(a)
Purpose.
The purpose of this code is to promote the
health, safety, and welfare of the public. It is the city’s
intent to achieve this goal by enacting a comprehensive system of
reasonable, effective, consistent, content-neutral, and nondiscriminatory
standards and requirements for all signs within the city and its extraterritorial
jurisdiction (ETJ). It is further determined that the provisions of
this code cannot achieve the end result desired unless the community
voluntarily cooperates in upholding these provisions. With these concepts
in mind, this code is adopted to enable the fair and consistent enforcement
of these sign regulations and in part to achieve the following purposes:
(1)
Safety.
To preserve and protect the public health, safety,
and welfare of the citizens of the city and to improve pedestrian
and traffic safety, by providing that signs do not:
(A)
Create a hazard due to collapse, fire, decay or abandonment;
(B)
Obstruct firefighting or police observation ability;
(C)
Create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting pedestrians or
motorists;
(D)
Become obstacles that hinder the ability of pedestrians, bicyclists
or motorists to read traffic signs; or
(E)
Become obstacles that hinder free passage to pedestrians, bicyclists
or motorists.
(2)
Communications efficiency.
To promote the efficient
transfer of information in sign messages provided that:
(A)
Those signs which provide public safety messages and information
are given priorities;
(B)
Businesses and services can identify themselves;
(C)
Customers and other persons can locate a business or service;
(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
pay no attention to such messages, according to the observer’s
purpose; and
(F)
The right of free speech is preserved and exercised through the use
of signs.
(3)
Landscape quality and preservation.
To maintain and
enhance the aesthetic environment and the appearance of the streetscape
which affects the image of the city, to enhance city’s ability
to attract sources of economic development and growth and to protect
property values, the local economy, and the quality of life, 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;
(C)
Do not create a nuisance to occupants of adjacent and contiguous
property by their 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 similar in construction materials and style as that of the structure
or tract of land to which they pertain and to neighboring structures,
as well as the city at-large
(b)
Authority.
The provisions of this code are adopted pursuant
to V.T.C.A., Local Government Code ch. 216 and the city charter, and
the city’s authority as a home rule municipality. Notwithstanding
any other provision of this code, no sign legally erected shall be
required to be relocated, reconstructed or removed except in compliance
with V.T.C.A., Local Government Code ch. 216.
(c)
First Amendment Rights.
This code shall not be construed,
applied, interpreted nor enforced in a manner to violate the First
Amendment rights of any person, and the director shall seek the advice
and recommendation of the city manager and city attorney prior to
taking any action to enforce any provision of this code with respect
to any non-commercial sign on private property.
(d)
Applicability–Effect.
(1)
A sign may not be erected, constructed, placed, painted, created,
enlarged, moved, or converted within the city or its extraterritorial
jurisdiction except in compliance with the standards, procedures,
exemptions, and other requirements of this code.
(2)
The city council may designate special sign regulations that apply
to certain districts or overlays, such as would be appropriate for
major corridors, urban environments, or historic downtowns. In those
instances, the sign regulations of those special areas apply in addition
to this code.
(3)
The intent of this code as more specifically set forth herein, is
to:
(A)
Provide functional flexibility, encourage variety, and create an
incentive to relate signing to basic principles of good design;
(B)
Provide an improved visual environment for the citizens of, and visitors
to, the city;
(C)
Establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs in
non-residential areas, and a limited variety of signs in other areas,
subject to the standards and the permit procedures of this code;
(D)
Allow certain signs that are small, unobtrusive, and incidental to
the principal use of the respective lots on which they are located,
subject to the substantive requirements of this code, but without
requirements for permits;
(E)
Provide cost recovery measures supporting the administration and
enforcement of this code; and
(F)
Due to the unique service nature of government owned and occupied
facilities, in addition to the development costs being a public burden,
such facilities may meet the spirit and intent of the regulations
contained herein to the extent possible and are not expected to strictly
comply.
(e)
Permit required.
(1)
Permit required.
No sign, other than those exceptions
listed in this section, and indicated on table A, shall be erected,
constructed, placed, painted, replaced, repaired, attached, enlarged,
moved, converted, altered (including face changes), or secured to
the ground, any building, or any structure, until a permit for such
sign has been issued by the development services department. The director
shall approve or deny an application for a sign permit within 30 days
of the city’s receipt of a complete application. A permit will
be issued if a proposed sign conforms to all city ordinances and the
associated fee has been paid. The city will not issue a new sign permit
for property where illegal signs or sign violations exist. Each individual
sign on a site must receive a permit to be installed, unless otherwise
exempted in this code or on table A.
(2)
To whom issued.
No permit for the erection of any sign
shall be issued to any person other than the property owner or the
property owner’s designated and authorized representative. In
the case of a special event or permitted vendor, the permit shall
be issued to the individual authorized by the city for said activity.
(3)
Fees.
The fee for sign permits shall be as established
in the city’s master fee schedule. The fee for a permit for
a sign that was constructed without a permit shall be double the applicable
permit fee to cover additional administrative costs in connection
therewith. Nonprofit/charitable organizations are exempt from paying
permit fees for temporary signs requiring a permit.
(4)
Interpretation and administration.
The director shall
be responsible for interpreting and administering this code, including
any subjectivity contained herein and the ability to administer minor
modifications.
(5)
Violation.
A person is responsible for a violation,
as specified within, if the person is the permit holder, owner, agent,
or person having the beneficial use of the sign and a citation may
be issued.
(6)
Promotional events.
In association with a city-approved
promotional event, special, temporary sign privileges may be granted.
(f)
Applications.
(1)
An application for a sign permit must be accompanied by the permit
fee and shall include such information as is necessary to assure compliance
with all appropriate laws and regulations of the city, including:
(A)
The name and address of the owner of the sign(s).
(B)
The name and address of the owner or the person in possession of
the premises where the sign(s) is located or to be located.
(C)
Clear and legible drawings with description definitively showing
the location of the sign(s) which is the subject of the permit and
all proposed signs whose construction or placement requires permits,
when such signs are on the same premises. Any existing sign on the
premises must also be depicted on the drawings.
(D)
Drawings showing the dimensions, elevations, construction supports,
sizes, foundation, electrical wiring, and components, materials of
the sign and method of attachment and character of structure members
to which attachment is to be made. The design, quality, materials
and loading shall conform to the requirements of the building code.
If required by the director, engineering data certified by a licensed
structural engineer shall be supplied on submitted plans.
(E)
Approval of property owner is required for all tenant spaces.
(2)
Expiration of sign permits.
A sign permit shall expire
and become void unless a request for final inspection of the sign
is made no later than 60 days after the date the permit is issued.
(3)
Subordinate.
A sign permit shall be considered a subordinate
project for all new construction and tenant finish-outs.
(4)
Revocation.
All rights and privileges acquired under
the provisions of this chapter or any amendment hereto are mere licenses,
revocable at any time by the director, even if reviewed and approved,
if it is determined that the sign is in violation of this chapter,
the application was incomplete, if the application contained misleading
or false information. After receiving notice, the owner may re-apply
for a new permit or voluntarily comply by bringing the sign into conformance,
or the enforcement process ensues. Permits issued in error are invalid.
(g)
Land use categories.
For purposes of this code, all
territory within the city limits and its extraterritorial jurisdiction
is classified into a land use category based upon the current use
of the land, and if undeveloped, by the future land use plan (FLUP)
of the comprehensive plan or other approved agreements. Identification
by a land use category is for the purposes of determining allowable
signage only and in no manner shall be interpreted as the city zoning
property within the extraterritorial jurisdiction, allowing non-conforming
zoning within the city limits, nor establishing vested rights regarding
applicable zoning on any land.
(1)
Low-density residential land use category includes any residential
use, excluding multifamily, in any zoning district or equivalent use
in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (“ETJ”).
(2)
Multifamily residential land use category includes any multifamily
use in any zoning district or equivalent use in the ETJ.
(3)
Commercial land use category includes any non-residential use in
any zoning district or equivalent use in the ETJ.
