For the purpose of this article, the following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Argon.
See “Neon.”
Average grade.
The grade of the finished ground level at the midpoint of each exterior surface of a sign, or a structure if the sign is attached to the structure. Average grade will be defined by the commission if it differs by more than three feet from the highest or lowest point on the lot or if it is three or more feet different from frontage road grade.
Banner.
A sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material, including but not limited to flags and pennants.
Billboard.
Any sign that is freestanding or attached to or part of a building and is an off-premises sign.
Building official.
The building official of the city or the building official’s designated representative.
City.
The City of Krum, Denton County, Texas, and its area of extraterritorial jurisdiction as defined by the Texas Local Government Code, chapter 42.
Commercial sign.
A sign other than a real estate “for sale” or “for lease” sign, political sign, residential nameplate sign, public information sign, traffic-control sign or exempted sign which directs the attention of the general public to a business, product, service, or other commercial or business activity.
Commission or planning and zoning commission.
The planning and zoning commission of the city.
Compensable cost.
Those costs for which the owner of a nonconforming sign required to be relocated, reconstructed or removed by this article is entitled to be compensated pursuant to V.T.C.A., Local Government Code, chapter 216. Costs required to be paid shall be calculated in accordance with the formula set forth in the statute.
Direct lighting.
Lighting in which the greater part of the light illuminating the sign originates within the sign, such as light behind translucent letters.
Electronic message center (EMC).
A variable message sign that utilizes a computer or other electronic controlled means to change and control the message displayed.
Erect.
To build, construct, alter, reconstruct, pour, lay, move upon, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix. It also includes the painting of wall signs, murals or supergraphics, or any physical operation on the premises which is required for the construction of a sign, including excavation, site clearance, landfill and the like.
Fine art.
A sculpture, fountain or similar object.
Freestanding sign.
Any sign which is not attached to or on the walls, face, or exterior of a building.
Hanging sign.
See “Projecting sign.”
Indirect lighting.
An evenly distributed light source separated from the surface and illuminating the sign surface by means of spotlights or similar non-visible fixtures.
Landscaping.
To change the natural features by adding trees, bushes, flowers, etc.
Lot.
An undivided tract or parcel of land having access to a public street and which is, or in the future may be, offered for sale, conveyance, transfer or improvement and designated as a distinct and separate tract or lot.
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
The state publication for streets and highways.
Memorial sign.
A sign or tablet which denotes the name of a building and the date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other metal.
Monument sign.
A sign which is mounted on a base at least as wide as the sign and is of limited height. The opening between the base and the sign must be no greater than two inches.
Neon or neon lighting.
A sign, trim, or decoration with the illumination provided by a gas-filled electrical discharge lamp in which the gas is made up of a large proportion of neon, argon or krypton.
Nonconforming sign.
Any sign which would be unlawful or nonconforming hereunder but for the fact that such sign was lawfully in existence on the date of the passage of Ordinance 05-02, adopted January 20, 2005.
Notice.
Actual notice or written notice sent by registered or certified mail.
Office complex.
Two or more offices and/or office establishments sharing customer parking area, regardless of whether said offices or office establishments occupy separate structures or are under separate ownership, or on separate tracts or lots of land.
Official sign.
Any sign erected by or at the direction of any government body.
Off-premises sign.
Any sign other than an on-premises sign.
On-premises sign.
A sign which advertises only goods, services, facilities, events or attractions available on the premises where located, or identifies the owner or occupant or directs traffic on the premises.
Owner.
A person recorded as the owner on official records; the owner of property on which a sign is located is presumed to be the owner of the sign unless facts to the contrary are established. Holders of long-term leases are considered owners.
Person.
Includes a corporation, partnership, association, trust, firm, executor, receiver, trustee, or lessee as well as an individual.
Pole sign.
Any sign mounted on a pole. Real estate signs are not considered pole signs.
Political sign.
Any sign which is designed to influence the action of voters for the passage or defeat of a measure appearing on the ballot at any national, state or local election or which is designed to influence the voters for the election or defeat of a candidate for nomination or election to any public office at any national, state or local election. Political signs shall not include the name of the sponsor, the business promoting the activity or advertise the business.
Portable sign.
