The purpose of these regulations is to encourage and promote a signage element of the city that is consistent with the high aesthetic standards established in other standards of the city’s development. These regulations are intended to be a positive tool to accomplish this purpose for the benefit of the citizens, as well as the business community, and are not designed to discourage or inhibit aesthetically pleasing signage design, materials and placement.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-1), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-1)
The following regulations shall govern the placement and construction of all outdoor advertising displays within the city. In accordance with state law, the provisions of this article are extended to the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-2), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-2)
To the extent not otherwise defined in the text of this article, the following definitions shall apply, unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
Calendar days.
All calendar days must run consecutively.
Changeable electronic variable message sign (CEVMS)
means a sign which permits light to be turned on or off intermittently or which is operated in a way whereby light is turned on or off intermittently, including any illuminated sign on which such illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use, including an LED (light emitting diode) or digital sign, and which varies in intensity or color. A CEVMS sign does not include a sign located within the right-of-way that functions as a traffic-control device and that is described and identified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the national standard.
Commercial billboard
means a structure directly attached to the land or a building, having one or more spaces used to display a sign or advertisement, is leased or rented, and does not advertise the principal business located on such premises.
Linear frontage or linear footage,
relative to a building or property, means from the outer edge of a building wall to opposite outer edge of a building wall, property line to property line, and for a multi-tenant building with multiple store fronts or independent entrances, means the outer edge of the building wall for that leased or occupied space to the opposite edge of the building wall for the leased or occupied space.
Off-premises sign
means any sign commonly known as a billboard, that advertises a business, person, activity, goods, products or services not located on the premises where the sign is installed and maintained, or that directs persons to a location other than the premises where the sign is installed and maintained.
Secondary frontage
means the part of a corner or end tenant property that is platted to extend and be adjacent to an arterial or collector street and does not have the legal address.
Sign, agricultural,
means any sign identifying the farm or ranch on which it is placed and advertising the produce, crops, animals and poultry raised or quartered thereon.
Sign, awning or canopy,
means any sign that is part of or attached to an awning or canopy or other fabric, plastic, or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window, or outdoor service area.
Sign, ballfield,
means any temporary or permanent sign placed inside ballfield fencing which is intended for advertising to raise funds for recreation programs.
Sign code application area
means the corporate limits of the city and the area of its extraterritorial jurisdiction as defined by Texas Local Government Code section 42.021.
Through lot
means a lot, other than a corner lot, having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-3), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-3)
(a) 
It shall be unlawful to construct or install or permit to be constructed or installed any sign within the city limits, or within its extraterritorial jurisdiction, except as is expressly permitted in this article.
(b) 
Any person violating any of the provisions of this article shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine in accordance with the general penalty provided in section 1.01.009 of this code. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which a violation or failure to comply occurs or continues to occur. Allegation and evidence of a culpable mental state is not required for the proof of an offense defined by this article.
(c) 
If any sign of any nature is erected, constructed or maintained on public property in violation of this article, including but not limited to garage sales, neighborhood sales, weekend real estate directional signs, real estate signs, moving services, housekeeping services, lawn care services or any other type of service or sales:
(1) 
When the name of any person appears on such a sign, it shall be prima facie evidence that the person so named is responsible for the offense of erecting, constructing or maintaining said sign, and that person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, upon conviction;
(2) 
When any address appears on such a sign, it shall be prima facie evidence that the record property owner at the address so specified is responsible for the offense of erecting, constructing or maintaining said sign, and that person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, upon conviction; and
(3) 
In the event that such a sign contains no identifying information other than a telephone number, such information shall be prima facie evidence that the record property owner at the address so specified is responsible for the offense of erecting, constructing or maintaining said sign, and that person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, upon conviction.
(d) 
The following evidence relative to the name, address or telephone number contained in the following records is prima facie evidence of the contents of the record:
(1) 
Name.
An authenticated photograph of the sign showing the name of the person allegedly responsible, or the sign itself.
(2) 
Address.
A certified copy of that section of the most recent tax roll which shows the name and address of the record property owner and an authenticated photograph of the sign or the sign itself.
(3) 
Telephone number.
An authenticated photograph of the sign or the sign itself, showing the telephone number, and a copy of the most recent telephone directory showing the listing, or a letter or other document from the telephone company showing the listed person and address at that telephone number.
(e) 
Any presumption contained herein is rebuttable and shall have the effects and consequences set forth in Texas Penal Code section 2.05.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-19), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-19; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
Upon application, the city council may consider waiver of the provisions of this article based upon findings that:
(1) 
The sign package proposed is in harmony with the general requirements of the land use and subdivision regulations;
(2) 
The waiver will enhance the project due to uniqueness of design or enhancement of economic development;
(3) 
Will not create a public nuisance; and
(4) 
Any other factor deemed by the city council to be in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the city.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-18), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-18)
(a) 
Sign height and setback.
Unless otherwise stipulated in this Code of Ordinances for the specific sign type or in the amending ordinance establishing a PD zoning district, or as otherwise may be specified herein, no sign shall be constructed to exceed the maximum building height permitted in the specific zoning district where the sign is located except within shopping centers or similar commercial office centers containing six acres or more. Within highway service oriented retail, commercial or industrial districts (i.e., districts located adjacent to a highway), a pylon or major identification sign not to exceed 50 feet 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 building code and with other applicable codes/ordinances of the city which pertain to design and construction. All signs 25 feet in height and greater shall be set back a minimum distance of 25 feet, plus one foot for each foot the sign exceeds 25 feet, from all property lines.
(b) 
Corner visibility.
No signs in excess of two feet in height shall be placed within the following triangular areas at the intersections of streets, driveways and alleys:
(1) 
At the intersection of two arterial streets or an arterial and collector street, the triangular area formed by the street right-of-way lines and a line connecting them at points a minimum of 30 feet from the intersection of the right-of-way lines. Depending on the curvature of intersecting roads, the city engineer may require a larger triangular area.
(2) 
At all other street intersections, the triangular area formed by the street right-of-way lines and a line connecting them at points 25 feet from the intersection of the right-of-way lines.
