This article is intended to regulate signs and to minimize outdoor advertising in order to protect public safety, health and welfare; minimize abundance and size of signs to reduce visual clutter, motorist distraction, and loss of visibility; promote public convenience; preserve property values; and enhance the aesthetic appearance and quality of life of the community. The requirements contained herein are intended to be content neutral. The following objectives are accomplished by establishing the minimum amount of regulations necessary concerning the size, placement, construction, illumination, and other aspects of signs within the City of Bells in order to:
(a) 
Protect the public right to receive and convey messages, including religious, political, economic, social, philosophical and other types of information protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
(b) 
Recognize that the proliferation of signs is unduly distracting to motorists and non-motorized travelers, reduces the effectiveness of signs directing and warning the public, causes confusion, reduces desired uniform traffic flow, and creates potential for crashes.
(c) 
Maintain and improve the image of the community by encouraging signs of consistent size which are compatible with and complementary to related buildings and uses, and harmonious with their surroundings.
(d) 
Recognize that the principal intent of commercial signs, to meet the purpose of these requirements and serve the public interest, should be for identification of an establishment on the premises, and not for advertising special events, brand names or off-premise activities, as these can be advertised more appropriately by other methods.
(e) 
Eliminate potential conflicts between business signs and traffic-control signs, thereby minimizing the potential for confusion and hazardous consequences.
(f) 
Enable the public to locate goods, services and facilities without undue difficulty and confusion by restricting the number and placement of signs.
(g) 
Prevent placement of signs which will conceal or obscure signs of adjacent uses.
(h) 
Prevent off-premise signs from conflicting with other land uses.
(i) 
Prevent signs that are potentially dangerous to the public due to structural deficiencies or disrepair.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
A sign shall not hereafter be erected, re-erected, constructed, altered or maintained without receiving the proper sign permit, except as provided by section 12.03.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
A sign of the following type shall be permitted without the issuance of a sign permit, subject to all other requirements of this Article.
(a) 
Device Signs.
Permanent signs on vending machines or other containers, provided that the sign area of each device shall not exceed three (3) square feet.
(b) 
Flags.
Flags provided there shall be no more than three (3) flags per lot, the maximum size of each flag shall be 50 square feet, and the flag poles comply with height limitations of Section 2.09.
(c) 
Employment Signs.
“Help wanted” signs soliciting employees for the place of business where posted, provided that the maximum total area for all such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
(d) 
Enclosed Signs.
Any sign that is located completely within a building and is not visible from the outside.
(e) 
Historical Signs.
Plaques or signs designating a building or premises as a historic structure or premises not to exceed twelve (12) square feet.
(f) 
Incidental Signs.
Signs affixed to buildings of commercial businesses that do not exceed four (4) square feet.
(g) 
Murals.
Murals shall be allowed after review and approval by Planning and Zoning Commission.
(h) 
Identification Signs.
Signs for the sole purpose of identifying an assigned house number, owner name, occupant, or building name. Identification signs of two (2) square feet in surface display area shall not be counted in the total sign area allowed on the premises, however, such signs larger than two (2) square feet shall be counted in the computation of total sign area otherwise allowed by this Ordinance.
(i) 
Public Signs.
Public signs, including the authorized signs of a government body or public utility, including traffic signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, warnings of a hazard, historical landmark or building designation signs, and similar signs.
(j) 
Non-Commercial signs on Residential Property.
Non-commercial signs on residential property shall be permitted provided they are set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the public right-of-way or any lot line and are limited to 32 square feet and do not exceed 3 signs per lot.
(k) 
Traffic-Control Signs.
Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising, including logos. Driveway entry/exit signs shall only be allowed as an exempt sign under this section where there are one-way drives or restricted turning movements that require signage to direct motorists;[1]
[1]
Editor’s note—Original has this as Subsection (a).
(l) 
Warning signs.
“No Trespassing” and other types of warning signs are allowed in all areas; not to exceed three (3) square feet per sign.[2]
[2]
Editor’s note—Original has this as Subsection (b)
(m) 
Window Signs.
Window signs shall be permitted in all nonresidential districts, up to 20% of the glass surface provided:[3]
(1) 
The area of permanent window signs shall be counted in determining compliance with requirements for total area of wall signs.
(2) 
Window signs that are faded, yellowed, ripped, or otherwise damaged shall be removed immediately.
[3]
Editor’s note—Original has this as Subsection (c).