Any sign not permanently affixed to a building, structure or the ground and designed or constructed in such a manner that it can be moved or relocated without involving any structural or support changes. This definition includes, but is not limited to, A-frame signs, sandwich signs, curb signs and signs on trailers with or without wheels or on other vehicles which are primarily used as signs.
Premises.
A lot or tract within the city, and contiguous lands in the same ownership, which is not divided by any public highway, street or alley, or right-of-way therefor.
Project development sign.
A temporary sign for a commercial or multifamily tract which may identify a project under construction and includes the project’s name and address, general contractor, architect, financing, and contact agent with appropriate phone numbers.
Projecting or hanging sign.
Any sign attached to a building and extending in whole or in part more than nine inches beyond the building line. Allowable size does not include the supporting structure.
Public information sign.
Any sign or banner which is intended to identify community, civic and social events, and is not a commercial sign, official sign, political sign, or real estate sign.
Real estate “for sale” or “for lease” sign.
A temporary sign designating that the premises upon which it is erected are for sale, rent, or lease.
Reflective surface.
Any material or device which has the effect of intensifying reflected light, such as scotch-light, day-glow, glass beads and/or luminous paint.
Residential nameplate sign.
A sign permitted for the sole purpose of identifying the inhabitant residing therein or the house name or identifying the address of the house. The sign may not contain advertising of any kind.
Residential plat.
A drawing of parcels of land containing one or more lots intended for residential development.
Restoration.
The routine maintenance and painting of existing approved signs that does not change the approved design and color in any way.
Road grade.
The level of the road considered in relation to the average grade in determining an allowable sign height.
Shopping center.
Two or more retail stores and/or service establishments, or one retail store and one service establishment, sharing customer parking area, regardless of whether such stores and/or establishments occupy separate structures or are under separate ownership or on separate lots or tracts of land.
Sign.
A name, identification, image, light device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, billboard, description, display or illustration which is affixed to, painted or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, picture window (attached inside or outside), or piece of land, and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, facility, service, event, attraction, person, institution, organization or business.
Surface area of a sign.
The area of the smallest geometric figure, or the sum of the combination of regular geometric figures, which comprise the sign face excluding structural supports, architectural features of a building or sign structure, nonstructural thematic or decorative trim, or any areas that are separated from the background surface upon which the sign copy is displayed by a distinct delineation, such as a reveal or a border as follows:
(1) 
In the case of panel or cabinet type signs, the sign face shall include the entire area of the sign panel, cabinet or face substrate upon which the sign copy is displayed or illustrated, but not open space between separate panels or cabinets.
(2) 
In the case of signs painted on a building, or individual letters or graphic elements affixed to a building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the sum of the geometric figures or combination of regular geometric figures drawn closest to the edge of the letters or separate graphic elements comprising the sign copy, but not the open space between separate groupings of sign copy on the same building or structure.
(3) 
In the case of sign copy enclosed within a painted or illuminated border, or displayed on a background contrasting in color with the color of the building or structure, the sign face shall comprise the area within the contrasting background, or within the painted or illuminated border.
Temporary new business opening sign.
Any sign, balloon, banner, or any other device which is used to advertise the opening of a new business or the occurrence of an annual special event that may be displayed for a limited duration only.
Temporary single-family residence construction sign.
A sign permitted to identify a residence under construction including the residence address, general contractor, architect or designer. Such sign is also used for a residence being remodeled, landscaped, or adding a pool, etc.
Temporary site development sign.
A sign permitted to identify a project under construction including the project name, project address, general contractor, and architect. No specific advertisements are allowed on the signs.
Traffic-control sign.
A permitted sign for the purpose of identifying parking areas and directing the flow of traffic on private property.
Translucent sign.
Signs which are made of material which will allow for internal light sources. Translucent signs are prohibited.
Wall sign.
A sign attached to, painted on, or erected against the wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign in a place parallel to the face of the wall and not projecting more than nine inches from the face of the wall at any point.
Zone.
