§ 17-302. Sign area – General.

(a) Signs on a background.

(1) For signs on a background, the entire area of the framework or background of the sign is calculated as sign area, including any material or color forming the sign face or background used to differentiate the sign from the structure against which it is placed.

(2) Sign area does not include any framework or bracing, unless the framework or bracing is part of the message or sign face.

(b) Freestanding letters or logos.

(1) For signs consisting of freestanding letters or logos, the sign area is calculated as the total area of each square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or combination of these, that encompasses each individual letter or logo.

(2) Sign area does not include any supporting framework or bracing, unless the framework or bracing is part of the message or sign face.

(c) Window sign on transparent film.

Window signs printed on a transparent film and affixed to a windowpane are calculated by their individual letters or logos, as long as the portion of the transparent film around the perimeter of the individual letters or logos maintains the transparency of the window.

(d) Painted/mural signs.

(1) A single design in the same plane or elevation shall be considered 1 sign.

(2) For painted/mural signs that include both signage and art in a single design, the signage area shall be calculated as the combined area of the signage portion or portions, provided that the signage is in the same plane or elevation.