§ 76-2. Definitions.

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

BACK-TO-BACK SIGN

A double-faced sign with two panels which are identical in size and content or a V-type sign, each panel of which is identical in size and content and forms an angle at the vertex of less than 5°.

COPY-CHANGE SIGN

A sign on which the visual message may be periodically changed.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

A sign limited to providing information on the location of an activity, business or event.

ELECTRONIC SIGN

A sign that changes its message or copy at intervals by programmable electronic, digital, or mechanical processes or by remote control.

ERECT

To construct, reconstruct, alter, build, raise, assemble, place, fix, affix, attach, create, paint, draw, post, display, or in any way bring into being or establish. The term shall not include ordinary/customary maintenance.

FACADE

The vertical front or main surface of a building and all surfaces on the structure parallel or nearly parallel to said surface. Such surfaces include solid walls, doors and windows, porches, billboards and roofs. Normally, a building will have only one facade, which will be the wall facing the street.

[Amended 10-11-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]

FREESTANDING SIGN

Any sign not attached to or part of any building, but separately and permanently affixed by any other means, in or upon the ground. Included are pole signs, pylon signs and masonry wall-type signs.

ILLUMINATED SIGN

Any sign illuminated by electricity, gas or other artificial light either from the interior or exterior of the sign. Illumination includes reflective and phosphorescent light.

MODIFY

To alter or change a sign in any manner that prolongs the useful life of the sign, including, but not limited to, the following:

A. 

Raising or lowering a sign.

B. 

Changing the location of a sign.

C. 

Changing the materials of a sign.

D. 

Changing the dimensions of a sign (length, width, height, depth, number of faces, or clearance between the bottom of the sign and the ground on which it is standing).

E. 

Adding lighting to a sign.

F. 

Replacing a dismantled sign.

G. 

Adding bracing, guy wires or other reinforcing devices which would prolong the useful life of the sign.

H. 

Moving the existing sign.

OFF-PREMISES SIGN

A sign unrelated to a business or a profession conducted or to a commodity or service sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.

[Amended 10-11-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]

PORTABLE SIGN

A sign, whether on its own trailer, wheels or otherwise, designed to be movable and not structurally attached to the ground, a building, a structure or another sign.

PROJECTING SIGN

A sign which is attached to the building wall or structure and which extends horizontally more than 18 inches from the plane of such wall or a sign which is perpendicular to the face of such wall or structure.

REPRESENTATIONAL SIGN

A three-dimensional sign built so as to physically represent the object advertised.

SANDWICH BOARD

A freestanding portable sign consisting of two rigid boards connected.

[Amended 10-11-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017]

SIGN

Any material, structure or device, or part thereof, composed of lettered or pictorial matter which is located out-of-doors or on the exterior of any building, or indoors as a window sign, displaying an advertisement, announcement, notice or name, and shall include any declaration, demonstration, display, misrepresentation, illustration or insignia used to advertise or promote the interests of any person or business or cause when such is placed in view of the general public.

SIGN DIRECTORY

A listing of two or more business enterprises, consisting of a matrix and sign components.

SIGN STRUCTURE

The supports, uprights, bracing and framework for the sign. In the case of a sign structure consisting of two or more sides where the angle formed between any two of the sides or projections thereof exceeds 30°, each side shall be considered a separate "sign structure."

SIGN SURFACE AREA

The entire area within a single, continuous perimeter enclosing all elements which form an integral part of the sign. The structure supporting a sign shall be excluded unless the structure is designed in a way to form an integral background or part of the display. With the exception of back-to-back signs, all faces of a multi-faced sign shall be included in calculating total sign surface area.

TEMPORARY SIGN

A sign used for no more than 30 days and related to a single activity or event.

WALL SIGN

A sign which is painted on or attached to the outside wall of a building with the face of the sign in the plane parallel to such wall and not extending more than 15 inches from the face of such wall.

WINDOW SIGN

A sign visible from a sidewalk, street or other public place, painted or affixed on glass or other window material, or located inside within four feet of the window, but not including graphics in connection with customary window display of products.

Added 10-11-2017 by L.L. No. 5-2017