For the purposes of this Chapter
17, Sign Regulations, the following words shall have the following definitions ascribed to them. Words not defined in this Chapter
17, Sign Regulations, shall be as defined in Chapter
14, Zoning, Exhibit 14A, Section 4, or if not defined herein or in Exhibit 14A, such terms shall be given their common and ordinary meaning.
Means a sign that for at least six continuous months does not identify or advertise a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner, product, or activity, and/or for which no legal owner can be found, and/or that pertains to a time, event or purpose that no longer applies.
AdvertisingMeans the act of conveying information to seek the attraction of or to direct the attention of the public to any location, event, person, activity, goods, services or merchandise.
Attached signMeans any sign affixed to, applied on, or supported by any part of a building located on-premises.
Awning signMeans a permanent sign that is directly applied, attached, or painted onto an awning, which is a projection, shelter, or structure of canvas, metal, wood, or other similar approved material that covers a pedestrian walkway and is intended for protection from the weather or as a decorative architectural feature. [See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.03.001(a), Permanent signs allowed in Proposed Downtown Area, Awning signs.]
Means a visible airtight or airflow through apparatus commonly made of latex, mylar or other similar material that extends by a cord, rope, string, wire or other similar material.
Bandit signMeans unauthorized signs posted on utility poles, street signs, traffic signals or signal supports, signal boxes, fences, barricades, trees, posts, or other fixtures within the public right-of-way or public property. The term also includes signs on private property not meeting the definition of a temporary sign and placed with or without the permission of the owner of the property.
Banner signMeans a temporary sign having characters, letters, or illustrations applied to plastic, cloth, canvas, or other light fabric or similar material, with the only purpose of such nonrigid material being for background. [See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.03.002(a), Temporary signs allowed in Proposed Downtown Area, Banner signs.]
Means a large freestanding sign, generally supported by a metal frame, and consisting of two parallel sign faces which are oriented in opposite directions, used for the display of posters, printed, painted, fixed or electronic advertisements that generally directs attention to a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
Builder promotional signMeans a sign that is located on a residential or commercial property advertising the availability of homes and/or tenant space. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(1), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Builder promotional signs (miscellaneous sign).]
BuildingMeans any structure that has a roof supported by columns or walls for shelter, support, or enclosure intended for persons, animals, or material goods for any use or occupancy. When separated by dividing walls without openings in a manner significant enough to prevent the spread of fire, each portion of such structure separated may be deemed as a separate building.
Building officialMeans the City's building official or his designee or other City-authorized agent appointed by the City Manager.
Canopy signMeans a permanent sign that is applied, attached, painted, or affixed on a canopy or other roof-like cover over gasoline fuel pump, vacuum area at car detail facilities, or other areas where services are provided to a patron in a vehicle intended for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.003(1), Permanent signs allowed in all other non-residential districts and the ETJ, Canopy signs.]
Cantilevered ground signMeans a permanently affixed sign which is wholly independent of a building for support and where the primary support is supplied by a post and the sign hangs from a bracket or support. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.003(2), Permanent signs, allowed in all other non-residential districts and the ETJ, Cantilevered ground signs.]
Certificate of occupancyMeans an official certificate issued by the City which indicates conformance with building, zoning, and health safety regulations and authorizes legal use and occupancy of the premises for which it is issued.
Changeable electronic message/reader board signMeans a permanent sign or portion of a permanent sign designed to allow advertising or wording to be changed at periodic intervals, either manually or electronically, and is operated whereby light is turned on and off intermittently. This definition includes any illuminated sign in which such illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and color when said sign is in use, including a light emitting diode ("LED") or digital sign. The term "changeable electronic message/reader board sign" does not include a sign located within the right-of-way that functions as a traffic control device and that is described and identified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the National Standard. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(2), Miscellaneous or temporary signs allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Changeable electronic message/reader board sign (miscellaneous sign).]
CityMeans the City of Aubrey, Texas.
City ManagerMeans the City Manager or his designee or other City-authorized agent designated by the City Manager.
Conforming signMeans a sign that is legally installed in conformance with jurisdictional laws and ordinances.
Construction signMeans a temporary sign containing graphics, symbols, text or images securely attached to, or printed directly onto the screening fabric of, a temporary fence or barrier placed around an active construction site. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(3), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Construction signs (temporary sign).]
Crown signMeans a wall sign extending not more than three feet from the building facade and located on the upper horizontal band of a building at least 55 feet in height and four stories in height. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.003(3), Permanent signs allowed in all other non-residential districts and the ETJ, Crown signs.]
