For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABANDONED SIGN. A sign or sign structure that is blank, obliterated, or displays obsolete advertising material for a period in excess of 90 days. The 90-day period for determining if a sign is ABANDONED commences upon notification of violation to the offender.
BACK-TO-BACK SIGN. An off-premises or on-premises sign consisting of two sign facings oriented in the opposite direction with not more than one face per side.
BANNER SIGN. An on-premises sign which is composed of lightweight material, either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured or mounted so as to allow movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere. For the purpose of this subchapter, a BANNER SIGN can only be used as a wall sign.
DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A sign erected for the convenience of the public, such as directing traffic movement, parking, or identifying restrooms, public telephones, walkways and other similar features, or facilities and bearing no advertising in the message.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGN. An off-premises or on-premises sign with two adjacent faces oriented in the same direction and not more than ten feet apart at the nearest point between the two faces.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign on a frame, pole, or other support structure not attached to any building.
HIGHWAY. Every way or place of whatever nature open to the public, as a matter of right, for purposes of vehicular travel, is a HIGHWAY. The term HIGHWAY shall also include private access easements and roadways.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A sign/billboard that advertises goods or services not available at the location of the billboard or advertising sign.
ON-PREMISES SIGN. A sign identifying an establishment’s activities, products, or services conducted or available on the property upon which it is located and signs advertising the sale or lease of the property upon which they are located.
SIGNS. Any sign defined in this subchapter which displays or conveys any identification, description, illustration, or device illuminated or non-illuminated, which directs attention to a product, service, business activity, institution, business, or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise, or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, or placard designed to advertise, identify, or convey information, with the exception of window displays.
SIGN AREA. The entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of the actual sign surface, but excluding any structural or supporting elements such as upright, aprons, poles, beams, or standards. In the case of lettering on an awning or other undefined structure or space, a perimeter shall be determined by adding two inches around the whole of the lettering, using unbroken parallel lines. Logos shall not be included in square footage, but must be subordinate to the sign. A logo that consists only of words with or without a symbol shall be included in the sign square footage. Logos attached to walls shall not exceed 20 square feet.
SIGN FACING. The portion of a sign structure upon which advertising is affixed or painted and visible in one direction at one time.
SIGN STRUCTURE. The sign face and support members that are permanently affixed to the ground or attached to a structure. SIGN STRUCTURE does not include the sign frame.
SIGN TYPES. Sign types are canopy, ground/pole, projecting wall, roof, wall, and wall/roof. SIGN TYPE pertains to the location of a sign on a property or structure, and the method of support or attachment.
(1) CANOPY SIGN. This includes awnings and marquees. An overhead covering projecting from and attached to a building, and the attachments thereto.
(2) GROUND/POLE SIGN. A sign that is structurally self-supporting and not attached to any other structure.
(3) PROJECTION WALL SIGN. A sign attached to and supported by a building, projecting more than 12 inches from the wall to which it is attached. A PROJECTING WALL SIGN shall not extend above the roof line.
(4) ROOF SIGN. A sign attached to roof of a building.
(5) WALL SIGN. A sign affixed to an exterior wall of a building and which projects 12 or fewer inches from the wall.
(6) WALL/ROOF SIGN. A projecting wall sign which projects above the roof line of a building and which is wholly supported by the building.
SIGN USE. This refers to the way in which a sign is used based on the function of the sign and/or its relationship to the property on which it is located.
(1) AREA IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign erected to identify a group of five or more commercial or industrial activities located either within a single structure by identifying the structure or the area. The structure or area must be identifiable as a unit through common ownership or management of the building, utilities, and/or common facilities (i.e., parking, open space, mall, and the like).
(2) BUSINESS SIGN. An on-premises sign or signs used to identify a commercial or industrial activity.
(3) CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A temporary sign erected to identify the contractors, designers, and/or financial institutions involved in a major construction project.
(4) HOME OCCUPATION SIGN. A sign erected to identify a home occupation.
(5) INSTITUTIONAL SIGN. A sign erected to identify an institutional activity.
(6) RESIDENTIAL IDENTIFICATION SIGN. A sign that is showing the address and/or name of the occupant(s) of a residential building.
(7) RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SIGN. A sign identifying an unique development or apartment complex being actively developed as evidenced by buildings under construction or constructed and/or streets opened.
SPECIALTY SIGNS. Specialty signs possess unique characteristics that require special treatment or control. The following are included in the kinds of specialty signs.
(1) PAINTED WALL SIGN. An on-premises sign painted directly upon a wall or similar structure.
(2) PARASITIC SIGN. A sign affixed to a permanent supporting structure that is in addition to signs specifically designed for said supporting structure.
(3) TEMPORARY/PORTABLE SIGN. A sign not affixed to a permanent supporting structure but which is designed to be moved from location to location.
(4) MURAL. A pictorial representation not identifying goods or services offered by a business.
(5) CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN/READER BOARD.
(a) A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face of the surface of the sign.
(b) A sign on which the message changes more than eight times per day shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this subchapter.
(c) A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a “time and temperature” portion of a sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this subchapter.
(6) ANIMATED SIGN. Any sign that uses movement, electric message, or change of lighting, either natural or artificial, to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
(7) PENNANT/BANNER SIGN. Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, attached to a pole or lighting standard, usually in series, that promotes the community or a community event.
(Ord. passed 2-3-2011, § 2.30.040)