HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 567-2011 Amending Sign Regulations.pdfCITY OF ANNA, TEXAS
ORDINANCE NO. 567-2011
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANNA, TEXAS, AMENDING THE ANNA CITY
CODE OF ORDINANCES PART 111-0 (SIGN REGULATIONS), REVISING EXISTING
REGULATIONS AND ESTABLISHING NEW REGULATIONS RELATED TO SIGNS;
AMENDING THE ANNA CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES PART IV (SCHEDULE OF
FEES), ARTICLE 6 (SIGN FEES), REVISING EXISTING REGULA·nONS RELATED
TO SIGN FEES; PROVIDING FOR SAVINGS, SEVERABILITY, AND REPEALING
CLAUSES; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATION NOT TO EXCEED
$2,000; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE
PUBLICATION OF THE CAPTION HEREOF.
WHEREAS, the City of Anna, Texas City Council ("City Council") has previously
adopted standards, requirements, and procedures requiring permits for and otherwise
governing signs that are codified in Part III-D of The Anna City Code of Ordinances
("Anna Code") and Part IV, Article 6 of the Anna Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has investigated and determined that it would be beneficial
and advantageous to provide for revised and additional standards, requirements, and
procedures related to signs within the City and its extraterritorial jurisdiction;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ANNA, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. Recitals Incorporated.
The above-referenced recitals are incorporated herein as if set forth in full for all
purposes.
Section 2. Amendments to Code
2.01 In accordance with Part II, Article 1, Section 9 of the Anna Code, the City Council
hereby amends Part III-D (Sign Regulations) of the Code by entirely replacing said
Part III-D with the Part 111-0 (Sign Regulations) attached to this ordinance as Exhibit
A, said Exhibit A being incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full,
including without limitation the penalties set forth therein.
2.02 In accordance with Part II, Article 1, Section 9 of the Anna Code, the City Council
hereby amends Part IV, Article 6, (Sign Fees) of the Anna Code, as follows:
Ord. 567-2011 Revising Existing Sign Ordinance PAGE 1 OF3 12-13-11
Article 6. Sign Fees
Section 1. Sign Permit Fee
li!l Fees for the issuanoe of a sign ~er:mit shall be deter:mined from time to
time by a~~ro~riate resolution of the City CounGiI. The fee for a sign
permit for a sign that was constructed without a permit shall be twice
the cost of the standard permit fee.
(Ord. No. 194A-2005, adopted 3/812005)
au Except for signs described in Part 111-0, Article 4 Article 2,
Classification, Section 5(c), the fee for permits for Class 1, 2, 3, and 4
signs shall be $50 for each permit. The permit fee for Class 4 signs
described in Part 111-0, Article 4 Article 2, Classification, Section 5(c)
shall be $25 for each permit. (Ord. No. 443-2009, adopted 05112109)
!g1 The fee for permits for Class 5, 6, and 7 signs shall be $150 for each
permit.
(Ord. No. 2001-02, adopted 119/2001); (Ord. No. Ord. No. 567-2011, adopted
12113111)
Cross Reference: Part II1-D, Sign Regulations, AFtiGle 3 Article 2, Section 5
Section 2. Sign Repair Permit Fee
It shall be unlawful for any Person to repair any sign requiring a permit when
the value of such work exceeds $200 without first obtaining a repair permit
from the building official and making payment of the fee required.
Section 3. Sign Variance Request Fee
Fees for the issuanoe of a sign '1arianoe request shall be deter:mined from
time to time by a~~ro~riate resolution of the City Council. The fee for a sign
variance shall be $100.
(Ord. No. 567-2011. adopted 12-13-11)
Section 4. Savings, Severability and Repealing Clauses.
All ordinances of the City in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are repealed to
the extent of that conflict. If any provision of this ordinance shall be held to be invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of such ordinance shall continue in full force and effect
the same as if such invalid or unconstitutional provision had never been a part hereof.
The City declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each section,
subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that anyone or
0rtI. 567-2011 Revising Existing Sign Ordinance PAGE2OF3 12-13-11
more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, and phrases be declared
unconstitutional or invalid.
Section 5. Penalty
See Section 2.01 of this ordinance.
Section 6. Publication of the Caption Hereof and Effective Date.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effective from and after its passage and upon
the posting and/or publication, if required by law, of its caption and the City Secretary is
hereby directed to implement such posting and/or publication.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Anna, Texas, this 13th day of December,
2011.
ATTESTED:
Ord. 567-2011 Revising Existing Sign Ordinance PAGE 30F3 12-13-11
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 1
THE ANNA CITY
CODE OF ORDINANCES
PART III - D
(SIGN REGULATIONS)
Current through December 13, 2011
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article 1. General Regulations ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
Section 1. Definitions, Scope, Offenses, and Penalties .................................................................................................... 3
1.01 Short Title and Purpose .............................................................................................................................. 3
1.02 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.03 Territorial Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 6
1.04 Classification and Zoning Districts ............................................................................................................. 6
1.05 Liability for Violations .................................................................................................................................. 6
1.06 Offense and Penalties ................................................................................................................................ 6
Section 2. Generally Prohibited Signs ................................................................................................................................ 6
Section 3. Exemptions .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Section 4. Sign Permits Required ........................................................................................................................................ 8
4.01 Sign Permits, Generally .............................................................................................................................. 8
4.02 Nonconforming Sign Permits...................................................................................................................... 9
Section 5. Application and Fees, Inspection ...................................................................................................................... 9
Section 6. Nonconforming Sign Repair, Demolition ........................................................................................................ 10
Section 7. Variance Fees and Notification ........................................................................................................................ 10
Section 8. Inspection ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 9. Issuance and Term ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Section 10. Appeals .............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Section 11. Fees .................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 12. Political Signs .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 13. Substitution of Noncommercial Speech for Commercial Speech ............................................................... 11
Article 2. Classification .................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Section 1. Classifications Identified .................................................................................................................................. 11
Section 2. Class 1, Minor Signs ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Section 3. Class 2, Window Signs ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Section 4. Class 3, Traffic-Related Signs .......................................................................................................................... 12
Section 5. Class 4, Temporary Promotional Signs .......................................................................................................... 13
Section 6. Class 5, Major Free-Standing Signs ................................................................................................................ 13
6.01 Generally .................................................................................................................................................. 13
6.02 Pole Sign Regulations .............................................................................................................................. 14
6.03 Multi-Use Signs ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Section 7. Class 6, Monument Signs ................................................................................................................................. 16
7.01 Generally .................................................................................................................................................. 16
7.02 Internal Monument Signs ......................................................................................................................... 17
7.03 Unified Development Monument Signs .................................................................................................... 17
7.04 Sign Coordination for Unified Development Plan ..................................................................................... 18
Section 8. Class 7, Major Attached Signs ......................................................................................................................... 18
ARTICLE 3 - Regulation by Use District ......................................................................................................................................... 19
Section 1. Generally ............................................................................................................................................................ 19
Section 2. Single-Family Residential District ................................................................................................................... 19
Section 3. Apartment Districts ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Section 4. Industrial Districts ............................................................................................................................................. 19
Section 5. Office, Retail, and Commercial Districts ......................................................................................................... 19
Section 6. Summary of Districts ........................................................................................................................................ 20
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 3
Article 1. General Regulations
Section 1. Definitions, Scope, Offenses, and
Penalties
1.01 Short Title and Purpose
(a) Short Title. The provisions set forth in this Part III-D
of the Anna City Code of Ordinances shall be cited
and referenced in this Part as “Sign Regulations.”
(b) Purpose. Signs use private land and the sight lines
created by public rights-of-way to inform and
persuade the general public by publishing a
message. These Sign Regulations provide
standards for the permitting, erection and
maintenance of Signs. All Signs not specifically
exempted in these Sign Regulations shall be
erected and maintained in accordance with these
standards. The general objectives of these
standards are to promote health, safety, welfare,
convenience and enjoyment of the public, and, in
part, to achieve the following:
(1) Safety. To promote the safety of persons and
property by providing that Signs:
(i) Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire,
collision, decay or abandonment;
(ii) Do not obstruct firefighting or police
surveillance; and
(iii) Do not create traffic hazards by confusing or
distracting motorists, or by impairing the
driver's ability to see pedestrians, obstacles
or other vehicles, or to see/read traffic signs
and control devices.
(2) Communications Efficiency. To promote the
efficient transfer of information in Sign messages
by providing that:
(i) Those Signs which provide messages and
information most needed and sought by the
public are given priorities;
(ii) Businesses and services may identify
themselves;
(iii) Customers and other persons may locate a
business or service;
(iv) No person or group is arbitrarily denied the
use of the sight lines from the public right-of-
way for communication purposes; and
(v) Persons exposed to Signs are not
overwhelmed by the number of messages
presented, and are able to exercise freedom
of choice to observe or ignore said
messages, according to the observer's
purpose.
(3) Landscape Quality and Preservation. To protect the
public welfare and to enhance the appearance and
economic value of the landscape, by providing that
Signs:
(i) Do not interfere with scenic views;
(ii) Do not create a nuisance to persons using
the public rights-of-way;
(iii) Do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy
of adjacent and contiguous property by their
brightness, size, height or movement;
(iv) Are not detrimental to land or property
values; and
(v) Help effectively identify areas or places
within the City, helping the observer to
understand the City and orient himself or
herself within it.
1.02 Definitions
The following words and phrases, when used in these
Sign Regulations shall have the meaning ascribed to
them by this section unless the context clearly indicates
otherwise. All terminology used in these Sign
Regulations and not specifically defined in this section
shall retain its meaning in conformance with applicable
publications of the American National Standards Institute
or its successor body or if not defined therein the latest
volume of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.
Alter means to change the size, shape or outline, Copy,
nature of message, intent or type of Sign.
Apartment District shall include all zoning classifications
designated for attached, duplex, and multi-family
residences.
Attached Sign means a Sign mounted on a Building
facade (or mounted on another structure that does not
have the primary purpose of supporting a sign), as
opposed to being constructed as part of a free-standing
structure.
Banner means a sign composed of lightweight material
either enclosed or not enclosed in a rigid frame, secured
or mounted so as to allow movement of the Sign face,
Surface, or component parts caused by movement of the
atmosphere.
