Dallas City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
SIGN REGULATIONS.
Division 51A-7.2100. Reserved.
(Repealed by Ord. No. 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.101. PURPOSE.
Signs use private land and the sight lines created by the public rights-of-way to inform and persuade the general public by publishing a message. Except as provided in Section 51A-7.207, this article provides standards for the erection and maintenance of private signs. All private signs not exempted as provided below shall be erected and maintained in accordance with these standards. The general objectives of these standards are to promote health, safety, welfare, convenience and enjoyment of the public, and, in part to achieve the following:
(a) SAFETY: To promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:
(1) do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay or abandonment;
(2) do not obstruct fire fighting or police surveillance; and
(3) do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists, or by impairing the driver’s ability to see pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles, or to ready traffic signs.
(b) COMMUNICATIONS EFFICIENCY: To promote the efficient transfer of information in sign messages by providing that:
(1) businesses and services may identify themselves;
(2) customers and other persons may locate a business or service;
(3) no person or group is arbitrarily denied the use of the sight lines from the public right-of-way for communication purposes; and
(4) persons exposed to signs are not so overwhelmed by the number of messages presented that they cannot find the information they seek, and are able to observe or ignore messages, according to the observer’s purpose.
(c) LANDSCAPE QUALITY AND PRESERVATION: To protect the public welfare and to enhance the appearance and economic value of the landscape, by providing that signs:
(1) do not interfere with scenic views;
(2) do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights-of-way;
(3) do not constitute a nuisance to occupancy of adjacent and contiguous property by their brightness, size, height, or movement;
(4) are not detrimental to land or property values; and
(5) contribute to the special character of particular areas or districts within the city, helping the observer to understand the city and orient himself with it. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 22061)
SEC. 51A-7.102. DEFINITIONS.
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, for purposes of this article, the following words and phrases have the meanings respectively ascribed to them by this section:
(1) ADVERTISE means to attract, or to attempt to attract, the attention of any person to any business, accommodations, goods, services, property, or commercial activity.
(1.1) ATHLETIC FIELD SIGN means a sign that is designed, intended, or used to inform or advertise to the spectators of an athletic event.
(2) ATTACHED SIGN means any sign attached to, applied on, or supported by, any part of a building (such as a wall, roof, window, canopy, awning, arcade, or marquee) that encloses or covers usable space.
(3) BUILDING means a structure which has a roof supported by columns, walls or air for the shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals or chattel.
(4) BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICT means:
(A) for purposes of interpreting Chapter 51: any zoning district designated by this chapter as SC, GR, LC, CA-1, CA-2, HC, I-1, I-2, or I-3. Any PD district is also included in this list, unless specifically excluded by its provisions; and
(B) for purposes of interpreting Chapter 51A: any zoning district designated by this chapter as CR, RR, CS, industrial, central area, mixed use, or multiple commercial. Any PD district is also included in this list, unless specifically excluded by its provisions.
(5) CHARACTER means any letter of the alphabet or numeral.
(6) CITY means the city of Dallas, Texas.
(7) COMMERCIAL MESSAGE means a message placed or caused to be placed before the public by a person or business enterprise directly involved in the manufacture or sale of the products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities or possible substitutes for those things which are the subject of the message and that:
(A) refers to the offer for sale or existence for sale of products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities; or
(B) attracts attention to a business or to products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities that are offered or exist for sale or for hire.
(8) COMMISSION means the city plan commission of the city of Dallas.
(9) DETACHED SIGN means any sign connected to the ground that is not an attached, portable, or vehicular sign.
(10) Reserved.
(11) EFFECTIVE AREA means the following:
(A) For a detached sign, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign, excluding its supports. This rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
(B) For an attached sign, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of effective area.
(12) ERECT means to build, attach, hang, place, suspend, fasten, affix, maintain, paint, draw, or otherwise construct.
(12.1) ESCARPMENT ZONE means the escarpment zone as defined in Section 51A-5.201.
(13) EXPRESSWAY means:
(A) the Dallas North Tollway;
(B) Interstate Highway 20;
(C) Interstate Highway 30;
(D) Interstate Highway 35E;
(E) Interstate Highway 45;
(F) Interstate Highway 635;
(G) U.S. Highway 67;
(H) U.S. Highway 75;
(I) U.S. Highway 80 east of Interstate Highway 30 to the city limits;
(J) U.S. Highway 175;
(K) State Highway 114;
(L) State Highway 183;
(M) Spur 408;
(N) Walton Walker Boulevard from Spur 408 north to the city limits, and from Stemmons Freeway south to the city limits; and
(O) Woodall Rodgers Freeway.
(13.1) EXPRESSWAY SIGN means a sign that is wholly within 100 feet of an expressway right-of-way and whose message is visible from the main traveled way or that has been relocated adjacent to an expressway pursuant to Section 51A-7.307(f).
(14) FACADE means 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 the directions within 45¡ of one another, they are to be considered as part of a single facade.
(14.1) GEOLOGICALLY SIMILAR AREAS means “geologically similar areas” as defined in Section 51A-5.201.
(15) GOVERNMENT SIGN means a flag, insignia, legal notice, informational, directional, traffic, or safe school zone sign which is legally required or necessary to the essential functions of government agencies.
(16) HEIGHT, as applied to a sign, means the vertical distance between the highest part of the sign or its supporting structure, whichever is higher, and a level plane going through the nearest point of the vehicular traffic surface of the adjacent improved public right-of-way, other than an alley. In the event a sign is equidistant from more than one improved public right-of-way, none of which are alleys, the highest point shall be used.
(16.1) HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION ACT (HBA) SIGN means a non-premise sign that is within 660 feet of an expressway or new expressway right-of-way and whose message is visible from the main traveled way.
(17) ILLUMINATED SIGN means any sign that is directly lighted by any electrical light source, internal or external. This definition does not include signs that are illuminated by street lights or other light sources owned by any public agency or light sources that are specifically operated for the purpose of lighting the area in which the sign is located rather than the sign itself.
(18) INTERSECTION means the junctions of the centerlines of any two public rights-of-way, other than alleyways, crossing at grade, or, where the crossing is separated at grade, the intersection is the point where expressway travel pavements converge or diverge, or the point where any expressway interchange ramp intersects the expressway travel pavement. For purposes of this definition, the term “expressway” includes “new expressway.”
(19) LUMINANCE means the brightness of a sign or a portion thereof expressed in terms of footlamberts. For purposes of this article, luminance is determined by the use of an exposure meter calibrated to standards established by the National Bureau of Standards and equipped with a footlambert scale.
(20) MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGN means a sign that directs vehicular or pedestrian movement within or onto the premise on which the movement control sign is located.
(20.1) NEW EXPRESSWAY means a divided highway with full control of access whose original mainlanes in the city of Dallas were not entirely open to the public as of July 1, 1999. The President George Bush Turnpike (State Highway 190) is a new expressway under this definition.
(21) NON-BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICT means any zoning district not designated as a business district as defined in this section. Any parking district may be specifically designated a business zoning district for the purposes of this article.
(22) NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE means any message that is not a commercial message.
