For the purpose of this subchapter, unless otherwise specifically provided, or unless otherwise clearly required by the context, the words and phrases defined in this subchapter shall have the meaning herein set forth when used in this subchapter. If a word or phrase used in this subchapter is not defined by G.S. Ch. 160D or elsewhere in this chapter, to the extent such word or phrase is defined in G.S. Ch. 160D, that definition shall control.
ADVERTISING SIGN. A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered:
(1) Only elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is displayed; or
(2) Is as a minor and incidental activity upon the premises where the sign is displayed.
BUSINESS SIGN. A sign which directs attention to a business, profession or industry located upon the premises where the sign is displayed, to type of products sold, manufactured or assembled, and/or to service or entertainment offered on said premises, but not a sign pertaining to the preceding if such activity is only minor and incidental to the principal use of the premises.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign that:
(1) Is permanent; and
(2) Is attached to, erected on or supported by some structure such as a pole, mast or frame that is not itself an integral part of a building or other structure having a principal function other than the support of a sign.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A sign that draws attention to or communicates information about a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other activity that is conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. The structure on which an advertising sign is displayed of type commonly known as a "billboard" is also an advertising sign.
SHINGLE SIGN. A small signboard hanging or protruding so that both sides are visible, which has no dimension more than two feet, which is no larger in area than three square feet. A SHINGLE SIGN may be mounted as a wall sign so that only one side is visible.
SIGN. Any surface, fabric or device bearing lettered, pictorial or sculptured matter designed to convey information visually and exposed to public view; or any structure (including billboard or poster panel) designed to carry the above visual information.
TEMPORARY SIGN.
(1) A sign that:
(a) Is 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;
(b) Is intended to remain on the location where it is erected or placed for a period of generally not more than 15 days; or
(c) Is displayed on a premises only during normal operating hours and then removed from that location.
(2) If a sign display area is permanent, but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be regarded as TEMPORARY.
WALL SIGN. A sign attached or erected against the wall of a building or structure, only one side of which is visible.
(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)