Signs use private land near the public rights-of-way to inform and persuade the general public by publishing a message. This article provides standards for the erection and maintenance of signs. All signs not exempted as provided herein shall be erected and maintained in accordance with those standards. These standards are intended to be the minimum necessary and least burdensome to accomplish the purposes stated in this section. The general objectives of these standards are to promote health, safety, welfare, convenience, and enjoyment of the public and, in part, to achieve the following:
(1) 
Safety.
To promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:
(A) 
Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire collision, decay, or abandonment;
(B) 
Do not obstruct firefighting or police surveillance; and
(C) 
Do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists or by impairing the driver’s ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles, or to read traffic signs.
(2) 
Communications efficiency.
To promote the efficient transfer of information in sign messages by providing that:
(A) 
Businesses and services may identify themselves;
(B) 
Customers and other persons may locate a business or service;
(C) 
No person or group is arbitrarily denied the use of the sight lines from the public rights-of-way; and
(D) 
Persons exposed to signs are not overwhelmed by the number of messages presented, and are able to exercise freedom of choice to observe or ignore messages, according to the observer’s purpose.
(3) 
Landscape quality and preservation.
To protect the public welfare and to enhance the appearance and economic value of the landscape, by providing that signs:
(A) 
Do not interfere with scenic views;
(B) 
Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights-of-way;
(C) 
Do not create a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent and contiguous property by their brightness, size, height or movement; and
(D) 
Are not detrimental to land or property values.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)
(a) 
Building official.
The requirements of this article shall be administered and enforced by the building official or the building official’s designated representative.
(b) 
Inspections.
The building official shall periodically inspect each sign regulated by this article for the purpose of ascertaining whether the same is obsolete and whether it is in need of repair or removal.
(c) 
Compliance with the building code.
The building official shall not knowingly issue a permit for a sign that is not in conformance with the city’s building code.
(d) 
Application of this article.
The provisions of this article apply to all property within the city and, to the extent authorized by chapter 216, Local Government Code, to all property within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)
Abandoned sign.
A sign:
(1) 
Which, for at least 12 continuous months, does not identify or advertise a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product or activity on the premises on which the sign is located;
(2) 
Which, if the premises is leased, relates to a tenant and at least two years have elapsed since the date the most recent tenant ceased to operate on the premises; or
(3) 
For which no legal owner can be found.
Alter.
(1) 
To change the size, shape, outline, or type of sign; or
(2) 
To change the electrical lighting, except for the replacement of lamps not brighter than the original or the replacement of a sign panel.
Attach.
To stick, tack, nail, fasten, or otherwise affix a sign to any object or to paint, stencil, write, or otherwise mark on an object.
Awning.
A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering that either is permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.
Building.
A structure which has a roof supported by walls for the shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals, or chattel.
Character.
Any letter of an alphabet, numeral or symbol.
Commencement of work.
For construction of a sign, the point in time when the sign has been delivered to the site and attachment to a building has begun or holes are excavated for ground installation.
Commercial message.
A message which refers to the offer for sale or existence for sale of products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities or which attracts attention to a business or to products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities that are offered or exist for hire.
Dilapidated or deteriorated condition.
Any sign which, in the opinion of the building official, has any of the following characteristics:
(1) 
Elements of the surface or background can be seen, as viewed from the normal viewing distance, to have portions of the finished material or paint flaked, broken off, or missing, or otherwise not in harmony with the rest of the surface;
(2) 
The structural support or frame members are visibly bent, twisted, broken, dented, or torn;
(3) 
The 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 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 or the failure of a structural support); or
(5) 
The message or wording can no longer be clearly read by a person with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions.
Distance.
The shortest horizontal distance from the nearest right-of-way to a vertical line to the ground from the nearest element of the sign or the shortest horizontal distance in a straight line between the nearest elements of a sign.
Erect.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix, including painting on a surface.
Extraterritorial jurisdiction.
The unincorporated area that is contiguous to the corporate boundaries of the city and meets the requirements of section 42.021, Texas Local Government Code.
Facade.
Any separate face of a building, including parapet walls and permitted wall lines, or any part of a building which encloses or covers usable space. Where separate faces are oriented in the same direction, or in directions within 45 degrees of one another, they are considered as part of a single facade.
Footcandle.
A unit of measure of the intensity of light falling on a surface, equal to one lumen per square foot and originally defined with reference to a standardized candle burning at one foot from a given surface. Example: One footcandle of light is the amount of light that a candle generates one foot away.