(23) NON-PREMISE SIGN means any sign that is not a premise sign.
(24) OCCUPANCY means the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term also includes the building or room housing such use.
(25) ONE SIGN means any number of detached signs structurally connected above grade.
(26) PORTABLE SIGN means any sign that is not securely connected to the ground in such a way that it cannot easily be moved from one location to another and that is not an attached sign, vehicular sign, or a sign that refers solely to the sale or lease of the premises.
(27) PREMISE means a lot or unplatted tract that is reflected in the plat books of the building inspection division of the city. Refer to Section 51A-7.208 of this article.
(28) PREMISE SIGN means any sign the content of which relates to the premises on which it is located, referring exclusively to the following:
(A) the name of the owner or occupant of the premises, or the identification of the premises;
(B) accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted on the premises;
(C) products sold, other than incidentally, on the premises if no more than 70 percent of the sign is devoted to the advertisement of products by brand name or symbol; or
(D) the sale, lease, or construction of the premises.
(29) PRIVATE PROPERTY means any property not dedicated to public use, except that “private property” does not include the following:
(A) A private street or alley.
(B) For purposes of interpreting Chapter 51, property on which a utility and services use, post office, refuse transfer station, or sanitary landfill is being conducted as a main use. For purposes of interpreting Chapter 51A, property on which a utility and public service use listed in Section 51A-4.212 is being conducted as a main use.
(C) A railroad right-of-way.
(D) A cemetery or mausoleum.
(30) PROTECTIVE SIGN means any sign that is commonly associated with safeguarding the permitted uses of the occupancy, including, but not limited to “bad dog,” “no trespassing,” and “no solicitors.”
(30.1) RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT means:
(A) an A(A), R(A), D(A), TH(A), CH, MF(A), or MH(A) zoning district; or
(B) any identifiable portion of a special purpose, conservation, or planned development district (such as a subarea or subdistrict) that allows single family, duplex, manufactured home, multifamily (multiple family), or retirement housing uses.
(30.2) SAFE SCHOOL ZONE SIGN means a government sign:
(A) to be placed in the public right-of-way at the direction of a school district;
(B) indicating a safe school hotline number, or an alcohol-free, gun-free, or drug-free zone for a school; and
(C) erected to give notice of these zones in order to aid in the enforcement of state or federal laws involving violation of certain crimes in proximity of a school.
(31) SETBACK means the distance between a sign and the nearest public right-of-way line. An alley is not considered to be public right-of-way for the purpose of calculating a setback. Where a public way crosses a railroad right-of-way, the setback is measured from the public right-of-way line extended across the railroad right-of-way.
(32) SIGN means any device, flag, light, figure, picture, letter, word, message, symbol, plaque, poster, display, design, painting, drawing, billboard, wind device, or other thing visible from outside the premise on which it is located and that is designed, intended, or used to inform or advertise to persons not on that premise. This definition does not include:
(A) searchlights and landscape features that display no words or symbols;
(B) works of art that are not designed, intended or used to advertise; or
(C) temporary holiday decorations.
(33) SIGN SUPPORT means any pole, post, strut, cable, or other structural fixture or framework necessary to hold and secure a sign, providing that said fixture or framework is not imprinted with any picture, symbol or word using characters in excess of one inch in height, nor is internally or decoratively illuminated.
(34) SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGN means a sign temporarily supplementing the permanent signs on a premise.
(34.1) SUBDIVISION SIGN means a sign that identifies a single family, duplex, or townhouse residential neighborhood or a business park.
(35) VEHICULAR SIGN means any sign on a vehicle moving along the ground or on any vehicle parked temporarily, incidental to its principal use for transportation. This definition does not include signs that are being transported to a site of permanent erection.
(36) WIND DEVICE means any flag, banner, pennant, streamer, or similar device that moves freely in the wind. All wind devices are considered to be signs, and are regulated and classified as attached or detached, by the same rules as other signs.
(37) WORD: For purposes of this article, each of the following is considered to be one word:
(A) Any word in any language found in any standard unabridged dictionary or dictionary of slang.
(B) Any proper noun or any initial or series of initials.
(C) Any separate character, symbol, or abbreviation, such as “&”, “$”, “%”, and “Inc.”.
(D) Any telephone number, street number, or commonly used, combination of numerals and/or symbols such as “$5.00", or “50%”.
(E) Any symbol or logo that is a registered trademark, but which itself contains no word or character. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 19786; 20343; 20379; 20927; 21186; 21401; 22061; 22392; 24232; 25047; 25455; 27516)
SEC. 51A-7.201. APPLICATION OF DIVISION.
The provisions of this division shall apply to all signs in the city, without regard to zoning. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20359)
SEC. 51A-7.202. IMITATION OF TRAFFIC AND EMERGENCY SIGNS PROHIBITED.
No person shall cause to be erected or maintained any sign using any combination of forms, words, colors, or lights, which imitate standard public traffic regulatory, emergency signs, or signals. (Ord. 19455)
SEC. 51A-7.203. ROOF AND RIGHT-OF- WAY SIGNS.
(a) No sign shall be located on a roof or project over a building, except as provided in Section 51A-7.305.
(b) No sign shall be located within or project over any public right-of-way, or across the public right-of-way line extended across a railroad right-of-way, except:
(1) Signs attached to and projecting no more than 18 inches from a building wall legally located at or near the right-of-way line.
(2) Subdivision signs that comply with the requirements of Section 51A-7.303, “General Provisions Applicable to Signs in Business Zoning Districts,” or Section 51A-7.402, “General Provisions Applicable to Signs in Non-Business Zoning Districts.”
(c) Whenever any sign is located in violation of Subsection (b), it is prima facie evidence that the person whose address or telephone number is listed on the sign, or who is otherwise named, described, or identified on the sign, is the person who committed the violation, either personally or through an agent or employee.
(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (b) that the sign was authorized or required by another city ordinance, state law, or federal law. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20359; 20927; 25455; 26512)
SEC. 51A-7.204. OTHER CODES NOT IN CONFLICT, APPLICABLE.
All signs erected or maintained pursuant to the provisions of this article shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable state laws and with the building code, electrical code, and other applicable ordinances of the city. In the event of conflict between this article and other laws, the most restrictive standard applies. (Ord. 19455)
SEC. 51A-7.205. ATHLETIC FIELD SIGNS, PORTABLE SIGNS, SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS, MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGNS, AND PROTECTIVE SIGNS.
(a) Non-premise athletic field signs.
(1) Non-premise athletic field signs are permitted only in special provision sign districts.
(2) Non-premise athletic field signs must be on the same premise as the athletic field and be attached to a scoreboard or the inside of a fence surrounding the field. All signs must be oriented toward the field or its seating areas.
(3) The cumulative effective area of all non-premise athletic field signs attached to a scoreboard may not exceed 240 square feet.
(b) Portable signs. Portable signs, as that term is defined in Section 51A-7.102, are prohibited.
(c) Special purpose signs. Special purpose signs, whether attached or detached, are prohibited in all business and non-business zoning districts unless expressly authorized in a special provision sign district or a planned development district.
(d) Reserved.
