The size of signs is regulated in this chapter by relating the gross area of signs to the building or use of a lot, or to the size of the building unit to which the sign is accessory.
(a) The gross area of signs for a building or use shall include all permanent surfaces visible from a public way and shall be measured as follows:
(1) The area of the surface, or surfaces, of an opaque or translucent panel used or intended for displaying a message within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of such sign. However, such perimeter shall not include any structural elements lying outside the sign limits which are not an integral part of the information or visual attraction unless otherwise provided herein; plus
(2) The area within the smallest rectangle enclosing a sign composed of letters or characters which are individually attached to a building wall or other structural element not designed as a panel such as where the background wall is not changed, painted, or designed to form a distinct or contrasting background surface in relation to the remaining wall surface; plus
(3) The area of permanent window and door signs.
(b) Whenever the gross area of the signs is related to the size of the building or lot: the frontage of a building shall be the width in lineal feet of the facade of the building, business, office or industrial unit which faces the principal street, or the facade containing the main entrance of a business office or industrial building. The frontage of a lot not occupied by a building shall be the number of lineal feet the lot abuts on the principal street.
(c) Buildings or lots having frontage on a second street may be permitted additional signs along such second street which shall, however, not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the area of the signs permitted along the main facade; however, any additional sign area allowed as a result hereof shall only be used on the building facade facing the second street or on the portion of the same lot on the second street. (Ord. 03-37. Passed 11-3-03.)