The sign regulations of this chapter are established for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the city by facilitating easy and pleasant communication between people and their environment. These regulations contain standards intended to avoid visual clutter, which is potentially harmful to traffic, and pedestrian safety, property values, business opportunities, and community appearance. These regulations govern the use, size, location, construction and maintenance of signs. It is the purpose of the regulations of this chapter to protect property values within the city, to enhance the beauty of the city, to protect the general public from damage and injury, which may be caused by the unregulated construction of signs, and to comply with the federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965 where applicable. Pursuant to these purposes, it is the intent of this chapter to authorize the use of signs, which are:
(1) 
Compatible with their surroundings;
(2) 
Appropriate to the activity that displays them;
(3) 
Expressive of the identity of individual activities and the community as a whole;
(4) 
Legible in the circumstances in which they are seen;
(5) 
Compliant with the Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
(Code 1975, § 19½-1; Ordinance 3116, § 1, adopted 10/11/2010)
All definitions of words contained in this chapter shall correspond with the most appropriate definitions appearing in the Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, unless specifically defined in this section. For purposes of the regulations of this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Artistic objects, images and works of art
means a structure presenting an artistic, historic or nostalgic theme or image that does not meet the definition of a sign as defined in this chapter and does not include the advertisement of products, goods or services of an existing business.
Awning
means an architectural projection, which provides weather protection, identity or decoration, and is supported by the building to which it is attached. It is composed of a lightweight rigid or retractable skeleton structure over which another cover is attached which may be of fabric or other materials, and may be illuminated. Sign text and logos on awnings are included in the wall signage area, but only the area of the sign, not the entire awning.
Banner sign
means a temporary sign which is painted or printed on a strip of cloth, canvas, or other flexible material with or without frames.
Billboard sign
means an outdoor advertising structure which advertises a use, product, or service not necessarily found on the premises. A billboard sign is also known as an off-site advertising sign.
Building official
means the administrative official charged with responsibility of enforcing and interpreting this chapter.
Building sign
means a permanent sign that has its supporting structure depending on a building for support and includes wall signs, canopy signs, projections signs and outdoor menu board signs.
Canopy sign
means a permanent sign which is attached to a fuel station canopy.
Community event
means an event that is sponsored by a nonprofit organization as defined by section 503(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, as amended, and formed for the use, benefit and enjoyment of its members to achieve religious, recreational, charitable, municipal or educational pursuits.
Digital billboard
means an off-premise sign, display or device, internally illuminated, which changes the static message or copy by electronic means. The sign must be operated by an entity possessing an outdoor advertising license issued by the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).
Electronic message sign
means a sign that utilizes changeable copy messages through internal illumination through light emitting diodes (LED) or other light sources.
Flag
means a piece of cloth, usually rectangular, of distinctive color and design, used as a symbol, a standard, a signal, or an emblem.
Freeway overlay zone
means the zone located within an area 200 feet from and parallel to the right-of-way of I.H. Loop 820 and State Highway 121.
Ground sign
means a permanent sign that has its supporting structure depending on the ground for attachment and includes pole signs, monument signs, outdoor menu message boards, electronic message signs, and traffic directional signs.
Illumination
means, for the purposes of these regulations, as follows:
(1) 
Internal lighting.
A source of illumination entirely within the sign which makes the contents of the sign visible at night by means of the light being transmitted through a translucent material but wherein the source of the illumination is not visible.
(2) 
Internal-indirect lighting.
A source of illumination entirely within the sign (generally a freestanding letter) which makes the sign visible at night by means of lighting the background upon which the freestanding character is mounted. The character itself shall be opaque, and thus will be silhouetted against the background. The source of the illumination shall not be visible.
(3) 
Indirect lighting.
A source of external illumination located a distance away from the sign, but designed specifically to illuminate the sign, when it is not visible to persons viewing the sign from any normal position of view.
Incidental signs
means a permanent sign that has a purpose secondary to the use of the property that provides information rather than advertising. Examples of such signs are traffic directional signs interior to the lot, "employee only parking," "loading zone only," "truck traffic only" signs. Incidental signs on windows may include credit card logos and hours of operation.
Light pole banner sign
means a temporary sign which is painted or printed on a strip of all weather cloth, canvas, or other flexible material which is designed or manufactured for outdoor use mounted on a light pole on private property. The sign material shall be secured in such a manner to render the sign stationary.
Lot
means land, including a tract, plat, or parcel, occupied or intended for occupancy by a use permitted in the city's zoning chapter (chapter 118), and usually having its principal frontage upon a street or upon an officially approved place.
Lot width
means the minimum width of a lot measured at the front building line or chord length when the front of the lot is curved.
Major development sign
means a permanent ground sign that provides advertising media for certain sized multi-tenant developments.
Monument sign
means a permanent ground sign generally constructed out of brick, stone or cast concrete material supported on concrete foundation across the entire base of the structure and which may have an open space between the bottom of the sign and the ground which does not exceed one foot.
Nonconforming sign
means a sign which although not meeting current ordinance requirements met all ordinance requirements at the same location and time it was erected, painted or placed and at all times it was thereafter altered.
Obsolete sign
means a sign that advertises or identifies a business, product or service that is no longer in existence at that location.
Off-premises sign
means a sign displaying advertising copy that pertains to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, or product which is not principally located or primarily manufactured or sold on the premises on which the sign is located.
On-premises sign
means a sign identifying or advertising a business, person, or activity, and installed and maintained on the same premises as the business, person, or activity.
Outdoor menu board
means a permanent ground sign or wall sign that provides an itemized listing of menu items and prices for food service establishments.
Permanent sign
means any sign other than temporary or portable signs defined in this section.
Pole sign
means a permanent ground sign that is supported totally from the ground. The message area is located on top of the support structures.
Portable sign
means those signs that are not firmly attached to the ground, a building, or other structure, and those that can be easily moved or carried about and reused numerous times at different locations. Determination by the building official or his designated representative as to whether any sign is portable shall be controlling.
Projection sign
means a permanent wall sign that is mounted to the exterior wall of a building and that is mounted perpendicular to the wall of the building.
Roof sign
means any sign erected and constructed wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by the roof structure, and usually extending vertically above the highest portion of the roof.
Sign
means an outdoor structure, display, light device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, billboard, brand, or logo or other thing that is designed, intended or used to advertise or inform.
Sign area
means the total area within the extreme perimeter of the attraction area intended to draw attention to the sign. Exception: Monument signs.
Sign height
means the vertical distance measured from natural grade to the top of the sign, measured at its highest point above ground level. For purposes of measurement, the natural grade shall be the elevation created by the undisturbed existing grade, or by normal site grading, when creating a development site. It shall not include any super elevation treatment.
Sign rider
means an attachment to a real estate sign "detailing" certain features of the property, such as "four bedroom," "pool," "game room," or the agent's name.
Temporary sign
means any sign, banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other like material, with or without frames, and any type sign not permanently attached to the ground, wall or building, intended to be displayed for a short period of time only.
Traffic directional sign
means any sign used only to control and direct traffic into or on private property, e.g., "ENTER" or "EXIT."
Wall sign
means a sign painted on or attached to the wall surface of a building.
Wall surface
means the general outer surface of any main exterior wall of the building or structure not including cornices, bay windows, or other ornamental trim.
(Code 1975, § 19½-2; Ordinance 2640, § 1(D), adopted 7/22/2002; Ordinance 2916, § 1, adopted 12/11/2006; Ordinance 2962, § 1, adopted 11/12/2007; Ordinance 3086, § 1, adopted 2/8/2010; Ordinance 3116, § 2, adopted 10/11/2010; Ordinance 3886 adopted 1/27/2025)
The following general regulations shall be applicable to all signs erected within the corporate limits of the city. Where a conflict may exist between a general provision and a specific regulation, the specific regulation shall have priority over the general provision.
Exception 1: Signs specifically approved by the city council as part of a commercial planned development or planned re-development.
Exception 2: Signs installed and maintained by the city.
(1) 
Compliance required.
No person shall erect, alter, or add to a sign, or sign structure, unless said sign conforms to the provisions contained in this chapter. Compliance is required whether or not a permit is required.
(2) 
Sign area.
The sign area permitted in these regulations shall apply to the maximum size of a single sign face. However, when the two faces of a sign are separated by an angle of 20 degrees or more, the maximum sign area shall be the total of all nonparallel sign faces.
(3) 
Construction standards.
a. 
The construction of all signs shall comply with the structural requirements of the city building code and the most recent edition of the International Building Code, as adopted by the city. Any electrical installations shall comply with the city electrical code.
b. 
All freestanding sign structures, excluding traffic directional signs, shall be constructed with, or covered with the masonry material to match the masonry portion of the principal building, or shall be constructed of brick or stone.
c. 
No permanent wood signs shall be allowed.
d. 
All sign structures shall be painted or anodized to blend with the architecture. Exposed metal surfaces that are subject to rust or corrosion are prohibited.
(4) 
Engineering requirements.
Where required, the construction plans shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer registered in the state.
(5) 
Interference with safety provisions.
No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free use of any fire escape, exit, standpipe, or window, or obstruct any required ventilator or door stairway.
(6) 
Minimum street frontage.
A minimum of 50 feet of qualified street frontage shall be required to erect a ground sign.
(7) 
Landscaping required.
All ground signs, except traffic control and direction signs, shall be located in a landscaped setting which minimally consists of turf plant material, in all directions from the sign for a distance equal to a minimum of 4½ feet from the base of the sign. Ground type outdoor menu board signs and monument signs shall be required to have landscaping on only two sides.
(8) 
Encroachment.
A permanent sign shall not be constructed within or project over any property line, right-of-way line, public drainage easement, public or private utility easement without an encroachment letter which has been approved by the public works department.
(9) 
Memorial and historical signs.
The sign review committee may authorize special permits, on such terms as deemed appropriate, for signs and markers denoting properties or buildings which may have historical or memorial significance to the community.
(10) 
Community special events.
(11) 
Lighting.
Where provided for in these regulations, certain signs may be illuminated. Illumination may be internal, internal-indirect, or indirect, as defined elsewhere in these regulations. All electrical facilities shall require separate electrical permits and shall be installed in accordance with the city electrical code. Lighting shall be installed so as to avoid any glare or reflection onto adjacent property, or create a traffic hazard on a street. Illuminated signs situated within 100 feet of residentially zoned property shall be shielded to minimize glare.
(12) 
Freeway overlay zone.
There shall be a freeway overlay zone located within an area 200 feet from and parallel to the right-of-way of I.H. Loop 820 and State Highway 121. A pole sign or electronic message sign within the freeway overlay zone shall comply with the following additional regulations:
a. 
Maximum pole sign and electronic message sign height: A pole sign or electronic message sign located within the freeway overlay zone shall not exceed 65 feet in height.
b. 