Building means a structure that has a roof supported by
columns, and walls or air for the shelter, support or
enclosure of Persons, animals or chattel.
Bulletin Board means a Sign containing information
where a portion of such information may be periodically
changed, providing that such change shall be effected by
the replacement or interchange of letters, numbers, or
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 4
other graphic symbols by insertion, attachment or similar
means. The use of slate, chalkboard, cardboard or
similar material with pencil, chalk, crayon or similar types
of marking is prohibited.
Canopy means a roof-like structure that extends
horizontally more than one foot from the face of a
Building wall and does not have a structural border.
City means the City of Anna, Texas.
City Council means the City Council of the City of Anna,
Texas.
Building Official means the officer or Person within the
City charged with the administration and enforcement of
these Sign Regulations.
Copy means logos, characters, symbols or any other
portion of a Sign that conveys a message or information.
Erect means to build, construct, attach, hang, place
suspend or affix, and shall also include the painting of
Signs on the exterior Surface of a Building or structure,
and also includes the painting or affixing of Signs to the
exterior or interior Surface of windows, and includes
outdoor Signs and Signs located interior to a Building but
readily visible from the exterior.
Existing Outdoor Advertising Sign means an outdoor
Sign, display, light, device, figure, painting, drawing,
message, plaque, placard, poster, billboard, logo or
symbol, or other thing which is designed, intended, or
used to advertise or inform if:
(1) any part of the content of such Sign is visible from
any place on the main-traveled way of a Regulated
Highway;
(2) such Sign was legally Erected within the City’s
corporate limits or the City’s extraterritorial
jurisdiction;
(3) as of the effective date of these Sign Regulations the
Texas Department of Transportation (“TxDOT”) has
issued a valid permit for such sign and such permit
has not expired; and
(4) as of the effective date of these Sign Regulations
such Sign:
(a) does not exceed the maximum height limit as
permitted under rules adopted by TxDOT
under the authority of Transportation Code,
Chapter 391, or as permitted on the TxDot
issued permit, whichever height is less;
(b) does not exceed the maximum square
footage of Surface area per Sign face allowed
under TxDOT rules or on the TxDOT issued
permit, whichever square footage is less;
(c) does not violate TxDOT's minimum spacing
requirements between such Signs; and,
(d) in the case of such sign in the City's corporate
boundaries, the Sign does not violate the
requirement of being within the confines of a
"zoned commercial or industrial area," as
such term or similar term(s) are defined by
TxDOT or in the case of such sign in the
City's extraterritorial jurisdiction, the Sign does
not violate the requirement of being within the
confines of an "unzoned commercial or
industrial area," as such term or similar
term(s) are defined by TxDOT.
Facing or Surface means the Surface or Surfaces of the
Sign upon, against, or through which the message is
displayed or illustrated on the Sign.
Free-Standing Sign means a Sign that is fastened to a
self-supporting structure that is unattached to any
Building or other structure.
Freeway means any major thoroughfare where right-of-
way is 250 feet or greater and so designated by the City
master Street plan.
Garage Sale has the meaning supplied under Part II,
Article 10, Section 1. Note: these Sign Regulations do not
apply to Garage Sale Signs, which are governed Part II,
Article 10, Section 1 of this Code.
Gross Surface Area of Signs means the entire area
within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the
extreme limits of each Sign. A Sign having information on
two Surfaces shall be considered as a single Sign,
providing that the Surfaces are located back-to-back. A
Sign having information on three or more Surfaces shall
be calculated as the sum of all portions and evaluated as
a single Sign. If two or more Signs share a single
structure, each Sign or panel may be considered
separately for square footage purposes, providing that
each Sign or panel has no relationship to the others, and
that the combined area of such Signs cannot exceed the
total square footage allowed when evaluated as a single
Sign. For Signs so constructed, where related portions
are located on separate structures or Vehicles, the gross
surface area shall be calculated as the sum of all portions
and evaluated as a single Sign. Supports for Class 5
Signs having a large solid appearance shall be calculated
as part of the gross surface area of the Sign. The gross
surface area of Class 5 and Class 6 Signs less than six
feet in height and used as an element of landscaping will
be determined by measurement of a single continuous
line enclosing the extreme limits of the Sign, providing
that such calculation shall not include planter boxes,
screening walls, retaining walls, and similar
improvements.
Illuminated Sign means any Sign that has characters,
letters, figures, designs, or outline illuminated directly or
indirectly by electric lights, luminous tubes, or other
means.
Internal Monument Sign means a Sign that is supported
from the grade to the bottom of the Sign having or
appearing to have a solid base and generally used to
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 5
provide direction to drive-through lanes and to Buildings
and tenants within large multi-tenant retail, multifamily, or
office developments.
Monument Sign means a Sign having or appearing to
have a solid and opaque base and generally used to
identify the name of a business or development.
Nameplate Sign means any sign showing only the name
and address of the owner or occupant of the premises on
which it is Erected.
Noncombustible Material means any material that will not
ignite at or below a temperature of 1,200 Fahrenheit and
will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature or
shall have a flame spread of 25 or less.
Nonconforming Sign means a Sign other than an Existing
Outdoor Advertising Sign that was lawfully in existence
and was properly permitted by the City, to the extent
such permitting was required as of the effective date of
these Sign Regulations.
Off-Premises Sign means a Sign that pertains in any
manner to a business, Person, organization, activity,
event, place, service, or product not principally located or
primarily manufactured on the premises on which the
Sign is located.
On-Premises Sign means a Sign identifying or
advertising a business, Person, or activity, and installed
and maintained on the same premises as the business,
Person, or activity.
Person means an individual, company, joint stock
company, firm, proprietorship, business, corporation,
organization, government or governmental subdivision or
agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, co-
partnership, association, and any other legal entity or
their legal representatives, agents or assigns.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Code, each
and every Code provision—including but not limited to
every prohibition, requirement, and penalty—applies to
both natural Persons and corporations, partnerships, and
all other legal entities or organizations.
Pole Sign means a Free-Standing Sign in which the Sign
face is mounted on one or more poles and the base of
the Sign face is situated more than 12 inches above the
ground.
Political Sign means a Sign that contains primarily a
political message, including Sign indicating the name
and/or displaying a picture of an individual seeking
election or appointment to a public office, or relating to a
forthcoming public election wherein qualified voters may
cast votes for candidates or measures.
Primary System means that portion of connected main
highways, which were designated by the Texas
Transportation Commission as the federal-aid Primary
System in existence on June 1, 1991 and any highway
which is not on that system but which is on the National
Highway System.
Private Real Property means privately owned land other
that any part of privately owned land that is subject to an
easement or other encumbrance that allows the City to
use the property for a public purpose.
Projecting Sign means an Attached Sign that extends: (1)
above the lowest roof line (except that a mansard-style
roof shall be considered as part of the Building facade
and not the roof for the purpose of Attached Sign
location); (2) above the top of the exterior wall or facade
of a Building; (3) out from the edge of the exterior walls of
a Building; (4) out from a Building or structure Erected in
an unsafe manner or in a manner that impedes the
normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular movement; or (5) a
Sign that otherwise extends from any part of a Building or
structure and is not attached in a manner that prevents
the Sign from swinging or otherwise moving as a result of
the movement of the atmosphere.
Projecting Structures means covered structures of a
permanent nature, which are constructed of approved
building material, specifically excluding canvas or fabric
material, and where such structures are an integral part
of the main Building or permanently attached to a main
Building and do not extend over public property;
Projecting Structures include but are not limited to
marquee, Canopy, and fixed-awning type of structures.
Public View means a view from any public or City right-
of-way or access easement.
Regulated Highway means a highway on the interstate
highway system or Primary System.
Roof Line means the height that is defined by the
intersection of the roof of the Building and the wall of the
Building; except, for mansard-type roofs, the Roof Line
means the top of the lower slope of the roof. Roofs with
parapet walls completely around the Building and not
exceeding four feet in height may be considered as the
Roof Line for the purposes of these Sign Regulations.
Searchlight means a device, consisting of a light source
and a reflecting Surface behind it that projects a powerful
beam of light in a particular direction.
Sign means any form of publicity advertising that directs
attention to an individual, business, commodity, service,
activity, cause, or product, by means of words, lettering,
parts of letters, figures, numerals, phrases, sentences,
emblems, devices trade names or trademarks, or other
pictorial matter designed to convey such information and
displayed by means of print, bills, poster, panels,
paintings, murals, or other devices Erected on an open
framework, or attached or otherwise applied on or to
stakes, posts, poles, trees, Buildings, fences, or other
structures or supports, including such structures or
devices that have a primary purpose other than
supporting, containing or otherwise displaying such
information. This definition shall also include any device,
fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form
graphic, mural, painting, illumination, symbol, or writing to
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 6
advertise, announce the purpose of a Person or entity, or
communicate information of any kind to the public.
Static Display means the use of displays or devices for
the purpose of drawing or attracting attention to a
location, site, business, or activity.
Street means any public roadway that affords the
principal means of access to abutting property.
Structural Trim means the molding, battens, cappings,
nailing strips, latticing, and platforms attached to the
Sign structure.
Temporary Promotional Sign means the type of Signs
described in further detail in Article 2, Section 5 of these
Sign Regulations.
Unified Development Monument Sign is a Sign that is
supported from the grade to the bottom of the Sign
having or appearing to have a solid base and generally
used to identify multiple tenants within a unified
development.
Vehicle means any automobile, truck, camper, van,
trailer, or any device capable of transporting Persons or
property and shall be considered a "Vehicle" in both
moving and stationary modes, irrespective of condition.
Zoning District means a portion of the territory of the City
within which certain uniform regulations and
requirements or various combinations thereof apply
under the provisions of the City’s Zoning Ordinance, as
amended.
1.03 Territorial Scope
The provisions of these Sign Regulations apply
everywhere within the City’s corporate boundaries and its
extraterritorial jurisdiction, except as specifically stated
otherwise in these Sign Regulations.
