The following regulations shall control the computation and measurement of sign area, sign
height, window area, and building frontage:
(a) Determining Sign Area or Dimension.
(1) Sign area shall include the face of the entire display area of the sign. Sign area shall not include the structural support unless such structural support is an integral part of the sign design.
(2) The surface area of a sign shall be computed by calculating the area of the sign face. For a sign that is framed, outlined, painted or otherwise prepared and intended to include a background for the sign display, the area or dimensions shall include the entire portion within such frame or background.
(3) For a sign comprised 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, or awning, 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. When separate elements are organized to form a single sign, but are separated by open space, the sign area and dimensions shall be calculated by determining the geometric shape, or combination of shapes, that comprises all of the display areas, including the space between different elements. Minor appendages to a particular regular shape, as determined by the Zoning Inspector or Planning Commission, shall not be included in the total area of a sign.
(4) For freestanding signs:
A. The sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces as prescribed above when two identical display faces are joined parallel to each other and are within two feet of each other.
B. No more than two display faces shall be permitted for one sign.
(b) Determining Sign Height.
(1) The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from average finished grade level adjacent to the base of the sign at its point of attachment to the ground to the highest point of the sign including frame and structural members. A freestanding sign on a manmade base, including a graded earth mound, shall be measured from the top of the nearest street curb.
(2) Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.
(c) Sign Setbacks. The required setbacks for freestanding signs are set forth in Section 1139.05 for lots in R-1 Residential and P-1 Park Districts and in Section 1139.06 for nonresidential districts. The required setbacks for a sign shall apply to all elements of the sign, including its frame and base.
(Ord. 19-10. Passed 11-7-19.)