The following signs authorized under this section are authorized without a permit:
(1) 
Legal nonconforming signs.
Legal nonconforming signs or flagpoles shall be governed by the regulations in place at the time they were permitted. Modification of a sign or the structure to which the sign is attached shall require the sign to comply with the regulations of this chapter. Restoration of a legal nonconforming sign does not forfeit the sign’s exempted status. A legal nonconforming sign shall not be replaced or relocated, except in compliance with this chapter.
(2) 
Memorial signs or tablets which are cut into any masonry surface on the building or when constructed of bronze or other metal if they are four (4) square feet or less and attached to the building.
(3) 
Historic markers provided by a governmental entity.
(4) 
Official governmental notices and notices posted by governmental officers in the performance of their duties, governmental signs to control traffic, to identify streets, to warn of danger or for other regulatory purposes.
(5) 
Government signs.
(6) 
Traffic-control devices that are erected and maintained to comply with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(7) 
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.
(8) 
Signs displayed on trucks, buses, trailers or other vehicles which are being operated in the normal course of a business (i.e. they are parked in areas appropriate to their use as vehicles, carry a current and valid license plate and state inspection tag, and are in operable condition), indicating the name of the owner, business and location, (including but not limited to moving vans, delivery trucks, rental trucks and trailers) provided that the primary purpose of the vehicles is not for the display of signs.
(9) 
Any sign located inside a building where the sign face is not visible from outside of the building.
(10) 
Any sign located inside a building, including in a window, which contains a noncommercial message regardless of whether the sign face is visible from outside of the building.
(Ordinance 2019-08-19-01 adopted 9/4/19)
Any sign not expressly authorized by this chapter is prohibited. Examples of prohibited signs include, but are not limited to:
(1) 
Portable signs, except those used for temporary purposes as otherwise provided for in this chapter.
(2) 
Lighted signs in doors and/or windows except as otherwise provided for in this chapter.
(3) 
Cloth, canvas, paper, soft plastic, balloons, flags, or similar advertising signs or devices except as provided for in this chapter.
(4) 
Molded plastic, plastic sheet or flex-face signs.
(5) 
Signs that have the appearance of traffic safety signs and lights, or municipal vehicle warnings.
(6) 
Any sign attached to or placed on or in a vehicle, or a trailer parked on public or private property, or cruising on public or private roads in the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction (i.e. “for sale” sign). Through traffic is exempted from this provision, as are signs displayed on vehicles which are being operated in the normal course of a business, as described in section 26.04.001(8).
(7) 
Objects, including but not limited to boxes, stored in view of the street which have large product identification that serves as a sign.
(8) 
Signs or advertising materials that are worn, held or attached to a person’s body.
(9) 
Signs that contain moving parts. Apparent motion of the visual message, caused by, but not limited to the illusion of moving objects, moving letters, moving patterns or boards of light, expanding, contracting or rotating shapes, or similar effects such as “scrolling” or “running” messages are prohibited except as otherwise provided for in this chapter.
(10) 
Projections exhibiting a commercial message.
(11) 
Posters, placards, handbills, flyers or adhesive-affixed signs.
(12) 
Signage, advertising or messages of any type affixed to or painted upon natural features such as trees or rocks.
(13) 
Billboards are prohibited. A billboard that is moved or relocated from one location to another location in the city or ETJ is a “new” billboard and is prohibited.
(14) 
Signs that violate the city’s lighting or any other code requirements.
(15) 
Signs that are attached to any utility pole or wire, traffic sign, or city easement or are placed on city-owned property unless placed by permission of the city.
(16) 
Signs that obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, or door opening intended as a means of egress.
(17) 
Feather signs.
(18) 
Commercial balloon signs, or festoons.
(19) 
Inflatable signs.
(20) 
Balloons, banners, streamers, or other attached materials that draw attention to a commercial sign permitted under this chapter are prohibited.
(21) 
Signs posted on city property, unless prior approval for placement of the sign is obtained from the city manager or designee, such as signs advertising an event for which city property or facilities have been properly reserved, or signs posted on city property by the city to provide notice of a public event or public information to citizens.