(Ordinance 2020-52 adopted 8/11/20)
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meaning indicated below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
All other words and phrases shall be given their common, ordinary
meaning, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
A sandwich board sign constructed in such a manner as to
form an “A” or tent-like shape that is hinged or not hinged
at the top with each angular face held at an opposite distance by
a supporting member.
A sign that does not identify or advertise a bona fide business,
lessor, service, owner, product, project, event, or activity, or pertains
to a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies.
A residential sign that publicly displays a notice, usually
located on a fence or a window of the structure that makes an announcement,
such as, “no trespassing,” “beware of dog,”
or “children/animals inside” for police or fire.
An uninhabitable structure or building intended solely as
an artistic or architectural embellishment of a landscaped area.
Any sign that emits music, talking, words, or other sound
or amplification.
A shelter constructed of materials on a supporting framework
that projects from and is supported by the exterior wall of a building.
Any object filled with lighter-than-air gasses, which is
designed to float or fly over any given location, including cloud-busters,
blimps, and other air devices.
Temporary signs, usually of cardboard or foam board and mounted
on angle iron or a wooden stake.
A sign having characters, letters, or illustrations applied
to plastic, fabric, canvas, or any non-rigid material, where the only
purpose for such non-rigid material is for background.
A sign advertising products not made, sold, used, or served
on the premises upon which the sign is located.
A covering on a bollard that includes advertising or bold
colors.
A small wall-mounted display featuring, for restaurants and
cafes, the actual menu as used at the dining table; or for businesses,
official directory information and/or legal notices regarding the
premises.
The building official of the city and includes the building
official’s designee, or other official administering the chapter.
A freestanding structure with a roof but no walls.
The city of Celina, Texas.
A temporary stake sign that publicizes times or locations
of meetings or special events of property owners associations or religious
organizations. This definition excludes directional signs for regularly
scheduled religious events. A civic sign may also publicize times
or locations of special events for schools and athletic team registrations.
The smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent
street curb, sidewalk and/or other paved surface and the lowest point
of any sign, including framework and embellishments, but excluding
sign supports.
Any onsite temporary residential subdivision or commercial
development sign that identifies the developer, property owner, architect,
contractor, lender, engineer, opening date, or any related party or
other information for such building or land, including future development,
current development, and project signs.
An on-site, non-temporary sign that uses light bulbs or light
emitting diodes to display messages of advertisement as announcements,
to include all digital signs.
Any surface element, background, or support of any sign that
has finished materials that are missing, broken, bent, cracked, decayed,
harmful, hazardous, illegible, leaning, splintered, ripped, torn,
twisted, or unsightly, including any illuminated elements that are
dark or otherwise neglected.
Any sign relating solely to internal pedestrian and vehicular
traffic circulation, warning of obstacles or overhead clearance, or
designating permissible parking within a complex or project without
any form of advertising.
The director of development services of the City of Celina
and includes his or her designee.
A color scheme that draws from a color palette of browns,
tans, greys, some greens, some oranges, whites, some blues, and some
reds. The colors in an earth tone scheme are muted and flat in an
emulation of the natural colors found in dirt, moss, trees, and rocks.
All building wall elevations, including any vertical extension
of the building wall (parapet), but not including any part of the
building roof.
The replacing or revision of the logos, wording, etc., included
on the front of the sign by means of replacing the physical material
or by repainting or similar process. A “face change” includes
the change of a sign face when a new business or tenant/owner wishes
to locate a sign on the premises; however, it does not include reader
boards or changeable copy signs.
A wind device that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff
driven into the ground for support.
Sculpture, fountain, mural, or similar object, containing
no reference to or image of a business or its logo and is not used
for advertising. Fine art is not considered as a sign.
Fabric containing distinctive colors and patterns that represent
an official symbol of a nation, state, school, religious group, or
other type of public institution.
To light suddenly or intermittently, including rotating,
pulsating or a light source that changes or alternates the color of
the light in sequence. “Flashing” does not include an
digital sign as defined herein when operated in compliance with this
code.
A sign that is not attached to a building but is placed on
or anchored in the ground and intended to be permanent.
A boundary line separating public right-of-way from the lot
or tract.
A sign, usually a stake sign, used for a “garage,”
“yard,” “estate” or other types of residential
sale of used tangible personal property such as clothing, household
effects, tools, garden implements, toys, recreation equipment or other
used or second hand items customarily found in and about the home
and advertised in a manner to provide notice such that the public
at large is, or can be, aware of such sale.
A sign installed, maintained, or used by the city, county, state
or the federal government that is required or specifically authorized
for the public purpose pursuant to regulations promulgated by the
state or federal government;
A traffic-related sign installed by any government agency within
public right-of-way; or
A sign installed to convey information to the public regarding
city, state, or federal government activities and events.
Pictures, words or slogans, images, or other artwork painted,
drawn, scratched or applied in any manner to exterior walls, fences,
structures, vehicles, stone, statues, buildings, or other items in
public view. Graffiti includes the illegal or unauthorized defacing
of a building, wall, or other edifice or object by painting, or otherwise,
marking it with words, pictures, or symbols, advertising, logos, relations
with a group, indecent/vulgar images or offensive language(s).
A commemoration that promotes the opening of a new business
or development.
Height above ground level and is commonly used to describe
the distance between the ground and the bottom of a sign of non-monument
style signs on posts.
A temporary stake sign that displays the name of a roofing,
fence, pool, paint, landscape, or other home improvement contractor.
A sign held or attached to a human for the purposes of advertising
or otherwise drawing attention to an individual, business, commodity,
service, activity, or product. A person dressed in costume for the
purpose of advertising or otherwise drawing attention to an individual,
business, commodity, service, activity, or product shall also be construed
as a human sign.
Any sign which has characters, letters, figures, designs,
or outlines illuminated directly or indirectly by electric lights,
luminous tubes, or other means.
A small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods,
facilities, or services available on the premises (e.g., a credit
card sign or a sign indicating hours of business), or identifying
emergency telephone numbers, hours, and security information, generally
located on a window or door. Incidental signs shall count toward allowed
window signage.
Any hollow sign expanded or enlarged by the use of gas or
air.
Includes bulletin boards, changeable copy directories, signs
relating solely to publicly owned institutions (city, county, state,
school district), or non-profit organizations (churches, homeowners
associations) intended for use by the institution or organization
that owns or is located on the property on which the sign is located
to provide information to the public of a general nature or of general
interest at the pedestrian level and isn’t advertised to the
street.
Any registered trademark or insignia of a company or product
that is commonly used in advertising to identify that company or product.
Includes freestanding historical markers in accordance with
state historical standards, and/or cornerstones with names and dates
of construction of a building when cut into a building surface or
inlaid upon it to become part of the building.
A freestanding or wall sign used for the purpose of informing
patrons of food which may be purchased on the premises.
A minor change to the standards, but not the intent, of this
code, which involves the director’s approval.
A temporary real estate sign placed in front of a group of
model homes that is removed from the premises upon sale of the last
model.
A sign that is supported from the grade to the bottom of
the sign and is surrounded and supported on all sides with a masonry
framework.
A monument sign for a building complex, center, or corner
that contains multiple businesses within a unified development that
share the same site and have common building architecture, color,
and materials, landscaping, and parking.
The board of adjustment (BOA), pursuant to V.T.C.A., Local
Government Code sec. 216.004 to consider certain matters related to
the relocation, reconstruction, or removal of a sign legally erected
within the city’s corporate limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction.
A non-electrical, on-premises sign which communicates only
the name of the residential occupant, name of a model home, or the
address of the premises.
A sign face that does not conform to the regulations that
impact the face of the sign prescribed in this code, including but
not limited to color of background and/or letters, and that existed
lawfully on the date of adoption of this code or applicable amendment
hereto.
A sign that does not conform to the regulations that impact
the structure of the sign prescribed in this code, including but not
limited to sign type, height, size, or location, and that existed
lawfully on the date of adoption of this code or applicable amendment
hereto.
A sign displaying advertising copy that pertains to a business,
person, organization, activity, event, place, service, or product
not principally located or primarily manufactured or sold on the premises
on which the sign is located.
