For the purposes of these regulations, signs shall be classified and defined by physical design or structure, and function or purpose based on the following:
(a) Physical Characteristics.
(1) Abandoned Sign. A sign which no longer identifies or advertises a bona fide business, establishment, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found.
(2) Animated Sign. Any sign, which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect or scene.
(3) Banner Sign. Any sign of lightweight fabric or similar material with no enclosing framework that is mounted to a building or poles at one or more edges. National flags, state or the official flag of any institution or business shall not be considered banners.
(4) Changeable Copy Sign. A sign such as a bulletin board or announcement board, where the message or graphics is not permanently affixed to the structure, framing or background and may be periodically replaced or covered over manually or by electronic or mechanical devices.
(5) Face of Sign. The area of a sign on which the copy is placed.
(6) Flashing Sign. A sign, which contains an intermittent or sequential flashing light source, used primarily to attract attention. Does not include changeable copy signs or animated signs.
(7) Freestanding Sign. A sign, which is supported from the ground or a structure, other than a building.
(8) Building Marker. Letters, words, or insignia cut into the building surface, or otherwise permanently mounted on the building, at the time the building was constructed to convey a memorial, the name of the building, address or date of construction, or similar message.
(9) Canopy or Awning Sign. A sign painted on, printed on or attached to the soffit or fascia of an awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door entrance or window.
(10) Festoons. A string of ribbons, tinsel, small flags, or pinwheels.
(11) Illuminated Sign. A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
(12) Marquee Sign. A sign attached to or supported by a permanent roof-like structure or canopy of rigid materials supported by and extending from the façade of a building.
(13) Non-conforming Sign. A sign, which was erected legally but which, does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations.
(14) Off-Premises Sign (Billboard). A sign structure advertising an establishment, merchandise, service, or entertainment which is not sold, produced, manufactured or furnished at the property on which said sign is located.
(15) Portable Sign. Any sign that is designed to be transported on wheels, skids, a bench, runners, brackets or has a frame to which wheels, skids, runners, brackets or similar mechanical devices are or can be attached.
(16) Projecting Sign. A sign, other than a flat wall sign, which is attached to and projects from a building wall or other structure not specifically designed to support the sign.
(17) Roof Sign. A sign erected on, over, or above the roof of a building.
(18) Rotating Sign. A sign in which the sign itself or any portion of the sign moves in a revolving or similar manner.
(19) Special Event Sign. A temporary, freestanding sign, or banner, designed and placed to draw attention to a special promotion or event.
(20) Wall Sign. A sign erected parallel to, or painted on the surface or on the outside wall of any building, and not extending more than twelve inches therefrom, and which does not project above the roof line or beyond the corner of the building.
(21) Window Sign. A sign on the inside of a building affixed to, or near a window for the purpose of being visible to and read from the outside of the building.
(b) Function.
(1) Building Sign. Any sign attached to any part of a building including wall, awning, canopy, and projecting signs
(2) Directional Sign. A permanent sign located on private property, at or near the public right-of-way, directing or guiding traffic and parking from the street onto private property. Directional signs may include small, incidental logos that pertain to the use on the lot.
(3) Identification Sign. A sign intended to identify the principal use of a lot, development, building or building unit, including the following.
A. Business Identification Sign. A sign intended to announce or promote the establishment, the use, activity, service or business on the premises, and which may include a directory of occupants.
B. Development Identification Sign. A freestanding sign identifying the name and address of a completed residential subdivision or developments in a campus setting having three or more buildings.
(4) Instructional (Incidental) Sign. A sign that has a purpose secondary to the use on the lot that is intended to instruct employees, customers or users as to specific parking requirements, the location or regulations pertaining to specific activities on the site or in the building, specific services offered or methods of payments accepted.
(5) Name Plate. A non-electric sign indicating only the name and address of the person, business, profession or activity occupying the lot, building(s) or part of the operation or maintenance of any equipment which is placed on the building or site.
(6) Project Construction Sign. A temporary sign identifying the name of a subdivision, building or public works project or facility or an architect, contractor, subcontractor, and/or material supplier participating during the time of construction.
(7) Public Regulation and Information Sign. A sign erected by a public authority, utility, or public service organization upon the public right-of-way or, when required by law, on private property and which is intended to control traffic, direct, identify, warn, or inform the public or provide needed public service as determined by the rules and regulations of governmental agencies or through public policy. Such signs include “No Parking Fire Lane.”
(8) Temporary Sign. A sign which is designed to be used only temporarily and is not permanently, or intended to be permanently, attached to a building, structure or on the ground.
(Ord. 2009-17. Passed 9-15-2009.)