The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and sign height.
(a) Determining sign area or dimension.
(1) For a sign which is framed, outlined, painted and otherwise prepared and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area shall include the entire portion within the outside dimensions of the background or frame.
(2) For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements on a wall or similar surface, or an irregular shaped freestanding sign, the area of the sign shall encompass a regular, or a combination of regular geometric shapes which 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 which comprise all the display area including the space between the elements.
(3) The sign area shall include the frame, but shall not include the pole or other necessary structural support unless such pole or structural support is illuminated or otherwise so designated to constitute a display surface or device.
(4) A freestanding sign shall have no more than two display surfaces, provided that the two display surfaces are arranged back-to-back and not more than 12 inches from each other. Each display surface shall be considered a sign face.
(5) In the event there is a dispute in determining the sign area or any sign dimension, the Architectural Board of Review shall have the final responsibility for making such determination.
(b) Determining sign height. The height of a freestanding sign in a commercial district shall be measured from the grade at the nearest right-of-way line to the top of the highest element. The height of a temporary freestanding sign in a residential district shall be measured from the grade at the base of the signpost to the top of the highest element.
(c) Determining building frontage. The length of the building which faces the principal street or the length of the wall of the building which contains the main entrance to the uses therein shall be considered the building frontage.
(1) In the case of an irregular wall surface, a straight line extended along such wall surface shall be used to measure the length.
(2) Only one exterior wall of any business shall be considered its frontage.
(3) For multi-tenant buildings, the portion of a building which is owned or leased by a single tenant shall be considered a building unit.
(4) The length of a building unit is that portion of the building so occupied by a single activity and calculated in the same manner as the building frontage.
(d) Determining window area. The window area of a building shall be the total glass area of windows on the first floor of the wall of the building facing a public street, provided that for the purposes of these regulations, the height of windows on the first floor shall be that portion of the window within 15 feet of the grade. A window panel shall be the area of glass separated from another window panel by an opaque panel four or more inches wide.
(e) Determining allowable identification sign area.
A. Identification signs, whether awning, wall, window or marquee;
B. Instructional signs;
C. Nameplates; and
D. Permanent window signs.
(2) The following signs are exempt from being included in the maximum allowable area for identification signs:
A. Instructional signs which are clearly intended for instructional purposes and:
1. Are less than ten square feet and within 25 feet of and visible from the street;
2. Are located within 25 feet of, but not visible from, the street; or
3. Are more than 25 feet from the street.
B. Nameplates, when they are separate from identification signs, are located near the main entrance, are wall or window signs and only contain the street number and name of the establishment; and
C. Permanent window signs which occupy less than 10% of the window area.
A. Building markers;
B. Public purpose/safety signs;
C. Construction sign; and
D. Directional signs.
(Ord. 165-99, passed 12-21-1999)