(Ordinance 2018-12-17-03 adopted –/–/18; Ordinance 2019-08-19-01 adopted 9/4/19; Ordinance 2020-07-06-02 adopted 7/6/20)
(a) 
General.
A property owner in a residential district may display one (1) or more temporary signs on private property without a permit if the sign contains a noncommercial message and is no more than three (3) feet high, no more than twelve (12) square feet, not illuminated, and does not contain any moving elements.
(b) 
Real estate signs.
(1) 
Residential real estate signs.
(A) 
Purpose: To identify improved and unimproved residential real estate that is for commercial sale, lease or rent, or to provide a method to distribute sales, lease or rental literature or information, and to permit inspection of the premises and improvements.
(B) 
Maximum size: Either one (1) brochure container not to exceed nine (9) inches (width) by eleven (11) inches (length) by three (3) inches (depth) or one real estate sign not to exceed eighteen (18) inches by twenty-four (24) inches.
(C) 
Maximum height: Brochure box: four (4) ft. or real estate sign: three (3) ft.
(D) 
Number: One (1) sign or brochure box per lot or tract.
(E) 
Location: On premises within the property lines.
(F) 
Design: Standard sign limited to a "for sale" or "for lease" statement, the sales/leasing agent's contact information (name, logo, phone number, website/e-mail address), the address of the property and the size of the property.
(G) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(H) 
Duration: To be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after closing or execution of a lease document.
(I) 
Landscape: None required.
(J) 
Additional: No permit or fee required.
(2) 
Open house signs.
(A) 
Purpose: To identify open houses to assist in the commercial sale of real estate.
(B) 
Maximum size: Letters not to exceed four (4) inches in height. Sign not to exceed eighteen (18) inches by twenty-four (24) inches.
(C) 
Maximum height: Three (3) ft.
(D) 
Number: One (1) per lot or tract.
(E) 
Location: On premises within the property lines. It may be on the same stake as the brochure container or may be mounted separately.
(F) 
Design: Signs shall be generic and provide no information other than “Open House.”
(G) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(H) 
Duration: Only during the open house.
(I) 
Landscape: None required.
(J) 
Additional:
(i) 
Business card contact information must be attached to each sign.
(ii) 
No permit or fee required.
(3) 
Open house directional signs.
(A) 
Purpose: To assist in locating residential real estate that is open for viewing.
(B) 
Maximum size: Letters not to exceed four (4) inches in height. Sign not to exceed eighteen (18) inches by twenty-four (24) inches.
(C) 
Maximum height: Three (3) ft.
(D) 
Number: One (1) directional sign at the street intersection of a directional change along the route to the open house. Intermediate signs are not permitted.
(E) 
Location: Signs shall be located no closer than ten (10) feet from the hard surface of the street and shall not be located in medians. Permission from property owners must be obtained prior to placing signs on private property. Signs may only be located at the street intersection of a directional change along the route to the open house. Intermediate signs are not permitted. Signs are not permitted at any point along RR 620 or SH 71.
(F) 
Design: Signs shall be generic and provide no information other than “Open House” and an arrow.
(G) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(H) 
Duration: No earlier than thirty (30) minutes prior to scheduled open house and removed no later than thirty (30) minutes after the open house closes. Signs can be displayed only on Saturdays and Sundays. Signs are prohibited Monday - Friday.
(I) 
Landscape: None required.
(J) 
Additional:
(i) 
Business card contact information must be attached to each sign.
(ii) 
No permit or fee required.
(4) 
Project development signs.
(A) 
Purpose: To identify subdivision improvement and site development construction and development projects.
(B) 
Maximum size: Twenty-four (24) sq. ft.
(C) 
Maximum height: Eight (8) ft.
(D) 
Number: One (1) sign per project location.
(E) 
Location: On the premises, within the property lines.
(F) 
Design: Limited to the project name and address, project renderings general contractor, architect or designer, financing agent, contact agent and their logos, telephone numbers and web site/e-mail information.
(G) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(H) 
Duration: To be erected after construction permit is issued and to be removed upon completion of construction or expiration of construction permit.
(I) 
Landscape: None required.
(J) 
Additional: Permit requires code official approval.
(5) 
Model home/sales office (on site).