(e) Movement control signs. Movement control signs may be erected at any occupancy or on any premise, other than a single-family or duplex premise, may be attached or detached, and may be erected without limit as to number, provided, that such signs shall comply with all other applicable requirements of this article. No setback is required for a detached movement control sign that does not exceed two feet in height. Unless granted a variance under the provisions of Section 51A-7.703, the occupant of a premise may erect a movement control sign only if the sign:
(1) does not exceed two square feet in effective area;
(2) conveys a message which directs vehicular or pedestrian movement within or onto the premise on which the sign is located;
(3) contains no advertising or identification message; and
(4) has words that do not exceed four inches in height if the sign is an attached sign.
(f) Protective signs. The occupant of a premise may erect not more than two protective signs, in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) Each sign must not exceed 100 square inches in effective area.
(2) Detached signs must not exceed two feet in height.
(3) Letters must not exceed four inches in height. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 21798; 21855; 21978; 24232; 27253; 33234)
SEC. 51A-7.206. VEHICULAR SIGNS.
Vehicular signs shall conform to the following restrictions:
(a) Vehicular signs shall contain no flashing or moving elements.
(b) Vehicular signs shall have no element with a luminance greater 200 footlamberts.
(c) Vehicular signs shall not project beyond the surface of a vehicle for a distance in excess of 8 inches.
(d) Vehicular signs shall not be attached to a vehicle so that the driver’s vision is obstructed from any angle.
(e) Signs, lights and signals used by authorized emergency vehicles shall not be restricted.
(f) Vehicular signs shall conform to all the regulations for detached signs if:
(1) the vehicular sign is so placed as to constitute a “sign” as defined in Section 51A-7.102; and
(2) the vehicle upon which the sign is located is parked on other than a temporary basis.
(g) The owner of the vehicle upon which a vehicular sign is placed is responsible for ensuring that the provisions of this section are adhered to and commits an offense if any vehicular sign on his vehicle violates this section. If such a vehicleis found unattended or unoccupied, the registered owner of the vehicle shall be presumed to be the actual owner. The records of the state highway department or the county highway license department showing the name of the registered owner of such vehicle shall constitute prima facie evidence of actual ownership by the named individual. (Ord. 19455)
SEC. 51A-7.207. GOVERNMENT SIGNS.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), nothing in this article shall be construed to regulate the display of a government sign.
(b) Safe school zone signs must satisfy the following requirements.
(1) Safe school zone signs must be erected within 600 feet of a school.
(2) Safe school zone signs may not exceed five square feet in effective area.
(3) No less than 80 percent of the effective area of a safe school zone sign must be devoted to a governmental message.
(4) No more than 20 percent of the effective area of a safe school zone sign may be devoted to the identification of a sponsor. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 22061; 22392)
SEC. 51A-7.208. CREATION OF SITE.
The building official shall not issue a permit for construction, erection, placement, or maintenance of a sign until a site is established in one of the following ways:
(a) A lot is part of a plat which is approved by the commission and filed in the plat records of the appropriate county. All platted lots must have frontage, through fee simple ownership, on a dedicated street.
(b) A lot was separately owned prior to September 11, 1929 or prior to annexation or consolidation, and the lot has frontage, through fee simple ownership, on a dedicated street.
(c) A lot is part of an industrial subdivision in which only streets, easements, and blocks are delineated. The industrial subdivision must be approved by the commission and filed in the plat records of the appropriate county. No specific lot delineation is required, but yard, lot and space requirements will be determined by property lines or lease lines.
(d) Tracts that are governed by a detached sign unity agreement in accordance with Section 51A-7.213. (Ord. Nos. 19455, 21797)
SEC. 51A-7.209. SIGNS DISPLAYING NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGES.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, any sign that may display a commercial message may also display a noncommercial message, either in place of or in addition to the commercial message, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this article or other ordinances that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, or other ordinance, any sign that may display one type of noncommercial message may also display any other type of noncommercial message, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this article or other ordinances that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed.
(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to regulate a sign that contains primarily a political message for which a permit is not required under Section 51A-7.602. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 25921)
SEC. 51A-7.210. GENERAL MAINTENANCE.
(a) Sign and sign supports must be maintained in a state of good repair and neat appearance at all times.
(b) Revocation of permit.
(1) The building official shall revoke, in writing, the sign permit for a sign if it has for a period of one year:
(A) displayed obsolete advertising matter;
(B) been without advertising matter; or
(C) been damaged in excess of 50 percent of the cost of replacement of the sign.
(2) The owner of the sign is liable to the city for a civil penalty in the amount of $200 a day for each calendar day that the sign is maintained without a permit. The building official shall give written notice to the property owner of the amount owed to the city in civil penalties, and shall notify the city attorney of any unpaid civil penalty. The city attorney shall collect unpaid civil penalties in a suit on the city’s behalf.
(3) The civil penalty provided for in Paragraph (2) is in addition to any other enforcement remedy the city may have under city ordinances and state law. (Ord. Nos. 20359; 24232)
SEC. 51A-7.211. SIGNS ATTACHED TO STRUCTURES LOCATED ON BUILDINGS.
(a) Except as provided in Paragraph (b), no sign may be attached to the following structures located on a building:
(1) Elevator penthouse or bulkhead.
(2) Mechanical equipment room.
(3) Cooling tower.
(4) Tank designed to hold liquid.
(5) Ornamental cupola or dome.
(6) Skylight.
(7) Clerestory.
(8) Visual screens which surround roof mounted mechanical equipment.
(9) Chimney and vent stacks.
(10) Amateur communications tower.
(11) Parapet wall over four feet.
(12) Storage facility.
(b) A sign may be attached to a structure located on a building if the sign refers exclusively to:
(1) the identification of the premise; or
(2) a tenant that occupies in excess of 50 percent of the floor area of the premise. (Ord. 20343)
SEC. 51A-7.212. STREET CONSTRUCTION ALLEVIATION SIGNS.
(a) Definitions. In this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) CONSTRUCTION means major activity involving on-site excavation, fabrication, erection, alteration, repair, or demolition that materially alters or restricts access to a premise.
(2) DIRECTOR means the director of transportation and public works of the city or the director's designated representative, including but not limited to the city's traffic engineer.
(3) ERECT means erect or maintain.
(4) OPERATOR means a person who causes a use or business to function or puts or keeps a use or business in operation. A person need not have an ownership interest in a use or business to be an “operator” of the use or business for purposes of this section.
(5) OWNER includes any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, tenant in partnership, joint tenant, tenant by the entirety, or lessee.
(6) SIGN means a sign authorized to be erected or maintained under this section.
(7) STREET means a street more than 85 feet in width, including frontage roads, if applicable. “Frontage Road” means a frontage, access, or service road for a freeway or tollway.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the city in order to lessen the congestion in the streets; to improve communications efficiency by allowing businesses to identify themselves and by helping customers to locate these businesses; to promote the safety of persons and property by reducing the confusion created by street construction; and to preserve landscape quality by imposing uniform standards. This section is not intended to apply to temporary minor repairs to streets.
