A. 
Purpose.
It is the purpose of this Article to provide uniform sign standards which promote a positive City image reflecting order, harmony, and pride, thereby strengthening the economic stability of the City’s business, cultural, and residential areas.
B. 
Intent.
It is the intent of this Article to provide comprehensive regulation of signs, including the erection, alteration, and maintenance of all types of billboards, signs, bills, and posters within the City limits, in order to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of the general public, and provide such comprehensive regulations in a manner which will be compatible with all applicable City ordinances.
C. 
Authority.
The City Council finds that:
1. 
The City has the authority to regulate signs under the United States Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Texas, and the City of Cuero Home Rule Charter;
2. 
This Article advances important and substantial governmental interests;
3. 
The regulations set out in this Article are unrelated to the suppression of constitutionally protected free expression and do not involve the content of protected messages that may be displayed on signs;
4. 
The incidental restriction on the freedom of speech is no greater than is essential to the furtherance of the interests protected by this Article; and
5. 
Certain types of speech are not protected by the First Amendment due to the harm that they cause to individuals or the community, and speech that is harmful and accessible to minors may be prohibited.
D. 
Applicability.
1. 
Generally.
All construction, relocation, enlargement, alteration, and modification of signs within the City shall conform to the requirements of this Article and all state and federal regulations concerning signs and advertising, and applicable building codes as adopted by the City in Chapter 150, Building Regulations, [Article 4.02] of the Cuero Code of Ordinances, as may be amended from time to time.
2. 
Signs Permitted Before Effective Date.
a. 
The provisions of this Article shall not apply to on-premise signs in existence on April 6, 1995, except in the following circumstances:
i. 
Signs for premises where a change in occupancy occurs after such date.
ii. 
Such signs shall be reconstructed in conformance with the requirements of this Article, or shall be removed.
b. 
If a permit for a sign has been issued in accordance with all City ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of this UDC, and provided that construction is begun within six months of the effective date of this UDC and diligently pursued to completion, said sign may be completed in accordance with the approved plans on the basis of which the permit has been issued, subject thereafter, if applicable, to the provisions of this UDC regarding nonconforming signs.
3. 
Relationship to Other Regulations.
These regulations recognize that there are other regulations that pertain to signage (e.g., Chapter 216, Regulation of Signs by Municipalities, of the Tex. Local Gov’t Code, as amended from time to time). Where any provision of this Article covers the same subject matter as other regulations, the more restrictive regulation shall apply.
4. 
Nonconforming Signs.
See Section 12.104, Nonconforming Signs.
E. 
Sign Permit Required.
Unless exempted in Subsection F., Signs that Do Not Require a Sign Permit, of this Section, approval of a sign shall be by sign permit, which may be issued simultaneously with a separate building permit (see also Section 14.304D, Sign Permits).
F. 
Signs that Do Not Require a Sign Permit.
1. 
Address Signs.
Address signs on the facade of the residential or nonresidential building, as long as they do not exceed more than 14 inches in height.
2. 
Carried Signs.
Signs that are being carried by people (however, such signs are not exempt if they are set down or propped up against objects).
3. 
Construction Signs.
Signs located on residential lots shall not exceed six square feet in area, provided the sign is confined to the site of construction, there is only one sign per street front of the property under construction, and the sign is not illuminated.
4. 
Decorative Signs.
Clearly incidental, customary and commonly associated with a holiday, provided that such signs shall be displayed for a period of not more than 60 consecutive days nor more than 60 total days in any one year.
5. 
Holiday Decorations.
Holiday decorations that are displayed for not more than two months per year.
6. 
Integral Signs.
Signs for public assembly facilities that are etched into stone, concrete, or another building material, or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type of construction and made an integral part of the structure to which they are attached, provided the sign does not exceed six square feet.
7. 
Interior Signs.
Signs that are not visible from residential lots, abutting property, or public rights-of-way.
8. 
Official and Legal Notice.
