For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BILLBOARD. An off-premise sign owned by a person, corporation, or other entity that is engaged in the business of selling the advertising space on that sign.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SUBCHAPTER. The effective date of this subchapter as originally
adopted, or the effective date of an amendment to it if the amendment makes a sign nonconforming.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign that is attached to, erected on, or supported by a structure (such as a pole, mast, frame, or other structure) that is not itself an integral part of or attached to a building or other structure whose principal function is something other than the support of a sign. A sign that stands without supporting elements, such as “sandwich sign,” is a also a FREESTANDING SIGN. If the message is removed from a structure that was originally designed and used as a FREESTANDING SIGN, this structure shall still be considered a sign.
INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGNS. Signs where the source of the illumination is inside the sign and light emanates through the message of the sign rather than being reflected off the surface of the sign from an external source. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, signs that consist of or contain tubes that are:
(1) Filled with neon or some other gas that glows when an electric current passes through it; and
(2) Intended to form or constitute all or part of the message of the sign, rather than merely providing illumination to other parts of the sign that contain the message, shall also be considered internally illuminated signs.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNS. A sign that draws attention to or communicates information about a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained, or provided at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. A sign that draws attention to a cause or advocates or proclaims a political, religious, or other noncommercial message shall also be an OFF-PREMISES SIGN unless such sign is excluded from regulation under § 152.432, or is subject to regulation under § 152.433(A)(5).
ON-PREMISES SIGN. A sign that draws attention to or communicates information about a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other enterprise or activity that exists or is conducted, sold, offered, maintained, or provided on the premises where the sign is located.
SIGN. Any device that is:
(1) Sufficiently visible to persons not located on the lot where such device is located to accomplish either of the objectives set forth in subdivision ii of this definition; and
(2) Designed to attract the attention of such persons or to communicate information to them.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign that is:
(1) Used in connection with a circumstance, situation, or event that is designed, intended, or expected to take place or to be completed within a reasonably short or definite period after the erection of such sign; or
(2) Intended to remain on the location where it is erected or placed for a period of not more than 15 days. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, then that sign shall not be regarded as TEMPORARY.
(Ord. passed 12-20-2001) Penalty, see § 152.999