A zoning district as shown on the official zoning map of the city.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.301; Ordinance 2017-10-03, sec. 3.01, adopted 10/2/17; Ordinance 2017-10-03, sec. 3.02, adopted 10/2/17; Ordinance 2023-771 adopted 6/5/2023)
Any person convicted of a violation of any provision of this article shall be fined in accordance with the general penalty provision found in section 1.01.009 of this code.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.309)
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, re-erect, place, maintain, alter or relocate a sign within the corporate limits of the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction except in accordance with the provisions of this article. Except [as provided] hereafter a permit shall be required for each sign and an electrical permit shall be obtained for all lighted or illuminated signs.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.302)
Any sign not expressly authorized by this article, or specifically exempted from the provisions hereof, is prohibited within the corporate limits of the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Prohibited signs include, but are not limited to:
(1) 
Off-premises signs;
(2) 
Portable signs, except those used for temporary purposes as authorized by this article;
(3) 
Exposed neon light tubing which serves to direct attention to a place, building, etc., as defined in section 3.05.001, except for signs in business windows with the words “open” or “closed,” which may have a maximum combined size of two square feet;
(4) 
Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device, or obstruct or interfere with a driver’s view of approaching, merging, or intersecting traffic;
(5) 
Except as provided for elsewhere in this article, signs encroaching upon or overhanging a public right-of-way. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, light standard, street, tree, or any other public facility located in the public right-of-way;
(6) 
Cloth, canvas, paper, soft plastic, balloons, flags, or similar advertising signs or devices other than in rigid frames as provided herein, except those intended as temporary signs;
(7) 
Signs that have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or municipal vehicle warnings, from a distance;
(8) 
Any sign attached to or placed on a vehicle or trailer parked on public or private property, or cruising on public or private roads in the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Through traffic is exempted from this provision. The prohibitions in this subsection do not apply to the identification of a firm or its principal products on a vehicle operating during the normal course of business or being taken home;
(9) 
Boxes stored in view of the street, etc., which have product identification that serves as a sign;
(10) 
Pole signs (except temporary and real estate) and translucent signs.
(11) 
Window or door signs where the area of the window or door sign covers or renders said window or door such that it is opaque by more than 50% of the area of said window or door.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.303; Ordinance 2023-771 adopted 6/5/2023)
The provisions of this article shall not apply to the following signs:
(1) 
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other metal;
(2) 
Official governmental notices and notices posted by governmental officers in the performance of their duties, and governmental signs to control traffic or for other regulatory purposes, or to identify streets, or to warn of danger;
(3) 
Works of fine art, as defined in this article, which in no way identify or advertise a product or business;
(4) 
Temporary decorations or displays, when they are clearly incidental to and are customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday or celebration; provided that such decorations are maintained in an attractive condition, do not constitute a fire or traffic or pedestrian hazard, and are removed within a reasonable time after the event or celebration has occurred;
(5) 
Temporary or permanent signs erected by public utility companies or construction companies to warn of danger or hazardous conditions, including signs indicating the presence of underground cables, gas lines and similar devices;
(6) 
Signs displayed on trucks, buses, trailers or other vehicles which are being operated in the normal course of a business, indicating the name of the owner, business and location (e.g., moving vans, delivery trucks, rental trucks and trailers and the like), provided that the primary purpose of the vehicles is not for display of signs, and provided that they are parked in areas appropriate to their use as vehicles, are normally used in the course of business and are in operable condition and carry a current and valid license plate and state inspection tag;
(7) 
International, national and/or state flags as long as the flag is of nominal size, i.e., approximately 5' x 10'.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.304)
(a) 
Wind pressure.
Any sign, as defined in this article, which will have a height, as measured above the average level of the ground adjacent to the proposed structure, of six (6) feet or more, shall be designed and constructed to withstand wind load pressures in pounds per square foot as set out in the city’s building codes or TexDOT standards, whichever is greater.
(b) 
Electrical requirements.
All sign lighting shall utilize ground fault interceptors in the electrical supply circuit.
(c) 
Traffic safety.
No sign shall obstruct visibility or otherwise cause a traffic hazard.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.305)
(a) 
Criteria.
The city council may authorize a variance to any provision of this article, including but not limited to the number, type, area, height, or setback of signs, or any other aspect involved in the sign permitting process. In granting a variance, the city council shall determine that a literal enforcement of the sign regulations will create an unnecessary hardship or a practical difficulty [that] is unique to the affected property and is not self-imposed, that the variance will not injure and will be wholly compatible with the use and permitted development of adjacent properties, and the granting of the variance will be in harmony with the spirit and purpose of this article.
