(a)
Title.
These regulations shall be known as the city
sign ordinance or the city sign code, may be cited as such, and may
be referred to herein as “this article.”
(b)
Purpose and objectives.
Signs use private land near
the public rights-of-way to inform and persuade the general public
by publishing a message. This article provides standards for the erection
and maintenance of private signs. All private signs that are not exempt
as provided below shall be erected and maintained in accordance with
these standards. The general objectives of these standards are to
promote and protect the health, safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment
of the public, and in part, to achieve the following objectives:
(1)
Safety.
To promote and protect the safety of persons
and property by providing that signs:
(A)
Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay or
abandonment;
(B)
Do not obstruct firefighting or police surveillance; and
(C)
Do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists,
or by impairing the driver’s ability to see pedestrians, obstacles
or other vehicles, or to read traffic signs, other traffic-control
and safety devices, or emergency vehicles.
(2)
Communication efficiency.
To promote the efficient transfer
of information in sign messages by providing that:
(A)
Those signs which provide messages and information most needed and
sought by the public are given priorities;
(B)
Businesses and services may identify themselves;
(C)
Customers and other persons may 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; and
(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 said messages, according to the observer’s purpose.
(3)
Landscape quality and preservation.
To protect the public
welfare and to enhance the appearance and economic value of the cityscape,
by providing that signs:
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
(a)
Jurisdiction and applicability.
This article shall be
applied to all areas within the corporate limits of the city, as such
limits may be changed from time to time, and to those areas within
the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), as such areas
may also be changed from time to time, as allowed by law.
(1)
All signs erected, constructed, installed or otherwise placed after
the effective date of this article shall be in full conformance with
all standards and regulations herein.
(2)
Signs which were in existence and in place on the effective date
of this article, and which meet all provisions of this article, shall
be classified as conforming signs.
(3)
Signs which were lawfully installed in compliance with all city codes and ordinances that were applicable at the time of installation, but that do not comply with one or more provisions of this article and/or other applicable codes or ordinances of the city (such as specific signage regulations in the city zoning ordinance) that were adopted after such signs were installed shall be classified as nonconforming signs (see section 21.09.015).
(b)
Regulations not intended to permit violation.
The regulations
of this article are not intended to permit any violation of the provisions
of any other lawful ordinance or of any state law.
(c)
Conflicting regulations.
In the event of any conflict
between the provisions of this article and any other city code or
ordinance the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
(d)
Administrative official.
The provisions of this chapter
shall be administered and enforced by the building official (or designated
representative) of the city. For such purposes, the building official
(or designated representative) shall have the powers of a law enforcement
officer.
(e)
Inspections.
(1)
All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection
by the city.
(2)
Footing inspections (as by a licensed structural engineer) may be
required by the city for all signs having footings.
(3)
All signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions
as provided in this code, and the electrical components used shall
bear the label of, and shall comply with, the applicable regulations.
Any electrical signs or devices that are located within reach of persons
shall be protected by wire glass, safety glass, a metal locked box,
or other approved safety method.
(4)
The city may order the revocation of any sign permit and/or the removal
of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions
of this article.
(5)
The city has the authority to inspect annually, or at such other
times as it deems necessary, each sign regulated by this article for
the purpose of ascertaining whether the sign is secure or insecure,
whether it still serves a useful purpose, and whether it is in need
of removal or repair.
(f)
Right of entry.
Whenever necessary to make an inspection
to enforce any of the provisions of this article, or whenever the
building official (or his/her authorized representative) has reasonable
cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises
any condition or code violation which makes such building or premises
unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the building official (or his/her
authorized representative) may enter such building or premises at
all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed
upon the building official by this article; provided that, if such
building or premises are occupied, he shall first present proper credentials
and request entry; and if such building or premises are unoccupied
he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other
persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request
entry. If such entry is refused, the building official (or his/her
authorized representative) shall have recourse to every remedy provided
by law to secure entry.
(g)
Responsible parties.
The permittee, owner, agent and/or
person(s) having the beneficial use of any sign, the owner(s) of the
land or structure upon which any sign is located, the person(s) responding
on behalf of such advertising, and the person(s) in charge of erecting
any sign are all subject to the provisions of, and compliance with,
this article. It is the responsibility of all such parties to be knowledgeable
of, and to be in compliance with, all provisions of this article.
(h)
Signs not expressly permitted are prohibited.
All signs
not expressly defined, regulated and permitted under this article
are hereby prohibited within the corporate limits of the city, and
within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city (if applicable
by law).
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
Requests for special exceptions from the strict administration
of this article may be sought through the zoning board of adjustment
in the same manner as a variance to a zoning regulation. Any such
request shall follow the procedures set forth in this code. In order
for the board to grant a variance it must find the following facts.
(1)
The requested variance does not violate the intent of this chapter.
(2)
The requested variance will not adversely affect surrounding properties.
(3)
The requested variance will not adversely affect public safety.
(4)
Special conditions exist which are unique to this applicant or property.
(5)
The sign has not been installed prior to obtaining a permit.
(6)
A sign installed without a permit must be removed before a sign variance
application can be accepted.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
To change the size, shape, outline, intent, footprint or
type of sign.
Any type of mechanical movement or change of lighting to
depict action or to create a special effect or scene.
See “sign area.”
To stick, tack, nail, or otherwise affix a sign to any object;
to paint, stencil, write or otherwise mark on an object.
A sign that is attached to, applied to, applied on or supported
by any part of a building (such as a wall, window, canopy, awning,
arcade, marquee, etc. and specifically) which encloses or covers usable
space. This does not include or apply to roof signs which are strictly
prohibited.
A structure hung from the surface of a building, usually
stretched over a frame and designed to provide protection from sun,
rain, wind and other climatological conditions or to provide decoration
to the building facade. An awning is typically composed of canvas,
fabric or other similar lightweight material supported and shaped
by a metal or wood frame. An awning shall have a minimum clearance
of eight (8) feet above any sidewalk/pedestrian travel surface, and
fourteen (14) feet above any vehicular parking or circulation surface.
It shall be engineered and able to withstand the most recent revision
of the latest adopted building code for wind speeds. All awning signs
four hundred (400) square feet or larger shall have a flame-retardant
certificate.
The copy/artwork on an awning sign shall not exceed the area
and size that are allowed for a wall sign on the wall upon which it
is attached, and the copy/artwork shall not be illuminated. However,
the total area of wall signs and awning signs on any wall surface
shall not exceed the area and size allowed for a single wall sign,
and any awning sign shall not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of
the awning’s surface area. An awning and/or awning sign shall
have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet above any sidewalk/pedestrian
travel surface, and fourteen (14) feet above any vehicular parking
or circulation surface. It shall be engineered and able to withstand
the most recent revision of the latest adopted building code for wind
speeds. All awning signs four hundred (400) square feet or larger
shall have a flame-retardant certificate. All awning signs must comply
with the following regulations:
Maximum height: Height of vertical face only of awning.
Maximum size/area: Not to exceed seventy-five (75) percent of
the awning’s vertical surface area.
Allowed in all nonresidential zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: On the vertical face of an awning which
provides weather protection, identity, or decoration and is supported
by the building the awning is attached to.
Maximum number: Not applicable.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
A type of portable sign that is generally constructed of
lightweight plastic, fabric, or a similar nonrigid material, and that
is mounted/tethered to a pole, building or other structure at one
or more edges. A banner typically (but not always) exhibits a text
message and/or symbol(s) for the business located on the property,
or for a product or service provided by that business. Banner signs
shall not be utilized as permanent wall signs. National/state or local
government flags are not considered banners (see “flag”).
Maximum height: Six feet (6').
Maximum size/area: Sixty (60) square feet.
Allowed in all nonresidential, multifamily, townhome and manufactured
housing zoning districts, and allowed for any nonresidential use (such
as a church, school, day care center, etc.) that is located in an
agricultural, single-family or two-family zoning district.
Placement/setbacks: Must be securely attached (such that the
banner does not move, flap, wave, flutter, twirl, etc.) to the vertical
face only of a building or a canopy, not to a fence, screening wall,
tree, utility pole, permanent sign support, etc.
Maximum number: One per dedicated street frontage per business.
Duration: Establishments will be permitted for no more than
one banner at a time per site.
Banners shall advertise specific on-site products, commodity
promotions or grand openings, or shall provide leasing information.
Banners will not be used for general advertising purposes.
Banner permits will be valid for a period not to exceed sixty
(60) calendar days and additional banner permits for the same location
will not be issued for a period of sixty (60) calendar days from the
expiration date of the previous permit.
Banners with expired permits must be removed within two (2)
calendar days of the permit expiration or be subject to citations.
Special event/promotion: Any nonresidential premises or occupancy
may display banner signs containing a message directly relating to
a special event/promotion, limited to four (4) special events/promotions
per calendar year. The size of a special event/promotion banner is
limited to sixty (60) square feet. Special event/promotion banners
may be displayed no more than fourteen (14) calendar days and must
be removed within two (2) calendar days after the conclusion of the
special event/promotion. Only one (1) special event or promotion banner
may be displayed on the premises at any one (1) time. The banner shall
be located on the face of the building of the business offering the
special event/promotion with property owner’s written permission
provided to the city at the time the banner permit application is
submitted for approval.
