Sign face area, sign height and sign location, as regulated in this chapter, shall be measured according to the following standards:
(a) Sign Face Area. Standards to compute the amount of sign face area permitted by this chapter are herein established as follows:
(1) Measurement of sign face area.
A. Panel signs. Sign face area shall be measured to include the surface area of the smallest simple geometric shape enclosing the sign panel. Only one side of a two-sided freestanding sign shall be included in the measurement. For freestanding signs, measurement of the sign face area shall include structural supports of the panel only of such supports as are designed and used to convey part of the sign's message.
B. Nonpanel signs. Sign face area shall be measured to include the surface area of the smallest simple geometric shape enclosing the letters, graphics or characters of the complete sign.
(2) Measurement of building and lot frontage.
A. Building frontage. The frontage of a building shall be the width of the facade of the building (including any overhang) which faces the principal street or contains the main entrance. If a building is divided into units, the building unit frontage shall be the width of that unit, as measured from the party wall centerlines, on the frontage of the building.
B. Lot frontage. The frontage of a lot shall be the number of linear feet the lot abuts on the principal street.
(b) Sign Height. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the base of the sign at its point of attachment to the ground to its topmost element. However, if the support of a freestanding sign is attached to a wall or other man-made base, including a graded earth mound, the sign height shall be measured from the grade of the nearest street, drive or parking area, as determined by the Building Commissioner or his or her selected representative.
(c) Sign Location. In determining the location of signs in relation to lot lines (including district and street lines), distances shall be measured from the vertical projection of the lot line to the closest point on the sign.
(d) Secondary Entrances.
(1) Buildings or building units with lot frontage on two public streets shall be permitted signs and sign area in addition to that otherwise permitted, only if such building or unit has either direct vehicular access from the secondary street or a customer entrance on the secondary facade.
(2) Additional signs shall be placed only on the secondary facade or in relation to the secondary lot frontage. Such additional signs shall not exceed the number of signs permitted for the principal facade and street and shall not exceed fifty percent of the area of signs permitted for the principal facade and street.
(Ord. 2001-035. Passed 10-17-01.)