(3) 
At all intersections of streets with driveways or alleys, the triangular area formed by the street right-of-way line and the alley right-of-way line or the driveway pavement edge and a line connecting them at points ten feet from their intersection.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-4), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-4)
Permanent signs shall be regulated by land use as follows:
(1) 
Single-family and duplex lots.
Each lot developed with a single-family, detached or attached, dwelling unit or a duplex shall be permitted one sign to identify family name, property name or street address not to exceed six square feet in area.
(2) 
Residential subdivisions.
Each residential subdivision shall be permitted one ground sign or one wall sign mounted on a subdivision screening wall for identification of the subdivision for each street frontage providing access to the subdivision. For the purposes of this subsection, identical subdivision identification signs on both sides of the access street shall be considered one sign. Upon recommendation by the planning and zoning commission, additional signage may be approved by the city council in conjunction with the approval of the record plat for the subdivision.
(3) 
Multi-family developments.
Multi-family developments of eight units or more shall be permitted one ground sign or wall sign for identification of the development for each street frontage. One “for lease” wall sign with a maximum sign area of six square feet for each street frontage shall also be permitted.
(4) 
Schools.
An elementary or secondary school or a college or university shall be permitted one wall sign in addition to the following signage:
(A) 
Schools that have less than 1,000 feet of continuous frontage on a street shall be permitted one pole sign (if located in an allowed area) or one ground sign.
(B) 
Schools that have at least 1,000 feet of continuous frontage on a street shall be permitted one pole sign (if located in an allowed area) and one ground sign, provided that such signs shall be separated by a minimum of 700 feet. In addition, one small monument sign of a commemorative or memorial nature shall be permitted, if not located within 200 feet of other permitted signs, and provided that the sign face shall not exceed 20 square feet (per side if a double-faced sign).
(5) 
Nonresidential buildings (multi-tenant interior access).
A multi-tenant nonresidential building with interior access to individual business or office suites shall be permitted the following signage:
(A) 
One pole sign or ground sign shall be permitted for identification of the building, provided that a pole sign shall be permitted only if the site is located in an allowed area and if the site has at least 200 feet of continuous frontage on a public street.
(B) 
A multi-tenant interior access building complex comprised of more than one building shall be allowed one additional ground sign for each additional building, subject to the spacing requirements of section 4.07.008(2)(A).
(C) 
One wall sign shall be permitted per building wall not to exceed two walls to identify a maximum of two tenants.
(D) 
One additional wall or ground sign shall be permitted, to be utilized as a directory sign to list building tenants, with uniform lettering and oriented so as not to be readable from a public street. Such additional wall or ground sign shall not exceed six feet in height, shall not exceed 18 square feet of sign area, shall not contain lettering exceeding two inches in height, and shall not be visible from any public street.
(6) 
Nonresidential buildings (other).
A nonresidential building, other than multi-tenant interior access, shall be permitted the following signage:
(A) 
One pole sign or ground sign shall be permitted for identification of the building and tenants, provided that a pole sign shall be permitted only if the site is located in an allowed area and if the site has at least 200 feet of continuous frontage on a public street. Notwithstanding this subsection, a multi-tenant shopping center shall be permitted one pole sign, if allowed, or two ground signs.
(B) 
A multi-tenant building complex comprised of more than one building shall be allowed one additional ground sign for each additional building, subject to the spacing requirements of section 4.07.008(2)(A).
(C) 
One wall sign shall be permitted per tenant plus one additional wall sign for each end tenant that has secondary frontage on an arterial or collector street.
(D) 
Single-tenant buildings located on through lots as defined in the zoning ordinance are permitted one ground sign for each street frontage with a maximum of two ground signs, subject to all other requirements in section 4.07.008(2) (ground signs).
(E) 
Single-tenant buildings located on through lots as defined in the zoning ordinance are permitted one wall sign for each street frontage with a maximum of two wall signs, subject to all other requirements in section 4.07.008(3) (wall signs).
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-5), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-5)
Permanent signs shall be subject to the following additional regulations by sign type:
(1) 
Off-premises signs prohibited.
No permanent off-premises signs shall be permitted, except for existing off-premises commercial billboards converted to CEVMS as allowed under section 4.07.016, and the following:
(A) 
All off-premises signs except for existing off-premises commercial billboards converted to CEVMS shall be subject to the following stipulations:
(i) 
All off-premises signs shall have a minimum front setback of 15 feet from the right-of-way.
(ii) 
All class 2 off-premises detached signs shall provide a minimum of 1,000 feet between all off-premises detached advertising signs measured along the street right-of-way.
(iii) 
Class 2 signs shall be located a minimum of 250 feet from major intersections and 100 feet from any other intersection.
(iv) 
Class 2 signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
(v) 
Signs shall be limited to advertising only specific businesses and business locations and shall not be utilized for product or brand advertising. Signs shall not advertise any sexually orientated businesses or services.
(vi) 
Spacing and location restrictions shall be maintained. Each side of the street shall be counted separately. Existing nonconforming signs shall be counted, as well as new signs.
(vii) 
Sign structures shall be of all-metal construction.
(viii) 
Class 2 signs shall not be illuminated.
(ix) 
Sign facings may be removed, replaced, or painted, but any sign which does not display a message during a 90-day period will be considered abandoned and may be removed by the city at the cost of the sign owner, consistent with Texas Local Government Code chapter 216, as it may be amended.
(x) 
Application for off-premises detached sign permits shall be accompanied by a copy of the lease agreement or a letter of authorization from the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located.
(B) 
Off-premises signs shall be permitted for a multi-tenant building complex, subject to the following:
(i) 
Only one such sign shall be permitted for any building complex.
(ii) 
The off-premises sign shall be located on a contiguous tract to the building complex.
(iii) 
A city-approved unity agreement between affected property owners shall be required.
(iv) 
Any such sign shall comply with the distance requirements of subsection (2)(A) of this section.
(2) 
Ground signs.
