(A) The area of a sign shall be measured as follows:
1. For signs in the shape of a square, rectangle, circle, or similar standard geometric shape, the area shall be calculated by using the standard mathematical formula (height multiplied by width, 3.14 multiplied by radius squared, etc.).
2. For signs with an irregular shape, the area shall be measured by enclosing the sign elements with intersecting parallel and perpendicular lines.
3. The area of a spherical, cylindrical or other three-dimensional sign shall be measured by calculating the area of a two-dimensional drawing of the largest elevation of the sign. For example, if a sign is cylindrical like the shape to the left, the area of sign is not the entire surface area (like a label peeled off a can) but the size of the shape if it was flattened to two (2) dimensions.
(B) Where a sign has two (2) faces, the area of the largest sign face shall be used to determine the area of the sign provided the two (2) faces are within sixty degrees (60°) of parallel. Where a sign has two (2) or more faces that are greater than sixty degrees (60°) from parallel, the sign area shall either be calculated as the sum of the area of each face, or the sign will constitute two (2) signs (a V-sign). A V-sign is allowed at the corner of a property with two (2) street frontages.
(C) The area of wall signs containing multiple elements shall be calculated as follows:
1. Regardless of the spacing between letters, letters forming a word or name shall be considered a single sign.
2. When two (2) or more separate items in a sign, such as a word and logo, are separated horizontally or vertically by less than the width or height of the largest item, the items shall be considered a single sign and the area shall be determined by measuring the area enclosing the sign elements with straight, intersecting lines.
The following sign elements are considered one sign:
3. When two (2) or more separate items in a sign, such as a word and logo, are separated horizontally or vertically by more than the width or height of the largest item, the items shall be considered separate signs and the area of each item shall be determined individually.
The following sign elements are considered two (2) signs:
(D) The vertical support structures of signs shall not be included in calculating the area of the sign, but shall be included in the measurement of the height of the sign.
(E) The height of all signs shall be measured from the top edge of the sign and/or support structure to the average finished grade of the ground below the sign and/or support structure. If a sign is located on a mound, berm, or other raised area for the sole purpose of increasing the height of the sign, the height of the mound, berm, or other raised area shall be included in the height of the sign. (Ord. 2957, 12-8-2008)