The following shall serve as definitions for terms used in this chapter:
Abandoned Sign. A sign that no longer identifies or advertises an ongoing business, product, location, service, idea, or activity conducted on the premises on which the sign is located. Whether a sign has been abandoned or not shall be determined by the intent of the owner of the sign.
Alteration. Any change in copy, color, size or shape, which changes the appearance of a sign, or a change in position, location, construction or supporting structure of a sign, except that a copy change on a sign is not an alteration.
Animated Sign. A sign which has any visible moving part, flashing or osculating lights, visible mechanical movement of any description, or other apparent visible movement achieved by any means that move, change, flash, osculate or visibly alters in appearance in a manner that is not permitted by these regulations.
Awning Sign. A sign displayed on or attached flat against the surface or surfaces of an awning. See also: Wall or Fascia Sign.
Banner Sign. A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface.
Banner. A flexible substrate on which copy or graphics may be displayed.
Building Sign. A sign that is applied or affixed to a building.
Changeable Copy Sign, Electrically Activated. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed by means of remote electrically energized on-off switching combinations of alphabetic or pictographic components arranged on a display surface. Illumination may be integral to the components, such as characterized by lamps or other light-emitting devices; or it may be from an external light source designed to reflect off the changeable component display. See also: Electronic Message Center.
Changeable Copy Sign, Manually Activated. Changeable sign whose message copy or content can be changed manually on a display surface.
Changeable Copy Sign. A sign with the capability of content change by means of manual or remote input, includes the following types:
Commercial Message. Any speech or any expression that directs the attention of the general public to a business, goods, or services, or other commercial or business activity.
Display Time. The amount of time a message and/or graphic is displayed on an Electronic Message Sign.
Dissolve. A mode of message transition on an Electronic Message Sign accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, in which the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second message.
Electronic Message Center or Sign (EMC). An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable message and/or graphic presentation capability can be electronically programmed by computer from a remote location. Also known as an EMC.
Fade. A mode of message transition on an Electronic Message Sign accomplished by varying the light intensity, where the first message gradually reduces intensity to the point of not being legible and the subsequent message gradually increases intensity to the point of legibility.
Freestanding Sign. Any sign which is permanently affixed in or upon the ground, supported by one or more structural members, with air space between the ground and the sign face.
Illuminated Sign. Any sign for which an artificial source of light is used in order to make readable the sign’s message, including internally and externally lighted signs and reflectorized, glowing or radiating signs.
Noncommercial Message: Any speech or any expression that contains no message, statement, or expression related to commercial interests. Noncommercial messages include, but are not limited to, expressions of political views, religious views, or information about and/or announcements of nonprofit organizations.
Nonconforming Sign. A sign that was legally installed by permit in conformance with all municipal sign regulations and ordinances in effect at the time of its installation, but which may no longer comply with subsequently enacted laws and ordinances having jurisdiction relative to the sign.
Parapet. The extension of a building facade above the line of the structural roof.
Portable Sign. Any cord-connected sign not permanently attached to the ground and can be removed without the use of tools.
Projecting Sign. A sign which projects from and is supported by a wall or parapet of a building with the display surface of the sign in a plane perpendicular to or approximately perpendicular to the wall.
Roof Sign. Any sign erected upon a roof, parapet, or roof-mounted equipment structure and extending above a roof, parapet, or roof-mounted equipment structure of a building or structure.
Scroll. A mode of message transition on an Electronic Message Sign in which the message appears to move vertically across the display surface.
Sign Copy. The letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of numerals identifying a street address only.
Sign Structure. Any structure designed for the support of a sign.
Sign. Any device visible from a public place whose essential purpose and design is to convey either commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations.
Temporary Sign. A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable signs or any sign not permanently embedded in the ground, or not permanently affixed to a building or sign structure that is permanently embedded in the ground, are considered temporary signs.
Transition. A visual effect used on an Electronic Message Sign to change from one message to another.
Travel. A mode of message transition on an Electronic Message Sign in which the message appears to move horizontally across the display surface.
Wall or Fascia Sign. A sign that is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than twelve (12) inches from the building or structure wall and which does not project above the roof line or beyond the corner of the building. Also includes signs affixed to architectural projections that project from a building provided the copy area of such signs remains on a parallel plane to the face of the building facade or to the face or faces of the architectural projection to which it is affixed.
Window Sign. Any sign viewable through and/or affixed in any manner to a window or exterior glass door such that it is intended to be viewable from the exterior (beyond the sidewalk immediately adjacent to the window), including signs located inside a building but visible primarily from the outside of the building.
(Ord. 1291-2021. Passed 4-5-21.)