For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALTER. To change the size, shape or outline, copy, nature of message, intent, or type of sign.
BULLETIN BOARD. A sign containing information where a portion of that information may be periodically changed, provided that the change shall be effected by the replacement or interchange of letters, numbers, or other graphic symbols by insertion, attachment, or similar means. The use of slate, chalkboard, cardboard, or similar material with pencil, chalk, crayon, or similar types of marking is prohibited.
CANOPY. A roof-like structure which extends horizontally more than 1 foot from the face of a building wall and does not have a structural border.
CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL. The person designated by the City Administrator.
COPY. Logos, characters, symbols, or any other portion of a sign which conveys a message or information.
ERECT. To build, construct, attach, hang, place suspended, or affix, and shall also include the painting of signs on the exterior surface of a building or structure, and also includes the painting or affixing of signs to the exterior or interior surface of windows, and includes signs located interior to a building but readily visible from the exterior.
GROSS SURFACE AREA OF SIGNS. The entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of each sign. A sign having information on 2 surfaces shall be considered as a single sign, provided that the surfaces are located back-to-back. A sign having information on 3 or more surfaces shall be calculated as the sum of all portions and evaluated as a single sign. If 2 or more
signs share a single structure, each sign or panel may be considered separately for square footage purposes, provided that each sign or panel has no relationship to the others, and that the combined area of those signs cannot exceed the total square footage allowed when evaluated as a single sign. For signs so constructed, where related portions are located on separate structures or vehicles, the
GROSS SURFACE AREA shall be calculated as the sum of all portions and evaluated as a single sign. The GROSS SURFACE AREA OF SIGNS less than 6 feet in height and used as an element of landscaping will be determined by measurement of a single continuous line enclosing the extreme limits of the sign, provided that this calculation shall not include planter boxes, screening walls, retaining walls, and similar improvements.
ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs, or outline illuminated directly or indirectly by electric lights, luminous tubes, or other means.
MONUMENT SIGN. Any sign mounted on a base and which is 6 feet in height or less, with a maximum area of 35 square feet, as further defined in § 153.05(B)(14). An example of a MONUMENT SIGN is attached to Ord. 595 as Exhibit A.
NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL. Any material which will not ignite at or below a temperature of 1,200°F and will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature or shall have a flame spread of 25 feet or less.
ON-PREMISES SIGN. A freestanding sign identifying or advertising a business, person, or activity, and installed and maintained on the same premises as the business, person, or activity, event, place, service, or product not principally located or primarily manufactured or sold on the premises on which the sign is located.
PROJECTING STRUCTURES. Covered structures of a permanent nature which are constructed of approved building material, specifically excluding canvas or fabric material, and where those structures are an integral part of the main building or permanently attached to a main building and do not extend over public property. PROJECTING STRUCTURES include marquee, canopy, and fixed- awning-type structures.
ROOF LINE. The height which is defined by the intersection of the roof of the building with the wall of the building; except, for mansard-type roofs, the ROOF LINE means the top of the lower slope of the roof. Roofs with parapet walls completely around the building and not exceeding 4 feet in height may be considered as the ROOF LINE for the purposes of this chapter.
SIGN. An outdoor structure, sign, display, light device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, billboard, or other thing that is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform.
STRUCTURAL TRIM. The molding, battens, cappings, nailing strips, latticing, and platforms which are attached to the sign structure.
VEHICLE. Any automobile, truck, camper, tractor, van, trailer, or any device capable of being transported, and shall be considered a VEHICLE in both moving and stationary modes, irrespective of state of repair or condition.
(Ord. 595, passed 5-23-2006)