A. Calculation of Sign Area. The area of an individual sign must be calculated as follows:
1. Single-Faced Signs. Sign area includes the entire area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares or rectangles that enclose the extreme limits of all sign elements, including, but not limited to, sign structures or borders, written copy, logos, symbols, illustrations, and color. Supporting structures such as sign bases and columns are not included in sign area provided that they contain no lettering or graphics except for addresses or required tags. The calculation of sign area for various types of single-faced signs is illustrated in Figure 17.48.070(A)(2).
2. Double-Faced Signs. Where two faces of a double-faced sign are located two feet or less from one another at all points, or located at an interior angle of 45 degrees or less from one another, the sign area must be computed as the area of one face. Where the two faces are not equal in size, the larger sign face will be used. Where two faces of a double-faced sign are located more than two feet or 45 degrees from one another, both sign faces will be counted toward sign area. See Figure 17.48.070(A)(3).
Figure 17.48.070(A)(2): Measurement of Sign Area
3. Multi-Faced Signs. On a three-faced sign, where at least one interior angle is 45 degrees or less, the area of two faces (the largest and smallest face) must be summed to determine sign area. In all other situations involving a sign with three or more sides, sign area will be calculated as the sum of all faces.
Figure 17.48.070(A)(3): Measurement of Multi-Faced Signs
4. Three-Dimensional Signs. Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks), may have a sign area that is the sum of two adjacent sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign. See Figure 17.48.070(A)(4).
Figure 17.48.070(A)(4): Measurement of 3-Dimensional Signs
B. Calculation of Lot Frontage. If a lot fronts on two streets, both frontages may be used for calculating the allowable sign area. On lots with three or more frontages on a public street, the length of only two contiguous sides shall be added together to determine allowable sign area.
C. Measuring Sign Height. The height of a sign is the vertical distance measured from the ground level directly beneath the sign to the highest point at the top of the sign, including any structural or architectural components of the sign. The ground level shall be either the natural grade or finished grade, whichever is lowest.
1. Height of Freestanding Signs. The height of freestanding signs shall be measured as the vertical distance from grade at the edge of the right-of-way along which a sign is placed to the highest point of the sign, including any structural or architectural components of the sign. When the grade at the edge of the right-of-way is higher than the site on which the sign is placed, that portion of the sign below the grade at the edge of the right-of-way shall not be included in determining the sign's overall height. Signs oriented towards a freeway shall be measured from the project site grade or pad, whichever is lower.
D. Measuring Sign Clearance. Sign clearance shall be measured as the smallest vertical distance between finished grade and the lowest point of the sign, including any framework or other embellishments.
E. Building Frontage. Building frontage is the building facade that directly abuts a public street, private street, parking lot driveway, or parking spaces in which main customer access is provided to the business. A building's frontage is considered continuous if projections or recesses in a building wall do not exceed 10 feet in any direction. For buildings with two or more frontages, the length of the wall and allowable sign area shall be calculated separately for each building frontage. (Ord. 2017-01 (part), 2017: Ord. 2016-11 § 2 (part), 2016)