DIVISION III-4 SIGNS

The purpose of this article is to ensure that:

Each sign user has a reasonable opportunity to provide information, identification, and/or direction to a use or property;

(b)

The reasonable, orderly, and effective display of outdoor nonresidential and residential messages is consistent with all relevant national or state programs to protect the public investment in highways;

(c)

The safety of the public and the viability of nonresidential corridors are promoted by reducing:

(1)

Sign clutter;

(2)

Conflicts between and among signs; and

(3)

The incidence of certain design elements that tend to distract motorists;

(d)

The character of the community is protected by requiring the proper maintenance of signs and the removal of abandoned or dilapidated signs;

(e)

The number, size, scale, proportions, design, and balance of signs are regulated according to content-neutral standards that are based on architectural quality and character; and

(f)

The beauty, visual aesthetic, and general attractiveness of the city is maintained and enhanced and thus, the economic prosperity of the city and region is positively influenced.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)

§ 28-3-31 Applicability.

(a)

Generally.

As of the effective date of this CDO, all erection, construction, modification, relocation, repair, maintenance, or conversion of signs within the City of Fulshear shall conform to the standards and requirements of this division, all state and federal regulations concerning signs and advertising, and all applicable building codes. Generally, signs are approved by issuance of a sign permit, as set out in section 28-3-33, signs requiring a permit, except signs identified in section 28-3-34, signs not requiring a permit.

(b)

Extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

The regulations established in this division as applicable to the general commercial (GC) district are hereby extended to and made applicable to all signs located in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city, as established by V.T.C.A., Local Government Code Ch. 42.

(c)

No restriction on content.

This division regulates only the sign structure or copy design, and not the sign's content. Despite any other provision of this division, no sign is subject to any limitation based on the content of its message. Any sign authorized in this division may contain any non-commercial copy in lieu of any other copy.

(d)

Exemption for addressing.

If the city council finds that the posting of addresses of buildings in locations that are visible from the street is necessary for the effective delivery of public safety services, including E-911. The efficient and timely delivery of emergency services is a compelling governmental interest. Accordingly, the city requires that street addresses shall be posted as follows:

(1)

For nonresidential uses, street addresses shall be posted at:

All primary building entrances; and

On detached signage if the address on the building is not visible from the street.

(2)

For residential uses, street addresses shall be posted:

On the façade of the building that faces the street from which the address is taken; and

On the mailbox or mailbox support, if the mailbox is detached from the building.

(3)

Because address signs are required, numbers and letters used for addressing are not included in the calculation of sign area if they are not more than 14 inches in height.

(e)

Signs permitted before effective date.

If a permit for a sign has been issued in accordance with all city ordinances in effect prior to the effective date of this CDO, and provided that construction is begun within six months of the effective date of this division and diligently built to completion, the sign may be completed in accordance with the approved plans on the basis of which the permit has been issued, subject thereafter, to the provisions of this CDO regarding nonconforming signs. See article V, Nonconformities.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2023-1423, 5-16-2023)

§ 28-3-32 Design, construction, and maintenance.

(a)

Generally.

A sign described in this division shall comply with the restrictions provided in this division, all other requirements of the Code of Ordinances, and applicable state and Federal law.

(b)

Sign area.

Sign area is calculated as follows:

(1)

Generally.

The area within a continuous perimeter with up to eight straight sides that encloses the limits of text and graphics, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign's message from the background against which it is placed, excluding the structure upon which the sign is placed; but including any open space contained within the outer limits of the display face of a sign, or between any component, panel, strip, or figure of any kind composing the display face, whether or not this open space is enclosed by a frame or a border as shown in figure 28-3-32-1, sign area, generally.

Figure 28-3-32-1 Sign Area, Generally
The sign areas of the illustrative signs below are measured as the smallest area that encloses the graphics.

(2)

Double-faces.

For projecting or double-faced signs, only one display face is measured in computing sign area when the sign faces are parallel, or where the interior angle formed by the faces is 60 degrees or less, provided that the signs are mounted on the same structure. If the two faces of a double-faced sign are of unequal area, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of the larger face as shown in figure 28-3-32-2, sign area, illustration of double-faced signs.