Official and legal notice signs that are issued by any court, public body, person, or officer in performance of a public duty, or in giving any legal notice, including signs that are required to be posted to give notice of pending action pursuant to this UDC.
9. 
Official Flags.
One duly adopted official flag of each the nation, state, county, or City, illuminated or non-illuminated, may be flown on a property provided the flag is affixed to a permanent flagpole or flagpoles that are mounted to a building (either temporary or permanent), and provided the flag does not encroach across property boundaries. The maximum allowable square footage of the flag is to be determined by the maximum building height permitted and the size of the flagpole in the designated zoning district.
10. 
Signs with De Minimus Area.
Signs that are affixed to a building or structure (even if wall signs are not permitted in the district or for the use), which do not exceed one square foot in sign area, provided that only one such sign is present on each elevation that is visible from public rights-of-way or neighboring property; and signs that are less than three-fourths of a square foot in area that are affixed to machines, equipment, fences, gates, walls, gasoline pumps, public telephones, or utility cabinets.
11. 
Traffic-Control Signs.
Traffic-control signs and other signs related to public safety that the City or another jurisdiction installs or requires a developer to install.
12. 
Unofficial Flags.
Up to a maximum of three unofficial flags may be flown on a property provided the flag(s) are attached to a permanent flagpole or a flagpole that is mounted to the building (temporary or permanent), and provided the flag(s) do not encroach across property boundaries. The maximum allowable square footage of the flag is to be determined by the maximum building height permitted and the size of the flagpole in the designated zoning district.
13. 
Way-finding Signs.
Signs located throughout a property for the individual, sole purpose of directing traffic flow or indicating the locations of buildings or departments and services within the development, provided such signs do not exceed six square feet in sign area or a maximum height of five feet. Way-finding signs may be illuminated or non-illuminated and must observe the applicable setbacks and the provisions of Section 8.102E., Sight Distance Triangle Requirements.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)
A. 
Generally.
This Section identifies signs and sign elements that are not allowed anywhere in the City.
B. 
Prohibited Signs.
1. 
Mobile, portable, or wheeled signs.
2. 
Posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners or other moving devices.
3. 
Any sign in danger of falling or which is otherwise unsafe. Such signs shall be immediately repaired or removed, upon notice for such action by the Building Official to the owner or occupant of the premises on which the sign is located.
4. 
Off-premise signs, including billboard signs. There shall be no new construction or placement of any off-premises sign within the City limits except: A noncommercial message may be placed on any off-premises sign and displayed for no more than 30 days in any six-month period. A noncommercial message is a message other than that considered to be commercial advertising for a business.
5. 
Pre-existing, nonconforming billboard signs cannot be converted to an electronic changeable message (digital) billboard format.
6. 
Relocation of pre-existing, nonconforming billboard signs is prohibited unless it is required by construction of a project using public funding provided that such relocation is restricted to a limited period of time.
7. 
Signs erected or maintained on trees, or painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.
8. 
Signs placed on parked vehicles or trailers for the purpose of advertising a product or business located on the same or abutting property, excepting an identification sign that is affixed to a vehicle regularly operated in the pursuance of day-to-day business or activity of an enterprise.
9. 
Signs placed, inscribed or supported upon a roof or upon any structure that extends above the roof line of any building.
10. 
Inflatable images.
11. 
Signs containing flashing, moving, intermittent, or running lights or which imitate traffic-control devices (in size, color, lettering, or design), provided however, that electronic changeable copy signs shall be permitted per this Division.
12. 
Signs that employ any part or element which revolves, rotates, whirls, spins or otherwise makes use of motion to attract attention.
13. 
Beacons or searchlights.
14. 
High intensity strobe lights.
15. 
Signs with more than two sign faces.
16. 
Signs on public property. Any signs found upon any public property may be removed by the City.
17. 
Tree-cutting or similar clearing of vegetation on public rights-of-way to provide better view of off-premises signs is prohibited.
C. 
Prohibited Sign Materials.
