§ 501.040. Measurement Standards., Chapter 501. Sign Code, Building and Construction, Code of Ordinances, Blue Springs

Sign Area Of Individual Signs. The area of a sign face [which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one (1) face] shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle or combination thereof that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem or other display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets provisions of this Sign Code and is clearly incidental to the display itself. The depth (thickness) of a sign is not included in the sign area if no message is placed there.

Sign Area Of Multi-Faced Signs.

Double-Faced Sign With Faces At Sixty Degrees (60°) Or Less. Unless otherwise specified in these regulations, when the sign faces of a double-faced sign are parallel or the angle formed by the sign faces is sixty degrees (60°) or less, only one (1) sign face shall be measured in computing the sign area. If the two (2) faces of such a double-faced sign are of unequal area, the larger sign face shall be considered the area of the sign.

Other Multi-Faced Signs. For all other multi-faced signs, the area of each sign face shall be added together to compute total sign area.

Three-Dimensional Signs. Where a sign consists of one (1) or more three-dimensional objects (i.e., balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture or statue-like trademarks), the sign area shall be measured as their maximum projection upon a vertical plane. Signs with three-dimensional objects that exceed a projection of six (6) inches from the sign face shall be subject to approval through the alternative sign permit process.

Height Of Sign.

The height of a sign shall be computed as the vertical distance from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. Normal grade shall be construed to be the lower of:

Existing grade before construction; or

The newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of placing the sign.

In cases in which normal grade cannot reasonably be determined, sign height shall be computed on the assumption that elevation of the normal grade at the base of the sign is equal to the elevation of the nearest point of the crown of a public street, or the grade of the land at the principal entrance to the principal structure on the lot, whichever is lower.