This article shall be commonly cited as the sign ordinance.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.001,
adopted 11/8/11)
This article provides standards for the erection, repair, maintenance
and removal of signs within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction
(ETJ). All signs not exempted as provided in this article shall conform
to these standards. The general objectives of these standards are
to promote health, safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of the
public, and to achieve the following:
(1)
Safety.
To promote the safety of persons and property
by providing that signs do not:
(A)
Create a hazard due to collapse, fire, decay or abandonment;
(B)
Obstruct firefighting effort, EMS response, or police surveillance;
(C)
Create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting pedestrians, obstacles
or other vehicles or to read traffic signs [sic]; or
(D)
Become obstacles that hinder the ability of pedestrians or motorists
to read traffic signs.
(2)
Communications efficiency.
To promote the efficient
transfer of information in sign messages provided that:
(A)
Those signs providing public safety messages are given priority;
(B)
Businesses and services may identify themselves;
(C)
Customers and other persons may locate a business or services;
(D)
No person or group is arbitrarily denied the use of the sight lines
from the public rights-of-way for communication purposes;
(E)
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 such messages, according to the observer’s purpose; and
(F)
Preserve the right of free speech exercised through the reasonable
and safe use of signs.
(3)
Landscape quality and preservation.
To protect the public
welfare and maintain the appearance and economic value of the landscape,
by providing that signs:
(A)
Do not interfere with scenic views;
(B)
Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights-of-way
for transportation;
(C)
Do not create a nuisance to occupants of adjacent or nearby property
due to brightness, size, height, or movement;
(D)
Are not detrimental to land or property values;
(E)
Do not contribute to visual blight or clutter; and
(F)
Are architecturally compatible and harmonious with the structure
to which they pertain and to neighboring structures.
(4)
Balance.
The purpose of this article is to create the
legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signs that
will preserve the right of free speech and expression, provide an
easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment,
and avoid the visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic
and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities, and
community appearance. With these purposes in mind, it is the intent
of this article to authorize the use of signs that are:
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.002,
adopted 11/8/11)
This article applies to all property within the incorporated
municipal boundaries (i.e., “city limits”) and the extraterritorial
jurisdiction (ETJ) as they exist at the time this article is adopted
and as may be modified in the future.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.003,
adopted 11/8/11)
The following signs are exempt from regulation under this article:
(1)
Any
sign wholly within the confines of a building, and oriented so as
to be out of view from outside the building.
(2)
Commemorative
plaques and historical markers, flags [sic] mounted on the face of
a building or erected on a site as a freestanding monument, when placed
by a governmental entity, or historical society to commemorate a person,
event or other matter of historical interest.
(3)
Any
sign erected or required to be erected by any governmental entity
or public utility to give information, directions, or warnings to
the general public, regardless of the sign’s location on public
or private property.
(4)
Signs
required by law.
(5)
A
political sign that is carried by a person or is a bumper sticker
on a vehicle.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.004,
adopted 11/8/11)
(a)
Rules of interpretation.
Words and phrases used in this
article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Terms that
are not defined below, but are defined elsewhere in the city’s
Code of Ordinances, shall be given the meanings set forth in the code.
Words and phrases not defined in the Code of Ordinances shall be given
their common, ordinary meaning unless the context clearly requires
otherwise. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the
present tense shall include the future tense, words in the plural
number shall include the singular number (and vice versa), and words
in the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender (and vice
versa). The words “shall” and “must” are always
mandatory, while the word “may” is merely advisory. Headings
and captions are for reference purposes only. Signs that fit more
than one definition under this article shall be regulated under the
definition with the more restrictive provisions.
(b)
Applicant.
BISD.
Building.
City council.
City limits.
Day.
ETJ.
Hill Country style.
Install, installation.
Natural colors (earth tones).
P&Z.
Permittee.
Person.
Right-of-way.
Sign.
Sign administrator.
Structure.
General terminology.
The person or entity requesting sign permit approval(s) from
the city. Typically, to obtain status of an applicant, the person
must be the property owner, tenant, or an authorized agent of the
property owner or tenant. The city may require documentation of a
person’s authority to act as an applicant before processing
a request.
The Blanco Independent School District.
Any structure intended for shelter, occupancy, housing or
enclosure for persons, animals or chattel.
The governing body of the City of Blanco.
The corporate municipal boundary of the city.
A calendar day.
The extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city, which is the
unincorporated area contiguous to and surrounding the city that is
established by law, particularly chapter 42, Texas Local Government
Code, as being the area in which the city may exercise certain authority,
including sign regulation, in order to promote and protect the general
health, safety, and welfare of persons residing in and adjacent to
the city, the size of which is determined by the number of inhabitants
residing in the city.
