Words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings
set forth in this section. Words and phrases which are not defined
in this article but are defined in other ordinances of the city shall
be given the meanings set forth in those ordinances. Other words and
phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning unless the context
clearly requires otherwise. Headings and captions are for reference
purposes only and shall not be used in the interpretation of this
article.
A-frame sign.
A temporary sign used to identify a business name, telephone
number, hours of operation, and/or the business' website address.
An A-frame sign is made of two (2) pieces of wood, metal or other
similar material approved by the director of development services
connected at the top by hinges or similar device(s) and may collapse
when the connecting device(s) are overextended or the two (2) pieces
of wood, metal or other similar material are against one another.
Also, commonly referred as a sandwich board sign.
Abandoned sign.
(1)
A sign that had a permit, but the permit has been expired for
thirty (30) or more consecutive days and/or does not identify or advertise
a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, event, or activity,
or pertains to a time, event or purpose which no longer applies. Abandoned
signs are prohibited in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
(2)
A sign for which any of the following conditions apply:
(A)
Does not contain a message on the first anniversary of the date
the business, person, or activity that the sign or sign structure
identifies or advertises ceases to operate on the premises on which
the sign or sign structure is located.
(B)
If the premises containing the sign or sign structure is leased,
then if the sign does not contain a message on the second anniversary
after the date the most recent tenant ceases to operate on the premises.
(C)
The city may agree with the owner of the sign or sign structure
to remove only a portion of the sign or sign structure.
Amortization.
In terms relevant to signage and urban planning, it conveys
the “grace period” beginning on the date a sign owner
is notified that removal of a previously conforming sign has been
ordered, and ending on the date removal is required. This process
makes a sign structure, which was legally erected or placed pursuant
to permit, legally nonconforming for a period of time - the amortization
period. After the amortization period expires, the sign becomes illegally
nonconforming and must be removed.
Apartment sign.
A temporary stake sign made of wood, metal or other similar
material approved by the director of development services used to
convey information that relates to the operations of an apartment
community or complex.
(1)
The entire sign surface within a single contiguous perimeter,
excluding support structures. A sign structure with two (2) faces
back-to-back, oriented in opposite directions and separated by not
more than three (3) feet, with the same copy on both sides, shall
be counted as a single sign.
(2)
In cases where a sign is composed only of letters, figures,
or other characters the dimensions used to compute the area are the
smallest simple imaginary figure (circle, triangle, rectangle, or
other) which fully contains the sign content.
Athletic registration sign.
A temporary stake sign used to convey sport-related, city
based team registrations (i.e., softball, football, rugby, soccer,
swimming, golf, tennis, etc.) that publicizes dates, times or locations
of registrations. Athletic registration signs exclude information
pertaining to dates, times and/or locations of scheduled games or
award ceremonies.
Audible sign.
Any sign that emits music, talking, words, or other sound
or amplification. Audible signs are prohibited in the city and its
extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Awning.
A retractable or nonretractable projection, shelter or structure
of rigid or nonrigid canvas, metal, wood, or other similar material
approved by the director of development services that extends above
a window, door, patio, or deck as protection from the weather, used
as a decorative embellishment or used for identity, which may be illuminated.
An awning requires the issuance of a building permit prior to installation,
unless approved with the initial building permit.
Awning sign.
A permanent sign that is directly applied, attached or painted
onto an awning that covers a pedestrian walkway, intended for protection
from the weather or as a decorative embellishment, projecting from
a wall or roof of a structure over a window, walk, door, or the like.
An awning sign is used to advertise the name of the business, logo,
hours of operation, business telephone number, business address, and/or
website address.
Awning sign attachments.
Awning sign attachments that covers a pedestrian walkway
are accessory, supplemental extensions that are attached above or
below an awning commonly used in conjunction with a wall sign. Awning
sign attachments provide the name of the business.
Balloons and other floating device(s).