(A) 
Purpose: To allow model homes/sales offices (on site) to have on-premises signage.
(B) 
Maximum size: Twelve (12) sq. ft.
(C) 
Maximum height: Six (6) ft.
(D) 
Number: One (1) sign per structure. One (1) sign per builder per subdivision.
(E) 
Location: On the premises, within the property lines.
(F) 
Design: Limited to subdivision name, address, builder name and/or logo, telephone numbers and web site/e-mail information.
(G) 
Lighting: Spot lit only. No internal illumination.
(H) 
Duration: After special use permit is issued and to be removed when model home/sales office is closed or upon expiration of permit.
(I) 
Landscape: A minimum of twenty-five (25) sq. ft. at the base.
(J) 
Additional:
(i) 
The term of the permit shall coincide with the term of the special use permit for the model home/sales office approved by the city.
(ii) 
Permit requires code official approval.
(6) 
Model home/sales office (off site, large subdivision).
(A) 
Purpose: To direct traffic to the primary model home/sales office of a cohesive master-planned residential development with over one hundred (100) lots for sale or to areas within such a development where builders are constructing houses and where a model home is operating.
(B) 
Maximum size: Sixteen (16) sq. ft.
(C) 
Maximum height: Six (6) ft.
(D) 
Number: Two (2) per approved model home. Additional signs require a variance from this chapter.
(E) 
Design: Limited to subdivision name and/or logo, builder names, directional statements and/or arrows, and contact information.
(F) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(G) 
Duration: May be placed after special use permit is issued for the model home/sales office and to be removed when model home/sales office is closed or upon expiration of the permit.
(H) 
Landscape: A minimum of twenty-five (25) sq. ft. at the base.
(I) 
Additional:
(i) 
The term of the permit for each directional statement shall coincide with the term of the special use permit for the applicable model home/sales office approved by the city.
(ii) 
Permit requires code official approval.
(iii) 
Placement in the public right-of-way requires a license agreement with the city.
(Ordinance 2018-12-17-03 adopted –/–/18; Ordinance 2023-08-21-03 adopted 8/21/2023; Ordinance 2026-02-17-01 adopted 2/17/2026)
(a) 
General.
A property owner in a commercial district may display one (1) or more temporary signs on private property without a permit if the sign contains a noncommercial message and is no more than eight (8) feet high, no more than thirty-six (36) square feet, not illuminated, and does not contain any moving elements.
(b) 
Real estate signs.
(1) 
Commercial real estate signs.
(A) 
Purpose: To identify improved and unimproved nonresidential real estate that is for commercial sale, lease or rent, and to permit inspection of the premises and improvements.
(B) 
Maximum size:
(i) 
On property with frontage on RR 620 and/or SH 71: Twenty-four (24) sq. ft.
(ii) 
All other: Four (4) sq. ft.
(C) 
Maximum height:
(i) 
On property with frontage on RR 620 and/or SH 71: Eight (8) ft.
(ii) 
All other: Four (4) ft.
(D) 
Number: One per lot or tract. If the property is improved and includes a multitenant monument sign with tenant names identified on the sign as provided for in this chapter, freestanding nonresidential real estate signs advertising lease space shall not be permitted.
(E) 
Location: On premises within the property lines, within close proximity to any existing monument signs.
(F) 
Design: Limited to a “for sale” or “for lease” statement, the sales/leasing agent’s contact information (name, logo, phone number, web site/e-mail address), the address of the property and the size of the property. Stand-alone signs shall have at least two painted wood supports with matching wood framing around the sides and top of the sign. The sign shall be two-sided and shall use earth tone colors.
(G) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(H) 
Duration: To be removed within forty-eight (48) hours after closing or execution of a lease document.
(I) 
Landscape: None required.
(J) 
Additional:
(i) 
Permit requires code official approval.
(2) 
Project development signs.
(A) 
Purpose: To identify subdivision improvement and site development construction and development projects.
(B) 
Maximum size: Twenty-four (24) sq. ft.
(C) 
Maximum height: Eight (8) ft.
(D) 
Number: One (1) sign per project location.
(E) 
Location: On the premises, within the property lines.