1.04 Classification and Zoning Districts
In addition to meeting the requirements of the regulations
set forth in this Article 1, Signs must be in compliance
with the regulations set forth in Article 2 of these Sign
Regulations to the extent that such regulations apply to
any such Sign, subject to the allowances in these Sign
Regulations for Nonconforming Signs.
1.05 Liability for Violations
The owner of a Sign, the owner or Person in control of or
who operates the land or structure upon which the Sign
is placed or located, or the Person in charge of Erecting,
Altering, replacing, relocating or repairing the Sign or
associated structures are jointly and severally liable for
violations of any provision of these Sign Regulations and,
therefore, each is subject to the penalty provided for the
violation of these Sign Regulations.
1.06 Offense and Penalties
Any Person, firm, corporation or business entity violating
any provision of these Sign Regulations shall be deemed
guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof
shall be fined any sum not exceeding $2,000, unless
otherwise specifically set forth in these Sign Regulations.
Each continuing day’s violation under these Sign
Regulations shall constitute a separate offense. The
penal provisions imposed under these Sign Regulations
shall not preclude the City from filing suit to enjoin the
violation. The City retains all legal rights and remedies
available to it pursuant to local, state and federal law.
Section 2. Generally Prohibited Signs
The following Signs and related objects are prohibited
from being installed or publicly displayed at any location
within the City’s municipal boundaries or its
extraterritorial jurisdiction, except as otherwise
specifically prescribed within these Sign Regulations,
and in that event only after authorized issuance of a City-
issued Sign permit if required under these Sign
Regulations.
(a) Off-Premises Signs.
(b) Moving and flashing Signs, including Signs that
flash, revolve, rotate, swing, undulate or otherwise
attract attention through the movement or flashing
of lights, LEDs, or other parts, or through the
impression of movement or flashing. However, this
prohibition shall not apply to: (1) signs indicating
only the time, temperature or other informational
but non-commercial message(s); and, (2) Signs
that are fully located within an enclosed Building
and are not observable from the exterior of such
Building.
(c) Signs interfering with traffic. Signs that imitate an
official traffic sign or signal, or which contain the
words "stop," "go slow," "caution," "danger,"
"warning" or similar words used on official traffic
Signs or signals. Signs which are of a size, location,
movement, content, coloring or manner of
illumination, which may be confused with or
construed as a traffic control device or which hide
from view any traffic or street sign or signal, or
which obstruct the view in any direction at a street
or road intersection.
(d) Signs on parked Vehicles or trailers. Signs placed
on or affixed to Vehicles or trailers that are parked
on a public right-of-way, public property or private
property so as to be visible from a public right-of
way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a
product or direct people to a business or activity
located on the same or nearby property, with the
exception of signs described in Article 1, Section
3(e) of these Sign Regulations.
(e) Painting, marking streets, sidewalks, Buildings,
utility poles, trees. No Person shall attach any Sign,
paper or other material to, or paint, stencil or write
any name or number (except house numbers) on,
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 7
or otherwise mark on any sidewalk, curb, gutter,
street utility pole, tree, public Building or structure
unless authorized by these Sign Regulations or by
the City Council or its delegated representatives.
(f) Signs in, on or over public right-of-way, railroad
right-of-way, public easements or designated fire
lanes. No Person shall Erect or allow to be Erected
any Sign in, on or over public rights-of-way and
easements, railroad right-of-way or designated fire
lanes unless specifically exempted by these Sign
Regulations or unless Erected under a valid,
unexpired permit as specifically set forth elsewhere
in these Sign Regulations.
(g) Signs on fences, railings, etc. No Person shall paint
a Sign or attach a Sign, other than a nameplate, to
the outside of a fence or railing.
(h) Searchlights subject to limited use as follows:
(1) Searchlights are prohibited, unless specially
permitted through the Building Official for a
temporary, special event.
(2) Searchlights may be used after issuance of a
special permit as part of a grand opening event in
conjunction with the issuance of or expected
issuance of a new occupancy permit once for a
period up to three days per site provided such use
does not create an adverse impact on
surrounding development or the public health,
safety, and general welfare. An application for
such special permit shall be submitted to the
Building Official and shall indicate the number of
Searchlights, time of use, intended purpose, and
location. If the use of the property should change,
a new Searchlight permit may be sought with the
issuance of a new occupancy permit for the
property.
(3) If the applicant requests a Searchlight permit for
reasons other than a grand opening event or
requests additional days as part of a grand
opening event or special event, a special
exception shall be considered by City Council. An
application for such exception shall be submitted
at least 20 days prior to the scheduled City
Council meeting at which the application will be
considered, and shall indicate the number, time of
use, intended purpose, and location. The fee for
such permit application is as determined from
time to time by City Council.
(i) Directional Signs. Signs which direct vehicular
and/or pedestrian traffic, which may display arrows,
words, or other symbols to indicate directions to
places, except those directional signs described in
Article 1, Section 3(g), (h) and (p) of these Sign
Regulations and only to the extent exempted
therein.
(j) Banners, except as permitted under Article 2,
Section 5 of these Sign Regulations.
(k) Signs that are in disrepair to the extent that the cost
of repair would exceed 50% of the value of a similar
Sign if purchased new and Signs in danger of
falling or that are otherwise unsafe to the public.
(l) Projecting Signs.
(m) Displays that include strings of light bulbs not
permanently mounted on a rigid background, used
in connection with commercial premises for
commercial purposes, other than traditional holiday
decorations.
(n) Signs that are located on or that interfere with the
use of public sidewalks, required off-street parking
areas, or Vehicle maneuvering areas.
(o) Any unauthorized Sign on or attached to a public
street light, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, traffic-
control device, street Sign or other public structure
or Building, or any Sign located in, on, over or
within a public street, sidewalk, alley, easement or
right-of-way.
(p) Illuminated Signs, (illuminated from within or
without) that are illuminated in such a manner, to
such intensity, or without shielding, so as to
constitute a hazard to the operation of motor
Vehicles upon a street or substantially interfere with
the reasonable enjoyment of residential property.
(q) Signs that display obscene, indecent or immoral
matter or contain advertisements for Sexually
Oriented Businesses.
(r) Signs located on private property without the
consent of the owner of said premises.
(s) Signs that use a revolving beam or beacon
resembling any emergency Vehicle, or are located
or illuminated in such a manner as to obscure or
otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of an
official traffic sign, signal or device, or so as to
prevent any traveler on any street from obtaining a
clear view of approaching Vehicles for a distance of
at least 250 feet along the street.
(t) All Signs not expressly allowed, exempted or
permitted under these Sign Regulations.
(u) Political Signs, except as allowed under Section 12
of this article.
(v) New home builders directional Signs to
subdivisions or other developments.
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 8
Section 3. Exemptions
The following Signs and related objects are generally
allowed to be Erected and publicly displayed at any
location within the City’s municipal boundaries or its
extraterritorial jurisdiction, except as otherwise
specifically proscribed within these Sign Regulations and
a City-issued Sign permit is not required in order to Erect
and display any of the following Signs unless specifically
set forth in this section.
(a) Traffic Signs, Warning Signals and Legal Notices.
These Sign Regulations shall not apply to railroad
crossing Signs, railroad signals, danger or warning
signs properly authorized by law, Signs authorized
by statute or a state agency in accordance with the
Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices,
and other traffic signals, public warnings, or legal
notices provided that such objects are installed in a
location and in a manner and condition required by
federal or state statute, a state agency, or a
municipal ordinance or authorized authority.
(b) Nonconforming Signs as defined in these Sign
Regulations, except that each such Sign must be
permitted by the City as a Nonconforming Sign
under the procedures set forth in these Sign
Regulations for Nonconforming Sign permits.
(c) Existing Outdoor Advertising Signs as defined in
these Sign Regulations, except that each such Sign
must be permitted by the City as a Nonconforming
Sign under the procedures set forth in these Sign
Regulations for Nonconforming Sign permits.
(d) Public signs. Signs required by governmental
bodies or agencies having proper jurisdiction for a
public purpose by law, statute or ordinance. Public
signs also include any Signs the City Council of the
City decides by ordinance or resolution to Erect
within its corporate boundaries, extraterritorial
jurisdiction or any real property that it may own or
control.
(e) Signs on Vehicles or trailers are exempted only to
the extent such Signs are incidental to the primary
use of the Vehicle or trailer, provided that the
Vehicle or trailer are in good mechanical repair and
are not left in one place for more than 72 hours
without being moved.
(f) Flags of governmental, non-profit and/or tax exempt
organizations, provided that the flag does not
exceed 35 feet in height.
(g) Governmental Signs. Signs Erected by a duly
constituted governmental body, including traffic or
similar regulatory devices, and instructional signs
related to health, hazards, parking, swimming,
dumping, and similar public health and instructional
matters.
(h) Signs Erected by the City that direct vehicular
and/or pedestrian traffic, which may display arrows,
words, or other symbols to indicate directions of
facilities.
(i) Address numerals. Address numerals and other
similar information required to be maintained by law
or governmental order, rule or regulation, provided
that the content and size of the Sign may not
exceed the requirements of such law, order, rule or
regulation.
(j) Athletic Signs. Signs used as scoreboards in
athletic stadiums.
(k) Instructional Signs. Signs, providing no advertising
of any kind, Erected by governmental bodies or
agencies and which provide direction or instruction
to guide Persons to facilities intended to serve the
public, including but not specifically limited to the
Signs identifying restrooms, public telephones,
public walkways, parking areas, areas or facilities
accessible to disabled Persons, and other similar
areas and facilities, provided such Signs do not
exceed 32 square feet in area.
(l) Decorations, lights, pennants and similar devices
providing information regarding civic events,
holidays, festivals or special events on public
property with the permission and under the
supervision of the City.
(m) Holiday lights and decorations customarily
displayed during holiday seasons.
(n) Time and temperature Signs, provided that such
Sign is an On-Premises Sign and the primary use
of such Sign is to display current time and
temperature.
(o) "No trespassing" Signs, burglar alarm Signs, and
similar security warning signs may be maintained
provided they do not exceed 2 square feet in area.
(p) Kiosk Signs in sign plaza structures located in the
City’s right-of-way, providing certain directions, and
installed and maintained by the City or a contractor
authorized by the City.