Permit is required. The permit fee(s) may be waived for registered
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
A sign displaying advertising copy that pertains to a business,
person, organization, activity, event, place, service and/or product
not principally located or primarily manufactured or sold on the premises
upon which the sign is located (i.e., off-premises). Billboard signs
are prohibited in all zoning districts.
A line parallel or approximately parallel to the street line
and beyond which buildings may not be erected.
For the purposes of this article, the building official,
or other official duly authorized by the city, has the authority to
administer and enforce the provisions of this article.
A roof-like structure which is supported by freestanding
columns or the building to which it is attached, and which is generally
open on two or more sides. A canopy shall have a minimum clearance
of eight (8) feet above any sidewalk/pedestrian travel surface, and
fourteen (14) feet above any vehicular parking or circulation surface.
It shall be engineered and able to withstand the most recent revision
of the latest adopted building code for wind speeds. All canopy signs
four hundred (400) square feet or larger shall have a flame-retardant
certificate.
A canopy sign may be placed, digitally printed, screen printed
or has vinyl applied upon or is an integral part of the face of a
canopy. All canopy signs 400 square feet or larger shall have a flame-retardant
certificate.
Maximum height: Not to exceed the height of the canopy.
Maximum size/area: Not to exceed ten (10) percent of the area
of the face of the canopy of which it is a part or to which it is
attached, or a maximum of twenty-five (25) square feet, whichever
is greater. The sign may consist of only the name and/or logo of the
business at the location of the canopy. An illuminated stripe may
be incorporated into a canopy. The stripe may extend along the entire
length of the face of the canopy. The width or thickness of the stripe
shall be limited to one-third (1/3) of the vertical dimension of the
face of the canopy. The internal illumination of a canopy is limited
to the portions of the canopy face upon which a sign or illuminated
stripe is permitted.
Allowed in all nonresidential zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: On the vertical face only of a canopy; minimum
vertical clearance of eight (8) feet above any sidewalk/pedestrian
travel surface, and fourteen (14) feet above any vehicular parking
or circulation surface.
Maximum number: One (1) per canopy face.
Duration: No limit.
A wall-mounted or freestanding sign (or a portion of a larger
sign) that describes and advertises things such as movie listings,
fuel pricing, dining and product or service specials, welcome greetings,
etc., with manually interchangeable letters and symbols; includes
nonelectronic bulletin boards and theater marquees; not a “message
center.”
Maximum height: See standard for the type of sign it is part
of (monument sign, pole/pylon sign, wall sign, etc.).
Maximum size/area: See standard for the type of sign it is part
of (monument sign, pole/pylon sign, wall sign, etc.).
Allowed: See standard for the type of sign it is part of (monument
sign, pole/pylon sign, wall sign, etc.).
Placement/setbacks: See standard for the type of sign it is
part of (monument sign, pole/pylon sign, wall sign, etc.).
Maximum number: One (1) per property/lot.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
Any type of copy that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises
or otherwise calls attention to a business, product, service or other
commercial or for-profit activity.
A sign that was in existence and in place on the effective
date of this article, and which meets all provisions of this article.
A temporary, accessory sign identifying the property owner,
architect, contractor, engineer, landscape architect, decorator and/or
mortgagee engaged in the design, construction and/or improvement of
the premises upon which the sign is located. Construction signs may
be erected in nonresidential and residential zoning districts and
shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in size and a maximum
height of fifteen (15) feet. The required setback for a construction
sign shall be twenty (20) feet from the front property line, and construction
signs are limited to one (1) per street front. A construction sign
may be erected and maintained only during the duration of construction
and shall be removed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy
or, in the case of a residential dwelling, prior to the final building
inspection.
Letters, characters, illustrations, logos, graphics, symbols,
writing or any combination thereof, that is intended to communicate
information of any kind, or to advertise, announce or identify a person,
entity, business, business product or service, or to advertise the
sale, rental or lease of the premises.
The area of the sign containing any copy, including the area
between the separate lines and letters of text and the area between
text and any symbol, illustration, logo or graphic.
Dilapidated or deteriorated condition shall include instances
where:
Elements of the surface or background can be seen, as viewed
from a normal viewing distance (i.e., the intended viewing distance),
to have portions of the finished material or paint flaked, broken
off, missing and/or otherwise not in harmony with the rest of the
surface;
The structural support or frame members are visibly bent, broken,
dented or torn;
The sign panel is visibly cracked or, in the case of wood and
similar products, splintered in such a way as to constitute an unsightly
or harmful condition;
The sign and/or its elements are twisted or leaning or at angles
other than those at which it was originally erected (such as may result
from being blown by high winds or from the failure of a structural
support);
The message or wording can no longer be clearly read by a person
with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions; or
The sign and/or its elements are not in compliance with the
requirements of this code of the city.
See “promotional flags/pennants” and “promotional
signage.”
A temporary, accessory sign identifying the name and general
nature of the development project that is being constructed on the
premises upon which the sign is located. Such signs must relate only
to the property on which they are located.
Maximum height: Twenty feet (20').
Maximum size/area: One hundred (100) square feet.
Allowed in all zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Thirty feet (30') from any property or right-of-way
line.
Maximum number: One per project or one (1) per fifty (50) acres
of total project size.
Duration: Until project is ninety percent (90%) complete. In
the case of a commercial project, “ninety (90) percent complete”
means when a certificate of compliance is issued for a shell building.
For a residential project, “ninety (90) percent complete”
means when ninety (90) percent of the subdivision is permitted.
Permit is required.
A sign designated specifically for the purpose of directing
or providing guidance to vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic on private
property. The sign will be allowed to have names/logos and arrows
showing direction. Examples include, but are not limited to, signs
with or without a directional arrow and wording such as “entrance,”
“exit,” “visitor parking,” “customer
service department,” “one-way,” “leasing office
this way,” etc.
Maximum height: Three feet (3').
Maximum size/area: Eight (8) square feet.
Allowed in all multifamily, single-family attached, manufactured
home, and nonresidential zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Five feet (5') from any property or right-of-way
line.
Maximum number: No limit.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is not required.
A sign used for the purpose of directing vehicular and/or
pedestrian traffic to specific occupants/businesses on private property
(i.e., within shopping centers, industrial parks, retail districts,
office complexes and commercial sites). Sign will be allowed to advertise
corporate logos other than the names of occupants/businesses and arrows
directing traffic to those locations. Can be freestanding or wall-mounted.
Maximum height: Same as for monument sign if freestanding.
Maximum size/area: Eighteen (18) square feet if freestanding;
eight (8) square feet and placed adjacent to the building’s
primary entrance at the ground level if wall-mounted.
Allowed in all multifamily, single-family attached, manufactured
home, and nonresidential zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Ten feet (10') from any property or right-of-way
line for freestanding or monument-style.
Maximum number: One (1) per property/lot, or one (1) per twenty-five
(25) acres (or portion thereof) for a development that is over twenty-five
(25) acres in size.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
An area restricted on private property where the city or
a public utility has the right to remove and keep removed all or part
of any buildings, fences, trees, shrubs and other improvements or
growths which in any way endanger or interfere with the construction,
maintenance or efficiency of its respective systems within said easements.
The city and public utilities have the right of ingress and egress
to and from and upon easements for the purpose of constructing, reconstructing,
inspecting, patrolling, maintaining and adding to or removing all
or part of their respective systems without the necessity at any time
of procuring the permission of anyone.
Signs may be illuminated. Signs shall have no flashing copy
or lights; revolving beacon lights; chasing, blinking, or stroboscopic
lights; or, fluttering, undulating, swinging, or otherwise moving
parts.
Electronic message signs are allowed.
A maximum of 70% of the sign face may be devoted to changeable
sign copy.
Changeable message copy signs may not be used to display commercial
messages relating to products or services that are not offered on
the premises.
Any marquee signs that are illuminated by artificial light or
projects an electronic message through a changeable copy sign that
is within 400 feet of a residence, park, playground, or scenic area
as designated by a governmental agency having such authority shall
not be lighted between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Such signs shall not exceed a brightness level of 0.3-foot candles
above ambient light. In all zoning districts such signs shall come
equipped with automatic dimming technology, which automatically adjusts
the sign’s brightness based on ambient light.
A permit is required.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix,
and shall also include the painting of signs on any surface, including
the exterior surface of a building or structure.
Any separate face of a building, including parapet walls
and any other part of a building which encloses or covers usable space
that is not classified as the roof. Where separate facades are oriented
in the same direction or in directions within 45 degrees of one another,
they are to be considered as part of a single facade.
A surface(s) of the sign upon, against or through which the
message is displayed or illustrated on the sign.
A fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors,
patterns, words and/or insignia which is used as a symbol for a government,
political subdivision or some other professional, religious, educational
or nonprofit entity, provided that such device is displayed for noncommercial
(i.e., not-for-profit) purposes.
Any advertising circular or piece that is affixed, glued,
nailed, stapled or otherwise attached to a pole, fence, building or
other structure.
See “real estate sign.”
Any type of sign that is placed on or anchored in the ground,
and that is structurally independent of any building or other structure.
All types of freestanding signs require a permit (unless otherwise
provided in this article for a specific type of freestanding sign).
All types of freestanding signs shall be located entirely on private
property and not within any public right-of-way or easement.
