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The following words and phrases, as used in this Article, have the meaning indicated. Words and phrases defined for the zoning ordinance but not defined in this Section, have the meaning indicated in Section 59-A-2. All other words and phrases have their common, ordinary meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Frontage, Building: The side of a building that abuts, parallels, or is nearest to parallel with, a street, a parking area, or other circulation area open to the general public and that has either a main window display or a public entrance to the building.
Inflatable device: A sign that is cold air inflated made of flexible fabric, resting on the ground or attached to a structure and equipped with a portable blower motor that provides a constant flow of air into the device. Inflatable devices may be restrained, attached, or held in place by a cord, rope, cable or similar method. An inflatable device is not an object that contains helium, hot air or lighter-than-air substance.
Management control plan: A legally binding agreement, recorded in the land records of Montgomery County, which binds the owner of a lot or parcel that is part of a commercial or industrial development to control the signage as approved by the management authority under the agreement.
Off-site sign: A sign that identifies or refers to a location, person, entity, product, business, message, or activity that is not connected with a use that is lawfully occurring on the Property where the sign is located.
Place of assembly: Any place of worship, school, library, museum, or hospital. Any other publicly owned facility is also a place of assembly.
Property: One or more parcels of land that:
(a) includes buildings under common control, operation, or ownership; or
(b) are subject to a project plan, site plan, sign concept plan, or combined urban renewal project plan.
Sign Area: The surface measurement of a sign as set forth in Section 59-F-3.
Sign, canopy: A sign which forms an integral part of a permanent or semi-permanent shelter for sidewalks, driveways, windows, doors, seating areas, or other customer convenience areas, like awnings or umbrellas.
Sign concept plan: A plan required before the Director can issue a permit, (i) for certain commercial or industrial zoned sites where the total area of signs is greater than 800 square feet; or (ii) for more than one commercial or industrial zoned site developed under a Management Control Plan, if the total area of signs on one or more of the sites is greater than 800 square feet, or (iii) for optional method development projects within an approved urban renewal area. The plan consists of scale drawings of the site delineating the location, dimensions, colors, shape, and architectural characteristics of all signs.
Sign, freestanding: Any sign that is not attached in whole or in part to a building. There are two types of freestanding signs:
Sign, ground: A sign erected on the ground or with its bottom edge within 12 inches of the ground, that has its support structure as an integral part of the sign, and where the dimension closest to the ground is greater than the height.
Sign, supported: A sign that is attached to a structure like a pole, column, frame, or brace, as its sole means of support, and is not a ground sign.
Sign Installer: A business or person engaged in a sign related activity, such as installation, maintenance, alteration, and modification of a sign intended for use by a person other than the business or person.
Sign, limited duration: A non-permanent sign that is displayed:
(1) on private property for more than 30 days. However, until January 1, 1999, a limited duration sign is a sign that is displayed on private property for more than 90 days. A limited duration sign is not intended to be displayed for an indefinite period; or
(2) within the public right-of-way.
Sign, location: A sign which portrays a logo, symbol, name, or address to identify the location of the building or use.
Sign, permanent: A sign that is constructed in a manner and of materials that will withstand long-term display and is intended to be displayed for an indefinite period of time. A permit must be obtained from the Director for a permanent sign.
Sign, portable: A sign installed on a support or structure that permits removal or relocation of the sign by pulling, carrying, rolling, or driving, such as a sign with wheels; a menu or sandwich board sign; an inflatable sign; an umbrella, but not a canopy sign, may be a temporary sign or a limited duration sign, but not a permanent sign. A sign attached or painted on a vehicle parked and visible from the public right-of-way is also bound by this division unless it is a currently licensed and registered vehicle used in the daily operation of the business. This does not include a sign on any light or heavy commercial vehicle as defined in Section 59-A-2.1, which is operated within the public right-of-way.
Sign related activity: An activity such as installation, maintenance, alteration, repair, or modification of a sign intended for use by others. A person or organization, may engage in these activities without a license, however, a review by the Director must be performed for signs requiring permits to ensure that the sign conforms with all aspects of this Article.
Sign, temporary: A sign that is displayed on private property for less than 30 days. However, until January 1, 1999, a temporary sign is a sign that is displayed on private property for less than 90 days. A temporary sign is usually made of a non-permanent material like canvas, cardboard, paper, or wood.
Sign, wall: Any sign that is attached to the wall of a building. There are two types of wall signs:
Flat wall sign: A sign that is parallel to the wall of a building to which it is attached, but does not extend more than 12 inches from the building face.
Projecting wall sign: A sign that is attached to a wall of a building and extends more than 12 inches from the building face.
Sign, window: A sign that is attached to a window, or which is visible through a window. A show window or three-dimensional display is not a window sign.
(Legislative History: Ord. No. 13-76, § 1; Ord. No. 13-102, § 1; Ord. No. 14-10, § 5; Ord. No. 15-88, § 1; Ord. No. 16-02, § 2; Ord. No. 16-59, § 6.)