Section 4. Sign Permits Required
4.01 Sign Permits, Generally
(a) It shall be unlawful for any Person to Erect, Alter,
maintain, or relocate within the City any permissible
Sign, other than Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 Signs,
without first obtaining a Sign permit from the
Building Official and making payment of all required
fees in the amounts set forth in Part IV, Article 6 of
the Code. The permit may cover more than one
Sign, but shall apply to only one applicant and one
location. A Sign permit—not including special
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 9
permits for Searchlights, Garage Sale Signs, or
other Signs that expressly expire after a specific
time period under these Sign Regulations or under
Part II, Article 10, Section 1 of the Code, governing
Garage Sale Signs—issued by the Building Official
shall expire one year after the date of issuance.
(b) Repair. It shall be unlawful for any Person to repair
any Sign requiring a permit when the value of such
work exceeds $200 without first obtaining a repair
permit from the Building Official and making
payment of the fee for said repair permit in the
amount set forth in Part IV, Article 6 of the Code.
4.02 Nonconforming Sign Permits
(a) For the purposes of this subsection 4.02, an
Existing Outdoor Advertising Sign is deemed to be
included within the meaning of Nonconforming
Sign. Within six months of the effective date of
these Sign Regulations, a Nonconforming Sign
permit must be obtained from the Building Official. It
shall be unlawful for any Person to maintain a
Nonconforming Sign without obtaining a
Nonconforming Sign permit within the six-month
period set forth above and thereafter maintaining a
valid permit for such Sign. A Nonconforming Sign
permit shall expire one year after the date of
issuance.
(b) Application. The applicant for a Nonconforming
Sign shall make the same application and is subject
to the same procedures set forth in Section 5 of this
Article.
Section 5. Application and Fees, Inspection
(a) An application for a Sign permit to Erect, Alter,
replace or relocate a Sign shall be submitted on
forms provided by the Building Official and shall
contain or have attached thereto the following
information:
(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the
applicant;
(2) Location of Building, structure, or lot to which or
upon which the Sign is to be attached or Erected;
(3) Position and spacing of the Sign in relation to
streets, right-of ways, and nearby Buildings or
structures, including other Signs;
(4) Two blueprint or ink drawings of the plans and
specifications are required, including electrical
wiring, construction, type of materials, method of
attachment to Building or structure, and
foundation for Free-Standing Signs;
(5) Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing
the structure is designed for dead load and wind
pressure in any direction in the amount required
by these Sign Regulations and all other laws and
ordinances of the City (the designing engineer for
a Class 5 Sign shall seal his design calculations
and stress sheets);
(6) Name and address of the Person Erecting the
Sign;
(7) If applicable, the zoning classification of the
property on which the Sign is to be located, and
the zoning classification of all property within 250
feet of the Sign location;
(8) A signed statement of the property owner, if a
different Person than the applicant, approving the
Sign plans and granting the applicant permission
for the Erection of same;
(9) Any additional information or requirements set
forth for a particular classification of Sign as set
forth in Article 2 of these Sign Regulations; and,
(10) Such other information as the Building Official
shall require to show full compliance with these
Sign Regulations and all other laws and
ordinances of the City.
(b) The application fee shall be in the amount set forth
in Part IV, Article 6. No permit shall be granted until
the City receives the application fee.
(c) Repair. Application for Sign repair permits shall
contain or have attached thereto the following
information:
(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the
Sign owner;
(2) Name, address, and telephone number of the
Person providing the repair service;
(3) Location of Building, structure, or lot upon which
Sign is located;
(4) Description of the repair activity to be performed
and repair cost estimate; and
(5) Such other information as the Building Official
shall require to show full compliance with these
Sign Regulations and all other laws and
ordinances of the City.
(d) Internally Illuminated Signs. Prior to issuance of a
Sign permit for a Sign in which electrical wiring and
connections are to be used, the electrical inspector
shall examine the plans and specifications
submitted with the application to ensure the
compliance with the electrical requirements of the
City and with the requirements of the Underwriters'
Laboratories. The electrical inspector shall approve
the application if it meets these requirements and
disapprove it if it does not. Approval of such an
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 10
application by the electrical inspector is required
before the Building Official or Building Official’s
designee may issue a Sign permit. An electrical
permit is also required.
Section 6. Nonconforming Sign Repair, Demolition
A Sign that, having been permitted to remain in place as
a Nonconforming Sign or Existing Outdoor Advertising
Sign under the provisions of these Sign Regulations, is
blown down or otherwise destroyed or dismantled for any
purpose, other than maintenance operations or for
changing the letters, symbols, or other matter on the
Sign, shall not be repaired, rebuilt or reconstructed. For
purposes of this section, a Sign or a substantial part of a
Sign is considered to have been destroyed only if the
cost of repairing the Sign is more than 50% of the cost of
Erecting a new Sign of the same type at the same
location.
Section 7. Variance Fees and Notification
An application for a variation to the conditions of these
Sign Regulations shall be accompanied by a variance
application fee in the amount in the amount set forth in
Part IV, Article 6. Such application for a variance may
cover more than one Sign, but shall apply to one
applicant and one location. The notification for a variance
application must appear in the official newspaper of the
City at least seven days prior to the date on which the
request is heard by the City’s Board of Adjustment. The
variation application must contain the following
information:
(a) Name, address, and telephone number of the
applicant.
(b) Location of Building, structure, or lot to which or
upon which the Sign is to be attached or Erected.
(c) Position of the Sign in relation to nearby Buildings
or structures, including other Signs.
(d) The zoning classification of the property on which
the Sign is to be located, and the zoning
classification of all property within 250 feet of the
Sign location.
(e) The specific variation requested and the reasons
and justification for such requests.
(f) Ten copies of the signage and site plan shall be
required.
Section 8. Inspection
The Building Official shall inspect annually, or at such other
times as deemed necessary; each Sign regulated by these
Sign Regulations for the purpose of ascertaining whether the
same is secure or insecure, whether it is consistent with
approved plans as built, whether it still serves a useful
purpose, and whether it is in need of removal or repair.
Section 9. Issuance and Term
It shall be the duty of the Building Official, upon the filing
of an application for a Sign permit, to examine such
plans and specifications and other data and the premises
upon which it is proposed to Erect or repair the Sign, and
if it shall appear that the proposed structure is in
compliance with all the requirements of this Code, the
building code and all other laws and ordinances of the
City, a Sign permit shall be issued. If the work
authorized under a Sign permit has not been completed
within six months after date of issuance, the permit shall
become null and void and there shall be no refund of any
application fees or other associated fees.
Section 10. Appeals
All matters related to appeals or variances from the
requirements of these Sign Regulations shall be brought
before the City’s Board of Adjustments in accordance
with the City’s Zoning Ordinance.
Section 11. Fees
Fees for the issuance of a Sign permit shall be
determined from time to time by appropriate resolution of
the City Council. If a fee that is adopted by resolution or
ordinance conflicts with the fees set forth herein, then the
most recently adopted fee shall prevail. The fee for a
Sign permit for a Sign that was constructed without a
permit shall be twice the cost of the standard permit fee.
Section 12. Political Signs
(a) With the exception of the regulations and
restrictions expressly set forth in this section, these
Sign Regulations do not apply to Political Signs.
(b) Political Signs may not be located anywhere with
the exception of Private Real Property with the
property owner’s consent.
(c) Political Signs must not:
(1) be illuminated;
(2) have any moving elements;
(3) exceed 36 square feet in area;
(4) exceed eight feet in height;
(5) be located in any public right-of-way or easement;
or
(6) be in violation of any state or federal regulations
or restrictions.
(d) Political Signs regarding candidates or measures
up for election may be displayed on Private Real
Property beginning no earlier than 45 calendar days
before a general or special election, and shall be
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 11
removed no later than seven days after the
election.
(e) Political Signs in violation of this subsection are
strictly prohibited, and are subject to be removed
and destroyed without notice.
Section 13. Substitution of Noncommercial Speech
for Commercial Speech
Notwithstanding any other provision of these Sign
Regulations to the contrary, any lawfully erected Sign
displaying a commercial message may, at the option of
the owner or person in control of the Sign, display a
noncommercial message. The noncommercial message
may occupy the entire Facing or any portion thereof. The
Facing may be changed from commercial to
noncommercial messages, or from one noncommercial
message to another, as frequently as desired by the
owner or controller of the Sign, in compliance with the
rest of these Sign Regulations, provided that the Sign is
not a prohibited Sign or sign-type and provided that the
size, height, setback, dimensional, location and other
criteria contained in these Sign Regulations are satisfied.
Article 2. Classification
Section 1. Classifications Identified
Signs are classified as follows:
Class 1, minor Signs;
Class 2, window Signs;
Class 3, traffic-related Signs;
Class 4, Temporary Promotional Signs;
Class 5, major Free-Standing Signs;
Class 6, Monument Signs;
Class 7, major Attached Signs.
Section 2. Class 1, Minor Signs
(a) Minor Signs in the use districts, when permitted and
unless otherwise restricted or regulated under
Article 1 of these Sign Regulations, may be either
Free-standing or Attached, unless otherwise
specified, and do not require approval by the City
prior to Erection with the exception of permanent
sales and lease Signs.
(b) Specifically, Class 1 Signs shall include:
(1) Signs not exceeding eight square feet in area and
not exceeding four feet in height in single-family,
duplex and Apartment Districts, which advertise
the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon
which such Signs are located only. The number of
such Signs shall be limited to one per lot or
complex, except where such lot or complex is
adjacent to more than one dedicated public
Street, one additional Sign shall be allowed for
such additional public Street;
(2) Signs not exceeding 24 square feet in area and
not exceeding eight feet in height in all districts,
except single-family, duplex and apartment, which
advertise the sale, rental or lease of the premises
upon which such Signs are located only. The
number of such allowable Signs shall be limited to
one for tracts, sites or complexes having less than
200 feet abutting public or internal circulation
Streets. For tracts, sites or complexes having 200
feet abutting public or internal circulation Streets,
two such Signs shall be allowed plus one
additional Sign for each additional 100 feet of
abutment. In no event may the number of such
Signs exceed four for a given tract. Such Signs
shall be removed upon issuance of any
occupancy permit;
(3) Nameplate Signs not exceeding one square foot
in area.
