23.86.004

A. Sign Area. 1. For a sign which is an independent structure, the entire visible surface of the sign, exclusive of support devices, shall be included in area calculations. Only one (1) face of a double-faced sign shall be counted. 2. For a sign painted or mounted directly on another structure, sign area shall be the area contained in the smallest rectangular area enclosing the graphic or worded message, measured by the projection of the legs of two (2) right angles that are placed at opposite corners of the graphic and/or worded message (Exhibit 23.86.004 A) 3. Where a background color different from that of the face upon which a sign is located is used as part of the sign, the entire background area shall be included in area calculations (Exhibit 23.86.004 B). 4. Only message-conveying text shall be included. Decorative graphics not conveying a readily apparent message are not counted in the area of the sign. 5. For the purposes of measuring sign area for signs regulated by Section 23.55.042 , signs adjacent to certain public highways, the following provisions shall also be used to calculate sign area: a. Where freestanding business signs and business signs on the face of a building are visible on the same premises, the sum of the area of both types of signs visible from any place on the traveled way shall not exceed the area permitted on the face of the building, except as provided for gas station signs and in subsection E1 of Section 23.55.042 . b. Where a multi-faced sign is used, the greatest area visible from any place on the traveled way shall be measured. 6. In major institution zones, when signs with and without size limits are combined, the portion of the sign to which a size limit applies shall not exceed the applicable limit. B. Number of Signs. In certain zones, the type and number of signs is determined by amount of frontage on public rights-of-way, except alleys. Frontage shall be measured as follows: 1. When only one (1) business establishment is located on a lot, or when determining the frontage of a multiple business center, frontage shall equal the length of the street property line(s) of the lot on which the business establishment or multiple business center is located (Exhibit 23.86.004 C). 2. When determining the frontage of a business establishment located in a multiple business center, the following method shall be used: a. Draw the least rectangle that encloses the portion of the principal structure in which the business establishment is located, as well as any area used for outdoor sales or outdoor display of rental equipment. b. Extend the sides of the rectangle to the property line(s) of the lot which abut a right-of-way, except an alley, and which are not blocked from the rectangle by another structure or portion of the structure (Exhibit 23.86.004 D). c. The lineal footage of the frontage between the extended sides of the rectangle shall be the frontage of the business establishment for purposes of measuring the number and type of permitted signs. C. Dispersion Standards for Off-premises Signs. 1. Where linear dispersion of off-premises signs is required, the number of off-premises signs permitted on a street shall be calculated as follows: a. Project the centerline of each off-premises sign structure or sign painted on a structure to the centerline of each street from which the sign face is visible, at right angles to the street. Signs which are set so far back from a street that they are not visible from the street, sign structures which may be visible from the street but are oriented to face another street and permitted business district identification signs, shall not be counted. b. Signs on both sides of the street shall be counted, unless otherwise stated. c. Single-face billboards shall be considered one (1) structure for the purposes of this subsection. d. Double-face or "V" type shall be considered one (1) structure for the purposes of this subsection. e. Visually blocked advertising signs shall be considered one-half (½) of a sign structure for the purposes of this subsection. f. The number of permitted signs shall be measured from the projections made under subsection C1a at the centerline of the street. 2. Where a minimum radial distance between each off-premises sign structure is established, the distance shall be calculated as follows: a. Draw a circle with its center on the centerline of the sign structure, and a radius equal to the minimum required distance (Exhibit 23.86.004 F). b. No off-premises sign except permitted business district identification signs shall be located within the circle. c. Double-face or "V" type billboards shall be considered one (1) structure for the purposes of this subsection. d. When permitted sign area is calculated as a percentage of the area of the face of the structure on which the sign is located, the area of the structure face shall be the elevation of the structure as measured on flat projection from any side, excluding the roof and excluding any chimney, stack, structure, or mechanical equipment on the roof. (Ord. 116780 , § 6, 1993; Ord. 113263, § 42, 1986; Ord. 112830, § 23, 1986; Ord. 112519, § 50, 1985; Ord. 110381, § 1(part), 1982.)