The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and height:
(a) Determining Sign Area or Dimension.
(1) For a sign which is framed, outlined, painted and otherwise prepared and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area shall include the entire portion within the outside dimensions of the background or frame.
(2) For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures, or elements on a wall or similar surface, or an irregularly shaped freestanding sign, the area of a sign shall encompass a regular, or a combination of regular geometric shapes which form, or approximate, the perimeter of all the elements in the display. When separate elements are organized to form a single sign but the elements are separated by open space, the area shall be calculated by determining the geometric form or combination of forms which comprise all the display area including the space between the elements.
(3) The sign area shall include the frame, but shall not include the pole or other necessary structural support unless such pole or structural support is illuminated or otherwise so designated to constitute a display surface or device.
(4) A freestanding sign shall have no more than two display surfaces. Each display surface shall be considered a sign face.
(5) In the event there is a dispute in determining the sign area or any sign dimension, the Planning Commission shall have the final responsibility for making such determination.
(b) Determining Sign Height. The height of a freestanding sign shall be measured from the base of the sign or supporting structure at normal grade to the top of the highest element. Normal grade shall be (1) existing grade prior to construction or (2) the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, or mounding solely for the purpose of locating the sign.
(c) Determining Eligible Locations for Wall Signs.
(1) For multi-tenant buildings, the tenant wall area shall be that portion of the building frontage so occupied by a single activity and calculated in the same manner as the building wall area.
(2) For lots or building units fronting on two or more streets, main entry drives or off-street parking areas, building wall area shall be calculated separately for each building frontage and the sign area that is oriented toward a particular street, main entry drive or parking area shall not exceed the portion of the building wall area fronting on that street, main entry drive or parking area.
(3) For lots abutting the expressway right-of-way, the building wall area facing the expressway shall be considered building frontage eligible for signage as set forth in subsection (c)(2) above.
(d) Determining Maximum Sign Area Permitted.
(1) The maximum area permitted for each business shall be the sum of the areas of the following identification signs: wall signs, second floor tenant signs, awning signs, permanent window signs and instructional signs unless the Planning Director determines such instructional signs are exempt pursuant to subsection (d)(2) below.
(2) Instructional signs which are clearly intended for instructional purposes and, as determined by the Planning Director, are not larger than necessary to serve the intended instructional purpose nor are in locations or possess design characteristics which constitute or serve the purposes of an identification sign shall not be considered an identification sign and the area of which shall be exempt from the maximum area permitted for identification signs.
(3) Memorial signs shall be approved as part of the building construction and shall not be regulated in area provided such signs comply with the definition and intent of memorial signs.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)