Ground signs shall be permitted in accordance with section 4.07.007 (permanent signs permitted by land use), subject to the following:
(A) 
A multi-tenant complex comprised of more than one building, with exterior or interior access, shall be permitted one ground sign per building, provided that buildings separated by a distance of less than 60 feet shall be considered a single building.
(B) 
The height of a ground sign shall not exceed ten feet. The height of the ground sign shall be measured from the adjacent street curb level or the mean street grade elevation if no curb exists.
(C) 
The width of a ground sign shall not exceed ten feet.
(D) 
The sign area of a ground sign shall not exceed 60 square feet (per side if a double-faced sign).
(E) 
A ground sign shall identify only the following:
(i) 
Churches shall be allowed to identify the name, church logo, address, name of pastor, hours of major services, phone number, denominational affiliation and may include a changeable panel of up to 16 square feet with a maximum height of two feet and with letters being no more than 12 inches in height. The sign face of the changeable panel shall be designed and constructed in a manner capable of changing characters or panels attached to the face of the sign. Secondary signs, when allowed by ordinance, shall identify only the name, address and church logo.
(ii) 
Schools shall be allowed to identify the name of school and/or school district, school logo or mascot, address, phone number and may include a changeable panel of up to 16 square feet with a maximum height of two feet and with letters being no more than 12 inches in height. The sign face of the changeable panel shall be designed and constructed in a manner capable of changing characters or panels attached to the face of the sign. Secondary signs, when allowed by ordinance, shall identify only the name, address and school logo or mascot.
(iii) 
Nonresidential uses other than schools or churches shall be allowed to identify the name of the building or building complex and/or the names of tenants, provided that at least 40 percent of the sign area of the sign shall be devoted to the name of the building or building complex or the name of a single tenant therein.
(F) 
All ground signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from any public street right-of-way line.
(G) 
A ground sign shall be architecturally compatible with the colors and materials of the building that it is identifying.
(H) 
Ground signs shall be located at least 120 feet apart and at least 60 feet from the property lines of any other lot.
(3) 
Wall signs.
Wall signs shall be permitted in accordance with section 4.07.007 (permanent signs permitted by land use), subject to the following:
(A) 
Wall signs shall only be attached to building walls, mansard roofs with slopes of 60 degrees or greater, or subdivision screening walls.
(B) 
No wall signs attached to a mansard roof shall extend above the roofline, nor shall wall signs attached to building walls or fences extend above those structures.
(C) 
No wall sign shall protrude more than 12 inches from the principal structure to which it is attached (i.e., the depth of the sign shall not exceed 12 inches).
(D) 
No wall sign shall exceed 300 square feet of surface area. Wall signs used for identification of residential subdivisions shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area.
(E) 
For tenants with 60 feet or more of linear frontage of building wall, one primary sign shall be allowed, with up to two secondary signs allowed. The total dimensions for all primary and secondary signs shall not exceed the maximum allowed dimensions shown in subsection (3)(F) of this section. The primary sign shall amount to at least 80 percent of the total sign area.
(F) 
The maximum allowable height and width of wall signs shall be as follows:
Linear Footage of Building Wall
Maximum Sign Width
Maximum Sign Height
Less than 20 feet
80% of linear footage
36 inches
20 feet up to 25 feet
75% of linear footage
42 inches
25 feet up to 35 feet
70% of linear footage
48 inches
35 feet up to 45 feet
65% of linear footage
54 inches
45 feet up to 60 feet
60% of linear footage
60 inches
60 feet or more
55% of linear footage
72 inches
(G) 
Nonresidential multi-tenant buildings with exterior access to more than two individual office or business suites may be allowed more than two wall signs for tenant identification, subject to the following:
(i) 
Each tenant with exterior access shall be permitted one wall sign, with the height and width of such sign based on the linear footage of the storefront and the standards set forth in the table in subsection (3)(E) [(3)(F)] of this section.
(ii) 
End tenants with secondary frontage may place an additional wall sign on this side wall, subject to the standards set forth in the table in subsection (3)(E) [(3)(F)] of this section.
(iii) 
Wall signs authorized in this subsection are to be allowed in lieu of, and not in addition to, the general limitations on wall signs set forth in section 4.07.007(5)(C) (permanent signs, nonresidential buildings).
(H) 
No wall sign shall be closer than one foot from the edge of the storefront on which the sign can be placed.
(4) 
Window signs.
Window signs shall be permitted in accordance with section 4.07.007 (permanent signs permitted by land use), subject to the following:
(A) 
Window signs shall be limited to a maximum of 20 percent of window area.
(B) 
No blinking, flashing, moving or neon signs shall be allowed as window signs; provided, however, for retail or commercial uses, one interior non-intermittent and non-moving neon window sign stating “Open,” not exceeding five square feet in area as measured from the outer dimensions of said sign and consisting of not more than two colors, shall be allowed.
(C) 
Signs located within the building (interior signs) and visible to the outside of the building through the windows shall be located a minimum of ten feet from the building storefront containing said windows.
(5) 
Awning or canopy signs.
An awning or canopy sign can be used as the primary sign in lieu of a wall sign or neon sign, subject to the following:
(A) 
The maximum height of the lettering of a canopy or awning sign shall not exceed eight inches.
(B) 
One business logo is permitted to be applied to the slope portion of the canopy, centered over the primary entrance.
(C) 
A second logo is allowed if the storefront wraps a corner, one per frontage.
(D) 
The logo shall not exceed four feet in width and three feet in height.
(E) 
Only gooseneck type full cut-off light fixtures shall be permitted when indirect lighting for awning or canopy signage is preferred.
(F) 
No backlighting of canopy or awning signs is allowed.
(G) 
All outdoor lighting for canopy or awning signs must comply with the outdoor lighting provisions set forth in this Code of Ordinances.
(H) 
The light fixture shall not extend more than four feet from the building facade from which it is attached.
(I) 
The total sign area for an awning or canopy sign shall not exceed the maximum allowance as outlined in subsection (3)(F) of this section (wall signs).
