The purpose of this Section 4.6000 and all related subsections, hereafter collectively called the “Midlothian Sign Regulations” are to create the legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signage in the City. These regulations are intended to provide an easy, pleasant communication between people and their environment. These regulations aim to enhance the community by minimizing visual clutter along public rights-of-way that are potentially harmful to the aesthetics of the community, traffic and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities, and community appearance. Whenever a provision in the Midlothian Zoning Ordinance, the Code of Ordinances, or other ordinances refer to Section 4.6000, such reference shall be inclusive of all regulations and standards relating to the regulations of signs following the header “Section 4.6000 Sign Regulations” as amended and replaced.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5800, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
Except as provided by other ordinances, it is unlawful to construct, install, or permit any type of sign within the City without an approved Sign Permit.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5801, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
The provisions of this Section 4.6000 and all other regulations applicable to billboard and off-site advertising signs within the City shall apply to the regulation of billboards and off-site advertising signs within the City’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) as provided by these regulations.
(Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
Colors:
Natural colors (earth tones), neutral colors, and muted colors are favored. If a sign is located on a canopy or awning, then the canopy or awning should be compatible and complement the color scheme of the building or structure to which it is attached, rather than: the color of the sign or its logo. Predominate use of bold or bright colors is discouraged, and must be specifically reviewed as a special exception by the Commission and require approval by the City Council. The City may maintain a list of approved colors or palette as a reference for sign contractors. If a registered trademark symbol for the business entity is included on a sign, the trademark may be allowed without alteration to the registered trademark colors.
b) 
Landscaping:
Landscaping, where required, should be designed to harmonize with the building and surrounding natural landforms and native plants, and be maintained in a neat, clean, and healthy condition. All landscaping will comply with the landscape provisions in the Zoning Ordinance.
c) 
Distance Between Signs.
Whenever a provision of the Midlothian Sign Regulations requires a minimum or maximum distance between signs, such distance shall be measured horizontally in a straight line between the closest elements of each sign, notwithstanding any intervening object or structure between the signs.
(Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
Real Estate Signs announcing the sale or lease of residential property shall be placed on property within the City subject to the following:
1) 
Only one (1) is permitted to be placed on the lot;
2) 
The sign must be unlit;
3) 
Sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area;
4) 
Sign shall be removed within one (1) week following the close of sale or lease of the lot;
5) 
The sign may only be placed on a lot for which a final plat has been recorded with the Ellis County Clerk’s Office; and
6) 
The City Engineer had determined pursuant to Section 5.10.5 of the Subdivision Regulations that the public improvements have been completed and accepted to the point that a building permit may be issued for the lot.
b) 
On developed nonresidential property, only one (1) Real Estate Sign announcing the sale or lease of all or portion of the building may be located on the property subject to the following:
1) 
The sign must be placed flat against any wall of the business building;
2) 
The sign shall be no taller than the wall of the building and shall not exceed an area of 100 square feet;
3) 
The sign must be removed not later than one (1) week following the close of sale or lease of the building or portion thereof offered for lease; provided, however, if multiple portions of the building are being leased, the sign must be removed not later than one (1) week after all portions of the building are leased;
4) 
The sign shall be unlit; and
5) 
The sign may contain the name and contact information where to obtain information about the sale or lease of the property and other relevant information about the sale or lease of the property on which the sign is located.
c) 
On any undeveloped, unplatted property or tract of land, only one (1) Real Estate Sign may be located on each street frontage of the property subject to the following:
1) 
The sign must be located not less than fifty (50) feet behind the property line or current right-of-way line, whichever is greater, and outside any required visibility triangle, regardless of distance;
2) 
The sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height;
3) 
The sign face area shall not exceed 100 square feet;
4) 
The sign must be removed not later than one (1) week following the close of sale or lease of the land or, in the case where the property consists of multiple lots or tracts being sold or leased individually, not later than one (1) week following when the last lot or tract is sold or leased; and
5) 
If the property is located on multiple street frontages, only one (1) sign per street frontage is permitted, not to exceed a total of two (2) Real Estate Signs, which signs must be located not less than five hundred (500) feet from each other; provided, however, the City Council may grant a special exception to allow such signs to be located less than five hundred (500) feet apart following receipt of a recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
d) 
Before a sign announcing a “Coming Soon” (or similar language) of a residential or non-residential project may be located on property, the owner or developer of the property on which the sign is to be located must first obtain approval of zoning on the property that allows the property to be developed for the announced project, an approved site plan, or a final plat recorded with the Ellis County Clerk’s Office. Such sign shall be subject to the following:
1) 
The sign must be located not less than fifty (50) feet behind the property line or current right-of-way line, whichever is greater, and outside any required visibility triangle, regardless of distance.
2) 
The sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height;
3) 
The sign face area shall not exceed 100 square feet.
4) 
The sign shall be removed not later than thirty (30) days after construction on the first phase is complete. If any additional phases are planned, the sign can be moved to the location of the next phase provided application is made for a new Sign Permit for the relocated sign.
e) 
For any residential subdivisions, only one (1) temporary unlit sign shall be allowed announcing the builder(s) who are building dwellings on lots within the subdivision, sale price or range of prices of property to be sold within the subdivision, and other relevant information regarding the sale of lots and dwellings within the subdivision. Such sign shall be subject to the following:
1) 
The sign shall be located not less than fifty (50) feet behind the property line or current right-of-way line, and outside any required visibility triangle, regardless of distance;
2) 
The sign may be located on the property of the subdivision only after a final plat for any phase of the development has been recorded with the Ellis County Clerk’s Office;
3) 
The sign shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height;
4) 
The sign face area shall not exceed 100 square feet;
5) 
No sign shall be allowed to face or be located adjacent to the U.S. Highway 287 Bypass/Loop;
6) 
Signs shall be removed no later than sixty (60) days after the last dwelling unit receives approval of a final inspection by the City of Midlothian; and
7) 
Subject to approval of a specific use permit:
i) 
More than one sign described in this subsection e) may be approved for a subdivision if the subdivision has frontage and primary entrances on more than one major arterial street; or
ii) 
If the requested sign will not comply with one or more of subsections 1) through 5) of this subsection e).
