(a) 
This article concerns those types of permanent and temporary signs to which this chapter applies. This article further includes the purpose of each sign type, size, height, number, location, design and landscaping requirements, and special provisions for each type of sign.
(b) 
The following is a listing of sign categories permitted under the provisions of this chapter:
(1) 
Temporary signs;
(2) 
Freestanding commercial signs, multitenant shopping center or office complex, option I and option II;
(3) 
Bee Cave Road and Loop 360 Corridor Street Number;
(4) 
Freestanding commercial signs, single-business use;
(5) 
Projecting, wall and hanging commercial signs, individual business within a multitenant shopping center or office complex;
(6) 
Joint directory commercial signs for a multitenant shopping center or office complex;
(7) 
Commercial signs in/on windows/doors;
(8) 
Public information signs (temporary); and
(9) 
Driveway entrance sign for a B-3 district multitenant center.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
(a) 
No sign shall be allowed in residential districts except the following categories of signs which comply with the provisions of this chapter and have received approval when necessary:
(1) 
One sign on any property zoned residential (R-1, R-2 or R-3) not to exceed two (2) square feet as described in section 32.01.008(6);
(2) 
One temporary sign not to exceed six square feet in size per lot may be located on the owner’s property for a period of ninety (90) days prior and seventy-two (72) hours after an election involving candidates for a federal, state, or local office that represents the area in which the property is located or an election that involves a measure on the ballot of an election within the area;
(3) 
One temporary sign on a lot where the owner consents and the property is being offered for sale or lease while for sale or lease and up to seventy-two (72) hours after the property is sold or leased; and
(4) 
A property owner may place a temporary sign on the lot that is not larger than four square feet so long as the sign contains a noncommercial message.
(b) 
Signs in this section do not need a permit if they meet the requirements of this section and all other applicable provisions of the sign code.
(c) 
No sign under this section shall have lighting or moving parts.
(d) 
This section does not limit the noncommercial content of the sign allowed under this subsection.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
(a) 
The following signs in non-residential districts do not require a permit:
(1) 
One temporary sign per lot or unit where the owner consents and the property is being offered for sale or lease while for sale or lease and up to seventy-two (72) hours after the property is sold or leased and shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
(2) 
One temporary sign not to exceed six square feet per lot on the owner’s property for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days.
(b) 
Signs in this section do not need a permit if they meet the requirements of this section and all other applicable provisions of the sign code.
(c) 
No sign under this section shall have lighting or moving parts.
(d) 
This section does not limit the noncommercial content of the sign allowed under this subsection.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Traffic-control signs other than uniform traffic-control devices (see definition of MUTCD in section 32.01.001) upon private commercial property shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Purpose.
To relieve vehicular and pedestrian traffic congestion and promote the safe and expedient flow and parking of traffic on private commercial property.
(2) 
Size.
All vehicular traffic-control signs shall not exceed two square feet.
(3) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above six feet from average grade.
(4) 
Number.
Not to exceed 12 signs for districts O, B-1, and B-2, and not to exceed 24 signs for B-3 district.
(5) 
Location.
Shall be submitted for approval by the director of building and development services, with a letter of approval from the chief of police for any sign placed adjacent to a public street or right-of-way.
(6) 
Design.
In accordance with criteria in section 32.01.013.
(7) 
Lighting.
Indirect.
(8) 
Landscaping.
At the discretion of the council.
(9) 
Special provisions.
Shall be as follows:
(A) 
May be either freestanding or wall mounted, with same size requirements;
(B) 
All traffic-control signs shall be of a uniform design approved by the city council. No individual sign shall be approved unless it conforms to an overall sign program for the entire site, submitted by the applicant; and
(C) 
No sign shall contain any advertising, but may identify the owner by name.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Traffic-control signs other than uniform traffic-control devices (see definition of MUTCD in section 32.01.001) upon private residential property shall be required if needed for directional or public safety purposes as determined by the police chief and city administrator and:
(1) 
Size.