(J) 
Multiple canopies shall be permitted provided the maximum sign area as outlined in subsection (5)(I) of this section is not exceeded.
(K) 
The following typefaces for awning or canopy signs shall be allowed as outlined in appendix A, Illustrations, attached to the ordinance from which this article is derived:
(i) 
Americana bold.
(ii) 
Bembo semibold.
(iii) 
Bodini.
(iv) 
Copperplate 30BC.
(v) 
Helvetica medium.
(vi) 
Palatino.
(6) 
Neon signs.
A neon sign can be used as the primary sign in lieu of a wall sign, or awning or canopy, subject to the following:
(A) 
Neon signs shall be mounted inside a storefront area only.
(B) 
Neon signs may not cover more than 50 percent of the transom area nor exceed 18 square feet in area.
(C) 
Neon signs must be turned off at close of business.
(D) 
Neon signs shall be limited to a six-color palette. Allowable neon colors are:
(i) 
Dark purple (EGL “Bromo Blue Coated Purple”).
(ii) 
Dark blue (EGL “Bromo Blue Coated”).
(iii) 
Dark red (EGL “Ruby Red Coated”).
(iv) 
Dark green (EGL “Emerald Green Coated”).
(v) 
Gold (EGL “Novial Gold Coated E-50”).
(vi) 
White (EGL “Snowhite 6500”).
(E) 
Only three of the colors set forth in subsection (6)(D) of this section are allowed per sign.
(F) 
Neon signs must have an output of less than 150 lumens per foot.
(G) 
If a neon sign is selected in a multi-tenant building, no more than two storefronts, side by side, may utilize a neon sign.
(H) 
Neon pole or wall primary signs shall be approved on a case-by-case basis by the city manager or his designee, with regard to safety, construction and legibility considerations.
(I) 
In no case shall a neon sign be used for a ground sign.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-6), adopted 8/5/08; Ordinance 2009025A, sec. 2, adopted 12/15/09; 2013 Code, sec. 44-6)
Any sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time only, including by way of example but not of limitation, any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light materials, with or without frames. Temporary signs shall be subject to the following:
(1) 
Temporary noncommercial signs.
Temporary noncommercial signs are signs utilized for supporting, encouraging, expressing or identifying a philosophy, theory, belief, view, principle, concept, insight or opinion, political posture, position or event, public services or civic announcement or advisory event and/or personal or individual use without a commercial intent. Such signs may include but are not limited to political signs, ideological signs, no trespassing, special event or public services announcements, alarm signs and beware of dog signs. All temporary noncommercial signs shall be subject to the following:
(A) 
Such signs may not be placed so as to impair the corner visibility of intersections of streets, driveways and alleys pursuant to section 4.07.006(b).
(B) 
Such signs shall not be placed within the public right-of-way.
(C) 
Such signs shall not be placed on public property including but not limited to parks, public facilities and public open spaces.
(D) 
The sign area shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(E) 
The height of such signs shall not exceed eight feet.
(F) 
Such signs shall not be affixed to utility poles or official signs.
(2) 
Specific temporary noncommercial signs.
Specific temporary noncommercial signs shall be subject to be following:
(A) 
Political signs.
A temporary sign supporting, encouraging or identifying any candidate, proposed amendment or bond proposal shall be permitted within the city provided: The candidate, his campaign treasurer or assistant campaign treasurer or the campaign treasurer of a political committee shall be responsible for the erection and removal of the political signs or advertisements and for compliance with the provisions of this article and the laws of the state.
(B) 
Special event or public announcement signs.
A sign or notice posted to announce public information concerning special events, bazaars, rallies or other similar activities sponsored by charitable, religious, philanthropic, educational or civic institutions shall be allowed as temporary signs, provided the following:
(i) 
Such signs shall be allowed up to 30 days prior to such event, but shall be removed within two days after the scheduled event.
(ii) 
All signs shall be on-premises only, provided that nonprofit organizations, upon proof of tax-exempt status under federal or state laws, shall be allowed temporary off-premises special event signs provided:
a. 
The organization must have permission from the property owner to place the sign on their property.
b. 
There will be a maximum of six off-premises signs advertising the nonprofit organization function.
c. 
The advertised function must occur within the territorial limits of the city or an adjacent municipality and be sponsored by a nonprofit organization located in the city.
(iii) 
The city is excepted from the requirements of this article.
(3) 
Temporary commercial signs.
Temporary commercial signs are signs utilized for the purpose of benefiting a for-profit enterprise, person or activity and/or advertising the sale of a product, good or service, or other similar venture with an economic purpose. Such signs may include but are not limited to real estate signs, weekend real estate directional signs, special event signs, and personal or incidental use signs such as garage sale signs and work in progress signs. All temporary commercial signs shall be subject to the following:
(A) 
Such signs may not be placed so as to impair the corner visibility of intersections of streets, driveways and alleys pursuant to section 4.07.006(b).
(B) 
Such signs shall not be placed within the public right-of-way.
(C) 
Such signs shall not be placed on public property including but not limited to parks, public facilities and public open spaces.
(D) 
The sign area shall not exceed six square feet.
(E) 
The height of such signs shall not exceed three feet.
(F) 
All such signs must be placed on private property only, with written consent of the property owner.
(G) 
Only one sign for every 50 feet of linear frontage of private property shall be permitted.
(H) 
Such signs shall not be affixed to utility poles or official signs.
(4) 
Specific temporary commercial signs.
Specific temporary commercial signs shall be subject to the following:
(A) 
For sale (residential structures on small tracts).
Real estate signs advertising the sale, lease or rent of individual housing units on less than two acres shall be limited to the following conditions:
(i) 
All such signs shall be on-premises only.
(ii) 
Only one sign shall be permitted per residence.
(B) 
Weekend real estate directional signs.
Any temporary weekend directional sign placed for off-premises advertising or direction of traffic or to call attention to a real estate project, development or subdivision shall be limited to off-premises directional signs and model home signs and shall contain no advertising. Weekend real estate directional signs shall be permitted on a temporary basis provided: Weekend real estate directional signs are permitted to be placed out only between the hours of 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays and must be removed between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight the following Sunday.