One pole sign shall be allowed per platted lot which must be separated by a minimum of 100 feet from existing pole signs located on adjacent lots.
c. 
Maximum pole sign and electronic message sign area: The maximum size of a pole sign or electronic message sign located within the freeway overlay zone shall be two square feet of sign area for each linear foot of freeway frontage up to a maximum of 400 square feet. Electronic message signs may not contain displays which reproduce a sense of motion that may cause an undue distraction to motorists and may not change displays or flash at frequencies more than once every eight seconds. Lettering or images that blink, flash, fly, or chase into view of the electronic display shall be prohibited.
d. 
Any pole sign or electronic message sign located on the property of a public school, private school, government entity, or other nonprofit organization that is used to provide public service information of a general nature to the community may have a commercial sponsorship message on the sign. The commercial sponsorship message is limited to 10% of the total sign area.
e. 
One pole sign or monument sign shall be allowed for each separate auto dealership located within the freeway overlay district, but may not exceed one sign for each 150 linear feet of qualified street frontage, or fraction thereof. Auto dealership signs shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the pole or monument sign regulations. A pre-owned automobile dealership and each new automobile make offered for sale shall constitute separate dealerships for the purposes of this section.
(13) 
Visibility triangles.
No fence, screening wall, billboard, sign, structure, hedge, tree, or shrub shall be erected, planted or maintained in such a manner so as to obstruct or interfere with a clear line of sight for the drivers of approaching motor vehicles within a visibility sight triangle. Within this triangle, vision shall be clear at elevations between 30 inches and nine feet above the average curb grade. The placement of utility poles or traffic control devices shall be regulated by the public works director.
a. 
Street intersections.
1. 
On corner lots where two residential streets the triangular area shall be formed by extending the property lines, from their point of intersection, a distance of 15 feet and connecting these points with an imaginary line, thereby making a triangle.
2. 
On corner lots where any combination of residential, C-2-U, C-4-U and larger collector streets intersect the triangular area shall be formed by extending the property lines, from their point of intersection, a distance of 70 feet in the directions of approaching (perpendicular) traffic and 15 feet in the direction parallel to the approach of the intersection and connecting these points with an imaginary line, thereby making a triangle.
3. 
In cases where streets do not intersect at approximately right angles, the public works director shall have the authority to vary these requirements as deemed necessary to provide safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
b. 
Driveway visibility triangles for commercial driveways.
No sign, including the pole of a sign, shall be erected or maintained in such a manner so as to obstruct or interfere with a clear line of sight for the drivers of approaching motor vehicles within a visibility triangle located on each side of a commercial driveway which intersects with a public street right-of-way or public access easement. The triangular area shall be formed by extending from the imaginary intersection point of the street right-of-way line with the edge of the driveway a distance of 50 feet in the directions of approaching (perpendicular) traffic in relationship to the intersection; and 15 feet in the direction parallel to the approach of the intersection; and connecting these points with an imaginary line, thereby making a triangle. Within this triangle, vision shall be clear at elevations between 30 inches and nine feet above the average curb grade. Where a driveway intersects with a one-way street, a visibility triangle is only required on the oncoming traffic side of such driveway, unless traffic safety considerations dictate otherwise.
(Code 1975, § 19½-3; Ordinance 2640, § 1, adopted 7/22/2002; Ordinance 2916, § 2, adopted 12/11/2006; Ordinance 3086, § 2, adopted 2/8/2010; Ordinance 3886 adopted 1/27/2025)
The following signs shall be exempt from permitting but shall comply with any other regulation contained in this chapter:
(1) 
A public notice or warning sign required by a federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance, including historical signs and markers placed by a city, county, state or national historical preservation organization and official vehicle inspection station signs.
(2) 
A sign located inside a building and which is not displayed so as to be visible from outside the building. Signs located within a covered mall building shall comply with the city building code and the city electrical code.
(3) 
A sign located within a building. These generally include credit card decals, hours of operation signs, emergency contact information, etc.
(4) 
Artistic, historic or nostalgic objects, images and works of art approved by the sign review committee located in any multifamily or nonresidential zoning district at such location as the committee may approve. Such approval shall not be deemed to approve any support structure which may be required.
(5) 
Holiday lights and decorations.
(6) 
Traffic control signs on private property, such as "Stop," "Yield," and similar traffic control signs.
(7) 
"No Parking" or "Towing" signs authorized by city ordinance.
(8) 
"No Dumping Allowed" signs posted to deter illegal dumping.
(9) 
Telephone and other underground utility warning signs, and other safety signs not exceeding one square foot in area.
(10) 
Temporary signs that are painted on glass surfaces of windows or doors and pertaining to the lawful business conducted therein.
(11) 
A sign within or on railway property and placed or maintained in reference to the operation of such railway.
(12) 
Security warning, neighborhood watch or crime watch signs under two square feet in area.
(Code 1975, § 19½-4; Ordinance 2962, § 2, adopted 11/12/2007)
Signs not specifically allowed by this chapter are prohibited, including:
(1) 
Roof signs.
(See definition).
(2) 
Rotating and flashing signs.
Revolving, rotating, flashing, or blinking beams or beacons of light shall be prohibited as a part of a sign display or as a device to attract attention, except as required by a governmental agency.
(3) 
Signs on public property.
Private signs shall be prohibited upon public property unless authorized by the city, other appropriate governmental authorities, or as provided by the regulations of this chapter.
(4) 
Signs attached to utility poles.
Signs attached to light poles, utility poles, traffic control poles and trees shall be prohibited.
(5) 
Park bench signs.
Park bench signs shall be prohibited.
(6) 
Searchlights and balloons.
Searchlights and inflatable balloons shall be prohibited, except when approved as a grand opening permit.
(7) 
Obnoxious signs.
Obnoxious signs exploiting sex as follows are prohibited.
a. 
Visual depiction of sexual areas of human form.
No sign, including any temporary sign, which depicts the human form in such a manner that the areas of the buttocks, genitals, or the pubic area, or any portions of the female breasts below the top of the nipple, shall be maintained, erected, or placed upon or adjacent to any building where it is visible from a public street or from an adjacent building or premises.
b. 
Use of words connoting erotic entertainment.
No sign, including any temporary sign, which advertises any "topless," "bottomless," "naked," or words of like import, shall be maintained, erected, or placed upon or adjacent to any building where it is visible from a public street or from an adjacent building or premises. The words "adult entertainment" or "adult shows" shall be permissible.
c. 
Display of offensive signs a public nuisance.
Any sign which is in violation of this subsection shall be declared a public nuisance.
(8) 
Specific prohibited activities.
The following types of signs or activities are specifically prohibited as advertising attractions whether in conjunction with or without a grand opening signage permit within the corporate limits of the city:
a. 
Bungee jumping.
b. 
Animal rides.
c. 
Street vendors or hawkers.
d. 
Helicopter or airplane rides.
e. 
Hot air balloon rides.
(9) 
Off-premises advertising.
Off-premises advertising shall be prohibited, unless provisions for such signs are contained in these regulations.
(10) 
Other signs.
Any other sign not specifically allowed by this chapter is prohibited.
(Code 1975, § 19½-5; Ordinance 3886 adopted 1/27/2025)
No person shall erect, display, alter, relocate, or add to a ground sign, building sign, temporary sign, or a sign structure without first obtaining a permit which has been approved by the building official, unless an exemption is specifically provided herein. No permit shall be issued until the building official determines that the proposed sign is in conformance with these and any other applicable regulations. Where signs are illuminated by electric lighting that requires permanent wiring connections, separate electrical permits shall be obtained as required by the city electric code.
(1) 
Certificate of occupancy required.
No sign permit shall be approved unless a certificate of occupancy has been issued or an application for a certificate of occupancy has been approved by the building official.
(2) 
Sign permit application.
Applications for sign permits shall be submitted on forms furnished by the building official and comply with the following:
a. 
The permit application shall be signed by the property owner or his authorized agent. When the applicant is not the owner, the applicant shall provide a letter from the property owner that authorizes the applicant to represent the owner in the sign application process.
b. 
The applicant shall submit two copies of a site plan which shows the proposed sign in relation to all lot lines and structures, or its location on the building.
c. 
A copy of stress sheets and calculations showing that the sign and its structure designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required by the city building code. The current edition of the International Building Code adopted by the city shall apply for the design of any sign structure. All structural calculations and design drawings are to be signed and sealed by a professional engineer registered in the state.
d. 
The name of the person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign structure or painting the sign.
e. 
The applicant shall submit two copies of details of construction of the sign and the sign support structure to clearly identify materials, methods of fastening or anchoring, whether or not the materials are to be painted, the type, size and location of lighting. When a sign is illuminated by indirect lighting, the applicant shall also submit details of location, direction and placement of the lighting and the shielding.
f. 
Any other information deemed necessary by the building official.
(3) 
Permit approved.
When the building official has determined that the application complies with the requirements of this chapter, he shall approve and issue the sign permit. The permit shall expire 90 days from the date of approval and may be extended upon one written request of the applicant. An application for an expired permit shall be the same as required for a new application.
(Code 1975, § 19½-6; Ordinance 2916, § 3, adopted 12/11/2006)
As a prerequisite to obtaining sign permits, any person or firm operating under the provisions of this chapter within the corporate limits of the city shall be registered as a sign contractor in accordance with the requirements of the city building code. Each sign contractor shall pay an annual fee. Said fee shall be established by separate ordinance adopted by the city council.
(Code 1975, § 19½-7)
For purposes of the regulations of this chapter, the enforcement provisions contained in this section shall apply to the sign regulations. Any violation of these regulations is subject to the provisions of the penalty clause contained herein.
(1) 
Notification of violation.
When any permanent sign is constructed, erected, altered, or maintained in violation of these regulations, the property owner, management and/or tenant shall be given written notice to remove or alter the structure so as to comply with the standards set forth in these regulations. When any temporary or portable sign is installed on private or public property in violation of these regulations, verbal notice of violation may be given in person to a violator.
a. 
When written notice is utilized, the property owner, his agent, and/or the tenant shall be served with a written notice that states the violation and requires compliance with this chapter not more than ten days from the date the notice is served. The notice may be served by handing it to the property owner, agent, or tenant, in person, or by depositing the same in the United States mail, addressed to the property owner at the owner's address as shown on the most current tax roll of the city, or the tenant as shown on the utility billing records of the city. If the owner or tenant cannot be found, or if the notice is refused, or if the notice is returned by the United States Postal Service, then the owner may be notified as follows:
1. 
Posting the notice on or near the front door of each building on the premises where the violation exists at least ten days prior to further action; or
2. 
Posting the notice on a placard attached to a stake driven into the ground on the premises where the violation exists at least ten days prior to further action.
b. 
