§ 28-27. Measurement of sign area and height.

(a)

All signs. 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 (i.e., [square equals] height multiplied by width, [circle equals] 3.14 multiplied by radius squared, etc.), the dimensions of which shall be determined by enclosing the extreme outermost limits of the sign copy utilized. The square footage of a sign, made up of letters, words or symbols within a frame or on a banner shall be determined from the outside edge of the frame or banner itself. Double faced signs shall be calculated as the area of one side only. Three (3) dimensional or multifaceted signs shall be calculated as the maximum area visible from any single direction at any point in time.

(b)

Wall signs with multiple elements:

(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 or 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.

(3)

When two (2) or more separate items in a sign, such as a word or logo, are separated horizontally or vertically by more than the width or height of the largest item, the items shall be considered a separate sign and the area of each item shall be determined individually.

(c)

Structural supports. Bearing no sign copy shall not be included in sign area, provided such structural support is not constructed in an irregular manner so as to draw attention to the sign copy contained in the sign. Structural supports shall be included in the measurement of the height of a sign.

(d)

Height. The height of all signs shall be measured from the top edge of the sign and/or support structure to the average finished grade below the sign and/or support structure, unless otherwise noted in this chapter. If a sign is located on a mount, 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 where it exceeds three (3) feet. Measurement for a sign height will be determined from the of the curb grade at the property line. Any freestanding signs directly adjacent to an elevated section of a freeway, expressway, arterial, or collector and within one hundred (100) feet of the freeway, expressway, arterial or collector may increase the maximum allowable vertical height by one (1) foot for each foot of roadway elevation.

(Ord. No. 2017-O-044 , § 1, 10-3-17)