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21; Ordinance adopting Code)
(a) 
The following signs require a permit under table 12.4 [section 12.07]. The number, display area, and height of signs within the nonresidential zoning districts are provided below and its accompanying set of additional requirements.
Table 12.1. Specific Sign Requirements
Type of Sign
Max. Height
Max. Size (1)
Max. Number
Additional Requirements
Awning
Must not exceed height of building
25% of awning up to a maximum of 50 sq. ft.
1 per awning
(2)
Billboard
30 ft.
672 sq. ft.
 
(3)
Business Center
12 ft.
72 sq. ft. per face
1 per street frontage
(4)
Development and Subdivision Entry
4 ft.
20 sq. ft. per face
1 per entrance
(5)
Gasoline Price
12 ft.
12 sq. ft. per face
1 per street frontage
(6)
Home Occupation
–
3 sq. ft.
–
–
Menu Boards (i.e. A-frame; Sandwich Boards)
5 ft.
16 sq. ft. per side
1 per entrance
–
Monument or Ground
6 ft.
72 sq. ft. per side
1 per street frontage
(7)
Multiple-family development signs
4 ft. unless on wall
12 sq. ft.
 
 
Parking lot
12 ft.
12 sq. ft. per side
1 per parking lot
–
Pole Sign
30 ft.
200 sq. ft. per side
1 per street frontage
(8)
Wall Mount Sign
Must not exceed height of building
10% of wall up to a maximum of 140 sq. ft.
1 per facade facing a street or public right-of-way
(9)
(b) 
Signs noted in Table 12.1 shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) 
The Planning and Zoning Commission may permit a fifteen [percent] 15% increase in the allowable sign area where the site has shared access with an adjoining site in accordance with Article 10, Site Development Provisions.
(2) 
Awnings.
Awnings may project over the public sidewalk, provided they are a minimum of eight (8) feet above the sidewalk and do not obstruct the public.
(3) 
Billboard.
Billboards must be approved and permitted by TXDOT prior to the City of Bells approval and shall only be permitted locally where in compliance with all of the following requirements:
(a) 
Districts Allowed.
Billboards are allowed only in the following districts: M1– Light Industrial and C2–General Commercial zoning districts and only along State Highways.
(b) 
Location.
Billboards shall be constructed so that its principal view is fully screened from an interchange area involving merging traffic. Any billboard shall comply with the following:
1. 
The billboard must be constructed in such a manner as to be viewed from the State Highway and not from local roadways, alley roads, traffic intersections, or residential areas.
2. 
The premises must have a roadway easement such that the persons maintaining and servicing the sign may reach the site without danger.
(c) 
Size and Configuration.
A billboard shall be constructed according to applicable building requirements, codes, and zoning regulations, including the following:
1. 
The maximum height shall be 30 feet above median ground level within a 500 feet radius of the site.
2. 
The maximum sign surface area shall be 672 square feet.
3. 
Billboards shall be back to back or a “v” design; for a “v” design maximum separation between sign ends shall be 20 feet.
4. 
Side-by-side or deck/stacked structures shall not be permitted.
5. 
Billboards shall be prohibited from:
i. 
Extending above the tree line or horizon when viewed from any portion of the roadway that it faces.
ii. 
Being located on or over the roofs of buildings.
iii. 
Projecting over any public easement or right-of-way.
(d) 
Spacing and Separation.
A billboard shall maintain all of the following spacing and setback requirements:
1. 
At least 300 feet from any residential zoning district, historic district or outdoor park/recreational facility measured from property lines.
2. 
At least 300 feet from any park, school, church, hospital, cemetery, or government building measured from property lines.
3. 
The application shall include a certified site plan showing compliance with the spacing and separation distances required by this Article.
(e) 
Setbacks.
Billboards shall comply with all setback requirements for an accessory structure in the district in which they are located.
(f) 
Limitations on Movement.
A billboard shall be prohibited from having moving, flashing, oscillating or other distracting parts visible to drivers or vehicles. Rotating signs shall not be permitted.
(g) 
Illumination.
A billboard may be illuminated subject to all of the following requirements:
1. 
Illumination must be directed in such a manner that all incidental light generated falls on the sign face.
2. 
All lights must be shielded such that the light is not visible to traffic or surrounding homes or businesses.
3. 
The use of animated electrical signage shall be prohibited.
4. 
Billboards within 400 feet of any residential district may not be illuminated between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(h) 
Non-used billboards.
Any billboard not in use shall have the unused surface display a scenic view, consistent with the area scenery or a public service display.