Paper and cloth signs are not suitable and shall not be used for exterior use (except high quality, weather-resistant cloth for awnings). Wood signs must be sealed and maintained to keep moisture from deteriorating the sign. Signs may not be constructed of plywood or particle board, by simply painting letters on wood, or using “sticker” letters. Commercial grade vinyl letters applied onto glass are permissible.
D. 
Prohibited Design Elements.
1. 
The following elements shall not be used as an element of signs or sign structures, whether temporary or permanent:
a. 
Sound, smoke, or odor emitters;
b. 
Awnings that are backlit and/or made of plastic or vinyl;
c. 
Stacked products (e.g., tires, soft drink cases, bagged soil or mulch);
d. 
Unfinished wood support structures, except that stake signs may use unfinished stakes.
e. 
Street or other furniture items (bus shelters, park benches, transit stations, trash receptacles, directional kiosks, etc.).
2. 
The following elements shall not be used as an element of signs or sign structures, whether temporary or permanent, which are visible from public rights-of-way:
a. 
Flags, banners, or comparable elements that are designed to move in the wind, but only when such elements are attached to another sign type (e.g., flags may be attached to flagpoles, but may not be attached to monument signs).
b. 
Revolving, rotating, whirling, spinning, or other moving parts to attract attention.
c. 
Bare light bulbs, except on holiday displays which are exempted from regulation by Section 9.101F, Signs that Do Not Require a Permit, or those used in the restoration or reproduction of nostalgic historical displays of a past era.
d. 
Flashing lights, except on holiday displays which are exempted from regulation by Section 9.101F, Signs that Do Not Require a Permit.
e. 
Motor vehicles, unless:
i. 
The vehicles are functional, used as motor vehicles, and have current registration and tags; and
ii. 
The display of signage is incidental to the motor vehicle use.
f. 
Semi-trailers, shipping containers, or portable storage units, unless:
i. 
The trailers, containers, or portable storage units are functional, used for their primary storage purpose, and, if subject to registration, have current registration and tags;
ii. 
The display of signage is incidental to the use for temporary storage, pickup, or delivery; and
iii. 
The semi-trailer is parked in a designated loading area or on a construction site at which it is being used for deliveries or storage.
E. 
Prohibited Content.
1. 
The following content is prohibited without reference to the viewpoint of the individual speaker:
a. 
Text or graphics of an indecent or immoral nature and harmful to minors;
b. 
Text or graphics that advertise unlawful activity;
c. 
Text or graphics that are obscene, fighting words, defamation, incitement to imminent lawless action, or true threats; or
d. 
Text or graphics that present a clear and present danger due to their potential confusion with traffic-control signs or signs that provide public safety information (for example, signs that use the words “Stop,” “Yield,” “Caution,” or “Danger,” or comparable words, phrases, symbols, or characters in such a manner as to imply a safety hazard that does not exist).
2. 
The narrow classifications of content that are prohibited by this subsection are either not protected by the United States or Texas Constitutions, or are offered limited protection that is outweighed by the substantial governmental interests in protecting the public safety and welfare. It is the intent of the City Council that each paragraph of this subsection be individually severable in the event that a court of competent jurisdiction is to hold one or more of them to be inconsistent with the United States or Texas Constitutions.
F. 
Abatement of Prohibited Signs.
1. 
All signs, sign structures, and supports placed upon or projecting across public property, or right-of-way, as of April 6, 1995, shall be removed in accordance with the following:
a. 
Those which present a danger to persons or property because of their condition may be removed immediately by the City Manager, and stored at the owner’s expense.
b. 
Those which may present a visual obstruction to traffic, as determined by the City Engineer or such engineer’s representative, may be removed immediately by the City Manager, and stored at the owner’s expense.
c. 
All other such signs which become abandoned signs after such date shall be removed by the owner or user thereof within 30 days after written notice to remove is given by the City Manager. The City Manager may cause the removal of any such sign remaining after such time, to be stored at the owner’s expense.
2. 
