§ 165-102. Definitions.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

AREA OF SIGN

The area included within the frame or edge of a sign, including the frame. Where the sign has not such frame or edge, the area shall be computed as specified by § 165-104 herein.

AWNING

Any structure made of cloth or metal with a metal frame attached to a building, projecting over a thoroughfare and so erected as to permit its being raised to a position flat against the building when not in use.

BACK-LIT SIGNS

See "halo-lit signs."

BANNER

Any temporary sign applied to paper, plastic or fabric of any kind, which shall be permitted by the Mayor and Council by permit, above a public right-of-way.

BILLBOARD

Any sign erected or maintained for the purpose of displaying outdoor advertising for products or services provided off-premises.

CANOPY

Any structure other than an awning, made of cloth or metal with metal frames, attached to a building, projecting over a thoroughfare and carried by a frame supported by the ground or sidewalk.

DIGITAL FUEL PRICING SIGN

A gas station sign, or portion of a sign, that displays electronically changeable fuel prices.

ERECT

To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix; also includes the painting of wall signs.

FACING or SURFACE

The surface of the sign upon, against or through which the message is displayed or illuminated on the sign.

FREESTANDING SIGN

Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.

GROUND SIGN

A freestanding sign in which the entire bottom is in contact with or close to the ground.

HALO-LIT SIGN

Any illuminated sign with opaque channel letters and elements mounted away from the wall that contain concealed light sources that project illumination to the wall surface, giving the sign a halo effect.

HANGING SIGN

A freestanding sign supported by an extended arm from a single post.

ILLUMINATED SIGN

Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs or outline illuminated by electric lights or luminous tubes as a part of the sign proper.

ILLUMINATED SIGN, EXTERNALLY

A sign illuminated with a light that is directed primarily toward the sign, and so shielded that no illumination is cast onto adjacent lots.

ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY

A sign designed to emit artificial light directly (or through transparent or translucent material) from a source within the sign.

MAINTENANCE

Includes replacement, without substantial change, of any parts or support of any sign, and the painting, without change of text, design or size of any sign, without removal of the sign from the wall or structure supporting it.

MARQUEE

Any hood or awning of permanent construction projecting from the wall of a building above an entrance and extending over a thoroughfare, including signs attached thereto, the supports of which are an integral part of the original structure and which is not retractable.

PENNANT

Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.

PLAQUE SIGN

A small version of a wall sign that is attached to the building wall surface adjacent to the front entry doors.

PORTABLE SIGN

Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.

PROJECTING SIGN

Any sign affixed to a building or wall in such a manner that its leading edge extends more than six inches beyond the surface of such building or wall.

RESTAURANT MENU SIGN

A sign that incorporates a menu containing a listing of products and prices offered by the eatery.

ROOF SIGN

Any sign erected, constructed and maintained wholly upon or over the roof of any building, with the principal support on the roof structure.

SIGN

Includes any device, either freestanding or attached to a building or structure or erected, painted, represented or reproduced upon or in (to the extent provided herein) any building or structure, which displays, reproduces or includes any letter, word, name, number, model, insignia, emblem, design, device or representation used for one or more of the following purposes: to identify the premises or occupant or owner of the premises; to advertise any trade, business, profession, industry, service or other activity; to advertise any product or item; to advertise the sale or rental or use of all or part of the premises, including that upon which it is displayed; to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic, other than state, county or municipal highway and roadway markers; and shall include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustrations, insignia or any representation used to advertise or intended to advertise or promote the interests of any person. In no event shall the word "sign" be construed to mean any sign in the interior of any structure except as specifically set forth in this chapter.

TEMPORARY SIGN

Any sign that is not permanently mounted as specifically permitted by this article.

WALL SIGN

All flat signs of solid-face construction which are placed against a building or other structure and attached to the exterior front, rear or sidewalk of any building or other structure so that the display surface is parallel with the plane of the wall. Signs painted on an exterior or a wall shall be deemed to be "wall signs" subject to this chapter.

WINDOW

Includes any opening in the exterior wall or roof of any structure for the purpose of admitting air or light, whether or not covered with glass, plastic or other covering.

WINDOW DISPLAY SIGN

Includes all signs defined herein which are situated within 12 inches of the window surface, and such signs shall be as regulated in § 165-105B.

WINDOW SPACE

Includes the aggregate square footage of all windows on any given story of any structure, regardless of the angle or angles at which they are set. In computing window space there shall be included all portions of any door which contains a window.