Draft proposed amendments Chapter 20.100 - Terminology 20.100.010 - General Terms The words and terms expressly defined in this chapter have the specific meanings assigned, unless the context expressly indicates another meaning. Words that are not expressly defined have the meaning given in the latest edition of Merriam-Webster's Unabridged Dictionary. Canopy A permanent roof-like shelter constructed of some durable material such as metal, glass, plastic or weather-resistant fabric that may be free standing or attached to a building. Free Standing Canopy Attached Canopy Figure 20.100-4 Terminology, Canopy Sign Any identification, description, illustration or device, illuminated or non-illuminated, that is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and that directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situation merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard or temporary sign designed to advertise, identify or convey information, with the exception of window displays, and flags emblems, crests or insignia of any nation, or governmental subdivision. The term sign also includes the sign's structure. Sign, Abandoned A sign that no longer correctly directs or exhorts any person, advertises a bona fide business, lessor, owner, product or activity conducted or product available on the premises where the sign is displayed. Sign, Animated Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene. Sign Area The area of a sign including the area within a perimeter that forms the outside shape including the frame, Page 1
forming an integral part of the display, but excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which the sign may be placed. Sign, Awning A sign painted on, printed, or otherwise attached flat against the surface of an awning. Figure 20.100-12 Terminology, Sign, Awning Sign, Banner A temporary sign made of fabric, or any non-rigid material, secured or mounted on a wall or fence so as to prevent movement of the sign caused by movement of the atmosphere. Page 2
Figure 20.100-13 Terminology, Sign, Box (Also Known as "Cabinet Sign") Sign, Box (Also Known as "Cabinet Sign") A sign with text or symbols printed on plastic, an acrylic sheet or similar material (including "flex face," fabric-like material) that is mounted on a cabinet or box that houses any lighting source and equipment. Sign, Changeable Copy A manual changeable copy sign or a dynamic display.. Sign, Dynamic Display Signs capable of displaying words, symbols, figures, or images that can electronically or mechanically changed by remote or automatic means. Sign, Ground A sign erected on a freestanding frame, mast, or pole and not attached to any building. Figure 20.100-14 Terminology, Sign, Ground Sign, Hanging A sign that is suspended below the ceiling, roof, awning, canopy, marquee, or floor overhang. Figure 20.100-15 Terminology, Sign, Hanging Page 3
Sign Height The vertical distance measured from the adjacent street grade or upper surface of the nearest street curb, other than an elevated roadway, to the highest point of the sign. Figure 20.100-16 Terminology, Sign Height Sign, Ideological A sign communicating a message or ideas for non-commercial purposes. Sign, Inflatable Any sign which uses compressed or forced gas to provide movement and/or support. Sign, Manual Changeable Copy A sign that has a reader board for the display of text information in which each alphanumeric character, graphic or symbol may be changed or re-arranged manually without altering the face or the surface of the sign. Sign, Minor An on premise sign that does not exceed 6 square feet in area and is intended to designate types of credit cards accepted, establishment s hours of operation, and the direction or location of any place or area. Sign Multi-tenant A sign on a multi-tenant development site that is intended to convey tenant information to pedestrians and motorists who have entered the site. Sign, National Register District Identification A sign provided by the Montana Historical Society that identifies an historic resource listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Page 4
Sign, Nonconforming Any sign that was lawfully erected and maintained prior to such time as it came within the purview of this chapter and any amendments thereto, and that fails to conform to any applicable regulations and restrictions of this chapter. Sign, Off-Premises Any sign advertising goods or services that are not available on the parcel on which the sign is located (see also "Billboard"). Sign, On-Premises Any sign identifying or advertising a business, person, activity, goods, products or service, as permitted by this chapter, and located on the premises where the sign is installed and maintained. Sign, Pole (See Sign, Ground"). Sign, Political A sign pertaining to candidates or issues and directed toward the ultimate exercise of voting by the general public, and is a type of ideological sign. Sign, Projecting A sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to and projects from a structure or building face. Figure 20.100-18 Terminology, Sign, Projecting Sign, Roof Any sign erected upon, against or directly above any portion of the roof, except signs on parapet walls. Any sign on a parapet wall is considered a roof sign if any portion of the sign is above the parapet wall. Sign, Seasonal or Holiday Signs such as Christmas decorations, those used for historic holidays, and installed for a limited period of time. Sign, Sidewalk A sign that rests on the ground, and that is not permanently attached to the ground or other structure. Sign, Stacking Lane Page 5
A sign displaying goods or services available through a drive-up window or available through a drive-in or drive-through establishment. Sign, Structure Any structure that supports, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign, including decorative cover. Sign, Temporary A sign constructed of cloth, canvas, vinyl, paper, plywood, fabric, or other lightweight materials not well suited to provide a durable substrate or, if made of some other material is neither permanently installed in the ground nor permanently affixed to a building or structure. Temporary signs are intended to be signs such as yard sale, for rent, for sale, construction, development, and special event. Sign, Vehicle Vehicles and trailers existing for the primary purpose of on premises and off-premises advertising. Commercial transportation vehicles that are licensed, self-propelled, in compliance with State and City statute and/or ordinance requirements and are operating in the function for which they are intended are not subject to this prohibition. This definition shall not limit political signs mounted on vehicles. Sign, Wall A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building with the face in a parallel plane to the place of the building wall, including a sign attached to a parapet wall that may be constructed specifically for the purpose of attaching a sign. Sign, Wind An attention-getting device with or without copy, or a series of devices such as flags (excluding those flags in section 20.75.040G), including feather flags, pennants, streamers, spinners, balloons and inflatables with or without copy, fastened in such a manner as to move in the wind. Page 6