Any temporary, promotional sign for the occasional (i.e.,
not on-going) sale of personal household goods, typically displayed
in a residential area or on the property of a nonprofit organization.
Off-premises garage sale signs are permitted, provided they have the
address of the sale upon them, they are self-supporting, and they
are not placed within public rights-of-way or mounted upon public/utility
structures (e.g., telephone poles, streetlight standards, street sign
poles, public buildings, etc.) or on trees, fences, etc.
Maximum height: Five (5) feet.
Maximum size/area: Four (4) square feet.
Zoning permitted: In all districts.
Placement: On private property (off-premises signs require the
property owner’s permission); cannot be mounted on public/utility
structures or within public rights-of-way or easements.
Maximum number: One (1) on the property having the sale; no
more than five (5) off-site.
Duration: From 5:00 p.m. the day before the sale, until 8:00
a.m. the day after the sale. A fine will be assessed for each off-site
garage sale sign left after 8:00 a.m. on the required removal date.
Permit is required.
Exposed tubes which contain inert luminescent gases including,
but not limited to, neon, argon and krypton.
A freestanding off-premises sign, or billboard, that is located
within six hundred and sixty feet (660') of any state or federal highway
right-of-way, and that is visible from such highway, and that requires
an outdoor advertising license from the state department of transportation.
New highway signs or billboards are prohibited and shall not be allowed
in any zoning district.
A sign held by or attached to a human being who stands or
walks on the ground, at a business location (on-premises only). A
human sign includes a person dressed in costume, for the purposes
of advertising or otherwise drawing attention to an individual, business,
commodity, service, activity, or product on the premises where the
human sign is located.
No sign permit is required.
Human signs may not be off-premises from where a promotion,
sale, event or the like takes place. Podiums, risers, stilts, vehicles,
roofs, or other structures or devices shall not support a human sign.
Human signs may be displayed only during normal business hours
each and every continuing calendar day until the promotion, sale,
special event, or the like has ended.
Human signs shall at all times remain outside of the roadways
at or about the premises where the human sign is located, and shall
refrain from interfering with, distracting or interfering with traffic
on and about the roadways as well as pedestrian traffic on and about
the sidewalk(s), if any.
A sign which is used to identify the name of a retail shopping
center, of a business park, or an industrial, commercial or office
center.
A sign that was erected in violation of any regulation applicable
at the time of erection of such sign, including lack of a required
permit.
Illegal conforming sign.
A sign erected within the city or its ETJ that meets all
provisions of this article but does not have a required permit.
Illegal nonconforming sign.
A sign erected within the city or its ETJ that does not meet
all provisions of this article and does not have a required permit
(also deemed a “premature sign” or an “unauthorized
sign” unless deemed by the city as an “illegal conforming
sign”).
A sign which has characters, letters, figures and/or designs
that are illuminated by electric lights, luminous tubes or other means,
and that are specifically placed to draw attention to, or to provide
nighttime viewing of, the subject matter on the sign face.
A small sign of a noncommercial nature which is intended
primarily for the convenience of the public. Included are signs designating
restrooms, address numbers, hours of operation, entrances to buildings,
public telephones, directions to locations, “help wanted”
signs, civic organizations, and so forth. Also included in this group
of signs are those designed to guide or direct pedestrians or vehicular
traffic to an area or place on the premises of an office building
or a business development by means of a directory designating names
and addresses only (see “directional sign”).
Maximum height: Not applicable.
Maximum size/area: Three (3) square feet.
Allowed in all single-family attached, multifamily, manufactured
home and nonresidential zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: On the vertical face only of a building,
in a window, or on a gate or fence.
Maximum number: No limit.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is not required.
A portable, hollow sign expanded or enlarged by the use of
air, gas or lighter-than-air gas.
A permit is required and must be obtained prior to placement
of an inflatable sign.
The sign must be set back a minimum of 10 feet from any property
line.
A permit holder will be allowed to place one sign for three,
10-day periods per calendar year. Periods may not run consecutively.
Placement of signs on city right-of-way is prohibited.
Signs and their anchors or attachments shall not be placed in
such a way as to create a traffic hazard.
Signs must be securely anchored to the pavement or ground.
A sign used for the purpose of directing vehicular and/or
pedestrian traffic to specific occupants/businesses on private property
(i.e., within shopping centers, industrial parks, retail districts,
office complexes and commercial sites). Sign will be allowed to advertise
corporate logos other than the names of occupants/businesses and arrows
directing traffic to those locations. Can be freestanding or wall-mounted.
Maximum height: Same as for monument sign if freestanding.
Maximum size/area: Eighteen (18) square feet if freestanding;
eight (8) square feet and placed adjacent to the building’s
primary entrance at the ground level if wall-mounted.
Allowed in all multifamily, single-family attached, manufactured
home, and nonresidential zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Ten feet (10') from any property or right-of-way
line; must be monument-style only.
Maximum number: One (1) per property/lot, or one (1) per twenty-five
(25) acres (or portion thereof) for a development that is over twenty-five
(25) acres in size.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
Multi-user directional or location sign constructed in the
right-of-way, on- or off-premises, containing individual panels of
a prescribed size for that particular kiosk, with each panel to contain
an individual business logo, name or message, and, when appropriate,
a directional arrow and/or distance indicator to the advertised business.
Kiosk signs must be designed and constructed according to the
specifications contained in the license agreement approved by the
city council.
Prior to erecting any kiosk sign the licensee shall submit a
sign location map to the building department for approval.
Kiosk signs shall include breakaway design features as required
for traffic signs in the street rights-of-way.
Price information is prohibited on kiosk signs.
No signs, pennants, flags or other devices for visual attention
of other appurtenances shall be attached to kiosk signs.
Individual sign panels on kiosk signs shall have a uniform design
and color.
Kiosk signs shall not interfere with the use of sidewalks, walkways,
bike and hiking trails; shall not obstruct the visibility of motorist,
pedestrians, or traffic-control signs; shall not be installed in the
immediate vicinity of street intersections and shall comply with the
any visibility triangle as dictated by the city.
No kiosk sign plaza or sign panel shall be installed within
the right-of-way of a state highway without written authorization
from the Texas Department of Transportation.
All kiosk signs shall be maintained in “like new”
condition and shall be free of grass and weeds in surrounding vicinity.
The agreed upon license shall be consistent and comply with
this article.
A sign that, when erected, has met all city codes and ordinances
pertaining to signs.
A formalized design or insignia (i.e., symbol) of a company
or product, which is commonly used in advertising to identify that
company or product.
Land occupied or to be occupied by a building and its accessory
building and including such open spaces as are required under this
article and having its principal frontage upon a public street or
officially approved place.
The lines defining the limits of a parcel, lot, tract, or
ownership.
An on-site display of menu items, hours of operation, special
upcoming events, and other business-specific information that is utilized
by restaurant and entertainment establishments. Can be wall-mounted
near the establishment’s primary entrance, or can be freestanding
at a drive-in or drive-through food service establishment, and may
or may not have a speaker and/or an electronic visual order display
board or panel that verifies what the patron is ordering at the drive-through.
Maximum height: Seven feet (7') if freestanding; top edge seven
feet (7') above sidewalk grade if wall-mounted.
Maximum size/area: Thirty-two (32) square feet if freestanding;
four (4) square feet if wall-mounted.
Allowed in retail, commercial and industrial zoning districts
only.
Placement/setbacks: If freestanding, near rear of main building,
and outside of all front, side and rear building setbacks; can be
all changeable copy but only a maximum of four (4) square feet can
be animated (at the order placement/confirmation speaker board only);
if wall-mounted, must be placed near the primary entrance.
Maximum number: If freestanding, two (2) allowed per establishment
(only one of which may have a speaker and/or an electronic visual
order display board or panel), except for drive-in style restaurants,
which may have one menu board (with or without a speaker and/or an
electronic visual order display board or panel) per parking stall,
plus up to two menu boards (only one of which with a speaker and/or
an electronic visual order display board or panel) for a drive-through
lane; if wall-mounted, one (1) allowed per business.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
A sign identifying model homes or a model home park, including
home sales offices.
Maximum height: Six feet (6').
Maximum size/area: Sixteen (16) square feet.
Allowed in all single-family and multifamily residential zoning
districts.
Placement/setbacks: Ten feet (10') from any property or right-of-way
line or fifty percent (50%) of front setback. The sign shall be placed
outside of any sight triangle on a corner lot.
Maximum number: One (1) per premises (each builder within a
development may have one model home sign on each model home lot).
Duration: Until premises where sign is located are sold.
Permit is required.
A freestanding sign having a low profile and made of stone,
concrete, decorative metal, brick or similar materials which is designed
to complement the architecture of the building or complex on the premises
where the sign is located. A monument sign shall be solid from the
ground up. All poles and supports shall be concealed. The ground upon
which a monument sign is located may be bermed up (or designed as
a raised planter with heavy evergreen landscaping to conceal the planter
on all sides) a maximum of two feet (2') from the top of the adjacent
street curb.
Properties with multiple tenants such as shopping centers and
office buildings with multiple tenants or businesses:
Maximum height: Ten (10) feet, including the monument base,
as measured from the average ground level at the base to the topmost
portion of the sign.
Maximum size/area: One hundred twenty-five (125) square feet.
