(A) Sign Dimension Computation:
1. Sign Area: “Sign area” is defined as the area within any perimeter enclosing the limits of lettering, emblems or other figures on a sign, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background on which it is placed. Structural members bearing no sign copy shall not be included in a sign’s surface area. The sign area shall be calculated by measuring the entire area enclosed within the smallest regular geometric form, or combination of regular geometric forms, which may be inscribed to encompass all letters and graphic symbols of the sign, including horizontal spacing between such letters and symbols plus any additional portion of the background which is framed by a border, internally illuminated, consisting of a color or tone different than the wall or structure to which the sign is attached, or projects more than three inches (3"). See Figure 9 for illustrations that show the method for calculating sign area.
FIGURE 9: HOW TO CALCULATE SIGN AREA
2. Sign Height: Sign height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the average natural grade at the foot of the sign to the highest point on the sign or, where a sign is not ground-based, from the base of the building to which a sign is attached, to the highest point of the sign.
FIGURE 10: HOW TO CALCULATE SIGN HEIGHT
Any post-construction changes in grade on the lot on which the sign is located that result in the final grade at the foot of the sign being higher than the pre-construction grade shall not be included in determining the sign height. The height of signs shall be determined by the pre-construction natural grade.
FIGURE 11: CHANGES IN GRADE WHEN CALCULATING SIGN HEIGHT
(B) Multiple Faced Signs: For multiple faced signs, only the largest surface is counted for purposes of sign area. (Ord. 2874, 4-16-2015; amd. Ord. 4048, 2-16-2023)