A material that does not transmit light from the internal
illumination source.
The extension of a false front or wall above a roof line.
Freestanding signs that are supported by a structure extending
from and permanently attached to the ground by a foundation or footing,
with a clearance between the ground and the sign face.
A sign relating to the election of a person to a public office,
relating to a political party, relating to a matter to be voted upon
at an election called by a public body, or contains primarily a political
message.
Signs not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or
the ground; designed or installed in a manner allowing the sign to
be moved or relocated without any structural or support changes. This
definition includes, but is not limited to, “A” and “T”
frame signs.
A sign attached to and projecting out from a building face
or wall, generally at a right angle, including graphic or icon signs
mounted perpendicularly to the wall.
A sign or part of a sign where the copy is replaceable and
can be changed manually at will.
Temporary signs placed upon property indicating that particular
property is for sale, rent, or lease.
Any sign installed over or on the roof of a building.
Signs erected at an athletic field or stadium and which are
generally used to maintain the score or time expired in an event at
the field or stadium. This definition shall also include signs mounted
or applied to the outfield wall within a baseball field.
A searchlight used to direct beams of light upward for advertising
purposes.
The area within a right triangle formed by extending the
curb lines of intersecting streets from the point of intersection
for a distance of forty-five (45) feet to the hypotenuse, or for streets
intersecting a driveway or alley for a distance of twenty (20) feet
to the hypotenuse, or as defined by the American association of State
Highway Transportation Officials.
Any device, including its structure and component parts,
which conveys messages for visual communication, notice, or advertising
that is used for the purpose of attracting attention of the public,
but not including any lawful display of merchandise. The term “sign”
shall also mean and include any display of one or more of the following:
Any letter, numeral, figure, emblem, picture, outline, character,
lights, announcement, trademark, or logo.
Multicolored bands, stripes, patterns, fabrics, pennants, ribbons,
outlines, or delineations displayed for the purpose of commercial
identification or attracting attention.
Anything specified above in part or in combination by any means
whereby the same are made visible from beyond the boundaries of the
lot or parcel of property on which the same are displayed for the
purpose of attracting attention outdoors to make anything known, to
include paint/color schemes or any illuminating device on buildings
or other site features.
The actual area of the face of the sign determined from the
outside edge of the frame itself including the area of the base and
any surrounding masonry border, unless the shape of the sign is irregular
(square, rectangle, triangle, or circle).
In the case of an irregular-shaped sign, the sign area shall
be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of the sign and forming
a rectangle, which shall be measured by the overall height and width
of the rectangle.
In the event two or more signs share a single structure, each
sign or panel may be considered separately for square footage purposes,
except that the combined footage of such signs cannot exceed the total
square footage allowed for the sign. In the case of a monument sign,
square footage shall be measured by the overall height and width of
the sign, including the base/structure.
Double-faced signs shall be calculated as the area of one side
only and three-dimensional or multi-faced signs shall be calculated
as the sum of all visible sides.
A sign of a temporary nature other than those established
by a business; for the purpose of advertising a special event pertaining
to drives or events of a civic, philanthropic, cultural, educational,
sporting events, concerts, or religious organization, excluding events
that occur more frequently than once a month.
A temporary sign that utilizes the support structure to anchor
the sign to the ground by inserting the support structure into the
ground, or any temporary sign attached to utility poles, street signs,
or other objects. Also commonly called “bandit” or “snipe”
signs.
For purposes of this code, the community in its entirety,
not a phase, section, village, unit, or product line.
A sign authorized for a project entry into a master planned
residential subdivision or non-residential development, and contains
only the name of the branded development or subdivision name with
no other information.
A temporary sign that is constructed in such a manner as
to form an inverted “T.”
A sign that is attached to or placed in or on a truck, bus,
car, trailer, boat, recreations vehicle, or any other vehicle used
for routine business. Vehicle signs shall exclude bumper stickers,
license plates, and state required registration/inspection stickers.
A sign that is attached to a vending machine or gasoline
pump and which generally advertises the products dispensed from the
vending machine or gasoline pump or associated convenience store.
A sign attached to the facade of a building or a canopy.
Wall signs include signs on or affixed to walls, awnings, or other
parts of the exterior of a building or canopy including walls.
Any sign consisting of one or a series of two or more banners,
flags, feather flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, captive balloons,
or other objects or material fastened in such a manner as to move
upon being subjected to natural or artificial pressure by wind or
breeze.
Signs visible from the public street or sidewalk and are
installed or applied on or in a window or door, an incidental sign,
or a sign that is located within three (3) feet of a window on a building’s
interior.
A temporary stake sign that publicizes the arrival of a newborn
or the participation of a family member in a school activity or sport.
Yard signs shall also include signs that advertise the presence of
a home security system.
A temporary sign erected to publicize a request to zone or
rezone a property.
(Ordinance 2020-52 adopted 8/11/20)
(a)
Sign measurement criteria.
(1)
Sign area measurement.
Sign area for all sign types
is measured as follows:
(A)
Sign copy mounted, affixed, or painted on a background panel or area
distinctively painted, textured, or constructed as a background for
the sign copy, is measured as that area contained within the sum of
the smallest rectangle(s) that will enclose the sign copy, the background,
the structure, masonry border and base.
(B)
Sign copy mounted as individual letters or graphics against a wall,
fascia, mansard, or parapet of a building or surface of another structure,
that has not been painted, textured, or otherwise altered to provide
a distinctive background for the sign copy, is measured as a sum of
the smallest rectangle(s) that will enclose each word and each graphic
in the total sign.
(C)
Sign copy mounted, affixed, or painted on an illuminated surface
or illuminated element of a building or structure, is measured as
the entire illuminated surface or illuminated element which contains
sign copy. Such elements may include, but are not limited to lit canopy
fascia signs; cabinet signs; and/or interior lit awnings.
(D)
Temporary signs mounted on posts or other objects are measured by
the area of space the sign occupies, not the entire structure the
temporary sign is affixed to.
(F)
Spherical, free-form, sculptural, or other non-planar sign area is
50 percent of the sum of the areas using only the four vertical sides
of the smallest four-sided polyhedron that will encompass the sign
structure.
(2)
Sign height measurement.
Sign height is measured as
follows:
(A)
Freestanding signs:
The height of a freestanding sign
shall be computed as the distance from the base of the sign at finished
grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign. The
height of any monument sign base or other structure erected to support
or adorn the sign is measured as part of the sign height. If a sign
is located on a mound, berm, or other raised area for the sole purpose
of increasing the height of the sign, the height of the mound, berm,
or other raised area shall be included in the height of the sign.
(B)
Building mounted signs:
The height of wall, fascia,
mansard, parapet or other building mounted signs is the vertical distance
measured from the base of the wall on which the sign is located to
the top of the sign or sign structure.
(b)
Sign illumination.
(1)
All permanent signs may be non-illuminated, illuminated by internal,
internal indirect (halo), or lit by external indirect illumination,
unless otherwise specified. Signs shall have no:
(2)
For purposes of this code an electronically controlled changeable-copy
sign is not considered a flashing sign unless it directly falls under
the definition of “flashing” as defined in this code.
(A)
External indirect illumination.
Externally lit signs
are permitted to be illuminated only with steady, stationary, down
directed or ground mounted, and shielded light sources directed solely
onto the sign. Light bulbs, neon, or light tubes used for illuminating
a sign shall be shielded and generally not be visible.
(B)
No traffic interference.
An illuminated sign must not
interfere with traffic or traffic devices. A sign lighted by incandescent
light shall be installed to protect the driver of a vehicle from dangerous
glare and to maintain visual clearance of all official traffic signs,
signals, and
(C)
Exposed tube illumination.
Exposed tube illumination,
to include string lights, pod lights, strand tube, and any other similar
luminous device, utilized as a sign copy projection, border, frame,
or other embellishment of sign copy, or on other site/building features
or a window consistent with the definition of “sign” in
this code is prohibited. Neon lettering on a monument or wall sign
is allowed; framing of signs with neon is only allowed on wall signs.
Complex-wide lighting may be allowed by the director.
(D)
Digital signs.
