For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
FLAG.
A piece of cloth or bunting attached to a pole attached to and perpendicular to the ground, bearing the official design of any unit of government, education institution, fraternal benefit societies, order or organization, or any organization operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.
HEIGHT OF A SIGN.
The vertical distance measured from the ground immediately beneath the sign to the highest point of its structure.
MARQUEE SIGN.
A display on a marquee or extending above or below a marquee, awning or canopy.
NONCONFORMING SIGN.
Any sign which does not conform with the provisions of this chapter but which was lawfully existing and maintained within the city prior to and at the time this chapter became effective, or was lawfully in existence and in use on the property inside the city on the date this chapter went into effect.
PROJECTING SIGN.
Any sign attached to a building which extends more than 15 inches beyond any vertical surface of the building which supports it.
ROOF SIGN.
Any sign which is attached to a building and any part of which extends above either the top of the building silhouette or any portion of the roof surface.
SIDEWALK SIGN.
A portable, non-permanent sign placed on a public sidewalk in the Central Business District (CBD) during regular business hours.
SIGN.
Any device designed to inform or attract the attention of persons not on the premises on which the sign is located; excepting, however, the following which shall not be included within this definition:
(1) Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, post box numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations;
(2) Legal notices; identification, informational, or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies;
(3) Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings, except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights;
(4) Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising matter.
SIGN AREA.
The area of a sign consisting of the entire surface of any regular geometric form, including words, letters and symbols, or combinations of regular geometric forms, comprising all of the display area of the sign and including all of the elements of the matter displayed. Frames and structural members not bearing advertising matter shall not be included in computation of such area.
SIGN, OFF-SITE. A sign other than an on-site sign.
SIGN, ON-SITE.
A sign relating in its subject matter to the premises on which it is located, or to products, accommodations, services, or activities on the premises.
TEMPORARY SIGN.
Any sign which is designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs with wheels, signs with chassis or support constructed without wheels, signs designed to be transported by trailer or wheels, signs converted to an A - or T - frame sign, menu signs or sandwich boards, searchlight stands, pennants, banners or hot air or gas filled balloons used for advertising.
WALL SIGN.
A sign which is attached directly to, or otherwise inscribed upon, a building wall or the exterior of a window.
WINDOW SIGN.
Any sign which is permanently or temporarily applied, affixed, or attached to the interior or exterior of any building window.
(Ord. 617, passed 1-27-2014; Am. Ord. 675, passed 5-22-2023)