§ 161.245 SIGN FACE AREA.
   (A)   Sign cabinets. The area of sign faces enclosed in frames or cabinets is determined based on the outer dimensions of the frame or cabinet
   (B)   Double sided signs. Only one (1) side of a double sided sign is counted in determining the area of sign faces. Where the two (2) sides are not of equal size, the larger of the two (2) sides is used for the determination of sign area. The area of multiple-faced signs in which the interior angle formed by the faces is greater than ninety-one degrees (91°) shall be expressed as the sum of the areas of all the faces, except for multiple-faced signs containing faces that are configured back to back, in which case the area of the faces configured back to back will be calculated according to the rule for double- faced signs.
   (C)   Round, Oval & Irregularly shaped signs. To be measured based on the appropriate mathematical formula to obtain the sign area for a circle, an oval or irregularly shaped sign.
   (D)   Calculating Sign Area.
      (1)   Signs containing integral background areas: The area of a sign containing a clearly defined background area shall be calculated based on the area of the smallest standard geometric shape or combination of geometric shapes capable of encompassing the perimeter of the background area of the sign. In the case of signs in which multiple background areas are separated by open space, sign area shall be calculated based on the sum of the areas of all separate background areas, calculated as referenced above, but without regard for any open space between the separate background areas.
      (2)   Signs without integral background areas: In instances in which a sign consists of individual elements such as letters, symbols, or other graphic objects or representations that are painted, attached to, or otherwise affixed to a surface such as a wall, window, canopy, awning, architectural projection, or to any surface not specifically designed to serve as a sign background, the sign area shall be based on the sum of the individual areas of the smallest geometric shape or combination of geometric shapes capable of encompassing the perimeters of the individual elements comprising the sign.
   (E)   Awnings and marquees.
      (1)   When graphics or sign copy is incorporated into an awning, the sign area is determined by computing the area of a standard imaginary geometric shape or combination of shapes drawn around the sign copy area or graphics.
      (2)   When the ends of awnings or marquees are parallel and contain graphics or sign copy, only one side is counted in addition to the sign face area on the front.
(Prior Code, Art. 21, § 21-126.6)