A visible airtight or air-flow through apparatus commonly
made of latex, mylar or other similar material that extends by a cord,
rope, string, wire or other similar material. No person shall erect,
maintain, or allow the installation of any floating device(s) anchored
to the ground, any vehicle, structure or any other fixed object for
the purpose of advertising or attracting attention to a business,
commodity, service, sale, or product, except as otherwise permitted
in this article. Balloons and all other floating device(s) are prohibited
in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Banner.
A temporary sign having characters, letters, or illustrations
applied to plastic, cloth, canvas, or other light fabric or similar
material, with the only purpose of such nonrigid material being for
background. A banner advertises the business' name, opening dates,
telephone number, hours of operation, and/or type of products offered
or sold. A banner does not include a municipal banner. Fabric or other
suitable material which is attached or suspended at 2 ends or continuously
across the long edge. Attachment or suspension may be from structures
and/or poles. A street banner is a banner suspended above a right-of-way.
Billboard.
A sign erected in the outdoor environment for the purpose
of the display of commercial or noncommercial messages not pertinent
to the use of products sold on, or the sale or lease of, the property
on which it is displayed. Billboards include any of its support, frame
or other appurtenances. Billboards are prohibited in the city and
its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Bollard sign/sleeve.
A covering on a bollard that includes advertising. Bollard
signs are prohibited in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Building official.
The building official or his/her designee or other city-authorized
agent appointed by the city manager.
Canopy sign.
A sign that is applied, attached, painted or affixed on a
canopy or other roof-like cover over gasoline fuel pumps, vacuum area
at car detail facilities, or other areas where services are provided
to a patron in a vehicle intended for protection from the weather
or as a decorative embellishment. A canopy sign may contain only the
business' name and/or logo on the canopy band.
Changeable copy/electronically activated message board.
A sign whose alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational
content can be changed or altered on a fixed surface composed of electrically
illuminated or mechanically driven changeable segments. These electronic
activated changes are allowed in intervals and shall not have the
illusion of movement.
City manager.
The city manager or his/her designee or other city-authorized
agent appointed by the city manager.
Cloud buster balloon and air devices.
Any visible airtight or air-flow through, inflatable apparatus
that exceeds one (1) square foot in total area made of latex, mylar,
or other similar material that extends higher than ten (10) feet into
the sky by a cord, rope, string, wire, or other similar material.
A cloud buster balloon or air device is commonly used to attract passerby's/patrons
to a location having a promotion, sale, or other function. Cloud buster
balloons, blimps, and other air devices are prohibited in the city
and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Commercial real estate sign (CRES).
An on-site, temporary sign made of wood, metal or similar
material approved by the director of development services that pertains
to the sale or lease of the property where the sign is located. A
CRES shall not be a V-shaped sign. A CRES advertises the name of a
building or property for sale or lease, property owner name, realtor
information, telephone number, zoning information, and other information,
so long as such information relates to the sale or lease of nonresidential
property.
Changeable copy sign.
A sign or part of a sign on which content can be changed
or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign, including
but not limited to a theater marquee or a gasoline price sign.
Commercial complex.
Any property such as a shopping center, office park or industrial
park, which consists of 2 or more establishments on a single platted
lot, or which is designed, developed and managed as a unit.
Community service sign.
A sign which solicits support for or participation in a nonprofit,
non- political, community, public or social event or activity.
Developed.
A developed property is a nonresidential property for which
a certificate of occupancy has been issued by the city to occupy a
building on the property or a residential property for which a certificate
of final acceptance has been issued by the city.
Dilapidated.
Any surface element, background, or support of any sign that
has finished materials that are missing, broken, bent, cracked, decayed,
dented, harmful, hazardous, illegible, leaning, splintered, ripped,
torn, twisted, or unsightly.
Director.
The city director of development services and/or his/her
designated representative.
Electronic message board sign.
Any sign with a fixed or changing display/message composed
of a series of lights that may be changed through electronic means.
Signs that contain alphabetic, pictographic or symbolic informational
content can be changed or altered on a fixed display screen composed
of electrically illuminated segments.
Erect or install.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, affix,
paint, display, apply, assemble or place in any manner, including
but not limited to, on the exterior of a building or structure.