8) 
If an approved sign remains on the subject property for a period of five (5) years after the permit has been issued, and there are undeveloped lots remaining in the subdivision, an applicant must request an extension from the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and consideration.
f) 
For nonresidential subdivisions, only one (1) temporary unlit sign announcing the contractor, financing institution and other relevant information shall be placed on the property on which the project will be constructed, subject to the following:
1) 
The sign shall be located not less than twenty (20) feet behind the property line or current right-of-way line, and outside any required visibility triangle regardless of distance;
2) 
The sign may be located on the property of the subdivision only after a final plat for the property has been recorded with the Ellis County Clerk’s Office;
3) 
The sign shall not exceed five (5) feet in height;
4) 
The sign face area shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet;
5) 
No such sign shall face or be located adjacent to the U.S. Highway 287 Bypass/Loop;
6) 
Such sign shall be removed not later than (1) week following the completion of construction of all buildings located on the property on which the sign is located;
7) 
This type of sign shall not require the issuance of a Sign Permit.
g) 
All signs described in this Section 4.6005 are subject to the following:
1) 
Placement in a median or affixing to utility poles, trees, or traffic signs is prohibited;
2) 
Attaching to the sign display devices that include, but are not limited to balloons, flags, and/or pennants, is prohibited;
3) 
The signs shall have no more than two (2) sign faces; and
4) 
The signs shall not be electronically lit.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5802, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18; Ordinance 2023-14 adopted 4/11/2023)
No person shall place a Development Directional Sign on property located within the City.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5803, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
The City Council may grant the exclusive right to design, erect and maintain kiosk signs within the City pursuant to the terms and conditions of a license agreement approved by the City Council and consistent with the following:
1) 
Kiosk signs must be designed and constructed according to the specifications contained in the approved license agreement;
2) 
Prior to erecting any kiosk sign, the licensee shall submit a sign location map to the Development Services Department for approval;
3) 
Kiosk sign installations shall include breakaway design features as required for traffic signs in the street rights-of-way;
4) 
No signs, pennants, flags or other devices for visual attention or other appurtenances shall be attached to kiosk signs;
5) 
Individual sign panels on kiosk signs shall have a uniform design and color; and
6) 
Kiosk signs shall not:
i) 
Interfere with the use of sidewalks, walkways, bike and hiking trails;
ii) 
Obstruct the visibility of motorists, pedestrians or traffic-control signs;
iii) 
Be installed in the immediate vicinity of street intersections; and shall comply with any required visibility triangle or other visibility easements;
iv) 
Be illuminated in any manner; and
v) 
Contain any price information.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5804, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
Political signs may be placed on privately owned real property in any zoning district without first obtaining a sign Permit if the sign:
1) 
Is eight (8) feet or less in height measured from the top of the sign to the ground;
2) 
The sign face area is 36 square feet or less;
3) 
Is not illuminated internally or externally; and
4) 
Has no moving elements.
b) 
Prior to locating a political sign on any property within the City that does not comply with subsection a) of this section, a person must obtain a Temporary Sign Permit for the sign and otherwise comply with Section 4.6011 with respect to the zoning district in which the sign is to be located.
c) 
No political sign shall be erected on private real property without the consent of the owner of the property.
d) 
No political sign shall be located on any portion of any property dedicated by plat or separate instrument as the right-of-way of a public highway, street, or alley.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5810, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2014-29 adopted 7/22/14; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
Unlit Event Signs with a sign height of not greater than two (2) feet may be placed on property in any zoning district with the consent of the owner or other person in control of the property on which the sign is placed for a period beginning two (2) weeks prior to the first day of the event and ending ten (10) days following the last day of the event.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5811, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
Portable signs are prohibited on any property.
b) 
Vehicle signs are prohibited; provided, however, it shall be a defense to a violation of this Section 4.6011(b) [Section 4.6010(b)] if the vehicle is fully operational, properly registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and:
1) 
Is regularly driven by the owner, employee, or other authorized person in the normal operation of the business advertised on the vehicle which is located on the same property where the vehicle is parked; or
2) 
Is parked in the driveway or along the street frontage of the residence of the person who (i) owns or leases the vehicle, or (ii) is the owner or employee of the business entity that owns or leases the vehicle, and regularly driven by such person in the normal operation of the business advertised on the vehicle.
It is a rebuttable presumption that a vehicle which has not been moved from its parked location for a period of more than seven (7) consecutive days is not being regularly driven. This paragraph b) does not apply to political signs attached to vehicles.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5821, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
Except as provided in Section 4.6013 [Section 4.6012], temporary Advertising devices may be located only within “CR,” “C,” “LI,” “MI,” and “HI” zoning districts subject to the following:
a) 
A Temporary Advertising Device may be erected or installed after issuance of a Temporary Advertising Device Permit.
b) 
Temporary Advertising Device Permit shall be issued for the current calendar year during which the Permit is issued regardless of date the permit is issued.
c) 
Temporary Advertising Devices may be displayed on a property no more than a total of 90 days during a calendar year.
d) 
Temporary Advertising Devices shall be placed on the lease space of the occupied building or structure and shall not exceed three (3) feet in height or have a sign face exceeding fifteen (15) square feet.
e) 
Temporary Advertising Devices shall be non-illuminated and non-electric and remain [on] the property of the business establishment which the device advertises.
f) 
The owner of the business or property displaying a Temporary Advertising Device shall accept all responsibility regarding the security of the sign, the placement of the sign, and damage that may occur to the sign or other property.