Development sign, temporaryMeans a temporary sign which advertises real estate, brokerage, development or similar opportunities related to the land on which the sign is located. The definition does not include builder promotional signs. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(4), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Development signs.]
Drive-through order signMeans a sign erected in conjunction with a use that incorporates a drive-through or drive-in. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.003(4), Permanent signs, allowed in all other non-residential districts and the ETJ, Drive-through order signs.]
Effective sign areaMeans the portion of the sign face that is utilized for the display of information to include background, however, does not include the framework or base of the sign.
Erect or installMeans to build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, affix, paint, display, apply, assemble or place in any manner, including, but not limited to, on the exterior of a building or structure.
ExemptMeans a sign permit is not required; however, compliance with all other City ordinances and the City's Zoning Ordinance, as it currently exists or may be amended, is required.
FacadeMeans any separate face of a building, including parapet walls and omitted wall lines, or any part of a building which encloses or covers usable space. Where separate faces are oriented in the same direction, or in directions within 45 degrees of one another, they are considered as part of a single facade.
Feather flagMeans a wind device as defined herein that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff driven into the ground for support.
FlagMeans a piece of fabric attached to a staff or cord on one end and generally used as a symbol of a nation, state, political subdivision, or organization. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(5), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Flags (miscellaneous sign).]
FlagpoleMeans a freestanding device permanently placed in the ground for the purpose of flying a flag of a nation, state, political subdivision, or organization.
Frame durationMeans the time during which the frame continues a changeable message sign.
Government/regulatory signMeans any sign that is erected by or upon the order of a public officer, employee or agent thereof, in the discharge of official duties.
GraffitiMeans pictures, words, slogans, images, or other artwork painted, drawn, scratched, or applied in any manner to exterior walls, fences, structures, vehicles, stone, statues, buildings, or other items in public view. Graffiti includes the illegal or unauthorized defacing of a building, wall, or other edifice or object by painting, or otherwise marking it with words, pictures, symbols, advertising, logos, relations with a group, indecent/vulgar images, or offensive language.
Grand openingMeans a commemoration that promotes the opening of a new business. A grand opening may only be located at the business that received a certificate of occupancy.
Human signMeans any hand-carried or held sign, symbol, or display on persons visible from the public right-of-way, which may include persons dressed in costume.
Illegal signMeans a sign that fails to comply with any provision of this Chapter
17, or other applicable ordinance of the City, and which is not classified as a nonconforming sign as defined herein.
Means a sign designed or made that consists of lights, LEDs, or other form of illumination that displays a message or picture that does not scroll, fade, blink, flash, travel, or through any other means that do not provide constant illumination.
Impounded signMeans a sign that is legally removed by the City in accordance with the provisions of §
17.02.006, Removal of signs in violation.
Means a sign that is normally incidental to the allowed use on the property, such as, but not limited to, directional signs, entrance, exit, or overhead clearance. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(6), Miscellaneous or temporary signs allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Incidental signs (miscellaneous sign).]
Inflatable signMeans a temporary sign manufactured of plastic, cloth, canvas, or other light fabric and inflated with air. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(7), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Inflatable signs (temporary sign).]
LogoMeans any registered or recognized design, insignia, or other mark, which is used in advertising to identify an organization, individual, company, or product.
Mechanical signMeans any sign, which rotates, shakes, or moves by means of a motor, battery, or the like.
Merchandise displayMeans any goods, wares, merchandise, or other advertising object or structure suspending from any building, pole, structure, sidewalk, parkway, driveway, parking area, or fuel pump island for the purpose of advertising such items.
Message transitionMeans the process by which a change occurs or the period of time between the changing from one message to another on a changeable message sign.
Monument signMeans a permanent freestanding sign that is supported from grade to the bottom of the sign having or appearing to have a solid and opaque base independent of the principal building or structure.
Monument sign, multiple tenantMeans a permanent freestanding sign that is supported from grade to the bottom of the sign having or appearing to have a solid and opaque base independent of the principal building or structure located on a single lot that contains multiple businesses. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.003(5), Permanent signs, allowed in all other non-residential districts and the ETJ, Monument signs (multiple tenant).]
Monument sign, single tenantMeans a permanent freestanding sign that is supported from grade to the bottom of the sign having or appearing to have a solid and opaque base independent of the principal building or structure located on a single lot that contains only one business. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.003(6), Permanent Signs, allowed in all other non-residential districts and the ETJ, Monument signs (single tenant).]
