The following principles shall control the computation of sign dimensions:
(A) Computation of sign area. Sign area is calculated as described in this section.
(1) For signs on a background, the entire area of the background shall be calculated for sign area, including any material or color forming the sign face or background used to differentiate the sign from the structure against which it is placed. Sign area does not include any supporting framework or bracing, unless such framework or bracing is part of the message or sign face. (See Figure 15-1: Sign Area Computation 1.)
FIGURE 15-1: SIGN AREA COMPUTATION 1
(2) For signs consisting of freestanding letters or logos, the area of a sign face (“sign area”) is calculated by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle or triangle, or combination thereof, that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display. Sign area does not include any supporting framework or bracing, unless such framework or bracing is part of
the message or sign face. Window signs printed on a transparent film and affixed to a window pane shall be considered freestanding letters or logos, provided that the portion of the transparent film around the perimeter of the sign message maintains the transparent character of the window and does not contain any items in the sign message. (See Figure 15-1: Sign Area Computation 2.)
FIGURE 15-1: SIGN AREA COMPUTATION 2
(3) The sign area of free-form or sculptural (non-planar) signs is calculated as 50% of the sum of the area of the four vertical sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign. (See Figure 15-1: Sign Area Computation 3.)
FIGURE 15-1: SIGN AREA COMPUTATION 3
(4) For a double-faced sign, if the interior angle between two sign faces is 45 degrees or less, the sign area is computed as the area of one face only. If the angle between two sign faces is greater than 45 degrees, the sign area is computed as the sum of the areas of the two faces.
(B) Measurement of sign height. Sign height is measured as described below. When measuring sign height, the height of the entire structure, including decorative elements, must be included.
(1) For monument signs, height shall be calculated as the vertical distance measured from grade to the highest point of the sign.
(2) For signs attached to buildings, height shall be calculated as the vertical distance from the base of the building to which a sign is attached to the highest point of the sign.
(Ord. 929, passed 1-25-11; Ord. 1076, passed 1-23-18)