(i)
May be incorporated into a permitted monument sign on each tract
or parcel of land, as provided herein. Digital signs oriented to motorists
or the public right-of-way are not allowed on building walls or windows.
(ii)
May encompass all of the area of the sign within the one-foot
masonry border on monument signs. Multi-tenant monument signs are
limited to sixty (60) square feet in area within the one-foot masonry
border.
(iii)
Any change of pictures or information on said sign shall not
produce the illusion of moving objects, expanding or contracting shapes,
rotation or any similar effect of animation.
(iv)
Any change of pictures or information on the sign shall not
change more often than once each three seconds for all displays on
the sign.
(E)
Reader board or manual changeable copy signs.
(c)
Location.
(1)
Private property.
All signs shall be located on private
property and outside of public right-of-way with no setback unless
otherwise specified.
(2)
Sight triangle.
All signs shall be located outside of
the sight triangle as defined by the American association of State
Highway Transportation Officials, unless otherwise determined based
upon field inspection by the city, which may result in reductions
or increases to the sight triangle.
(3)
Developed property.
All signs shall be located on developed
property or property to which a building permit has been issued for
construction of the use or building to which the sign is for, unless
otherwise specified herein.
(d)
Construction and maintenance.
All signs shall be constructed
and maintained in accordance to the following standards:
(1)
Construction.
(A)
All signs shall comply with the applicable provisions of the city
adopted versions of the International Building Code, International
[National] Electrical Code, International Property Maintenance Code,
and all other adopted model codes.
(B)
Any sign as defined in this code, shall be designed and constructed
to withstand wind pressures and receive dead loads as required in
the building code adopted by the city. Any sign, other than a wall
sign, shall be designed, installed, and maintained so that is will
withstand a horizontal pressure of no less than thirty (30) pounds
per square foot of exposed surface.
(2)
Maintenance.
(A)
All signs shall be maintained in proper working order and good structural
condition, in compliance with all building, electrical, and property
maintenance codes, and in conformance with this code, at all times.
(B)
The director shall have the authority to order the painting, repair,
or replacement of a sign and accompanying landscaping.
(e)
Removal.
(1)
Illegal sign.
Any sign erected or constructed after
the effective date of this code in violation of this code must be
removed or brought into compliance with the provisions of this code.
(A)
Upon a determination that any sign has been constructed or placed
or is maintained in violation of the provisions of this code, the
city code enforcement officer shall give written notice of the violation
to the owner or person entitled to possession of the sign and the
owner(s) of the property where the sign is located by certified and
regular mail, or by personal delivery. The notice must identify (legal
description not required) the property where the sign is located,
identify the provisions of the code violated, and state that the sign
must be removed or brought into compliance with the code within 30
days of the date of the notice. If the illegal sign is a hazardous
sign, as identified by this code, the notice must state that the sign
must be removed within 72 hours of the date of receipt of the notice.
If the city is unable to contact the owner(s) or person entitled to
possession of the sign by mail or personal delivery, the requirements
of written notice shall be fulfilled by publishing notice in the newspaper.
(B)
If the person or owner fails to remove the sign or bring it into
compliance with this code within 30 days after notice has been given,
the code enforcement officer may, in accordance with the provisions
contained herein, cause the sign to be removed at the expense of the
owner or person entitled to possession of the property or sign, and
shall, upon the determination of the expenses, certify them to the
city. The decision of the code enforcement officer to cause a sign
to be removed may be appealed in accordance with this code.
(C)
If appealed, this decision shall be subject to review by the board of adjustment, acting as the sign control board, in accordance with the provisions contained herein. Except as may be otherwise provided herein, appeal must be made in writing and submitted to the director’s office no later than ten days after the date of the notice issued by the code enforcement officer under subsection (e)(1)(A) of this section. Notification of the date, time and location scheduled for the review of the board of adjustment shall be by certified mail. The board of adjustment may: (i) reverse the code enforcement officer’s decision if it finds that the sign is in compliance with this code; (ii) uphold the decision of the code enforcement officer; or (iii) issue its own removal or maintenance orders with respect to the sign. If removal or maintenance orders upheld or issued by the board of adjustment are not complied with within 15 days after the board’s decision, or within 30 days after the decision of the date of the notice issued by the code enforcement officer, as set forth in subsection (e)(1)(A) of this section, if no appeal is taken, the code enforcement officer may order the sign removed at the owner’s expense under the provisions of this code.
(D)
If the code enforcement officer orders the removal of an illegal
sign and the sign is removed at the expense of the city, the code
enforcement officer shall notify the property owner, the person entitled
to possession of the sign or property, and each mortgagee and lienholder
identified through a diligent effort, of the total costs incurred
by the city for the removal of the sign within ten days after removal
is accomplished. If the persons notified fail within 30 days after
the date of notification to pay the entire costs and expenses of the
removal, such costs and expenses shall be assessed on and the city
shall have a lien against the property on which the sign was located.
The lien is extinguished if the person entitled to the sign or property,
the property owner or another person having an interest in the title
to the property reimburses the city for the costs and expenses. The
lien arises and attaches to the property at the time the notice of
the lien is recorded and indexed in the office of the county clerk
in the county in which the property is located. The notice must contain
the name and address of the owner if that information can be determined
with a reasonable effort, a legal description of the real property
on which the sign was located, the amount of expenses incurred by
the city, and the balance due.
(E)
The city satisfies the requirements of this section to make a diligent
effort or a reasonable effort to determine the identity and address
of an owner, a lienholder, or a mortgagee if the city searches the
following records:
(F)
When the city mails a notice in accordance with this section to a
property owner, lienholder, or mortgagee and the United States Postal
Service returns the notice as “refused” or “unclaimed,”
the validity of the notice is not affected, and the notice is considered
delivered.
(2)
Abandoned conforming sign.
An on-premises sign or sign
structure must be removed by the first anniversary of the date the
business or activity that the sign or sign structure identifies or
advertises ceases to operate on the premises on which the sign or
sign structure is located. If the premises containing the sign or
sign structure is leased, the sign must be removed on the second anniversary
after the date the most recent tenant ceases to operate on the premises.
For purposes of this subsection, an “on-premises sign”
means any sign identifying or advertising a business, person, or activity,
and installed and maintained on the same premises as the business,
person, or activity.
(3)
Nonconforming signs.
Removal of all other signs shall be accomplished by order of the municipal board on sign control in accordance with V.T.C.A., Local Government Code ch. 216, including the determination of compensation (if any) in connection therewith by the municipal board on sign control, refer to section 3.07.004(e).
(f)
Other governing rules.
It is acknowledged that other
sign regulations may be contemplated within a special zoning district
(e.g. downtown or commercial corridors), planned development district,
special use permit, or other development agreement approved by the
city council. This code governs except where those regulations supersede.
(Ordinance 2020-52 adopted 8/11/20)
(a)
Prohibited signs.
