Unless otherwise specifically provided, or unless clearly required by the context, the words and phrases defined in this section shall have the meaning indicated when used in this Article.
     Banner. A suspended sign made of a flexible material such as canvas, sailcloth, plastic or waterproof paper.
     Building Facade. The face or faces of a building oriented in the same direction, or within a forty-five (45) degree angle of the same direction, including roof and wall.
     Flags. Devices generally made of flexible materials such as cloth, paper or plastic, and displayed on a flagpole.
     Freestanding Sign. A sign that is attached to, erected on, or supported by some structure (such as a pole, mast, frame, or other structure) that is not itself an integral part of or attached to a building or other structure whose principal function is something other than the support of a sign. A sign that stands without supporting elements, such as a "sandwich sign," is considered a freestanding sign, but is also considered a portable sign, as defined below.
     Internally Illuminated Sign. A sign where the source of the illumination is inside the sign and light emanates through the message of the sign, rather than being reflected off the surface of the sign from an external source. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, signs that consist of or contain tubes that are filled with neon or some other gas that glows when an electric current passes through it and are intended to form or constitute all or part of the message of the sign, rather than merely providing illumination to other parts of the sign that contain the message, shall also be considered internally illuminated signs.
     Nonconforming Sign. Any sign which was lawfully erected in compliance with applicable code provisions and maintained prior to the effective date of this ordinance, and which fails to conform to all applicable standards and restrictions of this ordinance.
     Off-Premises Signs. A sign that draws attention to or communicates information about a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction, or other activity that is conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. Such signs are not permitted except those specifically exempt in accordance with Section 27-166.
     On-Premises Signs. A sign that draws attention to or communicates information about a business, service, commodity, accomodation, attraction, or other activity that is conducted, sold, or offered at or on the premises on which the sign is located.
     Outdoor Advertising Sign. A poster panel or painted bulletin off-premises sign, commonly referred to as a billboard.
     Portable Sign. A sign that is designed to be moved from place to place and which is not permanently installed or permanently anchored to either the ground or a wall.
     Projecting Signs. A sign which is attached to and projects more than twelve (12) inches from a building facade or wall.
     Sign. Any device that is sufficiently visible to persons not located on the lot where such device is located to accomplish the objective of directing attention to a business, commodity, service, entertainment or other activity sold or offered exclusively on the premises where the sign is located, or of communicating information to them.
     Temporary Sign. A sign that is used in connection with a circumstance, situation, or event that is designed, intended, or expected to take place or to be completed within a reasonably short or definite period after the erection of such sign, or is intended to remain on the location where it is erected or placed for a period of not more than thirty (30) days. If a sign display area is permanent but the message displayed is subject to periodic changes, that sign shall not be regarded as temporary.
     Wall Sign. Any sign attached to, painted on, or erected against any wall of a building or structure so that the exposed face of the sign is on a place parallel to the plane of said wall and which does not extend more than twelve (12) inches from the wall. Wall signs also include any sign erected against, installed on or painted on a penthouse above the roof of a building as long as the wall of the penthouse is on a plane parallel to the wall of the building. Wall signs also include a sign attached to, painted on, or erected against a false wall or false roof that does not vary more than thirty (30) degrees from the plane of the adjoining wall elevation.
     Window Sign. A window sign is a sign attached directly onto the outside of the window of a building.

(Ord. No. 02-21, 11-11-02)

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