such a sign shall contain no advertising.
(6) "Name plate" means a sign indicating the name and address of a person, business, profession or activity occupying a lot or building or identifying the operation or maintenance of any equipment which is placed on a building or site. On multifamily developments, name plates may include the name of the management.
(7) "Temporary sign" means a nonpermanent sign of any type intended to announce temporary work, special events, promotions or sales.
(8) "Political sign" means a temporary sign advocating action on a public issue or promotion of a candidate for public office.
(9) "Real estate sign" means a temporary sign which directs attention to the promotion, development, rental, sale or lease of the property on which the sign is located.
(Ord. 2010-77. Passed 12-6-10.)