A.
For the purposes of this chapter and unless otherwise expressly stated,
the following words and terms shall have the meanings set forth in
this article.
B.
Words used in the present tense include the future; words in the
masculine gender include the feminine and neuter; the singular includes
the plural and the plural includes the singular.
C.
The terms shall or shall not identify actions that are specifically
required or prohibited. The terms shall be permitted or shall not
be required identify actions that are allowed but not required and
describe options or alternatives.
D.
Where terms are not defined, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted
meanings such as the context implies.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A sign structure that has ceased to be used, for a period of at least three months, for the display of sign copy. See § 436-35.
An automobile, truck, motorcycle or other wheeled means of
conveyance that is inoperable or without current inspection and/or
registration.
A sign employing actual motion or the illusion of motion.
Animated sign motion may be electrically, environmentally or mechanically
activated.
Any projection that extends beyond the face of an exterior
wall of a building that is not intended for occupancy but does not
include signs as defined herein.
An architectural projection or shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building and composed of a covering of rigid or nonrigid materials and/or fabric on a supporting framework that may be either permanent or retractable, to include such structures that are internally illuminated. See § 436-60.
An awning with a translucent covering material and a source
of illumination contained within its framework.
A flexible substrate on which copy or graphics may be displayed.
A sign utilizing a banner as its display surface regardless
of its location.
The entire side of a building, from ground level to the roofline,
as viewed perpendicular to the walls on that side of the building.
The area of the building elevation is computed by multiplying the
building height times the building width.
Any sign permanently attached to any part of a building.
See Figure 436-25(1).[2]
A multisided overhead structure or architectural projection
supported by attachments to a building on one or more sides and either
cantilevered from such building or also supported by columns at additional
points. The surface(s) and/or soffit of an attached canopy may be
internally or externally illuminated.
A multisided overhead structure supported by columns, but
not enclosed by walls. The surface(s) and or soffit of a freestanding
canopy may be internally or externally illuminated.
A sign with the ability to change content or message copy
by means of manual or remote input to include:
ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATEDChangeable 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 "electronic message sign or center" and § 436-40.
MANUALLY ACTIVATEDChangeable signs whose message copy or content can be changed manually.
A triangle formed by the street lines and a straight line
joining said street lines at points which are 30 feet distant from
the point of intersection.
The official who is charged with the administration and enforcement
of the ordinance or any duly authorized representative thereof.
A sign that is supported partly by a pole and partly by a
building structure. Considered a freestanding sign.
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic
elements comprising the content or message of a sign, excluding numerals
identifying a street address only. See "sign copy."
A freestanding sign identifying a multiple-occupancy development,
such as a shopping center or planned industrial park, which is controlled
by a single owner or landlord.
A sign with two faces, back to back. See § 436-27A.
Any sign activated or illuminated by means of electrical
energy.
An electrically activated changeable sign whose variable message capability can be electronically programmed. See § 436-46.
Any sign placed outside a building.
See "wall sign."
See "animated sign."
A sign principally supported by a structure or supporting
element affixed to the ground, and not supported by a building, including
signs supported by one or more columns, poles or braces placed in
or upon the ground. See Figure 436-25(1).[5]
The length of an exterior building wall or structure of any
single premises oriented to the public way.
The length of the property line(s) of any single premises
along a public way.
See "freestanding sign."
A use carried on entirely within a dwelling unit that is consistent with the provisions set forth Chapter 550, Zoning.
A sign characterized by the use of artificial light, either
projecting through its surface(s) (internally illuminated); or reflecting
off its surface(s) (externally illuminated).
Any sign placed within a building, but not including window
signs as defined by this chapter. Interior signs are not regulated
by this chapter.
An inclined decorative roof-like projection that is attached
to an exterior building facade.
See "canopy (attached)."
See "canopy sign."
A freestanding sign oriented to the drive-through lane for a restaurant that advertises the menu items available from the drive-through window, and which has no more than 20% of the total area for such a sign utilized for business identification. See § 436-81.
A sign containing three or more faces. See § 436-27B.
Any sign legally existing at the time of the adoption of
this chapter that does not conform to the provisions of this chapter.
Any sign or sign structure which includes, but is not limited
to, such objects as tires, automobiles, motorcycles, food products,
appliances, tools, animal or plant figures or simulations thereof.
Any sign or sign structure which emits smoke, visible vapors,
particles, sounds, odors or produces movement.
Any on-premises or off-premises sign that no longer advertises
or identifies a use conducted on said premises.