When verbal notice is utilized, the property owner, his agent, and/or the tenant shall be notified of the violation and instructed to correct or abate the violation within 24 hours. Failure to correct or abate such violation shall be considered a violation of this ordinance and eligible for citations.
c. 
If such person, firm or corporation fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this section within the specified period following notification, the same shall be considered to be in violation of and subject to fine and penalty as provided for in this chapter.
(2) 
Unsafe and dangerous signs.
The building official shall require that any sign or sign supports that are deemed unsafe, dangerous or that poses an immediate threat to the safety of the general public be made safe by repair or removal. The building official shall make reasonable effort to notify and allow the owner, tenant and/or agent of the sign or sign structure to abate the unsafe, dangerous or threatening condition. As a last resort, the building official shall take the necessary steps to abate the conditions. Any and all costs shall be charged to the owner, tenant and/or agent of the sign or sign structure as follows:
a. 
Whenever the property owner, agent, or tenant fails to abate the unsafe or dangerous condition within the time allowed, the building official is hereby authorized to contract with a contractor to perform such work as may be required to abate the nuisance.
b. 
Whenever the city causes any work to be performed to abate a nuisance, a charge will be made to the property owner, agent, or tenant to recover the costs associated with the abatement. The charge shall be the actual cost of abatement, plus applicable sales taxes.
c. 
An administrative fee as established in appendix A of this Code shall be assessed for each charge. The director of finance shall review all fees annually and adjust fees by the increase in the DFW Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12 months as established by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
d. 
If the actual charge and the administrative fee are not paid to the city within 30 days after billing, the city shall file a lien against the property. Said lien shall be filed in the deed records of the county. The charges shown on the lien shall bear interest at the rate of eight percent per annum from the due date until paid. The lien shall be collected under the same terms and provisions of law as on city ad valorem taxes.
(3) 
Illegal signs.
a. 
Signs which are erected in the public right-of-way in violation of this chapter, may be removed without notice.
b. 
The building official or his designee is authorized to abate and/or impound any temporary or portable sign that is in violation of these regulations if not abated by the property owner and/or the sign owner within 24 hours after verbal notice has been given.
(4) 
On-premises sign maintenance.
a. 
Signs and sign structures, including those existing prior to this chapter, shall be maintained at all times in a state of good repair, safe and secure condition, with all braces, bolts, slips, supporting frame and fastenings free from deterioration, termite infestation, rot, rust or loosening, and able to withstand at all times the wind pressure for which they were originally designed.
b. 
Sign supports, structures and faces of all exterior surfaces that are covered with paint shall be regularly painted to prevent rusting, peeling or blistering surfaces.
c. 
Any sign or sign support which varies, leans or lists 15 degrees or more from horizontal or vertical original design (unless approved as part of the original design) shall be considered as requiring maintenance, and shall be repaired or removed by the owner.
d. 
At no time shall a sign's internal lighting or structure be exposed unless it is actively under repair.
(Code 1975, § 19½-8; Ordinance 2730, § 1, adopted 8/25/2003; Ordinance 2916, §§ 4—6, adopted 12/11/2006)
The table of permitted signs, included in this section, presents the zoning districts where the locations of signs shall be allowed or prohibited by the regulations of this chapter. Signs are listed in accordance with allowable zoning districts shown in italics, and zoning districts where certain signs are prohibited shown as blank areas.
Table of Permitted Signs
Permit Req'd YIN
Section #
Residential Districts
Nonresidential Districts
R-1-S
R-1
R-2
R-3
R-4-D
R-6-T
R-8
R-7-MF
MH-1
TC & RI-PD, TOD8
O-1
LR
C-1
C-2
OC
I-1
I-2
U
AG
A. Ground Signs, § 106-13(a)
Electronic Message Sign4
Y
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Major Development Sign
Y
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
 
Monument Sign
Y
2
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
Pole Sign6
Y
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
Digital Billboard7
Y
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
Subdivision Nameplate Sign
Y
4
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
Menu Board Sign
Y
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
 
Traffic Directional Sign
N
5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
Relocated Billboards9
Y
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
B. Building Signs, § 106-13(b)
Canopy Sign
Y
2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
Projection Sign
Y
3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Wall Sign1
Y
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
C. Temporary Signs, § 106-13(c)
New Development Sign
Y
1
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Banner Sign
Y
7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
Construction Trade Sign
N
8
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Flags2
N
11
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Garage/Estate Sale Sign10
Y
5
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grand Opening Sign
N/Y
10
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
 
Light Pole Banner Sign
Y
12
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Political Sign3
N
6
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Portable Sign5
Y
3
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Real Estate Sign
N
4
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Weekend Advertising Sign
Y
9
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Notes:
1
Multifamily allowed one wall sign per street frontage.
2
Company logo flags not allowed in AG, R-1-S, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4-D, R-6-T, R-8, and MH-1 districts.
3
Political signs are regulated as either "AG & R" district signs or "all other district" signs.
4
Electronic message signs allowed outside the freeway overlay zone have additional restrictions than electronic message signs within the freeway overlay zone.
5
See additional restrictions under the portable sign regulations.
6
Pole signs located in these districts must be located within the boundaries of the freeway overlay zone per section 106-3(12). Pole signs located outside the freeway overlay district are prohibited unless part of a major development per section 106-13(3)a.
7
Digital billboards may only replace existing legal non-conforming off-premise billboards located on lots having frontage on U.S. Interstate Highway Loop 820 and on Texas State Highway 121. Sign Review Board Approval is required per section 106-13(a)(6). New billboards of any kind are not permitted.
8
Signs located in a TOD zoning district are subject to the requirements of the North Richland Hills Sign Regulations and the Transit Oriented Development Code.
9
Existing billboard signs may be relocated when allowed by the Texas Department of Transportation Administrative Rules and approved by the Sign Review Board per section 106-15.
10
The garage/estate sale permit number must be included on all signs per section 10-5(e) of this code. No additional sign permit is required.
(Code 1975, § 19½-9; Ordinance 2543; Ordinance 2640, § 1, adopted 7/22/2002; Ordinance 2806, § 1, adopted 9/27/2004; Ordinance 3086, § 3, adopted 2/8/2010; Ordinance 3116, § 3, adopted 10/11/2010; Ordinance 3247, § 15, adopted 6/10/2013; Ordinance 3843, § 8 (Exh. C), adopted 2/26/2024; Ordinance 3886 adopted 1/27/2025)
(a) 
Signs erected in violation of law.
Any sign erected or placed in violation of a city ordinance or regulation applicable at the time of its erection shall be deemed to constitute a violation of this section and shall be removed upon notification to the owner of the premises where it is located. Failure to remove such sign after notice shall constitute a violation of this section.
(b) 
Destroyed signs.
Signs which do not comply with current sign ordinances of the city must, if damaged or destroyed, so that the cost of repairing such sign is more than 60 percent of the cost of erecting a new sign of the same type at the same location, shall be removed upon notice. Failure to remove such a sign shall constitute a violation of this section.
(c) 
Abandoned on-premises signs.
(1) 
On-premises signs identifying or advertising a business shall be removed within 30 days following the first anniversary of the date on which the business, person or activity identified or advertised by such sign or sign structure ceases to operate on the premises where the sign or sign structure is located; provided, however, that if the premises containing the sign is leased, such removal shall be required within 30 days following the second anniversary of the date the most recent tenant ceases to operate on the premises. Failure to remove as required shall constitute a violation of this section.
(2) 
On-premises signs or sign structures advertising or identifying a person, activity or business which ceases to operate on the premises shall not be altered to advertise another person, activity or business unless such sign as altered shall conform to the city's sign regulations including, but not limited to, size, height, and location.
(d) 
Nonconforming signs.
(1) 
Sign panels may be replaced in multi-tenant nonconforming pole and monument signs as changes in tenants occur as long as no other structural changes are made to the sign.
(2) 
All other permanent signs which do not comply with current sign regulations shall be entitled to remain unless required to be relocated, reconstructed or removed in compliance with V.T.C.A., Local Government Code §§ 216.001—216.015.
(Code 1975, § 19½-10; Ordinance 2730, § 2, adopted 8/25/2003; Ordinance 2916, § 7, adopted 12/11/2006)
Businesses adjacent to a major public roadway construction project scheduled for six months or more duration may be eligible for temporary signage when roadway construction activities are commencing immediately adjacent to the business or when the construction activity is taking place within 300 feet downstream of the business' customer access point located on the same side of the street. The following conditions shall apply:
(1) 
Approval of construction as a public roadway project by the sign review board shall be required.
(2) 
Only commercial properties whose access is impacted for a period of two weeks or more are eligible.
(3) 
Signs may contain the name of the business and a directional message/graphic only. Signs promoting products and services are prohibited.
(4) 
Signs may be located at the property line, but shall not be placed within the street or roadway right-of-way.
(5) 
Only one on-premise sign is allowed per parcel. One off-premise sign may be installed provided written permission is obtained from the property owner and the sign is located within 300 feet of the business it is advertising.
(6) 
Signs shall be constructed of light weight materials, such as a yard sign or an A-frame sign, and shall not exceed six square feet in area or 30 inches in height.
(7) 
The city's staff sign review committee is authorized to approve alternate sign combinations on a case-by-case basis depending on site conditions and construction activities.
(Ordinance 2680, § 1, adopted 12/16/2002; Ordinance 3132, § 1, adopted 5/23/2011)
(a) 
Electronic message signs.
Electronic message signs are subject to the following standards:
(1) 
Electronic message signs are permitted on properties with the following primary land uses, provided it is the sole use of the property. The sign is not permitted if the use is located in a multitenant building or multiuse property.
a. 
Public or private school.
b. 
University or college.
c. 
House of worship.
d. 
Amusement park or theme park.
e. 
Public park.
f. 
Governmental building.
(2) 
Electronic message signs are subject to the following standards:
a. 
Number of signs.
One electronic message sign is permitted per lot.
b. 
Type and size.
Electronic message signs are permitted as monument signs only and subject to design standards in Section 106-13(a)(2). The screen size must not exceed two-thirds (2/3) of the overall sign message area.
c. 
Image requirements.
The following standards apply to images displayed on the electronic message sign screen.
1. 
The screen must display static messages for a period of at least eight seconds. A change of message must occur simultaneously on the entire sign face and transition instantaneously to another static image.
2. 
The sign must not display animated, full-motion, or other moving images; strobing, flashing, blinking, or scrolling text or images; or any similar visual effects of animation or movement.
3. 
The sign must be equipped with technology that will automatically freeze a blank screen, single message, content, and/or image on the display if the sign malfunctions or is damaged.
4. 
The sign must be equipped with automatic dimming technology that automatically adjusts the sign brightness based on ambient light conditions.
d. 
