Appendix B Definitions

Administrative appeal means an action taken by an aggrieved party alleging the reviewing authority, acting in an administrative capacity, made an error in making a final decision or failed to act as required.

Awning means a sloped, roof-like feature that projects beyond the face of an exterior wall. An awning is typically placed above a door or window to provide protection from the sun and precipitation. An awning can be contructed of various materials, including metal, fabric, or plastic. An awning may be nonretractable or retractable so as to fold up against the building when not in use. (Also see “Marquee.”)

Awning

Backlighted letter means a channel letter, with an open or translucent back, that is illuminated. Light is directed against a surface behind the letter, producing a halo effect.

Backlighted Letters

Ballast means an electrical device used in fluorescent lights to stabilize the flow of the electrical current.

Banner means a temporary sign composed of cloth, canvas, plastic, fabric, or similar lightweight, nonrigid material that can be mounted to a structure with cord, rope, cable, or similar method or that may be supported by stakes in the ground.

Building code means those regulations adopted by the City of Manitowoc or the state of Wisconsin that regulate the construction, repair, alteration, and maintenance of buildings and related structures.

Building face means that portion of a building which is parallel or nearly parallel to an abutting street.

Building Inspector means the person so designated by the City of Manitowoc or his/her designee.

Cabinet sign means a sign structure comprised of a frame and face or faces. Though a “cabinet sign” may include electrical components or support structure, the term only refers only to the frame and face.

Channel letter means a three-dimensional letter that may include an internal light source.

Common council means the City of Manitowoc Common Council.

Copy. See “Sign copy.”

Dynamic Sign Display. See “Electronic message display.”

Electronic Message Center. See “Electronic message display.”

Electronic message display (EMD) means a sign message that can change by electronic means. (In contrast, see “Static display.”)

Electronic Reader Board. See “Electronic message display.”

Exterior lighting means lighting that is mounted some distance from the face of the sign. Depending on the location, “exterior lighting” may be limited to lighting mounted on the ground or from above. (In contrast, see “Internal lighting.”)

Feather sign means a freestanding, vertical sign that is taller than it is wide, and is comprised of a cloth-like, vinyl-like, or other similar nonrigid material attached to a pole. The sign is not a permanent sign and must be secured. A feather sign is not a flag.

Feather Sign

Footcandle means a unit of illumination equal to that given by a source of one candela at a distance of one foot. One footcandle is equivalent to one lumen per square foot or 10.764 lux.

Gooseneck fixture means a light fixture characterized by a wall-mounted arm attached to a shade that directs light towards the building face or structure on which it is attached.

Gooseneck Fixture

Halo Lighted Letter. See “Backlighted letter.”

Historic evidence means primary sources that clearly depict or describe a historic building, feature or sign. Such evidence may consist of photos, video, architectural/engineering plans or written descriptions dated within the period of significance for the building or district. In cases where there is no defined period of significance from the Wisconsin State Historical Society, the 8th Street Historic District period of significance (1857 – 1937) will be used.

Inflatable sign means a sign that is inflated with air or gas, and which may be stationary or have moving parts. The term includes “dancing man” inflatables.

Internal lighting means lighting located within the sign element. (In contrast, see “Exterior lighting.”)

Marquee means a flat, roof-like feature that projects beyond the face of an exterior wall. A marquee is typically placed above a door or window to provide protection from the sun and precipitation. (Also see “Awning.”)

Marquee

Monument sign means a freestanding sign that is affixed to the ground with a decorative base below the sign face.

Mural means a one-of-a-kind original artwork that is sited in a manner accessible to the public and/or public employees, utilizing appropriate media to ensure longevity, and which has been approved as public art by the city of Manitowoc Community Development Department as set forth in Chapter 15 MMC.

Menu board means a sign that allows a retailer to list products and prices and is associated with a drive-through window.

National Electrical Code (NEC) means a code developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and which may be adopted by cities and states to regulate electrical wiring and installations.

Nonconforming sign means a sign that does not meet current code regulations but was permitted under a previous ordinance or regulation.

Owner means any person who, alone or jointly or severally with others:

1. Shall have legal title or equitable title to any premises upon which no structures have been erected or upon which nondwelling structures are present or has legal or equitable title to any dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit; or

2. Shall have charge, care or control of premises upon which no structures have been erected or upon which non-dwelling structures are present or has charge, care or control of any dwelling, dwelling unit, or rooming unit as executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate of the owner.

Person means any individual, firm, corporation, association, company, partnership, or organization of any kind.

Pole Sign. See “Pylon sign.”

Pylon sign means a sign mounted on one or two vertical poles.

Projecting sign means a sign, other than a wall sign, that is attached to and projects more than eight inches from a structure or building face.

Readerboard. See “Electronic message display.”

Roof sign means a sign erected upon, against, or above a roof.

Sandwich Board Sign. See “Sidewalk sign.”

Sidewalk sign means a freestanding, internally weighted portable sign frequently but not exclusively having the cross-sectional shape of an “A.”

Sign means any device, structure, fixture, painting, or visual image using words, graphics, symbols, numbers, or letters designed for the purpose of conveying information or attracting attention.

Sign copy means the advertising message, announcement, or decoration on a sign surface, including lettering, logos, graphics, and the like.

Sign districts map means the map adopted by the Common Council that shows the locations of various districts and other features used in the administration of the sign regulations as more fully set forth in MMC 31.820. While there may some similarity to the adopted zoning map, they are unrelated and serve different purposes.

Special event sign, for the purposes of this chapter, means a temporary sign that advertises or provides information regarding a specific event or private function which occurs uninterrupted for a continuous period of time, not to exceed 10 days.

Static display means a sign message that does not change by electronic means. The term includes fuel prices on a freestanding sign. (In contrast, see “Electronic message display.”)

Suspended sign means a sign installed below and supported by a canopy or similar feature.

Temporary sign means any banner, pennant, poster, or advertising display of paper, cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard, wallboard, plywood, or other like materials and that appears to be intended or is determined by the Building Inspector to be displayed for a limited period of time and is not permanently mounted.

Transformer means electrical equipment that converts incoming voltage and current to a different outgoing voltage and current.

Under-Canopy Sign. See “Suspended sign.”

Vehicle sign means a sign mounted, painted, or otherwise placed on a trailer, truck, automobile, or other vehicle that is parked within a public right-of-way or on private property so as to be visible from the right-of-way. However, this does not include signs affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.

Vision clearance (area) shall have the meaning set forth in MMC 15.390(7).

Wall sign means a sign that is permanently or temporarily affixed to the face of an exterior wall of a building and does not project more than eight inches from the face of the wall.

Window sign means a sign located inside of a building that is visible from outside the premises and is within 16 inches of an exterior window or door.

Zoning regulations means all of the requirements set forth in Chapter 15 MMC.

[Ord. 24-1904 § 7, 2024; Ord. 24-1121 § 9, 2024; Ord. 22-146 § 3, 2022; Ord. 21-987 § 3, 2021; Ord. 21-601 § 1 (App. B), 2021]