g) 
The owner of the business or property displaying a Temporary Advertising Device(s) shall be required to remove the sign upon expiration of the Temporary Advertising Device Permit.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5822, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
Temporary Advertising devices may be displayed within the “CBD” zoning district subject to the provisions of Section 4.6012 [Section 4.6011] and the following:
a) 
No display devices, including but not limited to balloons, flags, and pennants, shall be attached to a temporary advertising device located within the Central Business District; and
b) 
Temporary Advertising devices placed by the City in the Central Business District for a City-sponsored event are exempt from this Section 4.6013 [Section 4.6012] if approved by the City Manager or designee.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5823, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
Except where otherwise provided by ordinance, wind devices may be displayed only in non-residential zoning districts following issuance of a sign permit subject to the following:
a) 
A Permit may be issued for not more than two (2) wind devices to be located on a property during a calendar year;
b) 
Wind Device Permits shall be issued for the current calendar year during which the permit is issued regardless of date the permit is issued;
c) 
Wind devices may be displayed on a property not more than a total of 90 days during a calendar year;
d) 
Not later than five (5) days after receipt of notice by the Code Enforcement Division, the owner or manager of the business displaying any wind device(s) shall remove (i) tattered and/or torn wind device(s) and (ii) a wind device that has faded to the extent that the color of the wind device is no longer the same as the color authorized by the sign permit authorizing placement of the wind device;
e) 
Wind devices shall not be located on or over any public street, alley or highway maintained or within any required visibility triangle so as to not obstruct the view of drivers or otherwise isolate vision; and
f) 
Wind devices shall be non-illuminated and non-electric.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5824, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
New billboards and off-site Advertising signs are prohibited within the City and its Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
b) 
Existing billboards and off-site Advertising signs displaced because of the expansion of street or highway right-of-way associated with the construction of public road improvements may be relocated to property immediately adjacent to the property from which the billboard or off-site Advertising sign is being displaced upon issuance of a sign permit, but only if:
1) 
The sign structure on which the sign is located does not change (provided, however, a dual pole structure may be changed to a single pole structure);
2) 
The height of the relocated sign is not greater that [than] the height prior to begin displaced;
3) 
The number of sign faces of the relocated sign is equal to or less than the sign faces of the displaced sign;
4) 
The sign face area of the relocated sign is equal to or less than the sign face area of the displaced sign;
5) 
The type of sign face on the relocated sign is the same as the sign face of the displaced sign (i.e. a static sign face may not be changed to an electronic, digital, or other sign face with moving components); and
6) 
The Texas Department of Transportation does not object to such relocation.
Relocation of a billboard or off-premises Advertising sign displaced because of the expansion of street or highway right-of-way associated with the construction of public road improvements that does satisfy the above criteria may only be relocated within the City’s incorporated limits or ETJ following approval of a Specific Use Permit or ordinance establishing a Planned Development District[.]
c) 
Existing billboards may not be modified or expanded in any form, shape, or fashion that will cause it to be altered from its current state including modification of an existing Billboard to a Changeable Electronic Variable Message Sign. The sign face area of an existing billboard may be reduced in size or relocated on the existing sign structure if such reduction or relocation is required to prevent the sign from encroaching on or over a public street or highway right-of-way being widened by a governmental entity. The changing of the advertisement or message on a billboard is not a violation of this section.
d) 
Regular maintenance and upkeep of an existing billboard is allowed. For purposes of this section, “regular maintenance and upkeep” means the process of keeping a sign in good repair. Such maintenance may include, but not limited to:
1) 
cleaning;
2) 
painting;
3) 
repair and/or replacement of parts with like materials in a manner that does not alter the basic design or structure of the sign.
If a billboard is in such disrepair or destroyed to the point that repairs or replacement of the billboard will exceed 50% of the cost of a new billboard, said billboard shall be removed and no new billboard shall be allowed.
e) 
The following alterations to a billboard are not considered regular maintenance and upkeep and are prohibited:
1) 
converting a sign from a multiple pole structure to a monopole structure (or vice versa);
2) 
replacing wooden components with metal components;
3) 
increasing the area or height of a sign;
4) 
adding illumination to a non-illuminated sign;
5) 
adding additional display faces;
6) 
converting a sign to use animated display or movable/digital/electronic copy technology.
f) 
If an existing billboard or off-site advertising sign is dismantled for any purpose other than regular maintenance and upkeep permitted in this Section or except to relocate it as provided in subsection b) of this Section 4.6014, the billboard or off-site Advertising sign may not be replaced.
g) 
Following any required notice, the Building Official or designated representative has the authority to remove any billboard or off-site Advertising sign that is deemed unsafe, deteriorated and/or dilapidated as stated in Section 116 (Unsafe Structures & Equipment) of the 2015 International Building Code or the latest Building Code in effect. All expenses incurred by the City incidental to such repair or removal may be placed as a lien against the property from which the sign is removed.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5831, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
No Billboard or Off-Site Advertising Sign shall be located in such a manner that it:
a) 
obscures or otherwise interferes with the effectiveness of a traffic sign, signal or device, or
b) 
obstructs or interferes with a driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5832, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
A Billboard or Off-Site Advertising Sign Permit shall be required for each Billboard and Off-Site Advertising Sign.
b) 
Billboard or Off-Site Advertising Sign Permits shall be renewed by December 31st of each calendar year. Billboards or Off-Site Advertising Signs whose permits have expired shall be removed not later than 30 days after expiration of the permit.
c) 
Each applicant shall present a copy or copies of valid and current State permits to the City and pay a $100.00 fee before a permit shall be issued.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5833, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
The following signs shall be permitted in the General Professional (GP), Community Retail (CR), Commercial (C), and Light Industrial (LI) Districts to identify use or uses of the property upon which it is displayed as follows:
a) 
Building Wall Sign:
1) 
Signs on buildings shall not extend beyond the building. All building wall signs shall be mounted parallel to the building surface to which they are attached, and shall project no more than thirteen (13) inches from the surface. Signs shall not be mounted on pitched roofs or above the wall on flat roof structures (see below):
2) 
The total sign face area of building wall signs on a building shall not exceed the following:
i) 
For each one (1) linear foot of primary building face (i.e, the facade facing a public street or, where the building is not located on a public street frontage, the facade of the building that contains the building’s main entry to the building), three (3) square feet of wall sign area is allowed, not to exceed the area set forth in subsection iii), below.