Mural signMeans pictures or artwork painted, drawn, or applied on the exterior walls of a building depicting a non-commercial message. [See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.03.001(b), Permanent signs allowed in Proposed Downtown Area, Murals.]
Means a sign that has any missing panels, burned out lights, missing letters or characters, rust, loose parts, damage, fading from its original color, supports or framework with missing sign or parts, or is not maintained.
Non-profit signMeans a temporary sign that shall be located on private property that is owned by a legitimate business or entity that has as a primary function a charitable and/or non-profit status, as determined by the IRS standard. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(8), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Non-profit signs (temporary).]
Non-residential useMeans any structure or use not included in the definition of "residential use" contained in this chapter, including, but not limited to, a home-builder model home, a temporary sales trailer, and an apartment leasing office.
Nonconforming signMeans any sign and its supporting structure that does not conform to all or any portion of this chapter
17, Sign Regulations, and (1) was in existence and lawfully erected prior to the effective date of this chapter; (2) was in existence and lawfully located and used in accordance with the provisions of any prior ordinances applicable thereto or which was considered legally nonconforming thereunder, and has since been in continuous or regular use; or (3) was used on the premises at the time it was annexed into the City and has since been in regular and continuous use. (See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.02.004, Nonconforming signs.)
Means a notice required by this chapter shall be sufficient if it is submitted by personal delivery, registered or certified mail with return receipt requested, and/or sending the notice through the United States Postal Service.
Obscene signMeans a sign in which the dominant theme of material taken as a whole appeals to a prurient interest in sex, is patently offensive because it affronts community standards relating to the description or representation of sexual matters and is utterly without redeeming social value.
Off-premises signMeans a sign that advertises, promotes, or pertains to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, product, etc., at a location other than where the sign is located.
On-premises signMeans a sign that advertises, promotes, or pertains to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, product, etc., at the location of which the sign is located.
Outdoor vending machine signMeans a sign located on an outdoor machine, device, or equipment which may include, but is not limited to, coin-operated/electronic payment vending machines, fuel dispensing pumps, telephone facilities, automatic teller machines, automotive vacuum cleaners, amusement rides, propane tank sales, and similar machines, devices, or equipment. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(9), Miscellaneous or temporary signs allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Outdoor vending machine signs (miscellaneous sign). ]
PersonMeans any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, organization, or business entity of any kind.
Pole signMeans a freestanding sign that is detached from a building and is supported by one or more structural elements that are either: (1) architecturally dissimilar to the design of the sign; or (2) less than 1/4 the width of the sign.
Political signMeans a temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidates or issues in connection with a national, state, or local election. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(10), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Political signs (temporary sign).]
Portable signMeans any sign not permanently attached to the ground or to a building which is designed to be easily transported or conveyed to different locations.
PremisesMeans a lot, parcel, tract, or plot of land together with the buildings and structures thereon.
Prohibited signMeans signs that do not comply with this or other applicable ordinances and that are otherwise not allowed within City boundaries or in Aubrey's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
Projecting signMeans a permanent attached sign that is wholly or partially dependent upon a building for support and extends from said building, generally at a right angle. [See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.03.001(c), Permanent signs allowed in Proposed Downtown Area, Projecting signs.]
Means a sign erected by or at the direction of the City, local, federal or state governments for the purpose of providing instruction, information, or direction to the general public, including, but not limited to, signs identifying a property address, restrooms, handicap parking spaces, reserved parking spaces, freeze warning, no trespassing, no dumping, no loitering, no soliciting, beware of dog warning, water resource information, lock/take and hide, construction entrance and/or exit signage.
Residential subdivision entrance sign (subdivision entry sign)Means a permanent freestanding sign that is supported from grade to the bottom of the sign having or appearing to have a solid and opaque base independent of the individual residential structures and located on a lot owned and maintained by the HOA for the purposes of identifying the main or secondary entrances to a residential community. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.004(1), Permanent signs allowed in residential and multi-family districts and the ETJ (other than the Proposed Downtown Area), Residential subdivision entrance sign.]
Residential useMeans a structure where the primary purpose is to provide a permanent place of residence to an individual or family.
Residential yard signMeans an on-site temporary residential sign used to publicize or announce information at the discretion of the homeowner or tenant of the property such as, but not limited to, home improvement signs, residential real estate signs, or school affiliation signs. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(14), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Residential [yard] signs.]
Revolving signMeans a sign that turns, spins, partially revolves, or completely revolves 360 degrees on an axis.
