Sign face area, sign height and sign location, as regulated in this chapter, shall be measured according to the following standards:
(a) Sign Face Area. Standards to compute the amount of sign face area permitted by this chapter are established as follows:
(1) Measurement of sign face area.
A. Panel signs. Sign face area shall be measured to include the entire surface of the smallest single rectangle enclosing the sign panel. For double-sided projecting or free-standing signs, only one side of the panel shall be included in the measurement if the two sign faces are in parallel arrangement and are separated by no more than three feet. Measurement of a V-shaped temporary sign shall also include only one of the two sign faces.
B. Non-panel signs. Sign face area shall be measured to include the entire area within a single, continuous perimeter composed of not more than three rectangles which enclose the letters or characters of a sign.
(2) Measurement of building and lot frontage. The frontage of a building shall be the width of the facade(s) of the building (excluding any roof overhang or nonbearing decorative walls) which faces the principal street or contains the main entrance. If a building is divided into units, the building unit frontage shall be the width of the unit, as measured from the party wall centerlines, on the frontage of the building. The frontage of a lot shall be the width of the lot along the principal street serving a use located on the lot.
(3) Measurement of temporary window sign coverage. In determining the percentage of window area covered by temporary window signs, each facade or side of the building shall be considered separately. Window area shall be measured to include all windows and the glass portions of doors, but shall exclude such area as is covered by permanent signs or other opaque material.
(b) Sign Height. The height of free-standing signs shall be measured from the base of the sign at its point of attachment to the ground to its topmost element. However, if the support of a free-standing sign is attached to a wall or other manmade base, including a graded earth mound, the sign height shall be measured from the grade of the nearest street, drive or parking area, as determined by the Chief Building Official.
(c) Sign Location. In determining the location of signs in relation to lot lines (including setback, district and street right-of-way lines), distances shall be measured from the vertical projection of the lot line to the closest point on the sign. For corner lots, two lot lines shall be considered street right-of-way lines. (Ord. 1993-135. Passed 11-1-93.)