ii) 
Notwithstanding subsection i), above, a freestanding building may have wall signs installed with a sign face area of at least 100 square feet but not exceeding the area allowed in subsection i), above.
iii) 
The maximum building wall sign area allowed on a freestanding building based on the square footage of the area of the ground floor of the building is as follows:
Building Footprint
(in square feet)
Maximum Sign Area
(in square feet)
Less than 11,999
150
12,000–49,999
300
50,000 or more
600
iv) 
Lease spaces:
For each one (1) linear foot of facade of a lease space of a multi-use complex or office complex or shopping center, two (2) square feet of building wall sign face area is allowed, not to exceed 200 square feet. Tenant signs in such complex or center shall be consistent in color and size and designed to complement or enhance the other signs in the complex or center.
v) 
Mounting:
a) 
Reverse Channel Signs (any color letter) must be back lit with white or off white. No illumination of any bulb type shall have exposed bulbs.
b) 
Individually-mounted channel letters or symbols are required for any lettering, logo, or wordmark and shall:
i. 
If the sign only contains words and no logo or wordmark, it may occupy 100 percent of the permitted area of the sign and be white, ivory, black, grey, beige or similar neutral colors or earth tone color;
ii. 
If the sign has lettering or wordmark and a logo, the logo may only cover 20 percent of the permitted sign area and may be of any color and the letters must be white, ivory, black, grey, beige, similar neutral colors or earth tone color;
iii. 
If the sign consists of a logo or wordmark only, the logo or wordmark may cover 100 percent of the sign and use any color;
iv. 
Raceways shall match the color of the materials to which they are mounted. All electrical transformer boxes and raceways are required to be concealed from public view. If a raceway cannot be mounted internally behind the finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of the raceway shall be finished to match the background wall, or integrated into the overall design of the sign. If raceways are necessary, they must be as thin and narrow as possible and not extend in width or height beyond the area of the sign’s lettering or graphics. All exposed conduit and junction boxes shall also be concealed from public view.
c) 
Cabinet, Capsule, or Cloud signs (internally or externally illuminated) or Flat Panel signs of any kind are not permitted as building wall signage.
3) 
Awnings (attached to structures) or canopies (freestanding; i.e. gasoline canopy) shall be considered a building wall sign; however, the awning or canopy cannot exceed the total area as listed in Section 4.6018(a)(2) [Section 4.6017(a)(2)]. All awnings or canopies shall be compatible and complement the color scheme of the building or structure to which it is attached or associated with, rather than the color of the sign or its logo:
i) 
All awnings shall be metal containing a galvalume or earth tone color. Fabric awnings are prohibited.
ii) 
A combination of the two (awning or canopy and wall sign) is allowed provided the square footage does not exceed the cumulative maximum total area described in Section 4.6018(a)(2) [Section 4.6017(a)(2)] the above section.
iii) 
Only awnings shall be allowed to extend further than thirteen (13) inches beyond the building.
iv) 
Any signage (word, number, figure, device, design or trademark logo or color) on a canopy (i.e. gas canopy, etc.) shall be subtracted from the allotted wall signage of the associated main building.
4) 
Window signage shall not exceed 25% of the window or glass area.
5) 
Neon signs are allowed provided they outline the window and do not exceed ten (10) percent coverage of the visible window pane area. “Open” signs shall not include any other wording or advertising and shall not flash, blink, or contain any movement.
6) 
Wall signs for lease spaces may not exceed 75% of the width of the lease space facade and shall be centered within the width of the lease space front facade.
7) 
Signs that project three (3) inches or more from the wall shall maintain a minimum clearance of nine (9) feet from the ground.
8) 
No more than one (1) sign per elevation per business may be installed. Rear wall signs are prohibited. If a building has two or more public entrances on a corner lot facing separate public streets, then an additional sign on the secondary street may be approved by the City Council, subject to the size limitations of Section 4.6018(a)(2) [Section 4.6017(a)(2)] stated herein.
9) 
Any building wall sign located in a GP, CR, or C District that does not conform to the regulations set forth in Section 4.6018(a) [Section 4.6017(a)(2)] may be located on a lot following the application and approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP).
b) 
Monument Signs:
1) 
Monument signs must be built on a monument base with no separation between the base of the sign and natural grade. The sign base shall span the width of the sign face.
2) 
The sign base and sign structure of a monument sign shall be brick, stone, or masonry material matching the front facade of the associated building.
3) 
The sign face of a monument sign shall be framed by a minimum of six inches (6") of brick, stone, or masonry material matching the front facade of the building and have a sign face area not greater than 60 square feet.
4) 
A monument sign shall not exceed a height of 10 feet.
5) 
A monument sign shall be landscaped as follows:
i) 
A minimum landscaped area of twenty-four (24) square feet surrounding the perimeter of the base of the Monument Sign.
ii) 
All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a healthy, neat and clean condition and at a height that does not obstruct the sign face or any text (including addressing information) located on the sign.
6) 
A monument sign shall contain only the name, logo, address, product or service of the establishment except as provided herein:
i) 
Gasoline service stations shall mount price per gallon signs on monument signs only; all other areas are prohibited (i.e. canopy, building, etc.).
ii) 
The monument and individual tenant names of multi-tenant office and/or retail buildings may be listed subject to the following:
a. 
All individual tenant name plates shall be uniform in size, color and font; the background color for all sign panels on the sign shall be consistent.
b. 
Minimum letter size shall be six (6) inches,
c. 
If a tenant vacates the lease space, the name plate must be removed by the monument sign owner, owner of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign not later than 30 days after such vacancy;
d. 
No other advertising or promotional information is permitted on the multi-tenant monument sign;
iii) 
A monument sign may be single or double faced.
iv) 
Cabinet signs made of plastic or similar materials are not permitted as monument signs.
7) 
No more than one (1) monument sign may be located on the major traffic street or way on which the building abuts. If a building has two or more public entrances on separate public streets, one (1) additional monument sign with a maximum sign area of forty (40) square feet is allowed on the secondary street following approval of a Specific Use Permit.