(b) 
Procedure.
A person may request a variance from the sign ordinance by filing the request with the building official, accompanied by the completed application and a nonrefundable filing fee in the amount specified in the current fee schedule adopted by the city council.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.306)
The provisions of this article shall not be construed as relieving or limiting in any way the responsibility of any person, firm or corporation erecting or owning any sign from personal injury or property damage resulting from the placing of the sign or resulting from the negligence or willful acts of such person, firm or corporation, its agents, employees or workmen in the design, construction, maintenance, repair or removal of any sign erected in accordance with a permit issued under the provisions of this article. Nor shall it be construed as imposing upon the city council or the building official any responsibility or liability by reason of the approval of any sign, materials, or devices under the provisions of this article.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.307)
It shall be unlawful for any person to do any of the following acts:
(1) 
To post, paint, or otherwise exhibit any advertisement, poster, bill, or other notice or sign on any property not owned or controlled by him without the permission of the person owning or in control of said property.
(2) 
To tear down, remove or otherwise interfere with any notice, sign, advertisement, bill or poster erected by another, unless the same was placed or maintained on the property of the person removing the same, without permission previously given.
(3) 
To paint, mark, or write on or post or otherwise affix any handbill or sign to or upon any sidewalk, crosswalk, curb, curbstone, street lamp post, hydrant, tree, shrub, tree stake or guard, railroad trestle, or electric light or power or telephone or telegraph wire pole, or wire appurtenance thereof, or upon any fixture of the fire alarm or police system, or upon any lighting system, public bridge, drinking fountain, lifebuoy, life preserver, lifeboat, or any other life-saving equipment, street sign or traffic sign. Any handbill or sign found posted or otherwise affixed upon any public property contrary to the provisions of this section may be removed by the police department or other department or individual so designated by the city. The person responsible for any such illegal posting shall be liable for the cost incurred in the removal thereof and the building official is authorized to effect the collection of said costs.
(4) 
To place or cause to be placed anywhere within the city or its area of extraterritorial jurisdiction any poster, placard, handbill, or advertising material on any vehicle, or in any location, in such a manner that the same may reasonably be expected to be blown about by the wind. It shall be presumed that the person’s name that appears on said poster, placard, handbill, or advertising material has knowledge of the location and manner that said item was placed. It shall be further presumed that if a large number of said items are found scattered about and being blown about by the wind that the items were placed in such a manner that they might reasonably be expected to be blown about by the wind.
(5) 
To erect, maintain, or paint any sign or other message or outdoor advertising upon a tree, rock, or other natural feature.
(6) 
To erect within the corporate limits of the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction any sign or other outdoor advertising without having prior thereto obtained from the building official a permit therefor, except as specifically exempted by the provisions of this article.
(7) 
To erect within the corporate limits of the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction any sign not expressly authorized by this article or expressly exempted from the provisions hereof.
(8) 
To maintain any sign required to be registered under the provisions of division 3 of this article without having registered said sign or without having kept current the registration of said sign in accordance with the provisions thereof.
(9) 
To remove, alter, change, or obscure, without authorization of the commission, any official tag or identification which was placed on any outdoor advertising material.
(10) 
To erect or maintain any sign within the corporate limits of the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction in violation of or except as authorized by the provisions of this article.
(11) 
To own legal title to an interest in real property on which property a sign is located in violation of this article.
(12) 
For a permittee to fail to maintain a permitted sign in good repair and appearance and in conformance with all specifications, conditions, and terms included in a permit for the affected sign.
(1998 Code, sec. 9.308; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
Businesses located on FM 1173 also known as Mccart Street from the eastern side of Masch Branch Road west to FM 156 shall be allowed to have one (1) temporary sign from this date (March 4, 2024) until the widening of FM 1173 is complete.
(b) 
Said temporary sign may not be larger than 32 square feet in size and business owner/operator shall obtain a no cost permit for said sign from the permit department.
(Ordinance 2024-804 adopted 3/4/2024)