(C) 
Special event signs.
A sign or notice posted to announce public information concerning a for-profit special event including but limited to a circus, haunted house or fair shall be subject to the following: Signs relative to a special event (circus, haunted house, and fairs) may be placed 14 days prior to said event and must be removed no later than three days after the event.
(D) 
Personal and/or incidental use signs.
Any permanent or temporary sign for personal purposes or used to identify the sale of personal property, garage, yard or estate sales, and/or incidental private signs identifying work in progress (including but not limited to small subcontractors such as roofing repair, landscaping, pools, painting, etc.) shall be permitted in any zoning district provided: Personal and/or incidental use signs may be placed 24 hours prior to the commencement of the work, event or sale and must be removed within 24 hours after the conclusion of the work, sale or event.
(5) 
For sale (nonresidential structures).
Real estate signs advertising the sale, lease or rent of any nonresidential structure shall be limited to the following conditions:
(A) 
All signs shall be on-premises only.
(B) 
The sign area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(C) 
The height of the sign shall not exceed ten feet.
(D) 
No more than one sign shall be permitted per property for each arterial or collector street frontage.
(E) 
Temporary window signs are permitted up to 20 percent of the total window area.
(6) 
For sale (vacant or large tracts).
Real estate signs advertising the sale or lease of undeveloped land or developed land of two acres or more shall be limited by the following conditions:
(A) 
All signs shall be on-premises only.
(B) 
The sign area of the sign shall not exceed 32 square feet.
(C) 
The height of the sign shall not exceed eight feet.
(D) 
Only one sign shall be permitted for tracts up to five acres. Additional signs shall be permitted for each additional five acres up to a maximum of four signs.
(E) 
No signs may be placed closer than 500 feet to any other real estate sign on the same property.
(F) 
All signs shall be set back at least 20 feet from the public right-of-way.
(7) 
Development or project signs (on-premises).
On-premises signs identifying residential, retail, office, commercial, industrial, mixed land use or planned developments shall be permitted, but limited by the following conditions, except as otherwise provided for in subsection (18) of this section (temporary sign programs):
(A) 
The maximum sign area of such a sign shall be based on the size of the development as follows:
Less than 5 acres
48 square feet
5 to 50 acres
64 square feet
50 to 100 acres
100 square feet
More than 100 acres
200 square feet
(B) 
The height of the sign shall not exceed 20 feet in height.
(C) 
Only one sign shall be permitted for tracts up to five acres. Additional signs shall be permitted for each additional five acres up to a maximum of two signs.
(D) 
No signs may be placed closer than 500 feet to any other real estate sign advertising the sale of the same property, unless it is attached to such sign. The attachment of two such signs will be permitted only once for each tract of land for sale.
(E) 
All signs shall be set back at least 20 feet from the public right-of-way.
(F) 
No sign may be erected until a record plat has been approved for the project or for the first phase, if a multi-phase project.
(G) 
Permits for on-premises development or project signs shall be for a period of one year from the date of issuance and shall be renewable by the city manager or his designee for additional one-year periods, until the development is 80 percent sold or leased.
(H) 
The sign permit fee for on-premises development or project signs initially erected without a permit shall be double the amount set forth in section 4.07.053 (sign permits).
(8) 
Development or project signs (off-premises).
Off-premises signs identifying residential, retail, office, commercial, industrial, mixed land use or planned developments shall be permitted but limited by the following conditions, except as otherwise provided for in subsection (18) of this section (temporary sign programs):
(A) 
The maximum sign area of such a sign shall be based on the size of the development as follows:
Less than 5 acres
48 square feet
5 to 50 acres
64 square feet
More than 50 acres
100 square feet
(B) 
The height of the sign shall not exceed 20 feet.
(C) 
Only one sign shall be permitted for tracts up to five acres. Additional signs shall be permitted for each additional five acres up to a maximum of three signs.
(D) 
No signs shall be placed closer than 500 feet of one another.
(E) 
No sign shall be located within a platted residential subdivision or on a developed nonresidential lot or tract.
(F) 
All signs shall be set back at least 20 feet from the public right-of-way.
(G) 
Permits for off-premises signs shall be for a period of one year from the date of issuance and shall be renewable by the city manager or his designee for additional one-year periods, until the development is 80 percent sold or leased.
(H) 
No sign may be erected until a record plat has been approved for the project or for the first phase, if a multi-phase project.
(I) 
The sign permit fee for off-premises development or project signs initially erected without a permit shall be double the amount set forth in section 4.07.053 (sign permits).
(9) 
Model home signs.
Signs identifying model homes, and model home centers, including sales offices, shall be permitted, but are limited to the following conditions:
(A) 
Model home signs shall be on-premises and only allowed on the lot developed with the model home or on any lot developed with an approved parking lot for such model home.
(B) 
Only one sign advertising a model home may be permitted per builder or developer in the subdivision.
(C) 
Model home signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign area.
(D) 
Model home signs shall be limited to a maximum of six feet in height.
(E) 
All signs shall be set back a minimum of ten feet from the public right-of-way.
(F) 
No model home sign shall be erected until the final utilities have been approved and released.
(10) 
Open house signs.
Signs advertising the display of an open or unlocked unit for sale, lease or rent shall be permitted in place of or in addition to a real estate sign, provided the following:
(A) 
The sign area of an open house sign shall not exceed six square feet.
(B) 
The height of an open house sign shall not exceed three feet.
(C) 
Only one open house sign shall be permitted per residence.
(D) 
The unit being advertised as open must be unlocked during the time the sign is displayed.
(11) 
Coming soon or now open signs.
Signs announcing the coming or recent arrival of a new development, facility or place of business shall be allowed on a temporary basis provided:
(A) 
Only one such sign shall be permitted for each business.
(B) 
Such signs shall be for on-premises advertising only.
(C) 
Such signs shall be limited to a maximum sign area of 20 square feet for buildings less than 50,000 square feet.
(D) 
The maximum sign area shall be 50 square feet for buildings over 50,000 square feet.