(F) 
Design: Limited to the project name and address, project renderings general contractor, architect or designer, financing agent, contact agent and their logos, telephone numbers and web site/e-mail information.
(G) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(H) 
Duration: To be erected after construction permit is issued and to be removed upon completion of construction or expiration of construction permit.
(I) 
Landscape: None required.
(J) 
Additional: Permit requires code official approval.
(c) 
Banners.
Banners must maintain a professional appearance and may not be displayed if damaged, discolored or otherwise unacceptable to the city or landlord. No political messages or real estate promotions are allowed.
(1) 
Temporary banners: A banner containing a commercial message shall be allowed for up to sixty (60) days for businesses that are soon to be open and to identify businesses that are newly opened.
(2) 
The following banner restrictions apply:
(A) 
Maximum size: Twenty-four (24) sq. ft.
(B) 
Maximum height: Eight (8) ft.
(C) 
Number: One (1) sign per requested location.
(D) 
Location: On premises within the property lines. A banner must be attached to a building or poles designed to hold a banner sign. A banner may not be attached to a tree or other vegetation.
(E) 
Design, if banner contains a commercial message: Sign shall contain only the name of the business, logo, type of business, telephone number, website/email information, date of opening, and address.
(F) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(G) 
Duration: A maximum of sixty (60) days. One (1) permit may be applied for and approved. (A "coming soon" banner may be replaced with a "now open" banner during this time period.)
(H) 
Landscape: None required.
(I) 
Additional: Permit requires code official approval.
(J) 
Up to two (2) banners are allowed without a permit on property in areas zoned GUI so long as the sign complies with the size, location and lighting requirements of this section. Up to two (2) additional banners may be requested of and approved by the code official. The code official may, for any reason, present the request to city council for consideration and final determination.
(Ordinance 2018-12-17-03 adopted –/–/18; Ordinance 2023-11-06-02 adopted 11/6/2023; Ordinance 2026-02-17-01 adopted 2/17/2026)
(a) 
Monument signs.
(1) 
General.
(A) 
Purpose: To identify the occupant(s) of a building through use of a freestanding monument.
(B) 
Maximum size:
(i) 
On property with frontage on RR 620 and/or SH 71: Text and logo shall be no more than thirty-six (36) sq. ft.; address numbers shall be no more than eight (8) sq. ft.; and the monument shall be no greater than twelve (12) ft. wide.
(ii) 
All others: Text and logo shall be no more than twenty-four (24) sq. ft.; address numbers shall be no more than eight (8) sq. ft.; and the monument shall be no greater than twelve (12) ft. wide.
(C) 
Maximum height: The monument shall be no more than eight (8) ft. high.
(D) 
Number: One (1) sign on the primary access street. If there are public entrances on other streets, proposals for additional signs may be approved by the code official.
(E) 
Location: On premises within the property lines. (Monument signs may also be approved for stand-alone pad site buildings that are part of a multitenant center but are not platted as individual lots. Pad site buildings may not have separate monument signs and also be included on the multitenant center’s monument sign.)
(F) 
Design:
(i) 
The monument shall be solid masonry (stone, brick and/or stucco) to match the building(s). Depending on the proposed design, metal that matches the building(s) may be approved by the code official.
(ii) 
Only the name of the building, business, complex or subdivision (no description), the associated logo, and the address numbers are permitted.
(iii) 
The name, logo and address numbers shall be the same color. The use of additional colors for minor accents may be approved by the zoning and planning commission.
(iv) 
Letters shall be a minimum of six (6) inches in height. Address numbers shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches in height on property with frontage on RR 620 and/or SH 71 and twelve (12) inches in height for all other streets.
(v) 
Letters and address numbers shall be attached directly to the face of the monument (no “cabinets”) and shall be flat-cut or channel (reverse or face-lit). Stencil-cut letters that appear flush with the monument and have a background that matches the monument may be approved by the commission. Reflective surfaces and molded plastic or molded acrylic backgrounds are not permitted.
(G) 
Lighting: Spot lit or individual letter internal illumination.
(H) 
Duration: Permanent.
(I) 
Landscape: A minimum of one hundred (100) sq. ft. at the base of the sign. Landscaping shall be installed and maintained so that the visibility of the address numbers is not obstructed.