Any sign not specifically authorized
by this code is prohibited unless required by law. The following signs
and conditions are prohibited:
(1)
Signs shall have no: Flashing copy or lights; revolving beacon lights;
chasing, blinking, or stroboscopic lights; search lights; or, fluttering,
undulating, swinging, or otherwise moving parts. For purposes of this
code an electronically controlled changeable-copy sign is not considered
a flashing sign unless it directly falls under the definition of “flashing”
or “mobile” as defined in this code;
(2)
No billboards shall be permitted;
(3)
No off-premises signs shall be permitted, except as specifically
authorized in this code;
(4)
Any sign located within, on, or projecting over a property line which
borders a public or private street, highway, alley, lane, parkway,
avenue, road, sidewalk, or other right-of-way, except as provided
in this code. The code enforcement officer may cause to be removed
any temporary or portable sign erected or displayed upon, or projecting
into public property;
(5)
Any sign attached to any public utility pole or structure, street
light, tree, fence, fire hydrant, bridge, curb, sidewalk, park bench,
or other location on public property, except as provided herein;
(6)
Any sign placed, which by reason of its location, will obstruct the
view of any authorized traffic sign, signal or other traffic-control
device or which by reason of shape, color, or position interferes
with or could be confused with any authorized traffic signal or device;
(7)
Any sign which constitutes a traffic hazard including but not limited
to signs containing words such as “stop,” “look,”
“danger”;
(8)
Any sign placed within a sight triangle;
(9)
Any sign which is placed so as to prevent or inhibit free ingress
to or egress from any door, window, or any exit way required by the
International Building Code, or by city fire department regulations;
(10)
Any sign which emits audible sound, odor, smoke, steam, laser or
hologram lights, or other visible matter, including any sign that
employs any stereopticon, or motion picture projection;
(11)
Any sign placed, mounted, attached, or painted on a trailer, boat,
or motor vehicle when parked, stored, or displayed conspicuously on
the public right-of-way or private premises in a manner intended to
attract the attention of the public. This provision expressly excludes
business signs that are permanently painted on, or magnetically attached
to motor vehicles or rolling stock that are regularly and consistently
used to conduct normal business activities. Even if, those vehicles
shall be parked, if at all possible, in the rear or least conspicuous
area on-site and should not be parked in a manner to draw attention;
(12)
The canopy band face shall be flat with no projections or stripes,
be non-plastic and generally a metal or masonry based material, be
primarily one earth-tone color that matches or accents the primary
building, may not be backlit or otherwise illuminated or used as signage,
and should generally be no greater than four (4) feet in height, except
as follows:
(A)
The canopy band face may utilize one small button logo on each face
that can be internally illuminated, as long as each button logo does
not exceed 15 square feet for bands three (3) feet in size and twenty
(20) square feet for bands four feet in size, is generally as tall
as it is wide, and does not protrude more than eighteen (18) inches
from the canopy in any direction.
(B)
The canopy band face may utilize an external LED halo type light,
if properly shielded/recessed and oriented downward/upward so that
only the “wash” is visible.
(C)
The canopy band face may utilize internally illuminated rings, as
long as the source is LED, it is flush with the band face and only
protrudes nominally (up to a maximum of six inches), and the size
of the ring does not exceed more than 25 percent for single rings
and 50 percent for multiple rings of the thickness of the canopy band
face.
(13)
Roof signs, excluding mansard roofs when constructed in compliance
with this code;
(14)
Banners, pennants, ribbons, balloons, feather flags, temporary signs,
bollard sleeves, graffiti, inflatable signs, signs with arrows, and
wind-driven signs except as provided herein;
(15)
Signs or banners erected or affixed within or projecting over any
public right-of-way except as provided herein;
(16)
Bandit or stake signs (unless in association with a valid city-sponsored
special event);
(17)
Pole or pylon signs; corporate flags;
(18)
Dilapidated, abandoned, and neglected signs;
(19)
Human signs and inflatable signs;
(20)
Signs with the words “liquor” or “pawn” or
other generic names;
(21)
Searchlights, or other unpermitted lighting that draws attention
or is a nuisance;
(22)
Reader boards or changeable copy signs;
(23)
Any digital billboard located, relocated, or upgraded along a regulated
highway within the corporate limits or ETJ of the city, unless otherwise
authorized in an approved agreement by city council that requires
the support pole to be encased in masonry and any associated lateral
electric service lines to be buried; and
(24)
Any sign on commercial property designating reserved business or
“no parking” spaces, except with director approval. All
non-white parking lot striping.
(b)
Exempt signs.
The following signs shall be exempt from
obtaining a sign permit, but must meet the standards of this code:
(1)
Any public notice, or warning required by a valid and applicable
federal, state, or local law, regulation or ordinance;
(2)
Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, that
is located more than three (3) feet from the window or door;
(3)
Works of fine art that do not meet the definition of a sign;
(4)
Holiday lights and decorations that do not meet definition of a sign;
(5)
Government signs erected by the city, county, state, or federal government
in furtherance of their governmental responsibility;
(6)
Memorial signs or tablets and building markers displayed on public
or private buildings and tablets or headstones in cemeteries;
(7)
Signs prepared by or for the local, state, or federal government
marking sites or buildings of historical significance;
(8)
Nameplates as defined herein;
(9)
Announcement and yard signs as defined herein;
(10)
Incidental signs as defined herein;
(11)
Signs for vendors that are exempt under the city’s solicitor-vendors
ordinance;
(12)
Blades/panels on multi-tenant monument sign; and
(13)
Signs associated with a valid city sponsored special event.
(c)
Permitted signs.
The following sign types are permissible
upon issuance of a sign permit, unless exempted by this code or table
A, subject to the following conditions and specifications listed in
this section. Signs that do not comply with the following conditions
and specifications are considered prohibited, including exempted signs.
Table A identifies signs by type and land use category.
(1)
Temporary signs.
(A)
“A” and “T” frame signs.
(ii)
Place.
a.
Signs shall be placed on an internal sidewalk or within the
landscaping directly in front of the building or lease space in which
the business is located and the property the business is located on.
“A” and “T” frame signs are not permitted
within the public right-of-way or the perimeter landscape buffer and
sidewalks within the right-of-way. Urban areas may be less strict
applying this section.
b.
An unobstructed pedestrian clearance must be provided adjacent
to the sign.
c.
Should not be located in required parking spaces.
d.
Should be placed no closer than twenty (20) feet from other
“A” or “T” frame signs.
(iii)
Time.
During business hours only.
(B)
(C)
Development signs.
(i)
Manner.
a.
Maximum sign area is forty (40) square feet.
b.
Can be freestanding with a four-foot clear space above the ground
(HAGL).
c.
Maximum height is fifteen (15) feet.
d.
Residential: The allowed signage is based upon the number of
lots each builder controls.
|
Lots
|
Number of allowed signs
|
|---|---|
|
Less than 100
|
One sign per entrance
|
|
100–500
|
Three signs
|
|
500–1,000
|
Four signs plus one (1) sign up to 96 sq. ft.
|
|
More than 1,000
|
Five signs plus two (2) signs up to 96 sq. ft. with one 96 sq.
ft. sign allowed to be off-site
|
e.
Commercial: The allowed signage is based upon acreage. If less
than 15 acres, then one (1) sign per street frontage. If greater than
15 acres, then three (3) signs total. Signs associated with a valid
permitted project may increase allowed square footage to ninety-six
(96) square feet.
f.
Materials must be weather and fade resistant.
(ii)
Place.
Development signs shall be located on-site,
unless otherwise allowed herein.
(iii)
Time.
Shall be removed when the project is completed,
as determined by the director.
(D)
Garage sale signs.
(i)
Time.
No sign permit required. No sign shall be
displayed more than 24 hours in advance of the garage sale and all
signs must be immediately removed at the end of the garage sale.
(ii)
Place.
Garage sale signs shall be located only
on a private residential property with the consent of the property
owner. Garage sale signs shall not be placed on a vehicle, fence,
pole, tree, median, or railing. Garage sale signs shall not contain
any balloons, wind devices or other type of sign, except stake signs,
unless meeting the definition and requirements for that type of sign.
Garage sale signs shall not be placed on public property, right-of-way,
easement, utility pole, sidewalk or other public way.
(iii)
Manner.
A garage sale sign shall not exceed six
(6) square feet in area (typically two (2) feet x three (3) feet).
The maximum height of a garage sale sign shall not exceed four (4)
feet.
(E)
Grand openings.
(i)
Manner.
Temporary signs that are otherwise prohibited
may be utilized in conjunction with a grand opening and do not count
against the business’ other temporary sign rights.
(ii)
Place.
Must be on private property and not a hazard
to motorists, nor pedestrians, nor overhead utilities.
(iii)
Time.
Individual lease spaces, free-standing pad
sites, and multifamily developments may utilize grand opening rights
for up to 2 weeks following issuance of a CO or temporary CO (not
mere ownership changes), or from another pragmatic date. Big boxes
or other comparable projects may utilize grand opening rights for
up to 30 days following issuance of a CO or temporary CO, or from
another pragmatic date.
(F)
Model home signs.
(i)
Manner.
a.
Maximum sign area is sixty (60) square feet with monument style
and no HAGL. The 1' masonry border is not required.
b.
Maximum height is eight (8) feet.
c.
