Sign Calculations
ARTICLE IV. RULES OF INTERPRETATION

Sec. 18-121. Generally.
Principles for computing sign area and sign height as required by this Chapter are provided in this Article. Section headings or captions are for reference purposes only. Illustrations and principles of interpretation included in the code shall be used in interpreting the relevant provision, but where the text conflicts with an illustration or stated principle, the text shall control.

Sec. 18-123. Sign Calculations.

(1) Attached Signs: The information therein are provisions for calculating signage for attached, window, or any other attached sign contained in this chapter.

a. Sign Area, Attached Sign (Single Element): Shall include the entire area within a single perimeter composed of squares or rectangles. Sign copy mounted or painted on a background panel or area distinctively painted, textured or constructed as a background for the sign copy shall be measured as the area enclosed by the smallest single rectangle that will enclose the outside dimensions of the background panel or surface, including sign trim or frame.

b. Sign Area, Attached Sign (Multiple Elements): When signs are constructed of individual elements, the area of all sign elements, which together convey a single, complete message, shall be considered as a single sign. The sign area is determined by calculating the area enclosed by the smallest single rectangle that will enclose the outside dimensions of the background panel or surface, including sign trim or frame.

c. Measurement of Signage on the Window: The sign area is determined by calculating the area enclosed by the smallest single rectangle that will enclose the outside dimensions of the sign display. 

d. Measurement of Building Frontage: The building frontage shall be calculated using the width of the first story exterior wall. Exterior wall dimensions shall be measured at the base of the ground floor, excluding screened walls, fences, and other similar structures.

d. Wall Area: The wall area shall be calculated by the width of the exterior wall and height of the wall.

f. Attached Sign above 20 feet: The sign area is determined by the calculation listed below for an attached sign located at a height above 20 feet within a Commercial or Local Retail Zoned District.

i. Increase in sign area for signs located between 20' and 50'.

ii. Increase in sign area for signs located between 50' and 100'

iii. Increase in sign area for signs located above 100'

(2) Freestanding Signs: The information therein are provisions for calculating signage for monument, pole, construction or any other freestanding sign contained in this chapter.

a. Sign Area, Monument: The sign area shall be the extreme outer dimensions of the freestanding structure, excluding the support structure and architectural features.

b. Sign Area, Pole: The sign area shall be measured as the area enclosed by the smallest single rectangle that will enclose the structure exclusive of the poles.

c. Sign Height: Height shall be the distance from the top of the sign structure to the lowest grade level of the base of the sign. The height of any monument base or other structure erected to support or ornament the sign shall be measured as a part of the sign height.

d. Three-Dimensional Signs: Signs that consists of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects, shall have a sign area of the sum of all areas using the four vertical sides of the smallest cube that will encompass the sign.

e. Double-Faced Signs: On a sign where the information is located back to back or located at an interior angle equal to or less than 30 degrees, the sign area shall be computed as the area of one sign face. Where the two faces of a double-faced sign are not equal in size, the larger sign face shall be used. Where two faces of a double-faced sign are located at an interior angle more than 30 degrees from one
another, both sign faces shall be counted toward sign area.

f. Multi-Faced Signs: On a three or more faced sign, sign area shall be calculated as the sum of all faces.

g. Landscape Requirement: The landscape requirement is determined by calculating the area of the landscaped area located around the base of the monument sign.

(3) Vehicle Signage: Signage attached to a vehicle for bona fide use on the premise.

a. Vehicles that can park behind the rear building wall.

b. Vehicles that cannot park behind the rear building wall but can park behind the front building wall.

c. Vehicles that cannot park behind the rear building wall or front building wall.

d. Vehicles that cannot park behind the rear building wall, front building wall, or within 100' of business' primary entrance must be parked a minimum of 20' from any public right-of-way.

e. Vehicles that cannot park behind the rear building wall, front building wall, within 100' of business' primary entrance, or within 20' from any public right-of-way are not permitted.