Words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases which are not defined in this article but are defined elsewhere in the Code of Ordinances of the City of Sweeny shall be given the meanings set forth in those code provisions. Other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning unless the context clearly required otherwise. Headings and captions are for reference purposes only, and shall not be used in the interpretation of this chapter.
ABANDONED SIGN. A sign for which any of the following conditions apply:
(1) Does not contain a message on the first anniversary of the date the business, person, or activity that the sign or sign structure identifies or advertises ceases to operate on the premises on which the sign or sign structure is located.
(2) If the premises containing the sign or sign structure is leased, then if the sign does not contain a message on the second anniversary after the date the most recent tenant ceases to operate on the premises.
(3) The city may agree with the owner of the sign or sign structure to remove only a portion of the sign or sign structure.
AREA.
(1) The entire sign surface within a single contiguous perimeter, excluding support structures. A sign structure with two faces back-to-back, oriented in opposite directions and separated by not more than three feet, with the same copy on both sides, shall be counted as a single sign.
(2) In cases where a sign is composed only of letters, figures, or other characters the dimensions used to compute the area are the smallest simple imaginary figure (circle, triangle, rectangle, or other) which fully contains the sign content.
BANNER. Fabric or other suitable material which is attached or suspended at two ends or continuously across the long edge. Attachment or suspension may be from structures and/or poles. A street banner is a banner suspended above a right of way.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN. A sign or part of a sign on which content can be changed or rearranged without altering the face of surface of the sign, including but not limited to a theater marquee or a gasoline price sign.
COMMERCIAL COMPLEX. Any property such as a shopping center, office park or industrial park, which consists of two or more establishments on a single platted lot, or which is designed, developed and managed as a unit.
COMMERCIAL SERVICE SIGN. A sign which solicits support for or participation in a non-profit, non-political, community, public or social event or activity.
DILAPIDATED SIGN. Any sign where:
(1) The structural support or frame members are visibly bent, broken, dented, torn or excessively rusted; or
(2) The sign face is visibly torn, cracked or, in the case of wood or similar products, splinted in such a way as to constitute a potential harmful condition; or
(3) The sign or its elements are twisted or leaning or at angels other than those at which it was originally erected (such as may result from being blown or the failure of a structural support).
FLAG. A fabric sheet, which is attached at one end to a pole, cable or rope.
FREESTANDING SIGN. Any sign not attached to or part of any building. Included are monument signs and self supported signs.
HEIGHT. The distance from ground level to the top of the sign structure. The ground level is the lower of:
(1) The existing grade prior to construction of the sign; or
(2) The newly established grade after construction, unless the curb elevation at the street in front of the sign is higher than the established ground level, in which case the height shall be measured from curb level.
ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source of any kind, either detached from the sign or a part thereof. Signs that are only incidentally and indirectly illuminated as a result of a lighting plan primarily designed as security lighting or landscape lighting are not illuminated signs.
MONUMENT SIGN. A sign which is mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign and is of limited height. The opening between the base and the sign must be no greater than two inches.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A sign displaying advertising copy that pertains to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, or product not principally located or primarily manufactured or sold on the premises on which the sign is located.
ON-PREMISES SIGN. A sign identifying or advertising a business, person, or activity, and installed and maintained on the same premises as the business, person or activity.
PREMISES. Means a lot or tract within the city, and contiguous lands in the same ownership, which is not divided by any public highway, street or alley, or right-of-way.
PROJECTING SIGN. Any sign the outside edge of which extends from the face of a wall to which it is attached.
RESIDENTIAL AREA. Any property within the city limits which is zoned for residential use. Any unzoned property within the city limits or any property within the city's extra-territorial jurisdiction which is vacant, in any form of agricultural use, on which a residence is the principal use, and any portion within 200 feet of any such residence.
RESPONSIBLE PARTY. The owner of the property upon which the sign is located, the lessor of the property, and/or the owner of the sign.
SELF-SUPPORTED SIGN. See FREE STANDING SIGN.
SIGN. Any medium for visual communication or its structure used or intended to attract the attention of the public.
SIGN STRUCTURE. Any structure which is designed specifically for the purpose of supporting a sign, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign. This definition shall include any decorative covers, braces, wires, supports, or components attached to or placed around the sign structure. Where any goods or services for sale or other advertisement is displayed on the structure, then said structure shall be counted as part of the sign area.
SINGLE COMMERCIAL BUILDING. A structure containing a single commercial establishment, office business, school, church, non-profit organization, charity or government agency.
SWEENY or CITY. The City of Sweeny, Brazoria County, Texas, an incorporated municipality.
(Ord. 102-16, passed - -16)