(19)   Sign Area.  26
Sign area shall be measured as follows:
(a)   Generally.
The area of a sign shall be measured by determining a minimum imaginary rectangle parallel to the plane of view that completely encloses any lettering, copy, or illustrations and any background created so as to distinguish the sign or the message contained therein from the building, structure, marquee, awning, or canopy upon which the sign is located, provided that, the sign area of a free- standing sign shall include all elements of the sign structure, except any supporting columns, uprights, or braces. Each face of a sign shall be counted toward the maximum permitted sign area. Embellishments and sign aprons shall be excluded from the measurement of sign area.
(b)   Three-Dimensional or Irregularly-Shaped Signs.
(.1)   Three-dimensional or irregularly-shaped signs shall be measured by determining the surface area of the face of a minimum imaginary rectangle parallel to the plane of view that completely encloses all of the extremities of the largest side of the sign, excluding its supports. The rectangle shall enclose the extreme limits of each word and written representation, including any series of letters, emblems or figures of similar character, including all frames, face plates, nonstructural trim or other component parts not otherwise used for support.
(.2)   If elements of a sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
(c)   Embellished Area.
The area of an embellishment is computed as the area of the minimum imaginary rectangle parallel to the plane of view that completely encloses the embellishment.
Parallel and Perpendicular Planes of View
{For printable PDF version of image, click HERE}

 

Notes

26
   Amended, Bill No. 120430-A (approved January 14, 2013).