(c) Authority to erect. In addition to any other signs permitted under this chapter, up to two detached premise signs may be erected on a premise if:
(1) the premise contains at least one main use other than a single family or duplex use;
(2) the premise has frontage along that portion of a street under construction as defined in Subsection (a); and
(3) the director has given written notice in accordance with Subsection (d).
(d) Notice required to be given by the director. Whenever the director determines that construction of a street, as defined in this section, is imminent, the director shall serve a written notice for the purpose of authorizing the erection of signs in accordance with this section. The written notice may be hand-delivered, sent by mail, or published in the official newspaper of the city. In order to validly authorize a sign under this section, the notice must:
(1) contain a reference to or copy of this section;
(2) describe with specificity the portion of the street that is or will be under construction;
(3) contain estimated commencement and completion dates for the construction; and
(4) contain a statement that no sign may be erected or maintained on a premise:
(A) more than five days before the estimated construction commencement date stated in the notice; or
(B) more than five days after the estimated construction completion date stated in the notice.
(e) Time period when sign authorized. This section only authorizes signs to be placed on property adjacent to that portion of a street described in the notice given pursuant to Subsection (d) during the time period beginning five days before the estimated construction commencement date stated in the notice and ending five days after the estimated construction completion date stated in the notice. No sign may be erected or maintained on a premise:
(1) more than five days before the estimated construction commencement date stated in the notice; or
(2) more than five days after the estimated construction completion date stated in the notice.
The director may change the time period for erecting and maintaining signs under this section at any time by giving a new notice in accordance with Subsection (d).
(f) Physical requirements for sign. All signs must comply with the following paragraphs:
(1) No more than two signs may be erected on a premise. No more than one sign may be erected at any motor vehicle entrance to a premise.
(2) No setback is required for a sign; however, no sign may be located in a public right-of-way. If a sign is placed in a visibility triangle as defined in Section 51A-4.602(d), it shall be a defense to prosecution under that section that the sign does not constitute a traffic hazard.
(3) The sign must be visible from and oriented towards the street under construction and have an arrow that directs motorists to a motor vehicle entrance to the premise.
(4) The sign must be a square, with dimensions of four feet by four feet. It must have a 3- inch border of white reflective sheeting or paint and a reflective blue background. The text of the sign must consist of reflective white characters. (Note: It is intended that the requirements of this paragraph be strictly and precisely complied with.)
(5) No sign may exceed eight feet in height.
(6) No sign may be a portable sign unless the director determines that the sign does not constitute a safety hazard.
(g) Criminal responsibility. If a sign violates this section and is not otherwise authorized under the Dallas City Code, a person is criminally responsible for a sign unlawfully erected or maintained if the person:
(1) erects or maintains the sign;
(2) is an owner or operator of a use or business to which the sign refers; or
(3) owns part or all of the land on which the sign is located.
(h) City may remove signs. The City of Dallas may remove any sign without liability if the director determines that the sign constitutes a safety hazard, or if the sign does not comply with this section; however, the City shall not be liable for failure to remove a sign. (Ord. Nos. 20728; 20927; 25047; 28424; 30239
; 30654
; 32864
)
SEC. 51A-7.213. DETACHED SIGN UNITY AGREEMENTS.
(a) The building official may authorize the dissolution of common boundary lines between lots for the limited purpose of allowing those lots to be considered one premise for the erection of detached signs, provided that a written agreement is executed in accordance with this section on a form provided by the city.
(b) The agreement must:
(1) contain legal descriptions of the properties sharing the common boundary line(s);
(2) set forth adequate consideration between the parties;
(3) state that all parties agree that the properties sharing the common boundary line(s) may be collectively treated as one lot for the limited purpose of erecting detached signs;
(4) state that the dissolution of the common boundary line(s) described in the agreement is only for the limited purpose of allowing the erection of detached signs, and that actual lines of property ownership are not affected;
(5) state that it constitutes a covenant running with the land with respect to all properties sharing the common boundary line(s);
(6) state that all parties agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the city of Dallas from and against all claims or liabilities arising out of or in connection with the agreement;
(7) state that it shall be governed by the laws of the state of Texas;
(8) state that it may only be amended or terminated by a subsequent written instrument that is:
(A) signed by an owner of property sharing the common boundary line(s) or by a lienholder, other than a taxing entity, that has either an interest in a property sharing the common boundary line(s) or an improvement on such a property;
(B) approved by the building official;
(C) approved as to form by the city attorney; and
(D) filed and made a part of the deed records of the county or counties in which the properties are located;
(9) be approved by the building official and be approved as to form by the city attorney;
(10) be signed by all owners of the properties sharing the common boundary line(s);
(11) be signed by all lienholders, other than taxing entities, that have either an interest in the properties sharing the common boundary line(s) or an improvement on those properties; and
(12) be filed and made a part of the deed records of the county or counties in which the properties are located.
(c) The building official shall approve an agreement if all properties governed by the agreement fully comply with the regulations in this article.
(d) An agreement shall not be considered effective until a true and correct copy of the approved agreement is filed in the deed records in accordance with this section and two file-marked copies of the agreement are filed with the building official.
(e) An agreement may only be amended or terminated by a written instrument that is executed in accordance with this subsection on a form provided by the city. The instrument must be:
(1) signed by an owner of property sharing the common boundary line(s) or by a lienholder, other than a taxing entity, that has either an interest in a property sharing the common boundary line(s) or an improvement on such a property;
(2) approved by the building official;
(3) approved as to form by the city attorney; and
(4) filed and made a part of the deed records of the county or counties in which the properties are located.
The building official shall approve an instrument amending or terminating an agreement if all properties governed by the agreement fully comply with the regulations in this article. The amending or terminating instrument shall not be considered effective until it is filed in the deed records in accordance with this subsection and two file-marked copies are filed with the building official.
(f) No detached non-premise sign may be erected or maintained on a property that is described in an agreement executed in accordance with this section. (Ord. 21797)
SEC. 51A-7.214. CITY KIOSKS.
(a) In this section, CITY KIOSK means a multi-sided structure for the display of premise signs, non-premise signs, informational signs, or way-finding maps pursuant to a city-approved kiosk program.
(b) City kiosks may be located in any part of the city authorized by the city-approved kiosk program, including all special provision sign districts, except that city kiosks may not be located in the Victory Sign District (including the “TXU tract” generally bounded by the Victory Sign District on the north, east, and south and bounded by I-35 on the west) or the West Village Sign District. City kiosks in special provision sign districts are not required to comply with the provisions of the special provision sign district, but must comply with the provisions of the city-approved kiosk program. Kiosks in special provision sign districts that are not part of the city-approved kiosk program remain subject to the provisions of the special provision sign district.
(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to regulate the display of signs on city kiosks, except that city kiosks must comply with the city-approved kiosk program. (Ord. 26082)
SEC. 51A-7.215. ANIMAL SHELTER SIGN.
(a) In this section, ANIMAL SHELTER SIGN means a sign located on the same lot as a city-operated animal shelter and used for the display of premise and non-premise messages.
(b) Except as provided in this section, an animal shelter sign must comply with this article.
