As used in this chapter, all words shall have the common meaning of such word and the following terms shall have the meaning indicated below unless context clearly indicates otherwise:
Actively being built.The project or subdivision has continuous construction efforts underway to complete the project.
Activities and events sign.An enclosed, marquee-type sign to provide public buildings, churches (limited to places of worship only), and neighborhood associations, herein referred to as "the entity(ies)" the opportunity to post notices of meetings, activities, and other notices of interest to the entity or group it serves. The purpose of this sign is to facilitate communication within the community served by the public buildings and the churches, and within the larger neighborhoods of 50 homes or more represented by their neighborhood association.
Arcade signs.Is a panel erected parallel to a building façade and within the opening of an arcade. Arcade signs must be supported their entire length by metal brackets, grillage or supports. An arcade sign may be non-illuminated or internally illuminated. An arcade sign may include neon tubing when forming a border for the subject matter or when forming letters, logos, or pictorial designs. The bottom edge of an arcade sign must be at least nine feet above the finished grade. The location of an arcade sign must be centered on the arcade entrance. The signage panel must be made of wood, sign foam, made to look like wood or metal. The support for the sign must be decorative and made of metal. Sign lighting must be affixed to the building or to the sign and must be shielded to prevent the light from shining directly into traffic, upper floor windows and pedestrian's eyes. Individual letters or graphics may be internally illuminated and glow either with a halo illumination effect or glow through their front faces. The use of neon is permitted. Exposed raceways, conduits and transformers are prohibited. The height of the arcade sign cannot exceed four feet.
Awning Sign.A sign that is applied to, attached to or painted on an awning, which is intended for protection of weather or as a decorative embellishment. Awnings project from a wall or roof of a structure and are located over a door or window. Awnings must be professionally constructed and cannot be made of vinyl. All internal support structures must be made of metal. Awnings are allowed to project over a sidewalk to a maximum of eight feet and must have a minimum clearance of nine feet. Awnings may have lettering and graphics on the front or side vertical panels only except that awnings located over the primary entrance of a building may have one store logo or the store name applied within a 16 square foot area on the sloped portion of the awning. Awnings may be lighted from above with lighting affixed to the building. All lighting must be shielded to prevent the light from shining directly into traffic, upper floor windows or pedestrian's eyes, in no case can the supporting structure of an awning sign extend into or over the street curb. Awnings must end a minimum of three feet from the curb edge. In instances where an awning encroaches into areas where street lights, trees or other obstacles in the streetscape conflict, the awning must be reduced in size (overhang) so as to eliminate the conflict. Awning support structures must be designed to meet local wind loads. Portions of the awning can be internally illuminated, provided hat the entire awning can be internally illuminated. Awnings that do not include lettering or graphics are not considered signs.
Banner.A sign made of fabric or any nonrigid material.
Bay windows.A sign erected parallel to the façade of any building to which it is attached and supported throughout its entire length at its base by the top edge of a bay window. A bay window sign may have no-illuminated or internally illuminated lettering and graphics. Neon is permitted. Lettering and graphics may be raised up on pins to prevent the graphics from being obscured by the window trip from the sidewalk. Signage lettering and graphics must be made of wood, sign foam that simulates wood or metal. Faces of internally illuminated graphics may be made of acrylic, lexan or similar material. Signage lighting must be affixed to the building or to the sign and must be shielded to prevent the light from shining directly into traffic, upper floor windows or pedestrian's eyes. Individual letters or graphics may be internally illuminated and glow through the front faces. Exposed raceways, conduits and transformers are prohibited. The length of the bay window sign cannot exceed the width of the bay window. The height of the sign cannot exceed four feet and the depth of the sign cannot exceed 12 inches.
Berm (monument) sign.A sign where the frame of the sign face is set at grade with the ground as a monument or in an earthen berm. There is no clearance between the ground and the sign face.
Billboard.A sign advertising products not made, sold, used or served on the premises displaying such sign, or a sign having a height greater than 12 feet and a surface area greater than four hundred square feet.