8) 
A monument sign located in a GP, CR, or C District that does not conform to the regulations set forth in Section 4.6018(b) [Section 4.6017(b)] of this section may be located on a lot following the application and approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP).
c) 
Pole Signs.
Poles signs are allowed only for those businesses having not less than 500 linear feet of continuous street frontage subject to the following:
1) 
No pole sign may be located on property adjacent to any public street or highway greater with a right-of-way width equal to or greater than 70 feet, current or proposed (as listed in the most current City’s Thoroughfare Plan) without the prior approval of a specific use Permit as authorized as part of a Planned Development. In no case, however, shall pole signs be allowed adjacent to the U.S. Highway 287 Bypass/Loop.
2) 
A pole sign shall not exceed a height of 25 feet and have a minimum clearance of 11 feet.
3) 
A pole sign shall be supported by a single or dual freestanding pole with no supporting guy wires and/or braces constructed.
4) 
The poles of a pole sign shall be encased with masonry columns.
5) 
The case of the pole sign shall be landscaped for distance of thi1ty (30) square feet outside of the distance of the poles with stone-base feature.
6) 
The sign face area shall not exceed 80 square feet on each face.
7) 
Only one (1) pole sign may be installed on each platted property or unified development.
8) 
One (1) ground sign can be allowed with a pole sign provided the ground sign is used for directional purposes only and cannot exceed three (3) feet in height with a sign face area of not greater than ten (10) square feet.
9) 
An ordinance setting fo1th the regulations of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) or Planned Development (PD) may add additional regulations, modify, or make exceptions to this Section 4.6018(c) [Section 4.6017(c)].
d) 
Special Provisions:
1) 
Signs may be illuminated, but the source of light shall not be visible to traveled ways and the entire image or displayed text shall not be animated, inte1mittent, or flashing.
2) 
An electronic message sign that complies with the following requirements may be approved administratively by staff:
i) 
Each message remains static for a minimum of 4 (four) seconds and operates in a way that all screen transitions occur within one (1) second such that the initial message does not fade, dissolve, or travel;
ii) 
The electronic message center makes up no more than 32 square feet of the total sign area. In determining the area of the electronic message center, any border or frame provided shall not be included in determining the sign face area.
iii) 
Only one electronic message center is visible anywhere on the exterior of the lot on which it is located;
iv) 
The electronic message center is installed on a legally subdivided lot or parcel.
v) 
The electronic message center does not contain animation, rolling or running letters or message flashing lights or displays as part of the display.
vi) 
The Electronic message center is not used to display commercial messages relating to products or services that are not offered on the premises.
vii) 
All electronic message centers within two hundred (200) feet of a residential area must be turned off from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
viii) 
The electronic message center does not exceed a light intensity of five hundred (500) NITS at night.
3) 
An electronic message center to be located in a GP, CR, or C District that does not conform to the regulations set forth in paragraph d)2) of this section may be located on a lot following the approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP).
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5841, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2013-50 adopted 11/12/13; Ordinance 2016-51, sec. 1(I), adopted 12/13/16; Ordinance 2017-76, sec. 1, adopted 10/10/17; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18; Ordinance 2018-37 adopted 6/26/18; Ordinance 2019-18, sec. 1, adopted 4/9/19; Ordinance 2021-01 adopted 1/12/21)
Multiple lots that are either adjacent, contiguous, or separated only by a right-of-way (and not at cross corners or connected by narrow strips of land) and considered to be a unified development may be considered a single premises for the purpose of erecting on/off-premises signs, if a Unified Sign Agreement (USA) is approved by the City Council and executed in compliance with this Section.
a) 
Criteria for approval.
In consideration of whether to approve multiple lots as a single premises, the City Council shall consider the following criteria:
1) 
All areas to be combined in the Unified Sign Agreement (USA) shall be part of a clearly defined unified office, commercial, retail or industrial development constructed as a single destination point for customers and visitors. Attributes of a unified commercial or industrial development include:
i) 
Common name identification to the public;
ii) 
Shared parking provided throughout the development;
iii) 
Sign structures utilized for shared signage, including identification of the common name of the development;
iv) 
Physical layout of the development results in a cohesive development; and,
v) 
The boundary area shall not be the combination of different premises joined solely for the purpose of initiating a Unified Sign Agreement.
2) 
The overall signage proposed within the Unified Sign Agreement (USA) should show an overall reduction in sign clutter as evidenced by a reduction in the number, size, and height of signs that would be allowed in the absence of a Unified Sign Agreement (USA).
3) 
A Unified Sign Agreement (USA) shall only be executed on property zoned General Professional (GP), Community Retail (CR), Commercial (C), or Light Industrial (LI) or Planned Developments (PD) for any combination of these or similar zoning district.
4) 
Only 1 unified sign agreement shall be allowed per unified development.
b) 
Allowed Signage.
Upon approval of a Unified Sign Agreement (USA), all existing signs remaining on the approved boundaries of the Agreement shall be removed or brought into compliance with the executed agreement and this Section. Existing signs shall not be considered nonconforming for the purposes of this executed agreement.
1) 
All new signs constructed after the executed agreement shall also comply with the executed Unified Sign Agreement (USA) and this Section.
2) 
Within the boundaries of the Unified Agreement (USA), spacing between detached signs shall be a minimum of 300 feet.
c) 
Sign Plan required.
A Sign Plan covering the entire boundary included in the Unified Sign Agreement (USA) shall be submitted to the City Council for approval. The Sign Plan shall contain the following information.
i) 
Description of development within the area of the unified sign agreement demonstrating the attributes of a unified commercial or industrial development as described in Section a. above.
ii) 
The location, size, and height of all existing and proposed signs;
iii) 
Demonstrate an overall reduction in sign clutter as evidenced by a reduction in the number, size and height of detached signs.
iv) 
A copy of the Sign Plan shall be attached to the Unified Sign Agreement (USA) and may be amended only with the approval of the City Council.
d) 
Notification Requirements.
