(1) Sign area is calculated as the area within a continuous perimeter with up to eight straight sides that encloses the limits of text and graphics of a sign, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign’s message from the background against which it is placed. (See Figure 6-1, Figure 6-2, and Figure 6-3.) The area excludes the structure upon which the sign is placed (unless the structure is an integral part of the display or used to differentiate it), but includes any open space contained within the outer limits of the display face of a sign, or between any component, panel, strip, or figure of any kind composing the display face, whether this open space is enclosed by a frame or border or not.

(2) Support structures will not be counted against total sign area as long as such elements are appropriately scaled to the size of the copy as determined by the Director.