(a) Determining Sign Area.
(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 necessary structural support unless such structural support is illuminated or otherwise so designated to constitute a display surface or device.
(4) 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 free-standing sign shall be measured from the grade at the nearest right-of-way line 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 multitenant 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 proportionally in the same manner as the building frontage.
(d) Determining Window Area. Each window area, display window area or door window area separated by a mullion or other structural or architectural appurtenance shall be considered a separate window area.
(Ord. 96-61. Passed 4-21-97.)