(A) Sign definitions. The following definitions shall be used in determining whether signs meet measurement and type requirements of this subchapter.
BUILDING FACE. The vertical area of a particular side of a building, but not including the area of any slanted roof.
FREESTANDING SIGN. See § 154.031.
ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY. A sign illuminated by light from within the sign rather than a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. A sign within a display case with lights only shining onto the front of the sign shall be considered to be “externally” illuminated.
OFF-PREMISES SIGN. See § 154.031.
SIGN. See § 154.031.
WALL SIGN. See § 154.031.
WINDOW SIGN. See § 154.031.
(B) Measurement of sign area.
(1) Sign area shall include all lettering, wording and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed. One freestanding sign may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total “sign area” being the area of a common geometric form that could encompass all signs.
(2) The sign area shall not include any structurally supporting framework, bracing or supports if such area does not include any display, lettering or sign and if such area is clearly incidental to the sign area itself.
(3) Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols.
(4) The maximum sign area shall be for each of two sides of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign, is readable from any location.
(5) Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs are maximum sizes.
(C) Measurement of sign height. The vertical distance measured from the average ground level surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure. Religious symbols, when not accompanied by lettering, shall not be restricted by the sign heights of this subchapter when attached to a tower or spire of a place of worship.
(2006 Code, § 27-711) (Ord. 12/18/2003, passed 12-18-2003, § 711)