Residential adjacency.
To minimize the potential negative effects on surrounding and adjacent residential properties, electronic message signs are prohibited from displaying illuminated messages between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. in the following circumstances:
1. 
When the sign is on residentially zoned property;
2. 
When the sign is located within 100 feet of a residential Structure; and
3. 
When the sign is located within 100 feet of a residentially zoned property.
e. 
Illumination.
The electronic message sign must not exceed a brightness level of 0.3 footcandles above ambient light conditions, as measured by the guidelines below.
1. 
At least 30 minutes past sunset, a light meter must be used to record the ambient light reading for the area. All readings must be taken at five feet above grade and 45 feet from the sign. The meter must be aimed directly at the sign. All measurements must be taken in footcandles.
2. 
The initial reading must be performed while the digital sign is off or displaying all black copy.
3. 
A second reading must be taken with the sign turned on and illuminated entirely in white or red.
4. 
If the difference between the two readings taken above is 0.3 footcandles or lower, then the sign is in compliance. If the result is greater than 0.3 footcandles, the sign is out of compliance and must be adjusted to meet standards or turned off until compliance can be met.
(3) 
Freeway overlay zone: Electronic message signs are permitted within the freeway overlay zone, provided that the restrictions in Section 106-3(12) are met.
(4) 
Fuel pricing signs: Electronic message signs are permitted to be used to display the current price of diesel fuel or gasoline for sale, provided that the restrictions in Section 106-13(b)(2) are met. The fuel pricing message must not change more often than once per hour.
(b) 
Digital billboards.
With approval by the sign review board as described in section 106-15, existing legal nonconforming off-premise billboard signs located on lots having frontage on U.S. Interstate Highway Loop 820 and Texas State Highway 121 may be converted to digital billboards under the following conditions:
(1) 
Each message shall be displayed for at least eight seconds and a change of message shall be accomplished within two seconds or less.
(2) 
Transitions between the display of a message, content, and/or image shall be immediate only and shall occur simultaneously on the entire sign face.
(3) 
No display shall include animation, full motion video, blinking, flashing, dissolving or fading images, moving light, scrolling images or text, nor shall it project a static image upon a stationary object.
(4) 
The display of message, content, and/or image shall be visible only from one direction of traffic travel per sign face on the primary roadway to which the sign is designed to be read.
(5) 
No portion of a digital billboard shall project into a dedicated utility easement or be closer than five feet to a federal, state, or local right-of-way at the time of initial construction.
(6) 
The main support structure shall have a decorative finish consisting of brick, stone, or other approved masonry finish materials. The use of EIFS shall not constitute an approved finish material.
(7) 
A minimum spacing of 1,500 shall be required between one digital billboard and any other digital or conventional billboard on the same side of the roadway facing the same direction. The sign review board is authorized to grant variances to the minimum spacing requirements provided that no variance violates the Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
(8) 
A digital billboard shall have a default mechanism built in to either turn the display off or show "full black" on the display in the event of a malfunction.
(9) 
The display may not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare or otherwise impair the vision of the driver, or results in a nuisance to the driver.
(10) 
A digital billboard shall be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell, which automatically adjusts the display's intensity according to natural ambient light conditions. The brightness of the display shall not exceed 0.3 foot-candles over ambient light measurement at a distance of 250 feet from the sign.
(11) 
Upon notification, the sign operators agree to coordinate with city staff to display emergency information critical to the traveling public, such as AMBER ALERTS from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) authorized source, Homeland Security, and other alerts involving terrorist attacks, and natural disasters. Emergency messages are to remain in the display's rotation according to the designated issuing agency's protocols.
(12) 
The owner of a digital billboard shall provide contact information for a person who is available to be contacted at any time and is able to turn off the sign promptly after malfunction occurs or reduce the intensity of the sign within 12 hours of a request by the building official or the Texas Department of Transportation to a level acceptable to the city and/or department.
(13) 
A digital billboard or its message, content and/or image shall not be configured to resemble a warning or danger signal or cause a driver to mistake it for a warning or danger signal.
(14) 
A digital billboard or its message, content and/or image shall not resemble or simulate any lights of official signage used to control traffic in accordance with the currently adopted edition of the TXDOT manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(15) 
A digital billboard shall not:
a. 
Exceed 672 feet in total display area.
b. 
A digital billboard shall not exceed an overall height of 42.5 feet, measured from the highest point of the sign to the grade level of the centerline of the main-traveled way closest to the sign, at a point perpendicular to the sign location. The lowest point of the sign shall have a minimum clearance of at least 20 feet above the adjacent grade.
(16) 
In cases where a conventional billboard is converted to a digital billboard of larger size, the net area increase of the proposed digital billboard display must be physically removed from other conventional billboards located within the city and under the same ownership or control as the owner proposing the conversion. Once an inventory of all billboards within the city is submitted, the owner may choose which specific conventional billboard face(s) are to be removed in exchange for the net area increase caused by the digital sign conversion. The square footage can be accumulated by the surrendering of smaller conventional billboard face(s) as long as the aggregate amount removed equals or exceeds the area increase caused by the conversion.
(17) 
All digital and conventional billboards shall pay annual renewal fees in accordance with Appendix A.
(Code 1975, § 19½-12; Ordinance 2916, § 8, adopted 12/11/2006; Ordinance 2962, § 3, adopted 11/12/2007; Ordinance 3086, § 4, adopted 2/8/2010; Ordinance 3116, § 4, adopted 10/11/2010; Ordinance 3333, § 6, adopted 10/27/2014; Ordinance 3886 adopted 1/27/2025)
(a) 
Ground signs generally.
Ground signs shall be regulated as pole signs, monument signs, major development signs, subdivision nameplate signs, new development signs, traffic directional signs, electronic message signs, or outdoor menu board signs.
(1) 
Outdoor menu boards.
Outdoor menu boards may be allowed on a lot that has a business with drive-through windows, subject to the following conditions:
a. 
Not more than two outdoor menu boards shall be allowed per drive-through window.
b. 
Sign area shall not exceed 30 square feet.
c. 
The outdoor menu boards shall be located behind the front facade of the building.
d. 
The outdoor menu boards may be either wall or monument type signs.
(2) 
Monument signs.
a. 
Generally.
Monument signs shall be classified as either single-family residential, multifamily residential or nonresidential. Monument signs shall comply with the following regulations that are established for the three divisions:
1. 
Monument signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs.
2. 
When a monument sign is situated within an island or a driveway location at the entryway of a development where a vehicular driving lane is located on one or more sides of the monument sign, the monument sign shall be located consistent with the visibility triangle requirements.
3. 
The sign structure area is the area created by the extreme limits of the total sign structure.
4. 
The sign message area shall be surrounded by at least eight inches of sign structure consisting of masonry.
5. 
The sign structure area includes the sign message area.
b. 
Single-family residential monument signs.
1. 
Number allowed.
Not more than two matching single-family residential monument signs shall be allowed at each entrance of a single-family residential subdivision.
2. 
Maximum area.
A single-family residential monument sign shall not exceed:
i. 
Fifty square feet of sign message area.
ii. 
Seventy-five square feet of sign structure area.
3. 
Maximum height.
A single-family residential monument sign shall not exceed six feet in height.
4. 
Illumination.
Single-family residential monument signs may be illuminated.
c. 
Nonresidential monument and multifamily monument signs.
1. 
Number allowed.
A maximum of one monument sign per street frontage per lot shall be permitted.
2. 
Maximum area.
The maximum area for a monument sign shall be 50 square feet for sign message area and 75 feet for sign structure area. The maximum area of a monument sign serving a multi-tenant property shall be 75 square feet for sign message area and 100 square feet for sign structure area when the following conditions are met:
i. 
The multi-tenant property contains a minimum of two acres.
ii. 
The multi-tenant property has a minimum of 150 feet of street frontage.
iii. 
The multi-tenant property serves a minimum of six tenants.
3. 
Maximum height.
The maximum height for a monument sign shall be seven feet. The maximum height for a monument sign serving a multi-tenant property meeting items 2-i thru 2-iii of this section shall be eight feet six inches.
4. 
Spacing.
A nonresidential monument sign shall be a minimum of 100 feet from another nonresidential monument sign, pole sign, or major development sign situated on the same lot.
5. 
Changeable message boards.
A nonresidential monument sign may contain a changeable message board that utilizes changeable letters. The area of a message board shall be included in calculating the total sign area.
6. 
Lighting.
Monument signs may be illuminated only by internal lighting for scripted nonferrous panels or by a ground lighting source where the light and fixture are not visible from a public right-of-way.
7. 
Shared off-premise monument signs.
In office parks and other similar uses where individual buildings are located on separate lots, but within the same development, shared off-premise monument signs may be allowed under the following conditions:
i. 
A shared off-premise sign may not be located on a vacant lot or parcel.
ii. 
The owner(s) of all properties desiring to install a shared off-premise monument sign must provide a copy of a notarized "unity" agreement which has been filed of record with Tarrant County Deed Records that notifies the building official that the subject properties are to be considered a single parcel.
iii. 
A shared off-premise monument sign shall adhere to the same requirements of other nonresidential monument signs, however, they may not exceed a maximum height of seven feet or exceed a maximum area of 75 square feet.
iv. 
A parcel or lot that contains an existing monument sign shall not be granted an additional off-premise monument sign.
v. 
A shared off-premise monument sign shall not be considered a bonus sign.
(3) 
Major development signs.
The purpose of a major development sign is to identify the name of large commercial and retail developments.
a. 
Major developments located outside the freeway overlay zone.
1. 
General criteria.
One major development sign shall be allowed as follows:
i. 
For a development on a single platted lot that contains one or more multi-occupancy building having 200,000 square feet or more in combined floor area; or
ii. 
For a development on two or more contiguous and adjacent lots that contains one or more multioccupancy building having 200,000 square feet or more in combined floor area.
2. 
Considered as a bonus sign.
A major development sign shall be considered a bonus sign and may be allowed in addition to any other sign authorized in these regulations, provided that all spacing requirements are satisfied.
3. 
Maximum number allowed.
Nothing in these provisions shall be construed so as to allow more than one major development sign for each eligible development.
4. 
Spacing.
A major development sign shall be a minimum of 100 feet from a pole sign or monument sign located on the same lot or on an adjacent lot of the same development.
5. 
Maximum area.
The major development sign shall not exceed 100 square feet of sign area.
6. 
Maximum height.
A major development sign shall not exceed the maximum height of 25 feet. 7.
7. 
Maximum planter height.
When a major development sign is located at a driveway entrance, landscaping plants or planter boxes situated at the base of a major development sign shall not exceed 30 inches in height.
8. 
Changeable message board.