Figure 28-3-32-2 Sign Area, Illustration of Double-Faced Signs

(c)

Clearance.

Clearance is the distance between the bottom of a sign and the nearest point on the surface under it. See figure 28-3-32-3, sign clearance.

Figure 28-3-32-3 Sign Clearance

(d)

Sign height.

(1)

Generally.

Sign height is the distance from the average grade of the surface under the sign to the top of the sign or sign structure, whichever is higher. However, chains or brackets that suspend a shingle sign from a horizontal plane of the building, awning, or canopy are not counted, provided that:

There are no more than three chains or brackets used in the mount, and

The chains or brackets are less than three inches in width.

(2)

Monument signs.

The height of monument signs is measured as provided in subsection 28-3-32(d)(1), below, unless the surface under the sign is lower than the centerline of the abutting street, in which case the height is measured from the average elevation of the centerline of the abutting street along the frontage of the parcel for which the sign is proposed to the top of the sign or sign structure, whichever is higher as shown in figure 28-3-32-4, monument sign height.

Figure 28-3-32-4 Monument Sign Height

(e)

Illumination of signs.

(1)

Generally.

Monument signs may be illuminated only by a reflected or internal light source.

(2)

Shielding of light source/prevention of glare.

The source of light shall be oriented or otherwise controlled to prevent glare toward any part of an existing residence, a residential area, or a public street or highway and shall not cause a property to exceed the illumination requirements established in section 28-3-40, illuminance.

(3)

Code compliance.

Illuminated signs shall be constructed in accordance with all applicable electrical codes.

(f)

Electronic message board signs.

Electronic message board signs are prohibited except that notwithstanding regulations herein which may be contrary to regulations located elsewhere within this Code, when located on property used by primary schools and high schools and consistent with the following requirements:

(1)

Sign is placed in front of the primary facade of the school; and

(2)

Digital portion of the sign shall be no larger than 30 sq. ft. and shall meet all the standards that regulate monument signs in the Downtown District; and

(3)

Constructed such that the sign does not face, shine, or reflect light in any manner or angle into a property with any residential zoning designation or use; and

(4)

Maximum daytime lumens of 17,130; maximum nighttime lumens of 1,713; and

(5)

Provide a minimum display time for each static image of at least six seconds; and

(6)

Display of a solid black background with a single text color; and

(7)

A static display with no animation, virtual movement, flashing or multimedia/video; and

(8)

The sign shall not be illuminated before 5:00 a.m. and beyond 8:00 p.m.; and

(9)

No special effect transitions between each static display.

(g)

Changeable copy centers.

(1)

Enclosure required.

Changeable copy centers (CCC) that are a component of another sign type shall be enclosed on all sides with a finish of brick, stone, stucco, finished metal, or other durable material that is used for that portion of surface of the sign face that is not a CCC. The CCC shall appear to be either recessed into the frame or flush with it. The enclosure shall extend not less than four inches outward from the CCC display on all sides.

(2)

Size and proportions.

The total square footage of the permanent sign CCC shall not exceed the maximum sign area permitted for that sign type within the zoning district where the proposed sign is to be located.

(3)

Design.

CCCs shall be designed as an integral part of the sign. See figure 28-3-32-5, changeable copy center design requirements.

Figure 28-3-32-5 Changeable Copy Center Design Requirements

(h)

Construction and identification.

(1)

Construction.

All permanent signs must be in compliance with the provisions of the building codes that are adopted by the city.

(2)

Identification.

Every permanent sign shall be marked, in a conspicuous place, with the name of the sign installer and manufacturer, and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used on it.

(i)

Maintenance.

(1)

Generally.

Signs and the ground area around signs shall be maintained as provided in this section. These regulations apply to all signs, temporary signs or permanent, attached or detached, unless otherwise specifically provided in this section.

(2)

Upkeep of ground around sign.

No person constructing, erecting, owning, or controlling a monument sign shall fail, refuse, or neglect to remove all weeds, rubbish, or flammable waste or material within a distance of ten feet on each side of the base of such structure.