Height.
As applied to a sign, the vertical distance between the highest part of the sign or its supporting structure, whichever is higher, and the natural grade at the center of the base of the sign.
Illumination.
The enhancement of a sign using electric lights, luminous tubes or similar means.
Lease space.
An area of a building separated internally and intended for use by an individual tenant.
Logo.
The registered trademark of an organization, individual, company or product which is commonly used in advertising to identify that organization, individual, company or product.
Masonry materials.
Include brick, stucco, cement, concrete tilt wall, stone, or other materials of equal characteristics.
Maximum area or area of a sign.
The area of a sign, the method of measurement of which shall be calculated in accordance with section 4.04.047.
Noncommercial message.
Any message that is not a commercial message.
Obsolete.
A sign that advertises a business, use, or purpose which was located on the same site as the sign but is no longer in existence at that site.
Pad site.
A tract, lot, or land or a portion of a tract or lot leased from another that is intended for the single use of a freestanding building typically adjacent to street right-of-way.
Public property.
Property which is owned, leased, or used by a governmental entity, including property, the primary use of which is the operations of a governmental entity.
Right-of-way (R.O.W.).
A strip of land, other than a drainage or utility easement, occupied or intended to be occupied by a street, crosswalk, railroad, road, electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, water main, sanitary or storm sewer main, or for another special purpose.
Sculptured aluminum panel.
An aluminum sign panel with text or graphic depictions cut out from the panel, typically with a translucent material covering the cut-out from the inner side of the panel.
Setback.
The distance from a sign to the closest right-of-way line.
Sign.
Every sign, name, number, identification, description, announcement, declaration, demonstration, device, display, flag, banner, pennant, illustration, logo, balloon, streamer, valance, advertising display, poster, beacon, light, or insignia, and the structure supporting any of the same, that is affixed directly or indirectly to or upon any building or outdoor structure, or erected or maintained upon a piece of land, and which directs attention to any object, project, service, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business. The definition does not include:
(1) 
Searchlights;
(2) 
Works of art that are not designed or used to advertise; or
(3) 
Temporary holiday decorations.
Sign, attached.
A sign attached to, applied on, or supported by any part of a building (including fascia, walls, windows and awnings) which encloses or covers usable space.
Sign, banner.
A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame, possessing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to an approved material, excluding flags, emblems, and insignia of political, professional, religious, educational, or corporate organizations.
Sign, billboard.
A sign, usually freestanding and supported by one or more exposed legs or poles, with one or more sign surface areas greater than 200 square feet.
Sign, blade.
An attached sign oriented perpendicular to the face of the building which projects more than 12 inches beyond the surface of the building to which it is attached or supported.
Sign, builder.
A temporary on-site sign identifying the builder or general contractor of a residential construction site.
Sign, building for sale/lease.
An on-site sign intended to advertise new or existing commercial/industrial building(s) for sale or lease.
Sign, bulletin board.
A permanent on-site sign providing public information or advertising sales or goods of the business located on the same premises as the sign.
Sign, coming soon.
A temporary on-site sign providing notification of a new business or service opening in the near future.
Sign copy.
The message or text portion of the sign.
Sign, development.
A temporary on-site sign providing identification or information pertaining to a residential or commercial development to include the builder, property owner, architect, contractor, engineer, landscape architect, decorator or mortgagee, within that development, but shall not include a subdivision marketing sign.
Sign, directional.
A permanent on-site sign intended to aid in vehicular or pedestrian movement on the site.
Sign, directory.
A permanent on-site sign providing direction to or identifying the buildings in a development.
Sign, economic development.
A permanent sign in designated corridor overlay districts intended to advertise businesses and to promote economic development within the specific district. All signs to be operated by the city.
Sign, face.
The surface of one side of a sign.
Sign, featherblade.
A temporary sign, the height of which is greater than the width, intended to advertise a business or product, made of fabric, cloth or other flexible or liable material, and designed or intended to move in the wind.
Sign, garage/yard sale.
A temporary sign intended to advertise garage sales or yard sales in a residential or community facilities zoning district.
Sign, gasoline pricing.
A permanent on-site sign which displays the price per gallon of fuel sold by that business, and which may be periodically changed to reflect changes in fuel prices.
Sign, government.
A sign erected by, on behalf of, or required by a federal, state, or local government or an agency of a federal, state, or local government.
Sign, ground.
A sign connected to the ground by legs, poles, or other supports which is not an attached, portable, monument or vehicular sign.