(i) 
Maintenance and Unsafe Conditions.
Any billboard that collapses, topples or disintegrates shall be made safe within 20 days of the event or the site shall be cleared of the debris.
(j) 
State Compliance Required.
All billboards shall comply with applicable requirements and conditions [of] the State of Texas. A billboard permit shall be first obtained from TXDOT prior to City of Bells permit.
(k) 
Identification Plate.
The framework, foundations or superstructure of the billboard shall have a metal identification plate, as defined, firmly attached thereto.
(4) 
Business Centers.
Each business center with at least 150 feet of major road frontage may be allowed one (1) on-premises freestanding business center sign, subject to the following:
(a) 
May be directly or indirectly illuminated.
(b) 
May be double-faced.
(c) 
Shall not reduce the number of signs or sign area otherwise allowed for the premises included within the business center but shall prohibit any other freestanding signs from being located within the business center.
(5) 
Community, Neighborhood, Development Entry Signs.
(a) 
Freestanding signs of low-profile design.
(b) 
May be directly or indirectly illuminated.
(6) 
Gasoline Service Stations.
Each gasoline service station may be allowed the following signs in addition to the signs otherwise allowed by this Article:
(a) 
Gasoline pump signs not exceeding three (3) square feet per pump.
(b) 
Signage on the canopy, which shall be counted toward determining compliance with the requirements for total allowable area of wall signs allowed on the parcel.
(c) 
May contain up to two (2) pump island signs located on the structural supports identifying “self-serve” and “full-serve” operations, provided that such signs do not exceed four (4) square feet in area.
(7) 
Monument or Ground Signs.
Monument signs shall have a brick base and landscaping around the base of the sign.
(8) 
Real Estate Development Signs.
Permits for real estate development signs shall be issued for one (1) year and may be renewed on annual basis.
(9) 
Wall Signs.
(a) 
Sign shall not extend more than 11 inches perpendicular to the surface of the building wall area upon which it is painted, erected, or fastened. Wall signs may extend over a public sidewalk, provided they have a minimum 10-foot clearance from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign.
(b) 
For businesses that face directly onto adjacent public street right-of-way, the maximum allowable wall sign area may be increased as indicated in the table below:
Distance of Sign from ROW Line
Allowable Sign Area
0 - 200 ft.
150 sq. ft.
201 - 300 ft.
250 sq. ft.
401 - 500 ft.
300 sq. ft.
501 - 600 ft.
400 sq. ft.
601 ft. +
600 sq. ft.
(c) 
Wall signs may be directly or indirectly illuminated.
(d) 
No sign shall project more than 48 inches into a public way, sidewalk, or dedicated easement. Any such projecting sign shall be oriented so that the face surfaces of the sign are perpendicular to the face of the wall from which it projects, provided, however, that a sign projecting from a point at which two walls converge to form a corner in any direction [sic]. Projecting signs shall not exceed 2-1/2 inches in thickness and be no larger than 16 square feet. The projecting sign must be a minimum of 10 feet from the sidewalk to the bottom of the projecting sign.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
The following devices and locations are specifically prohibited:
(a) 
Unspecified Signs.
Any signs not expressly permitted are prohibited.
(b) 
Commercial Vehicles used as Signs.
Unlicensed or inoperable stationary or abandoned motor vehicles, trailers or watercraft parked on public or private property used specifically for signage and not for the intended use of the vehicle are prohibited. No commercial vehicle may be parked on a business or industrial premise for a time period exceeding 72 hours for the intended purpose of advertising a product or serving as a business sign.
(c) 
Double Signs.
Double-wide sign structures, that is, a single sign structure on which two or more billboards, or other type of signs, are placed or located side-by-side and facing the same direction are prohibited. A double stack, or deck sign structure, that is, a structure on which two signs are placed on one pole or structure, such that one sign is above the other and facing the same direction.
(d) 
Emergency Vehicles Simulation Signs.
Signs that simulate or could in any way be confused with the lighting of emergency vehicles or traffic signals are prohibited.
(e) 
High Intensity/Flashing Light Signs.
Signs that blink, flash, are animated by lighting in any fashion or have the appearance of traffic safety signs, or lights, or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance are prohibited.
(f) 
Illuminated Signs Adjacent to Residential.
Illuminated signs within 100 feet of a residential zoned district are prohibited unless it is designed to not reflect or shine light onto the residential district.
(g) 
Moving/Streaming Signs.