(E) 
No such sign shall be illuminated in any manner.
(F) 
No portion of such sign shall extend above or beyond the roof or building to which it is attached.
(G) 
Such signs shall be allowed for a maximum period of 45 calendar days, after which it must be removed.
(H) 
Such signs shall be attached to the building about which it is advertising.
(12) 
Grand opening signs.
Signs announcing the grand opening of a new development, facility or place of business shall be allowed on a temporary basis provided:
(A) 
Such signs shall be allowed only one time for each business.
(B) 
Such signs shall be for on-premises advertising only.
(C) 
Such signs may include banners, balloons, flags, pennants, streamers or inflatable signs, provided that no such sign shall exceed a height of 35 feet.
(D) 
No such sign shall be illuminated in any manner.
(E) 
No portion of any such sign shall be located in the street right-of-way.
(F) 
No permit for such signs shall be issued more than 30 days after the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. A permit fee in the amount established by the city council shall be charged for each such application.
(G) 
Such signs may be displayed for a maximum of 14 calendar days after issuance of a permit, after which they must be removed.
(13) 
Now hiring signs.
Signs announcing the employment opportunity for the recent arrival of a new development, facility or place of business shall be allowed on a temporary basis provided:
(A) 
Such signs shall be allowed only one time for each business.
(B) 
Such signs shall be for on-premises advertising only.
(C) 
Such signs shall be limited to a maximum sign area of 20 square feet for buildings less than 50,000 square feet.
(D) 
The maximum sign area shall be 50 square feet for buildings over 50,000 square feet.
(E) 
No such sign shall be illuminated in any manner.
(F) 
No portion of such sign shall extend above or beyond the roof or building to which it is attached.
(G) 
Such signs shall be allowed for a maximum period of 45 calendar days, after which it must be removed.
(H) 
Such signs shall be attached to the building about which it is advertising.
(I) 
No permit for such signs shall be issued more than 30 days after the date of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
(14) 
Change of business/ownership.
A temporary sign advertising a new business/ ownership of an existing building while a new sign is being made shall be permitted subject to the following:
(A) 
Only one such sign shall be permitted for each business.
(B) 
Such signs shall be for on-premises advertising only.
(C) 
Such signs shall be limited to a maximum sign area of 20 square feet.
(D) 
No such sign shall be illuminated in any manner.
(E) 
No portion of such sign shall extend above or beyond the roof or building to which it is attached.
(F) 
Such signs shall be allowed for a maximum period of 45 calendar days, after which it must be removed.
(15) 
Agricultural signs.
A temporary or permanent sign advertising produce, crops or animals shall be permitted in any zoning district that permits agricultural uses subject to the following:
(A) 
Only one such sign shall be permitted for each street frontage.
(B) 
All such signs shall be on-premises only.
(C) 
All such signs shall be limited to a maximum sign area of 48 square feet.
(D) 
The height of the sign shall not exceed 15 feet.
(E) 
All such signs shall be set back at least 20 feet from the public street right-of-way.
(16) 
Gasoline price signs.
Temporary gasoline price or credit card signs may be placed on gasoline pump islands only. Only one sign per pump island shall be allowed and the maximum total sign area of any single sign shall not exceed four square feet.
(17) 
Informational zoning or land use plan change signs.
Temporary informational signs required to be installed by applicants for a change to the comprehensive master plan land use category or zoning on a parcel of land, as may be required by the zoning ordinance, shall be authorized according to the provisions therein.
(18) 
Temporary sign programs.
A temporary on-premises or off-premises uniform sign program located within a mixed land use planned development containing a minimum of 200 acres, identifying components of such mixed land use planned development, shall be permitted, but shall be limited by the following conditions:
(A) 
No weekend real estate directional signs, as defined in subsection (3) [(4)] of this section, shall be allowed within the city identifying a real estate project, development, or subdivision within any planned development utilizing the provisions of this subsection.
(B) 
The sign area of any sign shall not exceed 15 square feet (per side if a double-faced sign).
(C) 
The height of any sign shall not exceed five feet.
(D) 
No sign shall be permitted within the city’s right-of-way.
(E) 
No sign may be erected until a record plat has been approved for the planned development or for the first phase, if a multi-phased planned development.
(F) 
Permits for a temporary sign program within a mixed land use planned development, upon submittal of an application for a uniform temporary sign program, shall be reviewed and approved by the city manager or designee.
(G) 
Permits for a temporary sign program shall be for a period of two years from the date of issuance and shall be renewable by the city manager or designee for additional two-year periods, until the development is 80 percent complete.
(H) 
All signs and/or sign programs shall comply with all development standards set forth in the applicable zoning ordinance granting the planned development.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-7), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-7; Ordinance adopting 2021 Code)
Any form of monument, statue or artwork not specifically defined in this article as either permanent, temporary or prohibited signs may be permitted provided they are approved by the city council through the issuance of a specific use permit.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-8), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-8)
Any permanent or temporary sign, notice, marker, or symbol required or authorized by the local, state or federal government or a governmental agency shall be permitted as required or authorized in any zoning district classification within the city. Such signs shall include but not necessarily be limited to:
(1) 
Traffic-control signs required by any governmental agency designed and erected under specifications set forth by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(2) 
Signs identifying public or private utility lines or easements.
(3) 
Air traffic control signs required by the Federal Aviation Administration.
(4) 
Any sign or public notice required by any governmental agency or court of law.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-9), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-9)
The following types of signs or outdoor advertising displays are prohibited within all zoning district classifications in the city and within its extraterritorial jurisdiction:
(1) 
Projecting signs.
Signs that are projected more than 12 inches from a facade, wall, fence, roof or other principal means of support shall be prohibited.
(2) 
Billboards.
Except for the conversion of existing off-premises commercial billboards [to] CEVMS as allowed under section 4.07.016, large off-premises outdoor advertising signs primarily located along arterials and highways and used for the express purpose of product advertisement shall be prohibited. There shall be no procedure for obtaining a permit to erect or maintain a billboard in any location in the city, or within its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
(3) 
Portable signs.