Buildings of simple design, using native materials, incorporating
wide overhangs, porches, and tall windows.
The process of creating, placing, and using a sign or sign
structure. This term includes construction, erection, painting, attaching,
or otherwise creating and displaying a sign or sign structure. The
term also includes repairing, replacing, relocating or altering a
sign or a portion thereof, such as a sign structure. The term does
not include normal maintenance and cleaning.
Colors that are muted and flat in an emulation of the natural
colors found in dirt, moss, trees and rocks, including browns, tans,
grays, greens, oranges, whites, blues and some reds.
The planning and zoning commission for the city.
A person receiving a permit from the city pursuant to the
provisions of this article.
Any human individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation,
company or organization of any kind, and its agents, representatives,
or employees. For purposes of determining liability for actions taken
in violation of this article, the term “person” shall
include the owner, lessor, lessee, and tenant of the property upon
which the sign is located.
The area on, below, or above a public roadway, highway, street,
public sidewalk, alley, waterway, or utility easement in which a governmental
entity has an interest.
A lettered, numbered, symbolic, pictorial, or illuminated
visual display designed to identify, announce, direct, or inform.
The term “sign” includes banners, non-governmental flags,
pennants, streamers, moving mechanisms, three-dimensional objects/representations,
logos, and lights.
The officer appointed by the city council with the authority
to enforce this article. In the absence of further action by the city
council, the city code enforcement officer shall serve as the sign
administrator. The term also includes any person designated to act
on behalf of the sign administrator.
A building, fence, wall, or other combination of materials
permanently affixed to the ground.
(c)
Architectural detail.
Architectural, historic, or scenic area.
Athletic sponsorship sign.
Awning.
Balloon sign.
Banner.
Billboard.
Business.
Canopy.
Changeable copy sign.
Community service sign.
Construction/development sign.
Copy.
Corner lot.
Direct illumination.
Directory sign.
Electrical sign.
Feather banner.
Flag.
Flag, government.
Frontage.
Governmental entity.
Hand-held sign.
Hanging sign.
Height.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Historic district.
Home occupation sign.
Illumination or lighting.
Indirect illumination.
Ingress/egress signs.
Internal illumination.
Legal nonconforming sign.
Menu board.
Mobile concession stand.
Mobile service provider sign.
Monument sign.
Multi-unit complex.
Noncompliant sign.
Non-governmental flags.
Occupants.
Off-premises sign.
Peak.
Pole sign.
Political sign.
Portable sign.
Projecting sign.
Property.
Real estate sign.
Responsible party.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Roof sign.
Signable area.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Sign structure.
Special event sign/temporary sign.
Town Center District.
Traffic-control sign.
Vehicular sign.
Vending machine sign.
Wall sign.
Warning sign.
Window sign.
(1)
(2)
(3)
Sign terminology.
Any projection, relief, cornice, column, change of building
material, window, or door opening on any building.
An area that contains unique architectural, historic, or
scenic characteristics that require special regulations to ensure
that signs displayed within the area enhance its visual character
and are compatible with the area.
Signs on field fences, at swimming facilities and scoreboards
that are leased by BISD and the Blanco Youth Sports Association. Other
signs of support related to athletic events, such as those put up
by booster clubs, are special event signs as defined by this article.
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that either
is permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted
to a position against the building when not in use. This term does
not include canopies.
Any inflatable, three-dimensional sign, with or without letters,
symbols, or numbers, that is either expanded to its full dimensions
or supported by gases contained within the sign at a pressure greater
than atmospheric pressure.
A sign composed of a lightweight material (such as cloth,
canvas, or vinyl), that is not permanently affixed to a rigid frame
constructed of wood or metal.
A sign that is freestanding, attached to, or part of a building,
and is an off-premises sign that is designed for a change in copy,
so that the characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or
rearranged within a fixed sign face which advertises a business, organization,
event, person, place or thing.
The physical location, or storefront, of an enterprise engaged
in by an entity, partnership, or sole proprietor. In the context of
multi-unit complexes, each tenant is a separate business. For an enterprise
with multiple locations within the city limits, for the purposes of
this article, each location is treated as a separate business.
A structure at the entrance to a building made of cloth,
metal, or other material with frames affixed to a building and carried
by a frame that is supported by the ground. This definition also includes
a fuel station canopy, which is a framed structure used to shield
fuel pumps from the rain and/or sun. This definition does not include
awnings.
