§ 450-58. Measurement and major types of signs.

A. 

Sign definitions. The following definitions shall be used in determining whether signs meet the measurement and type requirements of this article:

BUILDING FACE

The vertical area of a particular side of a building, but not including the area of any slanted roof.

FREESTANDING SIGN

See Article III.

HEIGHT OF SIGN

The vertical distance measured from the average ground level surrounding a sign to the highest point of the sign and its supporting structure. Religious symbols shall not be restricted by the sign heights of this article when extending above the roofline or attached to a tower or spire of a place of worship.

ILLUMINATED SIGN, INTERNALLY

A sign illuminated by light from within the sign rather than a source adjacent to or outside of the sign. A sign within a display case with lights only shining onto the front of the sign shall be considered to be externally illuminated.

OFF-PREMISES SIGN

See Article III.

SIGN

See Article III.

WALL SIGN

A sign primarily supported by or painted on a wall of a building and which does not project more than two feet from such wall. A wall sign may project up to three feet if it is attached to an awning.

WINDOW SIGN

A sign which is readily visible and can be at least partially read from an exterior lot line and which is attached to a window or transparent door or that can be read through a window or transparent door.

B. 

Measurement of sign area.

(1) 

Sign area shall include all lettering, working and accompanying designs and symbols, together with related background areas on which they are displayed. One "freestanding sign" may include several signs that are all attached to one structure, with the total "sign area" being the area of a common geometric form that could encompass all signs.

(2) 

The sign area shall not include any structurally supporting framework, bracing, or supports if such area does not include any display, lettering or sign and if such area is clearly incidental to the sign area itself.

(3) 

Where the sign consists of individual letters or symbols attached to or painted directly on a building or window, other than an illuminated background that is a part of the sign, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that includes all of the letters and symbols.

(4) 

The maximum sign area shall be for each of two sides of a sign, provided that only one side of a sign is readable from any location.

(5) 

Unless otherwise specified, all square footages in regards to signs are maximum sizes.