(4) Political Signs. See Article 1, Section 12 for
regulations and restrictions related to Political
Signs.
(5) Temporary construction Signs denoting the
architect, engineer, contractor, subcontractor,
and/or financier and temporary Signs denoting the
future location of a particular business, retail
center or institution subject to one such
construction Sign and one such future location
Sign per Street adjacent to the construction site or
future location site and each Sign not to exceed
32 square feet in area, and providing such Signs
do not extend above 15 feet in height, measured
from ground level, and providing such Signs are
located on the premises where construction or
location being advertised is or will be occurring.
Only one construction Sign and one future
location Sign may abut a given Street. Such Signs
shall be removed upon issuance of any
occupancy permit.
(6) Occupational Signs denoting only the name and
profession of an occupant in a commercial, public,
office or institutional Building and not exceeding
three square feet in area. Such Signs may not
extend above the roofline.
(7) Memorial Signs or tablets, names of Buildings
and date of Erection when cut into any masonry
Surface or when constructed of bronze or other
Noncombustible Materials. Such Signs shall not
exceed four square feet in area for each wall
facing a street.
(8) Flags, emblems and insignia of the United States,
federal agencies, and any state or local
governmental body including corporate and logo
flags, and decorative displays for holidays or legal
public demonstrations which do not contain
advertising and are not used as such. Corporate
and logo flags shall be limited to one per site
when accompanied by a U.S. and/or state flag of
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 12
equal size or larger. Corporate logo flags shall be
limited in size to 40 square feet for sites of less
than one acre, 60 square feet for sites of more
than one acre but less than five acres, and 96
square feet for sites of five or more acres, and 40
square feet for sites in residential zoned districts
regardless of acreage.
(9) Signs not exceeding three square feet in area
may be suspended from the side of a Projecting
Structure. Such Signs must be eight feet above a
walkway.
(10) Signs not exceeding 16 square feet and not
exceeding six feet in height for establishments
providing engine fuel sales, which advertise
prices of fuel on premises, providing such Sign
shall be permanently attached to a structure; no
establishment shall have more than one Sign per
Street front.
(11) Signs not exceeding one square foot in area
affixed to windows or doors, which identify
emergency telephone numbers, hours and
security information.
(12) Signs on sites used by public, charitable, or
religious institutions in any use district where such
Signs are an integral part of the site architecture
or landscaping, For residential subdivision
identification Signs, the Signs shall be attached to
the screening wall or landscaping planter and
may not exceed 24 square feet in area and six
feet in height. A maximum of two Signs per
adjacent public Street shall be allowed. All other
sites shall not be allowed more than one Free-
Standing Sign and one Attached Sign. Attached
Signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and
shall be located entirely below the Roof Line of
the Building, Attached Signs for educational
institutions shall be permissible in these districts;
providing, however, no more than one major
Attached Sign and one attached Bulletin Board
will be allowed per Building. The letters for the
Attached Sign shall be not more than 12 inches in
height and the Bulletin Board shall be no more
than 25 square feet in size. Free-Standing Signs
shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and six
feet in height, except for religious institutions,
which shall not exceed 60 square feet in area.
(13) Signs in any district not to exceed three square
feet to advertise available employment.
(14) Signs containing Street address numbers,
providing that such numbers shall be no larger
than 12 inches in height, and providing that Street
address numbers shall be limited to not more than
two sets per Building.
(15) Signs not exceeding 24 square feet in area and
not exceeding six feet in height in single-family,
duplex, and Apartment Districts which identify a
new home as being a builder's or contractor's
model open to the public for inspection. Each
Building in a subdivision may have one model
home Sign, Such Sign shall be removed prior to
the home being occupied as a residence.
Section 3. Class 2, Window Signs
Window Signs in the use districts, where permitted, do not
require a Sign permit and do not require approval by any
municipal agency prior to Erection. In no event may Signs
be located on the window Surface internally or externally
in any manner to obscure more than 25% of the visible
window area available in the absence of any Signs, Where
multiple windows exist fronting on a single Street or
sidewalk, the 25% visibility shall be maintained for the total
window area on such Street or sidewalk. Specifically,
Class 2 Signs shall include:
(a) Signs painted on the external or internal Surface of
the window of an establishment in commercial or
retail districts with water-durable paint on external
Surfaces.
(b) Signs (except posters), Banners or displays located
on the internal Surface of the window of an
establishment in commercial or retail districts only.
(c) Posters, providing such posters are not located on
the external Surface of the window.
(d) Decorations intended to direct attention to and
stimulate citizens' interest in public events,
providing such Signs are painted on the external
Surface of the window and a 25% visibility
requirement is maintained.
(e) Signs attached to the external Surface of a window
of a retail or commercial establishment if of water-
durable paint or non-combustible material and
Signs attached to the internal Surface of a window
which define the name, proprietor, telephone
number, or address of such retail or commercial
establishment.
Section 4. Class 3, Traffic-Related Signs
Traffic-related Signs in the use districts, where permitted,
require a Sign permit and must be submitted to the
Building Official and approved by the Building Official and
traffic engineer. Submission to the Building Official shall
include, but not be limited to, a site drawing showing the
location of the proposed Sign, a dimensional drawing
showing size of Signs and content of Signs, a designation
of the material or materials to be used, and the proposed
method of Erection. Specifically, Class 3 Signs shall
include:
(a) On-Premises directional Signs not exceeding eight
square feet, providing such directional Signs do not
contain advertising and are not used as such.
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 13
(b) On-Premises Signs not exceeding eight square
feet, and not exceeding four feet in height, denoting
locations for ingress and egress or prohibiting
ingress and egress which may or may not have
directional indication, providing such Signs do not
contain advertising and are not used as such.
Section 5. Class 4, Temporary Promotional Signs
Temporary Promotional Signs in the use districts, where
permitted, require a Sign permit to be issued by the
Building Official prior to Erection. Submission to the
Building Official shall include, but not be limited to, a
drawing or sketch showing the type, size, height, and
location of the Temporary Promotional Sign (including
flags) along with a description of the means of attachment
or support, and the stated purposes of the promotion.
Temporary Promotional Signs are limited to permissive
Signs in this section. A promotion for a site, center,
complex, or subdivision shall be interpreted as a
promotion for each and every establishment within such
site, center, complex, or subdivision. Specifically, Class 4
Signs shall include:
(a) Signs, flags, Banners, or balloons promoting a
merchandise program, opening of a retail or
commercial establishment, or center, special
program of a public institution, or the opening of a
single-family subdivision or multi-family complex,
providing that such Sign shall have a maximum
single use period of 30 days for the initial permit for
a new business and a 21-day permit thereafter.
Such Sign shall have a minimum period between
permits of seven days and a maximum number of
four permits per year. The use of balloons shall be
restricted to the initial 30-day permit. The size of a
Banner shall be limited to one square foot per
length of lease space up to a maximum of 200
square feet.
(b) Free-Standing Signs for the purpose of identifying
location of or direction to subdivisions, home
builders' and Developers' sites. On-Premises Signs
may not exceed 96 square feet in area and may not
exceed 15 feet in height. Off-Premises directional
Signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area and
may not exceed 15 feet in height. One Sign shall be
allowed for parcels of 30 acres or less. One
additional Sign shall be allowed for each additional
30 acres or any part thereof of development.
Permits shall be granted for a maximum period of
six-month intervals. Nonresidential Signs shall be
removed upon issuance of an occupancy permit for
the nonresidential structure.
(c) Temporary Promotional Signs whether Off-
Premises or On-Premises, flags, or pennants
Erected by a local chamber of commerce, public
library, and other local non-profit organizations or
local governmental entities and containing
messages directly related to a special event
sponsored by the organization. For the purpose of
this subsection, the term “local” means an
organization with an organizational presence within
the City’s corporate limits or its extraterritorial
jurisdiction. A “Non-Profit Organization” means an
organization that is, or based on the nature of its
operations is fully eligible to be, a “Non-Profit
Corporation” as that term is defined under Tex.
Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann. Art. 1396-1.02(3), as amended,
and which has one or more of the following or
similar purposes: charitable, benevolent, religious,
eleemosynary, philanthropic, patriotic, civic,
missionary, educational, scientific, social, fraternal,
athletic, aesthetic, agricultural, horticultural, or
being dedicated to the conduct of professional,
commercial, industrial, or trade associations. A
permit issued for Signs described under this
subsection shall allow a maximum of four
Temporary Promotional Signs which shall not
exceed 32 square feet, and a maximum of 20
Temporary Promotional Signs which shall not
exceed three square feet. Only one permit shall be
issued per event on a first-come, first-served basis.
For Off-Premises Temporary Promotional Signs,
written permission from the property owner is
required. A property owner may submit a master list
to be placed on file with the building official
identifying all users that have permission to use
their premises to display Temporary Promotional
Signs. Signs shall not be located within any public
right-of-way. Such Signs may be displayed no more
than 30 days prior to the event and must be
removed within two days after the conclusion of the
event. The locations of such Signs must be
approved by the Building Official for safety
purposes. Such signs may not be lighted. Permits
under this subsection shall be limited to six events
per organization per calendar year.
Section 6. Class 5, Major Free-Standing Signs
6.01 Generally
(a) A Class 5 Major Free-Standing Sign is a Free
Standing Sign such as a Pole Sign that is not
classified as a Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, or Class 4
Sign. Pole Signs that are classified as Class 5
Major Free-Standing Signs (“Class 5 Pole Signs”)
are prohibited, except as permitted by subsection
(b), below.
(b) Class 5 major freestanding Signs On-Premises
Sign may be located on property that:
(1) is adjacent to U.S. 75/Central
Expressway or S.H. 121, provided that
said Signs must be located within a
distance of 50 feet from the right-of-way
line of the linear segment of said
respective thoroughfare and situated so
as to be viewed from said respective
thoroughfare; or
(2) was part of a parent tract, any part of
which was adjacent to and within the
U.S. 75/Central Expressway Corridor as
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 14
of January 1, 2007, provided that said
Sign is located adjacent to a
thoroughfare other than U.S. 75/ Central
Expressway and is no more than 50 feet
from the edge of said thoroughfare and
situated so as to be viewed from said
thoroughfare.
