The following rules shall apply to the computation of sign area and sign height:
(a) Determining Sign Area and Dimensions.
(1) For a sign which is framed, outlined, painted or otherwise prepared and intended to provide a background for a sign display, the area and dimensions shall include the entire portion within such background or frame.
(2) For a sign comprised of individual letters, figures or elements on a wall or similar surface of the building or structure, or an irregularly shaped freestanding sign, the area and dimensions of the sign shall encompass a regular geometric shape (rectangle, circle or triangle), or a combination of regular geometric shapes, which form, or approximate, the perimeter of all elements in the display. When separate elements are organized to form a single sign, but are separated by open space, the sign area and dimensions shall be calculated by determining the geometric form, or combination of forms, which comprises all of the display areas, including the space between different elements.
(3) The sign area shall include the frame, if any, but shall not include:
A. A pole or other structural support unless such pole or structural support is illuminated or otherwise so designed to constitute a display device, or a part of a display device.
B. Architectural features that are either part of the building or part of a freestanding structure, and not an integral part of the sign, and which may consist of landscaping, building or structural forms complementing the site in general.
(4) 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. When two identical sign faces are placed back to back so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and are part of the same sign structure, the sign area shall be computed as the measurement of one of the two faces.
(b) Determining Sign Height.
(1) The height of a freestanding sign shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance to the highest point of a sign or its structure from the elevation of the ground directly beneath the sign. In cases where the site is elevated above or below an adjacent roadway on natural topography, the sign height shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance from the centerline ground elevation point of the sign or its structure to the highest point of the sign or its structure. In cases where signs are located on a man-made earthen mound or similar man-made ground formation, the sign height shall be determined by measuring the vertical distance from the nearest edge of adjacent street pavement or the upper surface of the nearest street curb to the highest point of a sign or its structure.
(2) Clearance for freestanding and projecting signs shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.
(c) In the event of a dispute in determining the area, dimensions or height of any sign, the opinion of the Zoning Enforcement Officer may be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals, as provided in Section 1341.07.
(Ord. 1559. Passed 4-22-13.)