(A) 
Generally.
Signs mounted on portable or movable frames or structures, including signs placed on, but not affixed or attached to, the ground, shall be prohibited, except as approved by city manager, upon issuance of a special permit. In no case shall a special permit be issued more than four times per calendar year, for a period of time not to exceed 14 days per permit. There shall be a minimum of 30 days between issuance of special permits.
(B) 
Location of portable signs.
(i) 
Portable signs may be located within nonresidential zoning districts, with only nonresidential uses and public property. If approved by the city manager, no more than one portable sign shall be allowed on any platted lot; provided, however, if a multi-use lot has more than 75 feet of street frontage, an additional sign may be located on such property for each additional 75 feet of frontage. No portable sign shall be located closer than 75 feet from adjacent residential property and shall be located no closer to any street than ten feet from the back of the curb, or, if there is no curb, 15 feet from the edge of the pavement, but in no case shall any portable sign be placed in any public right-of-way or on any sidewalk.
(ii) 
If approved by the city manager, no portable sign shall be located within 50 feet of an intersection of any street or highway right-of-way and a minimum of 25 feet from any driveway. Portable signs may be located in areas of required off-street parking. Portable signs shall pertain to the specific use for which the particular property has already been developed and then being used. Portable signs may not be located in areas that may, in the judgment of the building inspection department, police chief or code enforcement officer, create a safety hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(iii) 
Placement of portable signs shall be only upon issuance of a special permit, at the direction and within the discretion of the city manager.
(4) 
Searchlights.
Large lighting fixtures used to attract attention to a business or specific location shall be prohibited.
(5) 
Vehicular signs.
Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers that are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property shall be prohibited. However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.
(6) 
Balloons or inflatable devices.
Any sign or form of advertisement in the form of or attached to a balloon or other inflatable, inflated or floating device shall be prohibited, except as provided for in section 4.07.009(12) (grand opening signs).
(7) 
Flags or banners.
Any pole-mounted flag, banner, or material of cloth, vinyl, plastic, canvass, leather or other similar material used for the express purpose of attracting attention to a place of business or location shall be prohibited, except as provided for in section 4.07.009(12) (grand opening signs). This shall not include public display of a state, national, local, religious or institutional flag or emblem, or a registered corporate logo, which shall be allowed in any zoning district classification within the city; provided the number of flag poles does not exceed three flag poles per platted lot with a maximum height of the flag pole not to exceed 25 feet and the maximum flag area does not exceed 15 square feet per flag in a residential zoning district; and provided the maximum height of the flag pole does not exceed 40 feet and the maximum flag area does not exceed 40 square feet per flag in a nonresidential zoning district. A registered corporate logo shall be limited to one flag. Also not included as a prohibited sign is a “now open” or “coming soon” banner sign, provided it is attached to the building as provided for in section 4.07.009(11) (coming soon or now open signs).
(8) 
Nuisance signs.
Any sign with moving parts, animated features, flashing, blinking or rotating illumination or any other visual and/or audible features that cause a distraction or public nuisance shall be prohibited.
(9) 
Illegal or unlawful signs.
Any sign that shall be considered unlawful or illegal by this article and including, but not necessarily limited to, the following signs shall be prohibited:
(A) 
Signs containing obscene, indecent or immoral words, pictures, descriptions or other matter.
(B) 
Signs imitating governmental signs, including traffic-control signs.
(C) 
Signs blocking or obstructing public access, fire escapes, traffic visibility, utilities, etc.
(D) 
Signs placed on or attached to other signs, utility poles, fire hydrants, trees, flag poles, street lamps or other means of support of an outdoor advertising display.
(E) 
Any painting, marking, or attachment of a sign to the street, sidewalk or building, other than house numbers or occupant names or as provided by this article.
(F) 
Any sign located within the public right-of-way unless specifically authorized herein or in a city sign program.
(G) 
Any sign, permanent or temporary, in violation of this article.
(H) 
Any sign that is unsafe or insecure, abandoned or maintained in a dilapidated condition.
(10) 
V-signs.
Any sign constructed of two panels in the form of a “V”, when viewed from above, shall be prohibited.
(11) 
Glare.
No sign shall be illuminated to such an intensity or in such a manner as to cause a glare brightness to a degree that it constitutes a hazard or nuisance to traffic. Indirect lighting for signs shall not overshoot the facade of the sign.
(12) 
Neon.
There shall be no exposed neon except as provided in section 4.07.008(5) and (6).
(13) 
Changeable electronic variable message signs (CEVMS).
CEVMS signs except for existing off-premises commercial billboards converted to CEVMS as allowed under section 4.07.016.
(14) 
Commercial billboards.
Commercial billboards except for existing off-premises commercial billboards converted to CEVMS as allowed under section 4.07.016.
(15) 
Off-premises signs.
Off-premises outdoor advertising signs primarily located along arterials, streets and highways and used for the express purpose of product advertisement or for the advertisement of goods or services, not associated with the property upon which the sign is located or otherwise permitted herein, shall be prohibited.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-10), adopted 8/5/08; Ordinance 2009025A, sec. 3, adopted 12/15/09; 2013 Code, sec. 44-10)
Changeable messages on sign faces shall be permitted, subject to the following requirements:
(1) 
Electronic message sign faces.
Electronic message sign faces may be placed on a permanent sign in nonresidential districts provided:
(A) 
The message conveyed by the sign face shall not blink, flash or be so designated to be deemed a distraction to passing motorists.
(B) 
The message conveyed cannot change more than one time within any 15-second timeframe.
(C) 
All messages conveyed by an electronic message sign face shall be limited to a maximum of 32 characters visible at any one time.
(D) 
All electronic message sign faces shall be limited to a maximum of 32 square feet in area or the maximum size of the type of permanent sign on which the face is placed, whichever is less.
(E) 
The requirements of this subsection (1) are not applicable to existing off-premises commercial billboards converted to CEVMS as allowed under section 4.07.016.
(2) 
Change panel sign faces.