(c) Major Free-standing Signs, when permitted, shall
be designed and constructed to withstand a wind
pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot
of area, and shall be constructed to receive dead
load as required in the building code or other
ordinances of the City. All major Free-standing
Signs shall be placed in concrete bases or footings.
Major Free-standing Signs may be constructed only
of materials that are noncombustible or slow-
burning in the case of plastic inserts and faces and
may be supported by Noncombustible Material only
and finished in a presentable manner; wood or non-
painted steel supports are specifically prohibited.
Heavy timber and other materials may be used if
approved by the Building Official. Major Free-
standing Signs shall be protected by wheel or
bumper guards when required by the Building
Official. Major Free-standing Signs shall not have
attached any guys or braces. Major Free-standing
Signs must be located a minimum of 30 feet from
an adjoining private property line and a minimum of
60 feet from any other Sign and may not be located
within 100 feet of any single-family residential
zoned property. No major Free-standing Sign may
contain any Copy, advertisement or display any
content that pertains in any manner to a business,
Person, organization, activity, event, place, service,
or product not principally located or primarily
manufactured on the premises on which the Sign is
located.
(d) Height, area and permissible number regulations
for such Signs are specified in Tables 3-5 of these
Sign Regulations.
(e) No permit for a major Free-standing Sign shall be
issued unless the application therefore contains a
letter of approval and request from the owner of the
real property where such Sign is to be constructed.
No major Free-standing Sign shall be constructed
so that the minimum clearance thereof is less than
nine feet if any portion thereof overhangs a
driveway, parking space, sidewalk, or other public
or private right-of-way for the passage of Vehicles
or pedestrians. All major Free-standing Signs
designed to be constructed at an overall height of
eight feet or less from ground level shall be
landscaped around the base of the Sign in an area
equal to four square feet for each square foot of
Sign and base area. Specifically, major Free-
standing Signs shall include:
(1) Signs Erected in apartment, office, technical
office and industrial districts to identify an
establishment, center, complex, occupation, district
or institution.
(2) Signs Erected in retail and commercial districts
to identify a center or complex or to identify a single
establishment and/or advertise the occupants,
services or products of a single establishment.
Such Signs shall be termed as "single-usage major
Free-standing Signs."
(3) Signs Erected in retail and commercial districts
to identify a center or complex or to identify multiple
establishments and/or advertise multiple occupants,
services or products of a center or complex. Such
Signs shall be termed as "multiple-usage major
Free-standing Signs."
(4) Signs Erected in retail and commercial districts
as menu boards are limited to one such Sign per
eating establishment with drive-through service.
(5) Signs Erected in industrial districts to identify a
center, complex or establishment.
6.02 Pole Sign Regulations
Where permitted under this Section and other applicable
provisions of these Sign Regulations, Pole Signs shall
conform to the following restrictions and limitations:
Table 1. Major Free-Standing Signs
0 – Foot to 70 Feet ROW of
the Street
71 –Feet to 99- Feet
ROW of the Street
100- Feet to 250
Feet ROW of
the Street
Freeway
(including Section
6.01 b 2)
Minimum width of lot
frontage (linear feet)
50 100 150 50 80 100 100 200 125
Copy Area**
Maximum square footage
per side
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 100 150/200/500 (See
also Section 6.03,
this article.)
Setback from adjacent
property line (linear feet)*
5 5 10 10 10 15 15 15 15
Maximum height 3.5 8 10 20 20 20 24 24 35
* Setback from Street ROW is 3.5 feet.
** Copy area is defined as area between structural members of Sign structure.
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 15
6.03 Multi-Use Signs
(a) A multi-use Sign that identifies a coordinated
development site of more than one use, such as a
shopping center, office center, or industrial park, may
have a Sign area not larger than 200 square feet if the
coordinated development site has five tenants or less
and 500 square feet if the coordinated development
site has more than five tenants. The lowest part of the
Sign Copy area shall be at least 10 feet higher than
the surrounding grade. A multi-use Sign may contain a
directory or listing of the occupants within a center or
multi-use development, provided that the directory
portion of the Sign shall not exceed 80% of the total
Sign area. If a directory is utilized, the remainder of the
Sign area shall contain only the identification of the
entire center or entire development.
(b) When determining requirements for allowable
detached Pole Signs under Table 1, first determine the
right-of-way width adjacent to the subject lot, and then
determine the lot frontage. Next, determine the
maximum square footage per side, setback from
adjacent rights-of-way and the maximum height by
reading vertically below the applicable lot frontage. To
calculate the height of a Sign, measurement shall be
made from the top of the curb adjacent of the Street
upon which a Sign faces or from the natural ground
level, if above curb level, to the top of the Sign.
(Construction of a berm or earthen mound for the
purpose of increasing height of signage is prohibited.)
For the purpose of calculating the distance from a
Street right-of-way line where the existing Street right-
of-way width is less than that required in the
thoroughfare plan and Subdivision Ordinance, such
distance shall be measured from the line of such right-
of-way as required by such plan or ordinance (adding
equal amounts to each side of the existing right-of-
way) rather than from the existing right-of-way line.
Freeways are as proposed by the thoroughfare plan of
the City.
(c) No detached Sign shall be Erected within 20 feet of a
Street intersection, unless the bottom of the Sign
exceeds 42 inches in height above ground level, and
the Sign is set back from the right-of-way as stated in
Table 1.
(d) If two of the allowable detached Signs are combined
into one detached Sign, then the signage may exceed
by 50% the total allowable signage of the largest
permitted Sign up to a maximum of 200 square feet
per side.
(e) When electrical service is provided to detached Signs,
all such electrical service shall be underground.
(f) There shall be a minimum 500 foot distance between a
Pole and/or pylon Signs for the same shopping center
on the same lot.
(g) There shall be a minimum of 150 feet in distance
between a Pole/pylon Signs that identify adjacent
freestanding businesses on separate lots or separate
shopping centers on separate lots.
(h) Automobile dealership Signs.
(1) Number per lot.
(i) Primary detached Signs. There shall not be
more than one primary Sign for each franchise
up to a maximum of three primary Signs per
dealership.
(ii) Secondary detached Signs. Secondary Signs
shall be permitted only if used for pre-owned
automobiles and limited to one per dealership.
(2) Area, location and height requirements.
(i) Primary detached Signs. All primary detached
Signs shall conform to provisions within this
Code.
(ii) Secondary detached Signs. Secondary Signs
shall be limited to one-half of the area of the
primary detached Sign and a maximum of 24
feet in height.
(i) Relocation of Signs due to right-of-way acquisition
(1) The Building Official may allow the Sign to be
relocated on the property, even within the requited
setback, but in no case shall the Sign be located in
an area that poses a safety hazard or blocks
visibility.
(2) Should the Building Official deny the proposed
relocation, the applicant may appeal this decision to
the City Council.
(3) Development identification Signs. Project information
or identification detached Monument Signs are
permitted at the entrances of major offices or
industrial park developments located on more than
one lot and bisected by one or more publicly
dedicated Streets. They shall be allowed under the
following size restrictions:
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 16
Table 2. Development Identification Signs
Size
Maximum Size
(square feet)
Maximum Height
(feet)
Under 10 acres
36 6
10 acres and above
64 8
(j) Real estate Signs.
(1) Generally. One real estate Sign, not exceeding 32
square feet in Sign area and 12 feet in height, shall
be permitted on tracts of 50 acres or less, and not
exceeding 96 square feet in area and 16 feet in
height for tracts of land over 50 acres. On tracts of
50 acres or greater with 1,000 feet of frontage
adjacent to the public right-of-way, a Sign not to
exceed 200 square feet per side and 16 feet in
height shall be permitted. The Sign shall be removed
no later than 30 days after the closing of the real
estate conveyance. For setback requirements, refer
to Table 1. Such Signs shall not require a permit if
they measure 32 square feet or less.
(2) Construction sites. On Building construction sites,
one Sign shall be permitted for all participating
Building contractors and subcontractors, one for all
participating professional firms, one for all
participating lending institutions and one for each
property owner on the construction site, subject to a
maximum of three Signs for each construction site,
each such Sign to be 32 square feet in Sign area or
less, and that such Signs must be removed prior to
the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for said
Building.
Section 7. Class 6, Monument Signs
7.01 Generally
(a) Monument Signs in the use districts, where permitted,
require a Sign permit to be issued by the Building
Official prior to Erection. Monument Signs shall be
designed and constructed to withstand a wind
pressure of not less than 30 pounds per square foot of
area, and shall be constructed to receive dead load as
required in the building code or other ordinances of the
City.
(b) All Monument Signs shall be placed in concrete bases
or footings.
(c) Monument Signs may be constructed only of materials
that are noncombustible or slow-burning in the case of
plastic inserts and faces and may be supported by
Noncombustible Material only, and finished in a
presentable manner; wood or non-painted steel
supports are specifically prohibited. Heavy timber and
other materials may be used if approved by the
Building Official.
(d) Monument Signs that provide identification or
advertisement of a specific business, service, product,
Person, organization, place or Building shall be termed
"single-use Monument Signs." Monument Signs that
provide identification or advertisement of multiple
businesses, services, products, Persons,
organizations, places, or Buildings shall be termed
"multiple-use Monument Signs." Monument Signs
must be located a minimum of 30 feet from adjoining
private property lines and a minimum of 100 feet from
any single-use Monument Sign and 250 feet from any
multiple-use Monument Sign, except sites abutting two
public Streets, in which event one Sign per Street
frontage is permitted, providing that no Sign is located
within 100 feet of any residential zoned property. All
Monument Signs throughout a center or complex on
the site shall be constructed of the same material and
design. The mixing of Monument and other types of
Free-Standing Signs within a center or complex is
prohibited.
