Article 4 — General Sign Limitations

Except as otherwise specifically provided in Article 5, the regulations in this article apply to each sign in every zoning district.

(Ord. 565 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007).

(a)

Sign area shall be calculated by computing the square footage of each sign face (but not the supporting sign structure unless it forms part of the display or background for the display). The area of an irregular shaped sign shall be the area within a single continuous perimeter composed of squares, rectangles, or other geometric shapes, which enclose the extreme limits of the sign. When calculating for purposes of measuring the aggregate sign area allowed on the premises, all sign faces are counted.

(b)

Sign height shall be calculated by measuring the vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign to the ground immediately below such point or the level of the upper surface to the nearest curb of the street upon which the sign fronts, whichever measurement is less.

(c)

Every sign, except an exempt window sign and except as otherwise specifically provided in this chapter, is counted toward the total sign allowance.

(Ord. 565 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)

A projecting sign allowable under Section 6-2523(h) must meet the following requirements:

(a)

The sign shall provide at least seven and one-half feet clearance above grade where it is over a pedestrian area and shall not be higher than the elevation of the eaves of the building to which it is attached.

(b)

The sign may not be internally illuminated.

(c)

A commercial projecting sign may be used only to display a nonverbal design or to announce the name of the business and the principal classification of goods sold or service offered on the premises.

(Ord. 565 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)

A wall sign may not extend beyond the wall of the premises and may not exceed eight inches in thickness.

(Ord. 565 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)

A freestanding sign allowable under Section 6-2523(c) must meet the following requirements:

(a)

There may be only one freestanding sign per street frontage.

(b)

The height of the sign may not exceed eight feet from the ground.

(c)

The sign may not exceed 25 square feet in area per side unless otherwise permitted in this chapter.

(d)

A freestanding sign is only allowed when it is reasonably necessary. For example, a freestanding sign may be reasonably necessary when:

(1)

The building in which the business is conducted is set back from the street or obscured from view by an adjacent structure or vegetation in such a manner that adequate identification cannot be obtained from signs attached to the building; or

(2)

The architectural style, materials or elements of construction are such that a sign attached to the building would be in conflict with the design or character of the building.

(e)

A freestanding sign may be used only to announce the name of the business or site, the address, and the principal classification of goods sold or service offered on the premises.

(f)

The sign must be placed in a landscaped area or planter and the landscaping must be continuously maintained.

(g)

A freestanding sign requires design review approval before a permit may be granted.

(Ord. 565 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)

Each sign shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with applicable provisions of the Uniform Building Code and Electrical Code.

(Ord. 565 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)