Right-of-wayMeans the area on, below, or above a public roadway, highway, street, public sidewalk, waterway, or utility easement in which the City has an interest.
Roof signMeans a sign mounted on and supported by the roof portion of a building, above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall and is supported by the building, or a sign that is painted directly upon the roof or top of a building.
ScoreboardMeans a sign located on or adjacent to an athletic field or stadium, which is used to display information pertaining to an event at the field or stadium. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(11), Scoreboards.]
SearchlightMeans any use of lighting intended to attract the general public by the waving or moving of light beams.
Sidewalk signMeans a movable sign not secured or attached to the ground or surface upon which it is located. This sign type is typically an A-frame or spring-mounted sign. [See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.03.002(b), Temporary signs allowed in Proposed Downtown Area, Sidewalk sign (temporary) and in § 17.03.005(12), Miscellaneous or temporary signs, allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Sidewalk signs (miscellaneous sign).]
Means any form of publicity or advertising which directs attention to an individual, business, commodity, service, activity, or product by means of words, figures, numerals, emblems, devices, trade names or trademarks, or other pictorial matter that communicates information of any kind to the public.
Sign cabinetMeans a wall or freestanding sign that is self-enclosed and contains all the text and/or logo symbols within the enclosed cabinet which may or may not be illuminated. It can be single- or double-faced.
Strip centerMeans a commercial building comprised of multiple, individual businesses on a single lot where the primary entrance for each tenant is generally accessed from the outside.
SubdivisionMeans the division of a lot, tract, or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats, sites, or other divisions of land for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or of building development.
Temporary signMeans any sign which is not rigidly and permanently installed into or on the ground, attached to a building, or as defined in this chapter.
Temporary, non-profit signMeans any sign which meets the criteria for a temporary sign within this chapter but is used by a non-profit agency or entity and placed for a limited duration on the property owned by the non-profit agency or entity. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(8), Miscellaneous or temporary signs allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Non-profit signs (temporary).]
Total sign areaMeans the total area of a sign, including the display, framework, and base.
Unified development zoneMeans a tract of land or a grouping of lots that are considered as one unit, such as a shopping center or a college campus.
Unified sign planMeans a specific and uniform scheme for a unified development zone or a specific geographic area within the City whereby the signage is coordinated by color, type of materials, size, graphics, fonts, and design elements to create a cohesive and attractive. [sic]
Vacant building signMeans any sign associated with a vacant building or a vacant lease space, except a sign pertaining to the lease or sale of the building to which it pertains, or a sign which is under lease from an owner or his authorized agent when such sign is maintained by a person operating under his own bond.
VehicleMeans a motorized machine on wheels, treads, or runners by which any person, material, commodity, or property is or may be transported.
Vehicular signMeans a commercial sign painted upon or applied directly to (including magnetic) any truck, car, bus, trailer, boat, recreational vehicle, motorcycle, or other vehicle. (See detailed information and restrictions. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(13), Miscellaneous or temporary signs allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Vehicular signs.]
Wall signMeans a permanent sign affixed to or painted on an exterior wall and extending not more than 12 inches from the facade of any building to which it is attached, supported throughout its entire length by the building face. [See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.03.001(d), Permanent signs allowed in Proposed Downtown Area, Wall signs, and in § 17.03.003(7), Permanent signs, allowed in all other non-residential districts and the ETJ, Wall signs.]
Means a specific sign erected or endorsed by the City that is placed to direct citizens and visitors to points of interest within the City. [See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.03.001(e), Permanent signs allowed in Proposed Downtown Area, Wayfaring signs.]
Means any pennant flag, streamer, spinner, balloon, feather sign, or similar device made of cloth, canvas, plastic, or any flexible material designed to float or move freely.
Window signMeans a sign affixed to any surface of a window (internal or external) or is located within three feet from the interior window of any establishment. [See detailed information and restrictions in §
17.03.001(f), Permanent signs allowed in Proposed Downtown Area, Window signs.]
Means a sign indicating the date and location of the sale of goods at a residential property and includes yard sales and estate sales. [See detailed information and restrictions in § 17.03.005(15), Miscellaneous or temporary signs allowed in all districts and the ETJ, as indicated, Yard/garage sale signs.]
Zoning districtsMeans the various use districts designated in the City's Zoning Ordinance.
Zoning signMeans any temporary sign erected in conjunction with a request to zone or rezone a property in accordance with the City's Zoning Ordinance.
(Ordinance 955-26 adopted 4/9/2026)