Rotating signs or signs having moving members or parts, or appearance of movement are prohibited.
(h) 
Snipe Signs.
Signs attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree or any other public facility located within the public right-of-way are prohibited.
(i) 
Off-Premise Signs.
Signs, except for billboards, which identify a use or advertises products and services not available on the premises on which the sign is located (e.g. garage sale signs, residential open house signs, signs providing directions to a business) are prohibited.
(j) 
Portable Signs.
Portable signs are prohibited except where expressly allowed in this article.
(k) 
Roof Signs.
Signs erected above the roof line of a building are prohibited.
(l) 
Signs that Confuse Traffic.
Signs that make use of the words “Stop,” “Look,” “Go,” “Slow,” “Caution,” or “Danger,” or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic are prohibited.
(m) 
Signs that Obstruct Access.
Signs that prevent free and unobstructed access to any door, window, fire escape, or other required exit are prohibited.
(n) 
Signs that Obstruct Vision.
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 are prohibited.
(o) 
Signs Located in Public Right-of-Way.
Signs located in, encroaching upon or overhanging public rights-of-way are prohibited, except awning, marquee and wall signs overhanging the sidewalk, as permitted in section 12.04.
(p) 
Structurally Unsafe Signs.
Signs which are deemed structurally unsafe or are constructed in violation of the requirements of any adopted Construction Code are prohibited.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
Signs which are permitted as accessory uses serving a commercial or informational purpose may be permitted subject to the requirements of this section.
(a) 
Determination of Sign Display Area.
No sign shall exceed the maximum sign display area allowed for a district. The sign display area is to be expressed in square feet, computed to the nearest tenth of a square foot, and shall be computed as follows:
(1) 
Single-Faced Sign.
The allowable area for a single-faced sign shall be measured by calculating the square footage of the sign face by enclosing the most protruding points or edges of a sign within a parallelogram or rectangle, including any frame.
(2) 
Wall Signs.
Where a sign consists of individual letters and/or a logo affixed directly to a building, the area of the sign shall be computed by measuring the area of the envelope required to enclose the lettering and logo.
(3) 
Double-Face Signs.
Where a sign has two (2) or more faces, the area of only the larger face shall be considered when calculating maximum size, provided all faces are part of the same structure.
(b) 
Setbacks.
All freestanding signs, unless otherwise provided for, shall be set back as follows. This distance shall be measured from the nearest edge of the sign, measured at a vertical line perpendicular to the ground to the right-of-way.
(1) 
Signs shall be set back a minimum of one (1) foot from any public road right-of-way or easement.
(c) 
Design Requirements.
(1) 
Architectural Features.
All signs shall be placed in a manner that does not obstruct or intrude upon architectural features of a building.
(2) 
Materials.
Sign materials shall be designed to complement the original construction materials and architectural style of the building facade to promote an overall unified and aesthetic effect as permitted in the various zoning districts.
(d) 
Illumination.
(1) 
General Requirements.
Signs may be illuminated only by steady, stationary, shielded light sources using approved electrical devices directed solely at the sign, or internal to it. Signage lighting shall be subject to the lighting intensity limits specified in Article 10, Site Development Provisions.
(2) 
Non-glare, Shielded Lighting.
Use of glaring undiffused lights or bulbs shall be prohibited. Lights shall be shaded and/or shielded downward so as not to project onto adjoining properties or thoroughfares.
(3) 
Traffic Hazards.
Sign illumination that could distract motorists or otherwise create a traffic hazard shall be prohibited.
(4) 
Illumination by Other Sources.
Illumination by bare bulbs, luminous tubing/neon or flames is prohibited, except that bare bulbs are permitted on theater marquees.
(5) 
Electronic Changeable Message Sign.
Electronic changeable message signs illuminated by Light-Emitting Diode (LED) or other similar method shall be permitted, subject to the following requirements:
(a) 
Electronic changeable message signs shall only be permitted in nonresidential zoning districts.
(b) 
Only one (1) electronic changeable message sign shall be permitted per business.
(c) 
Electronic changeable message signs that are greater than 12 square feet in area shall not be located with [within] 600 feet [of] any other electronic changeable message sign greater than 12 square feet in area on the same parcel.