Building identification.Identifies commercial buildings at a scale appropriate to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic; in any case, the size of a building identification sign shall only contain the building name and street address. The street address may be applied to a canopy, awning or directly to a building. The building identification sign must be constructed as a single-sided, no-illuminated painted metal sign attached directly to the building. The color of the sign must be compatible to the building and must be approved by PCARC. This sign may be indirectly lot. Each building is allowed one building identification sign per face of building.
Building official.Any officer or employee, or person, designated by the city manager to perform the duties set forth in this ordinance to be performed by the building official.
"Burma Shave" signs.A sign intended to provide information and direction to potential home buyers within a recorded subdivision in which new homes are actively being built.
Canopy.A sign that is applied to, attached to or painted on an architectural canopy. The canopy must be intended for protection from the weather or used as an architectural embellishment and project from a wall over a door window. Canopies may be made out of wood, metal or glass, but all support structures must be made of metal. Canopies are allowed to project over a sidewalk to a maximum of six feet and must have a minimum clearance of nine feet. Canopies may have side panels, and may have a panel enclosing the underside of the canopy. Canopies may have lettering and graphics on or above the front or side vertical panels. Canopies may be lighted from above with lighting affixed to the building. All lighting must be shielded to prevent the light from shining directly into traffic, upper floor windows or pedestrian's eyes. Individual letters or graphics may be internally illuminated and glow either with a halo-illumination effect or glow through their front faces. The use of neon is permitted. No exposed raceways, conduits or transformers are permitted. In no case can the supporting structure of a canopy extend into or over the street curb. Canopies must end a minimum of three feet from the curb edge. In instances where canopies encroach into areas where street lights, trees or other obstacles in the streetscape conflict, the canopy must be reduced in size (overhang) so as to eliminate the conflict. Canopy support structures must be designed to meet local wind loads. Canopies that do not include lettering or graphics are not considered signs.
Changeable electronic variable message sign.A sign which permits alteration of the sign's message or images by electronic means. This includes a sign using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other means of digital display to resent a message or images.
Clearance (of a sign).The smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street curb and the lowest point of any sign, including framework and embellishments, but excluding sign supports.
Commercial.Locations where the principle use of the property is not classified as residential or multifamily.
Construction trade sign.A sign that identifies the architect, engineer, financial institution, builder, or other building trades contractor involved in a construction project at the site where the sign is located.
Curbline.An imaginary line drawn along the outermost part of back of the curb and gutter on either side of a public street, or, if there is no curb and gutter, along the outermost portion of the paved roadway, or if there is no paved roadway, along the edge of the traveled portion of the roadway.
Directional signs, traffic.An on-premises sign giving directions, instructions, or facility information and which may contain the name or logo of an establishment and no advertising copy, e.g., parking or exit and entrance signs.
Electrical sign.A sign containing electrical wiring, connections, or fixtures, or utilizing electric current, but not including a sign illuminated by an exterior light source.
Facade.All building wall elevations, including any vertical extension of the building wall (parapet), but not including any part of the building roof.
Face or surface.The surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the message is displayed or illustrated on the sign. Flashing signs are not permitted.
Flashing.To light intermittently. To change colors intermittently in order to achieve a flashing, fluttering, scrolling, undulating, or rolling affect (i.e. LED displays). Scrolling of text in a single color is not considered to be flashing.
Freestanding sign.A sign that is not attached to a building but is permanently attached to the ground.
Frontage.A boundary line separating the public right-of-way from the lot.
Government sign.A sign installed, maintained, or used:
(1) By a city, county, state or the federal government, required or specifically authorized for the public purpose pursuant to regulations promulgated by the state or federal government;
Gross surface area.The entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of each sign. A sign having two surfaces shall be considered a single sign if both the surfaces are located back to back. In the event two or more signs share a single structure, i.e., directory signs, or signs on v-shaped structures, each sign or panel shall be considered separately for square footage purposes, provided that the combined area of such signs cannot exceed the total square footage allowed on a single sign.
Height (of a sign).The vertical distance between the finished grade before the sign or grade of the adjacent street curb, whichever is greater, measured to the highest point of the sign.
Human sign.A sign held by or attached to a human for the purpose of advertising or providing information about a business, commodity, service, product, or other commercial activity. A person dressed in a costume for the purpose of advertising or providing information about a business, commodity, service, product, or other commercial activity shall constitute a human sign. Human signs do not include T-shirts, hats, or other similar clothing.