Allowed in all zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Fifteen feet (15') from any property or
right-of-way line; up to one-half (1/2) of a monument sign’s
allowable size/area can be devoted to a nonelectronic changeable copy
sign, or up to one-quarter (1/4) of its allowable size/area can be
devoted to an electronic message center that shows only time/temperature
or motor fuel pricing and that does not change message more frequently
than once per five (5) seconds, provided the sign is located in a
nonresidential zoning district, is within twenty-five feet (25') of
the street right-of-way line, and outside of any sight triangle on
a corner lot.
Maximum number: One (1) per property/lot, or two hundred fifty
feet (250') from another monument sign (measured along street right-of-way).
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
Properties with single tenants such as businesses located on
individually platted land, pad sites within a shopping center, apartment
buildings, schools, and other nonresidential uses:
Maximum height: Eight (8) feet, including the monument base,
as measured from the average ground level at the base to the topmost
portion of the sign.
Maximum size/area: Eighty (80) square feet.
Allowed in all zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Fifteen feet (15') from any property or
right-of-way line; up to one-half (1/2) of a monument sign’s
allowable size/area can be devoted to a nonelectronic changeable copy
sign, or up to one-quarter (1/4) of its allowable size/area can be
devoted to an electronic message center that shows only time/temperature
or motor fuel pricing and that does not change message more frequently
than once per five (5) seconds, provided the sign is located in a
nonresidential zoning district, is within twenty-five feet (25') of
the street right-of-way line, and outside of any sight triangle on
a corner lot.
Maximum number: One (1) per property/lot, or one hundred fifty
feet (150') from another monument sign (measured along street right-of-way)
on the same property.
Duration: No limit
Permit is required.
An official sign which identifies a park, an entrance into
the city, a place of interest within the city, a city-sponsored event,
or any municipally owned site or facility. A municipally owned sign
does not include traffic or street identification/name signs.
An attached sign that displays only the name or occupation
of the owner or occupant of the premises upon which it is erected
or placed, and no other information or copy pertaining to the name
of the building, business, resident, commercial operation or other
activity that is conducted on the site.
A sign or advertising device formed from neon (or other gaseous
tubing, such as argon) lamps and/or tubing.
Any material which will not ignite at or below a temperature
of twelve hundred degrees (1200°) Fahrenheit and will not continue
to burn or glow at that temperature, and which would have a flame
spread of twenty-five (25) feet or less.
A sign that does not contain any type of commercial (i.e.,
“for profit”) message, and that is not used to convey
a commercial message.
A sign that was lawfully installed in compliance with all
city codes and ordinances that were applicable at the time of installation,
but that does not comply with the provisions of this article and/or
other codes or ordinances of the city that were adopted after the
sign was installed.
A retainer, molding, batten, capping, nailing strip, latticing,
platform or other similar trim component which is attached to the
sign or its structure but is not necessary for support and is not
part of the sign support or framework.
A sign which no longer serves a bona fide use or purpose,
including but not limited to signs relating to a product or service
no longer available for purchase by the public, and all signs relating
to a business which has been closed for at least six (6) months or
has moved out of the city.
No person shall display on any sign any obscene or indecent
matter as defined by the Texas Penal Code, or any matter soliciting
or promoting unlawful conduct. Any sign which does contain any obscene,
indecent or immoral matter must be removed within twenty-four (24)
hours on notice. The owner or person in control of the property on
which the sign is located shall be responsible for compliance with
this article.
A sign displaying copy that pertains to a business, person,
organization, activity, event, place, service and/or product not principally
located or primarily manufactured or sold on the premises upon which
the sign is located.
A sign erected by a governmental agency within its territorial
jurisdiction for the purpose of carrying out an official duty or responsibility,
and including, but not limited to, traffic signs and signals, zoning
signs and street signs. Special lighting, banners and other promotional
signage celebrating seasonal or civic events that are sponsored and/or
endorsed by the city council may be classified as “official
signs” provided that they are not for commercial (i.e., “for
profit”) purpose.
A sign identifying or advertising a business, person, organization,
activity, event, place, service and/or product on the same premises
upon which the sign is located.
The owner of a sign, piece of land or structure, or the person
or entity who is responsible for erecting, altering, replacing, relocating,
repairing or otherwise modifying a sign or sign structure.
A person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, entity,
company or organization of any kind.
An attached or detached sign affixed to a permanent structure,
or placed in a fixed location, that is intended to be displayed for
a long period of time which is generally as long as the business,
product, service, etc., that the sign advertises is in business, on
the site where the sign is located, etc.
A freestanding sign is one that independent of any structure
or building, supported by one or more poles, and having no additional
guys, braces, supports, or anchors to the ground or to any other structure.
Both the pole and its foundation shall be engineered and constructed
to withstand the most recent revision of the latest adopted building
code for wind speeds when the pole is over ten feet (10'-0") in height.
The plans for the pole and its foundation must be signed and stamped
by a registered state structural engineer when submitted for the city’s
review. Landscaping is required around the base of the sign.
Maximum height: Seventy-five feet (75').
Maximum size/area: Two hundred (200) square feet for up to fifty
feet (50') tall. Signs between fifty-one (51') and seventy-five (75)
feet may be three hundred (300) square feet.
Allowed in all nonresidential zoning districts and planned developments
located within fifty feet (50') of the right-of-way line of U.S. Highway
175. A multi-tenant or multi-user shopping center or business site/lot
shall only be allowed one pole or pylon sign, not one sign for each
individual tenant and/or business.
Placement/setbacks: Fifteen feet (15') from any curbline or
a setback equal to one (1) foot for each foot of the sign’s
overall height, whichever is greater; must be pylon style, not single-pole
style, for any sign that is forty feet (40') or less in height.
Maximum number: One (1) per property/lot.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
A temporary sign containing a political message, which is
erected only on private property (i.e., not in public rights-of-way
or easements) with the property owner’s consent, for the sole
purpose of advertising a candidate, a political party, or a ballot
measure during a period of a public election.
To the extent regulation of political signs by a municipality
is preempted and controlled by section 216.903 of the Texas Local
Government Code, that section applies herein as if fully set forth.
To the extent political signs are not subject to such statutory regulation,
they shall be regulated as any other noncommercial sign as provided
in this article.
No person shall place, or cause to be placed, a political sign
on any public right-of-way or public property within the corporate
limits of the city, except on the day of the election or early voting
days at designated early voting locations. Such signs may be located
at the polling places within the specified proximity as permitted
by state election laws.
No person shall place, or cause to be placed, a political sign
on any utility pole or tower (e.g., telephone pole, streetlight standard,
street sign pole, electric utility tower, etc.) or on trees or fences
within the corporate limits of the city.
Duration: Sign may be put up beginning the day after the filing
deadline for political office and must be removed within 10 days of
election day.
Any type of sign that is not permanently attached to the
ground or other permanent structure, and that is designed such that
it can be moved from one location to another.
Any building, lot, parcel of land, or portion of land whether
improved or unimproved including adjacent sidewalks and parking strips.
A dwelling, house, building, or other structure designed
or used either wholly or in part for private residential purposes,
whether inhabited or temporarily or continuously uninhabited/vacant.
A private premises shall include any yard, ground, lawn, walk, driveway,
porch, steps, or mailbox belonging to appurtenant to such dwelling,
house, building, or other structure.
A sign that projects from a building and has one end attached
to a building or other permanent structure. Projecting signs shall
have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet above any sidewalk/pedestrian
travel surface, and fourteen (14) feet above any vehicular parking
or circulation surface.
A covered structure of a permanent nature which is constructed
of approved building materials, specifically excluding canvas or fabric
material (i.e., an awning), and where such structure is an integral
part of the main building or is permanently attached to a main building
and does not extend over public property. A projecting structure is
defined to include marquee and fixed-canopy types of structures. A
projecting structure shall have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet
above any sidewalk/pedestrian travel surface, and fourteen (14) feet
above any vehicular parking or circulation surface. It shall be engineered
and able to withstand the most recent revision of the latest adopted
building code for wind speeds.
A type of temporary sign that is generally constructed of
lightweight plastic, fabric or a similar material; that is mounted
and/or tethered to one or more poles, buildings or other structures
by a rope, wire, string or similar device; and that is designed to
move in the wind (i.e., flutter) to attract attention. Promotional
flags/pennants shall not exhibit a text message, copy, logo or symbol
of any kind, but may be a single color or several colors. Promotional
flags/pennants are permitted only in conjunction with a special promotion
permit and shall be used as supplemental signs only. Permanent signs
are required prior to issuance of a pennant permit.
Pennants may be displayed a total of four (4) fifteen-day periods
per year.
Permit is required. The permit fee for pennants shall be twenty-five
dollars ($25.00) per display period or any part thereof and shall
be paid in addition to any special promotions permit fee.
Only four (4) pennants allowed per promotion.
Promotional banner shall be same size, and height allowed per
the banner [definition of this] section.
A type of temporary signage that is used for special events
and promotions or for special events, business grand openings or anniversaries.
Promotional signage may include banners, flags, pennants, streamers,
balloons, inflatable signs/devices, and any other legal types of signs
allowed by this article. A searchlight may be used if it complies
with all other provisions of this article.
