The following principles control the computation of sign dimensions. (See Figure 16.72-2: Measurement of Sign Area, Figure 16.72-3: Computation of Sign Angle for Sign Area, and Figure 16.72-4: Measurement of Sign Height)
A. Computation of Sign Area.
1. For signs on a background, the entire area of the background is calculated as sign area, including any material or color forming the sign face and the background used to differentiate the sign from the structure against which it is mounted. Sign area does not include any supports or bracing (see Figure 16.72-2).
2. For signs consisting of freestanding letters or logos, the sign area is calculated as the total area of each square, circle, rectangle or triangle, or combination thereof, that encompasses each individual letter or logo. Sign area does not include any supports or bracing (see Figure 16.72-2).
3. The sign area of a three-dimensional, free-form, or sculptural (non-planar) sign is calculated as fifty percent (50%) of the sum of the area of the four vertical sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign (see Figure 16.72-2).
4. If the interior angle between two (2) sign faces is forty-five degrees (45°) degrees or less, the sign area is computed as the area of one (1) face only. If the angle between two (2) sign faces is greater than forty-five degrees (45°), the sign area is computed as the sum of the areas of the two (2) faces (see Figure 16.72-3).
B. Measurement of Sign Height. For freestanding signs, height is calculated as the vertical distance measured from the grade of the site where the sign is to be installed or the grade of the roadway, whichever is higher, to the highest point of the sign. Grade is considered the lower of the existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction (see Figure 16.72-4).
(Ord. O-201410-10-035, passed 10-14-2014; Ord. O-201601-ZBA-006, passed 1-19-2016; Ord. O-201603-ZBA-010, passed 3-17-2016, § 18.5; Ord. O-201803-ZBA-10-08, passed 3-19-2018; Ord. O-201808-10-033, passed 8-21-2018)