Incidental sign.A small sign, emblem, or decal informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises (e.g. a credit card sign or a sign indicating hours of business).
Inflatable sign.Any balloon or other device which is inflated by air or other gas and displayed outdoors. Inflatable structures primarily designed for recreational use shall not be considered to be a sign as, for example: slides, swimming pools or space walks.
Information signs.Includes bulletin boards, changeable copy directories, or signs relating solely to publicly owned institutions (city, county, state, school district) intended for use by the institution on which the sign is located.
Intersection.A place where two roads meet or form a junction. For purposes of this ordinance, sign setback distance is measured from the intersections of the curblines of two streets.
Kiosk sign or kiosk.A free-standing sign structure located in or adjacent to public right-of-way authorized by written agreement approved by the city council that features a City of Kyle identification panel at the top of each structure, and displays directional information to new homes, independent school district facilities, and municipal or community events or facilities.
Lamppost banners.A fabric banner applied to lampposts with standard banner arms. The lamppost banners must be made of canvas, vinyl or other suitable banner fabric. Lamppost banners must be double-sided with similar imagery on both faces. Lamppost banners must include pictorial elements. The maximum size for lamppost banners is two feet, six inches wide by five feet tall. No more than two lamppost banners may be erected on a single lamppost. The minimum clearance from the pavement to the lower banner arm is nine feet and the lamppost banner and banner arm cannot extend over the street pavement. Lamppost Banners are limited to holiday messages, community events or festivals. No retail advertising shall be permitted on lamppost banners.
Marquee.A permanent roof-like structure or awning or rigid materials attached from, supported by, and extending from the facade of a building, including a false "mansard roof."
Memorial signs or tablets.Includes freestanding historical markers in accordance with state historical standards, and/or cornerstones with names and dates of construction of a building when cut into a building surface or inlaid upon it to become part of the building.
Menu boards.Freestanding or wall signs used for the purpose of informing patrons of food, which may be purchased on the premises.
Model homes sign.A temporary real estate sign placed in front of a group of model homes that is removed from the premises upon sale of the last model.
Multifamily.Locations that contain three or more attached units designed for residential use including town homes and condominiums.
Multitenant center sign.A sign advertising two or more retail, wholesale, business, industrial, or professional uses (not necessarily under single ownership) utilizing common facilities including off-street parking, access, or landscaping.
Multitenant center identification sign.The portion of the sign that identifies the general name of the center or development as a whole. The sign shall include only the name and address of the development.
Nameplates.Nonelectrical, on-premises signs that communicate only the name of the occupant of the address of the premises.
Nonconforming sign.A sign that was lawfully installed at its current location prior to the adoption or amendment of the ordinance from which this section derives, but that does not comply with the present requirements of this section.
Off-premises sign.A sign referring to goods products or services provided at a location other than that which the sign occupies.
On-premises sign.A sign identifying or advertising the business, person, activity, goods, products, or services located on the site where the sign is installed, or that directs persons to a location on that site.
Office tenant identification sign.Each building that houses offices is allowed one primary tenant identification sign. The office tenant identification sign identifies the commercial tenants at the entrance to the building. Office tenant signs are encouraged to be attached to the face of the building. Where the sign is freestanding, it must be located parallel and as close as possible to the building facade, and provide a minimum four-foot clear area on the sidewalk to prevent obstruction of pedestrian circulation. The office tenant identification sign is a single-sided, internally illuminated or nonilluminated painted metal sign with changeable panels. The address of the building may also be included in the face of this sign. The maximum size for the office tenant identification sign is 64 feet.
Parapet.The extension of a false front or wall above a roofline.
Point-of-sale sign.A sign advertising a retail item accompanying its display (e.g., an advertisement on a product dispenser).
Political sign.A sign advertising a political candidate or party for elective office or that advertises primarily a political message.
Portable signs.Signs not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported by wheels including, but not limited to signs which are mounted on skids, trailers, wheels; signs converted to A- or A-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising.