(3)

Sign structure, generally.

No person shall fail to keep a permanent sign and its structural supports in good repair and safe condition. This section shall be enforced as provided in division III-4, signs.

(4)

Paint and finishes.

Paint and other finishes shall be maintained in good condition. Peeling finishes shall be repaired. Signs with running colors shall be repainted, repaired, or removed if the running colors were not part of the original design.

(5)

Mineral deposits and stains.

Mineral deposits and stains shall be promptly removed.

(6)

Corrosion and rust.

Permanent signs and sign structures shall be finished and maintained to prevent corrosion and rust. A patina on copper elements is not considered rust.

(7)

Level position.

Signs that are designed to be level shall be installed and maintained in a level position.

(8)

Damage or destruction.

Damaged signs and sign structures shall be promptly repaired (to their original condition or better) or removed. Damaged or destroyed nonconforming permanent signs are subject to the applicable requirements of article V, nonconformities. Damaged or destroyed temporary signs shall be removed.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2025-1497, 7-15-2025; Ord. No. 2025-1502, 9-16-2025)

§ 28-3-33 Signs requiring a permit.

(a)

Generally.

There are many forms of permanent signs and temporary signs that require approval from the City of Fulshear. The standard established in this section detail the form, size, and height, and design criteria standards of all permanent and temporary signs in the City of Fulshear and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) that require a permit or specific approval before they are placed on a residential or nonresidential parcel.

(b)

Applicability.

The standards of this section apply to all new development, redevelopment, substantial improvement, and expansion of signs that require approval in coordination with the district(s) in which the sign is permitted per the tables titled permitted sign types contained in each of the following sections:

(1)

Section 28-2-5, estate residential (ER);

(2)

Section 28-2-6, suburban residential (SR);

(3)

Section 28-2-8, semi-urban residential (SU);

(4)

Section 28-2-11, suburban commercial (SC);

(5)

Section 28-2-14, general commercial (GC);

(6)

Section 28-2-13, downtown (DD);

(7)

Section 28-2-12, suburban office (SO);

(8)

Section 28-2-15, industrial (IN).

(c)

Total number of signs permitted for nonresidential uses.

Nonresidential uses shall be permitted a maximum number of signs per individual business. The business may choose a combination of any of the permitted sign types stated in table 28-3-33-1, permitted freestanding sign types and table 28-3-33-2, permitted attached sign types so long as no more than four total signs are permitted unless a single tenant has a gross floor area (GFA) of more than 100,000 square feet. In this case, an additional sign is permitted for each additional 20,000 square feet of GFA. Additionally, a business shall only be permitted one sign per sign type unless the business has two street frontages or one street frontage and the primary entrance to the business does not face the street. In these circumstances, the businesses shall be granted a maximum of two wall signs, and two monument signs.

(d)

Permitted freestanding signs.

All permanent freestanding signs shall follow the standards established in table 28-3-33-1, permitted freestanding sign types.