Exempt.
A sign permit is not a requirement; however, compliance with
all other city ordinances and the comprehensive zoning ordinance,
as it currently exists or may be amended, is required.
Feather flag.
A wind device that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff
driven into the ground for support. Feather flags are prohibited in
the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction unless the feather
flag is located on a property with single-family or two-family zoning
for which a certificate of occupancy has been issued for the sole
purpose of expressing patriotism or for a celebration or seasonal
decoration. See also wind device.
Flag.
A fabric sheet, which is attached at one end to a pole, cable
or rope.
Freestanding sign.
Any sign not attached to or part of any building. Included
are monument signs and self-supported signs.
Garage sale.
An off-site or on-site temporary sign that advertises or
conveys information relating to the date, time, location, directions,
operation, and/or name of a garage sale, neighborhood sale, estate
sale, yard sale or similar event.
Garage sale sign.
A temporary stake sign used to advertise a garage sale, yard
sale, or estate sale at an occupied residential property that has
obtained a certificate of occupancy.
Government awareness sign.
A temporary stake sign, banner or other apparatus, including
flags, used to convey health, safety and welfare information to the
public regarding city, county, state, or federal government requirements
and regulations such as water restrictions, burn bans, or other similar
information. Government awareness signs may include city hall meeting
information.
Government community event sign.
A temporary stake sign, banner, or other apparatus used to
convey information to the public regarding city-related activities
and events (i.e., National Night Out, July 4th Celebration, and the
like).
Graffiti.
Pictures, words or slogans, images, or other artwork painted,
drawn, scratched or applied in any manner to exterior walls, fences,
structures, vehicles, stone, statues, buildings, or other items in
public view. Graffiti includes the illegal or unauthorized defacing
of a building, wall, or other edifice or object by painting, or otherwise,
marking it with words, pictures, or symbols, advertising, logos, relations
with a group, indecent/vulgar images or offensive language(s). Graffiti
is prohibited in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Grand opening.
A commemoration that promotes the opening of a new business
is a grand opening. A grand opening shall be within one hundred eighty
(180) days of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy from the
director of development services. Grand openings after one hundred
eighty (180) days after the issuance of a certificate of occupancy
requires approval from the director of development services. A grand
opening may only be located at the business that received a certificate
of occupancy from the director of development services. A grand opening
shall not exceed fourteen (14) consecutive days in length.
Grand opening balloon(s) and/or balloon arrangement.
A grand opening balloon is a visible airtight, inflatable
apparatus with a maximum of one (1) square foot in total area in various
shapes and/or designs made of latex, mylar, or other similar material
approved by the director of development services. A grand opening
balloon is customarily a handheld device with a maximum ten (10) foot
in length cord, rope, string, wire or other similar material. Balloon
arrangements are grand opening balloons tied, twisted, or connected
in such a manner to design creative figures, shapes, crescents, and/or
other displays.
Height.
The distance from ground level to the top of the sign structure.
The ground level is the lower of: (1) the existing grade prior to
construction of the sign; or (2) the newly established grade after
construction, unless the curb elevation at the street in front of
the sign is higher than the established ground level, in which case
the height shall be measured from curb level.
HOA-neighborhood sign (HOA-NS).
A temporary stake sign used to convey residential subdivision
board meetings, announcements, or other subdivision-related events
to residents within the subdivision.
Home improvement sign.
An on-site temporary stake sign that advertises the name,
phone number, website address, and/or type of construction being performed
on the property, such as a roof, fence, pool, paint, landscape, or
other home improvement contractor.
Human sign.
A sign held by or attached to a human being who stands or
walks on the ground, on site at a business location. A human sign
includes a person dressed in costume, both, for the purposes of advertising
or otherwise drawing attention to an individual, business, commodity,
service, activity, or product. Human signs are prohibited within the
city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Illuminated sign.
Any sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light
source of any kind, either detached from the sign or a part thereof.
Signs that are only incidentally and indirectly illuminated as a result
of a lighting plan primarily designed as security lighting or landscape
lighting are not illuminated signs.