(J) 
Additional:
(i) 
If located in public utility easement, the owner of the property is responsible for removal, relocation or replacement at a utility company’s request.
(ii) 
Permit required.
(2) 
Multitenant center.
(A) 
Purpose: To identify the occupant(s) of a multitenant center through the use of a freestanding monument.
(B) 
Maximum size:
(i) 
On property with frontage on RR 620 and/or SH 71: Tenant text and logo panels shall be no more than forty (40) sq. ft. total; the multitenant center name shall be no more than sixteen (16) sq. ft.; address numbers shall be no more than eight (8) sq. ft.; and the monument shall be no greater than twelve (12) ft. wide.
(ii) 
All others: Tenant text and logo panels shall be no more than twenty-four (24) sq. ft. total; the multitenant center name shall be no more than twelve (12) sq. ft.; address numbers shall be no more than eight (8) sq. ft.; and the monument shall be no greater than twelve (12) ft. wide.
(C) 
Maximum height: The monument shall be no more than ten (10) ft. high.
(D) 
Number: One (1) sign on the primary access street per location. If there are public entrances on other streets, proposals for additional signs may be approved by the code official.
(E) 
Location: On premises within the property lines.
(F) 
Design:
(i) 
The monument shall be solid masonry (stone, brick and/or stucco) to match the building(s). Depending on the proposed design, metal that matches the building(s) may be approved by the code official.
(ii) 
Only the center name and logo, tenant names and logos (no descriptions), and address numbers are permitted.
(iii) 
One (1) of the tenant panels shall be used solely for the purpose of providing contact information for leasing space at the multi-tenant center if advertising for lease space is desired.
(iv) 
All text and logos shall be uniform in color, material and lighting. The use of additional colors for minor accents may be approved by the code official.
(v) 
Each tenant panel shall be a minimum of one (1) ft. high and four (4) ft. wide and shall be metal or acrylic in a color that matches the monument and/or the building. Tenant panels shall be attached directly to the face of the monument (no “cabinets”). If approved by the code official, the panels may also include stencil-cut letters that appear flush with the monument and have a background that matches the monument.
(vi) 
Address numbers shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches in height on property with frontage on RR 620 and/or SH 71 and twelve (12) inches in height for all other streets.
(vii) 
Address numbers and letters not on tenant panels shall be attached directly to the face of the monument (no “cabinets”) and shall be flat-cut or channel (reverse or face-lit). Stencil-cut letters that appear flush with the monument and have a background that matches the monument may be approved by the code official. Reflective surfaces and molded plastic or molded acrylic backgrounds are not permitted.
(G) 
Lighting: Spot lit or individual letter internal illumination.
(H) 
Duration: Permanent.
(I) 
Landscape: A minimum of one hundred (100) sq. ft. at the base of the sign. Landscaping shall be installed and maintained so that the visibility of the address numbers is not obstructed.
(J) 
Additional:
(i) 
If located in public utility easement, the owner of the property is responsible for removal, relocation or replacement at a utility company’s request.
(ii) 
Permit required subject to approval by the code official.
(b) 
Building signs.
(1) 
Purpose: To identify the occupant(s) of a building through use of a mounted sign.
(2) 
Maximum size: Twenty-four (24) square feet and no greater than sixteen (16) feet wide.
(3) 
Maximum height: Below the roof eaves.
(4) 
Number: One (1) sign per occupant of the building. If there are public entrances on more than one (1) street or parking area, proposals for additional signs may be approved by the code official.
(5) 
Location: On the building.
(6) 
Design:
(A) 
Only the name of the occupant and associated logo is permitted.
(B) 
All signage in a multi-tenant center must be uniform in material and lighting.
(C) 
Businesses may display full color logos.
(D) 
Letters shall be attached directly to the face of the building or to a raceway painted to match the building (no “cabinets”) and shall be flat-cut or channel (reverse or face-lit). Reflective surfaces and molded plastic or molded acrylic backgrounds are not permitted.
(7) 
Lighting: Subject to approval of the code official.
(8) 
Duration: Permanent.
(9) 
Landscape: None required.