All vehicular traffic-control signs shall not exceed two square feet.
(2) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above six feet from average grade.
(3) 
Number.
Not to exceed number of signs necessary for public safety or directional purposes as determined by the city administrator and police chief.
(4) 
Location.
Shall be determined by the city administrator and chief of police for any sign placed adjacent to a public street or way.
(5) 
Design.
In accordance with criteria in section 32.01.013.
(6) 
Lighting.
Indirect.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Multitenant shopping centers or office complexes zoned O, B-1, B-2 or B-3 may have the option of using freestanding commercial signs (option I), a monument-type sign (option II), or a single-business use sign (option III). Such signs shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Option I: Freestanding commercial signs.
(A) 
Purpose.
To identify the multitenant shopping center or office complex (subject to the limitations contained in subsection (F) below).
(B) 
Size.
A maximum area of 36 square feet, with a horizontal dimension of no greater than 9 feet.
(C) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above 8 feet from average natural grade, including a base no greater than 18 inches tall.
(D) 
Number.
One sign on the major traffic street or main entrance. If a multitenant shopping center has two or more public entrances, a separate sign is permitted on the subordinate driveway, which shall be limited in area to 12 square feet, and no part of this sign shall extend above 5 feet from average natural grade.
(E) 
Location.
On premises of the center or complex and adjacent to major trafficway which the building abuts, between the right-of-way and the building setback lines so as not to create a traffic hazard.
(F) 
Design.
The sign shall contain only the name of the multitenant shopping center or office complex along with its street address (e.g. Bee Cave Center, 3425 Bee Cave Road). Lettering designating the name of the shopping center or office complex and street address shall not exceed a maximum of 10 inches in height. Any design shall be shown not to create a traffic hazard. The name of the multitenant shopping center or office complex may not be the same or similar to any individual tenant or business located in such shopping center or office complex.
(G) 
Lighting.
Indirect lighting.
(H) 
Landscaping.
Shall be as follows:
(i) 
A landscaped area of 120 square feet at the base of the sign;
(ii) 
All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat, clean and healthy condition throughout the life of the permit; and
(iii) 
A plan showing the landscaping must be submitted to the city council by the applicant at the time of application.
(2) 
Option II: Driveway entrance sign (monument type).
(A) 
Purpose.
To identify the name of the multitenant shopping center or office complex (subject to the limitations contained in subsection (F) below) and the businesses located therein.
(B) 
Size.
A maximum size of 36 square feet, with a horizontal dimension of no greater than 9 feet.
(C) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above 8 feet from average natural grade, including a base no greater than 18 inches tall.
(D) 
Number.
One sign on the major traffic street or main entrance. If a multitenant shopping center has two or more public entrances, a separate sign is permitted on the subordinate driveway and such sign shall be limited in area to 12 square feet, no part of such sign shall extend above 5 feet from average natural grade and such sign shall only contain the name of the center (subject to the limitations contained in subsection (F) below) and the street address.
(E) 
Location.
On premises of the center or complex and adjacent to major trafficway which the building abuts, between the right-of-way and the building setback lines so as not to create a traffic hazard.
(F) 
Design.
The monument sign design shall contain the name of the center and the address at the top of the sign; the individual businesses may be listed under the name of the complex. Lettering designating the name of the shopping center and street address shall not exceed a maximum of 7 inches in height. Other subordinate lettering designating retail businesses shall not exceed 3 inches in height. The base of the monument sign shall have a maximum height of 18 inches in a landscaped setting, and any design shall be shown not to create a traffic hazard. The name of the multitenant shopping center or office complex may not be the same or similar to any individual tenant or business located in such shopping center or office complex.
(G) 
Lighting.
Indirect lighting.
(H) 
Landscaping.