HOA-neighborhood sign (HOA-NS).
A temporary stake sign used to convey residential subdivision
board meetings, announcements, or other subdivision-related events
to residents within the subdivision.
Home improvement sign.
An on-site temporary stake sign that advertises the name,
phone number, website address, and/or type of construction being performed
on the property, such as a roof, fence, pool, paint, landscape, or
other home improvement contractor.
Impounded sign.
A sign that is legally removed by a city-authorized official,
inspector, officer, other city employee(s) or city-authorized person(s)
in accordance with the provisions of this article.
Inflatable device sign (IDS).
A sign manufactured of plastic, cloth, canvas or other flexible
or light fabric, inflated with air, secured to the ground, does not
float, and does not exceed thirty (30) feet in height. An IDS only
advertises the opening dates, sale of items offered or sold, date
of sale, name of business, telephone number, and/or website information
of a business.
Instructional/informational sign.
A sign that provides instruction, information, or direction
to the general public. The sole purpose of an instructional/informational
sign is to provide instruction, information, or direction to the general
public that is essential to the health, safety, and public welfare
of the community. An instructional/informational sign shall contain
no other message, corporate logo, copy, announcement, or decoration
other than the essential instruction, information or direction and
shall not advertise or otherwise draw attention to an individual,
business, commodity, service, activity, or product. Such signs shall
include, but are not limited to, a sign identifying a property address,
street address, restrooms, public telephones, handicap parking spaces,
reserved parking spaces, freeze warning, no trespassing, no dumping,
no loitering, no soliciting, beware of warning, water resource information,
neighborhood watch informational, lock/take and hide information,
construction entrance and/or exit signage. Instructional/informational
signs erected by the city, local, federal or state governments for
the purpose of public instruction, warnings or other similar hazards,
street or highway designation, traffic control and similar purposes
incidental to public interests shall be considered an instructional/informational
sign. An instructional/informational sign will include a sign of a
warning, directive or instruction erected by a public utility company
that operates under a franchise agreement with the city and/or signs
required by federal, state or other local authorities.
Kiosk (panel) sign 1(KPS1).
A sign placed in the public right-of-way, pursuant to a written
agreement with the city, that contains individual panels and, is generally
used to provide direction to residential single-family or two-family
subdivisions from major thoroughfares (“KPS-1”). A KPS1
sign may also provide direction to municipal facilities.
Kiosk (panel) sign 2(KPS2).
A sign placed in the public right-of-way, pursuant to a written
agreement with the city, which contains individual panels and which
is generally used to provide direction to schools, amenities, information
centers, community facilities, and neighborhoods within a residential
subdivision (“KPS-2”).
Logo.
Any design, insignia or other marking of a company or product,
which is used in advertising to identify the company, business or
product.
Menu board sign.
A sign erected in conjunction with a use that incorporates
a drive-through or drive-in and generally used to provide service
and/or product options and pricing for patrons who remain in a vehicle.
Merchandise signs and/or display(s).
Any goods, wares, and/or merchandise or other advertising
object or structure suspended displayed, suspended, applied, erected,
and/or installed from or on any building, or pole, structure, sidewalk,
parkway, driveway, parking area, fuel pump island or its supports,
bridge or overpass for the purpose of advertising such items or attracting
patrons. Merchandise signs and/or displays are prohibited in the city
and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, except as specifically allowed
by any city ordinance or required by federal or state law.
Mobile advertisement sign.
An operable or inoperable vehicle with illuminated or nonilluminated
panels, other devices, or appendages used to advertise, promote or
draw attention to products, services, events, or other similar purpose.
The primary purpose of a mobile advertisement sign is advertising.
Model home sign.
A sign used to identify a builder or contractor model house
that is open to the public for inspection by customers and located
within a residential district. A model home sign provides a builder's
name, corporate logo, hours of operation, website information, and/or
telephone number.
Monument (individual) sign (MIS-1).