Promotional signage is allowed on-premises only, for a maximum
period of thirty (30) calendar days, and no more often than once per
calendar quarter in any given year with at least a thirty-day separation
between periods of display, and is only allowed for a legally operating
business on the premises. A display period will commence on the first
day promotional signage is displayed. A legally operating business
shall include any retail, commercial, industrial or institutional
use for which the city building official has issued a certificate
of occupancy.
Any device described as promotional signage shall not exceed
an overall height than the maximum building height allowed in that
zoning district, or thirty-five feet (35'), whichever is smaller.
A separate permit is required for each display period promotional
signage will be used. If any device described as promotional signage
is installed prior to issuance of a permit, additional fees and/or
fines for noncompliance with this article may be assessed in addition
to the permit fee.
Promotional signage shall be fully contained on the property
of the business which it advertises, and shall not extend into, onto,
or over a public right-of-way or adjacent property. Signage shall
not be located in any sight visibility triangle/area, nor shall any
combustible materials be placed in contact with lighted signs or any
electrical fixtures.
The line denoting the limits of legal ownership of property.
Also called a lot line.
Any and all streets, boulevards, avenues, lanes, alleys or
other public ways, and any and all public parks, squares, spaces,
grounds and buildings.
A freestanding sign supported by a solid, ground up, tall
monumental structure that is compatible with the main building on
the premises. See “pole sign” for similar regulations.
A wall-mounted or freestanding sign (or a portion of a larger
sign) that describes and advertises things such as movie listings,
fuel pricing, dining and product or service specials, welcome greetings,
etc., with manually interchangeable letters and symbols; includes
nonelectronic bulletin boards and theater marquees.
Maximum height: See standard for the type of sign it is part
of (monument sign, pole/pylon sign, wall sign, etc.).
Maximum size/area: See standard for the type of sign it is part
of (monument sign, pole/pylon sign, wall sign, etc.).
Allowed: See standard for the type of sign it is part of (monument
sign, pole/pylon sign, wall sign, etc.).
Placement/setbacks: See standard for the type of sign it is
part of (monument sign, pole/pylon sign, wall sign, etc.).
Maximum number: One (1) per property/lot.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
A temporary accessory sign that advertises the availability
for sale or rental of the premises upon which the sign in located,
and which advertises property only for a use for which it is legally
zoned. A real estate sign shall be promptly removed when the property
is sold or rented (as applicable).
Maximum height: Five feet (5') in any residential zoning district;
eight feet (8') in any nonresidential zoning district.
Maximum size/area: Eight (8) square feet in any residential
zoning district; thirty-two (32) square feet in any nonresidential
zoning district.
Allowed in all zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Five feet (5') from any property or right-of-way
line.
Maximum number: One (1) per street frontage.
Duration: Until property is sold or rented (as applicable).
Permit is not required.
A wall with no main entrances or store fronts, and which
does not face the front of the lot (i.e., the street). A building
may have a maximum of one rear wall (either in a single wall segment
or in several segments which are more or less parallel to one another
or which follow the curvature of the overall building).
The height which is defined by the intersection of the roof
of the building and the wall of the building with the following exception:
for mansard-type roofs having two (2) slopes, the “roofline”
shall be defined as the top of the lower slope of the roof. For mansard-type
roofs having parapet walls, the “roofline” shall be the
top of the parapet.
A sign affixed to, applied on, or erected upon or above a
roof or parapet or the eave line of a building or structure. This
type of sign is not allowed within the city limits or the ETJ of the
city.
A self-supporting A-, T-, or V-shaped portable sign with
two visible sides that is self-supporting and placed in front of a
business, generally on a sidewalk, to attract patrons into the establishment.
Maximum height: Three feet (3').
Maximum size/area: Eight (8) square feet; one per business.
Allowed in all nonresidential zoning districts and shall be
taken inside every night and during nonopen hours.
Placement/setbacks: On sidewalks in front of the advertised
store, but a four-foot (4') walkway shall be kept open to pedestrians.
Maximum number: One (1) per street frontage.
Duration: Only during hours of operation.
Permit is required.
A source, classified as a temporary portable sign, of high-intensity
light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or any type
of light with one or more beams that rotate or move. Searchlights
may be permitted in accordance with any other applicable city regulations
and may include traditional searchlight devices or laser-type devices.
A permit for use is required, and may be granted for use within a
nonresidential zoning district only under the following additional
regulations:
A searchlight shall be located a minimum distance of fifty (50)
feet from any public right-of-way and from side or rear property lines
and shall be positioned so as to project all beams at a minimum angle
of thirty (30) degrees upward from grade level. No searchlight beam
may project onto any street, onto any adjacent property, or onto property
or buildings not owned/operated by the business utilizing the searchlight.
The maximum light intensity generated by searchlights on any
premises may not exceed a total of one thousand six hundred (1,600)
million footcandle power. No more than four (4) beams of light may
be projected from any premises at any point in time.
All searchlights must be designed and maintained so as to prevent
rays of light (or laser beams) from being directed at any portion
of traveled ways, and no light shall be of such intensity or brilliance
as to cause glare or to impair the vision of the driver of any vehicle,
or to create any other type of traffic hazard (i.e., cannot be such
an unusual, eye-catching display that would distract the attention
of motorists).
No advertising searchlight may be operated between the hours
of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Searchlights shall be operated in accordance
with the city noise ordinance and with any other applicable ordinance
designed to minimize public nuisances or disturbances.
No advertising searchlight may be operated on any premises for
more than seven (7) consecutive days or for more than a total of fourteen
(14) days within any calendar year. No permit for an advertising searchlight
may be issued for any business entity for which a permit has been
issued for a searchlight on the same premises within the last four
(4) months preceding the date of the permit application. Searchlights
shall be allowed (with a permit) for business “grand openings”
and special events only such as “Seagofest,” special performances,
and special holiday events.
Noncommercial signs, structures or other materials (e.g.,
air-filled figures, strings of holiday or twinkle lights, ornaments,
cut-out figures, etc.) that are temporarily displayed. Seasonal decorations
shall not be placed in any way that affects traffic safety or visibility.
They shall not pose a hazard or threat to public safety, and shall
not negatively affect surrounding properties, neighbors, etc. They
shall not advertise any type of business sales, marketing, grand opening
or other commercial event.
Maximum height: Height of main structure on the property/lot.
If located on the roof of a structure in an agricultural or residential
zoning district, decorations shall not extend more than eight feet
(8') above the top of the roof.
Maximum size/area: No limit.
Allowed in all zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Completely on private property (not in public
right-of-way); can be erected or affixed to the roof, trees, fences
and other fixtures on the property; can be illuminated and/or animated;
can be mounted on the roof of a structure only within agricultural
and residential zoning districts, only if securely tethered or secured
to minimize movement of decorations, and only if decorations do not
exceed eight feet (8') in height.
Maximum number: No limit.
Duration: Can be installed/displayed not more than fifty-nine
(59) days.
Permit is not required.
The horizontal distance between a sign and the front, rear
or side property line, as measured from that part of the sign, including
its extremities and supports, nearest to any point on any imaginary
vertical plane projecting vertically from the front, rear or side
property line.
A wall with no main entrances or store fronts, and which
does not face the front of the lot.
The areas of property on both sides of the intersection of
an alley or driveway with a public street, or the intersection of
two public rights-of-way, where visibility must be maintained. The
triangular visibility area is defined as being formed by the intersection
of two (2) or more public street rights-of way with two (2) sides
of each triangle being a minimum of twenty-five feet (25') in length
from the point of the intersection (as measured along the property
line, not the curbline), and the third side being a line connecting
the ends of the other two (2) sides.
A name, number, identification, description, announcement,
declaration, demonstration, device, display, flag, banner, pennant,
illustration, beacon, light or insignia, and structure supporting
any of the same, affixed directly or indirectly to or upon any building,
window, door, outdoor structure or vehicle, or erected or maintained
upon a piece of land, which directs attention to any object, product,
service, place, activity, person, institution, organization or business.
Any interior illuminated or moving sign or light which is visible
from the exterior may be determined as being erected on the exterior
of the building or structure. Signs may not have sign panels in three
or more different directions.
The area (i.e., square footage) of a sign made up of letters,
words or symbols within a frame shall be determined from the outside
edge of the frame itself. The square footage of a sign composed of
only letters, words or symbols shall be determined from imaginary
straight lines drawn around the entire copy or grouping of such letters,
words or symbols. Double-faced signs shall be calculated as the area
of one side only. Three-dimensional or multi-faceted signs shall be
calculated as the largest area visible from any single direction at
any point in time. When a sign is irregularly-shaped, the area shall
be calculated by enclosing the extreme limits of the sign and all
of its projections by no more than six (6) nonoverlapping triangles
and/or rectangles. The sum of all combined areas shall be no greater
than the allowable area for that type of sign.
The vertical distance of a sign from the average grade of
the property where the sign will be located (as measured on a straight
line projected between the main building, through the center of the
sign, and to the nearest property line) to the highest point of the
sign or its structure, whichever is highest.
Any retainer, molding, batten, capping, nailing strip, latticing,
platform or other similar trim component which is attached to the
sign or its structure, and which is necessary for support and is considered
part of the sign support or framework.
