(a) Setback. Except as otherwise permitted, all freestanding signs and flagpoles shall be set back from any public right-of-way at least the height of the sign or flagpole.
(b) Illumination. All permitted and conditional use signs may be backlit, internally lighted, or indirectly lighted, subject to lighting limitations in this code. Temporary signs shall not be lighted.
(c) Maximum Height Measurements. The maximum height for signs with sign structures affixed to the ground is measured as the distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign, subject to limitations in this article. Normal grade is the lower of:
(1) Existing grade prior to construction; or
(2) The newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating primarily for the purpose of mounting or elevating the sign.
Wall signs and other signs with sign structures not affixed to the ground are measured from the lowest attached component of the sign to the highest attached component of the sign.
(d) Measurement of Sign Area. Sign area is calculated under the following principles:
(1) With signs that are regular polygons or circles, the area can be calculated by the mathematical formula for that polygon or circle. With signs that are not regular polygons or circles, the sign area is calculated using all that area within a maximum of three abutting or overlapping rectangles that enclose the sign face.
(2) The permitted area of a double-faced a-frame sign shall be considered to be the area on one side only. If one face contains a larger sign area than the other, the larger face shall be used in calculating the sign area.
(3) For projecting signs, the sign area also includes the area of the visible sides of the sign, calculated as a rectangle enclosing each entire side view.
(4) Supports, uprights, or structures on which any sign is supported shall not be included in determining the sign area unless such supports, uprights, or structure are designed in such a way as to form an integral background of the display; except, however, when a sign is placed on a fence, wall, planter, or other similar structure that is designed to serve a separate purpose other than to support the sign, the entire area of such structure shall not be computed.
(5) In instances where there are multiple tenants or users on a property or in a building, allowable sign area for all parties shall not exceed the maximum sign area computed based upon the number of tenants and forty (40) square feet per tenant. In no case shall any tenant sign exceed forty (40) square feet.
(e) Wall Signs.
(1) Wall signs shall provide as part of zoning permit application:
i. Express permission from the operator and/or owner of the building;
ii. The name and address of the person applying the wall sign;
iii. A clear drawing of the proposed wall sign including dimensions and its location; and
(2) Wall signs in excess of one hundred (100) square feet require a public hearing within forty-five (45) days of a completed application. Public notice for the public hearing shall be given in a newspaper published in the City at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing. Due notice for the public hearing shall be provided to any person owning property within two hundred (200) feet of the affected area by certified mail at the person's last known address. The Zoning Officer may set forth a time period in the zoning permit for competing a wall sign in excess of one hundred (100) square feet beyond six (6) months, but in no case longer than one (1) year.
(Passed 10-3-17.)