A sign on which message copy is changed manually through
the utilization of changeable letters, numbers, symbols, and other
similar characters or pictorial panels.
A sign that solicits support for or advertises a nonprofit
organization, public service organization, or social institution.
Such signs may include, but shall not be limited to, holidays, school
activities, charitable programs, religious activities, sports boosters,
or events of community interest. Such signs shall be placed only by:
units of local, state, or federal governments, registered nonprofit
organizations, schools, the chamber of commerce, or religious organizations.
A sign placed on a piece of property advertising planned
construction and providing related information, including but not
limited to the name of the contractor, the name of the owner, the
planned date of completion, and information indicating the future
use or occupation of the site (e.g., “Future home of...”).
The text, symbols, letters, or numbers used to form the informational
portion of a sign.
A nonresidential property that has frontage on two streets
(regardless of whether the streets intersect). Frontage on a shared
access driveway is not considered street frontage for purposes of
determining whether a property is included under this term.
Light sources that make up the text, symbols, letters, or
number used to form the informational portion of a sign, including
but not limited to: light emitting diodes (LEDs), neon tubes, krypton
tubes, argon tubes, and lightbulbs.
A type of sign that serves as a directory of individual occupants/tenants
in a multi-unit complex.
Any sign for which the text, letters, numbers, pictures,
or symbols forming the informational portion of the sign consists
of flashing, intermittent, or moving lights, including any LED screen
or any other type of video display. This definition does not include
signs that have internal or indirect illumination that is kept stationary
or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is
in use. This definition excludes open/closed signs and any sign located
within the right-of-way that functions as a traffic-control device
and that is described and identified in the Texas Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD).
A sign that is constructed of lightweight material (such
as cloth, canvas, or vinyl) affixed to a pole or building which is
similar to a flag, except that it is longer than it is wide. A feather
banner resembles a feather, in that it is tall and narrow, having
more surface area vertically than horizontally when fully extended.
A piece of cloth, usually rectangular, used as the symbol,
standard, or emblem of a nation, state, or organization, that is typically
flown from a pole.
An official flag of the United States of America, the State
of Texas, or a political subdivision located in the city limits or
ETJ.
The width of the perimeter of a piece of property measured
along the public street right-of-way.
A political subdivision or agency of the United States of
America or the State of Texas. The term specifically includes, but
is not limited to, the city, Blanco County, and BISD.
Any sign, banner, flag, poster, or outfit held, carried,
or worn by a person. This term specifically includes outfits (e.g.,
chicken suit, clown suit, etc.) for the purpose of drawing attention
to a business, but specifically excludes logos, slogans, or trademarks
on clothing that is worn in the ordinary course of business.
A sign that is affixed to the underside of a roof, canopy,
awning, or porch.
As applied to a sign, height refers to the vertical distance
between the highest attached component of the sign or of its supporting
structure (whichever is higher) and the natural grade of the ground
at the point where the sign is located.
If a monument sign sits on property that is adjacent to a public
right-of-way, and the natural grade of the property is lower than
the average grade of the public right-of-way, the responsible party
may raise the grade of the property on which the sign is located up
to four (4) feet, in accordance with zoning and all other ordinances,
and height will be measured from the highest attached component of
the sign or of its supporting structure (whichever is higher) and
the increased grade. The responsible party may only increase the grade
an amount equal to the difference between the average grade of the
right-of-way and the natural grade of the property on which the sign
is located.
If a pole sign sits on property that is adjacent to a public
right-of-way, and the natural grade of the property is lower than
the average grade of the public right-of-way, the responsible party
may erect a sign that is an additional three (3) feet in height with
a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet on the property on which the
sign is located.
The business and residential area designated by the historic
district ordinance.
A sign placed on a residence that is used to identify a business
or enterprise that is conducted out of that residence.
A source of any artificial or reflected light, either directly
from a source of light incorporated in, or indirectly from an artificial
source, so shielded that no direct illumination from it is visible
elsewhere than on and in the immediate vicinity of the sign.
A light source not seen directly. The term includes a source
of illumination which is not a part of the sign or the sign structure,
that provides light for the sole purpose of making the sign visible
when natural light is not sufficient.
Small signs that designate the exit or entrance of a property
that has one (1) or more driveways. This definition includes signs
directing traffic to drive-through service lanes.
A light source that is concealed or contained within the
sign and becomes visible in darkness through the sign’s translucent
surface. This definition includes reverse channel letters with a light
source that creates a “halo” effect.
