(a) Sign area shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the sign, together with (i) any visible framework, bracing, supports or structure forming part of the sign, (ii) any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the sign or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed inclusive of any contiguous trim or frame. "Supports or structure" does not necessarily include any decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets applicable requirements of this Code and is clearly incidental to the sign itself.
For back-lighted letters mounted to a wall, the surface behind the letter upon which the halo lighting effect is created is not computed as part of sign area unless the surface is painted, treated, or otherwise designed so as to constitute part of the sign area as set forth in this section.
(b) To compute the permitted sign area that may be used to determine the location, number, and nature of signs that are permitted, and for all other purposes pursuant to this chapter, the following shall apply:
(1) Contiguous commercial and/or industrially zoned parcels held in common ownership (inclusive of a parent company's subsidiaries and other controlled affiliated companies) and developed, maintained and/or operated as part of a common development shall be treated as a single development unit.
(2) Contiguous residentially zoned parcels held in common ownership and developed, maintained and/or operated for one use shall be treated as a single development unit.
(Ord. 12-O-60. Passed 9-4-12.)