(c) The animal shelter sign:
(1) may not be a Highway Beautification Act (HBA) sign;
(2) may not exceed 50 feet in height measured from grade;
(3) must be located at least 1,500 feet from a residential district;
(4) may not have an effective area in excess of 936 square feet;
(5) must have at least one static panel with a minimum effective area of 128 square feet that identifies the animal shelter; and
(6) must have a changeable message portion of the sign that uses LED/LCD technology with a maximum effective area of 672 square feet. The message or picture on the changeable message portion of the sign may not change more than once every eight seconds. At least 15 percent of the advertising time during each advertising cycle on the changeable message portion of the sign must display photos of animals available for adoption at the animal shelter or provide information about events being held or services being offered at the animal shelter.
(d) An animal shelter sign may not be relocated to another premise. (Ord. 27097)
SEC. 51A-7.216. DIGITAL DISPLAY ON CERTAIN PREMISE SIGNS.
(a) Effective area. The effective area of digital display may not exceed 50 square feet or 50 percent of the total effective area of the sign as allowed in the provisions for the respective zoning district, whichever is greater.
(b) Display.
(1) All digital displays signs must automatically adjust the sign brightness so that the brightness level of the sign is no more than 0.3 footcandles over ambient light conditions at a distance that is equal to the square root of the effective area multiplied by 100 from the sign. A digital display sign must be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell that automatically adjusts the display's intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.
(2) A digital display may not increase the light level on a lot in a residential district over ambient conditions without the digital display, measured in footcandles at the point closest to the sign that is five feet inside the residential lot and five feet above the ground.
(3) Before the issuance of a digital display sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that:
(A) the light intensity has been factory programmed to comply with the maximum brightness and dimming standards in this subsection; and
(B) the light intensity is protected from end-user manipulation.
(c) Change of message. Changes of message must comply with the following:
(1) Each message must be displayed for a minimum of 20 seconds in business zoning districts and 20 minutes in non-business zoning districts.
(2) Changes of message must be accomplished within two seconds.
(3) Changes of message must occur simultaneously on the entire sign face.
(4) No flashing, dimming, or brightening of message is permitted except to accommodate changes of message.
(d) Compliance. All nonconforming digital display premise signs must come into compliance with Paragraphs (b)(1)-(2) and Subsection (c) by August 26, 2016. The owner of a digital display premise sign may appeal to the board of adjustment for a later compliance date at any time up to the compliance date in this subsection if the owner will not be able to recover his investment in the sign (up to the date of nonconformance) by the compliance date in this subsection. The fee for the appeal of the compliance date is the same as the fee for a nonresidential special exception before the board of adjustment as set forth in Chapter 51A. (Ord. 29839)
SEC. 51A-7.301. APPLICATION OF DIVISION.
The provisions of this division apply to all signs in business zoning districts, except that attached signs within 100 feet of either private property in a non-business zoning district or a public park of more than one acre shall be governed by the provisions of Division 51A-7.400 of this article. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20007; 20379; 25786)
SEC. 51A-7.302. RESERVED.
(Ord. 25786)
SEC. 51A-7.303. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SIGNS IN BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICTS.
(a) No illuminated sign which has an effective area of 400 square feet or less shall have a luminance greater than 300 footlamberts, nor shall any such sign have a luminance greater than 300 footlamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle two feet in diameter. No illuminated sign which has an effective area greater than 400 square feet shall have a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts, nor shall any such sign have a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle of two feet in diameter. The restrictions of luminance in this section shall be determined from any other premise or from any public right-of-way other than an alley.
(b) No illuminated sign nor any illuminated element of any sign, may turn on or off, or change its brightness, if:
(1) the change of illumination produces an apparent motion of the visual image, including but not limited to illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, expanding or contracting shapes, rotation or any similar effect of animation;
(2) the change of message or picture occurs more often than once each three seconds for those portions of a sign which convey time or temperature, or once each 20 seconds for all other portions of a sign; or
(3) a portion of the sign, within a circle of two feet in diameter, has a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts when all elements of the sign are fully and steadily illuminated.
(c) No sign or any part of any sign may move or rotate at a rate more often than once each 10 seconds, or change its message at a rate more often than once each 20 seconds, with the exception of wind devices, the motion of which is not restricted. No sign may move, rotate or change its message at any rate if any of its elements or any illuminated portion within a two-foot circle has a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts.
(d) Subdivision signs are subject to the following restrictions:
(1) Subdivision signs are exempt from compliance with the provisions of Section 51A-7.304, “Detached Signs,” of this article.
(2) The maximum effective area of each subdivision sign may not exceed 40 square feet.
(3) The maximum number of subdivision signs permitted is two signs per street entrance into the business park.
(4) Subdivision signs may not project more than three inches from the surface of the structure.
(5) Subdivision signs may not be internally illuminated.
(6) The highest part of a subdivision sign may not exceed six feet in height.
(7) Subdivision signs must be landscape signs or monument signs. For purposes of this subsection, “landscape sign” means a sign that is part of a single landscape design that creates a base for the sign in conjunction with a retaining wall or an open space created with the use of water or planting material, and “monument sign” means a detached sign applied directly onto a ground-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and the ground.
(8) Subdivision signs may be located within the public right-of-way if a license for use of the public right-of-way is obtained pursuant to the requirements of the Dallas City Code.
(9) Subdivision signs may only contain the name of the business park.
(10) The application for a subdivision sign permit must be supported by the owner of property abutting the proposed subdivision sign, if any, and two-thirds of the property owners within 300 feet of the proposed subdivision sign. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 19704; 20359; 20495; 20927; 24232; 25455)
SEC. 51A-7.304. DETACHED SIGNS.
Detached signs are permitted in business zoning districts as follows:
(a) Definitions. In this section:
(1) EFFECTIVE-AREA-TO-HEIGHT RATIO means the ratio of the effective area of a sign to its height. For example, a sign with an effective area of 50 square feet and a height of 25 feet has an effective-area-to-height ratio of 2:1.
(2) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a ground-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and the ground, or mounted on a fence.
(3) MULTI-TENANT SIGN means a detached sign that advertises two or more businesses on a single premise.
(4) NON-MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign that is not a monument sign.
(5) SETBACK-TO-HEIGHT SLOPE is a plane projected upward and inward from a point of beginning located at the property line 7.5 feet above a level plane going through the nearest point of the vehicular traffic surface of the adjacent improved public right-of-way other than an alley and extending infinitely, as illustrated below. A .5:1 setback-to-height slope moves one-half foot away from the point of beginning for every one foot the slope rises, resulting in a 63.4349 degree slope. A 1:1 setback-to-height slope moves one foot away from the point of beginning for every one foot the slope rises, resulting in a 45 degree slope. A 2:1 setback-to-height slope moves two feet away from the point of beginning for every one foot the slope rises, resulting in a 26.5651 degree slope.
(6) SINGLE-TENANT SIGN means a detached sign that advertises only one business.
(7) UNITY-AGREEMENT SIGN means a detached sign erected under a detached sign unity agreement pursuant to Section 51A-7.213.
(b) General regulations applicable to all detached signs.
(1) Except as provided in Section 51A-7.306(a), detached signs must be premise signs.