One sign per cluster of model homes per builder.
d.
A nameplate sign that identifies the individual product name
is exempt if it does not exceed six (6) square feet or three (3) feet
in height.
(ii)
Place.
Must be placed in front of a cluster of
one or more model homes per builder.
(iii)
Time.
All model home signage must be removed from
the premises upon sale of the last model in the cluster.
(H)
Real estate signs, commercial.
(ii)
Place.
Must be located only on the lot/property
that is for sale or lease.
(iii)
Time.
Up to one year following the issuance of
the final certificate of occupancy (CO) for the shell building. Thereafter,
a “for lease” or “for sale” banner may be
securely attached to the building, one per street frontage or lease
space, and up to thirty-two (32) square feet in area. This banner
will not require a permit.
(I)
Stake signs.
All stake signs are subjected to the following
area and height restrictions unless otherwise specified:
(ii)
Place.
a.
Civic.
Signs may be located in the right-of-way,
excluding medians, or on private property. Signs located on private
property away from the activity site shall have permission from the
property owner.
b.
Home improvement.
Signs shall be placed on the
lot to which home improvement is occurring. In general, signage shall
not be located closer than ten (10) feet to the edge of street pavement.
c.
Open house.
Signs shall be located on private
property. Signs located on private property away from the activity
site shall have permission from property owner. In general, signage
shall not be located closer than ten (10) feet to the edge of street
pavement.
d.
Yard signs.
Shall be located only on lots with
an occupied single-family, two-family, or multifamily dwelling generally
within ten (10) feet of the building footprint.
(iii)
Time.
a.
Civic.
Signs shall be erected no more than seven
days prior to the meeting or event and removed no more than 48 hours
after the meeting or event.
b.
Home improvement.
Signs shall be removed at time
of project completion.
c.
Open house.
Signs shall be erected no earlier
than two hours prior to the time of the open house and shall be removed
no later than two hours after the open house.
d.
Yard sign.
No restriction.
(2)
Permanent signs.
(A)
Awning and canopy signs.
(i)
Manner.
a.
One per occupancy per building face.
b.
Minimum eight (8) feet pedestrian clearance above sidewalk level.
c.
Any associated signage with an awning shall meet the area regulations
of a wall sign to be cumulatively calculated.
d.
If acting as an auxiliary business sign in downtown, it shall
be located on the valance only, and the height of the lettering shall
not exceed four inches, unless it is a “ghosted-in” silhouette
on the awnings.
e.
Internally illuminated awnings shall count toward wall sign
calculations.
f.
Awnings are subordinate to architectural masonry requirements
in that awnings should be functional and decorative enhancements to
a building and not a method to achieve additional branding beyond
what is intended by this code.
(ii)
Place.
Supporting structure of an awning or canopy
may not encroach into or over the street right-of-way.
(iii)
Other.
Fuel canopies and similar structures shall
abide by the sign restrictions within this code and not display prices.
A canopy shall have its support structure (columns) encased in masonry
with a pitched roof of standing seam metal.
(iv)
Other.
Canopies for car washes, vacuum stalls,
or other similar structures shall utilize a metal roof (not fabric)
and shall use a muted shade of earth tone color.
(B)
Directional signs.
(i)
Manner.
a.
Maximum sign area is six (6) square feet.
b.
Maximum height is three (3) feet.
c.
Style of signs shall be consistent with building materials and
architecture of building within the project site with a monument style
base.
d.
The director, or his or her designee, has the final discretion
to approve or not approve a proposed directional sign based on its
location or necessity.
(ii)
Place.
Shall be located a minimum of (twenty-five)
25 feet from street right-of-way.
(C)
Flags.
(i)
Manner.
a.
Maximum area is sixty (60) square feet, excluding government
flags.
b.
The maximum height of a flagpole or other supporting structure
in the low-density residential land use category shall not exceed
twenty (20) feet. The maximum height in all other land use categories
shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet.
c.
Each home builder may install a maximum of one non-government
flag per model home or cluster of model homes.
(ii)
Place.
Shall be located on the property and setback
a minimum distance equal to the height of the pole from any property
line.
(iii)
Time.
Builder flags must be removed when the project
is complete.
(D)
Information.
(ii)
Place.
a.
At a public building or church, such sign shall be located at
or near the building entrance and not oriented towards motorists nor
the right-of-way.
b.
For a neighborhood, such sign shall be located within the subdivision
at a commonly traveled location, such as near the neighborhood park
or amenity center, the main mail station, or the main entrance to
the neighborhood. Such sign shall be located on property maintained
by the neighborhood/homeowners association or with a written agreement
between the property owner and the association. Such sign shall not
be placed closer than 150 feet from the intersection of a collector
street and a major or principal thoroughfare, as defined in the city’s
master thoroughfare plan.
(E)
Menu board signs.
(i)
Drive-through menu board.
a.
Manner.
1.
Shall be a monument-style sign and does not have to meet illumination
standards.
2.
The design, materials, and finish shall match the front facade
of the building(s) on the same lot.
3.
One drive-through menu board per drive-through lane. One pre-order
monument sign is also allowed per lane. Director may make minor adjustments
here.
4.
Maximum area is 140 square feet (including pre-order signage).
5.
Maximum height is eight (8) feet.
b.
Place.
Shall be located to the side or rear of
the primary building(s) on the lot within a drive-through lane.
(ii)
Drive-in menu board.
a.
Manner.
1.
Shall be a monument-style sign or attached directly to support
columns of a canopy that covers the drive-in stalls.
2.
The design, materials, and finish shall match the front facade
of the building(s) on the same lot.
3.
One drive-in menu board per ordering station.
4.
Maximum area is fifteen (15) square feet.
5.
Maximum height is six (6) feet.
b.
Place.
Shall be located adjacent to the drive-in
stall or attached directly to support columns of a canopy that covers
the drive-in stalls.
(F)
Monument signs.
(i)
Manner.
a.
The maximum area is sixty (60) square feet.
b.
The maximum height is eight (8) feet.
c.
One per lot or pad site.
d.
A corner lot shall be allowed one additional monument sign on
its other street frontage.
e.
Sign structure and base shall be masonry. The design and construction
of monument signs shall be compatible with the architecture and style
of the development of the project site.
f.
An engineered foundation or geo-technical report may be required
at time of permitting.
g.
Signs shall contain a minimum one-foot masonry (brick/stone)
border around all sides of the sign. A sign constructed entirely of
masonry materials shall satisfy the border requirement. The one-foot
masonry border is included in the maximum area of a sign.
h.
The street address shall be included on the top half of the
sign and be a minimum six inches in height, decorative metal, and
of contrasting color with the monument.
(ii)
Place.
Shall be located behind the property line
on private property.
(G)
Multi-tenant monument signs.
(i)
Manner.
a.
Shall include the name and address of the development when practical.
b.
Sign structure and base shall be masonry. The design and construction
of monument signs shall be compatible with the architectural style,
design, color, and material of the development(s) on the project site.
c.
Business identifications on panels should generally occupy a
panel size that proportionally corresponds to its presence within
the commercial development. For example, a small individual tenant
lease space should not occupy a larger panel, and a big box should
occupy a larger panel.
d.
The maximum area shall be based upon the size of the development
and its number of tenant lease spaces.
e.
Five acres or less is 100 square feet.
f.
For every acre over five acres, the sign size may be increased
by ten (10) square feet with the maximum allowed area of 200 square
feet.
g.
The maximum height shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the
sign’s maximum allowed area.
h.
Signs shall contain a minimum one-foot masonry (brick/stone)
border around all sides of the sign. A sign constructed entirely of
masonry materials shall satisfy the border requirement. The one-foot
masonry border is included in the maximum area of a sign.
i.
A multi-tenant monument sign shall be located within a development
that consists of multiple businesses with exterior entrances which
are united through common building architecture, color, and materials,
landscaping, and parking.
j.
One multi-tenant monument sign is permitted per street frontage
of a development. One additional multi-tenant monument sign is permitted
along a street for each additional 750 linear feet of street frontage
that exceeds 750 linear feet of street frontage. No more than four
signs shall be allowed per development.
k.