(10) 
Additional: Permit requires code official approval.
(c) 
Open/closed signs.
(1) 
Purpose: To indicate when a business is open or closed.
(2) 
Maximum size: Two (2) sq. ft.
(3) 
Number: One (1) per business.
(4) 
Location: Inside the storefront window or door.
(5) 
Design: Exposed neon is permitted.
(6) 
Lighting: Exposed neon is permitted.
(7) 
Duration: Permanent.
(8) 
Landscape: None required.
(9) 
Additional: No permit or fee required.
(d) 
Hanging/projecting signs.
(1) 
Purpose: To provide store identification for pedestrians in a multitenant center.
(2) 
Maximum size: Four (4) sq. ft.
(3) 
Minimum height: Eight (8) ft.
(4) 
Number: One (1) per tenant.
(5) 
Location: Perpendicular to, hung from, or attached to a projecting structural element of an exterior wall in front of the tenant entrance.
(6) 
Design: Color and materials shall be complimentary to the primary signage for the multitenant center.
(7) 
Lighting: None allowed.
(8) 
Duration: Permanent.
(9) 
Landscape: None required.
(10) 
Additional: Permit requires code official approval.
(e) 
Directory signs.
(1) 
Purpose: To list all tenants within a multitenant center and to guide pedestrian(s) to the individual tenant within the center.
(2) 
Maximum size: Twelve (12) sq. ft. total with no more than one (1) sq. ft. allotted to each individual tenant.
(3) 
Maximum height: Four (4) ft.
(4) 
Number: One (1) sign per location. Requests for additional signage must be done by variance application.
(5) 
Location: Attached to the building or freestanding.
(6) 
Design: Color and materials shall be complimentary to the primary signage for the multitenant center. Subject to approval of the code official.
(7) 
Lighting: Spot lit. No internal illumination.
(8) 
Duration: Permanent.
(9) 
Landscape: Subject to approval of the code official.
(10) 
Additional: Permit requires code official approval.
(f) 
Marquee signs.
(1) 
Purpose: To provide public or private schools a signboard.
(2) 
Maximum size: Thirty-six (36) sq. ft.
(3) 
Maximum height: Eight (8) ft.
(4) 
Number: One (1) per entrance.
(5) 
Location: Property owned or leased by a public or private school.
(6) 
Lighting: Subject to code official approval. LED (light emitting diode) may be approved.
(7) 
Duration: Permanent.
(8) 
Additional: Permit requires variance application.
(Ordinance 2018-12-17-03 adopted –/–/18; Ordinance 2026-02-17-01 adopted 2/17/2026)
A maximum of two (2) flags with noncommercial messages and one (1) flag pole per premises shall be allowed on each property in a commercial or residential district. The higher flag may be a maximum of forty (40) square feet in area. A second, lower flag, if any, may be a maximum of twenty-five (25) square feet in area. The flag pole may be a maximum of twenty-five (25) feet in height. Flag poles must meet the minimum yard setback requirements for a principal building. Flags must be maintained in an attractive condition and must not constitute a fire, traffic, or pedestrian hazard.
(Ordinance 2018-12-17-03 adopted –/–/18)
Changing a commercial message to a noncommercial message on any legal sign surface does not require a permit. Any legal sign surface on which a commercial message is displayed may have a noncommercial message in its place.
(Ordinance 2018-12-17-03 adopted –/–/18)
A master sign plan is a comprehensive document containing specific regulations for an entire project’s signs.
(1) 
Master sign plans are appropriate for projects such as planned unit developments, master planned developments, development agreements, large residential or commercial developments, multi-unit complexes, or in cases where a project applicant is seeking several variances to the city’s sign ordinance.
(2) 
Master sign plans will be considered and approved by the zoning and planning commission (and where appropriate the city council) as part of the city process used to approve or authorize the project.
(3) 
Once the master sign plan has been formally approved, city staff are authorized to issue permits for any sign regulated by the master sign plan, provided that the proposed sign complies with the standards and requirements set forth in the master sign plan.
(4) 
Proposed signs that do not conform to the approved master sign plan will require a variance.
(Ordinance 2018-12-17-03 adopted –/–/18)