(e) Monument Signs shall be landscaped around the base
of the Sign in an area equal to four feet for each
square foot of Sign and base area. No Monument Sign
shall obstruct the vision of traffic on public Streets or
be constructed so as to interfere with site lines at
elevations between 2.5 feet and eight feet above the
top of the adjacent roadway curb within a triangular
area formed by the intersection of adjacent curb lines
from a point on each curb line 20 feet from the
intersection. Monument Signs shall be limited to a
height of six feet or less, and a Copy area of 80 square
feet for single-use Signs and 120 square feet for
multiple-use Signs.
(f) The design, materials, and finish of an individual
Monument Sign shall match those of the Buildings on
the same lot. An individual Monument Sign shall
contain at minimum one foot masonry base around all
sides of the Sign. Back-lit Signs shall be inset into the
pedestal of the Sign rather than attached or applied to
the pedestal.
(g) Signs constructed in conjunction with unified
development and internal Monument Signs shall be
consistent with the building elements and materials of
unified development Signs within the unified
development and internal Monument Signs on the
same lot and within the unified development.
(h) Monument Signs are permitted to contain electronic
variable messages subject to the following conditions:
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 17
(1) variable message Monument Signs shall only be
permitted along a major thoroughfare or greater as
designated on the Thoroughfare Plan, as it exists or
may be amended.
(2) variable message Monument Sign characters shall
have a minimum height of 10 inches and a maximum
height of sixteen inches.
(3) variable message Monument Signs shall not be
animated, flash, travel, blink, fade, or scroll.
(4) variable message Monument Signs shall remain
static for not less than fifteen seconds.
(5) variable message Monument Signs are permitted to
contain time and temperature displays. The time and
temperature displays shall remain static for not less
than three seconds.
(6) variable message wall Signs are also permitted but
only one variable message Sign, either Monument or
wall, is permitted per lot.
7.02 Internal Monument Signs
(a) Conditions of use
(1) Time - A Sign permit shall not be issued to Erect or
place an internal Monument Sign on a property until
a site plan and/or Final Plat has been approved by
the City Council for development of the property and
after issuance of a building permit on a Building on
the property.
(2) Place - An Internal Monument Sign is permitted only
in conjunction with a non-residential use and in a
non-residential Zoning District. Minimum front yard
setback is 75 feet from the property line.
(3) Manner - The design, materials, and finish of Internal
Monument Signs shall match those of the Buildings
on the same lot. Signs constructed in conjunction
with unified development and individual Monument
Signs shall be consistent with the Building elements
and materials of the unified development Signs
within the unified development and individual
Monument Signs on the same lot and within the
unified development. If a property averages more
than two Internal Monument Signs per acre, a Sign
coordination plan as described in Article 2, Section
7.04 shall be approved for the placement of the
Signs.
(b) The maximum area of an Internal Monument Sign is
six square feet.
(c) The maximum height of an Internal Monument Sign is
30 inches.
7.03 Unified Development Monument Signs
(a) Conditions of use
(1) Time - A Sign permit shall not be issued to Erect or
place a Unified Development Monument Sign on a
property until a site plan has been approved by the
City Council for development of the property and
after issuance of a building permit for a Building
within the unified development zone.
(2) Place –
(i) A Unified Development Monument Sign shall
be located within a unified development zone,
which shall consist of multiple lots with the
same subdivision name or multiple lots that
were depicted on the same concept plan,
preliminary site plan, or site plan, and be united
through common Building architecture, color,
and materials, landscaping, and parking.
(ii) A Unified Development Monument Sign is
permitted on the same lot as an individual
Monument Sign, but the total number of Unified
Development Monument Signs and individual
Monument Signs located within a unified
development zone shall generally not exceed
the number of lots located within the unified
development zone.
(iii) The minimum front yard setback for a Unified
Development Monument Sign is 15 feet from
the property line. No minimum side and rear
yard setbacks are required for a Unified
Development Monument Sign, but such Sign
shall not be located closer than 75 feet to
another Unified Development Monument Sign
or an individual Monument Sign.
(3) Manner –
(i) A Unified Development Monument Sign shall
be constructed of materials and a design
consistent with the Buildings located on the
property. A Unified Development Monument
Sign shall contain a minimum one foot
masonry border around the Sign. A Unified
Development Monument Sign constructed
entire of masonry materials shall satisfy the
border requirement.
(ii) The maximum area of a Unified Development
Monument Sign shall be based on the size of
the unified development zone. The maximum
area of a Unified Development Monument Sign
for a unified development zone of five acres or
less is 60 square feet. For every whole acre
over five acres, the area of the Sign may be
increased by 12 square feet with the maximum
area of a Unified Development Monument Sign
being 168 square feet.
(iii) The maximum height of a Unified Development
Monument Sign is 16 feet.
(iv) Architectural embellishments for Unified
Development Monument Signs are
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 18
encouraged. Exceptions in maximum height
and area may be considered through the
review of the Sign coordination plan described
in Article 2, Section 7.04 of these Sign
Regulations.
(v) One Unified Development Monument Sign is
permitted per Street frontage of the unified
development zone. One additional Unified
Development Monument Sign is permitted
along a Street for each additional 750 linear
feet, or portion thereof, of Street frontage that
exceeds 750 linear feet of Street frontage.
(vi) Prior to City consideration of a unified
development zone, all property owners located
within a proposed unified development zone
must submit notarized letters to the City
authorizing the creation of the unified
development zone. A lot shall only be included
in a single unified development zone.
7.04 Sign Coordination for Unified Development Plan
(a) A Sign coordination plan is required to be prepared for
variance requests. A Sign coordination plan is also
required prior to the permitting of specified Signs to
determine overall Sign locations on a property, the
relationship of the Signs to surrounding existing,
proposed, and future improvements, and to determine
consistency and uniformity among Buildings and Signs
with a unified development zone or residential
development. The Sign coordination plan shall be
submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for
review and approval.
(b) A Sign coordination plan shall contain the following
information:
(1) Elevations of the Signs illustrating the materials of
construction, colors, lighting, font of letters, and
dimensions of the Signs. If the Sign is to be attached
to a Building, the elevation shall be a composite of
the Sign and the Building.
(2) Elevations depicting the size of the Signs in relation
to the size of the Buildings within the development.
(3) A plan drawn to concept plan, preliminary site plan,
or site plan specifications of the site illustrating the
location of existing and proposed Signs on the
property and, if required by City staff, on adjacent
properties.
(4) Other information to illustrate the consistency and
uniformity of the Signs.
(5) For Unified Development Signs, the Sign
coordination plan shall identify a unified development
zone. Only those properties and businesses included
within the unified development zone shall be
included on the Unified Development Signs Erected
within the unified development zone.
(c) For non-residential and multifamily developments, the
Sign coordination plan shall be submitted to the City
for review with a concept plan, preliminary site plan, or
site plan of the property. For single-family and two-
family developments, the Sign coordination plan shall
be submitted to the City for review with a concept plan,
preliminary plat, or final plat of the property.
(d) A Sign coordination plan required of specified Signs
shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning
Commission for review and approval. Should the
Planning and Zoning Commission deny a Sign
coordination plan, the plan will be forwarded to the City
Council for review and consideration. The City Council
may approve or deny the plan. The City Council's
decision is final.
Section 8. Class 7, Major Attached Signs
Major Attached Signs in the use districts, where permissible,
require a Sign permit to be issued by the Building Official
prior to Erection. Major Attached Signs shall be constructed
only of materials that are noncombustible or slow-burning in
the case of plastic inserts and faces. Combustible materials
may be used, providing the Sign is attached to a wall with a
minimum of two-hour fire resistive rating. Major Attached
Signs placed on heavy wood construction may be of
combustible materials, but in no case shall they be internally
illuminated. The permissible size of major Attached Signs
shall be as defined in each use district. Major Attached
Signs shall specifically include:
(a) Any Sign not defined as a minor Sign or window Sign
and affixed directly or indirectly to the exterior of any
Surface of any Building, to a Projecting Structure of a
Building or to any outdoor structure, providing that
such Sign shall not extend above the Roof Line of a
mansard-type roof, and providing that such Sign shall
not extend more than four feet above the Roof Line for
non-mansard roof structures in retail and commercial
districts only. Such Sign shall be so designed,
constructed and attached so as to withstand a wind
pressure of not less than 30 pounds per foot.
(b) Any Sign not defined as a minor Sign and located
more than four feet above the Roof Line of a Building,
providing such Sign is directly affixed to and not
extending above or beyond an integral part of the
structure of the Building, other than the roof, and
without the use of supporting poles, towers, guys, or
braces of any type, and providing such Signs shall be
so designed, constructed, and attached so as to
withstand a wind pressure of not less than 30 pounds
per square foot.
(c) Any Sign painted or attached directly on the roof
Surface of a Building intended to be visible from the air
where such roof Surface, when projected to ground
level, forms an angle with the ground plane of less
than 25 degrees, providing such Signs shall contain
only the identification of an establishment, directional
information of value to air transportation, and services
available and of interest to air transportation users.
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 19
ARTICLE 3 - Regulation by Use District
Section 1. Generally
The classification of Signs allowed in each use district shall be
only those as defined in this article and subject to the
conditions specified in this article.
Section 2. Single-Family Residential District
The single-family residential use district as referenced herein
shall include all zoning classifications/districts designated as
detached single-family residences usage.
(a) Class 1. Minor Signs shall be permissible in these
districts except where restricted to retail and
commercial districts as specified in Article 2.
(b) Class 3. Traffic-related Signs shall be permissible in
these districts.
(c) Class 4. Temporary Promotional Signs shall
permissible in these districts except where restricted to
retail or commercial districts as specified in Article 2.
Section 3. Apartment Districts
Signs shall be permitted in the Multiple-Family Residential
District only as follows:
(a) Class 1. Minor Signs shall be permissible in these
districts except where restricted to retail and
commercial districts as specified in Article 2.
(b) Class 3. Traffic-related Signs shall be permissible in
these districts.
(c) Class 4. Temporary Promotional Signs shall be
permissible in these districts except where restricted to
retail or commercial districts as specified in Article 2.
(d) Class 5. To the extent permitted under Article 2,
Section 5.01 of these Sign Regulations, Major Free-
Standing Signs shall be permissible in these districts.
