In addition to the definitions set forth in Article 3 of this Ordinance, the following definitions relate to signs:

9-2.1.

DISPLAY SURFACE AREA: That area of a sign including the entire area within a regular geometric shape or combination of regular geometric shapes enclosing all of the elements of informational or representational matter displayed, including blank masking or any surface shape intended to convey ideas, information, or meaning. Frames or structural members not bearing informational or representation matter shall not be included in calculating the display surface area.

9-2.2.

HEIGHT: Distance from top of sign to crown of road.

9-2.3.

PREMISES: The contiguous land in the same ownership which is not divided by any public highway, street or alley or right-of-way.

9-2.4.

ROOF LINE: Either the edge of the roof or the top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.

9-2.5.

SIGN: Any object, device, display, or structure, or part thereof, 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 means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images, provided however, that the following shall not be included in the application of the regulations herein:

a.

Signs not exceeding one square foot in area and bearing only property numbers, post office box numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises not having commercial connotations.

b.

Flags and insignia of any government except when displayed in connection with commercial promotion.

c.

Legal notices, identification, informational, or directional signs erected or required by governmental bodies.

d.

Integral decorative or architectural features of buildings except letters, trademarks, moving parts, or moving lights.

e.

Signs directing and guiding traffic within private property, but bearing no advertising matter.

9-2.6.

SIGN, ADVERTISING: Any sign which relates in its subject matter to products, accommodations, services, or activities sold or offered elsewhere than upon the premises on which such sign is located. Mobile signs and portable signs may be advertising signs, and advertising signs include, but are not limited to, those signs commonly referred to as outdoor advertising signs, billboards, or poster boards.

9-2.7.

SIGN, BENCH: A sign painted, located on, or attached to any part of the surface of a bench, seat, or chair placed on or adjacent to a public place or roadway.

9-2.8.

SIGN, BUSINESS: A sign that directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity or service sold, offered, or manufactured or to an entertainment offered on the premises where the sign is located. Mobile signs and portable signs may be business signs, but billboards or advertising signs as defined in Section 11-2.6 are not business signs.

9-2.9.

SIGN, CANOPY: Any sign mounted under any canopy, marquee, or awning.

9-2.10.

SIGN, CHANGING MESSAGE: Any electrically or electronically controlled sign where different messages are shown such as but not limited to time and temperature information.

9-2.11.

SIGN, COPY: All words, letters, numbers, figures, characters, art works, symbols, or insignia that are used on a display surface area.

9-2.12.

SIGN, DIRECTIONAL: Non-advertising directional sign or symbol (entrance, exit, no parking, in, out, arrow, etc.) located on and pertaining to a given premise.

9-2.13.

SIGN, DIRECTORY: A sign listing the tenants or occupants of a building or group of buildings and that may indicate their respective professions or business activities. When an identification of an entity is placed on a common directory board with identical uniform style and size of letters, such identity shall not be defined as a separate sign but considered as a part of a directory board sign.

9-2.14.

SIGN, FLASHING: A sign which contains an intermittent or flashing light source or gives the illusion thereof and contains no written changing message.

9-2.15.

SIGN, FREESTANDING: A sign which is permanently affixed to the ground and which is not a part of a building or other structure.

9-2.16.

SIGN, GROUND OR MONUMENT-TYPE: A freestanding sign which extends from the ground or is attached directly to the ground generally for the entire length of its bottom sign face dimension or which has a support which places the bottom of the sign less than twelve (12) inches from the ground.

9-2.17.

SIGN, ILLUMINATED: Any sign which emanates lights(s), either by means of exposed tubing or lamps on its surface, or by means of illumination transmitted through the sign faces.

9-2.18.

SIGN, MARQUEE: Any hood or awning of permanent construction projecting from the wall of a building above an entrance and extending over a thoroughfare.

9-2.19.

SIGN, MOBILE: A sign which may be moved from one location to another, is not permanently affixed to the ground, and is differentiated from a "portable sign" in that it may be equipped for transporting by motor vehicle or other mechanical means and includes signs referred to as trailer signs. Such signs may be considered as either business signs or advertising signs according to their utilization.

9-2.20.

SIGN, NONCONFORMING: Any sign that was legally in existence prior to this Ordinance and made illegal by this Ordinance.

9-2.21.

SIGN, PORTABLE: A sign that is not permanent, affixed to a building, structure, or the ground.

9-2.22.

SIGN, PROJECTING: A sign attached to a building or other structure and extending more than twelve (12) inches beyond that portion of the building or structure to which it is attached.

9-2.23.

SIGN, PYLON: A freestanding sign supported by one or more structures or poles that are placed on, or anchored in, the ground, or other surface and otherwise separated from the ground more than twelve (12) inches by air, generally over seven (7) feet in height, and that is independent from any building or other structure.

9-2.24.

SIGN, REAL ESTATE: A "For Sale," "Rent," or "Lease" sign.

9-2.25.

SIGN, REVOLVING: Any sign or portion of a sign that moves in a revolving or similar manner.

9-2.26.

SIGN, ROOF: Any sign extending above the highest portion of the building upon which it is mounted.

9-2.27.

SIGN, WALL: Any sign attached flat and parallel to the exterior wall or surface of a building or other structure and which projects not more than twelve (12) inches from that wall or surface.

9-2.28.

SIGN, WINDBLOWN: Any spinner, flag, bunting, banner or other sign or device that may be moved by the wind or other movements of the atmosphere.

9-2.29.

SIGN, WINDOW: Any sign mounted inside a window for purposes of viewing from the outside, not to include merchandise on display.