A sign that was lawfully installed prior to the adoption
of this article, and was in compliance with all of the provisions
of this article then in effect, but which does not presently comply
with this article.
A sign adjacent to a drive-through lane displaying the product
choices and prices available for purchase at that location.
A readily movable structure utilized by mobile food vendors,
which is mounted on wheels, self-propelled, towed, or hauled by another
vehicle, and used for short-term human occupancy, carrying of materials,
goods, or objects, or as a temporary eating establishment.
A sign announcing the services offered and operating hours
of a vendor who frequently travels to varied locations within the
city limits or ETJ to provide services on-site temporarily without
establishing an actual place of business. Examples of a mobile service
providers may include (but are not necessarily limited to) massage
therapists, automobile windshield repairers, farmers and gardeners.
A sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported
entirely by a base structure, and not mounted on a pole or part of
a building.
A grouping of two (2) or more business establishments that
either share common parking on the lot where they are located, or
that occupy a single structure or separate structures that are physically
or functionally related or attached. This term also includes multi-unit
residential complexes, including apartment complexes, garden homes,
and retirement communities as defined by the zoning ordinance.
A sign that is placed, constructed, installed, and/or used
in violation of this article, and which was not in place before the
provisions of this article went into effect. This term also refers
to a sign that does not comply with this article and was also in violation
of the city’s previous sign ordinance.
Flags representing a corporation, or other business entity,
that incorporates a logo and/or trademark belonging to the corporation
or entity. Specifically excluded from this definition are flags that
are purely decorative, or have a noncommercial message.
Proprietors or tenants using or occupying a building or parcel
of land to which a sign or proposed sign refers.
Any sign that advertises a business, person, activity, goods,
products, or services not located on the property where the sign is
installed, or that directs persons to a location other than the property
where the sign is located.
The highest point on a roof or the highest point on another
architectural element.
A sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location
by a single pole, structure of poles, posts, uprights, or braces from
the ground and not supported by a building, fence, vehicle, base structure,
or other support.
A sign upon which the content is primarily related to notice
of or advocacy for an election of a person to public office, a political
party, a primary election, [or] a proposition to be voted upon at
an election called by a public body.
A sign not permanently attached to the ground or a building,
which is designed to be easily transported or conveyed to different
locations. This term includes, but is not limited to: sandwich boards,
folding A-frame signs, sidewalk signs, signs affixed to trailers,
mannequins, or signs on metal stands with skids or wheels.
A sign attached to and projecting from the wall of a building,
and not on the same plane as the wall (i.e., not flush with wall surface).
This includes but is not limited to channel letter signs, flexface
signs with secured [sic] to a return, plaques, shingles and adhesive
signs/lettering.
A tract of land including its buildings or other appurtenances.
With respect to a tenant in a multi-unit complex, the term “property”
refers only to the leased space.
A temporary sign erected by the owner of the real property
on which the sign is located, or his agents, advertising the property
for lease or sale.
The owner/operator of the business being identified on the sign;
The owner of the property upon which the sign or sign structure
is located;
The owner of the sign or sign structure;
The person who installs a sign or sign structure, or contracts
with a third party to accomplish the installation; and/or
The person who retrieves a sign from the impound.
A sign that is displayed above the eaves and under the peak
of a building. This term includes a sign painted, erected, constructed,
or maintained on the roof of a building.
Because projecting signs and awnings have flat surfaces, it
is not necessary to select an area free of architectural detail. Signable
area for wall signs is free of architectural details on the facade
of a building or part of a building, which shall include the entire
area:
When referring to area limitations of monument, pole, and directory
signs, area and signable area refers to an area within a continuous
perimeter that includes the sign structure as well as the lettering,
illustrations, ornamentations, or other figures. Except as regarding
wall signs, area limitations have no relationship to the size of the
building in which the business is located.
The supports, mounts, poles, braces, or base with or without
a sign thereon, situated upon or attached to the property, upon which
any sign is or is intended to be installed. This definition does not
include a building, fence, wall, or earthen berm.
Signs for specific occasions with a predetermined date, duration,
and end point. Examples include but are not limited to: sale, clearance,
athletic events, garage sale, yard sale, open house, and farmers’
market signs. This term also includes events hosted by community civic
organizations.
The central business district designated by the Code of Ordinances.
A sign, other than an ingress/egress sign, that is used to
direct or prohibit pedestrian or vehicle traffic within a parking
lot or private street.
A sign painted on or attached to a motor vehicle, or on a
trailer. This definition includes, but is not limited to, billboard
trucks, billboard trailers, vehicle wraps, and vehicles with logos
or other information related to the identification of a business or
its products or services. This definition does not include bumper
stickers, legally required vehicular inspection or registration information,
or information identifying of the make and model of the vehicle.