Shall be as follows:
(i) 
A landscaped area of 120 square feet at the base of the sign;
(ii) 
All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat, clean and healthy condition throughout the life of the permit; and
(iii) 
A plan showing the landscaping must be submitted to the council by the applicant at the time of application.
(3) 
Option III: Single-business use sign.
In lieu of the sign types of option I and option II described in this section, a multitenant shopping center or office complex may elect to erect a sign under section 32.03.008.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Numerical street address for multitenant center or office complex on Bee Cave Road or Loop 360 shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Purpose.
To identify the numerical street address of a multitenant shopping or office complex.
(2) 
Size.
A maximum of four numbers, and each number with a vertical dimension of no greater than 24 inches and a horizontal dimension of no greater than 12 inches.
(3) 
Height.
No part of the numbers shall extend above the roof line of the building.
(4) 
Number.
One set of numbers facing the westbound lane of Bee Cave Road or Loop 360 and one set of numbers facing the east lane of Bee Cave Road or Loop 360.
(5) 
Location.
On the building complex at the corner of the complex closest to the street.
(6) 
Design.
The sign shall contain only the number of the street address (e.g., 3415).
(7) 
Lighting.
None.
(8) 
Landscaping.
None.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Freestanding commercial signs, single-business use, shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Purpose.
To identify a business or organization being the sole business occupant of a lot or tract.
(2) 
Size.
A maximum area of 24 square feet, with a horizontal dimension of no greater than 6 feet.
(3) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above 8 feet from the average natural grade, including a base not greater than 18 inches tall.
(4) 
Number.
One sign on the major traffic street or main entrance. If a single-business use building has two or more public entrances, a separate sign is permitted on the subordinate driveway, such sign shall be limited to the name of the business and the street address and shall be limited in area to 12 square feet, and not part of this sign shall extend above 5 feet from average natural grade.
(5) 
Location.
On premises of the building and adjacent to major trafficway which the building abuts, between the right-of-way and the building setback lines so as not to create a traffic hazard.
(6) 
Design.
The sign shall contain only the name of the business, its address and logo. Lettering designating the name of the business and street address shall not exceed a maximum of 10 inches in height.
(7) 
Lighting.
Indirect lighting.
(8) 
Landscaping.
Shall be as follows:
(A) 
A landscaped area of 120 square feet at the base of the sign;
(B) 
All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat, clean and healthy condition throughout the life of the permit; and
(C) 
A plan showing the landscaping must be submitted to the city council by the applicant at the time of application.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Projecting, wall, and hanging commercial signs, individual business within a multitenant shopping center or office complex for tenants who have their own separate exterior entrances, shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Purpose.
To identify a business or organization which has its own separate exterior public entrance within a multitenant building.
(2) 
Size.
Four square feet for each five front linear feet of the individual business for an organization having its own exterior public entrance in a multitenant building, with a maximum length of ten feet and area of 12 square feet. A minimum area of six square feet will be allowed if a business has insufficient frontage. The size of a multipaneled sign shall be determined by dividing the maximum size allowed by the number of panels. Combined maximum area for more than one sign shall not exceed 12 square feet.
(3) 
Height.
Minimum clearance of eight feet to bottom of sign above pedestrian walkways.
(4) 
Number.
One sign per pedestrian way on which the building abuts, as determined by the city administrator with a maximum of two signs.
(5) 
Location.
Perpendicular to, hung from, or attached to a projecting structural element of the exterior wall of the individual business or organization, adjacent to the street, parking lot or major pedestrian walkway which the building abuts.
(6) 
Design.
The sign shall contain only the name of the business, its address and logo or nature of business, and, if desired, hours of operation. Except for those in B-3 districts, no additional fee shall be required for new signs in a multitenant shopping center or office complex where the zoning and planning commission has approved a uniform design for every sign in the entire complex and the city administrator certifies that the proposed new sign meets the uniform design approved by the city.
(7) 
Lighting.
Indirect.
(8) 
Landscaping.
Not applicable.