(2) No portion of a detached sign may be located above a residential proximity slope. See Section 51A-4.412.
(3) Non-monument signs are not allowed within 250 feet of either private property in a non-business zoning district or a public park of more than one acre. The board of adjustment may grant a special exception to this provision when, in the opinion of the board, the special exception will not adversely affect neighboring property.
(4) Only one detached sign is allowed per street frontage other than expressways. One expressway sign is allowed for every 450 feet of frontage or fraction thereof on an expressway.
(5) Detached signs on the same premise must be at least 200 feet apart.
(6) All of the premises operating under a detached sign unity agreement may together have only one unity-agreement sign per street frontage, but each premise operating under that detached sign unity agreement may have one single-tenant monument sign.
(7) Detached signs may not be placed in a visibility triangle. See Section 51A-4.602(d).
(8) The support structure for monument signs must be constructed of concrete, metal, or masonry; wood is prohibited. The board of adjustment may grant a special exception to this provision when, in the opinion of the board, an alternative material will be as durable as concrete, metal, or masonry. This provision does not control the material used for the sign itself.
(9) Measurements of distance under this section are taken radially unless otherwise specified. “Radial” measurement is measurement taken along the shortest distance between a sign or proposed sign location and the nearest point of the object.
(10) The effective area of a sign attached to a fence is the effective area of the sign only, not the area of the entire fence.
(c) Regulations applicable to single-tenant signs.
(1) Setback.
(A) Monument signs. There is no minimum setback for a single-tenant monument sign.
(B) Non-monument signs. The minimum setback for a single-tenant non-monument sign is 15 feet.
(2) Height. The height of a single-tenant sign may not exceed a 2:1 setback-to-height slope or 35 feet, whichever is less.
(3) Effective area. The effective area of a single-tenant sign may not exceed an 8:1 effective-area-to-height ratio or 200 square feet, whichever is less.
(d) Regulations applicable to multi-tenant signs.
(1) Setback.
(A) Monument signs. The minimum setback for a multi-tenant monument sign is five feet.
(B) Non-monument signs. The minimum setback for a multi-tenant non-monument sign is 15 feet.
(2) Height. The height of a multi-tenant sign may not exceed a 1:1 setback-to-height slope or 35 feet, whichever is less.
(3) Effective area.
(A) Monument signs. The effective area of a multi-tenant monument sign may not exceed a 10:1 effective-area-to-height ratio or 200 square feet, whichever is less.
(B) Non-monument signs. The effective area of a multi-tenant non-monument sign may not exceed a 5:1 effective-area-to-height ratio or 200 square feet, whichever is less.
(4) Address required. A multi-tenant sign must contain the address of the premise.
(e) Regulations applicable to unity-agreement signs.
(1) Applicability. This subsection controls over Subsections (c) and (d) of this section.
(2) Setback.
(A) Monument signs. The minimum setback for a unity-agreement monument sign is five feet.
(B) Non-monument signs. The minimum setback for a unity-agreement non-monument sign is 15 feet.
(3) Height. The height of a unity-agreement sign may not exceed a .5:1 setback-to-height slope or 35 feet, whichever is less.
(4) Effective area. The effective area of a unity-agreement sign may not exceed a 10:1 effective-area-to-height ratio or 200 square feet, whichever is less.
(f) Regulations applicable to expressway signs.
(1) Applicability. This subsection controls over Subsections (c), (d), and (e) of this section.
(2) Setback, height, and effective area generally.
(A) An expressway sign with a minimum setback of five feet may have a maximum height of 20 feet and maximum effective area of 50 square feet.
(B) An expressway sign with a minimum setback of 15 feet may have a maximum height of 30 feet and a maximum effective area of 150 square feet.
(C) An expressway sign with a minimum setback of 25 feet may have a maximum height of 40 feet and a maximum effective area of 400 square feet.
(D) The height of an expressway sign may be extended to 50 feet, or to 30 feet above the nearest point on the nearest travel surface of the nearest expressway or new expressway, whichever is higher, if the total height of the sign does not exceed 60 feet above the ground at the base of the sign.
(3) Setback, height, and effective area of unity-agreement expressway signs.
(A) A unity-agreement expressway sign with a minimum setback of five feet may have a maximum height of 30 feet and a maximum effective area of 150 square feet.
(B) A unity-agreement expressway sign with a minimum setback of 15 feet may have a maximum height of 40 feet and a maximum effective area of 250 square feet.
(C) A unity-agreement expressway sign with a minimum setback of 25 feet may have a maximum height of 50 feet and a maximum effective area of 450 square feet.
(D) The height of a unity-agreement expressway sign may be extended to 50 feet, or to 30 feet above the nearest point on the nearest travel surface of the nearest expressway or new expressway, whichever is higher, if the total height of the sign does not exceed 60 feet above the ground at the base of the sign. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 21186; 21455; 21797; 21798; 24232; 25786; 25814; 26082; 29024)
SEC. 51A-7.305. ATTACHED SIGNS.
Attached signs are permitted in business areas in accordance with the following provisions:
(a) Except as otherwise permitted under Sections 51-4.213(25), 51-4.217(b)(5), 51A-4.206(1), and 51A-4.217(b)(9), all attached signs must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(b) All signs and their words shall be mounted parallel to the building surface to which they are attached, and shall project no more than 18 inches from that surface except as provided in Subsection (e) below.
(c) On the primary facade, the combined effective area of all attached signs may not exceed 25 percent of the total area of the primary facade. On each secondary facade, the combined effective area of all attached signs may not exceed 15 percent of the total area of that secondary facade. As applied to a building with multiple occupants, the facade area of each use with a separate certificate of occupancy shall be treated as a separate facade. On any building facade, there may be a maximum of eight words which contain any character of a height equal to or exceeding four inches and pertain to any premise or any non-residential occupancy. Words consisting of characters less than four inches high may be used without limit.
(d) The combined effective area of all signs attached to any window or any glass door may not exceed 15 percent of the area of that window or that glass door. Signs in the upper two-thirds of a window or glass door are prohibited. Signs attached to a window or a glass door must be brought into compliance with this provision by September 25, 2008.
(e) Attached signs may project more than 18 inches from vertical building planes as follows:
(1) Any premise or any non-residential occupancy may erect not more than one attached sign projecting up to a maximum of four feet from a vertical building plane, but not above the roof, provided that the premise or occupancy maintains no detached sign on the premise, and that the sign does not exceed 20 square feet in effective area, and that no part of the sign descends closer to grade than 10 feet, nor projects into or over any public right-of-way.
(2) On any premise or non-residential occupancy, a sign may be erected at the eaves or edge of the roof or on a parapet or edge of a canopy; provided, that the sign is parallel to the vertical building plane, and does not project more than four feet above the surface to which it is attached.
(3) Any premise or non-residential occupancy may erect one attached sign projecting up to a maximum of four feet from a vertical building plane if:
(A) the sign does not exceed 60 square feet in effective area;
(B) no single face of a three-dimensional sign exceeds 60 square feet;
(C) the attached sign is not above the highest point of a facade;
(D) no part of the sign descends closer to grade than 10 feet;
(E) the sign does not project into or over any public right-of-way; and
(F) the contents of the sign are limited to a registered trademark or logo that contains no word or character.