A major development sign may contain a changeable message board that utilizes changeable letters. The area of a changeable message board shall be included in calculating the total sign area.
9. 
Material requirements.
The support structure for a major development sign shall be double pole and shall be constructed or covered with materials that match the masonry portion of the principle building on the site or shall be covered with stone or brick. Each support structure shall be independently covered with masonry.
10. 
Illumination.
A major development sign may be illuminated.
11. 
Identification.
A minimum of 15 percent of the sign area of a major development sign shall display the name of the center at the top of the sign.
b. 
Major retail malls.
1. 
General criteria.
A major retail mall is a commercial development that consist of a multioccupancy building consisting primarily of retail establishments located in one building or one operating entity having a combined floor area of at least 500,000 square feet in floor area. The development may be located on one or more contiguous and adjacent lots, parcels or tracts.
2. 
Monument signs.
A major retail mall may have monument signs complying with the following regulations:
i. 
Maximum area.
The maximum area of a monument sign is 90 square feet in area.
ii. 
Maximum height.
The maximum height of a monument sign is 12 feet.
iii. 
Illumination.
A monument sign may be illuminated.
iv. 
Off-site monument sign.
A major retail mall is permitted one off-site monument sign.
3. 
Wall signs.
A major retail mall may have wall signs that complies with the following regulations:
i. 
Maximum area.
Maximum area multiple wall signs shall be allowed per wall surface. The maximum area of all wall signs on each wall face shall not exceed 25 percent of the total wall area. For purposes of these regulations, the term "wall area" shall mean the wall surface of a single tenant structure or the storefront of a multioccupancy structure. Wall signs may be placed on the vertical edge of freestanding canopies; however, the canopies may not be counted toward the sign area allowed.
ii. 
Illumination.
A wall sign may be illuminated.
(4) 
Subdivision nameplate signs.
The purpose of a subdivision nameplate sign is to provide identification of a subdivision. Subdivision nameplate signs shall comply with the following additional regulations:
a. 
Permitted districts.
Subdivision nameplate signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs.
b. 
Location subdivision.
Nameplate signs shall be secured or mounted into a fence or masonry-screening wall.
c. 
Number allowed.
Not more than two matching subdivision nameplate signs shall be allowed at each entrance of an R district subdivision, or a multifamily development.
d. 
Maximum area.
A subdivision nameplate sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
e. 
Maximum height.
A subdivision nameplate sign shall not extend above the fence or wall.
f. 
Illumination.
Subdivision nameplate signs may be illuminated.
(5) 
Traffic directional signs.
The purpose of a traffic directional sign is to aid vehicular traffic into or out of a business establishment by identifying only the vehicle entrances or exits. Traffic directional signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. 
Generally.
1. 
Traffic directional signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, table of permitted signs.
2. 
Only two traffic directional signs may be allowed at each public street drive approach. Each sign must be either an "entrance" or an "exit" labeled sign, and/or may contain an arrow guiding the proper direction.
3. 
A traffic directional sign shall not exceed two square feet in area with a maximum height of 30 inches.
4. 
Traffic directional signs may include a company name or logo.
5. 
A traffic directional sign may be internally illuminated.
6. 
Traffic directional signs shall be located on private property.
7. 
Portable and temporary signs shall be prohibited.
8. 
Traffic directional signs shall be permanently installed on a concrete footing or other approved foundation system with above grade bases or pedestals consisting of decorative concrete, masonry, plastic, or metal finishes.
9. 
Interior traffic directional signs on sites having combined building areas greater than 200,000 square feet and setback a minimum of 30 feet from public right-of-way may be exempted from the above requirements by approval of the sign review committee.
b. 
Regulations for industrially zoned property.
1. 
A permit shall not be required for a traffic directional sign.
2. 
Only two traffic directional signs may be allowed for each drive approach. Each sign must be either an "entrance" or an "exit" labeled sign.
3. 
A traffic directional sign may not exceed 15 square feet in area.
4. 
Traffic directional signs may include a company name and logo.
5. 
A traffic directional sign may be illuminated.
6. 
Traffic directional signs shall be located on private property.
(b) 
Building signs.
Building signs shall be regulated as either wall signs, canopy signs, or projection signs.
(1) 
Wall signs.
The purpose of a wall sign is to provide single faced signage attached flat against the wall of a structure. Each structure or tenant space may have wall signage on a maximum of three building faces. For the purpose of these regulations, a sign attached to a mansard roof that has a one to one slope or more shall be regulated as a wall sign. For the purpose of these regulations, a sign that is attached or affixed to an awning that does not extend more than 36 inches from the exterior wall surface to which it is attached shall be regulated as a wall sign. Wall signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. 
Permitted districts.
Wall signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs.
b. 
Maximum area.
Multiple wall signs are allowed on exterior walls, but the maximum area of all wall signs on each such wall must not exceed 10% of the exterior wall area. For the purpose of these regulations, the term "exterior wall area" means the exterior wall surface area of a single tenant structure or the storefront of a multi-occupancy structure. The wall area is calculated as the width of the wall multiplied by the height of the wall from the finished floor elevation or top of foundation to the top of the parapet wall or the bottom of the eave, whichever is tallest.
c. 
Multifamily developments.
Wall signs for multifamily developments are limited to one wall sign for each street frontage and a maximum area of 25 square feet.
d. 
Maximum projection.
A wall sign shall not project more than 18 inches from the surface upon which it is attached. However, the upper edge of a wall sign mounted on a mansard roof may project more than 36 inches so long as the sign is perpendicular to the ground and does not extend above the apparent roofline of the building.
e. 
Wall sign placement.
Wall signs must be placed flat against the wall of the building. The sign must be located at least 12 inches horizontally from the edge of a wall or tenant space, and at least 12 inches vertically from a cornice line, parapet wall, the apparent flat roofline, or eaves line of the building.
f. 
Illumination.
A wall sign may be illuminated.
g. 
Window signs.
Signs visible from a public street or sidewalk that are posted, attached, painted, placed or affixed to or on a window or within three feet behind the window and visible from the window. Maximum area of window signs shall be 25% of a window. Where multiple windows exist fronting a single elevation, such maximum shall not apply to any single window, but window signs shall not occupy more than 25% of all window area.
(2) 
Fueling station canopy signs.
The purpose of a fueling station canopy sign is to provide advertising on a fueling station canopy structure. For the purpose of these regulations, a sign attached to a fueling station canopy which extends more than three feet from the exterior of the wall surface to which it is attached or to a free form standing canopy shall be regulated as a fueling station canopy sign. Fueling station canopy signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. 
Fueling station canopy signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs.
b. 
Fueling station canopy signs shall be limited to two canopy faces and shall not exceed 30 percent of the area of any canopy face.
c. 
A fueling station canopy sign shall not extend beyond the top, bottom, or edges of the canopy.
d. 
A fueling station canopy sign may be illuminated.
e. 
Advertising signage on the fueling station canopy shall be limited to company name or logo. No fuel price information or changeable message boards shall be allowed on any fueling station canopy.
f. 
Signs suspended from a fueling station canopy shall not extend:
1. 
To less than eight feet above any pedestrian walking surface below; or
2. 
To less than 14 feet above a vehicular maneuvering area.
g. 
A portable sign may be erected for a maximum period of ten days.
(3) 
Projection signs.
A projection sign is a sign in which the message area is perpendicular to the wall of the building. Projection signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. 
Projection signs may be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, table of permitted signs.
b. 
One projection sign may be allowed for each single tenant building or for each tenant in a multi-occupancy structure. However, no single tenant building or single tenant storefront shall have a projection sign in combination with a wall sign, roof sign, or canopy sign.
c. 
A projection sign shall not exceed 25 square feet. The plane of the message area shall not exceed 18 inches from the plane of the message area on the opposite side of the sign.
d. 
Projection signs shall not project over any property line or right-of-way line.
e. 
A projection sign shall not project more than four feet from any wall surface and shall not extend above the apparent roofline of the building.
f. 
Every projection sign shall be a minimum of eight feet above the grade over a pedestrian walking area or 14 feet over a vehicular maneuvering area.
g. 
A projection sign may be illuminated.
h. 
Provided the above requirements are met, an additional projection sign (commonly referred to as a "blade sign") may be installed beneath a canopy or awning of a main entrance to a single tenant building, or each tenant store front, that does not exceed a maximum area of six square feet and has a vertical dimension of no greater than 12 inches.
(c) 
Temporary signs.
Temporary signs shall be regulated as either portable signs, real estate signs, garage sale signs, political signs, banner signs, construction trade signs, flags, and weekend advertising signs.
(1) 
New development signs.
The purpose of a new development sign is to provide temporary identification of a new residential subdivision, or a proposed new commercial development. New development signs shall comply with the following additional regulations:
a. 
Permit period.
Permits for such signs shall be valid for a period of one year, or to the completion of the project, whichever occurs first and must be removed prior to the expiration of the permit. The permit may be renewed each year upon payment of a new fee, provided that a minimum of ten percent of the lots remain vacant in a residential subdivision.
b. 
On-site.
One new development sign shall be allowed on-site of the residential subdivision or on the site of the commercial project. Additional on-site new development signs shall be allowed as follows:
1. 
One additional new development sign shall be allowed on-site on a different street than the initial new development sign when a residential subdivision contains two street intersections, which do not intersect on the same street.
2. 
One additional new development sign shall be allowed on-site of a proposed new commercial project when the site contains two or more street frontages.
c. 
Off-site.
One new development sign shall be allowed off-site which may be located in any commercial, industrial, or office zoning district, or on unplatted vacant property.
d. 
Maximum height.
A new development sign shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
e. 
Maximum area.
A new development sign shall not exceed 100 square feet in area.
f. 
Illumination.
A new development sign may be illuminated.
g. 
Residential or mixed use developments greater than 100 acres in size are allowed up to three on-site development signs and up to two off-site new development signs provided that all new development signs are located on separate street intersections.
(2) 
Vehicle advertising.
a. 
It shall be unlawful to attach any sign to or upon any vehicle, trailer, skid or similar mobile structure where the primary use is to provide a base for the sign itself and where the vehicle is allowed to remain parked along a right-of-way in the same location or in the same vicinity at frequent or extended periods of time exceeding 24 hours.
b. 
Vehicles whose primary use is the regular delivery of goods or services may have such goods and services advertised upon the vehicle, provided that the owner can demonstrate, through a log or other documentation made contemporaneously with the vehicle usage, that the primary use of the vehicle is the regular delivery of goods or services.
c. 
Signs shall be permanently attached to the vehicle in a professional manner by being painted, adhered, bolted, screwed or magnetically affixed. No sign or advertising structure shall be erected or attached to any vehicle except for those signs which are painted directly or mounted flush to the surface or mounted directly on the roof of the vehicle. No roof-mounted signs shall project more than 12 inches above the roof of the vehicle or the bed of a pickup truck.
d. 
