17.48.180   Definitions.
   The following definitions apply within this Chapter, regardless of how the terms may be defined in the Municipal Code.
   A-Frame Sign. A portable upright, rigid, self-supporting frame sign in the form of a triangle or letter "A".
   Abandoned Sign. A sign remaining in place or not maintained for 30 days that does not provide direction for, advertise, or identify a legally established business, product, or service available on the business premises where the sign is located.
   Animated Sign. A sign with messages that visually change, or images that move or appear to move, flash on or off, wink or blink with varying light intensity, show motion or create the illusion of motion, or revolve to create an illusion of being on or off. This definition does not include traditional barber poles or scoreboards, nor does it include "commercial mascots," "digital displays" and "electronic signs", which are defined separately.
   Awning. Any structure made of flexible fabric or similar material covering a metal frame attached to a building, whether or not the same is so erected as to permit its being raised to a position flat against the building when not in use.
   Awning or Canopy Sign. Sign copy placed on an awning or any other projecting structure made of flexible fabric or similar material covering a metal frame supported by the ground or sidewalk.
   Banner Sign. Any sign of vinyl, nylon reinforced vinyl, polyethylene or polyester-like materials, durable fabric or similar material that is mounted to a structure or a building at one or more edges with no enclosing framework on which a message or image is painted or otherwise affixed. Flags are not within this definition.
   Billboard: See Outdoor Advertising Display.
   Changeable Copy Sign. A sign constructed or designed to allow for periodic changes of copy, and for which the copy is changed not more than once each 24-hour period. Examples include signs for an auditorium, theater, school, church, meeting hall, or similar uses characterized by public assembly and changing programs or events, or gas station prices. This definition does not include animated signs or electronic signs.
   Commercial Message. A message on a sign, or portion of a sign, that promotes, informs, or proposes an economic transaction, primarily concerns the economic interests of the sign sponsor and/or audience, or is intended to further discussion in the marketplace of goods and services.
   Copy. Any letters, numerals, or symbols displayed on a sign face conveying a message to the public.
   Digital Display. A method of displaying a visual image that uses liquid crystal cells or other types of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or their functional equivalent allow for the message or image to be easily changed, typically by remote control or computer programming. This definition applies to signs displaying a series of still images.
   Electronic Sign. A sign that is capable of presenting variable message displays by projecting an electronically controlled pattern and which can be programmed to periodically change the message display. See also Digital Display.
   Exempt Sign. A sign which may be legally displayed, erected or maintained, but is not subject to a sign permit requirement.
   Externally Illuminated Sign. Any sign that is lit by a light source that is external to the sign directed towards and shining on the face of the sign.
   Face. That portion of a sign upon which the copy is mounted or displayed.
   Feather Banner. A portable sign consisting of a vertical banner made of vinyl, nylon reinforced vinyl, polyethylene or polyester-like materials, durable fabric or similar material, the longer dimension of which is typically attached to a pole or rod that is driven into the ground, supported by an individual stand or bracketed to a structure. Also called a "blade sign," "swooper," "flutter flag," "bow sign" or "teardrop banner." This definition includes functionally similar devices.
   Flag. Any fabric or banner containing distinctive colors, patterns, or design that displays the symbol(s) of a nation, state, local government, company, organization, belief system, idea, or other meaning.
   Freestanding Sign. A permanent sign that is self-supporting in a fixed location and not attached to a building. It includes monument signs, which are connected or attached to a sign structure, fence, or wall that is not an integral part of a building, and pole signs, which is mounted on a pole(s) or other support(s) that is placed on and anchored in the ground or on a base and that is independent from any building or other structure. Freestanding signs are of two types: monument and pole. Flag poles are not within this definition.
   Graffiti. Marks, such as inscriptions, drawings, or designs, which are placed, scratched, etched, painted, or sprayed on public or private property without the owner's consent.
   Illuminated Sign. A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign. This includes signs made from neon or other gas tube(s) that are bent to form letters, symbols, or other shapes. Ambient lighting, by itself, does not make a sign "illuminated."
   Master Sign Program. A coordinated sign plan which includes details of all signs (not including exempt or temporary signs) which are or will be placed on a site, including master identification, individual business and directory signs.
   Mobile Billboard. Any vehicle, or wheeled conveyance which carries, conveys, pulls, displays, or transports any sign or billboard for the primary purpose of advertising a commercial or noncommercial message, or other general advertising for hire.
   Monument Sign. See Freestanding Sign.
   Moving Sign. A sign or any portion thereof that rotates, moves, or appears to move in some manner by mechanical, electrical, natural, or other means.
   Mural. A work of graphic art on an exterior building wall that may or may not contain a commercial logo or trademark but does not serve to advertise or promote any business, product, activity, service, interest, or entertainment.