A sign supported from the grade to the bottom of the sign
having or appearing to have a solid and opaque base and used to identify
tenants or name of a business located on the same lot. If the MIS-1
is in a planned development district, it can also identify tenants
or the name of a business within a planned development or on a separately
platted lot within a planned development, if so permitted by the ordinance
creating the planned development district.
Monument (internal) sign (MIS-2).
A sign that is supported from the grade to the bottom of
the sign having, or appearing to have, a solid base and generally
used to provide direction to drive-through lanes, buildings, and tenants
within large multi-tenant retail, multifamily, or office developments.
Monument (unified development) sign (UDMS).
A UDMS is a sign that is supported from the grade to the bottom of the sign having, or appearing to have, a solid base and is used to identify multiple tenants within a unified development. A UDMS is permissible on a nonresidential zoned property subject to the conditions set forth in section
3.06.017(15).
Moving sign.
Any sign, sign appendages or apparatus designed or made to
move freely in the wind or designed or made to move by an electrical
or mechanical device. Moving signs, and/or any sign appendage that
moves, are prohibited in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Municipal banner.
A temporary sign having characters, letters, or illustrations
applied to plastic, cloth, canvas, or other light fabric or similar
material, with the only purpose of such nonrigid material being for
background used by the city, either acting alone or in cooperation
with another person or entity, to promote the city, aide in economic
development or economic activity in the city, promote citizenry and
good will, promote awareness of happenings in the city, promote municipal-related
places, activities, events, or promote municipal-related information
or an event or similar happening determined by the city to directly
relate to the city's objectives in speaking on its own property. A
municipal banner includes ornamentations and seasonal decorations.
Mural.
Pictures or artwork painted, drawn or applied on the exterior
walls that does not depict or contain advertising, logos, or images
of a product or service available on site or off location. Murals
are not used to advertise products or services offered or sold off
location or on site.
Neglected sign.
A sign that has any missing panels, burned out lights, missing
letters or characters, has rust, has loose parts, has damage, faded
from its original color, supports or framework with missing sign or
parts, or is not maintained. Neglected signs are prohibited in the
city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Neon tubing.
A discharge tube containing neon that ionizes and glows with
various colors when electric current is sent through it.
Nonresidential use.
Any structure, activity, or use not included in the definition
of residential use contained in this article. A homebuilder model
home, a temporary sales trailer, and an apartment leasing office are
included in this definition.
Notice.
Notice required by this article shall be sufficient if it
is affected by personal delivery, registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, and/or depositing the notice with the United States
mail.
Off-premises sign.
A sign displaying advertising copy that pertains to a business,
person, organization, activity, event, place, service, or product
not principally located or primarily manufactured or sold on the premises
on which the sign is located.
On-premises sign.
A sign identifying or advertising a business, person, or
activity, and installed and maintained on the same premises as the
business, person, or activity.
Open house residential sign (OHRS).
A temporary stake sign used to advertise the name of the
realtor or homeowner, phone number, open house address, date, and/or
time of an open house.
Pennant.
Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether
or not it contains a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire,
cord, string or other similar material designed to move in the wind
whether existing in a series or individually. Pennants are prohibited
in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Person.
Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, company, limited
liability company, organization, business or entity of any kind.
Pole banner.
A banner that is mounted on city-owned streetlight poles
that do not have a traffic signal affixed to them or are not used
for distribution of electrical power.
Pole sign.
A sign erected on a vertical framework consisting of one
(1) or more uprights supported by the ground. With the exception of
the pole signs specifically authorized by this article, such as zoning
signs and kiosk (panel) sign, pole signs are prohibited in the city
and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Political sign.
A sign that relates to the election of a person to a public
office, relates to a political party, relates to a matter to be voted
upon at an election called by a public body, or contains primarily
a political message.
Portable sign(s).
Any sign designed or intended to be relocated from time-to-time,
whether or not it is permanently attached to a building or structure
or is located on the ground. Portable signs include signs on wheels
or on portable or mobile structures, such as, among other things,
trailers, skids, banners, tents or other portable structures, A-frame
signs, T-shaped signs, airborne devices, or other devices used for
temporary display or advertising. Portable signs are prohibited in
the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, except as specifically
allowed by other sections of this article.