1) 
Upon review of a Unified Sign Agreement (USA) or an amendment of a Unified Sign Agreement (USA) by the Planning Director or designated representative, notice shall be sent by regular United States Mail to all property owners within 200 feet of the boundaries of the area included in the agreement, as indicated on the most recently approved municipal tax roll.
2) 
Such notice shall provide a brief description of the Unified Sign Agreement (USA) and the location of the area included in the agreement.
3) 
The notice shall be mailed no later than 20 days prior to consideration of the agreement by the City Council.
e) 
Execution, Amendment, Termination and Filing of Unified Sign Agreements.
1) 
The Unified Sign Agreement shall:
i) 
Contain the names and addresses of the owners and the legal descriptions of all properties within the Unified Sign Agreement;
ii) 
State that all parties agree that the properties covered by the Agreement may be collectively treated as a single premises for the limited purpose of determining the number, size and location of on/off-premises signs permitted in accordance with this Section;
iii) 
State that the Agreement constitutes a covenant running with the land with respect to all properties subject to the agreement;
iv) 
State that all parties agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City of Midlothian from and against all claims or liabilities arising out of or in connection with the agreement;
v) 
State that the agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of Texas;
vi) 
State that the agreement may be amended or terminated only in accordance with subsection 2) below;
vii) 
Be approved by the City Council and approved as to form by the City Attorney;
viii) 
Be signed by all owners of the properties included in the agreement and the City of Midlothian; and
ix) 
Be signed by all lienholders, other than taxing entities, that have either an interest in the lots covered by the agreement or an improvement on those properties.
2) 
A Unified Sign Agreement (USA) may be amended or terminated as follows:
i) 
The amendment or Termination Agreement shall be executed by all owners of the properties included in the Unified Sign Agreement, and all lienholders, other than a taxing entity, that have an interest in land covered by the agreement or an improvement on such land.
ii) 
A termination agreement may be approved by the City Council if all signs on the property governed by the agreement are in compliance with the most current Sign Regulations, as if no Unified Sign Agreement had been executed. Any signs that are not in compliance shall be removed or brought into compliance prior to approval of the agreement by the City Council.
3) 
A Unified Sign Agreement or an agreement to amend or terminate such an agreement is not effective until the agreement is approved by the City Council, approved as to form by the City Attorney and the agreement is filed in the Ellis County Clerk’s Office, and two (2) file-marked copies of the Agreement are delivered to the Planning Director or designated representative.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5842, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
Generally:
Signs located on property within the Central Business District shall comply with the following design guidelines:
1) 
Signs should be architecturally integrated and complementary to the overall design of the buildings and provide a compatible appearance with the existing signage of other tenants while keeping the overall character of downtown intact.
2) 
Signs should promote retail and street activity while enhancing the pedestrian experience.
3) 
Signs should enhance the primary design elements or unique architectural features of buildings. Unique design elements should help when determining the size and location of a sign on the building.
b) 
Wall Signs:
Wall signs located on buildings within the CBD shall comply with the following:
1) 
Each building front may have no more than one (1) sign per tenant.
2) 
The sign face area for each tenant shall be 10% of the front or rear building facade area of the tenant space.
3) 
Wall signs may be flush mounted, painted or extend beyond the building into the City right-of-way with approval of the Planning Director.
4) 
The wall sign may either be:
a) 
externally lit, or;
b) 
only the letters or a border shall be internally lit.
5) 
Window signs and sidewalk sandwich signs are not included in these maximum signage totals.
c) 
Canopy/Awning Sign.
Canopy/awning signs located on buildings within the CBD shall comply with the following:
1) 
Canopy/awnings signs placed over tenant spaces are allowed and may extend into the City right-of-way with approval of the Planning Director.
2) 
Signs placed on canopy/awnings are allowed and shall not be internally lit.
d) 
Window Signs.
Window signs located on buildings within the CBD shall comply with the following:
1) 
Window signs may be painted or applied directly to the window.
2) 
Window signs may cover up to 25% of the glass pane and shall only promote products or services offered on-site.
3) 
No opaque tint shall be allowed along any front facade ground-level windows. Any tint provided shall allow at least 70% of the visible light through the windows.
4) 
No sign permit is required.
e) 
Sidewalk Sandwich Signs:
Sidewalk sandwich signs located on property within the CBD shall comply with the following:
1) 
Sidewalk sandwich signs may be placed on the sidewalk only during business hours and shall only promote products or services offered on-site.
2) 
Sidewalk sandwich signs may not exceed four (4) feet in height.
3) 
Not less than five (5) feet of sidewalk clearance for pedestrians must be maintained when a sidewalk sandwich sign is placed.
4) 
The signs may extend into the City right-of-way.
5) 
The signs shall be properly anchored or weighted against the wind.
6) 
No sign permit is required.
f) 
Ground Signs:
Ground signs located on property within the CBD shall comply with the following:
1) 
Height shall not exceed five (5) feet.
2) 
Sign face area shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet.
3) 
Sign must include a landscaped, stone-base feature with landscaping maintained at a height that does not obstruct the sign face or any text (including addressing information) located on the sign.
4) 
The sign shall not be placed in the right-of-way and shall only be externally lit.
g) 
Temporary Signs:
Temporary signs located on property within the CBD shall comply with the following:
1) 
Temporary signs may include but not limited to banners, flags, etc. and may be placed when related to a holiday, special event, or promotion.
2) 
Temporary signs may be displayed for up to 90 days per calendar year and shall be removed 10 days after the conclusion of the holiday or event.
3) 
Banners can have a total sign face area not exceeding 20 square feet.
4) 
A Temporary Sign Permit is required prior to installation.
h) 
Electronic Signs:
Electronic signs located on property within the CBD shall comply with the following:
1) 
An on-site electronic sign with a maximum display area of six (6) square feet may only be installed in an interior window.
2) 
Electronic signs shall only operate during the hours that the business is open to the public.