(f) Words may be attached to machinery or equipment which is necessary or customary to the business, including but not limited to devices such as gasoline pumps, vending machines, ice machines, etc., provided that words so attached refer exclusively to products or services dispensed by the device, consist of characters no more than four inches in height, and project no more than one inch from the surface of the device. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 21978; 24232; 27244; 27253; 29024)
SEC. 51A-7.306. DETACHED NON- PREMISE SIGNS PROHIBITED GENERALLY.
(a) No person may erect or maintain a detached non-premise sign in the city. It is a defense to prosecution under this subsection that the sign:
(1) is a nonconforming use;
(2) is a special purpose sign, movement control sign, protective sign, or vehicular sign as defined in this article;
(3) is a sign that contains primarily a political message for which a permit is not required under Section 51A-7.602;
(4) is in a special provision sign district or planned development district and expressly authorized by and in full compliance with the ordinances establishing and amending that district;
(5) was lawfully relocated pursuant to Section 51A-7.307;
(6) is expressly authorized by and in full compliance with a valid order of the court or board of adjustment; or
(7) is a sign adverting an occasional sale (garage sale) pursuant to Sections 51-4.217(b)(5) or 51A-4.217(b)(9).
(b) A lawfully erected detached non-premise sign in a special provision sign district or planned development district shall be considered a legal (as opposed to non-conforming) use if it is expressly authorized by and in full compliance with the ordinances establishing and amending that district. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 19766; 19786; 20360; 20927; 21663; 22392; 24232; 25921; 29024)
SEC. 51A-7.307. RELOCATION OF CERTAIN DETACHED NON-PREMISE SIGNS.
(a) In general. Non-conforming detached non-premise signs located on or overhanging a parcel of land acquired by a governmental entity may be relocated subject to the restrictions in this section.
(b) Application. The owner of the sign and the governmental entity must sign a relocation application. The owner of the sign must submit the relocation application within one year after the sign is actually removed from the parcel of land pursuant to a request of the governmental entity. The relocation must be completed within one year after approval of the relocation application.
(c) Compliance required. Except as provided in this section, relocated signs must fully comply with the size, height, spacing, setback, and other restrictions in this article.
(d) Relocation to remainder.
(1) All relocated signs must be relocated on the remainder of the tract from which the parcel of land was acquired unless relocating to the remainder is not possible for reasons such as:
(A) there is no remainder;
(B) the sign owner is unable to obtain an agreement from the property owner of the remainder; or
(C) the remainder is not of sufficient size or suitable configuration to allow the relocated sign to be as visible as the original sign from the nearest main traveled thoroughfare.
(2) Signs relocated to a remainder may not be less conforming than the original sign, but must comply with the spacing requirements of Paragraphs (e)(12) and (e)(13).
(3) All signs located on a railroad right-of-way must be relocated within that same railroad right-of-way. Relocated signs must be relocated within 500 feet of their original location unless possible locations are not of a suitable size or configuration or are otherwise unusable. Signs that have been relocated within 500 feet of their original location may not be less conforming than the original sign. If a sign cannot be relocated within 500 feet of its original location, it can be relocated anywhere in that same railroad right-of-way, but must fully comply with the size, height, spacing, setback, and other restrictions in this article.
(e) Restrictions on relocations.
(1) A sign may not be relocated within 1,000 feet of a new expressway.
(2) A sign may not be relocated within 100 feet of an expressway unless it was originally located within 100 feet of an expressway or new expressway.
(3) A sign message on a relocated sign may not be oriented to be visible from a new expressway.
(4) A sign message on a relocated sign may not be oriented to be visible from an expressway unless it was originally oriented to be visible from an expressway or new expressway.
(5) A non-HBA sign must be relocated at least 500 feet from another non-premise sign.
(6) An HBA sign must be relocated at least 500 feet from another non-premise sign on the same side of the expressway.
(7) No more than one relocation is permitted between the sites or former sites of non-premise signs that existed on April 26, 2000 unless the distance between the sites or former sites in feet equals or exceeds the number of relocated signs multiplied by 1,500.
(8) A relocated sign may not have a greater effective area than it had at its original location, except that the effective area of multiple relocated signs may be combined, provided that:
(A) the overall number of signs within the city is reduced;
(B) the effective area of the combined sign is equal to or less than the sum of the effective area of the individual signs; and
(C) except as provided in Paragraph (g)(3), the effective area does not exceed 400 square feet for a combined non-expressway sign or 672 square feet for a combined expressway sign.
For purposes of this paragraph, the effective area of a relocated sign does not include the sign skirting if no part of the sign message appears on the skirting other than the name of the sign company.
(9) Two one-faced signs may be relocated to create one two-faced sign, provided that:
(A) the two faces are oriented within 60 degrees of one another; and
(B) except as provided in Paragraph (g)(3), the effective area does not exceed 400 square feet for a combined non-expressway sign or 672 square feet for a combined expressway sign.
This paragraph controls over Paragraphs (5) and (6).
(10) All relocated signs must be built to comply with the building code.
(11) A sign may not be relocated until demolition and other required permits have been applied for and approved by the city.
(12) A sign may not be relocated within 2,000 feet of the Trinity River, measured from the center line of the Trinity River. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “Trinity River” means the portion of the river south of the confluence of the Elm and West forks as depicted on the most recent version of the flood insurance rate maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(13) A sign may not be relocated within 500 feet of a historic district, public park, city-owned lake, or the escarpment zone or geologically similar areas.
(14) A non-HBA sign may not be relocated within 500 feet of a non-business or residential zoning district.
(15) An HBA sign may not be relocated within 300 feet of a non-business or residential zoning district.
(16) A sign may not be relocated within 200 feet of any intersection involving:
(A) two or more arterials;
(B) an expressway frontage road and an arterial; or
(C) expressway travel lanes or ramps.
(17) No new properties, such as electrical, mechanical, or LED, may be added to a relocated sign. (For example, a non-illuminated sign may not be converted to an illuminated sign, and a plain billboard may not be converted to a digital or tri-vision sign.)
(f) Relocated expressway signs.
(1) A relocated expressway sign may exceed the effective area in Subsection (g). A relocated expressway sign may not have an effective area that exceeds 672 square feet.
(2) A relocated expressway sign must have a setback of at least 40 feet from the nearest expressway travel lane and at least five feet from the nearest public right-of-way but may not be relocated more than 200 feet from the expressway right-of-way.
(3) The effective area of a relocated expressway sign does not include extensions of the sign face if:
(A) the extensions do not collectively exceed 20 percent of the original area of the sign face; and
(B) no individual extension exceeds 80 percent of the original length or 50 percent of the original height of the sign face.
(4) The height of a relocated expressway sign may not exceed an overall height of 50 feet, or 42.5 feet above the nearest point on the nearest travel surface of the nearest expressway or new expressway, whichever is higher, if the total height of the sign does not exceed 80 feet above the ground at the base of the sign.
