This may help determine the right size sign for Sumter County FL business.
Computation of sign face area.
(1)
Face delineated. The face area of a sign shall be computed by using the entire area within the single, continuous, rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight straight lines, or a circle or an ellipse, enclosing 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. Face area does not include supporting framework or bracing that is clearly incidental to the display itself.
(2)
Multi-sections or multi-faces.
a.
If the sign consists of more than one (1) section or module, all of the area, including that between sections or modules, shall be included in the computation of the sign face area.
b.
Ground signs consisting of two (2) faces shall be considered one face for purposes of this section so long as the two (2) faces are at no point separated by a distance that exceeds five (5) feet.
(b)
Sign setback requirements.
(1)
Temporary signs. There are no setback requirements for temporary signs provided their location does not create any hazards to motorists or pedestrians, however, no temporary sign shall encroach on any public right-of-way or on adjoining property without specific authorization.
(2)
Permanent signs.
a.
On-site.
1.
Ground signs. A permanent ground sign, and any part of its supporting structure, shall be setback as follows:
a)
From any public road right-of-way line ten (10) feet, or one-half (0.5) foot for every foot in height (measured from natural ground at base of sign to highest point of sign face or structure), which ever is greater, except that no sign need be set back more than the building setback required for the property on which it is located. Exempt from this requirement are signs used exclusively for development identification, such as subdivision names, when specifically approved by the authority.
b)
From side and rear property lines five (5) feet, or two-tenths (0.2) foot for every foot in height (measured from natural ground at base of sign to highest point of sign face or structure), whichever is greater, except that no sign need be set back more than the building setback required for the property on which it is located.
2.
Building signs. Building signs shall meet the same setback requirements as ground signs except that those painted on or attached flat against a wall of a legally permitted structure are permitted regardless of setback.
b.
Off-site.
1.
Ground signs. A permanent ground sign, and any part of its supporting structure, shall be setback as follows:
a)
From any public road right-of-way line fifteen (15) feet.
b)
From side and rear property lines ten (10) feet.
(3)
From edge of pavement. Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2), no sign more than three (3) feet above ground level shall be placed within fifteen (15) feet of the edge-of-pavement of an outside travel lane of a public road when such sign interferes with the sight distance requirements of applicable regulations.
(c)
Sign illumination and signs containing lights. Unless otherwise prohibited by this section, signs may be illuminated if such lighting directed toward a sign is shielded so that it illuminates only the face of the sign and does not shine directly into a public right-of-way, so as to cause glare and impair vision, or residential premises.
(d)
Sign height and construction.
(1)
Height. No sign shall exceed fifty (50) feet in height unless located in the CR zoning district.
(2)
Construction. In addition to compliance with all applicable building codes, freestanding signs shall be securely fastened to the ground or to some other substantial supportive structure so that there is virtually no danger that either the sign or the supportive structure may be moved by the wind or other forces of nature and cause injury to persons or property.
Signage code changes from time to time, so please verify.
