[Adopted 8-8-1996 by Ord. No. 28-1996 (Art. 315 of the 1979 Codified Ordinances)]
The following words and phrases when used in this article shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
GROSS SURFACE AREA
Means the entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of a single face enclosing the extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, ornamentations, or other figures, together with a material or color forming an integral part of the display or to differentiate the sign from the background to which it is placed. Structural supports bearing no sign copy shall not be included in gross surface area; however, if any portion of the required structural supports become enclosed for decorative or architectural purposes, that portion will be included in the total gross surface area of the sign.
LOT
Means a designated parcel, tract or area of land established by plot, subdivision or otherwise permitted by law to be used, developed, or built upon as a single unit under single ownership or control.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNS
Means a sign visible from a public way that directs attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment, attraction or subject sold, offered, or existing elsewhere than upon the same lot where such sign is displayed. The term off-premises sign shall include an outdoor advertising sign (billboard) on which space is leased or rented by the owner thereof to others for the purpose of conveying a commercial or noncommercial message.
With the payment of the annual license fee for an off-premises sign as required by Chapter 550, Zoning, of the Codified Ordinances, the owner shall pay the full amount of the off-premises sign tax, which shall be calculated by multiplying by $2 the gross surface area, measured in square feet, of the off-premises sign. If a new off-premises sign is erected between April 1 and October 31, inclusive, the full amount of the tax for the year shall be paid. If a new off-premises sign is erected between November 1 and March 31 inclusive, 1/2 of the tax shall be tax shall be paid.
Permitted signs not requiring a permit as defined in § 550-78 of the Codified Ordinances are exempt from the requirements of this article.
The Building Inspector or his authorized agent shall enforce the provisions of this article. When an owner fails to properly submit the payment required by this article, the Building Inspector shall notify the owner by certified mail, or by personal service, that the payment must be submitted within 30 days.
Any person who violates any provision of this article shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding, be fined not more than $600 for each offense and cost of prosecution and, in default of payment thereof, shall be imprisoned for not more than 90 days. Each day on which a person violates this article may be considered as a separate offense and punishable as such as aforeprovided.