Banners or signs made of cloth or other light materials, secured with rubber, rope, string, tape or other similar adhesives shall be prohibited for vehicular advertising.
e. 
Vehicle advertising affixed to a vehicle which has been altered for purposes of circumventing these regulations shall be prohibited.
f. 
Vehicles that are inoperable, that are not properly licensed and/or are currently not registered shall not be used, parked or stored in a manner to provide advertising.
g. 
Vehicles and trailers displaying advertising shall be required to be stored more than 65 feet from any public right-of-way; provided, however, such vehicles and trailers may be stored no closer than 15 feet from public right-of-way of freeways and primary arterial streets designated on the city thoroughfare plan, and no closer than five feet from any other public right-of-way if:
1. 
The property is located within the "I-1" and "I-2" industrial zoning districts, or
2. 
Such vehicles and trailers are available for lease to the public as part of the business' primary on site use, or
3. 
Such vehicles and trailers are used for regular delivery of merchandise or transportation of service providers to work sites.
(3) 
Portable signs.
a. 
A permit shall be required for every portable sign. Nonprofit organizations, including community events will not be charged a permit fee.
b. 
All applications for a portable sign permit shall be accompanied by a refundable deposit per sign as established in appendix A of this Code. The director of finance shall review all fees annually and adjust fees by the increase in the DFW Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12 months as established by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The deposit will be refunded to the applicant once the portable sign has been removed and an affidavit attesting to the removal of the sign is filed with the city. If the applicant fails to provide such an affidavit within five days of the expiration of the permit, the deposit will be forfeited to the city.
c. 
Portable signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, table of permitted signs, subject to the following additional restrictions:
1. 
Portable signs utilized by nonprofit organizations or for community events shall be allowed in all zoning districts; however, within residential zoning districts, signs may only be located on a collector or arterial street.
2. 
Portable signs utilized to advertise "for profit" activities may be located in nonresidential districts only.
d. 
A portable sign may be erected or placed to advertise a business, industry or pursuit, but only on the premises on which the referenced business, industry or pursuit is conducted and only when a certificate of occupancy has been previously issued by the building official.
e. 
Portable signs to advertise community events may be located off-premises from the location of the event.
f. 
A portable sign may be erected for a maximum period of ten days.
g. 
The number of allowable portable sign permits shall be as follows:
1. 
One grand opening portable sign permit may be issued to a business during the tenure of the business at the same location.
2. 
In addition to the one-time grand opening permit, a maximum of two portable sign permits may be issued to a business for advertising purposes each calendar year provided a minimum of 90 days separates the two permits.
3. 
Each non-profit organizational event or community event shall be permitted to obtain five portable signs per event, not to exceed five events per year. A minimum of 30 days must separate each event.
h. 
The portable sign structure must be removed from the view of adjacent public rights of way upon expiration of the permit. Removal of the letters from the signboard does not constitute removal of the sign.
i. 
A portable sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
j. 
A portable sign shall not be erected or placed in any location that constitutes a safety or traffic hazard.
k. 
A portable sign shall not be erected or placed in a fire zone, fire lane, handicap parking area or required loading zone.
l. 
A portable sign shall not be placed in any location that blocks the view of any ground sign.
m. 
A portable sign shall be placed a minimum of ten feet from any property line.
n. 
A portable sign shall be a minimum of 100 feet from another portable sign situated on the same lot.
o. 
A portable sign shall bear the company name, address and telephone number of the owner of the sign which shall be the same information as shown on the contractor registration on file with the city. Any sign not containing current information shall be declared an illegal sign.
p. 
Portable signs shall not be illuminated.
q. 
Portable signs shall be kept painted and in good repair. No portion of a portable sign shall have missing or damaged faces. Portable signs shall be maintained structurally and shall be mechanically sound and free from broken, bent, or otherwise damaged components. Signs found to be in other than good repair shall be immediately removed by the business owner upon notice of the building official or his designee.
r. 
An exception may be granted by the City Manager or his/her designee to allow for the placement of a portable sign closer than 100 feet from another sign on a lot, and/or to allow for an extension of the time period erected up to a maximum of 30 days.
(4) 
Real estate signs.
The purpose of a real estate sign is to advertise the offering for sale or rental of land and buildings. Real estate signs shall be classified as either residential or nonresidential. Every real estate sign shall comply with the following regulations:
a. 
General provisions applicable to all real estate signs.
1. 
A permit shall not be required for a real estate sign.
2. 
Real estate signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs.
3. 
Real estate signs shall be removed within one week following the close of a sale or lease of the property advertised.
b. 
Residential real estate signs.
One residential real estate sign shall be allowed for each street frontage for a single lot of residential zoned or used property as follows:
1. 
The residential real estate sign shall be placed on the property offered for sale or rental.
2. 
The area of the residential real estate sign shall not exceed six square feet, exclusive of the pole. The real estate sign shall have no more than six "sign riders."
3. 
No portion of a residential real estate sign, including the pole, shall exceed six feet in overall height.
4. 
A residential real estate sign shall not be illuminated.
5. 
In addition to a residential real estate sign, one "Open House" and one "Model Home" sign shall be allowed on the property offered. The size and area shall not exceed that of a residential real estate sign.
6. 
"Open House" signs and "Model Home" signs displayed off-premises shall be allowed when the advertiser and the sign conforms to the regulations for weekend advertising signs contained in this chapter.
c. 
Nonresidential real estate signs.
One nonresidential real estate sign shall be allowed for each street frontage on any multifamily or nonresidential commercial property, and shall comply with the following regulations:
1. 
The nonresidential real estate sign shall be placed on the property offered for sale or rental.
2. 
A nonresidential real estate sign area shall not exceed 100 square feet in area.
3. 
A nonresidential real estate sign shall not exceed 15 feet in overall height.
4. 
A nonresidential real estate sign shall not be illuminated.
5. 
Nonresidential real estate sign shall be a minimum of 20 feet behind any curb or edge of pavement.
6. 
In addition to a nonresidential real estate sign, one "Open House" sign shall be allowed on the property offered. The size and area shall not exceed that of a nonresidential real estate sign.
7. 
"Open House" signs displayed off-premises shall be allowed when the advertiser and the sign conforms to the regulations for weekend advertising signs contained in this chapter.
(5) 
Garage sale signs.
a. 
A permit shall not be required for any garage sale sign.
b. 
Garage sale signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs when in conjunction with an approved garage sale permit.
c. 
Temporary, unlighted signs announcing a garage sale of household possessions shall be allowed in conjunction with an approved garage sale permit at a place of residence.
d. 
Garage sale signs shall be located on private property only. Garage sale signs shall not be allowed on any public property, right-of-way, or utility, light, traffic signal or sign pole.
e. 
Garage sale signs shall not exceed six square feet in area.
f. 
Garage sale signs shall not exceed three feet in height.
g. 
Garage sale signs shall not be posted more than 24 hours prior to the beginning of the sale and shall be removed within 24 hours following the end of the sale.
h. 
Garage sale signs shall not be illuminated.
(6) 
Political signs.
a. 
A political sign is a sign that contains primarily a political message, has an effective area of 36 square feet or less, is no more than eight feet in height, is not illuminated, and has no moving elements.
b. 
No permit shall be required for any political sign as defined in a. above.
c. 
Political signs shall be allowed in all zoning districts on private property with the consent of the property owner.
d. 
Political signs shall not be located on any utility, light, traffic signal or sign pole.
e. 
Political signs shall be allowed for a period of 30 days prior to local or county elections, 60 days prior to a state election, and 90 days prior to a national election. All political signs shall be removed no later than seven days after the election or after the termination of candidacy, whichever comes first.[1]
[1]
Editor's note — The time period for placement of political signs is not enforceable pursuant to Reed v. Gilbert, 135 S. Ct. 2218(2015).
f. 
Signs with primarily political messages which do not meet the definition of a. above shall not be allowed unless with a permit subject to other sign requirements.
g. 
Political signs shall not be located so as to cause a safety or traffic hazard. Signs within public right-of-way which, in the opinion of the director of public works or his designee constitute a safety or traffic hazard may be relocated if feasible or removed without prior notice, pursuant to written guidelines to be developed by the director of public works and filed with this chapter.
h. 
A political sign shall not be illuminated or projected.
i. 
Political signs shall not be placed on public property or within any federal, state or local public right-of-way, except that political signs less than three feet in height and with no more than six square feet of sign face on any side may be placed in public right-of-way, other than a median, with no portion of such sign closer than three feet from the back of the curb, or, if no curb, from the edge of the pavement of streets classified by the city's thoroughfare plan as arterial P6D, M6D, M4D, P7U, M5U or M4U or collectors classified as C4U or C2U as long as such sign is not placed in right of way adjacent to an occupied residence or adjacent to publicly owned land other than a road. No sign shall be placed within 30 feet of an identical sign. Signs shall not extend over the sidewalk or street.
j. 
Political signs placed or remaining in public right-of-way in violation of this chapter may be removed by municipal workers or contractors without notice.
k. 
Notwithstanding the other regulations of this chapter, for any building owned by the city used for voting, unlighted political signs not exceeding three feet in height and with no more than six square feet of sign face on any side may be posted on the grounds of such building outside the distance where electioneering is prohibited by the state during any voting period defined as beginning with the commencement of early voting by personal appearance and ending after the polls close on the last day for early voting by personal appearance for an early voting polling place, and beginning when the polls open on election day and ending when the polls close on election day for an election day polling place. (See V.T.C.A., Election Code, § 43.031(f)) Such signs shall not overhang any sidewalk or driveway.
(7) 
Banner signs.
The purpose of a banner sign is to supplement permanent advertising with temporary advertising messages, which advertise the opening of a new business or a special event. Banner signs shall comply with the following regulations:
a. 
A permit shall be required for a banner sign.
b. 
Banner signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs.
c. 
One banner sign shall be allowed for each single occupancy structure or for each store front of a multi-occupancy structure.
d. 
A banner sign shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
e. 
Banner signs shall be attached to a building wall surface or fascia and shall not project above the apparent roof or eaves line, with the exception of banner signs advertising multifamily complexes which shall also be allowed to be placed in front of the building setback in open landscaped areas a minimum of ten feet behind the public right-of-way. Multifamily banner signs in landscaped areas shall be suspended between permanent decorative wood or steel posts.
f. 
Banner signs shall be kept in good repair and remain securely attached in such a manner to withstand wind loads in accordance with the International Building Code.
g. 
Banner signs shall not be displayed for a period exceeding 30 days; nor shall a permit for a banner sign be granted more than three times within any one-year period. When more than one permit is granted to a business on a lot, there must be a minimum period of 45 days between the effective dates of such permits.
h. 
