(A) Measurement standards. The area of the sign is determined by the dimensions of the background structure, unifying background area, or by the maximum dimensions of the display area if posted on a common background. The following standards shall be used to determine the area and height measurements for all signs erected or posted within the city:
(1) The area of a sign shall be computed by means of the smallest square area that will encompass the exterior display limits of a sign, but not including the supporting frame or bracing as described in the illustrations accompanying this section.
(2) The area of a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point.
(3) In the case of irregularly shaped three dimensional signs, the area of the display surface shall be measured on the plane of the largest vertical cross section.
(4) The height of a sign shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance between the highest point of the sign to the ground elevation at the base of the sign. If mounding was used at the sign base, the ground elevation shall be determined as the average ground elevation of the developed site at the sign base prior to mounding.
(5) The setback of a sign shall be measured from the vertical projection of the property line or street right-of-way line to the closest part of the sign.
(6) Corner lots in the C-1 and C-2 Districts having frontage on more than one public street shall have a maximum allowable sign area equal to twice that of its shortest frontage, not to exceed twice the maximum number of square feet otherwise allowed in the zone. These lots shall also be permitted twice the number of signs otherwise allowed in their zone; however, there shall be no increase in the number of ground mounted or free standing signs allowed.
(Ord. 09-3306, passed 10-15-09)