Any sign constructed, installed, or erected after April 6, 1995, which becomes in violation of a restriction contained herein shall be made to conform to such restriction within six months after it becomes in violation, or such sign shall be removed. The City Manager may cause the removal of any such sign remaining after such time, to be stored at the owner’s expense.
3. 
Any sign which presents a danger to persons or property because of its condition may be removed by the City Manager and stored at the owner’s expense.
4. 
All signs shall be maintained in good condition in terms of structure and appearance. No sign owner or user shall allow the copy or face of a sign to become torn, cracked, or otherwise dilapidated. Upon the second or subsequent conviction of the owner or user of a sign for violation of this provision in the municipal court, the court may order the removal of such sign by the City Manager.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15; Ordinance 2017-09, sec. 2, adopted 4/11/17)
A. 
Generally.
The area of signs that are permitted in Division 9.200, Permanent and Temporary Signs, shall be measured as follows:
1. 
The total area of all signs permitted on a lot shall include the area of all sign faces visible from public right-of-way, including signs placed on windows or doors, but shall not include directional signs that are less than three square feet in area.
2. 
The frontage of a nonresidential or mixed-use building is equal to the number of linear feet of the facade facing the principal street or containing the main entrance, as determined by the Building Official.
3. 
The frontage of an undeveloped lot is the dimension of the lot abutting the principal street.
B. 
Sign Area.
1. 
Generally.
The area of a sign shall be measured by a perimeter enclosing the outer limits of text or graphics, together with any frame that differentiates the sign from the background, but excluding the supports on which the sign is placed. Channel letters or other sign elements placed on a wall without a frame or background shall include the area that encloses all lettering, including the space between letters, words, and other sign elements (see Figure 9.103A, Sign Area, Generally, for area enclosed by red line).
Figure 9.103A
Sign Area, Generally
Note: The areas of these sign types is calculated as A x B, or in the case of a round sign, as the area measured by the radii of the sign.
2. 
Double-Faced Signs.
For double-faced signs, one display face is measured in computing sign area when the sign faces are parallel, or where the interior angle is 60 degrees or less, provided that the signs are mounted on the same sign base. If the two faces are of unequal area, the area of the sign is that of the larger face.
C. 
Clearance.
Clearance is the distance measured between the bottom of a sign and the nearest point on the ground surface beneath it.
D. 
Sign Height.
Sign height shall be computed as the vertical distance from either:
1. 
The finished grade at the base of the sign; or
2. 
The centerline of the nearest road to which the sign is oriented and on which the lot has frontage, to the highest component of the sign, as determined by the Building Official. For purposes of determining sign height, finished grade shall be the grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for the purpose of locating the sign.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)
A. 
Generally.
Signs and the ground area around signs shall be maintained as provided in this Section. These regulations apply to all signs, temporary or permanent, attached or detached, unless otherwise specifically provided herein. Signs that do not have a permit, or are not maintained as set out in subsection B., below, are subject to the provisions set out in subsections C. or D., below.
B. 
Required Maintenance.
1. 
Code Compliance.
All signs shall be constructed and installed in accordance with applicable provisions of this UDC, as well as any other applicable ordinance adopted by the City.
2. 
Message.
Signs shall display a message. Signs that do not display a message shall be removed in accordance with subsection D. [E.], below.
3. 
Sign Face and Structure.
The materials of the sign face and structure shall be maintained in a good condition (e.g., not broken, cracked, chipped, torn, discolored, unlevel, or otherwise excessively weathered).
4. 
Ground Area.
The ground area around any freestanding (detached) sign shall be kept free and clean of weeds, trash, or other debris.
C. 
Violations.
Any sign constructed, installed, or erected after April 6, 1995, which becomes in violation of a restriction contained in this Article shall be made to conform to such restriction within 30 days after it becomes in violation.
D. 
Penalty.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this Code shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be fined any sum not to exceed $1,000 as provided. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.
E. 
Removal.
1. 
Sign Removal Without Compensation.
a. 