In conjunction with the grand opening signage provisions of this chapter, one additional oversized banner shall be allowed on the front or side of a building structure for each street frontage of a business holding a certificate of occupancy. The maximum size of the additional banner shall not exceed 25 percent of the wall area on which the banner is attached.
i. 
Developments with a parking lot containing more than 65,000 square feet may erect color coded banners for the purpose of aiding patrons in locating their parked vehicles. Such banners shall be located on poles uniformly throughout the parking lot with a ratio not to exceed one banner for each 65,000 square feet of parking area. Such banners shall be entitled to have a logo or symbol identifying the establishment. The total size of each such color coded banner shall not exceed 36 square feet and the banner shall not be less than three feet in width nor more than 12 feet in length or greater than 20 percent of the surface height of the pole to which it is to be attached.
(8) 
Construction trade signs.
The purpose of a construction trade sign is to provide temporary advertising for the various construction companies working at a construction site. For purposes of these regulations, a sign, which advertises the financial lending institution, shall be considered a construction trade sign. Construction trade signs shall be regulated as either residential construction trade signs or nonresidential construction trade signs.
a. 
No permit shall be required for any construction trade sign.
b. 
Construction trade signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs.
c. 
Residential construction trade signs shall comply with the following:
1. 
Residential construction trade signs shall only be allowed in residential zoning districts.
2. 
Residential construction trade signs shall not exceed six square feet in area.
3. 
Residential construction trade signs shall not exceed three feet in overall height.
4. 
The signs shall be placed on the property where building activity is taking place.
5. 
A residential construction trade sign shall not be illuminated.
6. 
The signs shall be removed immediately following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
d. 
Nonresidential construction trade signs shall comply with the following:
1. 
Nonresidential construction trade signs shall only be allowed in nonresidential zoning districts.
2. 
Nonresidential construction trade signs shall not exceed 50 square feet in area.
3. 
Nonresidential construction trade signs shall not exceed ten feet in overall height.
4. 
The signs shall be placed on the property where building activity is taking place.
5. 
A nonresidential construction trade sign shall not be illuminated.
6. 
The signs shall be removed immediately following the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
(9) 
Weekend advertising sign.
The purpose of weekend advertising signage is to assist the public by guiding them to available residential properties in the city.
a. 
Registration.
A builder, developer, or realtor must be registered with the city to be eligible to participate as a weekend advertiser. The annual fee shall be paid and/or renewed during the month of January each year.
b. 
Schedule.
Signs shall be allowed between 12:00 p.m. Friday and 12:00 p.m. Monday. A holiday falling on Friday or Monday will be considered as part of the weekend.
c. 
Sign size.
Signs shall not exceed six square feet in area, and shall not exceed three feet above grade.
d. 
Spacing of signs.
Signs for one advertiser shall be at least 200 feet apart.
e. 
Sign location.
Individual sign locations shall adhere to the following criteria:
1. 
It shall be the responsibility of the builder, owner, or realtor to secure permission of the adjacent property owner for placement of the signs on private property. This section does not grant unlimited access and use of the city right-of-way.
2. 
Signs shall not, except as herein provided, be placed on public property or in public right of way. Such signs may be placed no closer than three feet from the back of the curb or, if no curb, from the edge of the pavement of streets classified by the city's thoroughfare plan as arterial P6D, M6D, M4D, P7U, M5U or M4U or collectors classified as C4U or C2U as long as such sign is not placed in the right-of-way adjacent to an occupied residence or adjacent to publicly owned land other than a road. Signs shall not extend over the sidewalk or street.
3. 
No sign shall be placed in a visibility sight triangle as defined in this chapter.
4. 
Signs shall not be located within a street median.
5. 
Sign construction and criteria signs shall be rigid, two-dimensional displays that advertise residential property, "For Sale, Lease or Open House," guiding the public to a specific location in the city.
(10) 
Grand opening signage.
The purpose of grand opening signage is intended to allow a new business, or a business which has substantially remodeled as herein prescribed, or which is located on a major arterial or a street which has been reopened by city council action, to benefit from special advertising signage which is not usually allowed by right by the sign regulations. Grand opening signage requires approval of a sign permit and is allowed in all zoning districts, except within the AG, and the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4-D, R-1-S, R-6-T, R-7-MF, R-8, and the U districts. The following regulations contained within this subsection apply to grand opening signage:
a. 
A business shall be entitled to utilize the grand opening signage provisions contained in this subsection under the following conditions and for the following time periods, subject to obtaining permits therefor:
1. 
When the certificate of occupancy has been issued to a new business, the business may within 180 days thereafter utilize, for a 30 day period, grand opening signage;
2. 
When a certificate of occupancy has been issued to an existing business which has remodeled and the cost of the renovation exceeds 60 percent of the current value of the building, or lease-space, excluding the value of the land, according to the most recently approved tax roll, the business may within 180 days thereafter utilize, for a 30 day period, grand opening signage; or
3. 
At the completion of major roadway reconstruction of a freeway or principal arterial lasting more than six months, the city council may declare a "grand re-opening" period for such reconstructed roadway. All businesses within 200 feet of such reconstructed roadway shall be allowed usage of grand opening signage for a period of 30 days after such declaration. No permits or permit fees shall be required for such signage.
b. 
Approval of a grand opening signage permit by the building official is required and shall be valid for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days. The grand opening signage permit is limited to the address noted on the certificate of occupancy and shall comply with the following requirements:
1. 
Grand opening signage may include any combination of oversized banners, pennants, inflatable signs and balloons, searchlights, and a portable sign, which may be in addition to any other legal sign allowed by the provisions of this chapter.
2. 
A searchlight may be used as grand opening signage provided it complies with the provisions of subsection (c)(10)c of this section.
3. 
Banner signs may be used as grand opening signage, provided that they comply with the provisions of subsection (c)(7) of this section.
4. 
Pennants may be used as grand opening signage, provided that they comply with the provisions of subsection (c)(10)3 of this section.
5. 
Inflatable signs and balloons may be used as grand opening signage, provided that they comply with the provisions of subsection (c)(10)d of this section.
6. 
One portable sign may be used as grand opening signage, provided that it complies with the provisions of subsection (c)(3) of this section.
7. 
Grand opening signage shall be contained within the limits of the property of the legal business on which a certificate of occupancy has been issued and shall not extend into the city right-of-way. Signage shall not be located in any sight visibility triangle nor shall any combustible materials be placed in contact with illuminated signs or electrical fixtures.
8. 
No permit fee shall be required for a grand opening signage permit.
c. 
Searchlights.
Searchlights shall be allowed only in conjunction with the grand opening signage provision contained in these regulations. A searchlight may be used, provided that the following regulations are satisfied:
1. 
Any searchlight shall be located on private property of the premises and not on any public right-of-way. The searchlight shall be positioned so as to project all beams vertically, but not less than a minimum angle of 30 degrees from grade level.
2. 
The maximum light intensity generated by searchlights on any premises shall not exceed a total of 1,600 million-foot candlepower. No more than four beams of light may be projected from any premises.
3. 
All searchlights must be designed and maintained so as to prevent beam rays of light from being directed at any portion of the traveled ways or adjoining property. No light shall be of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare to or impair the vision of the driver of any vehicle.
4. 
No searchlight may be operated between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
d. 
Inflatable signs and balloons.
Inflatable signs and balloons, including lighter-than-air balloons connected with a tether, shall be allowed only in conjunction with the grand opening signage provision contained in these regulations. Inflatable signs and balloons may be used, provided that the following regulations are satisfied:
1. 
Not more than one inflatable sign or balloon shall be allowed on any premises.
2. 
Inflatable signs and balloons when placed on a building may not exceed 25 feet in height above the roof of the building and shall not obstruct visibility necessary for safe traffic maneuvering.
3. 
Inflatable signs and balloons when placed on the ground may not exceed 25 feet in height above the ground level and shall not obstruct visibility necessary for safe traffic maneuvering.
4. 
Inflatable signs and balloons shall maintain a setback from any side or rear property line a minimum distance equal to the height of the balloon.
5. 
Inflatable signs and balloons shall maintain five feet of clearance from any overhead electrical wire.
6. 
Inflatable signs and balloons shall be kept in good repair and remain securely attached in such a manner to withstand wind loads.
e. 
Pennants.
Pennants shall be allowed only in conjunction with the grand opening signage provisions contained in these regulations. Pennants may be used, provided that the following regulations are satisfied:
1. 
All pennants shall maintain at least 15 feet of clearance over any vehicle maneuvering area or fire lane.
2. 
All pennants shall maintain five feet of clearance from any overhead electrical wire.
3. 
All pennants shall be kept in good repair and remain securely attached in such a manner to withstand wind loads.
4. 
Pennants shall not be attached to any utility or traffic control device pole located within a right-of-way or project into a street right-of-way.
(11) 
Flags.
Flags shall comply with the following additional regulations:
a. 
A permit shall not be required for any flag. A permit shall be required for a flagpole, which exceeds 20 feet in height above the ground.
b. 
United States and state flags shall be allowed in all zoning districts.
c. 
Company logo flags shall be allowed in all zoning districts except for AG, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4-D, R-1-S, R-6-T, and R-8 districts.
d. 
Company logo flags shall not exceed 100 square feet in area, and if flown in conjunction with United States and Texas flags, shall not exceed area of United States and Texas flags.
e. 
Maximum height: A flagpole shall not exceed the following heights:
1. 
Twenty feet in the R-7-MF zoning district.
2. 
Fifteen feet in the AG, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4-D, R-1-S, R-6-T, and R-8 zoning district.
f. 
The maximum number of flags in any zone is limited to four.
(12) 
Light pole banner signs.
a. 
A permit shall be required for light pole banner signs.
b. 
Light pole banner signs shall be allowed in zoning districts shown in section 106-9, Table of Permitted Signs.
c. 
A single permit may be issued for multiple light pole banner signs, a number which must be specified on the permit application.
d. 
A light pole banner sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in size.
e. 
Light pole banner signs shall not project above the maximum height of the pole.
f. 
Light pole banner signs shall be kept in good repair and remain securely attached in such a manner to withstand wind loads in accordance with the International Building Code.
g. 
Light pole banner signs shall not be displayed for a period to exceed 60 days; nor shall a permit for light pole banner signs be issued for the same property more than three times within a one-year period.
h. 
The primary message displayed on light pole banner signs may be seasonal in nature and without the use of words describing a product company name or logo. Light pole banner signs located on the following sites shall not be displayed for a period to exceed 180 days; may contain the name of the company, services, and/or its logos; and shall include the same name and logo on all displayed banners. Light pole banner signs shall not advertise individual products:
1. 