Table 28-3-33-1 Permitted Freestanding Sign Types
Sign Type and Limitations	Zoning District
Sign Type and Limitations	ER, SR, SU	SC	GC	SO	IN	DD	ETJ	Illustrative Sign Example(s)
"-" = Prohibited — ft. = feet — sf. = Square Feet — DW = Down Lighting — EX = External Lighting — IN = Internal Lighting
Monument Sign
Number of Signs for residential uses	1 per subdivision entrance	-				-	1 per subdivision entrance
Number of Signs Permitted for properties with one to nine businesses	1 per property					-	1 per property
Number of Signs Permitted for properties with 10 or more businesses	-	2, provided that the property has a minimum of 350 ft. of public street frontage				-	2, provided that the property has a minimum of 350 ft. of public street frontage
Maximum Sign Area	72 sf.	72 sf.				-	72 sf.
Maximum Sign Height	6 ft.	10 ft.				-	10 ft.
Maximum Sign Width	-	12 ft.				-	12 ft.
Minimum Setback	5 ft.	10 ft.				-	10 ft.
Maximum Setback	5 ft.	10 ft.				-	10 ft.
Minimum Sign Separation (separate lots)	-	50 ft.		-		50 ft.
Minimum Sign Separation (same lot)	-	100 ft.		-		-
Changeable Copy Permitted	-	-	Yes	Yes	Yes	-	Yes
Illumination Type	EX, IN	EX, IN	EX, IN	EX, IN	EX, IN	-	Yes
Other Standards	Permitted monument signs shall be: 1. The bottom portion of the sign shall rest flush against the ground, allowing no space between the ground and the bottom of the sign structure. 2. Decorative caps are permitted for each monument sign and shall not be included as part of the height calculation for that sign. All decorative caps shall not exceed the following maximum standards: a. A maximum of two feet in height above the permitted monument sign height; b. Extend beyond the permitted width of a sign by more than one foot on each side; c. Are used for purely ornamental purposes; and d. Constructed of materials identical to or similar to the construction materials used in the construction of the sign. 3. Changeable copy signs shall only comprise a maximum of 20 percent of the permitted sign area. 4. Monument signs permitted at the entrance of residential development shall only display the name of the residential development. 5. Shall be surrounded by a landscaped area that shall be made up of species found in Appendix C, be kept in healthy condition, and not block the text on the sign.
Access Sign
Number of Sign Permitted	-	1 per vehicle use area entrance and exit					-
Maximum Sign Area	-	4 sf.					-
Maximum Height	-	4 ft.					-
Minimum Setback	-	3 ft.					-
Illumination Type	-	-					-
Design Standards	1. Shall only display information that for circulation around the property. 2. May contain a small corporate logo or name of a business that shall not exceed two sf. and shall count as part of the maximum permitted sign area.
Directory Sign
Number of Signs Permitted	-	1 per property with a multi-tenant building				1 per property (along FM 1093)	-
Maximum Sign Area	-	2 sf. per linear foot of street frontage or 100 sf. whichever is smaller				40 sf (property along FM 1093)	-
Maximum Height	-	8 ft.				7 feet (property along FM 1093)	-
Minimum Setback	-	10 ft.				7 feet (property along FM 1093)	-
Illumination Type	-	EX, IN				-	-
Other Standards	1. The bottom portion of the sign shall rest flush against the ground, allowing no space between the ground and the bottom of the sign structure. 2. Shall not contain any logos or marketing material related to the businesses or activities shown on the sign.

(e)

Permanent attached signs.

All permanent attached signs shall follow the standards established in table 28-3-33-2, permitted attached sign types.

