This section defines sign types and sign-related words listed in § 500-1800, Regulation of Signs. General definitions are listed in § 500-302. Definitions of land uses listed in this chapter are listed in § 500-303.
AREA OF COPY
The entire area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles which encloses the extreme limits of advertising message, announcement or decoration of a wall sign.
AREA OF SIGN
The cumulative area of the faces of the sign within a perimeter which form the outside shape, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the signs may be placed. If the sign consists of more than one section or module, all areas will be totaled. Any irregular shaped sign area shall be computed using the actual sign-face surface.
BACKGROUND AREA OF SIGN
The entire background area of a sign upon which copy could be placed. In computing area of sign background, only that face or faces which can be seen from any one direction at one time shall be counted.
BILLBOARD
See "sign, off-premises."
[1]
COMMERCIAL FLAG
A wind-actuated sign associated with the primary use on the property.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
DISSOLVE
A mode of message transition on an electronic messaging sign accomplished by varying the light intensity or pattern, where the first message gradually appears to dissipate and lose legibility simultaneously with the gradual appearance and legibility of the second message.
FADE
A mode of message transition of an electronic messaging 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.
FRAME
A complete, static display screen on an electronic messaging sign.
FRAME EFFECT
A visual effect on an electronic messaging sign applied to a single frame to attract the attention of viewers.
GROSS AREA OF SIGN
The area of a sign determined by using the outside perimeter dimensions of the sign. If the sign consists of more than one module or section, their areas will be totaled. If the modules are formed in the shape of letters or symbols, the rules for area or copy apply.
HEIGHT OF SIGN
The vertical distance measured from the average natural grade adjacent to where the sign is located to the highest point of such sign. Berms shall not be considered for the purpose of determining the average grade.
HIGHWAY CORRIDOR
A corridor including immediately adjacent parcels to Interstate Highway 43 and State Highway 172.
NIT
A luminance unit equal to one candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source.
QUALIFIED TENANT
For the purpose of sign entitlement within a shopping center or other multi-tenanted structure, a tenant that shall have store frontage on the front side of the building; shall have their own lease with building owner, not a sub-lessee.
SCROLL
A mode of message transition on an electronic messaging sign where the message appears to move vertically across the display surface.
SIGN
Any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard, design, identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or non-illuminated, to advertise, identify, convey information or direct attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise. For the purpose of removal, signs shall also include all sign structures.
SIGN, ANIMATED
A sign with action, motion, flashing, scrolling or color changes, but not including:
A. 
Wind-actuated elements, such as flags, banners or specialty items; or
B. 
Public service signs, such as time and temperature; or
C. 
Electronic messaging signs as regulated within.[2]
SIGN, CANOPY
Any sign attached to or constructed in, on or under a canopy or marquee. For the purpose of this chapter, canopy signs shall be controlled by the rules governing projecting signs.
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION SITE
A temporary sign that is made of a rigid material such as plywood or corrugated plastic, which may be displayed only on a site under construction, and only during the time period in which the building permit(s) is valid.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
On-premises incidental signs designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
SIGN, DOUBLE-FACED
A sign with copy on two parallel faces that are back to back, facing in opposite directions.
SIGN, DRIVE-THROUGH LANE
A sign used in conjunction with drive-through or drive-in establishments, either freestanding or mounted on the exterior wall of the building adjacent to the drive-through lane.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
SIGN, ELECTRONIC CHANGEABLE COPY
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, nonpictorial, text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic, or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area. Electronic changeable copy signs include computer programmable, microprocessor-controlled electronic displays. Electronic changeable copy signs can be electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means.
SIGN, ELECTRONIC MESSAGING
An electronic changeable copy sign or electronic graphic display sign.
SIGN, FREESTANDING
A sign that exceeds eight feet in height supported by one or more poles, pylons, or braces placed in the ground and not attached to any building or other structure.
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13]
SIGN, GRAPHIC DISPLAY
A sign or portion thereof that displays electronic, static images, static graphics or static pictures, with or without information, defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area where the message change sequence is accomplished immediately or by means of fade, repixalization or dissolve modes. Electronic graphic display signs include computer programmable, microprocessor controlled electronic or digital displays. Electronic graphic display signs include projected images or messages with these characteristics onto buildings or other objects.