(9) 
Special provisions.
Shall be as follows:
(A) 
A joint directory sign is permitted subject to the provisions of this chapter;
(B) 
A business or organization having a projecting or hanging sign is not excluded from participating in a joint directory;
(C) 
Businesses or organizations not having exterior public entrances are subject to the provisions of the joint directory signs for multitenant building, in section 32.03.010; and
(D) 
An individual business with a basement entrance with no calculable frontage may have one sign with a maximum area of six square feet.
(10) 
Increase of size, number.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the maximum size of a projecting, wall or hanging commercial internal sign for a business within a shopping center designated B-3 may be increased to 24 square feet for a retail store with less than 20,000 square feet of retail use floor area, and to 36 square feet for a retail store with more than 20,000 square feet but less than 35,000 square feet of retail use floor area, and to 48 square feet for a retail store with more than 35,000 square feet of retail use. If site conditions permit two sides of a retail store to be visible from the interior of the site, a sign may be approved for each of the two sides.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Joint directory commercial signs for a multitenant shopping center or office complex shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Purpose.
To list all tenants within a multitenant building and to guide the pedestrian to the individual tenant within the building.
(2) 
Size.
Two square feet per tenant within the multitenant building.
(3) 
Height.
A minimum clearance of three feet to the bottom of sign above the average grade if the sign is a wall sign or if the sign is freestanding. No part of the sign shall extend above 12 feet from average grade.
(4) 
Number.
One sign per tenant on the major pedestrian way which the building abuts. If a building has two or more major public entrances on distinct, separate pedestrian ways, proposals for additional joint-business directories may be approved at the discretion of the zoning and planning commission; the proposal shall conform to the other provisions of this section.
(5) 
Location.
Attached to the building at the major pedestrian entrance or if freestanding at a site within the parking area where the sign is not visible from a public street.
(6) 
Design.
In accordance with criteria in section 32.01.013.
(7) 
Lighting.
Indirect.
(8) 
Landscaping.
Shall be as follows:
(A) 
A landscaped area of two square feet for each square foot of each side of the sign shall be required at the base of the sign, with a minimum area to be landscaped of 24 square feet;
(B) 
All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a neat, clean and healthy condition; and
(C) 
A plan showing the landscaping must be presented to the city council by the applicant at the time of application.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Commercial signs in/on windows or doors, or window signs, may be used in lieu of, but not in addition to, a sign authorized under section 32.03.008 or section 32.03.009 and shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Purpose.
To identify a business or organization as the occupant of the space on the other side of the window.
(2) 
Size.
A maximum area of 12 square feet or no more than half the area of the window, whichever is smaller. A maximum area of six square feet is allowed if the area of the window/door is less than 12 square feet. Area used for the address, hours of operation, and open or closed status is excluded from the maximum size limit. The applicant may request a variance of up to 15 percent of the maximum allowed dimensions to improve readability and maintain an appropriate ratio of lettering/symbols to the area of the window.
(3) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above eight feet from the average grade unless a greater height is necessary to center the sign in the window.
(4) 
Number.
One sign per street or pedestrian way which the building faces or abuts, as determined by the city administrator, with a maximum of two signs.
(5) 
Location.
In/on the window/door and entirely within the perimeter of the window/door.
(6) 
Design/message.
The sign may contain only the name of the business or organization, its address, logo, nature of business, hours of operation, and open or closed status, as desired.
(7) 
Lighting.
Indirect.
(8) 
Landscaping.
Not applicable.
(9) 
Special provisions.
None.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Banners shall only include noncommercial messages and shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Purpose.
Permanent or temporary signs and noncommercial banners with the intended use of identifying community, civic, neighborhood, social activities/events, or identifying soon-to-be newly opened retail businesses. Permanent public information signs shall be an integral part of an approved commercial retail business sign. Specifications for banners over public streets as described below shall conform to the City of Austin specifications for banners.
