For the purpose of this chapter, certain words and phrases shall have meanings respectively ascribed to them below:
(a) "Building." Any improvement to real estate having a roof and requiring a foundation.
(b) "Face." Any surface of a sign having communicative content in the form of words, numbers, graphics or symbols, whether or not divided into multiple sections.
(c) "Frontage" or "Street Frontage."
(1) The yard between a building and a public street; or
(2) The length of the lot line of a particular parcel which is contiguous to the right-of-way of a particular public street.
(d) "Hardship." A situation in which the strict application of this chapter upon a specific property would result in a restriction on the use of such property, which is inconsistent with the intent of this chapter, is likely to substantially and unjustifiably diminish the utility of the subject property, and was not caused or permitted by either the current property owner or the person currently in possession.
(e) "Message Area." The total area of a face of a sign bearing a message, either in words or graphics. "Message Area" includes the sign frame or other support structure only to the extent that the frame or structure divides the "Message Area" into multiple areas or sections. When a sign is created by the attachment or painting of lettering or graphics on a wall or other structure, and there is no distinct border separating the message area surface from the surface of the wall or other structure, the "Message Area" shall be the smallest rectangle which could be drawn to enclose the message, including any area of background color specially related to the message. Only one side of a double-faced sign shall be considered "Message Area."
(f) "Parcel." A single legal lot or multiple contiguous legal lots under the same legal ownership or possession, and under the same use.
(g) "Setback." The minimum linear distance between a sign, building or structure and (1) the right-of-way line of public street; or (2) the side lot line of an adjacent parcel.
(h) "Sign." The surface, frame and support structure upon which there is any visible representation of words, numbers, graphics or symbols.
(i) "Structure." Any permanent improvement to real estate which is not a building and which is designed or used for any purpose other than, or in addition to supporting a sign.
(j) "Temporary Sign." A sign displayed for a fixed, terminable length of time (for signs in Non-Residential Zoning Districts, no more than ninety (90) days). Temporary signs are intended to be removed after the temporary purpose has been served.
(Ord. 05-2021. Passed 3-4-21; Ord. 30-2021. Passed - -.)