For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ANIMATED SIGN. Any sign which includes action or motion by design in that such sign physically moves in its entirety, or partially, or by video display of movement. For purposes of this chapter, this term does not refer to flashing signs.
AREA OF SIGN. The area of the largest single face of the sign within a perimeter which forms the outside shape including frame, forming an integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled.
AWNING. A temporary or permanent shelter or decorative feature supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building and composed of rigid or nonrigid materials.
AWNING SIGN. A sign affixed, painted or imprinted upon an awning surface.
BANNER SIGN. A sign composed of flexible material with or without a frame.
BILLBOARD. A sign which advertises goods, products, services, facilities, businesses, entertainment or attractions which are not available on the premises where the sign is located. This does not include directional signs located off the business premises.
BUILDING SIGN. A sign affixed to a building, including, but not limited to, wall, awning, projecting, roof and window signs.
BUILDING WALL. The entire area on the side of a building, including window areas.
CANOPY. A shelter attached to a building and projecting three feet or more from a building wall.
CHANGEABLE SIGN. A sign upon which copy is changed on location. The changing is limited to repainting, rearranging message or replacing panels.
DISTRICT. The Historical Preservation District within the city.
DOUBLE-FACED SIGNS. A sign with two surfaces placed back-to-back or v-shaped with the common angle no greater than 90 degrees.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER. A sign, usually computer controlled, comprised of individual light sources, capable of displaying multiple intermittent messages.
FLASHING SIGN. Any sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source, or which includes the illusion of intermittent light source.
FREESTANDING SIGN. A sign mounted on a pole or post which is part of the sign and supports the sign either by brackets, rods or a frame.
GROUND SIGNS. Signs which are self-supporting and whose base is attached to a footer or foundation. This does not include signs supported by a pole, pylon, or other device.
HANDBILL. An announcement of an activity printed on 8½ x 11-inch paper.
HANGING SIGN. A sign which hangs perpendicular to and away from the building wall and extends therefrom.
INDUSTRIAL CENTER. An area containing industries grouped together and providing off-street parking facilities in common for all the industries and their customers.
LINEAL FRONT FOOTAGE. The straight line measurement on a single plane from one end of the front of a building to the other end of the front of the building.
MISCELLANEOUS ATTENTION-GETTING DEVICE. Balloons, pennants, banners, stringers, or
any other device to attract attention, other than a standard conforming sign.
NEW BUSINESS SIGN. A temporary sign announcing the opening of a new business.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. A sign that is not located upon the same lot as the building or businesses which it advertises or refers to. This does not include directional signs located off the business premises.
OFFICE CENTER. An area containing offices grouped together and providing off-street parking facilities in common for all the offices and their customers.
OPEN/CLOSED SIGN. A temporary sign indicating whether an establishment is conducting business.
OWNER. A person recorded as such on official records and including any authorized agent of an owner.
POLE OR PYLON SIGN. A site erected on a freestanding frame, mast or pole and not attached to any building.
PORTABLE SIGN. Any sign designed or constructed to be easily moved from one location to another, including signs mounted upon or designed to be mounted upon a trailer, wheeled carriage, or other motorized or non-motorized mobile structure. A portable sign which has its wheels removed shall still be considered a portable sign.
PROJECTING SIGN. A sign which is attached to, and projects from, a building face.
ROOF SIGN. Any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof, or an top of or above the parapet of a building.
ROTATING SIGN. Any sign or portion of a sign which moves in a revolving or similar manner.
SALE SIGN. A temporary sign announcing a sale.
SHOPPING CENTER. An area containing stores, restaurants, or other places of business grouped together and providing off -street parking facilities in common for all the businesses and their customers.
SIGN. Every device, letter, word, number, figure, mark, design, picture, trademark, or reading matter, which is used or intended to be used to attract attention or convey information, and every announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia, flag, banner, pennant, streamer or other device used to advertise or promote the interest of any person, business or commercial enterprise, when any of the above are placed so that they are clearly visible to the general public from an out-of-doors position.
SIGN STRUCTURE. Any structure which supports, has supported, or is capable of supporting a sign.
SPARKLING SIGN. A sign which gleams, shines, flashes, glitters or glistens.
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign which is not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building and which serves to temporarily advertise or attract attention. Includes but is not limited to banners, pennants, flags, sandwich-type signs, stake signs, posters, balloons, other air or gas-filled figures, handbills, “sale” signs, “open or closed" signs, "new business" signs, and similar devices. National, state or political subdivision flags and portable signs are not considered temporary signs.
WALL SIGN. A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane to the plane of the building wall.
WINDOW SIGN. A sign installed or painted upon or behind a window for viewing from outside the premises. This term does not include merchandise located in a window.
(Ord. 1-2000, passed 3-13-00)