Premises.
A lot or tract within the city, and contiguous lands in the
same ownership, which is not divided by any public highway, street
or alley, or right-of-way.
Prohibited light(s)/lights.
Lights are any form of light source(s) or lumens, whether
by electromagnetic radiation, flame, reflection, or any other form
of lumens that acts upon the retina of the eye and optic nerve that
makes sight possible. Prohibited light(s) are lights that blink, strobe,
flash, fade, scroll, or anything other than stationary or static that
attracts the attention of the general public, or causes light pollution
or light trespass. Prohibited light(s) placed in any manner where
the light is visible from the exterior of a business or other nonresidential
use facility are prohibited in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Exception: federal, state and municipal authorized emergency devices
or apparatuses, emergency vehicles, utility repair vehicles, fire
and building code light devices for emergency and/or security purposes,
or other required lighting for public safety purposes are not prohibited
and must comply with all applicable ordinances or regulations.
Prohibited signs.
(1)
Any sign not referenced in or governed by this article;
(2)
Any sign erected or installed without the issuance of a permit,
either prior to or after the adoption of this article (if a permit
was required);
(3)
Any sign that emits odor or visible matter;
(4)
Any sign erected or installed in or over a public right-of-way
or access easement, unless permitted within this article;
(5)
Any sign that does not comply with this or other applicable
municipal ordinances, or those which do not comply with federal or
state laws;
(6)
Any changeable electronic variable message sign (CEVMS) or light
emitting diode (LED) billboards located, relocated, or upgraded along
a regulated highway within the corporate limits or extraterritorial
jurisdiction of the city; or
(7)
Any sign not allowed or defined by this article.
Project/development sign (PDS).
A temporary sign used to advertise or display contact information
of property owner(s), opening date(s), architect(s), contractor(s),
engineer(s), landscape architect(s), and/or financier(s), who are
engaged with the design, construction, improvement or financing of
a residential subdivision with homes under construction within the
subdivision to which it pertains or within a commercial project to
which it pertains. PDS is generally constructed of wood, metal or
other similar materials approved by the city manager. A PDS may include
zoning information and advertise residential builders selling homes
within a subdivision. In no case shall a PDS contain information that
pertains to off-premises uses.
Projecting sign.
Any sign the outside edge of which extends from the face
of a wall to which it is attached.
Property.
An area of real estate designated as a parcel or lot on a
final plat approved by the city and filed with the county clerk's
office, or an unplatted tract of land as shown on an abstract.
Public nuisance.
Any sign or similar device that causes annoyance either to
a limited number of persons or to the general public or because of
its attraction causes a hazard or dangerous condition.
Public view.
Visible from any public right-of-way, city right-of-way,
or access easement.
Residential area.
Any property within the city limits which is zoned for residential
use. Any un-zoned property within the city limits or any property
within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction which is vacant, in
any form of agricultural use, on which a residence is the principal
use, and any portion within 200 feet of any such residence.
Residential real estate sign (RRES).
An on-site, temporary stake sign used to advertise a home
or residential property for sale or lease. A RRES is used to advertise
the name of the owner or realtor, telephone number, property information,
and/or website address.
Responsible party.
The owner of the property upon which the sign is located,
the lessor of the property, and/or the owner of the sign.
Revolving sign.
Any sign that turns, spins, or partially revolves or completely
revolves 360 degrees on an axis. Revolving signs are prohibited in
the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Roof (secondary) sign.
A roof (secondary) sign is a sign that is mounted to or projects
from a canopy or secondary roof over the entry to a building but does
not project above the highest point of the building.
Roof sign.
A sign mounted on and supported by the 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 or a
sign that is painted directly to or applied on the roof or top of
a building or structure. A sign that is mounted on mansard facades,
pent eaves or architectural projections, such as canopies or the fascia
(wall) of a building or structure shall not be considered to be a
roof sign. Roof signs are prohibited in the city and its extraterritorial
jurisdiction.
