A. Measurements.
1. Generally. The regulations of this chapter shall be applied using the measurements set out in this subsection 9-11-3
A.
2. Sign clearance. Sign clearance is the distance between the bottom of a sign face or structural element that is not affixed to the ground and the nearest point on the surface under it. For a pole sign, sign clearance is the distance between bottom of the sign face and the ground. See Figure 9-11-3 A.2.a., Measurement of Sign Clearance.
Figure 9-11-3 A.2.a. Measurement of Sign Clearance
3. Sign height. For detached signs (temporary and permanent), sign height is:
a. Where the natural grade of the ground where the sign is to be located is lower than the street centerline, the vertical distance to the top of the sign face or sign structure, whichever is higher, measured from the elevation of the centerline of the adjacent street.
Figure 9-11-3 A.3.a. Measurement of Sign Height, Sign Base Lower than Street Centerline
b. Where the natural grade of the ground where the sign is to be located is higher than the street centerline, the vertical distance to the top of the sign face or sign structure, whichever is higher, measured from the elevation of the average grade around the base of the sign.
4. Items of information. An item of information is a word, logo, abbreviation, symbol, geometric shape, image, or number with ten (10) or fewer digits (punctuation of numbers does not increase the number of items of information). See Figure 9-11-3 A.4.a., Items of Information.
Figure 9-11-3 A.4.a. Items of Information
The sign below has seven (7) items of information: four (4) words plus one ten (10)-digit number (with punctuation) plus two (2) symbols.
B. Calculations.
1. Generally. The calculations required by the regulations of this chapter shall be according to the methodologies of this subsection 9-11-3
B.
2. Sign area.
a. Generally. Sign area is calculated as the area within a continuous perimeter with up to eight (8) straight sides that encloses the limits of text and graphics of a sign, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the signs message from the background against which it is placed. The area excludes the structure upon which the sign is placed (unless the structure is an integral part of the display or used to differentiate it), but includes any open space contained within the outer limits of the display face of a sign, or between any component, panel, strip, or figure of any kind composing the display face, whether this open space is enclosed by a frame or border or not.
The sign area of the illustrative monument sign below is calculated as the area within the smallest eight (8)-sided polygon that encloses all of the text and graphics and framing of the message and graphics of the sign.
See Figure 9-11-3 B.2.a., Sign Area, Generally.
The sign area of the illustrative collection of wall signs below is measured as the area within the smallest eight (8)-sided polygon that encloses all of the text and graphics and framing that differentiates them from the wall.
b. Double-faced signs: For projecting suspended, or other double-faced signs.
(1) Only one display face is measured if the sign faces are parallel or form an interior angle of less than forty-five (45) degrees, provided that the signs are mounted on the same structure. If the faces are of unequal area, then the sign area is equal to the area of the larger face.
(2) Both display faces are measured if:
(a) The interior angle is greater than forty-five (45) degrees; or
(b) The sign faces are mounted on different structures.
Figure 9-11-3 B.2.b. Double-Faced Signs
c. Signable area. Signable area is calculated as follows:
(1) Wall signs. A two (2)-dimensional area on the facade of the building that describes the largest square, rectangle, or parallelogram which is free of architectural details.
(2) Window signs. The area of glass within a window frame.
(3) The sign must be placed within the signable area.
(4) A multi-tenant building may have multiple signable areas as long as the maximum number of signs per tenant is not exceeded.
d. Signable area ratio. Signable area ratio.
e. is the sign area divided by the signable area. It is expressed as a percentage.
f. Relationship between maximum sign area and maximum signable area ratio. Where both a maximum sign area and maximum signable area ratio are set out, the standard that results in a polygon that encloses all of the text and graphics and framing that differentiates them from the wall. (Ord. 2024-6, 3-7-2024)