(2) 
Size.
Banners with a noncommercial message over public streets shall not exceed 36 feet in length nor four feet in height.
(3) 
Height.
Banners over a public street will be a minimum of 13 feet six inches above a city-controlled street and 19 feet above a state-controlled highway; no part of a sign shall extend above eight feet from average grade.
(4) 
Number and locations.
Maximum of one sign or banner in a location approved by the city administrator for any and all uses.
(5) 
Duration.
Banner signs over streets may be displayed for a maximum of 15 days.
(6) 
Lighting.
Banner signs shall not be lit.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Temporary signs may be permitted in addition to permanent signs, and shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Purpose.
Temporary signs in non-residential districts to identify community, civic, neighborhood, social activities/events, or identifying soon-to-be newly opened retail businesses.
(2) 
Size.
Temporary signs shall not exceed 12 square feet in O, B-1, B-2, or GUI zoning districts nor 24 square feet in B-3 districts.
(3) 
Number and locations.
Maximum of one per property or one per individual unit in a multitenant complex no more than 3 times per year in a location approved by the city administrator.
(4) 
Duration.
Maximum three (3) times per year for a cumulative period not to exceed ninety (90) days.
(5) 
Lighting.
Temporary signs shall not be lit.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
(a) 
Each lot undergoing construction or development may have one additional temporary sign regulated as follows:
(1) 
Size.
The size of the temporary sign at lot undergoing construction or development shall be a maximum of six square feet.
(2) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above eight feet from average grade.
(3) 
Number.
One sign per lot or tract of land.
(4) 
Location.
On premises and located within the setback lines of a lot or tract subject to the approval of the city administrator.
(5) 
Duration.
Not to be erected before a building permit is issued by the city and shall be removed when the certificate of occupancy is issued by the city, but under no circumstances to exceed more than one year.
(6) 
Lighting.
Not applicable.
(7) 
Landscaping.
Not applicable.
(b) 
Notwithstanding the provisions set forth above, the following requirements shall apply to temporary site development signs for a multitenant shopping center located in a B-3 zoning district:
(1) 
Size.
The size of such sign shall be a maximum of 48 square feet.
(2) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above 16 feet from average grade.
(3) 
Number.
Two signs per lot or tract of land subject to overall site plan.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
Driveway entrance signs for a commercial multitenant shopping center in a B-3 business 3 district shall be regulated as follows:
(1) 
Size.
A maximum size of 54 square feet, with a horizontal dimension of no greater than 12 feet.
(2) 
Height.
No part of the sign shall extend above 12 feet from average grade.
(3) 
Lettering.
Lettering design subject to recommendation the director of building and development services.
(4) 
Number.
One sign adjacent to each driveway entrance to the shopping center intersecting with a public street.
(5) 
Lighting.
Indirect.
(6) 
Design.
The individual business portion of the sign shall contain only the name of the business. The name portion of the sign shall contain the name of the business and address.
(7) 
Landscaping.
Shall be as follows:
(A) 
A landscaped area of 120 square feet;
(B) 
All landscaped areas shall be maintained in a healthy, neat and clean condition; and
(C) 
A plan showing the landscaping must be submitted to the city council by the applicant at the time of application.
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20)
The ensuing buildings are subject to uniform signage agreements:
Property
Adoption Date
West Lake Court, 3663 Bee Cave Road
April 26, 1995
Village at Westlake, 701 South Capital of Texas Highway
April 30, 1996
The Hills Medical, 4615 Bee Cave Road
October 25, 2006
Westlake Medical, 5656 Bee Cave Road
July 28, 2004
Westbank Market, 3300 Bee Cave Road
December 11, 2024
Five Star Center, 3636 Bee Cave Road
September 20, 1995
Five Star Center, 3620 Bee Cave Road
September 16, 1998
(Ordinance 2020-007 adopted 6/24/20; Ordinance 2024-019 adopted 12/11/2024)