The purpose (commercial, manufacturing, educational, institutional,
residential, etc.) for which a building or portion thereof is used
or occupied.
A permanent sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment for the purpose of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not appurtenant to the use of, products sold on, or the sale or lease of, the property on which it is displayed. See § 436-42.
A sign erected, maintained or used in the outdoor environment
for the purpose of the display of messages appurtenant to the use
of, products sold on or the sale or lease of, the property on which
it is displayed.
The extension of a building facade above the line of the
structural roof.
An individual, corporation, partnership or any other group
acting as a unit.
See "freestanding sign."
Any person who erects, installs, places, alters, enlarges,
removes or maintains a sign, or any person who uses the property upon
which the sign is located, or any person who owns or leases the property
upon which the sign is located.
A border consisting of a line, groove, decorative feature
or contrasting surface which serves to delineate the sign face from
the remaining portions of a sign.
A sign that revolves 360° about an axis. See also "animated
sign."
The top edge of a peaked roof or, in the case of an extended
facade or parapet, the uppermost point of said facade or parapet.
A sign mounted on, and supported by, the main roof portion of a building, or above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building. Signs mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves and architectural projections such as canopies or marquees shall not be considered to be roof signs. See Figure 436-25(1), § 436-80 and Table 436-76(1).[11]
Any device visible from a public place that displays either
commercial or noncommercial messages by means of graphic presentation
of alphabetic or pictorial symbols or representations. Flags of a
governmental body shall not be considered a sign.
The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprise the sign face. The area of any double-sided or V-shaped sign shall be the area of the largest single face only. The area of a sphere shall be computed as the area of a circle. The area of an oval shall be computed as 80% of the area of a rectangle with the equivalent height and width. See Article VIII.
Those letters, numerals, figures, symbols, logos and graphic
elements comprising the content or message of a sign, exclusive of
numerals identifying a street address only.
The surface upon, against or through which the sign copy
is displayed or illustrated, not including structural support, architectural
features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural or decorative
trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface
upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such
as a reveal or border. See Figure 436-25(1).[12]
For panel or cabinet type signs, the sign face shall include
the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate upon
which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, and the open space
between the separate panels or cabinets.
For sign structures with routed areas of sign copy, the sign
face shall include the entire area of the surface that is routed,
except where interrupted by a reveal, border or a contrasting surface
or color.
For signs painted on a building or for individual letters or
graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face
shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of
regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters
or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy to include the
open space between the separate groupings of sign copy on the same
building or structure.
For sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated border
or for sign copy displayed on a background contrasting in color with
the color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise
the area within the contrasting background or within the painted or
illuminated border.
Any structure or framework supporting a sign.
A sign attached to the underside of a canopy or marquee.
See Table 436-76(1).[13]
A sign intended to display either commercial or noncommercial messages of a transitory or temporary nature. Portable and lightweight plastic banner signs shall be considered temporary signs unless set in a permanent frame. See § 436-55.
Signs containing two faces of approximately equal size, erected upon common or separate structures, and positioned in a "V" shape with an interior angle between faces of not more than 45° with the distance between the sign faces not exceeding three feet at their closest point. See § 436-27A.
A sign that is, in any manner, affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and that projects not more than 18 inches from the building or structure wall, to include signs affixed to the architectural projections of 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 the sign is affixed. See Figure 436-25(1), § 436-28 and Table 436-76(1).[14]
A sign affixed to the surface of a window with its message
intended to be visible to and readable from the public way or from
adjacent property. See Table 436-76(1).[15]
Executed in a skilled manner with the use of proper tools,
methods and materials.
[1]
Editor's Note: Table 436-76(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[2]
Editor's Note: Figures 436-25(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[3]
Editor's Note: Table 436-76(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[4]
Editor's Note: Table 436-62(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[5]
Editor's Note: Figure 436-25(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[6]
Editor's Note: Table 436-62(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[7]
Editor's Note: Table 436-62(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[8]
Editor's Note: Table 436-62(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[9]
Editor's Note: Figure 436-25(1) and Table 436-76(1) are included as attachments to this chapter.
[10]
Editor's Note: Table 436-62(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[11]
Editor's Note: Figure 436-25(1) and Table 436-76(1) are included as attachments to this chapter.
[12]
Editor's Note: Figure 436-25(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[13]
Editor's Note: Table 436-76(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
[14]
Editor's Note: Figure 436-25(1) and Table 436-76(1) are included as attachments to this chapter.
[15]
Editor's Note: Table 436-76(1) is included as an attachment to this chapter.