Sign, I-35W overlay district.
A permanent pylon/monument sign used to identify the occupants of commercial and retail centers within the district.
Sign, institutional.
A permanent on-site sign used to identify governmental and municipal agencies, public schools, churches, or similar public institutions.
Sign, kiosk.
Freestanding sign structure located in or adjacent to public right-of-way that features a city identification panel at the top of each structure, and displays directional information to new homes, independent school district facilities, businesses and municipal or community events or facilities.
Sign, land.
A temporary on-site ground sign on vacant land intended to advertise land for sale including unplatted tracts of land.
Sign, menu board.
A permanent on-site sign which displays a menu and pricing for food services and may include an audible speaker and microphone integral to the sign.
Sign, model home.
A temporary real estate sign identifying a homebuilder’s model home open for inspection.
Sign, monument.
A sign made of stone, brick, masonry, metal, durable plastic or similar materials or combinations of such materials which are connected to the ground and which has no clear space for the full width of the sign between the bottom of the sign and the surface of the ground.
Sign, monument for multiple occupancy buildings.
A sign for a commercial or industrial building, or other nonresidential building containing multiple tenants or owners, used to identify the facility and the individual tenants, made of stone, brick, masonry, metal, durable plastic or similar materials or combinations of such materials which is connected to the ground and which has no clear space for the full width of the sign between the bottom of the sign and the surface of the ground.
Sign, off-site.
A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, goods, products, or entertainment not related to the site upon which the sign is located or to which it is affixed.
Sign, off-site directional.
A permanent sign which serves only the public purpose of directing vehicular movement on public right-of-way to the location of public facilities or routes to private warehouse facilities.
Sign, on-site.
A sign, the content of which related to the site on which it is located, referring exclusively to businesses, commodities, services, products, goods, or entertainment on the site, or the sale, lease or construction of those sites.
Sign, open house.
A temporary sign used to market or advertise residential open houses within the city and to direct interested persons to the open house location.
Sign, owner.
The sign permit holder, the owner of the sign, or the owner of the site on which the sign is located. The term owner may apply to any or all of the persons designated above, separately or jointly.
Sign, panel.
Any separate, single panel or piece of material containing a word or symbol legend or individual message that is affixed to the face of a sign.
Sign, panel replacement.
The replacement of a panel on an existing sign that does not alter the sign.
Sign, pole.
A ground sign over six feet in total height that is supported by one or more exposed legs or supports.
Sign, political.
A type of temporary off-site sign, which contains primarily a political message.
Sign, portable.
A sign which is not permanently attached or affixed to the ground, a building, vehicle, or other fixed structure or object, including a sign installed on wheels, trailers, skids, and similar mobile structures, which is intended by design to be movable or portable.
Sign, reader board (electronic).
A sign or portion of a sign that uses changing lights or LED to form a sign message or messages in text form only, wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes.
Sign, reader board (manual).
A sign comprised of nonpermanent letter, numeral or symbols, which allows a change of sign copy by adding, removing or rearranging letters, symbols or numerals.
Sign, real estate.
A temporary on-site sign intended to advertise real estate for sale or lease.
Sign, sandwich board.
A temporary portable sign consisting of two panels of equal size, which are hinged at the top and placed on the ground or pavement so as to be self supporting.
Sign, special event.
A temporary sign that is either on-site or off-site that provides identification or information pertaining to a special event or occurrence within the city limits.
Sign, subdivision entry.
A permanent on-site sign identifying a residential subdivision.
Sign, subdivision marketing.
A temporary sign used to market or advertise residential subdivisions/open houses within the city and to direct interested persons to the subdivision/open house location.
Sign, temporary.
A sign constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wood, wallboard, or other like material, with or without frames, and any type of sign not permanently attached to the ground, wall, or building, intended to be displayed for a short period of time only.
Sign, total frontal projected area.
That portion of a curved or three dimensional sign that is visible to a person standing in the street which the sign faces at the closest point of approach to the sign.
Sign, vehicular.
A sign which is affixed to a vehicle or trailer, or is located within a vehicle and is yet visible.
Sign, walker (human directional sign).
A person on-site, visible from the public right-of-way, that is holding, twirling, or wearing a sign, wearing lights, or wearing a costume to draw attention to a business, project, place, or event.
Sign, wind device.
A flag, pennant, streamer, inflatable balloon, or similar device made of cloth, canvas, plastic, or other similar flexible material, with or without a frame or other supporting structure, designed to move with the wind, and used as a sign.