Any sign integrated into or placed on a coin, cash, credit
card or debit card operated self-service machine that dispenses such
goods or services as propane cages, ice, DVDs, or cash automated teller
machines (ATMs).
A sign painted on or otherwise made an integral part of a
wall. Typically a wall sign is on the same plane as the wall (i.e.,
flush with the wall surface). The term does not include a sign that
can be removed from the wall and remain substantially intact (e.g.,
banners or projecting signs as they are defined in this article).
Signs whose purpose is to limit permissible uses of private
property, including but not limited to signs prohibiting trespassing,
hunting, fishing, or loitering.
Signs that are painted on, etched in, or visible through
a window or transparent door of a building that are oriented in a
manner establishing an intent to be comprehensively viewed off-premises
or from public roadways. This term excludes:
Small business related signs as described in section 9.03.041(2)(L);
Signs displayed inside of buildings primarily for patrons on
the premises; and
Decorative window painting.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.005,
adopted 11/8/11)
The installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, or relocation
of a sign within the city limits or ETJ, except in accordance with
the provisions of this article, is prohibited. No owner of real property
in the city or its ETJ shall have any sign located on such property,
except in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.006,
adopted 11/8/11)
Address signs shall be required to be visible from an adjacent
right-of-way for the primary structure on each piece of property,
including residential and nonresidential property. The letters, numbers,
and symbols that make up these signs must be six inches (6") in height.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.007,
adopted 11/8/11)
Signs and sign structures are required to be maintained in a
good and sound condition as determined by the building official in
accordance with the International Building Code. Responsible parties
must repair or replace signs and sign structures that are rotting,
peeling, rusting, fading, becoming discolored, covered in dirt, or
filled with holes. Responsible parties shall not allow signs or sign
structures to become dangerous, within the meaning of the International
Building Code, as a result of inadequate design, construction, repair,
or maintenance. The city can seek to compel immediate removal of signs
that are in such a state of disrepair as to constitute an imminent
threat to public health, safety and welfare.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.008,
adopted 11/8/11)
The responsible party shall remove any sign that advertises
a business or project that has ceased operations in excess of one
(1) year, unless the property is leased, in which case the sign shall
be removed after two (2) years. The responsible party shall remove
any sign and/or sign structure that has not been used for advertising
or promoting a going concern for at least one (1) year. For the purposes
of this section, a business or project has ceased to operate when
it is no longer engaged in the sale of products or services in the
normal course of business.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.009,
adopted 11/8/11)
No sign shall be installed so as to prevent free ingress to
or egress from any door, window, or fire escape. No sign of any kind
shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.010,
adopted 11/8/11)
No sign or sign structure shall:
(1)
Obstruct
free and clear vision at any street intersection.
(2)
Interfere
with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic
sign, signal or device because of its position, shape or color.
(3)
Use
illumination resembling an emergency signal.
(4)
Be
the cause of a recurring traffic slow-down, whether because of its
positioning, content, visual impact, or a combination of these or
other factors.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.011,
adopted 11/8/11)
(a)
A
person shall not install a sign on the right-of-way of a street or
highway maintained by the city unless explicitly authorized by this
article.
(b)
Signs
installed in violation of this article are hereby declared a public
nuisance, and may be removed and disposed of by the city without notice
and without compensation to the sign owner.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.012,
adopted 11/8/11)
The installation of a sign or sign structure shall not inhibit
access to or interfere with a utilities or drainage easement.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.013,
adopted 11/8/11)
Signs are prohibited on trash receptacles except for signs that
are required by law, provide direction on the trash receptacle’s
use, provide safety instructions, or are otherwise customarily found
on trash receptacles as a means of identifying the trash collection
company.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.02.014,
adopted 11/8/11)
Signs are prohibited from being installed on any trees.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.015,
adopted 11/8/11)
Signs are prohibited from being installed on utility poles except
for signs that are required by law, provide safety instructions, or
are otherwise customarily found on utility poles.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.016,
adopted 11/8/11)
Signs with reflective surfaces are prohibited except for purposes
of traffic control or safety.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.017,
adopted 11/8/11)
Signs and sign structures will be installed, repaired, replaced,
and maintained in compliance with all applicable building and electrical
codes adopted by the city.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.018,
adopted 11/8/11)
It shall be an offense under this article to encourage another
person to violate specific provisions of this article.
(Ordinance 2011-392, sec. 26.01.019,
adopted 11/8/11)