A development on a single platted lot that contains one or more multi-occupancy buildings having 200,000 square feet or more in combined floor area, or
2. 
A development of two or more contiguous and adjacent lots that contains one or more multi-occupancy buildings having 200,000 square feet or more in combined area, or
3. 
A single business located on one or more contiguous and adjacent platted lots containing a minimum of five acres within the freeway overlay district.
(13) 
Temporary sales events within the freeway overlay zone.
a. 
Except for temporary uses allowed by City Code Section 118-715, displays associated with temporary sales events such as tethered balloons, inflatable figurines or structures, banners and similar elements, are limited to those locations indicated below:
1. 
A development on a single platted lot that contains one or more multi-occupancy buildings having 200,000 square feet or more in combined floor area, or
2. 
A development of two or more contiguous and adjacent lots that contains one or more multi-occupancy buildings having 200,000 square feet or more in combined area, or
3. 
A single business located on one or more contiguous and adjacent platted lots containing a minimum of five acres within the freeway overlay district.
b. 
A permit shall be required for each temporary sales event intending to display one or more tethered balloons, inflatables, banners, or similar element. Each temporary sales event shall pay a fee of $100.00.
c. 
No more than six temporary sales events may be permitted per calendar year for a period not to exceed ten days per event. Each temporary sales event intending to display one or more tethered balloon, inflatable, banner, or similar elements must be separated by a period of no less than 30 days.
d. 
No more than four, or a combination thereof, of tethered balloons, inflatables, banners, or similar elements shall be displayed per event.
e. 
Tethered balloons and inflatable signs shall meet the following standards:
1. 
When placed on a building they may not exceed 25 feet in height above the roof of the building and shall not obstruct visibility necessary for safe traffic maneuvering.
2. 
When placed on the ground they may not exceed 25 feet in height above the ground level and shall not obstruct visibility necessary for safe traffic maneuvering.
3. 
Shall maintain a setback from any side or rear property line a minimum distance equal to the height of the balloon and shall not overhang a federal, state, or local thoroughfare.
4. 
Shall maintain five feet of clearance from any overhead electrical wire.
5. 
Shall be kept in good repair and remain securely attached in such a manner to withstand wind loads.
f. 
Inflatable figurines and structures shall be properly anchored. When in use, power supplies to inflation devices shall be protected with ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). Approved extension cords supplying power to the inflation devices must be adequately protected from damage by vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
g. 
Search lights and laser beam-type lighting are prohibited.
(Code 1975, § 19½-13; Ordinance 2640, § 1, adopted 7/22/2002; Ordinance 2730, §§ 3, 4, adopted 8/25/2003; Ordinance 2740, § 1, adopted 9/23/2003; Ordinance 2789, § 1, adopted 6/14/2004; Ordinance 2819, §§ 1, 2, adopted 1/24/2005; Ordinance 2916, §§ 9—16, adopted 12/11/2006; Ordinance 2962, § 4, adopted 11/12/2007; Ordinance 3260, § 1, adopted 8/12/2013; Ordinance 3886 adopted 1/27/2025; Ordinance 3903 adopted 5/14/2025; Ordinance 3919 adopted 8/11/2025)
(a) 
Creation.
There is hereby created a sign review committee. The city manager shall appoint at least three full-time employees to perform as the sign review committee.
(b) 
Purpose.
The sign review committee shall review requests and plans as this chapter may require.
(c) 
Procedure.
Any such requests and plans shall first be submitted to the building official for initial review. The building official shall forward same to the sign review committee in no less than seven working days. The sign review committee shall meet as necessary.
(d) 
Works of art.
The sign review committee shall be responsible for reviewing requests, locations, and plans for works of art on private property. Works of art shall include artistic, historic, or nostalgic objects and images which are in relative scale and context with the subject property and do not include the advertisement of products, goods or services of an existing business.
(e) 
Decision.
Upon receipt of requests of plan from the building official, the sign review committee shall reach a decision within seven working days. Except as may be indicated otherwise, decision of the sign review committee is final. When indicated in this chapter, decisions of the sign review committee may be appealed to the sign review board.
(Code 1975, § 19½-14; Ordinance 2962, § 5, adopted 11/12/2007)
(a) 
Creation.
There is hereby created a sign review board. For the purpose of this chapter the city council shall serve as the sign review board.
(b) 
Meetings and quorum.
Four members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business. The members of the board shall regularly attend meetings and public hearings of the board and shall serve without compensation. Minutes shall be kept showing the vote of each member on each question or the absence or failure of each member to vote. Such proceedings shall be a public record and shall be retained for at least five years.
(c) 
Jurisdiction.
The sign review board shall have the right to inspect premises where required in the discharge of their responsibilities under this chapter. The sign review board, in specific cases, may authorize or order the following:
(1) 
Interpretation.
To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error on any order, requirement, decision or interpretation of this chapter by the building official. In reaching its decision, the board shall establish firm guidelines for future administrative actions on like matters.
(2) 
Permits for nonconformities.
To authorize a building permit for the reconstruction, extension, or enlargement of a nonconforming sign.
(3) 
Discontinuance of nonconformities.
To require discontinuance of nonconforming sign under the authority provided in the Texas Local Government Code.
(4) 
Variances.
To authorize upon appeal, in specific cases, such variance from the terms of this chapter as will not be contrary to the public interest and where, because of special conditions, the enforcement of this chapter would result in an unnecessary hardship.
(d) 
Interpretation request or appeal.
A request for interpretation of regulations or an appeal for variance from a certain provision of this chapter may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer, department, or board of the city affected by a decision of the building official. Such appeal shall be taken within 15 days' time after the decision has been rendered, by filing with the enforcement officer a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof. The enforcement officer shall transmit to the board all papers constituting the record upon which the action being appealed was taken.
(e) 
Application.
Before any request for an interpretation or a variance from this chapter will be heard by the sign review board, application shall be made and duly filed by the property owner or authorized agent upon the forms prescribed by the city. Such application shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) 
The name, addresses, and phone numbers of the property;
(2) 
The name, addresses, and phone numbers of the owner's agent, if applicable;
(3) 
The legal description of the property;
(4) 
A brief description of the variance sought;
(5) 
The required number of copies of a current boundary survey, plats, or plots plan of the property.
(6) 
The applicant must provide proof of ownership of the property, or a letter from the owner of the property granting the applicant permission to request the variance.
(f) 
Fees.
Every application for a variance shall be accompanied by a filing fee as established in the fee schedule, appendix A of this Code.
(g) 
Stay of proceedings.
An appeal shall stay all proceedings of the action appealed from unless the building official, after the notice of appeal has been filed, certifies in writing to the board that a stay would, in the opinion of the building official, cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case, proceedings shall only be stayed by a restraining order granted by the board or by a court of record.
(h) 
Form of appeal or application.
An appeal or application shall be in such form and contain such information as the board may require under its rules of procedure. The required fee shall accompany it. An incomplete appeal or application shall be deemed only to give notice of intent to appeal or apply to the board and shall not be reviewed or scheduled for hearings until brought to completion.
(i) 
Notice of hearing.
Official written notice of public hearing on every application for a variance or for an interpretation of regulations applying solely to an individual property shall be sent to all owners of real property lying within 200 feet of any property on which the variance is requested. The notice of hearing shall be given to each taxpayer as the ownership appears on the last approved city tax roll by depositing such notice, properly addressed and postage paid, in the United States Post Office, not less than ten days before the date set for a hearing before the sign review board. Notice of hearing shall also be given by publication in the official newspaper of the city at least ten days before the date set for a hearing before the sign review board. Such notice shall state the time and place of such hearing, and the nature of the subject to be considered.
(j) 
Hearing.
(1) 
Upon the hearing, the applicant shall appear in person or by attorney or authorized agent. Evidence supporting the granting or denial of an appeal shall be submitted only through the building official or to the board in public meeting.
(2) 
Any appeal or application may be withdrawn upon written notice to the building official.
(3) 
The board shall make its decision on any application within 45 days from the time the initial hearing is held or the application will be deemed to have been denied.
(k) 
Decision and voting.
(1) 
Every decision of the board shall be based upon findings of fact and every finding of fact shall be supported in the record of proceedings. The board may act only in matters as specifically authorized by these regulations and these regulations shall be construed as limitations on the power of the board to act.
(2) 
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to empower the board to change the terms of these regulations, or to effect changes in the zoning districts. The powers of the board shall be so applied that the terms of these regulations will be strictly enforced.
(3) 
The affirmative vote of four members shall be necessary to reverse an appeal, any order, requirement, decision or determination of the building official; to approve any variance that the board is empowered to grant; or to authorize the continuance or discontinuance of a nonconforming use, structure, or lot.
(4) 
A member shall disqualify himself from voting whenever he has a personal or monetary interest in the property under appeal, or will be directly affected by the decision of the board.
(5) 
A member may disqualify himself from voting whenever any applicant, or his agent, has sought to influence the member's vote on the appeal other than in the public hearing.
(6) 
The decision of the board shall be final.
(l) 
Approval of request.
(1) 
In approving any request, the board may designate such conditions including time limits, if appropriate, in connection therewith in order to secure substantially the objectives of the regulation or provision to which such variance is granted and to provide adequately for the maintenance of the integrity and character of the zone in which such permit is granted.
(2) 
When necessary the board may require guarantees, in such form as it deems proper, to ensure that conditions designated in connection therewith are being or will be complied with.
(3) 
Upon approval of an application for a variance appeal, the applicant shall apply for occupancy or construction permits within 60 days after the board's decision unless a greater time is requested in the application and is authorized by the board. Any approval may be granted one emergency extension of 60 days on written request filed with the board before expiration of the original approval. Failure of the applicant to apply for occupancy of construction permits within the authorized time period shall void the right to secure such permits except upon the filing of a new application or appeal.
(m) 
Denial of request.
No appeal or application that has been denied shall be further considered by the board, unless the board affirmatively finds:
(1) 
That new plans materially change the nature of the request; or
(2) 
The permitted development of other nearby property in the same zone has been substantially altered or changed by a ruling of the board so as to support an allegation of changed conditions.
(Code 1975, § 19½-15)
(a) 
If the building official shall find any of the provisions of this chapter being violated, he shall, when necessary, give notice to the person responsible to cease such violations forthwith.
(b) 
Written notice may be delivered in person or by mail to a violator or to any person in charge of property where a violation is occurring. Verbal notice may be given to a violator in person by the building official or his deputy. Either notice shall be effective.
(c) 
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of public health, safety, morals and general welfare.
(d) 
Whenever the requirements of this chapter are at variance with the requirements of any other lawfully adopted rules, regulations or ordinances, the requirements that are most restrictive or that impose higher standards as determined by the building official shall govern.
(Code 1975, § 19½-17)