SIGN, ILLUMINATED
A sign in which a source of light is used in order to make the message readable. This definition shall include internally and externally lighted signs.
SIGN, LEGAL NONCONFORMING
A nonconforming sign that did meet code regulations when it was originally installed, but due to changes of ordinance or circumstance does not comply with current ordinance.
SIGN, MANUAL CHANGEABLE COPY
A sign, such as a message center, reader board, or bulletin board, where the copy changes manually.
SIGN, MARQUEE
Any sign attached to or constructed in a marquee.
SIGN, MONUMENT
A sign eight feet or less in height having its entire sign area mounted on a base at least 50% as wide as the sign cabinet.
[Amended 10-11-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-13]
SIGN, NONCONFORMING
A sign that does not meet code regulations.
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES
A sign which pertains to a use or activity occurring on premises other than the premises on which the sign is located.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
SIGN, ON-PREMISES
A sign which advertises or directs attention to a commercial building, or a use conducted, a commodity sold or a service performed on the premises where the sign is located.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
SIGN, PARKING LOT
A freestanding sign placed near the intersection of a driveway and a street, or intersecting drive aisles, to direct and assist in maintaining the free flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the related site.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
SIGN, PROJECTING
A sign, normally double faced, which is attached to and projects from a structure or building facade.
SIGN, REVOLVING
A sign which revolves 360° but does not exceed eight revolutions per minute (RPM).
SIGN, ROOF
A sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by said building. All roof signs are prohibited.
SIGN, SHARED USE
Two adjacent properties may share a freestanding sign located on one of the two properties. This type sign is a "shared use sign." The intent of permitting shared use signs is to reduce the overall number of signs by allowing two properties to share one sign. These signs are permitted with conditions. See "off-premises signs" section for specifics.
SIGN STRUCTURE
Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign, as devised in this code. A sign structure may be a single pole or may or may not be an integral part of the building.
SIGN, SUBDIVISION ENTRANCE
A type of sign typically found at the entrance of a subdivision indicating the name of a neighborhood, subdivision or neighborhood association.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
SIGN, SWINGING
A sign installed on an arm or mast or spar that is not permanently fastened to an adjacent wall or upright pole.
SIGN, TEMPORARY
A sign that is designed to be used only temporarily and is not intended to be permanently attached to a building wall or sign structure or permanently installed in the ground.
[Amended 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
SIGN, TEMPORARY BUSINESS
A temporary, on-site sign used in association with an institutional, commercial or industrial land use, typically used to promote temporary activities.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
SIGN, UNDER MARQUEE
A lighted or unlighted display attached to the underside of a marquee.
SIGN, "V"
Any sign where the two faces or their supporting structures form the general shape of the letter V.
SIGN, WALL
A sign which is in any manner affixed to any exterior wall of a building or structure and which projects not more than 18 inches from the building or structure wall and which does not extend above the parapet, eaves or building facade of the building on which it is located or a sign which is painted on any exterior wall.
SIGN, WINDOW
A sign installed on a window for purposes of viewing from outside the premises.
SIGN, YARD
A sign that is intended to accommodate a wide variety of sign purposes (e.g., garage sale signs, for sale signs, political signs, "slow down for kids" signs, etc.) needed on a temporary basis. Such signs are freestanding, are typically mounted on one or two stakes or posts, and do not have footings.
[Added 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14]
TRANSITION
A visual effect used on electronic messaging signs to change from one message to another.
TRAVEL
A mode of message transition of an electronic messaging sign where the message appears to move horizontally across the display surface.
ZONING LOT FRONTAGE CREDIT
When a zoning lot has more than 200 lineal feet of frontage on one or more public streets, the aggregate total of signage on the lot may be increased by 1/2 square feet for each lineal frontage foot over 200 lineal feet using the longest accessible street side adjacent to the lot as the basis. A zoning lot frontage credit may never exceed 500 square feet. See Part 500-1800 for specifics. Note: in computing the lineal footage of frontage on the longest accessible street side, only frontage along the developed portion of the lot may be considered.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "corporate identity flag," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14.
[2]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "sign, business identification," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 8-25-2021 by Ord. No. O-2021-14.