Sign, window.
A sign located on the internal and/or external surface of a window or within two feet of a window of any establishment.
Site.
A lot, tract, or pad site.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)
A person commits an offense if the person erects, constructs, relocates, alters, displays, or repairs a sign or permits the erection, construction, relocation, alteration, display, or repair of a sign owned or controlled by the person, without first obtaining a permit, except as provided in this article.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)
(a) 
An application for a sign permit shall include the following information:
(1) 
A completed application form;
(2) 
A general plan that illustrates:
(A) 
The location of building, structure, or tract upon which the sign is to be attached or erected;
(B) 
The position of the sign in relation to rights-of-way, easements, buildings, structures, existing signs, etc.;
(C) 
A drawing of the sign to scale that illustrates height, length, width, and all other dimensions associated with the sign; and
(D) 
The materials to be used in the construction of the sign will also be clearly designated;
(3) 
A letter from the owner of the property stating that the applicant has permission to erect the sign for which a permit is sought;
(4) 
A statement signed by the applicant, which states compliance with the requirements of this article relating to wind pressure and dead loads;
(5) 
Advertisement, words, numerals, graphics, or logos to be shown on the sign; and
(6) 
Any pertinent information, such as sight distances, traffic speed or other factors, to support the application as required in section 4.04.047.
(b) 
Notwithstanding any other ordinance of the city, if the work authorized by a permit has not been commenced within 180 days after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.
(c) 
A sign permit shall be valid for 180 days from the date of its issuance.
(d) 
Extension of permit.
The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)
All fees for sign permits, sign storage, and requests for a variance to the provisions of this article shall be in accordance with the current fee schedule adopted by the city council.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)
(a) 
Basis for revocation.
The building official may revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this article whenever the building official determines that:
(1) 
The permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect or false information supplied;
(2) 
The permit is issued in violation of any of the provisions of this article, any other ordinance of the city, or state or federal law; or
(3) 
Work stops or is abandoned under the sign permit for more than 30 days.
(b) 
Effect of revocation.
The revocation shall be effective when communicated in writing to the sign owner. Upon revocation, all construction related to the revoked permit shall cease.
(c) 
Appeal.
A person may appeal the suspension or revocation of a sign permit to the city council by filing an appeal in accordance with this article. The city council shall affirm, reverse, or modify the suspension or revocation and the decision of the city council is final.
(d) 
Removal.
Upon final determination that the permit has been properly revoked, the sign owner shall remove the sign within 10 days from notification of the determination. Failure to remove the sign is a violation of this article.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)
(a) 
Purpose.
The purpose of a master sign plan is to allow an applicant, subject to approval of the city council, the option of designating an area that will define unique characteristics in all sign elements including: type, design, and location based on a specific performance criteria. The goal of a master sign plan is to:
(1) 
Promote consistency among signs within a development creating visual harmony between signs, buildings and the other components of the property;
(2) 
Enhance the compatibility of signs with the architectural and site design features within a development;
(3) 
Encourage signage in character with planned and existing uses, creating a unique sense of place;
(4) 
Encourage multi-tenant commercial uses to develop a unique set of sign regulations to compliment the development standards; and
(5) 
Facilitate the permitting of signage that may be at variance with the strict application of the other regulations contained in this article, but still consistent with the purposes of this article, thereby allowing a developer sufficient flexibility to accomplish reasonable commercial goals while maintaining the quality of life of the residents of the city.
(b) 
Master sign plan application.
(1) 
The applicant shall develop a master sign plan for all sign elements in the development based on the sign design guidelines in subsection (d) below.
(2) 
The building official shall forward the applicant’s master sign plan application to the city secretary for action, by the city council after evaluating the master sign plan based on the design guidelines in subsection (d). The city council shall make the final determination on all master sign plans.
(c) 
Application requirements shall include a site plan of the proposed sign locations and illustrated drawings of the proposed signs and shall include:
(1) 
Proposed sign palette which may include:
(A) 
Attached building signs;
(B) 
Monument signs;
(C) 
Window signs;
(D) 
Directional signs;
(E) 
Directory signs.
(2) 
Size and number of all proposed signs including the maximum height, width, area, etc.
(3) 
Materials proposed for all signs and sign structures.
(4) 
Color and style for all signs, including the context of where signs are to be placed on any given facade.
(5) 
Type of illumination proposed (external, internal, etc.).