3) 
No sign permit is required.
i) 
Murals/Historic Signs:
Mural/historic signs located on buildings within the CBD shall comply with the following:
1) 
Murals and historic signs that display a historic scene/event or an old business that was once integral to the history of the city are permitted.
2) 
Murals and historic signs shall be reviewed by the Historic Advisory Board and require City Council approval prior to obtaining a Sign Permit.
j) 
Prohibition of Signs in the CBD District:
The following are prohibited in the CBD District:
a) 
Pole signs;
b) 
Internally lit signs that do not adhere to Subsection a), above;
c) 
Animated or flashing signs;
d) 
Signs unrelated to the business, products or services offered in the building, except as stated in Subsection h) above;
e) 
Advertising signs on trash cans, planters, and benches;
f) 
Temporary signs made into permanent signs;
g) 
Signs that obscure significant architectural features of the building; and
h) 
Signs that are not properly maintained.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5843, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
Signs located in Medium Industrial (MI) and Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning districts shall be permitted to identify the use or uses of the property upon which they are displayed subject to the following:
a) 
Building Signs:
1) 
Building Signs shall not extend beyond the building.
2) 
In no case shall any building sign or group of building signs have a cumulative total of sign face area that exceeds twenty percent (20%) of the wall area upon which that building sign or group of building signs is attached. For purposes of this section, wall surface area shall include the area of doors, and windows.
3) 
Canopy or awning signs shall be considered to be building signs; however, canopy or awning signs shall not exceed the total area of the above section.
i) 
A combination of the two is allowed provided the square footage does not exceed the total area described in Subsection 2), above.
ii) 
Only canopy and awning signs shall be allowed to extend beyond the building.
4) 
Window signs shall not exceed 25% of the window or glass area.
b) 
Ground Signs:
Ground signs shall comply with Section 4.6018(b) [Section 4.6017(b).]
c) 
Pole Sign:
Pole signs shall be subject to the following:
1) 
No pole sign may be located on property adjacent to any public street or highway greater with a right-of-way width equal to or greater than 70 feet, current or proposed (as listed in the most current City’s Thoroughfare Plan) without the prior approval of a specific use permit as authorized as part of a Planned Development.
2) 
Pole sign shall not exceed 25 feet in height with a minimum clearance of 11 feet.
3) 
A pole sign shall be supported by a single or dual freestanding pole with no supporting guy wires and/or braces constructed.
4) 
The poles of a pole sign shall be encased with masonry columns.
5) 
Sign face area shall not exceed 80 square feet for each fact [face].
6) 
The case of the pole sign shall a landscaped area of not less than 30 square feet around the outside of the distance of the poles with stone-base feature.
7) 
Only one (1) pole sign may be installed on each platted property or unified development.
8) 
One (1) ground sign can be allowed with a pole sign provided the ground sign is used for directional purposes only and cannot exceed three (3) feet in height with a sign face area of not greater than ten (10) square feet.
9) 
Pole signs shall be located not less than 500 feet from Districts “A,” “SF-1,” “SF-2,” “SF-3,” “SF-4,” “R1.5,” “R2.5,” “R3,” “MD-1,” “MD-2,” “MH,” and “MF” and any other residential zoning district that is established after the effective date of this ordinance.
10) 
An ordinance setting forth the regulations of a Specific Use Permit (SUP) or Planned Development (PD) may add additional regulations, modify, or make exceptions to this Section 4.6018(c) [Section 4.6017(c)].
d) 
Special Provisions:
1) 
Signs may be illuminated, but the source of light shall not be visible to traveled ways and the entire image or displayed text shall not be animated, intermittent, or flashing.
2) 
An electronic message sign that complies with the following requirements may be approved administratively by staff:
i) 
Each message remains static for a minimum of 4 (four) seconds and operates in a way that all screen transitions occur within one (1) second such that the initial message does not fade, dissolve, or travel;
ii) 
The electronic message center makes up no more than 32 square feet of the total sign area. In determining the area of the electronic message center, any border or frame provided shall not be included in determining the sign face area.
iii) 
Only one electronic message center is visible anywhere on the exterior of the lot on which it is located;
iv) 
The electronic message center is installed on a legally subdivided lot or parcel.
v) 
The electronic message center does not contain animation, rolling or running letters or message flashing lights or displays as part of the display.
vi) 
The Electronic message center is not used to display commercial messages relating to products or services that are not offered on the premises.
vii) 
All electronic message centers within two hundred (200) feet of a residential area must be turned off from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
viii) 
The electronic message center does not exceed a light intensity of five hundred (500) NITS at night.
3) 
An electronic message center to be located in a LI, MI, or HI District that does not conform to the regulations set forth in paragraph d)2) of this section may be located on a lot following the approval of a Specific Use Permit (SUP).
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5844, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2016-51, sec. 1(J), adopted 12/13/16; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18; Ordinance 2021-01 adopted 1/12/21)
a) 
Except where expressly exempted as provided by applicable ordinance, any person, firm, or corporation desiring to construct or cause to be constructed, install[ed] or alter[ed] any sign or billboard within the city shall first apply for and obtain a permit from the Development Services Department. All signs must be from a registered sign graphics company or operator.
b) 
A Permit fee shall be paid by the applicant before any sign permit is issued.
c) 
Before a sign Permit for a sign located adjacent to an Interstate and/or Federal Aid primary highway or other road or highway regulated by the Texas Department of Transportation, the applicant for the sign permit must present proof of having first obtained an outdoor Advertising license from the State of Texas for the purpose of advertising along said road or highway or otherwise establish that such permit or license is not required by state or federal law or regulation.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5851, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
Symbols which are designed as an integral part of the building structure and symbols and signs which are not visible or readable from the public street or right-of-way shall not be limited by the sign regulations of the applicable zoning district or land use category.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5852, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
No sign or lighting permitted under these regulations shall be erected, placed or allowed to remain whereby such creates confusion, impairs hearing or vision, or otherwise distracts the automotive driver using any public street.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5853, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
No sign or lighting permitted under these regulations shall be authorized whereby such sign or lighting, by reason of placement, lack of shielding, noise generation or character of operation, would be adverse to the normal sensibilities of a person residing on adjacent property or would interfere with the reasonable use, enjoyment or right of privacy on his property. Specifically:
a) 
The source of lighting shall not be directly visible from the adjacent residential property and light shall be shielded downward to prevent such exposure:
b) 
The noise level of signs and lighting fixtures, when measured within the adjacent dwelling unit, shall not be greater than the noise levels of equipment customarily in operation in the home (50 dBA).
