The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and sign height.
(a) Determining Sign Area or Dimension.
(1) For a sign which is framed, outlined, painted and otherwise prepared and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area shall include the entire portion within the outside dimensions of the background or frame.
(2) For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures, or elements on a wall or similar surface, or an irregularly shaped free-standing sign, the area of a sign shall encompass a regular, or a combination of regular geometric shapes which form, or approximate, the perimeter of all the elements in the display. When separate elements are organized to form a single sign, but the elements are separated by open space, the area shall be calculated by determining the geometric form or combination of forms which comprise all the display area, including the space between the elements.
(3) The sign shall include the frame, but shall not include the pole or other necessary structural support.
(4) A freestanding sign shall have no more than two display surfaces provided that the two display surfaces are arranged back-to-back, and not more than 12 inches from each other. Each display surface shall be considered a sign face.
(5) In the event there is a dispute in determining the sign area or any sign dimension, the Planning Commission shall have the final responsibility for making such determination.
(b) Determining Sign Height. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the base of the sign or supporting structure at normal grade to the top of the highest element.
(c) Determining Building Frontage. The building wall that faces the street or that contains the main entrance to the use(s) in the building shall be considered the front of the building. When used as the basis for determining sign area, the building frontage shall be calculated according to the following:
(1) The building frontage shall be measured along the front wall between the exterior faces of the exterior side walls.
(2) The case of an irregular wall surface, a straight line extended along the front wall surface shall be used to measure the length.
(3) For lots fronting on two or more streets, or where the building has its main entrance on a wall other than the wall that faces the street, the building frontage shall be calculated separately for each building wall facing a street or having a main entrance. The sign area that is located on a particular building wall shall not exceed the area permitted for such building wall.
(4) For multi-tenant buildings, the portion of a building that is owned or leased by a single tenant shall be considered a building unit. The building frontage for a building unit shall be measured from the centerline of the party walls defining the building unit.
(Ord. 3-95. Passed 1-17-95; Ord. 25-2012. Passed 9-18-12.)