Shall be located behind the property line on private property.
l.
Where exists a contiguous and unified commercial development
larger than five acres in size, multi-tenant signs will be allowed
to advertise any off-site business residing in said development, with
owner permission, so long as the business does not already have its
own monument sign. Interior commercial pad sites can also elect to
install an off-site monument within a unified commercial development
if within a sign easement and not already on a multi-tenant sign.
m.
For tracts 30 acres or larger adjacent to the Dallas North Tollway
or Collin County Outer Loop, a maximum of 240 square feet is allowed.
(H)
Projecting signs.
(i)
General.
a.
A maximum of one (1) per occupancy per building face.
b.
A maximum area of six (6) square feet in area, and a maximum
of three (3) feet in width.
c.
Distance from the sidewalk to the lower edge of sign shall be
higher than eight (8) feet.
d.
The sign shall not project above the top edge of the wall it
is attached to.
e.
Maximum sign area is included as part of the maximum area for
wall signs.
(ii)
Place.
Located on the building in which the business
or use is conducted or on the wall attached to said building.
(I)
Scoreboards.
Shall be located within the limits of and
face into the athletic field or stadium.
(J)
Subdivision entrance signs.
(i)
Manner.
a.
Should be a monument sign constructed of stone, brick, or other
maintenance free material, or incorporated into the masonry screening
wall. Generally post, panel, or plaques are not suitable for entrance
signs.
b.
The design and construction must be compatible with surrounding
development and may appear on both sides of the entrance and within
a landscaped divided entry median.
c.
Signage must be lit. Lighting should be LED, ground lights,
lights attached to the top of the sign focused downward directly on
the sign, or other lighting that is not internally illuminated.
d.
Landscaping should be thoughtfully incorporated and may include
berms, planting beds, and other quality installations.
e.
The maximum height of any architectural feature shall not exceed
twenty (20) feet.
f.
Electric plugs shall be required to accommodate holiday lighting.
g.
The size, scope, and focal point of entrance signs should be
in scale with the size of the associated development and provide a
sense of arrival and branding, in addition to reflecting “Celina,”
subject to review and approval by the director.
(ii)
Place.
a.
Shall be located outside sight triangles.
b.
Signs should be located in HOA open space lots and not on private
property, unless within a sign easement.
c.
If not on private property or an HOA lot, then the city may
enter into a license agreement to permit a subdivision identification
sign to be located within public right-of-way. The license agreement
shall be in a form acceptable to the city.
d.
Signs may be located at entrances into the subdivision, or at
focal/accentuation points within the subdivision. Entrance signage
should be in proportion to the entrance, whether it is primary, secondary,
or tertiary.
(K)
Wall signs.
(i)
Manner.
a.
For each one linear foot of the primary building face (or lease
space), two (2) square feet of wall sign is allowed. A maximum of
200 square feet of wall signage is allowed per building or tenant.
Big box primary tenants may use a total of 400 square feet.
b.
Sign area allowance shall be calculated/applied cumulatively
for all proposed wall signage. Secondary use wall signs shall not
be installed without the primary use first having a compliant wall
sign. The director may discretionarily provide a minor modification
to sign area for corner locations with multiple fronts or in other
similar situations.
c.
Maximum height shall not project above the roof line, or top
edge of parapet wall or mansard roof. Wall signs shall maintain a
minimum separation distance often (10) feet. The director may discretionarily
provide a minor modification to this standard to ensure minimum signage.
d.
Signs that project three inches or more from the wall shall
maintain a minimum clearance of nine (9) feet from the ground.
e.
The director shall ensure adequate proportion, separation, and
scale for wall signs. For buildings with a height of five (5) stories
or greater (>), a wall sign may extend above the roofline of the building
on which it is attached up to twenty-five (25) percent of the sign’s
height. Such signs will be required to be engineered for wind, load,
and structure accommodations.
(ii)
Place.
Located on the building in which the business
or use is conducted or on the wall attached to said building. Tenants
within a shell strip building shall install the sign on the wall of
the lease space they occupy and not elsewhere on the strip building.
(L)
Window.
(i)
Manner.
a.
Maximum sign area is 25 percent of the window area per wall.
Signs exceeding 25 percent may be calculated against the maximum wall
sign area permitted, upon discretionary review and approval by the
director.
b.
Incidental signs shall count towards the maximum window sign
area. “Open” signs are limited to one per primary business
entrance.
c.
Neon signs are allowed (if installed a minimum of 5' behind
windows) in commercial districts.
d.
Incidental signs, neon signs, and all other wall/window signage
shall be static with no blinking, strobing, revolving, flashing, chasing,
or other moving elements.
(d)
Political signs.
(1)
Political signs may be erected in accordance with this code upon
private premises. Political signs are not allowed on utility poles,
in public easements, on public fences or buildings, or any city property
or city right-of-way. Political signs located on private property,
which is not the property of the owner of the sign, shall have permission
from property owner.
(3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, two political signs per candidate (or per measure or proposition) may be lawfully erected on any city-owned property that has been designated as an election polling place for the time period beginning with early voting by personal appearance and continuing through the completion of the election contest including, if applicable, any runoff election. The placement of such sign must comply with the Texas Election Code’s location requirements and may not:
(e)
Nonconforming signs.
(1)
Nonconforming sign structure.
A sign that does not conform to the regulations relating to the structure of the sign prescribed in this code, including but not limited to sign type, height, size, or location, and that existed lawfully on the date of adoption of this code or amendment hereto (as applicable) shall be deemed a nonconforming sign structure. A nonconforming sign structure may be maintained in its current location until one of the conditions outlined in subsection (e) of this section occurs at which time the sign structure must be removed in accordance with this section or modified to bring the sign structure into conformance with current ordinances. The sign structure must be maintained and the degree of nonconformity may not be increased; however, a face change may occur without altering the nonconforming status of the sign structure and without the need to bring the structure into compliance with this code, unless otherwise provided for herein.
(2)
Nonconforming sign face.
An internally illuminated sign face that does not conform to the regulations that impact the face of the sign prescribed in this code, including but not limited to color of background and/or letters, and that existed lawfully on the date of adoption of this chapter or amendment hereto shall be deemed a nonconforming sign face. A nonconforming sign face may be maintained in its current location until one of the conditions outlined in subsection (d) of this section occurs at which time the sign face must be removed in accordance with this section or modified to bring the sign face into conformance with current ordinances. The sign face must be maintained and not moved, altered, removed, reinstalled or replaced until it is made to conform with this code.
(3)
Billboards.
When a property with an existing billboard,
whether legal nonconforming, illegal, legal, or any other status,
applies for a permit from the city, the billboard shall have its support
pole encased in masonry and any associated lateral electric service
lines buried prior to any certificate of occupancy being issued for
the parent project.
(4)
Removal of nonconforming sign faces.
The right to continue
all nonconforming sign faces shall cease and such sign face shall
be removed whenever:
(A)
An approved application for certificate of occupancy or a certificate
of occupancy for a change of business is issued as provided in the
comprehensive zoning ordinance and the existing sign face is associated
with the previous business.
(B)
A change of occupancy classification occurs as described in the building
code and the sign face is associated with the classification change.
(C)
The business advertised on the sign ceases to operate on the premises
on which the sign is located.
(D)
A sign face is altered, repaired or reinstalled without a permit
pursuant to the provisions of the chapter.
(E)
A sign face, or a substantial part of the sign face, is blown down
or otherwise destroyed, damaged or dismantled for any purpose other
than maintenance operations or for changing the letters, symbols,
or other matter on the sign face; for purposes hereof, a sign or substantial
part of it is considered to have been destroyed if the cost to repair
the sign face exceeds 60 percent of the cost of erecting a new sign
face at the same location.
(F)
A sign face has been blown down, dismantled, deteriorated or dilapidated,
or has been otherwise deemed unsafe.
(5)
Removal of nonconforming sign structures.