As set out in Section 216.003, Municipal Regulation, of the Tex. Local Gov’t Code, the City Manager may require the relocation, reconstruction, or removal of any freestanding on-premise sign without compensation not sooner than the first anniversary date the business, person, or activity that the sign or sign structure identifies or advertises ceases to operate on the premises on which the sign or sign structure is located.
b. 
If the premises containing the sign or sign structure is leased, the City Manager may not require the relocation, reconstruction, or removal until the second anniversary after the date the most recent tenant ceases to operate on the premises.
c. 
The date to which the City starts the one-year or two-year timeframe is from the sooner of the following:
i. 
The date the City sends a letter by U.S. certified mail requiring the property owner to relocate, reconstruct, or otherwise remove the sign or sign structure; or
ii. 
The date the City is able to determine that operations have ceased through any other means.
2. 
Sign Removal With Compensation.
The City may require the relocation, reconstruction, or removal of any on-premise sign with compensation as set out in Chapter 216, Regulations of Signs by Municipalities, of the Tex. Local Gov’t Code.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)
A. 
Generally.
1. 
This Section only applies to multi-family uses, manufactured home parks or subdivisions, recreational vehicle parks, and/or entrance monuments for subdivisions with a property owners’ association.
2. 
Permanent signs located within the residential districts, or multi-family uses in nonresidential districts, require the approval of a sign permit as set out in Section 14.304D., Sign Permits, and shall comply with the standards of this Section.
B. 
Standards.
1. 
Subdivision Entrance Signs.
a. 
A residential subdivision containing more than 10 dwelling units may be permitted one freestanding monument sign at each entrance to the subdivision provided that:
i. 
Such sign does not exceed 50 square feet in area, does not exceed six feet in height, is located at least 10 feet from any street right-of-way or property line, and is at least 25 feet from any dwelling unit.
ii. 
Such sign is maintained by a property owners’ association.
b. 
In lieu of a standard two-sided monument sign, a qualifying residential subdivision which has decorative entrance walls may be permitted one sign, not exceeding 25 feet in area, mounted on the decorative wall on each side of the main entrance to the subdivision.
2. 
Commercial Uses of the Home Signs.
Approved home occupation and child-care facilities may be permitted one sign, which may be either a wall or monument sign, provided that such sign shall not exceed a maximum of four square feet in area and six feet in height, and shall be located at least 10 feet from any street right-of-way and 25 feet from any side lot line.
3. 
Nonresidential Use Signs.
Public schools and other nonresidential limited and conditionally permitted uses are allowed:
a. 
One wall sign which shall not exceed one-half square foot in area for each lineal foot of the building wall or facade which faces the principal street or contains the main entrance as determined by the Building Official; and
b. 
One monument sign which shall not exceed 25 square feet in area and six feet in height. Such signs shall be located at least 10 feet from any street right-of-way and 25 feet from any residentially used or zoned property line. Such signs may be a changeable copy sign provided that they comply with all of the requirements for changeable copy signs as set forth in Section 9.203, Changeable Copy Signs.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)
A. 
Generally.
Permanent signs located within the nonresidential and mixed-use districts require the approval of a sign permit as set out in Section 14.304D., Sign Permits, and shall comply with the standards of this Section.
B. 
Sign Area Limitations.
The total area of all signs shall not exceed the number of square feet indicated in the following formulas:
1. 
Total Signage Area.
a. 
The aggregate area of all permanent signs for each use, parcel, building, or land under common ownership of record or control shall not exceed one and one-half square feet for each lineal foot of lot frontage, subject to the following:
i. 
A minimum combined area of 85 square feet shall be allowed for all lots regardless of frontage.
ii. 
For lots with spaces for more than one business or activity, in which at least 50 percent of the business or activity spaces are occupied as of April 6, 1995, such area restriction shall not apply to signs other than freestanding signs used on such lot.
b. 
Buildings or parcels having frontage or a facade facing a second street, may increase the permitted total aggregate sign area allowed for permanent signs in subsection B.1.a., of this Section, by 25 percent.
2. 
Multi-Tenant, Multi-Unit, and Multi-Building Uses.