Any type of sign that is not permanently attached to the
ground or other permanent structure, and that is intended to be displayed
for a short period of time only (i.e., changeable) and that must be
removed within a specified period of time unless otherwise provided
in this article. Includes the following examples: banners, any type
of portable sign, real estate signs, garage sale signs, development/construction
signs, model home signs, political signs, promotional flags/pennants,
and other similar signs.
Unified lot sign must meet all requirements of a monument
sign, and may be placed on a premises consisting of two (2) or more
contiguous lots where each lot owner has entered into a binding agreement
through an easement to treat their separate lots as one (1) lot for
the limited purpose of signage. The agreement shall contain a legal
description of the properties subject to the agreement; the agreement
is a covenant running with the land to be filed and made a part of
the Deed Records of Dallas or Kaufman County, Texas; and that the
agreement cannot be amended or terminated without the consent of city.
For the purpose of this article, the term “vehicle”
shall mean any automobile, truck, camper, tractor, van, trailer or
any other device capable of being transported, and shall be considered
a “vehicle” in both moving and stationary modes, irrespective
of its state or repair or its physical condition.
A structure, usually comprised of two posts with a horizontal
fixed or free-swinging cross-bar, that is installed to limit the height
of vehicles at driveway openings, in drive-through lanes, under canopies
and overhangs, and in other areas where vehicles may not go if they
exceed the designated height; vertical clearance bars shall not bear
any type of advertising signage or message or they shall be considered
a “pylon sign” and regulated as such.
Minimum height: Fourteen feet (14') unless warning of a low
clearance of an overhead structure.
Maximum size/area: Not applicable.
Allowed in all nonresidential, multifamily, townhome and manufactured
housing zoning districts, and allowed for any nonresidential use (such
as a church, school, day care center, etc.) that is located in an
agricultural, single-family or two-family zoning district.
Placement/setbacks: Where needed; not within front yard setback
unless approved as a special exception during site plan review and
approval by the planning and zoning commission.
Must display the clearance height on the sign in six (6") inch
numbers.
Maximum number: No limit.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
A sign attached to, affixed upon, or painted upon a wall
surface with the sign facing parallel to and projecting not more than
six (6) inches out from the wall surface. A sign attached to or painted
upon an awning or a canopy and visible to the exterior shall be considered
in the allowable calculations for wall signs. Luminous gaseous tubing
attached directly to a wall surface shall be considered a “wall
sign” when forming a border for the subject matter, when directing
attention to the subject matter, or when forming letters, logos, symbols
or pictorial designs of any kind.
Maximum height: Height of wall surface (cannot extend above
top of wall or roofline).
Maximum size/area: Ten (10) percent of wall surface in aggregate
(i.e., all wall signs combined), exclusive of areas of the wall surface
that are comprised of doors, windows, breezeways, etc. or two hundred
fifty (250) square feet, whichever is smaller.
Allowed in all nonresidential zoning districts and similarly
zoned property in planned developments.
Placement/setbacks: On the vertical face only of a building;
must be comprised of individual letters/characters; must be attractively
designed in colors that are not visually intrusive, and must be professionally
designed, constructed and applied by an experienced sign contractor.
Maximum number: Limited by allowable area.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
A sign, any portion of which is painted or affixed to the
exterior (or interior) surface of a window and visible from outside
of the building (e.g., it is visible from the street or parking lot).
The covering of a window for privacy, shading, or security reasons
shall not be regulated provided there is no text or other advertising
on it.
Maximum height: Height of window surface.
Maximum size/area: Forty percent (40%) of total window surface
area for all building facades that are visible from a public street,
but shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the surface area of any
individual window on any building facade.
Allowed in all nonresidential zoning districts.
Placement/setbacks: Affixed to window surface and must be professionally
designed, constructed and applied by an experienced window sign painter/contractor.
A window sign that only displays information such as “open,”
“closed,” hours of operation, credit cards accepted and
similar information may be comprised of gaseous tubing, LED or other
means of internal illumination, and of any color.
Maximum number: Limited by allowable area.
Duration: No limit.
Permit is required.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
(a)
Obsolete signs.
Any sign which the building official
determines no longer serves a bona fide use conforming to this article,
shall be removed by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial
use of the land, buildings or structure upon which such sign is located
within fifteen (15) days after written notification to do so from
the building official. Painted wall signs shall be immediately painted
over with a color that resembles or matches the wall. Upon failure
to comply with such notice, the building official is hereby authorized
to cause the removal of such sign, and any expense incurred thereto
shall be paid by the owner of the land, building or structure to which
such sign is attached or upon which it is erected.
(c)
Unsafe signs.
If the building official shall determine
that any sign is unsafe or unsecure, or is a menace to the public,
he shall give written notice to the person or persons responsible
for such sign. If the sign permit holder, owner, agent or person having
the beneficial use of the premises and/or the sign fails to remove
or repair the sign within (15) days after such notice, such sign may
be removed by the building official at the expense of the permit holder,
sign owner, or owner of the property upon which the sign is located.
The building official may cause any sign which is deemed to be an
immediate hazard to persons to be removed summarily and without notice.
(d)
Notice to remove sign or to correct noncompliance.
(1)
Upon a determination that a sign must be removed, or that a sign
is not in compliance with one or more provisions of this article,
the building official shall give written notice to the sign owner
(or the owner of the premises upon which the sign is located, as applicable)
to remove such sign, or to bring such sign into compliance, within
fifteen (15) days after notice is served. Notice shall be served by
sending it via certified mail to the sign owner (or property owner),
or by publication at least two (2) times in the official newspaper
of the city if the owner cannot be served personally or if the owner’s
address is unknown. The sign owner (or property owner) shall then
remove the sign (or correct any noncompliance, as applicable) within
the fifteen-day period, and failure to do so shall cause the sign
to be deemed a nuisance and the owner shall be subject to penalties
for violation of this article.
(2)
The notice period, and removal/compliance period, for all temporary
and portable signs that are not in compliance with this article shall
be seventy-two (72) hours rather than fifteen (15) days.
(e)
Removal expenses.
Upon failure of the sign permit holder,
owner, agent or person responsible for a sign to remove it following
a fifteen (15) day notice to do so, the building official is hereby
authorized to enter the property upon which such sign is located,
and to cause the removal of such sign. The owner of the land, building
or structure to which such sign is attached and upon which it is erected
and/or the owner/permit holder of such sign are jointly and severally
liable for any expense incurred in removal of the sign.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
(a)
All signs and sign support structures, together with all of their
supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in good repair and
in a proper state of appearance and preservation.
(b)
No sign will be allowed to be kept in a dilapidated or deteriorated
condition. Any sign which the building official determines is in an
unacceptable deteriorated condition shall be removed by the owner,
agent or person having the beneficial use of the land, building or
structure upon which such sign is located within fifteen (15) days
after written notification to do so from the building official. Upon
failure to comply with such notice, the building official is hereby
authorized to cause the removal of such sign, and any expense incurred
thereto shall be paid by the owner of the land, building or structure
to which such sign is attached or upon which it is erected.
(c)
All signs within the fire limits or zones of the city shall be of
noncombustible materials or approved combustible materials, as outlined
in the building code.
(d)
Every sign erected after February 21, 1974, shall have applied and
maintained, in a legible format, in a conspicuous place thereon, and
in letters not less than one inch (1") in height, all of the following
information (or a copy of the sign permit shall be displayed, and
accessible for inspection at all times, inside the business establishment
for signs that cannot have the information placed directly on them):
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
In a PD district, the sign standards shall be as specified in
the planned development’s ordinance. It shall be part of the
planned development to identify the type and number of signs. They
shall comply with the regulations in the sign ordinance, unless a
variance has been granted.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
(a)
Unless otherwise stipulated in section 21.09.004 for the specific sign type or in the amending ordinance establishing a PD zoning district, no sign shall be constructed to exceed the maximum building height permitted except within shopping centers or similar commercial/office centers. Within local retail, commercial or industrial districts located adjacent to a highway, a pylon or major identification sign shall not to exceed fifty feet (50') in height may be erected when set back from all property lines a distance equal to the height of the sign. All such high-rise signs shall comply with the most recent revision of the latest adopted building code and with other applicable codes/ordinances of the city which pertain to design and construction. All signs twenty-five (25) feet in height and greater shall be set back a minimum distance of twenty-five (25) feet, plus one (1) foot for each foot the sign exceeds 25 feet, from all property lines.
