(a) The area of a sign shall be measured as follows:
(1) The area of the surface, or surfaces of any opaque or translucent panels used or intended for displaying a message.
(2) For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures, or elements on a wall or similar surface, or an irregularly shaped freestanding sign, the area of a sign shall encompass a regular, or a combination of not more than 6 rectangles that form, or approximate, the perimeter of all the elements in the display. When separate elements are organized to form a single sign but the elements are separated by open space, the area shall be calculated by determining the geometric form or combination of forms that comprise all the display area including the space between elements; and
(3) The area of the surface of any opaque panel use or intended for displaying a permanent message that is affixed to windows or doors.
(b) The supporting structure or bracing of a sign shall not be counted as a part of sign area, unless such structure or bracing is made a part of the sign's message by including a symbol, logo, or other three dimensional figure , in which case a combination of regular geometric shapes that can encompass the area of said symbol or figure shall be included as part of the total sign area calculations.
(c) Where a sign has two display faces that measure 24" or less back to back, only the area of one face of the sign shall be considered for purposes of measuring total sign area.
(d) Where a sign has two or more sign faces that are either more than 24" back to back, or that form another geometric shape, such as a globe, pyramid, cube, or cylinder, the area of all portions of the sign face that can be viewed by the public shall be considered for purposes of measuring the sign area.
(e) The height of a sign shall be measured as follows:
(1) The height of a freestanding sign shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance between the top part of a sign or its structure, whichever is highest, to the elevation of the ground directly beneath the sign.
In cases where signs are to be located on man-made berms, hills, or other similar ground formations, with sides steeper than one foot of rise to four feet of horizontal run, the Zoning Administrator shall utilize the elevation of the street curb nearest to the location of the sign for determining sign height. In the case of a private or public street without curbing the edge of pavement nearest to the sign location shall be utilized to determine sign height.
(2) Any material whose major function is providing structural support for a sign shall be considered part of the sign for purposes of determining sign height. (Ord. 2016-15. Passed 5-16-17.)