Calculating allowable sign area per each unit or building shall be as follows:
a. 
New Development.
i. 
For parcels proposed for development, the developer shall prepare and submit as part of the site plan, an overall sign program that specifies the amount of sign area that is reserved for signing the overall development (i.e., freestanding monument signs along frontages, on-site directional signage, etc.). As part of the sign program, the developer has to specify the amount of sign area to be allocated to each unit or building (if any) used in signs for the overall development (e.g., individual placards on freestanding monument signs at the entrance to the development).
ii. 
The remaining sign area not reserved for the entire development shall be divided and allocated proportionally between each unit or building (as applicable) based on the lineal frontage of the building which constitutes the main access to each unit or building.
b. 
Existing Development.
i. 
In existing development (e.g., shopping centers) where the sign area was calculated based on the overall lineal frontage of the property, the existing sign area for each unit of the building shall remain proportionally the same as the amount of signage that was originally allocated to that individual unit or building.
ii. 
In existing development where a new tenant takes occupancy in a unit or building in which the original allocation of sign area is not able to be determined, the Zoning Board of Adjustment may grant a variance allowing that individual unit or building a maximum sign area equal to the proportional sign area allowed for individual units or buildings as set out in subsection B.2.a., New Development, above. This allowance can occur even if the additional sign area causes the sign area for the overall development to exceed its maximum allowable sign area.
iii. 
For existing development which is further divided into smaller units or tenant spaces, the maximum allowable sign area for each subdivided unit or tenant space shall remain as calculated in subsection B.2.b.i or B.2.b.ii., above.
C. 
Permanent Signs.
Total permanent sign area may be allocated to any or all of the following sign types subject to the following restrictions and requirements:
1. 
Wall Signs.
In all nonresidential or mixed-use districts, wall signs shall comply with the following:
a. 
One wall sign shall be permitted for each building, or one per each business or activity in a mixed-use, multi-tenant, multi-unit, or multi-building development.
b. 
Wall signs shall not project more than 18 inches in front of the building wall nor beyond any building corner.
c. 
Wall signs shall not extend above the height of the building.
2. 
Marquee Signs.
Only in the C-2 district, marquee signs shall comply with the following:
a. 
One marquee sign shall be permitted for each building, or one per each business or activity in a mixed-use, multi-tenant, multi-unit, or multi-building development.
b. 
The marquee sign shall:
i. 
Be limited to 20 square feet per sign face, up to three sign faces.
ii. 
Have a minimum of eight-foot clearance above grade.
iii. 
Not be allowed on a side of a building that faces a residential district.
3. 
Projecting Signs.
Only in the C-2 district, projecting signs shall comply with the following:
a. 
One projecting sign shall be permitted for each building, or one per each business or activity in a mixed-use, multi-tenant, multi-unit, or multi-building development.
b. 
Projecting signs shall not extend above the fascia, and the vertical dimension including fascia shall not exceed four feet.
4. 
Window Signs.
In all nonresidential or mixed-use districts, window signs shall comply with the following:
a. 
Window signs shall not obscure more than 25 percent of the glazed surface of any window.
b. 
No more than 10 square feet of any window sign may be directly illuminated with internal or neon lighting or otherwise projected so as to create an illuminated image.
5. 
Freestanding Pole or Pylon Signs.
In all nonresidential or mixed-use districts, except the C-2 district, freestanding pole or pylon signs shall comply with the following:
a. 
Only one sign shall be allowed on each lot which fronts the right-of-way of only one public street. For lots fronting on more than one public street, the allowable sign area in Subsection 5.b, below, may be divided between two freestanding pole or pylon signs oriented toward different streets.
b. 
The maximum area of such sign or signs shall be one-half of the combined sign area allowed for the lot.
c. 
For corner lots fronting on two intersecting streets, one freestanding pole or pylon sign may be located at the corner of such a lot, subject to setback requirements in Subsection 5.e, below. All other freestanding pole or pylon signs shall be located within the middle two quarters of the front lot width.
d. 
