For the purposes of these regulations, a sign is any writing, pictorial representation, emblem, flag or other figure of a similar character, either two-dimensional or three-dimensional, which is attached to, painted on, or in any other manner represented on, a building or other structure visible from the outside, and erected to announce, direct attention to, advertise or promote any activity or service, or the sale of any products, goods, land or building, or architectural elements which are ornamental and achieve purposes which are similar to those achieved by a sign. A sign shall be classified by physical design or structure and by function or purpose based on the following:
(a) Physical Design or Structure.
(1) "Abandoned sign." A sign that no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
(2) "Animated sign." Any sign that uses flashing lights or movement of the sign or some element thereof, to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
(3) "Awning" or "canopy sign". Any sign that is painted on, printed on or attached to an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance or window.
(4) "Banner sign." Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material with no enclosing framework that is mounted to a building or other structure at one or more edges.
(5) "Building marker." A sign or insignia cut into the exterior building surface, or otherwise permanently mounted on the building.
(6) "Changeable copy sign." A sign such as a bulletin board or announcement board, where the message or graphics is not permanently affixed to the structure, framing, or background allowing the message or graphics to be periodically replaced or covered over manually or by electronic or mechanical devices.
(7) "Electronic message display." A sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or images that can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means.
A. "Dissolve." A mode of message transition on an electronic message display accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneously with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second message.
B. "Fade." A mode of message transition on an electronic message display accomplished by varying the light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point of legibility.
C. "Frame." A complete, static display screen on an electronic message display.
D. "Frame effect." A visual effect on an electronic message display applied to a single frame to attract the attention of viewers.
E. "Scroll." A mode of message transition on an electronic message display where the message appears to move vertically across the display surface.
F. "Transition." A visual effect used on an electronic message display to change from one message to another.
G. "Travel." A mode of message transition on an electronic message display where the message appears to move horizontally across the display surface.
(8) "Flashing sign." A sign that contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source used primarily to attract attention.
(9) “Freestanding sign.” A sign and supports not constructed or intended for permanent use. Such signs are supported from the ground and are not intended to be permanently installed in the ground. This does not include a pole sign, which is expressly prohibited. (See Section 770.38 and 770.38A for more details.)
(10) “Illuminated sign.” A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
(11) “Monument sign.” A sign that is supported and mounted directly from the ground or structure other than a building. This does not include a pole sign, which is expressly prohibited.
(12) “Portable/sandwich board signs.” A temporary sign constructed or fabricated of materials, such as, but not limited to, metal framing and signage, coated or pressure-treated wood of one-half inch thick or greater, which is designed to withstand long-term exposure to the surrounding environmental conditions but is not intended to be permanently installed. Usually has hinged boards along the top creating a triangle shape. (See Section 770.40 for more details.)
(13) “Projecting sign.” A sign, other than a wall sign, which is attached to and extends more than 15 inches from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign. (See Section 770.34 for more details.)
(14) “Public purpose/safety sign.” A sign erected by a public authority, utility, public service organization, or private industry upon the public right-of-way or, when required by law, on private property and which is intended to control traffic; direct, identify or inform the public; or provide needed public service as determined by the rules and regulations of governmental agencies or through public policy. Such signs include, but are not limited to, “No Parking - Fire Lane”.
(15) “Roof sign.” Any sign erected, constructed or maintained upon or over the roof or parapet wall of a building.
(16) “Temporary sign.” A sign of any type, which is placed for a specified period of time, intended to announce special events, promotions, sales and the like, which are constructed of poster board, cardboard, Masonite, plywood or plastic material and mounted to wood, metal or wire frames or supports. (See Section 770.41 for more details.)
(17) “Under-canopy sign.” A sign suspended beneath a canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee, intended to be viewed by pedestrians from the sidewalk beneath the canopy, ceiling, roof or marquee.
(18) “Wall sign.” A sign intended to identify the principal use of a lot, development, building, or building unit that is attached parallel to and extending not more than 15 inches from the outside wall of a building and with no copy on the sides or edges.
(Ord. 15-01. Passed 9-22-03; Ord. 11-08. Passed 5-10-10; Ord. 01-23. Passed 5-22-23.)