(d) 
Electronic changeable message signs shall not exceed the following illuminative brightness:
Time of Day
Brightness
Within 500 feet of Residential District or Use
At least 500 feet from Residential District or Use
Nighttime
500 nits (cd/m2)
1,250 nits (cd/m2)
Daytime
3,500 nits (cd/m2) 
5,000 nits (cd/m2)
(e) 
The message on an electronic changeable message sign shall remain static a minimum of twenty (20) seconds and shall not take longer than one (1) second to change. If the sign is within 500 feet of a residential use or zoning district, the message shall remain static/unchanged from dusk until dawn.
(f) 
Electronic changeable message signs shall not contain any blinking, flashing, or animated parts nor have the appearance of having any movement or animation. The lettering and/or message components being displayed at any given time shall not change, flash or fade to another color. The changeable message sign shall have a default design that will freeze the sign in a dark or blank position if a malfunction occurs.
(g) 
Conversion of an existing sign to a changeable message sign shall require a permit under this article. Electronic changeable message signs may not be added to a nonconforming sign.
(6) 
Wiring.
Underground wiring shall be required for all illuminated signs not attached to a building.
(a) 
If a sign is illuminated by light beamed or reflected upon it, direct rays of light shall not beam upon any part of any existing residential area nor into a residential district.
(e) 
Construction Requirements.
The following construction requirements apply to all permanent signs.
(1) 
Fastenings.
All signs must be erected in such a manner and with such materials to remain safe and secure during the period of use and all bolts, cables, and other parts of such signs shall be kept painted and free from corrosion. No sign may be placed upon a tree or utility pole/snipe signs, except signs of a unit of government or utility.
(2) 
Support Location.
No pole, cable or support of any nature shall be placed on any publicly owned property, road right-of-way, or proposed road right-of-way.
(3) 
Sign Safety.
(a) 
All signs erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered or moved shall be constructed in such a manner and of such materials so that they shall be able to withstand wind pressure of at least 20 pounds per square foot.
(b) 
All signs shall be erected so that any part including cables, guys, etc. shall have a minimum clearance of four (4) feet from any electrical conductor, electric light pole, road lamp, traffic light, or other public utility pole or standard.
(c) 
All signs shall be designed to comply with minimum wind pressure and other requirements set forth in the adopted building code. Signs with electrical connections shall comply with electrical code requirements, including the application, inspection, and approval of an electrical permit.
(4) 
Safety Triangle.
No sign shall be located within, project into, or overhang the triangular area formed at the intersection of any two road right-of-way lines or a driveway approach, as required by Article 12 [section 2.11].
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
(a) 
A sign permit shall be required prior to installing, changing the height, increasing the area or structurally altering any sign for which a permit is required. Before such a permit is issued, an inspection shall be made to determine that the sign location complies with the provisions of this article.
(b) 
As a condition to approval of a sign permit, all signs to be located along state road right-of-way shall obtain the proper state sign permit or written non-objection from the Texas Department of Transportation, and a copy shall be provided to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(c) 
For an off-premise sign, written consent of the property’s owner or legal representative shall be submitted with the application for a sign permit.
(d) 
The sign permit shall be valid for a period of 180 days. The sign must be installed within that time period or the permit shall expire, provided the Planning and Zoning Commission may grant an extension for an additional 90 days. When a sign permit is issued in connection with an improvement location permit for a structure on the site, the sign permit validity shall run concurrent with the improvement location permit.
(e) 
No permit shall be required for ordinary servicing or repainting of an existing sign message, cleaning of a sign, or changing the message on the sign where the sign is designed for such changes (such as lettering on a marquee or numbers on a gasoline price sign). A permit shall not be required for signs which are stated as being allowable without a permit.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
(a) 
Application Form.
Application for a permit for a sign shall be filed with the City Secretary and shall provide the following information:
(1) 
Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.
(2) 
Location of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(3) 
Position of the sign in relation to buildings, structures, and property lines within 100 feet of the proposed sign.
(4) 
Plans showing the dimensions, materials, method of construction, and attachment to the building or in the ground.
(5) 
Copies of stress sheets and calculations, if deemed necessary, showing the structure as designed for dead load and wind pressure.
(6) 
Name and address of the person, firm, or corporation owning, erecting, and maintaining the sign.
(7) 
Information concerning required electrical connections.
(8) 
Written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected.
(9) 
Other information required by the City Secretary to make the determination that the sign is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
(b) 
Application Review.
(1) 
Location Improvement Permit Review.
All locations for placement of a sign submitted in conjunction with the proposed construction of a new building or addition to an existing building shall be reviewed as a part of the required location improvement permit review. The location, size and height of all existing and proposed signs must be shown on the site plan.
