Definitions
For the purposes of this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
a. Sign: Any object, device or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any visual means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
b. Sign copy: The characters, letters or illustrations displayed on a sign face.
c. [Types of signs according to structure.] The below definitions describe the types of signs according to their structure:
(1) Attached sign: The general term for a sign that is attached to a building (wall, marquee, awning, canopy).
(2) Awning sign: A sign made onto the surface of an awning, which is any non rigid material (e.g., fabric or flexible plastic) supported by or stretched over a frame attached to an exterior wall.
(3) Banner: A sign made onto a flexible material, such as cloth, plastic or paper, to be hung from a building or structure (other than an awning frame).
(4) Canopy sign: A sign made onto a canopy, which is an extension of a roof of a building, or is a freestanding structure with a roof but no walls.
(5) Freestanding sign: A sign supported from the ground and not attached to a building.
(6) Marquee sign: A sign made onto a marquee or similar projection from a building: a marquee is a permanent structure (other than a root) supported by and projecting from a building to provide protection from the elements.
(7) Monument sign: A type of freestanding sign with a permanent base affixed to the ground which is at least two-thirds the horizontal length of the sign.
(8) Pole sign: A type of freestanding sign supported by a pole or similar narrow width structure.
(9) Portable sign: A sign not permanently affixed to a building or [the] ground.
(10) Projecting sign: A sign supported by an exterior wall of a building and displayed perpendicular to the face of the building.
(11) Temporary sign: A sign built to be displayed for a specified period of time (e.g., an A-frame sign).
(12) Wall sign: A sign painted on or attached to a wall of a building and parallel to the wall.
d. [Types of signs according to sign character.] The following definitions describe the types of signs according to content and design of the sign copy (sign character):
(1) Animated sign: A sign depicting action, motion, light, or color changes through electrical or mechanical means. Although technologically similar to flashing signs, the animated sign emphasizes graphics and artistic display.
(2) Changeable copy sign: A sign designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged without altering the face of the sign.
(3) Directional sign: A sign that provides on-site directional assistance for the convenience of the public such as location of exits and entrances, open/closed, [and] hours-of-operation signs.
(4) Electric sign: Any sign containing or using electrical wiring.
(5) Electronic message center: A variable message sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy. These signs include displays using incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs, or a flipper matrix.
(6) Externally illuminated sign: A sign that is illuminated at night or in early morning darkness by an external light source that is aimed and reflects upon the sign's surface.
(7) Flashing sign: A sign with an intermittent or flashing light source. Generally, the sign's message is constantly repeated.
(8) Internally illuminated sign: A sign with electrical equipment installed for illumination at night or in early morning darkness that is internally illuminated through its sign face by a light source contained inside the sign.
(9) Point-of-sale sign: A small sign designed to provide information at the point of sale, such as menu signs at walk-up windows or drive-through order locations of food establishments.
(10) Time-and-temperature display: A variable message sign that displays current time and temperature in a stationary or alternating manner.
(11) Two-day signs: Signs to announce private or semiprivate events of brief duration, whose copy is of a noncommercial nature.
e. [Additional definitions.] Additional definitions are as follows:
(1) Building frontage: The length of a building facade facing a street, parking area or private drive.
(2) Business establishment: A business established in compliance with the town Code.
(3) Illegal sign: A sign erected, altered, or replaced in violation of a preceding ordinance, or in violation of this article.
(4) Inspector: The designated town official(s) responsible for administering this article, including but not limited to reviewing, approving or denying applications for permits, inspecting signs and interpreting and enforcing the provisions of this article.
(5) Legal nonconforming sign: A sign that met legal requirements when erected, but that is not in compliance with subsequent ordinances or with this article.
(6) Off-site sign: A sign whose copy relates to an object, person, product, location or entity that is not located on the premises upon which the sign is located. This does not include governmental traffic, directional or regulatory signs or notices of government agencies.
(7) On-site sign: A sign whose copy relates to an object, person, product, location or entity that is located on the premises upon which the sign is located.
(8) Shopping center: Any lot in a commercial or industrial district which includes more than one business establishment.
(9) Street intersection triangle: The triangle of land adjoining street intersections to be kept clear of obstructions to protect the visibility and safety of motorists and pedestrians. The three points of the triangle are the point of intersection of the two street frontages, and two points 35 feet from the intersection along the frontage lines for local streets. For collector or arterial street intersections, the latter two points shall be 45 feet from the intersection point.
(Ord. of 9-25-06(1))