(b)
Unless otherwise specified, the minimum distance between signs means
the horizontal distance as measured from all points on the sign, as
if each sign touched the ground.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
No sign shall be located or constructed as to interfere with
or confuse the flow or control of traffic on the public streets, and
no sign shall use a rotating beacon, beam or flashing illumination
resembling an emergency signal. It shall be unlawful to erect, relocate
or maintain any sign in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear
vision at any location whereby, by reason of position, size, movement,
shape, color, flashing, manner or intensity of illumination, such
sign may interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Further,
it shall be unlawful to erect or maintain any sign in such a manner
as to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any
authorized traffic sign, signal or device. Accordingly, no sign shall
make use of the words, “stop,” “go,” “look,”
“slow,” “danger,” or any other similar word,
phrase, symbol or character or employ any red, yellow, orange, green
or other colored lamp or light in such a manner as to cause confusion
to or otherwise interfere with, vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
No sign shall be erected so as to project into the public right-of-way
of any street or alley. Projecting signs shall have a minimum clearance
of eight (8) feet above any sidewalk/pedestrian travel surface, and
fourteen (14) feet above any vehicular parking or circulation surface.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
No sign structure shall contain more than two (2) sign face
panels facing (i.e., exposed; readable) in the same direction.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
Flags, emblems and insignia of the United States and governmental
agencies and offices, emblems and insignia of any state or local governmental
body shall be exempt from this article. Only one (1) of each type
shall be permitted per tract/lot or business. Any flag over sixty
(60) square feet shall be classified as a general business sign.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
All signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a 135-mile-per-hour
lateral wind load and to withstand a wind pressure of not less than
thirty (30) pounds per square foot of area and the most recent revision
of the latest adopted building code for dead loads. Plans may, at
the building official’s discretion, require a state-licensed
professional structural engineer’s seal.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
Owners with/of illegal (either conforming or nonconforming)
signs must obtain a permit from the building department of the city
prior to any expansion of an existing sign.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
A sign which does not conform to the regulations prescribed
in this article and which existed lawfully on the date of adoption
(i.e., on the effective date) of this Section, or amendment hereto,
shall be deemed a nonconforming sign. A nonconforming sign shall be
allowed to remain as is in the same location wherein it existed on
the effective date of this article unless/until one or more of the
conditions stated in subsection (1) below exists/occurs.
(1)
The right to continue all nonconforming signs shall cease and such
sign shall be removed within fifteen (15) days whenever:
(A)
A change of property ownership and/or business occupancy occurs;
(B)
A sign is altered, moved or relocated without a permit pursuant to
the provisions of this article;
(C)
A sign is damaged, defaced or destroyed and the cost to repair it
exceeds sixty percent (60%) of the replacement/repair cost of the
sign on the date of damage (if an existing nonconforming sign is already
in a dilapidated/deteriorated condition or if it represents a public
safety hazard as of the effective date of this Article, then it must
either be repaired/refinished to a reasonable state of repair or removed
at the owner’s expense);
(D)
A sign’s angle to the ground decreases by fifteen (15) degrees
or more; no sign, regardless of its original installation angle, shall
be allowed to exist at less than a forty-five (45) degree angle to
the ground for public safety reasons; or
(E)
A property ownership and/or business occupancy change occurs, and
an off-premises or on-premises wall sign is on the property.
(2)
Any sign designated by official action of the city as having special
historic or architectural significance is exempt from the provisions
of this article.
(3)
A nonconforming sign situated on a property acquisition initiated
by the city may be temporarily relocated on-site provided the sign
is later removed or rebuilt to conform to this section (and any other
applicable codes/ordinances) within twenty-four (24) months following
relocation of the sign. Relocation is limited to the same physical
sign with no increase in height, area or change in other physical
attributes. For the purposes of this provision, “a property
acquisition initiated by the city” does not include right-of-way
dedicated in the subdivision platting process.
(4)
Illegal nonconforming signs:
(A)
Owners with/of illegal nonconforming signs which require a permit
and which have been in place less than (3) months prior to notification
of violation must apply for a permit and must upgrade the sign to
conforming within thirty (30) days of original notification. If a
permit is not granted, then the sign must be removed within sixty
(60) days of original notification.
(B)
Owners with/of illegal nonconforming signs which require a permit
and which have been in place for longer than three (3) months prior
to notification of violation must apply for a permit and upgrade the
sign to conforming within thirty (30) days of original notification.
If a permit is not granted, then the sign must be removed within three
(3) months of original notification.
(C)
In the case of painted wall signs, such signs shall be removed or
painted over within thirty (30) days of original notification of violation.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
A permit shall not be required for the following signs provided,
however, such signs shall otherwise comply with all other applicable
provisions of this article and with any other applicable city code/ordinance:
(1)
Address signs;
(2)
Memorial plaques, building identification signs and building cornerstones
when cut or carved into the masonry, surface or when made of noncombustible
material and made an integral part of the building or structure. These
signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area;
(3)
Nameplate or occupational signs;
(4)
On-site directional and directory/informational signs behind the
front building line;
(5)
Flags (official);
(6)
One (1) temporary wall sign not exceeding eight (8) square feet in
area, which advertises the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon
which such sign is located;
(7)
Political sign in or upon a motor vehicle if such sign does not exceed
six (6) square feet in area and does not project from the front, side,
rear or top surfaces of such vehicle. Said sign shall not be illuminated;
(8)
Protective/security signs;
(9)
Traffic or other municipal signs, official signs, legal notices,
danger and such emergency, temporary or nonadvertising signs as may
be approved by the city, or as may be placed in compliance with the
Uniform Manual of Traffic-Control Devices and with applicable city
codes/ordinances;
(10)
Temporary special occasion announcement signs on residential lots
(e.g., “It’s a Boy/Girl,” etc.) for a maximum time
limit of five (5) days;
(11)
Seasonal decorations;
(12)
Interior signs (i.e., fully within a building) that are not visible
from the outside of the building;
(13)
On-site municipal park signage (including scoreboards and other sports
field signs);
(14)
Unlighted and unanimated on-site signs at a public school or athletic
facility operated by an applicable school district or other public
governmental entity;
(15)
Street pole banners that are placed by nonprofit civic service organizations
(such as the Chamber of Commerce), or by another organization that
the city supports (e.g., promotional banners telling of special civic
events, holidays, etc.);
(16)
Religious emblems when installed in compliance with this article
and with other applicable codes/ordinances.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
(a)
Traffic obstruction.
No sign shall be erected in a manner
that would confuse or distract motorists, or that would obstruct the
view or interpretation of any official traffic sign, signal or device.
(b)
Billboard signs.
All billboards and signs advertising
off-premises sale service or activity.
(c)
Handbills, placards, etc.
Miscellaneous advertising
matter scattered or placed on or suspended from buildings, poles,
sidewalks, fences and the like:
(1)
No person, firm, corporation, association or person shall paste,
stick, stack, nail, affix, place or otherwise suspend from any building,
light pole, utility pole, structure, sidewalk, parkway, driveway or
parking area, any goods, wares, merchandise or other advertising or
display of such items other than a sign, as defined, regulated and
permitted by this article.
(2)
No sign, cloth, paper, banner, flag, flyer, device or other similar
advertising matter shall be permitted to be attached to, be suspended
from or be allowed to hang from any sign, building or structure when
the same shall create a public menace or danger.
(3)
No advertising matter of any sort (including flyers, handbills, bulletins,
coupons, menus, etc.) may be affixed to parked cars or scattered on
streets, sidewalks or parking areas.
(d)
Inscriptions on streets, utility poles, etc.
Painting,
marking, etching or otherwise inscribing streets, sidewalks, utility
poles, and the like is prohibited. No person shall attach any sign,
paper, other material, paint, stencil or write any name, number (except
address numbers) or otherwise mark, on any sidewalk, curb, gutter,
street, utility pole, public building, fence or structure except as
otherwise allowed by ordinance.
(e)
Certain illuminated and animated signs.
(1)
No sign shall be illuminated to such an intensity or in such a manner
as to cause a glare of brightness to a degree that constitutes a hazard
or nuisance to traffic or to adjacent properties.
(2)
No lighted sign shall be erected within one hundred and fifty (150)
feet of a residential district unless the light source is completely
shielded from view of the residential district with no light overspill
or glare onto the residential property.
(f)
Roof signs.
Roof signs of all types are prohibited.
(g)
Unsecured banners or balloons.
No person shall erect,
maintain or permit the erection of any type of banner, balloon, inflatable
or other similar inflatable/floating device anchored to the ground
or to any other structure within the city.
(h)
Vehicle signs.
(1)
No signs attached to a trailer, skid, or similar mobile structure,
where the primary use of such structure is for sign purposes, will
be permitted. This provision does not restrict the identification
signing on vehicles used for delivery, service, interstate commerce,
or any bona fide transportation activity.
(2)
Signs attached to or upon any vehicle shall be prohibited where any
such vehicle is allowed to remain parked in the same location, or
in the same vicinity, at frequent or extended periods of time where
the intent is apparent to be one of using the vehicle and signs for
purposes of advertising an establishment, service or product. Vehicles
parked at the location of the business or activity or operating under
a city franchise shall be excluded from this provision. Catering vehicles
for that restaurant are allowed to be parked on site.
(i)
Location to be outside of easements and visibility areas; clearance
from utility lines.
All signs allowed by this article
shall be placed completely outside of any public easement, outside
of any required or necessary visibility area, and shall maintain a
vertical and horizontal clearance of at least ten feet (10') from
any overhead or underground power line, utility pole, telephone wire
or cable, electrical streetlight standard or other above- or below-ground
utility equipment or structure, or as required by the city electrical
code (whichever is more stringent), except that such clearance is
not required from the electrical feeder line to the sign itself, or
to feeder electrical or telephone wires or cables that serve the building(s)
on the same premises where the sign is to be located.
(j)
Blocking fire lane, fire hydrant, door, window or fire escape.
No sign shall be erected, installed, located or maintained in
a manner that blocks any fire lane, fire hydrant or other fire hose
connection, or any building entrance or door, window or fire escape
(except official signs).
(k)
Blocking view of preexisting sign.