School sign.
An on-site temporary stake sign used to convey school registrations,
enrollments, open houses, award ceremonies, PTA meetings, or other
school-related events or functions for a city based public or private
educational facility to where the information pertains. A school sign
excludes information pertaining to dates, times, and/or locations
of scheduled athletic games.
Scoreboards.
A structurally engineered sign erected at an athletic field
or stadium and which is generally used to maintain the score or time
expired in an event at the field or stadium. This definition includes
signs mounted or applied to the outfield wall within a baseball field.
Searchlight (or skylight).
Any apparatus capable of projecting a beam or beams of light.
Searchlights (skylights) are prohibited in the city and its extraterritorial
jurisdiction.
Sign, nonconforming.
A sign which was lawfully erected and maintained prior to
the enactment of this article and any amendments thereto, and which
does not conform to current applicable regulations and restrictions
of this article.
Snipe/bandit sign.
A sign made of any material when such sign is tacked, nailed,
posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, poles, stakes,
fences, or other objects, and the advertising matter appearing thereon
is not applicable to the use of the premises upon which such sign
is located.
Sign.
Any form of publicity or advertising which directs attention
to an individual, business, commodity, service, activity, or product,
by means of words, lettering, parts of letters, figures, numerals,
phrases, sentences, emblems, devices, trade names or trademarks, or
other pictorial matter designed to convey such information and displayed
by means of print, bills, posters, panels, or other devices erected
on an open framework, or attached or otherwise applied to stakes,
posts, poles, trees, buildings, or other structures or supports. This
definition shall also include any device, fixture, placard, or structure
that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing
to advertise, announce the purpose of a person or entity, or communicate
information of any kind to the public.
Single commercial building.
A structure containing a single commercial establishment,
office, business, school, church, non-profit organization, charity
or government agency.
Stake sign.
An off-site or on-site sign of a temporary nature supported
by a metal or wood stake placed in the ground. Such signs may advertise
the sale of a product, good or service or other similar venture with
an economic purpose to include but not limited to directional signs,
real estate signs, moving services, housekeeping services, lawn care
services or any other type of service or sales. Signs may also be
utilized for supporting, encouraging, expressing or identifying a
philosophy, theory, belief, view, principle, concept, insight or opinion,
political posture, position or event, public services or civic announcement
or advisory event and/or personal or individual use without a commercial
intent. Such signs may include but are not limited to political signs,
ideological signs, no trespassing, special event or public services
announcements, alarm signs and beware of dog signs, but do not include,
among other things, garage sale signs.
Subdivision identity sign.
A sign mounted to a screening wall or engraved into a masonry
block which identifies a residential development or a planned development,
whether residential or noncommercial, and generally refers to the
platted name of the subdivision or planned development.
Subdivision monumentation.
A physical improvement such as signs, walls, entry features
or other similar improvements constructed to draw attention to or
enhance a subdivision or its surrounding area.
Temporary nuisance sign.
Any temporary sign placed in the public right-of-way and/or
on public property that is not otherwise expressly allowed to be located
within the public right-of-way and/or public property pursuant to
this article.
Temporary religious sign.
A temporary stake sign used to provide the name of and direction
to a location occupied by a religious organization or religious group
that temporarily operates in a school or other facility. A temporary
religious sign identifies the meeting location/address, website information,
hours of service, and/or telephone number of a religious organization
or group.
Temporary sign.
Any sign used to display information that relates to a land
use, or a sign with a limited duration which is not rigidly and permanently
installed into or on the ground, attached to a building, or as identified
in this article.
Traffic lights and signage.
Any traffic-related sign, light, apparatus, or device installed
that provides information to vehicular drivers and/or pedestrian traffic.
Traffic-related signs, lights, apparatuses, or devices requires approval
from the engineering department, which includes the review and approval
of design, size, placement, and any other specifications or requirements
prior to installation from the traffic engineer. Exemption: signs,
lighting, apparatuses, and/or devices installed or required by federal
or state laws.