However, no Free-Standing Sign shall exceed an area
of 25 square feet, and providing that no more than one
Free-standing (or major attached) Sign per adjacent
public Street for an apartment complex shall be
permitted, and providing that the height shall not
exceed eight feet.
(e) Class 7. Major Attached Signs shall be permissible in
these districts, providing no more than one major
Attached Sign (or major Free-Standing Sign) per
adjacent public Street for an apartment complex shall
be permitted: and providing that the area of the
Attached Sign does not exceed 40 square feet.
Section 4. Industrial Districts
Signs shall be permitted in the Industrial District as follows:
(a) Class 1. Minor Signs shall be permissible in these
districts, except where restricted to retail and
commercial districts as specified in Article 2.
(b) Class 2. Window Signs shall be permissible in these
districts.
(c) Class 3. Traffic-related Signs shall be permissible in
these districts.
(d) Class 4. Temporary Promotional Signs shall be
permissible in these districts, but be limited to Free-
Standing Signs for the purpose of identifying location
of or direction to an industrial subdivision.
(e) Class 5. To the extent permitted under Article 2,
Section 6.01 of these Sign Regulations, Major Free-
Standing Signs shall be permissible in these districts.
One major Free-Standing Sign 25 square feet in area
and six feet in height may be Erected on sites or less
than 10 acres. One major Free-Standing Sign 60
square feet in area and 20 feet in height shall be
permitted for industrial sites of 10 acres or more, and
providing that one additional Free-Standing Sign shall
be permitted for each additional 10 acres. In any
event, no more than one major Free-Standing Sign
shall be permitted per industrial Building per each
adjacent public Street.
(f) Class 7. Major Attached Signs shall be permissible in
these districts, except where restricted to retail and
commercial districts as specified in Article 2. Such
Signs shall be entirely below the Roof Line of the
Building. Buildings with single Street frontage shall be
allowed two Attached Signs. Buildings with frontage on
more than one Street shall be allowed one major
Attached Sign per elevation per Street frontage. For
single-story Buildings intended for multiple occupancy
and where the integral architectural design provides for
separate features for attaching Signs each tenant shall
be allowed a maximum of 15 square feet of Sign area.
The area of other major Attached Signs allowed herein
shall not exceed 5% of the wall area on which it is
Erected or lease space frontage.
Section 5. Office, Retail, and Commercial Districts
The office, retail, and commercial use districts as referenced
herein shall include all zoning classifications/districts
designated for office, local retail, or commercial usage.
(a) Class 1. Minor Signs shall be permissible in these
districts.
(b) Class 2. Window Signs shall be permissible in these
districts.
(c) Class 3. Traffic-related Signs shall be permissible in
these districts.
(d) Class 4. Temporary Promotional Signs shall be
permissible in these districts.
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 20
(e) Class 5. To the extent permitted under Article 2,
Section 6.01 of these Sign Regulations, Major Free-
Standing Signs shall be permitted in these districts.
Single-usage major Free-Standing Signs, as described
in Article 2, shall not exceed the standards set forth in
Table 1. The number of Signs shall be limited by the
following:
(1) For sites of less than 10 acres, one single-usage
major Free-Standing Sign shall be permitted.
(2) Eating establishments with drive-through service are
permitted one menu board Sign per site, limited to
30 square feet, eight feet high, and located no closer
than 30 feet to adjacent property lines.
(3) For sites of 10 acres, but less than 15 acres, two
single-usage major Free-Standing Signs shall be
permitted or one single-usage major Free-Standing
Sign and one multiple-usage major Free-Standing
Sign shall be permitted.
(4) For sites of 15 acres or greater, three single-usage
major Free-Standing Signs shall be permitted, or one
multiple-usage major Free-Standing Sign and two
single-usage major Free-Standing Signs shall be
permitted or two multiple-usage major Free-Standing
Signs shall be permitted, providing that only one
multiple-usage major Free-Standing Sign may be
located per public Street frontage.
(5) For sites exceeding 15 acres on which Signs are
desired in excess of the above regulations, a total
Sign plan for the site may be submitted to the Board
of Adjustments for consideration as a variance from
the requirements of this section.
(f) Class 6. Monument Signs shall be permissible in these
districts.
(g) Class 7. Major Attached Signs shall be permissible in
these districts subject to the following conditions and
restrictions:
(1) An Attached Sign may have an area not exceeding
that calculated by multiplying the length of the
Building front by two feet. This calculation shall be
termed base allowable area. In no event may an
Attached Sign exceed a maximum allowable area of
200 square feet.
(2) A permissible Attached Sign located at a height
above 20 feet shall be permitted an increase in the
base allowable area and an increase in the
maximum allowable area. Such increases shall not
exceed two square feet in area, over that allowed for
a Sign located at 20 feet of height, for each
additional one foot in height above 20 feet.
(3) Attached Signs may be located on each exposed
face of a Building; however, the sum of the area of
all Attached Signs shall not exceed twice the base
allowable area nor shall exceed twice the maximum
allowable area as specified in above subsections
5(g)(1) and 5(g)(2) of this section.
Section 6. Summary of Districts
The following tables summarize the permissible classes of
Signs in the use districts defined in this article, and all
restrictions pertaining to area, height and number of Signs
unless otherwise noted. These tables do not summarize all
regulations included in this Code.
Table 3. Residential Districts (Single and Multi-family)
Districts Permissible
Classes
Max. Area Max. Height Max. Number
Single-family and duplex
district
1, 3, 4 * * *
Subdivision
Sign
24 sq ft 6 ft 2 per adjacent public Street
Educational institutions Bulletin Board
Attached Sign
25 sq ft
12 inch
letter
Below Roof
Line
Below Roof
Line
1 per Building
1 per Building
Public, charitable, or
religious institutions
Free-Standing
Sign
Attached Sign
24 sq ft **
24 sq ft
6 feet
Below Roof
Line
1 per site
1 per site
Apartment District 1, 3, 4
5
7
*
25 sq ft
40 sq ft
*
8 ft
8 ft below
Roof Line
*
1 of either class per adjacent public
Street
*Refer to Article 2.
** Religious Institution – 60 sq. feet.
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 21
Class 1-Minor Signs; Class 2-Window Signs; Class 3-Traffic-related Signs; Class 4-Temporary Promotional Signs;
Class 5-Major Free-Standing Signs; Class 6-Monument Signs; Class 7-Major Attached Signs
Table 4. Industrial Districts
Permissible
Classes
Max. Area Max.
Height
Max. Number
1, 2, 3 * * *
4 (On-Site) 96 sq ft 15 ft 1 for sites of 30 acres or less; 1 additional for each additional
30 acres or any portion thereof
4 (Off-Site) 32 sq ft 15 ft
5 25 sq ft 6 ft 1 for sites less than 10 acres but not more than 1 per building
per adjacent public Street
5 60 sq ft 20 ft 1 for sites more than 10 acres and 1 additional for each
additional 10 acres, but not more than 1 per building per
adjacent public Street
6 80 sq ft 6 ft 1 Single-use sign
6 120 sq ft 6 ft 1 Multi-use sign
7 5% of the wall area
to which attached
Below
Roof Line
1 per building or lease space within building—1 per Street
frontage for building or lease space with multiple Street
frontages
* Refer to Article 2.
Class 1-Minor Signs; Class 2-Window Signs; Class 3-Traffic-related Signs; Class 4-Temporary Promotional Signs; Class 5-Major
Free-Standing Signs; Class 6-Monument Signs; Class 7-Major Attached Signs
Table 5. Retail and Commercial Districts
Permissible
Classes
Max. Area Max. Height Max. Number
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 * * *
6
(a) Single usage
Sign
(b) Multiple-
usage Sign
80 sq ft
120 sq ft
6 ft
6 ft
1 per street frontage and
100 ft from another
monument sign
1 per street frontage and
250 ft from another
multiple-use monument
sign
7 Sign area may not exceed 2
times the length of building
front or 200 square feet,
whichever is less, for Signs at
heights of 20 feet or less.
Above 20 feet in height, an
additional 2 sq. ft. is allowed
per additional foot of height
Below Roof Line for mansard
type roofs. Limited to 4 ft.
above Roof Line for non-
mansard type roofs. May
extend higher if attached to an
integral architectural feature of
the building other than the roof.
Sum of all attached Sign
area on a building may not
exceed twice the area
allowed for a single Sign.
Attached sins may be
located on each exposed
face of the building.
* Refer to Article 2.
Class 1-Minor Signs; Class 2-Window Signs; Class 3-Traffic-related Signs; Class 4-Temporary Promotional Signs; Class 5-Major
Free-Standing Signs; Class 6-Monument Signs; Class 7-Major Attached Signs
PART III - D SIGN REGULATIONS – current through 12/13/2011 PAGE 22
INDEX
A
Administration and Enforcement
Generally .................................................................... 10
Variance Fees and Notification .................................. 10
C
Classification ............................................................. 11, 19
Class 2, Window Signs ................................................ 12
Class 3, Traffic Related Signs ...................................... 12
Class 4, Temporary Promotional Signs ....................... 13
Class 5, Major Freestanding Signs .............................. 13
Class 6, Monument Signs ........................................... 16
Class 7, Major Attached ............................................. 18
D
Definitions ......................................................................... 3
I
internal monument sign ................................................. 17
Internal Monument Signs ............................................... 17
M
Multi‐Use Signs ............................................................... 15
P
Penalties ........................................................................... 6
Pole Sign Regulations ...................................................... 14
R
Regulation by Use District
Apartment Districts .................................................... 19
Generally .................................................................... 19
Industrial Districts ...................................................... 19
Office, Retail, and Commercial Districts .................... 19
Single‐Family Residential District ............................... 19
Summary of Districts .................................................. 20
Table for Industrial Districts ....................................... 21
Table for Residential Districts .................................... 20
Table for Retail and Commercial Districts .................. 21
Responsibility for Violation ............................................... 6
S
Sign Control Board, abolished ........................................ 10
Sign coordination plan .................................................... 18
sign permit ................................ 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18
Sign Permit
Appeals ...................................................................... 10
Fees ............................................................................ 10
Issuance and Term ..................................................... 10
Required ................................................................... 8, 9
U
Unified Development Monument Signs ......................... 17