A sign face that is designed and constructed in a manner capable of changing messages through a system of removable characters or panels attached to the face of the sign may be placed on a permanent sign in nonresidential districts provided:
(A) 
Change panel sign faces shall be governed by the height and area regulations specified under the definition of the type of permanent sign on which the change panel sign face is placed.
(B) 
A change panel sign face shall not exceed 32 square feet in area or the maximum size of the type of permanent sign on which it is placed, whichever is less.
(C) 
In addition to a change panel sign face mounted on a permanent sign, establishments engaging in the sale of gasoline may place gasoline price or credit card change panel signs on pump islands. Only one sign face per pump island shall be allowed with a maximum area of any single sign face to be four square feet.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-11), adopted 8/5/08; Ordinance 2009025A, sec. 4, adopted 12/15/09; 2013 Code, sec. 44-11)
A sign may be lighted by internal lighting from a light source entirely within the sign or by a lighting source located a distance away from the sign and projecting light onto the sign, subject to the following:
(1) 
The light source shall be continuous and uninterrupted so as not to be flashing.
(2) 
Lighting shall be in manner so as not to interfere with traffic safety or to pose other safety hazards.
(3) 
All electrical wiring shall conform to the electrical codes of the city.
(4) 
Shall not constitute a CEVMS except for existing off-premises commercial billboards converted to CEVMS as allowed under section 4.07.016.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-12), adopted 8/5/08; Ordinance 2009025A, sec. 5, adopted 12/15/09; 2013 Code, sec. 44-12)
A sign with a sign face message on both sides shall be counted as a single sign. The two sides of a double-faced sign shall be parallel to one another with only one side visible from any point.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-13), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-13)
(a) 
Subject to the city council’s approval, an existing off-premises commercial billboard may be modified to support a CEVMS display provided that:
(1) 
Each message conveyed cannot change more than one time within any eight-second time frame.
(2) 
The display shall contain a default mechanism that will freeze the sign in one position if a malfunction occurs.
(3) 
The display may not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of the driver, or result in a nuisance to the driver.
(4) 
The brightness specification for CEVMS displays is a limit of 0.3 footcandle over ambient light conditions at a distance of 250 feet from the sign. To check the level, a footcandle meter should be held at a height of five feet from ground level and aimed towards the sign consistent with the sign-to-viewer distance as recommended by the manufacturer of the meter. A reading of 0.3 footcandle above ambient light conditions indicates compliance.
(5) 
The display shall not be configured to resemble a warning or danger signal or to cause a driver to mistake the digital sign for a warning or danger signal.
(6) 
A display must not resemble or simulate any lights or official signage used to control traffic in accordance with the 2003 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, with Revision No. 1 published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), as it exists and as it may be amended.
(7) 
A display must be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell, which automatically adjusts the display’s intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.
(8) 
Pursuant to the standard permitting process, an applicant shall provide to the city drawings and details of the type and nature of the CEVMS display to be placed on an existing billboard prior to installation for review and approval of the city engineer. The applicant shall provide any additional information or details requested by the city engineer to ensure the safety and integrity of the billboard. The applicant shall be responsible for the payment of all fees associated with this review, which payment must be received prior to the installation.
(b) 
The city, through appropriate personnel, may exercise its police powers to protect public health, safety, and welfare by requiring emergency information to be displayed via digital signs. Upon notification, the sign operators shall display in appropriate sign rotations: Amber Alert emergency information or emergency information regarding terrorist attacks, or natural disasters. Emergency information messages are to remain in rotation according to the designated issuing agencies protocols.
(c) 
CEVMS signs may not be located, relocated or upgraded along a highway within the corporate city limits or the extraterritorial jurisdiction so that any part of the relocated sign would be within 1,500 feet of another off-premises CEVMS sign on the same side of the highway.
(d) 
Application for CEVMS sign permits shall be accompanied by a copy of the lease agreement or a letter of authorization from the owner of the property on which the sign is to be located.
(Ordinance 2009025A, sec. 6, adopted 12/15/09; 2013 Code, sec. 44-20)
(a) 
To the extent applicable, any required removal of a sign shall conform to the provisions and satisfy the requisites of Texas Local Government Code chapter 216, as amended.
(b) 
All signs and all components thereof, including without limitation supports, braces and anchors, shall be kept in a state of good repair. The area within ten feet in all directions of any part of a pole or ground sign shall be kept clear of all debris and all undergrowth more than five inches in height.
(c) 
If a sign advertises a business, service, commodity, accommodation, attraction or other enterprise or activity that is no longer operating or being offered or conducted, that sign shall be considered abandoned and shall, within 30 days of such abandonment, be removed by the sign owner, the owner of the property where the sign is located, or other party having control over such sign.
(d) 
If the message portion of a sign is removed, leaving only the supporting shell of a sign or the supporting braces, anchors or similar components, the owner of the sign or the owner of the property where the sign is located or other person having control over such sign shall, within 30 days of the removal of the message portion of the sign, either replace the entire message portion of the sign or remove the remaining components of the sign. This subsection shall not be construed to prevent the changing of the message of a sign.
(e) 
Should any sign become unsafe or in any way pose a public danger in the opinion of the city manager or his designee, the owner thereof or the person or firm responsible for the maintenance of the sign shall, upon written notice of the code enforcement official or his designee, forthwith in the case of immediate danger and in any case within ten days, secure the same in a manner to be approved by the code enforcement official in conformity with the provisions of this section or remove such sign. If such order is not complied with within ten days, the code enforcement official shall remove such sign at the expense of the owner or lessee thereof. Dilapidated or deteriorated condition shall include instances where:
(1) 
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;
(2) 
The structural support or frame members are visibly bent, broken, dented or torn;
(3) 
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;
(4) 
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);
(5) 
The message or wording can no longer be clearly read by a person with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions; or
(6) 
The sign and/or its elements are not in compliance with the requirements of the city’s electrical code and/or the current building code of the city, as adopted and as may be amended.
(Ordinance 200888, sec. 2 (112-16), adopted 8/5/08; 2013 Code, sec. 44-16)