Table 28-3-33-2 Permitted Attached Sign Types
Sign Type and Limitations	Zoning District							Illustrative Sign Example(s)
Sign Type and Limitations	ER, SR, SU	SC	GC	SO	IN	DD	ETJ	Illustrative Sign Example(s)
"-" = Prohibited — ft. = feet — sf. = Square Feet
Wall Sign
Number of Signs Permitted	1 per public street-facing façade or 1 per individual tenant						-
Max Sign Area²	10 percent of the front-facing building façade or width of the tenant space where the business is located						-
Changeable Copy Permitted	-						-
Illumination Type	-	EX, IN					-
Other Standards	1. Wall signs shall not extend above facia, façade, or parapet wall upon which that sign is located. 2. The outer portion of any wall signs shall not be closer than two feet to the edge of the façade of the building upon which that sign is located.
Window Sign¹
Number of Signs Permitted	-	1 per window frame		-	1 per window frame		-
Maximum Sign Area	-	50 percent of the sf. of the window on which the sign is located		-	50 percent of the sf. of the window on which the sign is located		-
Changeable Copy Permitted	-	-		-	-		-
Illumination Type	-	-		-	-		-
Awning Sign
Number of Signs Permitted	-	1 per Each business of institution with its own ground floor entryway or storefront					-
Maximum Sign Area	-	1 sf. per every ft. of awning or 30 sf. whichever is smaller					-
Maximum Sign Height (Sign Lettering)	-	3 ft.					-
Minimum Sign Clearance	-	8 ft.					-
Maximum Projection (Distance from Façade)	-	3 ft.					-
Illumination Type	-	EX					-
Other Standards	1. Awning Signs shall only be externally illuminated. 2. No awning or awning sign shall be internally illuminated.
Marquee Sign
Number of Signs Permitted	-	1 per street facing façade		-	1 per street facing façade		-
Maximum Sign Area	-	50 sf. per side or 100 sf. total whichever is less		-	50 sf. per side or 100 sf. total whichever is less		-
Maximum Height	-	4 ft.		-	4 ft.		-
Minimum Clearance	-	8 ft.		-	8 ft.		-
Changeable Copy Permitted	-	Yes		-	Yes		-
Illumination Type	-	DW, IN		-	DW, IN		-
Other Standards	1. No marquee sign shall extend more than six feet from the façade of a building. 2. Marquee signage may be distributed to all three visible sides of the marquee.
Hanging Sign
Number of Sign Permitted	-	1 per main entrance to building or tenant space					-
Maximum Sign Area	-	6 sf.					-
Changeable Copy Permitted	-	-					-
Minimum Clearance	-	8 ft.					-
Maximum Height	-	2 ft.					-
Maximum Width	-	3 ft.					-
Illumination Type	-	DW					-
Projecting Sign
Maximum Sign Area	-	12 sf.		-	12 sf.		-
Maximum Height	-	8 ft.		-	8 ft.		-
Minimum Clearance	-	8 ft.		-	8 ft.		-
Maximum Projection (Distance from Façade)	-	4 ft.		-	4 ft.		-
Illumination Type	-	DW, EX, IN		-	DW, EX, IN		-
Canopy Sign
Number of Sign Permitted Business or Institution (occupying a multitenant building) with its Own Ground Floor Entryway or Storefront	-	1			-
Maximum Cumulative Sign Area	-	45 sf.			-
Maximum Height Per Sign	-	3 ft.			-
Maximum Projection from building façade	-	6 ft.			-
Minimum Clearance	-	8 ft.			-
Illumination Type	-	EX, IN			-

TABLE NOTE:
1.	The standards within this Section apply to permanent and temporarily installed window signs.

(f)

Temporary signs.

Temporary signs shall follow the standards established in table 28-3-33-3, permitted temporary sign types.

Table 28-3-33-3 Permitted Temporary Sign Types
Sign Type and Limitations	Zoning District							Illustrative Sign Example(s)
Sign Type and Limitations	ER, SR, SU	SU, SC	GC	SO	IN	DD	ETJ	Illustrative Sign Example(s)
"-" = Prohibited — ft. = feet — sf. = Square Feet
Temporary Construction Signs
Number of Signs Permitted	1 per public street frontage
Maximum Sign Area	32 sf.
Maximum Duration	180 days

(g)

Special event directional signs.

Special event directional signage shall be permitted provided that the event organizer submits an event signage plan that includes:

(1)

Number of signs.

The number of special event directional signs to be installed;

(2)

Special event signage duration.

All special event directional signs shall be installed no earlier than five days prior to an event and removed no less than one day following an event;

(3)

Special event directional signage.

The event organizer may place as many as ten special event directional signs throughout the community. Such signs may be installed no more than eight hours prior and removed no later than four hours after the event. Such signage may contain the name or logo of the event and directional information only.

(4)

Map.

A map detailing the location of the special event directional signage and indicating the location of the special event announcement signage.

(5)

Designated contact.

The plan shall identify a designated contact person responsible for the signs' installation and removal.

(6)

Fee.

The plan shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee which is on file in the city secretary's office.

(7)

Display of tags.

Following approval of the plan, the event organizer will be provided with tags by the city for placement on the signage to indicate compliance. Any special event with signage not bearing such a tag shall be found to be in violation of this division and may prompt enforcement action.

(8)

Compliance with division.

No special event directional sign shall be permitted that would otherwise be in violation of this division should it not be part of a special event application.

(h)

Roundabout signs.

Signs placed within the public right-of-way of a roundabout shall be permitted, provided they are confined to the interior of a curbed island and provided the following required conditions are met:

(1)

Landscaping.

There shall be established a six-foot wide perimeter landscape buffer between the sign and the back of curb, provided that there are no visual obstructions above a two-foot maximum height within the buffer.