The maximum height of a freestanding pole or pylon sign shall vary directly with the setback of the sign, according to the following formula: maximum height = setback + five feet to an absolute maximum height of 30 feet.
e. 
The minimum setback for on-premise signs shall be 10 feet; provided that directional signs not more than three feet in height may be placed within such setback, and shall not be counted against the allowable combined sign area.
6. 
Freestanding Monument Signs.
In all nonresidential or mixed-use districts, except the C-2 district, freestanding monument signs shall comply with the following:
a. 
Location.
i. 
Freestanding monument signs shall only be placed between the property line and the applicable building or parking setback area (i.e., behind street bufferyards).
ii. 
Freestanding monument signs shall not be located closer than five feet from the lot line of another nonresidential or mixed-use lot, nor within 50 feet of another nonresidential or mixed-use freestanding monument sign, nor within 25 feet from a lot used for residential purposes. These separation requirements shall not preclude each nonresidential or mixed-use property owner from having at least one sign, provided however, that any sign not meeting the separation distance requirements of this subsection, shall have the sign located as far away from the existing sign on the abutting property as practically possible.
b. 
Design.
i. 
All freestanding monument signs shall be located on a sign base constructed of concrete at least six inches thick, but less than 18 inches in height.
ii. 
All freestanding monument signs serving buildings with a combined square footage of 15,000 square feet or greater shall be designed using the same building materials as used on the principal building on the property for which it advertises.
iii. 
Sign face maximum, as set out below, are per sign face if configured on a single back-to-back freestanding sign.
iv. 
No freestanding monument sign shall contain more than two sign faces.
v. 
No portion of the sign face may extend past the sign base.
c. 
Maximum size.
Not including the square footage of buildings on outparcels, such signs shall not exceed:
i. 
Buildings with combined square footage less than 15,000 square feet: 36 square feet in sign area per sign face and not to exceed four feet in height.
ii. 
Buildings with combined square footage 15,000 square feet to less than 60,000 square feet: 64 square feet in sign area per sign face and not to exceed 8 feet in height.
iii. 
Buildings with a combined square footage greater than 60,000 square feet: 80 square feet in sign area per sign face and not to exceed 10 feet in height.
d. 
Landscaping.
i. 
Landscaping comprised of grass, flowers, shrubs, or small trees, shall be installed and maintained around the perimeter of each freestanding monument sign in an area equal to the area of the sign face, provided however, that the maximum amount of landscaping required around the base of any sign shall not exceed 100 square feet (see Section 7.104, Selection of Plant Material).
ii. 
Landscaping installed around a freestanding monument sign can be counted towards meeting minimum planting requirements as long as it complies with the provisions of Article 7, Landscaping, Buffering, and Tree Protection.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)
A. 
Generally.
Manual and electronic changeable copy signs may be incorporated into signage as set out in this Section.
B. 
All Changeable Copy Signs.
1. 
Required Enclosure.
Manual and electronic changeable copy signs are only permitted on monument signs or marquee signs which enclose the changeable copy message component on all sides with a finish of brick, stone, stucco, powder coated (or comparably finished) metal, or other approved material sign face that extends not less than six inches from the message display in all directions. Gaps between the changeable copy component of the sign and the finish of the sign structure is permitted to accommodate locks and hinges for a cover for the changeable copy area, but only to the extent necessary for such locks and hinges to operate.
2. 
Maximum Number.
Only one manual or electronic changeable copy component of a sign is allowed per lot.
3. 
Maximum Changeable Copy Sign Face.
Manual and electronic changeable copy components of overall signs, including their frames, shall make up not more than 50 percent of the allowable sign area on a monument sign and 75 percent on a marquee sign. The balance of the sign area shall utilize permanently affixed letters or symbols (see Figure 9.203, Example Changeable Copy Sign Areas).
Figure 9.203
Example Changeable Copy Sign Area
Manual Changeable Copy Sign
Electronic Changeable Copy Sign
C. 
Manual Changeable Copy Signs.