(6) 
Landscaping and/or any ornamental structures including public art, fencing, ground cover, water features, other landscaping elements that are to be used to complement the proposed master sign plan design.
(7) 
Any additional information required by the city council.
(d) 
Design guidelines.
The design guidelines are to help ensure quality signs that communicate their message in a clear fashion. The building official and city council may interpret the design guidelines with flexibility in their application to specific signs and projects, as not all design criteria may be workable or appropriate for each sign or project. In some circumstances, one guideline may be relaxed to facilitate compliance with another guideline determined by the building official and city council to be more important in the particular case. The overall objective is to ensure that the intent of the design guideline is followed.
(1) 
Compatibility with surroundings.
(A) 
Proportional size and scale.
The scale of signs should be based on the building facade on which it is placed and the area in which it is located. The size and shape of a sign should be in proportion with the scale of the structure. Large storefronts such as a “big box” will be allowed to have a proportionally larger sign than a smaller storefront. Signs should not overwhelm the section of the building facade on which it is placed.
(B) 
Integrate signs with the building.
Signs should be designed so that they are integrated with the design of the building. A well designed building facade or storefront is created by the coordination of sign and architectural design, and coordinated color scheme. Signs in multi-tenant buildings should be designed to complement or enhance the other signs in the building. Sign placement and design should be reviewed within the context of the building design.
(C) 
Corporate franchise signs.
Corporate franchise signage should conform to the community’s visual desires while maintaining the elements of the corporate identity. Corporate logos should fit the context, color, scale and building elements.
(2) 
Location and mounting.
(A) 
Signs should be mounted in locations that respect the design of a building and site, including the arrangement of bays and openings. Signs should not obscure windows, (including second story windows), window trim or molding, grillwork, piers, pilasters, and other ornamental features of the building.
(B) 
Attached signs on fascias above storefront windows should be sized to fit within existing friezes, lintels, spandrels, and other such features and not extend above, below, or beyond them. Typically, attached signs should be centered on horizontal surfaces (e.g., over a storefront openings).
(C) 
When a large building contains several storefronts, signs for the individual businesses should relate well to each other in terms of locations, height, proportion, color, and illumination. Maintaining continuity will reinforce the building’s facade composition, while still retaining each business’s identity.
(3) 
Color.
(A) 
Avoid using to many colors.
Colors or combinations of colors that interfere with legibility of the sign copy or that interfere with viewer identification of other signs should be avoided.
(B) 
Use contrasting colors.
Contrast is an important influence on the legibility of signs. A substantial contrast should be provided between the color and material or the background and the letters or symbols to make the sign easier to read in both day and night. Light letters on a dark background or dark letters on a light background are the most legible. Light letters on a dark background work best for both day and night time use.
(4) 
Materials.
(A) 
Compatibility of materials.
Sign materials should be compatible with the design of the facade on which they are placed. The architectural design of the building’s facade shall be considered in the selection of materials that complement the design. The selected materials should also contribute to the legibility of the sign. Example: glossy finishes are often difficult to read because of glare and reflection.
(B) 
Appropriate materials.
Sign materials should be durable. Paper or cloth signs are not suitable for exterior use, except on awnings, because they deteriorate quickly. Any wood used should be properly sealed to prevent moisture from soaking into the wood, causing deterioration of the sign and lettering.
(5) 
Sign legibility.
(A) 
Name identification.
A sign with limited lines of copy and names should be used whenever possible. The amount of time a person in a vehicle traveling along a roadway has to identify and read a sign is limited. The fewer the words the more effective the sign will be. A simple sign is easier to read and looks more attractive because it is less cluttered.
(B) 
Symbols and logos.
Symbols and logos can be used in place of words when appropriate. Picture images usually register more quickly in viewer’s minds than a written message.
(C) 
Limit the number of letter styles.
Limit the number of lettering styles to increase legibility. Generally no more than two (2) letter types should be used on small signs and three (3) for larger signs. Greater numbers of letter types reduce the sign’s ability to communicate the message.
(6) 
Sign illumination.
(A) 
Internal illumination.
Individually illuminated letters, either internally or backlit solid letters are preferred. Individual letters mounted directly on a structure can also be used, and when mounted to a distinctive element of the structure’s facade as the backdrop can provide better integration of the sign with the structure. Cabinet signs using internal illumination are required to have an opaque background so that only the lettering appears to be illuminated. Neon lights as illumination are not allowed.
(B) 
Projected light source.
