§ 76-2. Definitions.

The following words and phrases shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the definitions delineated herewith.

Awning or canopy: A retractable or fixed shelter constructed of materials on a supporting framework that projects from the exterior wall of a building.

Balloon sign: A sign composed of an inflatable, nonporous bag, and exceeding 20 cubic feet.

Billboard or off-premises advertising sign: A sign which contains a message or advertises an establishment, product, service, space or activity not available on the platted lot on which the sign is located.

Building code: The current code or codes, including any subsequent amendments thereof subsequently amended, in effect in the city which governs the erection, alternation, maintenance, and removal of structures, including all signs not specifically exempted from the provisions thereof.

Canopy: Refer to "Awning or canopy" definition.

Construction sign: A sign which identifies the owners, suppliers, financiers, contractors, architects, engineers or tenants of a project under construction.

Directional sign: A sign which gives directions or instructions for the use on the lot on which the sign is located, such as parking, exit and entrance or handicapped parking designation signs.

Essential services: Equipment and accessories reasonably necessary for the furnishing of utility service or for the public health, safety, or general welfare by public utilities or municipal departments and commissions.

Flag: Any fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive color, letters or symbols, used as symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity.

Freestanding sign: A temporary or permanent sign erected by the City of Buchanan, Berrien County, or the state or federal government, including temporary signs as necessary in conjunction with the improvement of public infrastructure.

Marquee: A permanent structure constructed of rigid materials that projects from the exterior wall of a building.

Marquee sign: A sign affixed flat against the surface of a marquee.

Mural: A design or representation painted or drawn on a wall, which does not contain promotional or commercial advertising.

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

Permanent sign: A sign that has a permanent location on the ground or which is painted on or attached to a structure having a permanent location and which meets the structural requirements for signs as established in the building code.

Political sign: A temporary sign used in connection with an official City of Buchanan, school district, county, site, or federal election or referendum.

Projecting sign: A double-faced sign attached to and not parallel with a building or wall.

Reader board: A portion of a sign on which copy can be changed periodically, either manually or electronically.

Real estate sign: A sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for sale, rent or lease.

Roof line: The eave line of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, but excluding any cupolas, chimneys, or other minor projections.

Roof sign: Any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure and extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.

Roof sign, integral: Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than six inches.

Sign: A devise, structure, fixture, or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying an establishment, product, service or activity provided on the platted lot on which the sign is located.

Temporary sign: A sign intended for a limited period of display, including all portable signs, banners, pennants and/or balloon signs.

Wall sign: A single faced sign painted or attached directly to and parallel to the exterior wall of a building.

Window sign: A sign placed on the inside of a window and intended to be viewed from the outside.

(Ord. No. 361.07/04, 7-26-04)