Definitions
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
A-frame means a temporary sign commonly referred to as a sandwich board, where the frame or support structure is hinged or connected at the top of the sign in such a manner that the sign is easily moved or erected.
Awning. A roof cover of canvas or other material extending over building openings to provide protection from the sun and rain.
Billboard means any off-premises sign exceeding 15 square feet in area.
Digital sign means an electronic sign display or device that changes message copy on the sign by means of light emitting diodes (LED), fiber optics light bulbs, liquid crystal display or other illumination devices within the display area. Signs using such display methods are commonly called by various names, including, CEVMS (commercial electronic variable message signs or changeable electronic variable message signs), electronic message boards, electronic reader boards, dynamic signs, digital signs, electronic signs, message centers and similar terms.
Directory sign means a sign which contains listings of two or more commercial establishments and which is designed and constructed so as to allow for changes to the listings to reflect changes in occupancy without major alterations of the entire sign. Each individual directory sign shall not exceed eight square feet.
Flag includes any banner adopted by a nation, state or city/town.
Flag/banner, decorative, means any flag or banner other than the U.S., state or municipal flag.
Lighting, direct, means internal illumination that shines through a plastic or other translucent covering.
Lighting, indirect, means lighting that is external to the sign.
Linear frontage means the length of the lot in feet that abuts a public road. For a corner lot, the linear frontage shall be measured along the public road that serves as the primary entrance to the establishment.
Shopping center means two or more retail or mixed use establishments contained within the same building and/or sharing a parking lot. Shopping centers include shopping malls.
Sign means any device, whether freestanding or attached to a building or structure, or that is erected, painted, represented or reproduced upon or in (to the extent provided in this chapter) any building or structure, which displays, reproduces or includes any letter, work, name, number, model, insignia, design, device or representation used for one or more of the following purposes:
(1) To identify the premises or occupant or owner of the premises;
(2) To advertise the sale or rental or use of all or part of any premises, including that upon which it is displayed;
(3) To direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic other than state or municipal highway and roadway markers; and
(4) Including any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia or any representation used to advertise or intended to advertise or promote the interest of any person or corporation.
Sign, freestanding, means a sign supported by a pole, uprights, braces or frame on or in the ground and not supported by any wall, building or similar structure. This definition includes ground-mounted signs.
Sign height means the vertical distance measured from the ground at the base of the sign of the highest point of any portion of the sign or supporting structure.
Sign, obsolete, means any sign which advertises an area, use, business or product no longer sold on site or service no longer offered.
Sign, off-premises, means any sign or advertising device, not exceeding 15 square feet, which advertises a use or activity not located or a product not sold or manufactured on the lot on which the sign or device is located.
Sign, projecting, means a sign erected so as to project approximately perpendicular from the exterior of any building, ceiling or wall.
Sign setback means the setback measured from the property line to the outermost edge of the sign or supporting structure, whichever is closer to the lot line.
Sign, wall-mounted, means a sign erected against or attached to the wall of any building or structure, except a freestanding sign support, including signs affixed to fences, screens, awnings, and freestanding walls.
Storefront area means the area of the storefront measured from outside wall to outside wall and from top of the first floor joist to bottom of the second floor joist.
(Ord. No. 94-14, § 1, 8-15-1994; Ord. No. 02-20, § 5, 11-18-2002; Ord. No. 03-8, § 6, 6-9-2003; Ord. No. 15-11, § 1, 10-19-2015; Ord. No. 25-08, § 1, 10-20-2025)
Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.