(2)

Lettering height.

The maximum height locations for lettering on a monument structure is six feet above apron paving and the lettering itself shall not exceed 24 inches in height.

(3)

Lettering lighting.

All lettering and signage shall be backlit.

(4)

Monument height.

The monument structure within the roundabout and which the signage or letter may be affixed to shall not exceed 30 feet in height.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2023-1433, 9-19-2023; Ord. No. 2025-1497, 7-15-2025; Ord. No. 2025-1502, 9-16-2025)

§ 28-3-34 Signs not requiring a permit.

(a)

Generally.

The standards established in this section detail the form, size, and height, and design criteria standards of permitted freestanding signs in the City of Fulshear and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) that are exempt from requiring a sign permit.

(b)

Governmental signs.

(1)

Any traffic sign erected at the authorization of either the county, state or federal government.

(2)

Any sign providing emergency notifications on a temporary basis lasting no more than 90 days erected at the authorization of the county, state or federal government.

(3)

Any sign erected by the city pursuant to and in the discharge of any governmental function.

(4)

Any reader panel sign for public schools and libraries, which shall be permitted provided that each such sign:

Does not exceed 24 square feet in area;

Meets all other design standards for monument signs;

Does not exceed more than one such sign per school or library site;

Contains only information that relates to such school or library;

Be designed in such a manner that only authorized persons may change the message;

Shall be attached to the school's or library's monument sign; and

May be illuminated by a single light source, but the sign itself may not contain any lights, animated display, LED display or any similar technology or light source.

(5)

All government signs other than those listed in subsections (b)(1)—(4) of this section shall be subject to the permitting requirements of this chapter.

(6)

All government signage is exempt from any fee charged related to permits issued.

(c)

Private traffic control signs.

Signs on private property containing no advertising that direct the movement of traffic, warn of obstacles or overhead clearances, or control parking, including entrance and exit signs.

(d)

Railway signs.

Any sign on property owned by a railroad placed or maintained in reference to the operation of the railway.

(e)

Utility and hazard signs.

Any sign marking utility or underground communication or transmission lines or pipes and hazards.

(f)

Plaques.

Historical and commemorative plaques of recognized historical societies and organizations provided that such signs are less than 15 square feet in total area.

(g)

Mailboxes and addresses.

(1)

Addresses and names printed in a standard size on a mailbox provided that the address information on the side of a residence or business shall not exceed four square feet.

(2)

Street markings indicating address information only containing address information painted on curbsides which shall not exceed four square feet.

(h)

Temporary freestanding signs.

(1)

All temporary freestanding signs.

Temporary freestanding signs provided that the sign:

Only be erected by the property owner or have written permission to install the sign from the landowner on which the sign is located;

Only be allowed one sign per road frontage;

Not be posted longer than 90 days;

Not be located in any public right-of-way or on public property; and

Not be illuminated or contain any moving parts.

(2)

Single parcels ten acres or less.

Signs on parcels ten acres or less that:

Shall not exceed six square feet in total sign area per sign face; and

Not be taller than five feet above the natural surrounding grade of the sign.

(3)

Parcels greater than ten acres.

Sign on undeveloped and unsubdivided lots over ten acres that exceed:

Eight feet in height above natural surrounding grade of the sign;

Eight feet in width is permitted; and

Exceed a maximum area of 32 square feet.

(i)

Athletic field signs.

Signs located on the field side of scoreboards and fences of athletic fields.

(j)

National or state flags.

A national or state flag, or both, provided that they do not exceed 36 square feet in total area and are flown on a pole no more than 25 feet in height.

(k)

Holiday signs.

Holiday signs, as defined in this chapter, provided that they are installed no more than 35 days prior to the holiday for which they are customarily dedicated. Such signs shall be removed no later than 15 days after the holiday for which they are customarily dedicated.

(l)

Property identification signs.

Any sign erected at the entrance of acreage or residential property that identifies the property by name or by name of the owner.

(m)

Temporary banners.

