For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Also, unless expressly stated, the following words or terms shall, for purposes of this subchapter, have the meanings indicated in this section.
BILLBOARD. See SIGN, OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING.
NAMEPLATE. A nonelectrical sign identifying only the name and occupation or profession of the occupant of the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN. Any display, name, identification, description, illustration, device, building, or building treatment which is visible to the public and which directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, service, institution, profession, business, or solicitation.
SIGN, BANNER. A temporary sign made of cloth, fabric, or other light weight temporary material with or without a structural frame.
SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPY. A sign on which copy is changed manually thereon.
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION. A temporary on-premises sign used during construction of new buildings, substantial additions to buildings, or exterior remodeling, which denotes a project name and/or identifies the architects, engineers, developers, contractors, and the like. See § 154.004 for the definition of “substantial addition”.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL. A sign which is designed and erected solely for the purpose of traffic or pedestrian direction and placed on the property (except as otherwise provided for in this subchapter) to which or on which the public is directed.
SIGN, FLASHING. A sign which contains an intermittent flashing light source or which includes the illusion of intermittent or flashing light by means of animation or an externally mounted intermittent light source; any sign in which any part of the light source varies in intensity and/or hue and flashes or appears to flash or turn on and off; or a sign in which a message constantly flashes or turns on and off, or alternates with other copy by means of rotating or otherwise moving portions of the sip.
SIGN, FREESTANDING (POLE AND MONUMENT SIGNS). A pole sign, not attached to a building, and supported wholly by uprights, braces, or posts; or a monument sign, not attached to a building, whereby the majority or the entirety of the base of the sign is attached directly to the ground, or attached to a permanent base not exceeding three feet in height.
SIGN, MARQUEE. A sign attached to, in any manner, or made part of a marquee.
SIGN, OBSOLETE. A sign which no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product, or activity conducted or product available on the premises where such sign is displayed, but not including real estate signs.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES ADVERTISING. An outdoor sign, display, device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, billboard, or other thing designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform the traveling public of an establishment, products, services, entertainment, or other information which is not sold, produced, or furnished upon the property in which the sign is located.
SIGN, OPEN LETTER.
(1) A wall sign consisting of individual or connected lettering not mounted on any type of background other than a building or the surface of an integral architectural element which is a part of a building.
(2) The surface which forms the background for the letters shall not be illuminated from behind.
SIGN, PARKING DIRECTION. A sign indicating the entrance or exit to a parking lot.
SIGN, PARKING REGULATION. A sign stating the regulations for use of a parking lot or individual or groups of parking spaces therein.
SIGN, PORTABLE. Any sign not permanently attached or intended to be permanently attached to the ground or to a building.
SIGN, PROJECTING. A sign which is attached directly to a wall or similar architectural element which is an integral part of a building, and which extends more than 15 inches from the face of the wall.
SIGN, PUBLIC SERVICE MESSAGE. An electronic or electrically controlled public service message sign which conveys only information such as time, date, temperature, atmospheric conditions, or general news information where different alternating copy changes are shown on the same lamp bank matrix without giving the appearance of directional movement.
SIGN, REAL ESTATE. A sign pertaining to the sale or lease of real estate.
SIGN, ROOF. A sign erected on or above a roof, parapet, or roof eave, when installed in a manner such that the sign or any portion thereof extends beyond the limits of the visible surface of the roof or wall when viewed from normal eye level from the adjacent public street right-of-way.
SIGN, TEMPORARY. A sign which is not illuminated and is intended for a limited period of display, including decoration displays for holidays or civic purposes.
SIGN, WALL. A sign which is attached directly to a wall or similar architectural element which is an integral part of a building, and which extends not more than 15 inches from the face of the wall.
SIGN, WINDOW. Any sign painted on, attached to, or displayed in a window so as to direct attention of persons outside the building to a product or activity of the institution or business on the premises.
TEMPORARY PROMOTIONAL DISPLAY. A temporary sign or signs displayed so as to attract attention to the sale of merchandise or services, or a change in policy or in the status of a business.
(Ord. 834, passed 2-1-2001)