(a) Computation of sign surface area of signs. To compute the area for a sign face, compute by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the copy, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets zoning ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself. See the following graphic illustrations:
(1) Computation of sign surface area of individual cabinet or panel signs.
(2) Computation of sign surface area of individual signs of channel construction.
(3) Computation of sign surface area of individual letters mounted on a backer panel.
(b) Computation of sign surface area of multifaceted signs. The sign surface area for a sign with more than one face is computed by adding together the sign surface area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed back-to-back, or at an angle no greater than 15 degrees from one another, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at once, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 48 inches apart, the sign surface area is computed by the measurement of one of the faces.
(c) Computation of sign surface area of awning or canopy signs. The area for an awning or canopy sign is computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the copy, representation, emblem, or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop. The entire awning or canopy face is not considered to be an integral part of the background, as shown in this graphic illustration:
(d) Sign height. The height of the sign is computed as the distance from the base of the sign or sign structure at grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Earth mounding inconsistent with the final grade of the land surrounding the sign structure that increases the elevation of the sign is included in the measurement of the sign height, as shown in this graphic illustration:
(e) Lot frontage measurement. For the purposes of determining allowances for freestanding signage, lot frontage for lot lines along a street that do not meet at a 90-degree angle or meet along a curve will be calculated as if they extended to a natural point of intersection at a 90-degree angle, as shown in this graphic illustration:
(Ord. 2024-4, passed 2-26-2024)