   Name Plate. A sign that identifies an occupant and/or address.
   Noncommercial Message. A message or image on a sign, or portion of a sign, which displays noncommercial speech, e.g., commentary or advocacy on topics of public debate and concern. This definition shall be construed and interpreted in light of relevant court decisions. Noncommercial messages do not have a location factor, such as on-site or off-site.
   Non-Communicative Aspects. Those aspects of a sign that are not directly communicative, such as physical structure, mounting device, size and height, setback, illumination, spacing, and scale relative to other structures.
   Nonconforming Sign. A sign lawfully erected and legally existing on the effective date of this Section, or of amendments thereto, but which does not conform to the provisions of this Chapter.
   On-Site or On-Premise Sign. Any sign or portion thereof that identifies, advertises, or attracts attention to a business, product, service, event or activity sold, existing or offered upon the same property or land use as the sign. The off-site/on-site distinction applies only to commercial messages.
   Outdoor Advertising Display. A sign that identifies, advertises or attracts attention to a business, product, service, event or activity sold, existing or offered at a different location or which identifies by brand name a service or product which, although sold on the premises, does not constitute the principal item for sale on the premises. The off-site/on-site distinction applies only to commercial messages. This type of sign is also known as a billboard.
   Pennant. Any lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, attached to a rope, wire, or string, usually in a series, designed to move in the wind and attract attention. Flags and banners are not within this definition.
   Pole Sign. See Freestanding Sign.
   Portable Sign. A movable sign that has a transitory purpose or functionality that is intended to be displayed for a time only. The definition includes A-frame type signs, feather banners, stationary inflatable signs displayed and secured at ground level, and other free standing temporary signs made of materials not suitable for or intended for permanent display, affixed to stakes or poles or similar supporting structures that accommodate the ability to affix such free standing temporary signs in multiple locations.
   Projecting Sign. A single or double faced sign that is perpendicular to the face of a building and projects more than 18 inches from the face. This category includes awning and under canopy signs.
   Primary Building Face. The wall of a building which contains the principal entrance(s) to the building. If there are principal entrances in more than one wall, the longest of the walls in which principal entrances are located shall be the primary building face. "Primary building face" shall include not only the wall itself but all doors, windows, or other openings therein and projections therefrom.
   Readerboard. A sign structure or mounting device on which at least a portion of the display face may be used for changeable copy that is either non-commercial or commercial, electronic or manual.
   Roofline. The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.
   Roof Sign. Any sign located on a roof of a building or having its major structural supports attached to a roof.
   Sign. Any identification, description, illustration, or device illuminated or non-illuminated, which is visible to the general public from any exterior public right-of-way, and directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, 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. A display, device, or thing need not contain lettering to be a sign. Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing, the following are not within this definition:
   A.   Architectural features. Decorative or architectural features of buildings (not including lettering, trademarks or moving parts), that do not perform a communicative function;
   B.   Fireworks, etc. The legal use of fireworks, candles and artificial lighting not otherwise regulated by this Code;
   C.   Foundation stones, cornerstones;
   D.   Grave markers, grave stones, headstones, mausoleums, shrines, and other markers of the deceased;
   E.   Personal Appearance. Items or devices of personal apparel, decoration or appearance, including tattoos, makeup, wigs, costumes, and masks, but not including commercial mascots or hand-held signs; and
   F.   Symbols Embedded in Architecture. Symbols of noncommercial organizations or concepts including, but not limited to, religious or political symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the structure of a permanent building, including stained glass windows on churches, carved or bas relief doors or walls, bells, and religious statuary.
   Sign Area. The area contained within a single continuous perimeter enclosing all parts of such sign copy, excluding any structural elements outside the limits of the sign required to support the sign.
   Sign Face. An exterior display surface of a sign, including non-structural trim, exclusive of the supporting structure. It includes the area of a sign which is available for mounting and public display of the visually communicative image.
   Temporary Sign. A structure or device with a transitory purpose or functionality and used for the public display of visual messages or images intended to last for a time only.
   Vehicle Display Sign. A sign mounted, attached, affixed, or painted upon any surface of a motor vehicle, trailer, or similar conveyance parked on public or private property for the purpose of general advertising for hire.
   Wall Sign. Any sign attached to, erected against or painted upon the wall of a building or structure, the face of which is in a single plane parallel to the plane of the wall. Wall signs also include signs on a false or mansard roof.
   Window Sign. Any structure, device or substance device used for the public display of visual messages or images and affixed to either side of an exterior window of a building, or in the interior of the building, within two feet of a window, intended to be viewed from the exterior of such building, which is not intended for or suitable for long term or permanent display. Window displays placed behind a window that are presentations of merchandise provided by the establishment with associated artwork and features are not considered signs. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2016-11 § 2 (part), 2016)