The right
to continue all nonconforming sign structures shall cease and such
sign structure and sign face shall be removed (compensation, if required
for such removal, as determined by the board of adjustment in accordance
with V.T.C.A., Local Government Code ch. 216, may be awarded) whenever:
(A)
The property is rezoned and the existing business ceases to operate
on the premises on which the sign structure is located, and the sign
is no longer allowable in the new zoning classification.
(B)
The structure is altered, remodeled, removed, or rebuilt and the
costs of the alteration, remodel or rebuild exceeds 60 percent of
the value of the altered structure, prior to the alteration, remodel
or rebuild. Values shall be based upon county appraisal district records.
(C)
The sign structure is altered, moved, repaired, or relocated without
a permit pursuant to the provisions of the chapter.
(D)
The sign, or a substantial part of the sign, is blown down or otherwise
destroyed or dismantled for any purpose other than maintenance operations
or for changing the letters, symbols, or other matter on the sign;
for purposes hereof, a sign or substantial part of it is considered
to have been destroyed if the cost to repair the sign exceeds 60 percent
of the cost of erecting a new sign of the same type at the same location.
(E)
The sign leans such that an angle between the sign and the ground
is 70 degrees or less.
(F)
The sign has been blown down, dismantled, deteriorated, hit by motorist,
or dilapidated, or has been otherwise deemed structurally unsafe.
(G)
An occupancy change occurs as described in subsections (d)(l), (2)
or (3) of this section and the non-conforming sign structure is an
off-premises or on-premises wall sign.
(f)
Hazardous signs.
(1)
Except as otherwise provided by law or this code, no person may install,
maintain, or use a sign that:
(A)
Obstructs a fire escape, required exit, window, or door used as a
means of escape.
(B)
Interferes with a ventilation opening, except that a sign may cover
a transom window if otherwise in compliance with the International
Building and Fire Codes.
(C)
Substantially obstructs the lighting of public right-of-way or other
public property, or interferes with a public utility or traffic-control
device.
(D)
Contains or utilizes a supporting device placed on public right-of-way
or other public area within the city limits or the extraterritorial
jurisdiction of the city, unless the use of the public right-of-way
or other public area has been approved by the city and a right-of-way
joint use agreement and/or license agreement has been filed and approved.
(E)
Is illuminated in such a way as to create a hazard to pedestrian,
bicycle, or vehicular traffic.
(F)
Creates a traffic hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists,
by restricting visibility at a curb cut or adjoining public street.
(G)
Has less than sixteen (16) feet of clearance above street pavement
grade and/or is located outside public right-of-way and within the
sight triangle at an intersection that results in impaired sight distance
of users of the intersection.
(H)
Violates a requirement of the electrical code.
(I)
Is determined by the building official to be dangerous.
(2)
Notice that removal of a hazardous sign is required shall be given
by the director in accordance with this code. Once notice is provided,
the sign must be removed or appeal taken within 72 hours after receipt
of such notice.
(A)
If after such time the sign is not removed and no appeal is taken,
the director may enter the premises and abate the hazardous condition.
The reasonable cost of abating the hazardous sign, together with interest
on the unpaid balance at the interest rate of ten percent, shall be
taxed as a lien against the property on which the sign is located.
Such lien shall attach in accordance with this code.
(B)
A sign removed under this provision shall be held for a period of
no less than 60 days after its removal before disposal of the removed
sign. If during this period the owner of the sign pays the storage
fee, the director shall return the sign to its owner. This provision
is not exclusive and in no way restricts or modifies any method authorized
by law to seize evidence of a crime.
(g)
Notification.
Notification of violations of this chapter
shall be consistent with the requirements of V.T.C.A., Government
Code.
(h)
Variances.
A variance to the provisions of this code
shall be considered an exception to the regulations, rather than a
right. Whenever a sign to be erected is of such unusual size, shape
or nature that the strict application of the requirements contained
in this code would result in substantial hardship or inequity, the
board of adjustment, acting as the sign control board, may vary or
modify, except as otherwise indicated, such requirements in accordance
with the provisions listed below, so that the developer may erect
a sign in a reasonable manner, but so that, at the same time, the
public welfare and interests of the city are protected and the general
intent and spirit of this code is preserved. In no event, however,
may a variance be granted to the administrative process, to the permit
requirements, or allowing a prohibited sign as contained in this code.
(1)
Jurisdiction.
When a written request for a variance
from the design requirements of this code is filed:
(A)
After conducting a public hearing concerning such requested variance(s),
the board of adjustment may approve or deny a request for a variance
to the design standards and such variance(s), if granted, shall also
be considered to be a modification of the sign regulations, applicable
to the specified property within such development within the city
limits or ETJ.
(2)
Approval.
In granting approval of a request for variance,
the board of adjustment (BOA) shall conclude that the variance is
not contrary to the public interest and, due to special conditions;
a literal enforcement of this code would result in unnecessary hardship,
and so that the variance observes the spirit of this code and concludes
that substantial justice is done. The board of adjustment shall meet
these requirements by making findings that:
(A)
The public convenience and welfare will be substantially served;
(B)
The appropriate use of surrounding property will not be substantially
or permanently impaired or diminished;
(C)
The applicant has not created the hardship from which relief is sought;
(D)
The variance will not confer upon the applicant a special right or
privilege not commonly shared or available to the owners of similar
and surrounding property;
(E)
The hardship from which relief is sought is not solely of an economic
nature;
(F)
The variance is not contrary to the public interest;
(G)
Due to special conditions, the literal enforcement of this code would
result m an unnecessary hardship; and
(H)
In granting the variance, the spirit of this code is observed and
substantial justice is done.
(3)
Appeal.
The board of adjustment’s decision is
final.
(i)
Amendments.
The city council may, from time to time,
adopt, amend, and make public rules and regulations for the administration
of this code.
(j)
Enforcement.
(1)
Penalty.
Any person, firm, or corporation who shall
violate any of the provisions of this code or cause or permit the
same to be done in violation of this code shall be guilty of a class
C misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine not
to exceed the maximum permissible fine allowed by state law and a
separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which
a violation occurs or continues.
(2)
Administrative action.
The city and/or the city manager
shall enforce this code by appropriate administrative action, including
but not limited to the rejection of plans, maps, plats, and specifications
not found to be in compliance with this code and good engineering
practices, and the issuance of stop-work orders.
(3)
Court proceedings.
Upon the request of the city manager,
the city attorney, or other authorized attorney shall file an action
in the district courts to enjoin the violation or threatened violation
of this code, or to obtain declaratory judgment, and to seek and recover
court costs and attorney fees, and/or recover damages in an amount
sufficient for the city to undertake any construction or other activity
necessary to bring about compliance with a requirement regarding the
property and established pursuant to this code.
|
Table A - Allowed Sign Types by Land Use Category
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sign type
|
Land use category
| ||
|
|
SF residential
|
Multifamily
|
Commercial
|
|
Temporary signs
|
|
|
|
|
“A” and “T” frame
|
X
|
C
|
C
|
|
Banner
|
X
|
P
|
P
|
|
Development sign
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Grand opening
|
X
|
C
|
C
|
|
Government or special events
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
|
Model home
|
P
|
X
|
X
|
|
Real estate, commercial
|
X
|
C
|
C
|
|
Real estate, residential
|
C
|
X
|
X
|
|
Bandit stake signs
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
|
Permanent signs
|
|
|
|
|
Awning/canopy
|
X
|
C
|
C
|
|
Building directory/information/incidental
|
X
|
C
|
C
|
|
Directional
|
X
|
P
|
P
|
|
Flags
|
C
|
C
|
C
|
|
Menu
|
X
|
X
|
P
|
|
Monument
|
X
|
P
|
P
|
|
Multi-tenant monument
|
X
|
P
|
P
|
|
Multi-tenant panel
|
X
|
C
|
C
|
|
Projecting
|
X
|
P
|
P
|
|
Subdivision entrance
|
P
|
P
|
P
|
|
Wall
|
X
|
P
|
P
|
|
Window
|
X
|
X
|
C
|
|
X
|
Not allowed
|
|
P
|
Allowed only with permit
|
|
C
|
Allowed in compliance with code; no permit required
|
(Ordinance 2020-52 adopted 8/11/20)