Primary beneficiary.Any person who benefits from the installation, placement, construction, or alteration of a sign, including the owner or tenant of the property upon which the sign is located and the owner or operator of the business, product, service, or activity that is the subject of the sign.
Primary tenant.The primary tenant sign is a wall sign used to identify the primary tenant in a multistory building. The size of the sign is appropriate to be visible from vehicular or pedestrian traffic. The maximum size for each primary tenant sign is 200 square feet and may not be placed on a wall below the third story. Each building may be allowed one primary tenant sign.
Private traffic-control signs.Small traffic directional signs indicating interior circulation of parking areas on site, warn of obstacles or overhead clearance, or designate permissible parking.
Project directory sign.Project directory signs contain a map of listing of key destinations within the mixed use districts of Plum Creek. The project directory sign is scaled to pedestrian use. A project directory sign may be single or double-sided and may be internally illuminated. The maximum size for a project directory sign is 12 square feet. Project directory signs may be placed on the sidewalk provided a four foot clear area is provided for pedestrians. No retail advertising is allowed on project directory signs.
Projecting signs.A sign used to identify the name of a business, profession, service, product or activity conducted, sold or offered on the premises where the sign is located by providing an advertising message that is perpendicular to the wall of the building to which it is attached.
Pylon signs.Freestanding signs that are supported by a structure extending from and permanently attached to the ground by a foundation or footing, with a clearance between the ground and the sign face. Pylon signs are not considered monument signs.
Real estate signs.Temporary signs advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located as being for rent, lease, or sale.
Rear of building signs.Rear of building signs are signs that do not face a public street and are used to identify tenants in a building. One rear of building sign per tenant is allowed on the rear face of the building if there is a public entrance to the building from the rear of the building. Rear of building signs, may be wall signs or window signs and may be made of the same materials that are permitted for these signs. Rear of building signs cannot exceed 24 square feet in area. Rear of building signs can only identify tenants who are actually in the building to which the sign is attached.
Residential.Locations where the principal use of the property is for one and two-family dwelling units.
Roof sign.Any sign installed over or on the roof of a building.
Sandwich board signs.A sign constructed in such a manner as to form an "A" or tent-like shape. The sign can be hinged or not hinged at the top and each angular face help at an appropriate distance by a supporting member. Sandwich board signs are the only portable signs allowed in Plum Creek. Sandwich board signs may be placed on the sidewalk in front of a retail or restaurant premises during business hours only. Sandwich board signs must be located at least three feet from the curb of any adjacent street. Should a sandwich board sign be placed on or adjacent to a sidewalk, an unobstructed pedestrian clearance of at least four feet from the curb of any adjacent to the sign. A maximum of one sandwich board sign may be placed per business or tenant within storefront limits of the business the sign advertises. Sandwich board signs cannot be closer than 20 feet to another sandwich board sign. Dry-erase boards are prohibited on sandwich board signs. The maximum size of a sandwich board sign is 12 square feet per side. The maximum height of a sandwich board sign is four feet.
Sign.Any surface, display, design, light device, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, billboard or other device visible from the public right-of-way on which letters, illustrations, designs, figures, or symbols are painted, printed, stamped, raised, projected, outlined or attached in any manner whatsoever that are intended or used to advertise, inform, or attract the attention of persons both on and not on that premises, excluding those lights and landscape features which display words or symbols as holiday decorations. The term "sign" also includes the supporting structure of the sign.
Sign area.Includes all lettering, wording, logos, design, symbols, framing, roofing, and cabinets, or modules, calculated according to the provisions established in this section.
Sign panel.An individual sign placard displaying directional information on a sign kiosk.
Sight triangle.The area of vehicle visibility at all street intersections, which shall be clear of all obstructions that may present a hazard to traffic. The visual triangle for a street shall be described as a 45-degree triangle where the right angle sides measure at the very minimum 25 feet. The visibility triangle shall be measured from a point at which the projected curb lines intersect.
