Page 89 - Des Moines - Zoning, Planning and Design Ch 134, 135

DRAFT 134-9. DeFiNitiONS

terms Beginning with “s”

including counseling, with or without compensation, to characteristics by any other onto the sign face.
transient individuals or individuals who have no access Sign Face: All of the surface of a sign used or designed
to traditional or permanent housing. for the presentation of a single visual display, including
Sign: any structure, including but not limited to a device edges, borders and trim, and excluding the supporting
or display, other than buildings or landscaping, used structure.
primarily for visual communication for the purpose Sign, Flashing (Illumination): A light source or other
of or having the result of bringing the subject thereto image that in whole or in part physically changes in light
to the attention of a person, group of persons, or the intensity or gives the appearance of such change.
public generally. the term “sign” includes but is not
limited to any and all reading matter, letters, numerals, Sign, Freestanding: a sign that is not attached to any
pictorial representations, emblems, trademarks, building, including monument signs, pole signs and
inscriptions, and patterns, whether affixed to a building, portable signs.
painted or otherwise depicted on a building, or Sign, Illuminated: Any sign, other than an electronic
separate from any building. display, that is directly lighted by any constant light
(Sign) Banner: A temporary sign composed of source, internal or external, except light sources clearly
lightweight, flexible, non-rigid material that is mounted operated for the purpose of lighting the general area in
to a pole or a structure at one or more edges either which the sign is located rather than the sign itself.
vertically or horizontally. Flags of any nation or political Sign, Indirectly Illuminated: a sign illuminated by
subdivision are not considered banners. artificial light reflecting from the sign face, where the
Sign, Business Directional: A sign that directs light source not visible from any street right-of-way.
attention to a business, commodity, service, or activity Sign, Internally Illuminated: a sign illuminated by
that is conducted, sold or offered within the general an artificial light source which is not visible but which
development area where the subject sign is located and reaches the eye through a diffusing medium.
that is expressly approved in accordance with the type Sign, Marquee: a sign attached to and contained
1 zoning exception procedures of 134-6.5 (see also within the perimeter of the face or valance of a
134-5.4.5). marquee.
Sign, Construction: A temporary sign located on Sign, Monument: a sign affixed to a structure built on
a lot upon which building or construction is actively grade, having a solid opaque base, constructed of brick,
occurring. stone, concrete block or similar, permanent durable
Sign, Directory: a sign containing the name of material matching the exterior of the primary building
a building, complex or center and two or more and extending from grade to the bottom of the sign
identification signs of the same size, color and face across the entire width of the sign face.
general design, limited to one type one or type two Sign, Multi-Vision Display: any portion of a sign
identification sign per occupant. where the display surface is comprised of rotating
Sign, Drive-through: A sign located on the site of an elements that permit the display of different messages
allowed drive-through or drive-in use. by the rotation of the elements.
Sign, Driveway: A sign located near a driveway Sign, On-premise: a sign that identifies or directs
entrance from a street or near an internal site driveway attention to:
or drive aisle. 1. A profession, business, service, activity, product,
(Sign) Dwell Time: the duration or interval of time campaign or attraction manufactured, sold, offered
during that each individual message is displayed on any or conducted upon the premises where such sign is
sign with a electronic display. located; or
Sign, Electronic Display: any portion of a sign 2. the ideological or noncommercial views of an
upon which alphabetic, pictographic or symbolic occupant of the premises. (see also 134-5.2.8).
informational content can be changed or altered on Sign, Off-Premise Advertising: a sign that identifies
a display screen composed of light emitting diodes or directs attention to:
(LED’s), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination
devices, including but not limited to programmable 1. A profession, business, service, activity, product,
microprocessor controlled electronic displays; and, campaign or attraction manufactured, sold, offered
the projection of images or messages with these or conducted at a location other than upon the

CITY OF DES MOINES CHAPTER 134: ZONING DRAFT 134-9-5