Ground sign elevation? H109.2

[steveray]

Anyone know why ground signs are supposed to be elevated 36" per H109.2? Commentary is pretty useless and it seems the biggest concern is electrical which can be regulated separately....? Has always bugged me and is "always" not followed.....Thanks!

H109.2 Required clearance. The bottom coping of every
ground sign shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above the
ground or street level, which space can be filled with platform
decorative trim or light wooden construction.

This section regulates the bottom clearance of
ground signs. This clear space of 3 feet (914 mm) is
permitted to be decorated with nonstructural or decorative
trim or light wooden construction, provided this
arrangement will not create a hazard.

 

[RLGA]

My guess it was written by someone who lives in the northern tier states where snow can be deep or drifts collect at the signs, that would allow moisture to enter.

The reason it may not be followed is that the jurisdiction may not have adopted that appendix. Here in the southwest, I have never seen this appendix adopted by the jurisdictions that I've worked with.

 

[steveray]

Thanks Ron! We have adopted it here and it just seems like as long as the energized parts are above 36" it shouldn't be an issue, just wanted to get a larger perspective...Maybe a code change if I can figure out for sure what the reasoning is/ was...

 

[e hilton]

I agree with Ron, except that in the south its to allow visibility of the sign 3 yrs down the road when the cute little bushes grow up because they don’t get pruned.