Temporary banners on any parcel of land in the SU, SC, GC, SO, DD, IN and ETJ districts that shall:

(1)

Be limited to one sign per property or business whichever is greater;

(2)

Not exceed five feet in height or 32 total square feet in sign area;

(3)

Be displayed on multi-family, mixed-use, and nonresidential property for not to longer than 90 days in one calendar year and not longer than 30 consecutive days at one time; and

(4)

Businesses located along roadways which undergo reconstruction lasting longer than 90 days and which is expected to negatively impact the visibility of and limit access to shall be allowed temporary banners meeting the above quantity and size regulations, but permitted for the duration of the road reconstruction.

Figure 28-3-34-1 Temporary Grand Opening Signs

Figure 28-3-34-2 Temporary Grand Opening Signs

(n)

Ancillary signs.

Three or less ancillary signs when:

(1)

Placed on the door or exterior wall or window of the premises; and

(2)

No larger than four square feet in total sign area.

(o)

Fine art.

Works of fine art, as defined in this chapter, which in no way identifies or advertises a product or business.

(p)

Sandwich board signs.

Shall be located in front of the business on private property or the sidewalk directly in front of their business during business hours but are not permitted on any other portion of public property or within the city's rights-of-way. Signs shall be:

(1)

Limited to one per business;

(2)

Seven square feet or less in sign area;

(3)

42 inches or less tall;

(4)

24 inches or less in width;

(5)

Internally weighted to withstand strong winds;

(6)

Placed in a manner that does not hinder safe sight lines for drivers;

(7)

Placed in a manner that does not impede foot traffic for other nearby businesses; and

(8)

Removed and secured inside a building on days where the National Weather Service or county office of emergency management has issued a severe weather statement relating to strong winds or red flag conditions.

(q)

Signs with lighting.

All signs that have accessory lighting with the sign shall be:

(1)

From a single light source;

(2)

Static;

(3)

In conformance with section 28-3-40, illuminance.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2025-1509, 10-7-2025)

§ 28-3-35 Prohibited signs.

(a)

Generally.

Prohibited signs are not allowed within the city regardless of the zoning district which they are located within.

(b)

Prohibited sign types.

(1)

Revolving or moving signs;

(2)

Signs that contain or have attached thereto banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners, flash tags, or other similar devices;

(3)

Portable signs;

(4)

Snipe signs;

(5)

Signs located on a roof or otherwise attached to or painted on a building if it projects above the highest point on the building;

(6)

Signs or any portion thereof, that are located on or project or extend over any public sidewalk, street, alley, or other public property; provided, however, that if signs are located within the downtown district (DD) they may project over the sidewalk so long as they comply with the design standards found in section 28-3-33, sign requiring a permit;

(7)

Signs that are deteriorated, dilapidated, or unsafe;

(8)

Signs that contain statements, words, or pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral character as will offend public morals or decency;

(9)

Signs located on or attached to a streetlight, utility pole, fire hydrant, bridge, traffic control device, street sign, or other building, facility, structure or equipment owned by the city without the prior written consent of the city;

(10)

Signs located or illuminated so that they obscure or interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device, or obstruct or interfere with the view of approaching, emerging or intersecting traffic, or prevent any traveler on any street from obtaining a clear view of approaching vehicles;

(11)

Illuminated signs which:

Are illuminated to such intensity or without proper shielding so as to constitute a hazard to the operation of motor vehicles upon a public street or substantially interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residential property; or

Have any type of intermittent illumination, including flashing, fading, revolving or blinking lights, or any type of moving, traveling or changing message by means of lights or illumination unless integrated into an electronic message board sign used by primary and high schools only as allowed in section 28-3-32 of the Fulshear Code.

(12)

Any sign that violates any sight visibility regulations of the city;

(13)

Signs located in public rights-of-way; with the exception of signs allowable under section 28-3-33, signs requiring a permit;

(14)

Signs placed on private property without the consent of the owner or person in possession of the property;

Off-premises signs;

Pylon signs;

Roof signs;

Wind device signs; and

(19)

Billboards, including digital billboards.

(c)

Exceptions to prohibited signs.