(2) 
Planning and Zoning Commission Review.
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall review the sign permit application for any sign proposed on a site or existing building where no other new construction is proposed.
(3) 
Issuance of a Permit.
Following review and approval of a sign application, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the authority to issue a sign permit upon payment by the applicant of the required fees.
(4) 
Denial of a Permit.
The Planning and Zoning Commission shall deny the application for any sign that does not comply with the requirements of this article.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
(a) 
Sign Inspection.
(1) 
Responsibility for Compliance.
The owner of any property on which a sign is located is declared to be responsible for the permit, erection, inspection, safety, condition, and removal of a sign.
(2) 
Inspection of New Signs.
All signs for which a permit has been issued shall be inspected by the Permitting Vendor when erected. Approval shall be granted only if the sign has been constructed in compliance with the approved plans and applicable requirements of other ordinances and codes.
(3) 
Inspection before Enclosure.
In cases where fastenings or anchorages are to be eventually bricked in or otherwise enclosed, the sign erector/contractor shall advise the Permitting Vendor when such fastenings are to be installed so that inspection may be completed before enclosure.
(4) 
Inspection of Existing Signs.
The City Code Enforcement Officer may, at such times as deemed necessary, inspect any sign allowed under this section, and if upon inspection a sign is found to be unsafe or in a condition that does not comply with all the provisions of this section, the City Code Enforcement Officer shall give notice of that condition to the owner of the sign and state the necessary repairs or alterations to be made, or require removal of the sign if not remedied by the owner.
(b) 
Sign Maintenance.
(1) 
Maintenance of Signs.
All signs for which a permit is required, and all supports therefor shall:
(a) 
Be kept in compliance with the plans and specifications filed and approved for issuance of the construction permit.
(b) 
Be kept and maintained in a safe condition, consistent with adopted building and mechanical codes.
(c) 
At all times conform to all the provisions of this article.
(c) 
Obsolete Signs.
(1) 
Signs which are no longer functional, in disrepair, or are abandoned for more than 60 days, shall be removed, at the expense of the property owner or sign owner on which the sign is located, within 30 days following notice of noncompliance. The owner shall be notified by certified mail.
(2) 
A sign which no longer identifies a use, product, business or entity located on the property, but is otherwise in conformity with the other provisions of this ordinance, may remain in place if the sign face is completely covered or obscured by a blank panel attached within the frame of the sign. In such case, the sign shall be permitted to remain for a period not to exceed 120 days. Following expiration of the 120 days, the sign shall be removed, unless identifying a new use, product, business or entity located on the property.
(d) 
Legal Nonconforming Sign.
(1) 
Status.
Any sign lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of this article that does not fully comply with all provisions of this ordinance shall be considered a legal nonconforming sign and may be permitted to remain as long as the sign is properly maintained and not detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the community, except as herein provided.
(2) 
Continuance.
The nonconforming sign may continue as long as it is not destroyed, abandoned, or discontinued under 12.09(c) above. A sign damaged in excess of 50% of its replacement cost is considered destroyed and shall be removed by the property owner. If the sign is not removed, the City of Bells may remove the sign.
(3) 
Restrictions.
A nonconforming sign shall not be altered or reconstructed, unless the alteration or reconstruction is in compliance with the provisions of this article. For the purpose of this article only, the terms “altered” or “reconstructed” shall not include any of the following:
(a) 
Normal maintenance.
(b) 
Changing of surface sign space to a lesser or equal area.
(c) 
Ornamental molding, frames, trellises, or ornamental features or landscaping below the base line.
(d) 
The addition, construction, installation, or changing of electrical wiring or electrical devices.
(e) 
Changing backgrounds, letters, figures, or characters, or other embellishments.
(4) 
Nonconforming Changeable Copy Signs.
The message on a nonconforming changeable copy sign or nonconforming bulletin board sign may be changed provided that the change does not create any greater nonconformity. Conversion of a nonconforming sign to an electronic changeable message sign shall not be permitted.
(5) 
Substitution.
A nonconforming sign may not be replaced with another nonconforming sign.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)
Any application for a sign permit or other request for action pursuant to the regulations set forth in this Article shall be subject to and accompanied by a fee as established by the City of Bells. Such fees shall be collected in advance of any application review, inspection, or issuance of any permit or approval. Upon notification of deficient payment of fees, the City Secretary shall cause any permits to be suspended and reject applications for new permits directly associated with the request.
(Ordinance 99-0928-A adopted 10/12/21)