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:
AREAMeasurement of sign area calculated as the sum of the area within the smallest regular polygon that will encompass all elements of the actual sign face, including any writing, representation, emblem or any figure or similar character together with any material forming an integral part of the display or forming the backing surface or background on/against which the message or symbols are displayed.
A. For a sign painted on or applied to a building, the area shall be considered to include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs or symbols, together with any background of a different color than the natural color or finish material of the building.
B. The area of supporting framework (for example brackets, posts, etc.) shall not be included in the area if such framework is incidental to the display.
C. When a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area, except where two sign faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than two feet from each other. In this case, the sign area shall be taken as the area of either face, and if the faces are unequal, the larger shall determine the area.
AWNINGA Stationary or retractable structure that serves as a shelter over a door, window or building front.
AWNING SIGNAny lettering or imagery sewn, painted or printed on or attached to the visible fabric portion of an awning. Decorative awnings without imagery are not considered signs.
BANNERA sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame, and which possesses characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind.
BEACONA stationary or revolving light which flashes or projects illumination, single color or multicolored, in any manner which is intended to attract or divert attention.
CANOPY SIGNAny sign that is attached to or part of an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area.
CHANGEABLE COPYA sign or portion thereof designed to accommodate frequent message changes composed of characters, letters, or illustrations and that can be changed or rearranged manually without altering the face or surface of such sign. Also referred to as "reader boards."
CONTIGUOUS PROJECT/DEVELOPMENT AREAA grouping of individual parcels, buildings and/or uses conceived, approved and developed as a unified whole (i.e., subdivision plat, condominium plat, mixed-use or multi-building PUD).
DISPLAY SURFACEThe surface made available on the sign, either for the direct mounting of letters and decorations, or for the mounting of facing material intended to carry the entire advertising message.
DOWNTOWN AREAThe area of the Village where VC-D Village Center Downtown Zoning is most concentrated.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGESigns with alphabetic, pictographic, or symbolic informational content that can be changed or altered on a fixed display screen composed of electrically illuminated segments. Includes LED displays, electronic signs, LED video displays and electronic variable message signs.
FACINGThe surface of the sign upon, against or through which the message of the sign is displayed.
FLASHING SIGNA sign whose illumination is not kept constant in intensity at all times when in use and/or which exhibits changes in light, color, direction, animation and word/text changes. Illuminated signs that indicate the date, time and temperature will not be considered flashing signs.
FREESTANDING SIGNA sign that is attached to or part of a completely self-supporting structure other than a building. The supporting structure shall be set firmly in, upon or below the ground surface and shall not be attached to any building.
HEIGHTThe distance between the existing preconstruction grade at the base of the sign and the highest point on the sign or supporting structure.
ILLUMINATED SIGNA sign in which an artificial source of light is used in connection with the display of such sign.
INTERNAL ILLUMINATIONThe illumination of a sign in which the source of light is contained within the sign itself.
LEDAn acronym for light emitting diode. Light emitting diodes glow when voltage is applied to them.
LETTERS AND DECORATIONSThe letters, illustrations, symbols, figures, insignia, logo and other media employed to express and/or illustrate the sign message.
LOTA designated parcel, tract or area of land established by plat, subdivision or as otherwise permitted by law.
LOT LINEA line of record bounding a lot which divides one lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public space.
MAJOR TENANTThe tenant within a multi-tenant building that occupies the greatest square footage of that building.
MARQUEEA permanent rooflike structure extending from part of the wall of a building but not supported by the ground, and constructed of durable material such as metal or glass.
MARQUEE SIGNA sign attached to, painted on, or supported by a marquee.
NONCONFORMING SIGNA sign existing at the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived which does not conform to the terms of this article.
OFF-PREMISES SIGNAny sign that calls or directs attention to goods, products, facilities or services not located on the premises where the sign is located, or a sign that identifies or directs persons to a different location from where the sign is located or a sign that identifies an occupant or business that is not situated on the same lot as the sign.
OFFSETThe regulated minimum distance of a sign structure from a side or rear lot line.
ON-PREMISES SIGNAny sign that calls or directs attention to goods, products, facilities or services located on the premises where the sign is located or identifies an occupant, business or property situated on the same lot as the sign.
OUTDOOR ADVERTISINGAny outdoor structure, device or image that is used as an announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, instruction, guide, indication, symbol, insignia, logo, emblem or advertisement.
PENNANTA variety of flags usually tapering to a point or swallowtail or a long rectangle.
PORTABLE SIGNA sign not permanently affixed to the ground, building or other structure and which may be easily moved from place to place.
PROJECTING SIGNA sign affixed or attached directly to the exterior wall of a building or structure and extending more than 10 inches from the exterior wall of the building or structure.
ROOF SIGNA sign or billboard which is located or projects above the lowest point of the eaves or the top of the parapet wall of any building, or which is painted on or fastened to a roof.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGNA self-supporting A-shaped freestanding temporary sign with only two visible sides that contain commercial speech.
SETBACKThe regulated minimum horizontal distance between the base setback line and any sign structure on a lot.
SHOPPING CENTERA planned/coordinated grouping of architecturally unified commercial establishments built on the same site and managed as one operating unit offering for sale consumer goods and services such as food, drugs, hardware and personal services.
SIGNAny display of lettering, logos, colors, lights, illuminated neon tubes and related supporting structures, equipment or devices visible to persons or the public from outside of a building or premises, which display either conveys a message to persons or to the public, or intends to advertise, direct, invite, announce or draw attention to goods, products, services, facilities, opinions, activities, places, persons, property interest or business.
STREETA public or private right-of-way for pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
TEMPORARY SIGNA sign intended to be used for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days or 30 cumulative days in any twelve-month period unless otherwise specified in this article.
TRIMThe moldings, battens, capping, nailing strips, latticing and platforms attached to any sign or billboard structure.
VOTING ITEMEach office being voted upon, as well as each position within such an office and any referendum question on the Village ballot during a particular election campaign period.
WALL SIGNA sign or billboard affixed or attached directly to the exterior wall of a building and extending 10 inches or less from the exterior wall of the building or structure.
WHEELED SIGNA sign with wheels attached to aid in its portability.
WINDOW SIGNA sign attached to, placed upon or painted on the interior of a window or door of a building that is intended for viewing from the exterior of such building.