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5854, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
Except as otherwise allowed by ordinance, no sign shall be located within or project over the right-of-way of any public highway, street, or alley, regardless of whether a permit is required to be issued prior to its installation or construction, without first entering into a Right-of-Way Encroachment with the City after approval by the City Council. This Section 4.6025 shall not apply to:
a) 
Official traffic-control signs or entrance and exit signs less than 30 inches above grade placed with permission of the City.
b) 
Any sign placed by the City to promote civic events, local businesses, and community-wide events.
c) 
Kiosk signs installed in accordance with Section 4.6007.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5855, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
The owner of any sign shall keep the sign and all related supporting structures, guy wires, braces, anchors, in safe condition at all times.
b) 
The Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer or a designated representative shall give written notice to the sign owner and the property owner upon a finding that a sign is unsafe or insecure, is a menace to the public, or unlawful.
c) 
If within ten (10) days after receipt to the notice required by subsection b), above, such owner fails to remove or alter the sign in order to make such sign safe and secure or otherwise perform such work as necessary to bring the sign into compliance with applicable building codes and regulations enacted by the City, the Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer or a designated representative may cause such sign to be removed or altered to comply with applicable ordinances at the expense of the sign owner or owner of the property upon which the sign is located.
d) 
The Building Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer or a designated representative may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5857, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
An abandoned sign or abandoned sign structure remaining on property beyond the period authorized by this section creates a blight on the community and is declared to be a public nuisance. An abandoned sign or abandoned sign structure that is not also sign structure must be removed from the premises if not repaired in accordance with Section 4.6026:
1) 
on or after the first anniversary of the date the business, person, or activity that the abandoned sign or sign structure identifies or advertises ceases to operate on the premises on which the abandoned sign or abandoned sign structure is located; or
2) 
if the premises containing the abandoned sign or abandoned sign structure is leased, on or after the second anniversary after the date the most recent tenant ceased operating on the premises on which the abandoned sign or abandoned sign structure is located; or
3) 
if the abandoned sign or abandoned sign structure advertises a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies, not later than ten (10) days after the termination of the time, event, or purpose.
b) 
Signs that would otherwise by removed pursuant to subsections a)1) or a)2), above, are not required to be removed if the copy portion of the sign identifying the business or tenant no longer located on the property is obscured so that the business to which the sign related is not visible; provided, however, (i) removal of a sign face on a cabinet sign without replacing the sign face with a blank sign face or (ii) removal of a canopy and leaving only the canopy frame, is prohibited. Painted wall signs shall be painted over with a color that resembles or matches the wall and does not allow the sign message to be visible after overpainting.
c) 
This section does not apply to political signs.
d) 
For purposes of this Section 4.6027, “abandoned sign” and “abandoned sign structure” means a sign or sign structure, respectively, that identifies a business, person, or activity that no longer occupies or operates on the premises on which the sign or sign structure is located or pertains to a time, event, or purpose which no longer applies.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5857, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
The following signs are prohibited:
1) 
Signs that imitate or resemble “any official traffic sign, signal or device” or using a revolving beam or beacon resembling any “emergency vehicle.”
2) 
Signs erected, maintained, or attached to on trees or which are painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.
3) 
Development directional signs.
4) 
Cloth, canvas, paper, balloons, streamers, bunting, banners, flags, pole signs, signs that contain moving parts or devices other than in rigid frames unless otherwise expressly allowed by ordinance.
5) 
Signs erected in violation of the building or electrical code of the city.
6) 
Signs attached to or maintained upon any public utility pole or structure.
7) 
Signs attached to or painted on the outside of a fence, railing or wall that is not a structural part of a building.
8) 
Signs attached to or painted on any sidewalk, curb, gutter, or street (except house address numbers).
9) 
No person shall display on any sign any obscene, indecent or immoral matter. Any sign which contains any obscene, indecent or immoral matter shall be removed or the obscene, indecent or immoral matter must be removed within 24 hours of notice.
(Ordinance 2013-24, sec. 4.5858, adopted 7/9/13; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
“Governmental Sign” Defined.
For purposes of this section, “governmental sign” means a temporary or permanent sign owned, leased, or operated by the City or other governmental entity, located on public or private property, and used solely to provide information, directions, or warnings to the public, including, but not limited to, information about public events sponsored by the governmental entity. A governmental sign is not a billboard even if located off-premises from property owned or leased by the governmental entity.
b) 
Location.
Governmental signs may be located in any zoning district in the City’s corporate limits or in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.
c) 
Sign Design and Placement Criteria.
The design and location of a governmental sign on a specific property shall be subject to the regulations relating to location and design for the zoning district in which the governmental sign is located.
d) 
Traffic-Control Signs Exempt.
Traffic-control signs installed by a governmental entity, or by a contractor performing work in or adjacent to highways, streets, and alleys as authorized by a governmental entity, are exempt from this section.
(Ordinance 2017-76, sec. 2, adopted 10/10/17; Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)
a) 
Earth tone is a color scheme that draws from a color palette of browns, tans, warm grays, greens, oranges, whites, and some reds, and some blues. The colors in an earth tone scheme are muted and flat in an emulation of the natural colors found in dirt, moss, trees and rocks:
b) 
Neutral colors are colors that are lacking hue, usually they are very light colors such as gray, beige and taupe (brownish-gray). Neutral colors are usually dusky in nature and “achromatic”:
c) 
A “Special Exception” may be obtained to request colors not shown under this Section 4.6030.
(Ordinance 2018-20 adopted 4/10/18)