No permanent, temporary,
portable or other type of sign shall be erected, installed, located
or maintained in a manner that blocks or hides the viewing of another
preexisting sign as viewed from adjacent roadways in a normal line
of sight of a motorist on the roadway (i.e., a sign may have to be
a smaller size and/or shorter height in order to not block the view
of a preexisting sign).
(l)
Signs advertising alcoholic beverages.
Signs that advertise
the sale of alcoholic beverages by use of the terms “beer”
or “wine” or any combination thereof shall be in accordance
with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission regulations.
(m)
Signs not specifically permitted are prohibited.
Any
type of sign not specifically addressed in this article shall be prohibited.
(Ordinance 27-2018 adopted 12/3/18)
It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, construct, place,
replace, enlarge, repair or relocate any sign regulated by this article
within the city or its ETJ (as applicable by law) without first obtaining
a permit to do so from the building official, except as may be herein
provided. All sign construction shall conform to the city’s
adopted building code, electrical code, zoning ordinance, and any
other applicable codes and ordinances.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(a),
adopted 4/5/07)
A single sign permit may be issued for more than one sign, provided
that all signs to be covered by the permit are properly and accurately
reported and depicted on, or with, the sign permit application that
is submitted for review and approval by the city. A sign permit shall,
however, apply to only one applicant and to one physical location
(i.e., cannot apply to more than one entity or physical location or
address).
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(b),
adopted 4/5/07)
All applications for sign permits shall include all of the following
information and materials:
(1)
A written application on a form provided by the city, which shall
include the following information:
(A)
Name and notarized signature and complete address, telephone number,
fax number and e-mail address of the applicant (i.e., the person or
entity who will be responsible for erecting, constructing, placing,
replacing, enlarging, repairing or relocating the sign);
(B)
The full legal name, address, phone number, e-mail address, etc.
of the business entity for whom the sign advertises;
(C)
The street address and legal description of the site/property where
the proposed sign will be placed, together with the complete name,
address, phone number, e-mail address, etc., of the owner of the site/property;
and
(D)
The current zoning of the site/property where the proposed sign will
be placed (including the adopting ordinance number if the property
is zoned as a planned development), and the current zoning of all
adjacent property(s) within 200 feet of the subject site/property;
(2)
A drawing to scale of each proposed sign and its supporting structure
(including accurate size, dimensions, colors, design, type copy, lettering
size/dimensions, lighting, electrical and structural specifications,
and other details as may be required by the building official);
(3)
A drawing to scale clearly showing the proposed placement of the
sign, including the locations of all existing buildings, property
lines, building setback lines, and all other existing signs on the
premises, showing accurate distances between the proposed sign and
any other existing sign within 200 feet (including signs on adjacent
property);
(4)
A drawing to scale of the site plan (for all signs), and the exterior
building facades (for any wall-attached, building-attached or window
sign), and the interior wall elevations (for any interior illuminated
visible sign) clearly showing to scale the proposed location of the
sign (if site plan approval is required for a development or building,
the proposed location for all proposed freestanding signs shall be
clearly shown for reference on the site plan drawing, but site plan
approval by the city as may be required in the zoning ordinance shall
not be construed as approval for any type of sign - all signs must
be approved and permitted by the building official in accordance with
this article);
(5)
Plans, details and specifications for any electrical wiring needed
for the sign, as determined by the building official, which demonstrates
compliance with the city electrical code (the building official may
require a licensed electrician’s seal, if deemed necessary to
ensure compliance and safety of the installation);
(6)
Plans, details and specifications for any sign that is required by
this article, or by the city building official, to be designed and
sealed by a licensed professional structural engineer (if applicable);
(7)
Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the sign and
its structure are designed for dead load and wind loads, as required
by this article and as may be required by the city building official
(if applicable);
(8)
Copy of the state permit for any highway sign (if applicable);
(9)
Information on the location of any overhead or underground utilities
in the vicinity of the sign’s proposed location, and the acknowledgement
of the applicable entity (such as the city or county) or utility provider
concerning vertical and horizontal clearance requirements, and the
presence of any utility or drainage easements near the proposed sign’s
location;
(10)
Any other information or documentation that the building official
may require, including certification by a licensed professional engineer
and/or electrician, if deemed necessary to ensure compliance with
this article and to ensure protection of public safety and welfare;
and
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(c),
adopted 4/5/07; Ordinance
03-10 adopted 4/15/10)
The review and approval process for sign permit applications
shall be as follows:
(1)
Within fourteen (14) calendar days after determining that the application
for a sign permit is complete, the building official shall examine
all materials submitted with the application. Also within this time
frame, he/she shall either approve the application or deny the application
if it is not in compliance with these regulations, unless the application
is submitted in conjunction with an application for a building permit,
in which case the building official must render his/her decision no
later than the date of final action on such building permit application.
(2)
If a sign permit application is denied, the building official shall
notify the applicant of such denial, and shall cite which section(s)
of these regulations are not in compliance. The applicant shall then
be given an opportunity to correct such deficiencies and resubmit
the sign permit application for re-review provided that such resubmission
occurs within seven (7) calendar days following notice of denial.
Failure to resubmit the corrected sign permit application (or an appeal)
within this time frame shall be deemed acceptance by the applicant
of the building official’s decision, and any subsequent resubmission
of a sign permit application shall be deemed an entirely new application
and shall be accompanied by a new signed application form and the
required drawings, specifications, fees, etc.
(3)
The applicant may appeal the denial of a sign permit application
to the city council, provided that such appeal is submitted in writing
to the city secretary within seven (7) calendar days following notice
of denial. The city council shall consider such appeal at a regular
meeting within forty-five (45) calendar days after the appeal is filed
with the city secretary, and shall render a decision on the appeal
within that time frame. The city council shall determine whether the
decision of the building official shall be sustained, reversed or
modified. The city council’s decision on an appeal shall be
final.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(d),
adopted 4/5/07)
(a)
The building official shall not issue a sign permit to any person
or entity who has previously failed or refused to pay any fees or
costs assessed against him/her under the provisions of this article
until all such fees are paid.
(b)
The building official shall not issue a permit for any type of sign
to any entity or business that does not have a valid certificate of
occupancy, or that has not submitted a valid and complete application
for a building permit or a certificate of occupancy.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(e),
adopted 4/5/07)
(a)
Sign permits are valid for a period of up to one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days after issuance, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section. The permit shall expire if work on the sign has not commenced within sixty (60) days after issuance of the permit, or if the sign is not completely installed within one hundred and twenty (120) days after work is commenced. If the sign authorized by a permit issued under this article has not been delivered and installed on the site within this time period, the permit shall expire and shall be deemed null and void unless a time extension is granted by the building official. A request for such a time extension must be submitted to the building official in writing prior to expiration of the sign permit. The building official shall have the authority, at his/her discretion and upon reviewing the circumstances involved, to approve or deny a time extension of up to sixty (60) calendar days if he/she determines it is appropriate to do so, and if such time extension will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare or to any other nearby property or owner.
(b)
Sign permits for all types of temporary and portable signs automatically
expire on the last day of December in any given calendar year, and
they must be renewed on or after January 1st of each year by submitting
a new application and paying a new permit fee. If a temporary or portable
sign is legally being displayed on the last day of December and its
approved time frame has not been completed, its permit will expire
on the last day it was authorized to be displayed pursuant to its
city-issued permit, and thereafter the permit will have to be renewed
for the new calendar year.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(f),
adopted 4/5/07)
The building official may suspend or revoke any permit issued
under the provisions of this article whenever he/she determines that
the permit was issued in error or on the basis of incorrect or false
information supplied, or whenever such permit was issued in violation
of any of the provisions of this article or any other ordinance of
the city or the laws of this state or of the federal government. Such
suspension or revocation shall be effective immediately when communicated
in writing to the person to whom the permit was issued, to the owner
or benefactor of the sign, or to the owner of the premises upon which
the sign is located. Any sign installed under a revoked permit shall
be removed by the permit holder, sign owner or property owner within
fifteen (15) calendar days following written notice of the revocation.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(g),
adopted 4/5/07)
Sign permits are not transferable from one owner to another.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(h),
adopted 4/5/07)
(a)
Whenever any work on a sign for which a permit is required by this article has commenced by any person or entity without first applying for a sign permit and receiving a sign permit from the city, a special investigation by the city shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work, and any such premature and unauthorized work on a sign shall nullify the time frames within which the city must make decisions on sign permit applications cited in all subsections of section 21.09.064.
(b)
A special investigation into premature and unauthorized work on a sign shall impose an investigation fee that is double, and in addition to, the sign permit fee (see section 21.09.071). A valid sign permit shall be obtained, and the investigation fee as well as the regular sign permit fee shall both be paid, before any further work is performed on the sign or the sign owner and/or erector shall be in violation of this article and subject to penalties.
(c)
A special investigation into premature and unauthorized work on a
sign, and its corresponding investigation fee, does not excuse full
compliance with the provisions of this article.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(i),
adopted 4/5/07)
Prior to issuance of a sign permit for a sign in which electrical
wiring and connections are to be used, an electrical permit must be
applied for and obtained according to the city’s electrical
permitting procedures and according to the city’s fee schedule.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(j),
adopted 4/5/07)
For each sign that requires a permit, the fee established by
resolution of the city council shall be assessed.
(Ordinance 04-07, sec. 17-3(k),
adopted 4/5/07)