In addition to the standards that apply to all changeable copy signs (as set out in subsection B., All Changeable Copy Signs, of this Section), manual changeable copy signs shall comply with the following:
1. 
Quality of Lettering.
Lettering shall be of a single style and shall be of uniform color and size.
2. 
Internal Illumination.
Manual changeable copy signs shall not be internally lit unless:
a. 
They use opaque inserts with translucent letters, numbers, or symbols;
b. 
Blank opaque inserts that are the same color as the opaque portions of the letters, numbers, and symbols are used over all areas of the sign where copy is not present; and
c. 
The opaque portion of the letters, numbers, and symbols is the same color.
D. 
Electronic Changeable Copy Signs.
In addition to the standards that apply to all changeable copy signs (as set out in subsection B., All Changeable Copy Signs, of this Section), electronic changeable copy signs shall comply with the following:
1. 
Display Standards.
Electronic message displays shall:
a. 
Contain a static message that may only be monochrome, variable shades, or full color.
b. 
Contain a default design that will freeze the sign in one position with no more illumination than 0.3 footcandles above ambient light if a malfunction occurs.
c. 
Display messages for a period of not less than eight seconds and the change sequence must be accomplished within an interval of two seconds or less.
d. 
Not use transitions or frame effects between messages.
e. 
Not include animation, video, audio, pyrotechnic, or bluecasting (bluetooth advertising) components.
2. 
Hours of Operation.
a. 
Electronic message displays shall be turned off each day by the later of 11:00 PM or upon closing of the associated land use (signs may be turned back on at 5:00 AM).
b. 
When located within 200 feet of a residential use or district, electronic message displays shall be turned off each day by no later than 9:00 PM and may be turned back on no earlier than 7:00 AM.
3. 
Lighting.
Electronic display messages shall:
a. 
Not exceed 0.3 footcandles above ambient light when measured from a specified distance. This measurement calculates the illumination of the sign and incorporates a scientific formula to ensure consistency of the measurement when applied to electronic display messages of all varying sizes and resolutions. The instrument to measure the illuminance of electronic message centers shall be an illuminance meter more commonly referred to as a lux or footcandle meter. The illuminance meter must have the ability to provide a reading up to two decimal places and must be set to read footcandles. The method to calculate the appropriate distance from which the illuminance shall be measured is the square root of the area of the electronic message display component times 100.
b. 
Be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and is programmed to automatically dim according to ambient light conditions, or that can be adjusted to comply with a maximum illumination of 0.3 footcandle over ambient light conditions.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)
A. 
Generally.
Temporary signs are permitted subject to the standards of this Section and require the approval of a temporary sign permit as set out in Section 14.304D, Sign Permits, unless otherwise specified.
B. 
Residential Districts.
Garage sale signs are permitted without a sign permit as long as the garage sale[s] are in conformance with Chapter 101, Garage Sales, [Article 5.02] of the Cuero Code of Ordinances.
C. 
Nonresidential and Mixed-Use Districts.
Each nonresidential or mixed-use property is allowed one temporary sign (e.g., a banner) that may be displayed for a period of not more than 30 days every six months for grand openings or other temporary, short-term promotional advertisements, provided that:
1. 
The temporary signage is limited to one per building;
2. 
There is only one banner per principal building;
3. 
It is not a sign or design element that is prohibited by Section 9.102, Prohibited Signs and Design Elements;
4. 
The sign area on the temporary sign is not more than 10 percent larger than the sign area allowed for a similar type permanent sign as set out in Section 9.202, Nonresidential and Mixed-Use District Permanent Signs.
D. 
Enforcement.
Temporary signs that are installed improperly or illegally will be removed by the City and the violators will be notified of such violation. If it is determined that the sign cannot be easily removed, the Building Official, or a designee, will notify the offender of their temporary sign violation. Offenders will have two business days to remove the sign. If the sign is not removed within this time period they are subject to enforcement actions as set out in Article 15, Enforcement and Legal Status.
(Ordinance 2015-30 adopted 10/30/15)