The following regulations shall control the computation and measurement of sign area, sign height, window area and building frontage.
(A)
Sign area shall include the face of all the display area of the sign. Sign area shall include the frame and structural support of the sign when mounted on masonry base, but not include the masonry base. If the sign is not supported on masonry base, the area will be considered the sign face, frame and structural support.
(B) For a display face that is framed, outlined, painted or otherwise prepared and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area of the sign shall be the area of one rectangular shape that encompasses the entire background or frame.
(C) (1) For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements on a wall or similar surface of a building or structure, or an irregular shaped ground sign, the area of the sign shall be the area of up to three rectangular shapes that encompass the perimeter of all the elements in the display.
(2) When separate elements are organized to form a single sign, but the elements are separated by open space, the area shall be the area of one rectangular shape that comprises all the display areas, including the space between the elements.
(D) For ground signs and projecting signs.
(1) The sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces when two identical display faces are joined, are parallel or within 30 degrees of being parallel to each other and are at no point separated by a distance that exceeds two feet apart.
(2) No more than two display faces shall be permitted.
(3) Air under a ground sign between supporting posts, air between a projecting sign and the wall to which it is attached, and lighting fixtures and associated brackets shall not be included in the calculation of sign area.
(E) Masonry bases for ground signs.
(1) The masonry base shall be wider than the main body of the sign and be 12" - 24" above finished grade. The masonry base will not be included in the overall height of the sign. The height of the sign will be based on the zoning district regulations for that lot and be measured from the top of the masonry base.
(Ord. 107-05, passed 8-22-2005; Ord. 15-15, passed 6-15-2015; Ord. 48-2019, passed 12-16-2019)