Signs along roadways with slower traffic speeds or in pedestrian oriented environments should consider illuminating with a projected light source (spotlight). Projected lighting is generally a better alternative because the sign will have the appearance of being integrated with the building’s architecture. The use of small, unobtrusive fixtures is recommended. Large or oversized fixtures can overpower and be out of scale with the sign and structure. Care should be taken to shield the light source from spilling into the sky, residential areas, and public rights-of-way or roadways. Signs should only be illuminated to the minimum level required for nighttime readability.
(C) 
Electrical raceways and conduits.
Electrical transformers, junction boxes, raceways, and conduits are required to be concealed from public view. If these are not able to be mounted internally behind the finished exterior wall, all exposed portions should be finished to match the exterior wall, or integrated into the sign design. All exposed equipment should be as small/narrow as possible and should never extend beyond the area of the sign’s lettering or graphics.
(7) 
Monument signs for single/multiple occupancy buildings.
(A) 
Individual tenant sign panels should be uniform in size and complement or enhance the other panels. The address, center name or major tenant may have a larger panel.
(B) 
The sign structure should be architecturally designed and incorporate design details, materials, and colors of the buildings.
(C) 
The speed of the roadway traffic viewing the sign and the distance from the roadway should be considered in the sizing of the sign.
(D) 
Signs should have a landscape element included.
(8) 
Individual store signage in multiple occupancy buildings.
Sign designs should be consistent in color, size, and complement or enhance other tenant signs in the building.
(e) 
If the city council grants the application for a particular development, all signs in that development shall conform to the standards approved in that master sign plan, and the approved master sign plan shall constitute a variance from the other provisions of this article. If the council grants the application in part, the applicant may elect to accept such approval, and if so accepted, the master sign plan as approved by the council and accepted by the applicant shall constitute a variance from the other provisions of this article. If the council denies the application, or if the applicant elects not to accept the master sign plan as approved by the council, the other provisions of this article will govern all signs within the development.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)
(a) 
Obsolete signs.
Any sign which the building official determines to be abandoned or obsolete shall be removed by the sign owner after receiving written notice from the building official. For temporary signs, the sign must be removed as noted on the sign permit application or within three days after receiving written notification to do so from the building official. For permanent signs, the sign must be removed by the sign owner within a reasonable time period as determined by the building official. If the owner fails to comply with the notice or to file an appeal of the decision in accordance with this article, the building official is authorized to cause the removal of the sign, and any expense incidental to the removal shall be paid by the sign owner.
(b) 
Unsafe, dilapidated or deteriorated signs.
If the building official determines that a sign is unsafe or is dilapidated or deteriorated, he shall give written notice to remove, repair, or replace the sign to the sign owner. If the sign owner fails to remove, repair, or replace the sign or to file an appeal of the decision within 10 days after receiving notice, the building official is authorized to cause the removal of such sign. Nothing contained in this article shall prohibit the immediate removal, without notice, of any sign or portion of a sign, which is determined by the building official to be an immediate threat or danger to the public. Any expense incidental to the removal of the sign pursuant to this subsection shall be paid by the sign owner. The removal of the sign or portion of the sign by the city shall be limited to the extent necessary to eliminate the threat to the public.
(c) 
Signs on public property.
Any sign that is attached to a utility pole, located within or upon any public right-of-way or utility easement, or any sign that is located on public property may be removed by city personnel. The owner of the sign shall be charged a sign storage fee in accordance with the city fee schedule in order to recover the sign from the city. A sign removed by the city shall be held 72 hours and then disposed of if not claimed by the owner. The city is not required to notify the sign owner that the sign has been removed or disposed of.
(d) 
Illegally erected signs.
(1) 
A temporary sign that is erected, constructed or otherwise displayed, which the building official determines to be in violation of this article, may be removed by city personnel. A sign removed by the city shall be held for 72 hours and then disposed of. An owner wishing to reclaim a removed sign shall be charged a sign storage fee.
(2) 
A permanent sign that is erected, constructed, or otherwise displayed, which the building official determines to be in violation of this article shall be removed by the sign owner upon written notification by the building official any such sign must be removed in a reasonable time period determined by the building official. If the sign owner fails to comply with the notice or fails to file an appeal of the building official’s decision, the building official is authorized to cause the removal of the sign and any expense incidental to the removal shall be paid by the sign owner. A sign removed by the city shall be held for 72 hours and then disposed of. An owner wishing to reclaim a removed sign shall be charged a sign storage fee.
(Ordinance 003-2011 adopted 6/20/11)