§ 10.4. Definitions.

Words and phrases used in this article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Words and phrases not defined in this section, but defined in the City of Patterson Zoning Ordinance, shall be given the meanings set forth in such ordinance. All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary meaning, unless the context clearly requires otherwise. Section headings or captions are for reference purposes only and shall not be used in the interpretation of this article.

Animated sign. Any off-premises outdoor advertising structure that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene.

Changeable copy sign. An off-premises outdoor advertising structure or portion thereof with the characters, letters, or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. A sign on which the message changes more than eight (8) times per day shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this article. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a "time and temperature" portion of a sign and not a changeable copy sign for purposes of this article.

Freestanding off-premises outdoor advertising. Any off-premises outdoor advertising sign supported by a structure or support that is anchored in the ground and that is independent from any building or other structure.

Junior panel sign. A freestanding off-premises outdoor advertising structure with the sign face, including border and trim, ranging from one (1) square foot to seventy-two (72) square feet in area. The term shall include to mean animated signs and changeable copy signs, as defined herein.

Setback. The distance from the property line to the nearest part of the sign face, measured perpendicularly to the property line.

Standard poster panel sign. A freestanding off-premises outdoor advertising structure with a sign face, including border and trim, greater than seventy-two (72) square feet, but not exceeding four hundred (400) square feet in area. The term shall include to mean animated signs and changeable copy signs as defined herein.

Off-premises outdoor advertising. Any outdoor sign, display, light, device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster billboard, or other object which is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform, including any part of which advertising or information content is visible from any place on the main traveled way, highway, or street. The term does not include on-premises signs advertising or identifying activities conducted or products sold on the property upon which the advertising is located.

(Ord. No. 565, § 4, 7-2-2002)