Undeveloped.
An undeveloped residential or nonresidential property for
which a certificate of occupancy has not been issued by the director
of development services to occupy a building on the property or for
which final acceptance has not been issued by the city.
Unified development zone.
A unified development zone shall consist of multiple lots
which were depicted on the same general development plan, or site
plan, and be united through common building architecture, building
color, and building materials, landscaping, access and parking on
contiguous parcels.
V-shaped sign.
A sign that fronts two (2) street frontages with more than
(>) five (5) degrees of parallel.
Vacant building sign.
No sign shall be permitted to remain on any vacant building,
except a sign pertaining to the lease or sale of the building to which
it pertains, or a sign which is under lease from an owner or his/her
authorized agent when such sign is maintained by a person operating
under his/her own bond. Vacant building signage is prohibited in the
city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Variance.
An official written request to the planning and zoning commission
to allow exceptions to regulations or requirements of this article.
Vehicle.
Any operable or inoperable motorized machine on wheels, treads,
or runners by which any person, materials, commodity, or property
is or may be transported.
Vehicle sign.
A sign painted upon or applied directly (to include magnetic,
but not signs taped to) to any vehicle, truck, car, bus, trailer,
boat, recreational vehicle, motorcycle or any other vehicle; however,
any vehicle, whether operable or not, shall not be parked and/or decorated
where the intent is to use the vehicle as advertising. Vehicle signs
shall exclude bumper stickers and state required registration or inspection
stickers/identifications.
Vending machine sign.
A sign attached to or incorporated as part of a vending machine
or gasoline pump and generally advertises products dispensed, offered
or sold from the vending machine or gasoline pump.
Wall sign.
A wall sign is a sign erected parallel to and extending not
more than twelve (12) inches from the facade of any building to which
it is attached, supported throughout its entire length by the building
face. A wall sign identifies the name of a business and/or logo of
a business or products and services offered by the business. With
approval from the historic preservation commission, a building located
within the HD-historic district that contains a maximum wall height
of nine (9) feet and is adjacent to a non-pedestrian traveled way
may contain a wall sign at the non-pedestrian traveled way of a building
wall. An approved wall sign installed on a building wall that does
not exceed nine (9) feet in height shall not project greater than
one (1) inch from the wall surface. Neon shall not be installed on
any wall sign installed below nine (9) feet from grade. A wall sign
may include neon tubing attached directly to a wall surface when forming
a border for the subject matter or when forming letters, logos, or
pictorial designs. This definition shall not include painted on murals.
(Please see 'murals,' above.) Murals are not subject to the wall sign
regulations contained herein. Wall signs are permissible subject to
the following conditions and upon issuance of a sign permit. No building
shall have both a wall sign and an awning sign on the same building
face.
Wall sign/multi-story office.
Any sign on a building with three or more stories for office
use in which the tenant has no direct outside entrance from the tenant
space.
Window sign.
Any sign, poster, window slick, or other similar displayed
item, excluding banners (see 'banners'), located on the internal or
external surface of a window for the purpose of advertising a business'
name, telephone number, website information, services, commodities,
and/or products offered or sold that are available within the building
that is visible from a public street or sidewalk. A sign applied on
or over a window and/or visible through a window from the exterior
of a building is a wall sign.
Wind device.
Any pennant, streamer, spinner, balloon, cloud buster balloon,
inflatable objects or similar devices made of cloth, canvas, plastic
or any flexible material designed to float or designed to move, or
moves freely in the wind, with or without a frame or other supporting
structure, used for the purpose of advertising or drawing attention
to a business, commodity, service, sale or product. Exception: flags
and grand opening balloons and/or balloon arrangements. Wind device(s)
are prohibited in the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Yard sign.
A temporary stake sign used to publicize the arrival of a
newborn, participation of a family member in a school activity or
sport, the presence of a security system, animals, and seasonal decorations.
Zoning sign.
A temporary sign erected to publicize a request to zone or
rezone a property.
(Ordinance 2018-05-14-05, sec. 2,
adopted 5/14/18)