(1)

Signs that contain or have attached thereto banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, spinners, or other similar devices used for the purposes of a grand opening shall be permitted for seven days following the first day of the grand opening of a new business;

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2025-1497, 7-15-2025; Ord. No. 2025-1502, 9-16-2025; Ord. No. 2025-1509, 10-7-2025)

§ 28-3-36 Master signage plans.

(a)

Purpose.

The purpose of a master sign plan is, to allow for a unified presentation of signage throughout parcels proposed for development, as well as the flexibility to provide for unique environments.

(b)

Applicability.

An approved master signage plan shall only be applicable to signage within the boundaries of the approved master planned community or master planned commercial tract and may be filed for the following types of proposed developments:

(1)

Single-use nonresidential developments on master planned commercial tracts exceeding 100,000 square feet of gross floor area;

(2)

Multi-tenant nonresidential developments on master planned commercial tracts exceeding 50,000 square feet of gross floor area; or

(3)

Master planned residential communities exceeding a minimum of ten acres.

(c)

Standards for all master sign programs.

Standards and permissions of master sign programs are as follows:

(1)

Generally.

Subject to compliance with a master sign program that is approved according to the flexibility criteria set out in this article, signs that are proposed as part of a master sign program may deviate from the standards of this division in terms of the:

Types and numbers of signs allowed;

Maximum sign area; and

Materials and illumination standards (including electronic message centers);

(2)

Prohibited signs and sign elements.

Prohibited signs and sign elements are not eligible for inclusion in a master sign program unless specifically indicated in this division.

(3)

Architectural theme.

All signs shall be architecturally integrated into or complimentary to the design of the buildings and character of the site, and shall use similar and coordinated design features, materials, and colors. The master sign program shall establish an integrated architectural vocabulary and cohesive theme for the parcel(s) proposed for development.

(4)

Uniform signs in multi-use developments.

Wall signs displayed by two or more businesses using common parking facilities shall be uniform in construction (i.e. channel letters, plaques) and lighting (i.e. direct, indirect).

(d)

Conditions of approval.

The sign administrator, plan commission, or city council, as applicable, may impose reasonable conditions on the master sign program relating to the design, materials, locations, placements or orientations, and sign specifications that are not related to the content of the signs or the viewpoints of the sign users, in order to ensure continuing compliance with the standards of this Section and the approved master sign program.

(e)

Contents of master sign plans.

All master signage plans shall include the following:

(1)

An accurate artistic representation of the proposed signage including color scheme and materials for each sign type.

(2)

A detailed listing of the number of signs by type (temporary, permanent, way-finding, etc.).

(3)

Inclusion of traffic control and public safety signage.

(4)

A map indicating the proposed signage's location within the development.

(f)

Phasing.

A developer may divide, update and modify the plan based on phased/sectional development so long as it provides an updated plan to the commission for review and approval no less than 60 days following the approval of a final plat for a new phase or section to be developed.

(g)

Plan submittal.

Upon submittal of the plan, the developer shall pay the appropriately adopted fees for the total number of signs included in the plan with the understanding that fees for temporary signage shall only be paid once based on the total number of temporary signs included in the plan. The developer will be able to place and replace temporary signage without incurring additional fees so long as the total number of temporary signs does not exceed that previously approved by the commission. In the event that the developer does not install all permanent signs accounted for in the plan, it may be reimbursed those fees by the city. Further, the developer shall not pay fees for appropriately installed and approved traffic control and public safety signage.

(h)

Duration.

An approved master sign program shall expire two years from the date of such approval if no substantial progress has been made towards completion of the project.

(i)

Amendment.

Prior to expiration of the master sign program, the applicant may apply for an amendment that alters the design, materials, locations, placements and orientations, and specifications of the signs. The planning and zoning commission may approve the amended master sign program if it is consistent with this section, and does not increase the area or height of any freestanding or wall sign subject to the original master sign program by more than ten percent.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)

§ 28-3-37 Obsolete and abandoned signs.

Signs which have been abandoned or have become obsolete due to the closing of a business, change in the nature or name of the business establishment, or for any other reason rendering the sign non-applicable to the property upon which it is displayed, shall be removed by the owner as provided in the Texas Local Government Code (TLGC).

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020)