Small blade signs.A sign is attached to and projects out from a building face or wall more than 12 inches and are generally set at a right angle to the building. Small blade signs may project over the sidewalk, but must be set back at least three feet from the back of curb and have at least nine feet of clearance from grade. Support structures for small blade signs must be decorative in nature and made of metal. Supports must be engineered to support local wind loads. The sign panel, lettering and graphics can be made of wood, synthetic wood or metal. A small blade sign's background panel may be internally illuminated or made of acrylic, Plexiglas or similar plastic sheeting. Individual letters or graphics may be internally illuminated and glow either with a halo-illumination effect or glow through their front face. The use of neon is permitted. Exposed conduits, raceways or transformers are prohibited. Indirect lighting must be attached to the building or sign and be shielded to prevent the light from shining directly into traffic, upper floor windows or pedestrian's eyes. The size of a small blade sign cannot exceed 12 square feet in area. The support structure is not included when calculating area. Small blade signs must be double sided and depth of the sign cannot exceed eight inches. Only one face of the sign will be used to calculate size.
Subdivision.For purposes of this section, the subdivision in its entirety, not a phase, section, village, unit, or product line.
Temporary Banner.Signs advertising "Going Out of Business" events are prohibited. Temporary banner signs must be professionally constructed and may not be attached directly to windows with tape of adhesive.
Temporary sign.Any sign that is used temporarily and is not permanently mounted (i.e. on stakes or posts), and is constructed of cardboard, foam board, cloth, canvas, fabric, plywood, or similar lightweight material. A portable sign is not a temporary sign.
Temporary wall signs.An on-premises wall sign of a nonpermanent nature advertising a special event, sale, product, or service.
Valet parking identificationA series of signs used to identify a valet parking station. Each station is allowed three components: 1) valet station with umbrella or awning; 2) a sandwich board sign; and 3) cones. Valet parking identification or valet parking operations shall not occur in the public right-of-way, except that a sandwich board sign complying with the limitations set forth for signage, maximum signage allowances; sandwich board signs of these development standards may be allowed in the sidewalk, provided that at least four feet of clearance is maintained for pedestrians.
Vertical projecting signs.A sign that is attached to and projecting out from a building face or wall more than 12 inches, generally set at a right angle to the building. A vertical projecting sign may overhang the sidewalk but must be located a minimum of three feet from the back of curb. At least nine feet of clearance must be provided between the bottom of the sign and the sidewalk. Vertical projecting signs can extend above a tenant's lease space with approval of the owner of the building. The support structure from which the projecting sign panel is suspended must be decorative in nature and made of wood, synthetic wood or metal. Signage lighting must be affixed to the building or to the sign and be shielded to prevent the light from shining directly into traffic, upper floor windows or pedestrian's eyes. A vertical projecting sign's background panel may be internally illuminated and made out of acrylic, Plexiglas or similar sheeting. Individual letters or graphics may be internally illuminated and glow with either a halo-illumination effect, or glow through their front face. The use of neon is permitted. Exposed raceways, conduits and transformers are prohibited. The height of a vertical projecting sign cannot exceed 75 percent of the overall wall length of the wall on which it is erected or a maximum of 25 feet, whichever is less. Vertical projecting signs must be double-sided. The depth of the sign panel may not exceed 15 inches, including the depth of the applied letters or graphics. The size of a vertical projecting sign cannot exceed 150 square feet in area. Only one face of the sign will be used to calculate size, graphics may be internally illuminated and glow either with a halo-illumination effect or glow through their front face. The use of neon is permitted. Exposed conduits, raceways or transformers are prohibited.
Wall sign.A sign attached to the façade of a building or a canopy. Wall signs include signs on or affixed to walls, windows, awnings, or other parts of the exterior of a building or canopy.
Window signs.A sign that is visible from a public street or sidewalk and that is posted, attached, painted or affixed in or on a window, or a sign that is located within three feet of a window. Window signs must be located on the inside of the window. The area of the window sign cannot exceed 25 percent of the square footage of the window in which the sign is located. Only one window sign is allowed per window. Window signs may be located on the upper floors of a building. Hours of operation, not to exceed two square feet per window, shall not be counted in the square footage allowance of a window sign. When the address of the business is displayed as a window sign, the address shall not be counted in the square footage allowance.
Work of art.Sculpture, fountain, or similar object, and containing no reference to or image of a business or its logo, is not considered as a sign.
(Ordinance 653, § 3(Attach.), adopted 4/19/2011)