(g) Limitations on size. Except as provided in Subsection (f):
(1) a relocated sign with an effective area of 72 square feet or less may not exceed 20 feet in height; and
(2) a relocated sign with an effective area greater than 72 square feet may not exceed 400 square feet in effective area or 30 feet in height.
(3) A relocated sign in a CR, RR, MU-1, MU- 1(SAH), MU-2, MU-2(SAH), MC-1, or MC-2 zoning district, or in an SC or GR subdistrict of a PD district, may not exceed 72 square feet in effective area or 20 feet in height. This provision controls over Paragraphs (1) and (2).
(h) Measurements. Measurements of distance under this section pertaining to minimum separation between signs are linear unless otherwise specified in the provision. A “linear” measurement is taken from a sign or proposed sign location to the nearest point on another sign. Measurements of distance under this section pertaining to minimum distance from zoning districts or locations are taken radially unless otherwise specified in the provision. “Radial” measurement is a measurement taken along the shortest distance between a sign or proposed sign location and the nearest point of a private property line in a restricted zoning district or location.
(i) Specific use permit. The city council may grant a specific use permit to:
(1) authorize a detached non-premise sign to have lesser spacing than that required in Paragraphs (e) (12), (13), (14) or (15); or
(2) allow the relocation of an HBA sign or an expressway sign to an LO(A), MO(A), or GO(A) district.
For more information regarding specific use permits, see Section 51A-4.219. (Ord. Nos. 24232; 27516)
SEC. 51A-7.308. DIGITAL DISPLAY ON CERTAIN DETACHED NONPREMISE SIGNS.
(a) In general. Certain nonconforming detached non-premise signs may be modified to use digital display technology subject to the restrictions in this section.
(b) Application. The owner of the sign must submit a digital display sign permit application for a face modification. After the building official approves the digital display sign permit, the owner must apply for a demolition permit to remove sign face area in accordance with Subsection (d). The owner must complete demolition of sign face according to the applicable ratio in Subsection (d) before the sign face is modified.
(c) Compliance required.
(1) Except as provided in this section, digital display signs must fully comply with the size, height, spacing, setback, and other restrictions in this article for detached non-premise signs.
(2) Digital display sign support structures must be built to comply with the building code.
(3) Digital display signs must comply with Title 43 Texas Administrative Code Section 21.163, “Electronic Signs,” as amended.
(4) Both existing and new digital signs must comply with all lighting and safety standards mandated by federal, state, or local rules or statutes, including standards adopted or amended after the date of passage of these requirements. Lighting and safety standards include brightness; message duration; and proximity of the sign to other digital displays, ramps, and interchanges.
(d) Sign face exchange ratio.
(1) Except as provided in Paragraph (2), for every one square foot of sign face modified to use digital display technology, three square feet of detached non-premise sign face area must be removed from within the city.
(A) To receive credit for the area of a conventional face removed, the conventional sign face removed must result in elimination of a sign structure (if a face is removed from a structure, the entire structure must be removed).
(B) At least one structure removed must be within a five mile radius of the conventional face being converted.
(C) No credit is given for the area of the conventional face removed to convert to a digital display.
(D) Removal of sign face area must be completed before modification of sign area to use digital display technology.
(2) A company holding a valid state advertising license and that maintains 61 or fewer registered expressway non-premise signs on January 1, 2011 shall be allowed one sign face modification without complying with Paragraph (1). The new digital sign face may be no larger than the preexisting conventional sign face. Any subsequent modifications must comply with Paragraph (1).
(e) Location and number.
(1) A maximum of 50 non-premise locations with digital displays are permitted in the city. The director shall time stamp all applications upon receipt. The director shall review applications in order of submittal. If the director determines that an application is incomplete or does not meet the requirements of this section, the director shall reject the application and then review the next application. If the initial number of applications exceeds the number of permits available, the director shall provide for a lottery to distribute the permits.
(2) Digital display signs may only be expressway signs.
(3) For support structures with only one digital display sign, signs must be located a minimum of 1,500 feet from any other digital display sign oriented to the same traffic direction along the main travel lanes of the expressway, measured linearly. For support structures with two digital display signs, signs must be located a minimum of 2,000 feet from any other digital display sign along the same expressway, measured linearly.
(4) Digital display signs may not be located within 300 feet of any lot located in a residential district, measured radially.
(5) Digital display signs may not be located within 2,000 feet of the Trinity River, measured from the center line of the Trinity River. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “Trinity River” means the portion of the river south of the confluence of the Elm and West Forks as depicted on the most recent version of the flood insurance rate maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(6) Digital display signs may not be located within 500 feet of a lot in a historic district.
(7) Digital display signs may not be located within 500 feet of an escarpment zone.
(f) Digital display sign support structures.
(1) Digital display sign support structures may not exceed an overall height of 50 feet or 42.5 feet above the nearest point on the nearest travel surface of the nearest expressway, whichever is higher, except that no digital display sign may be higher than the conventional sign it replaced.
(2) On support structures with two sign faces:
(A) If existing faces are pivoted at an angle of 10 degrees or greater from each other and toward the main travel lanes of an expressway, one or both sign faces may be converted to digital display.
(B) If existing faces are pivoted at an angle of less than 10 degrees, only one face may be converted to a digital display. The other sign face must be removed.
(3) Sign support structures and faces being converted to accommodate digital displays may not be modified to change the angle of a sign face.
(4) Electrical service to sign support structures with digital displays must be underground between the property line and the sign.
(g) Display.
(1) All digital displays signs must automatically adjust the sign brightness so that the brightness level of the sign is no more than 0.3 footcandles over ambient light conditions at a distance of 250 feet from the sign. A digital display sign must be equipped with both a dimmer control and a photocell that automatically adjusts the display’s intensity according to natural ambient light conditions.
(2) A digital display may not increase the light level on a lot in a residential district over ambient conditions without the digital display, measured in footcandles at the point closest to the sign that is five feet inside the residential lot and five feet above the ground.
(3) Before the issuance of a digital display sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that:
(A) the light intensity has been factory programmed to comply with the maximum brightness and dimming standards in this subsection; and
(B) the light intensity is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software or other method satisfactory to the building official.
(h) Change of message. Changes of message must comply with the following:
(1) Each message must be displayed for a minimum of eight seconds.
(2) Changes of message must be accomplished within two seconds.
(3) Changes of message must occur simultaneously on the entire sign face.
(4) No flashing, dimming, or brightening of message is permitted except to accommodate changes of message.
(i) Malfunction. Digital display sign operators must respond to a malfunction or safety issue within one hour after notification and must remedy that malfunction or safety issue within 12 hours after notification. In case of sign malfunction, the digital display must freeze until the malfunction is remedied.
(j) Display of emergency information. The city may exercise its police powers to protect public health, safety, and welfare by requiring emergency information to be displayed on digital display signs. Upon notification, the sign operators shall display: Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, information regarding terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergency situations in appropriate sign rotations. Emergency information messages must remain in rotation according to the issuing agency’s protocols.
(k) Sunset. The director shall issue no permits after August 31, 2015, unless that date is extended by ordinance before that date. The city plan commission and city council shall review this section before August 31, 2015. (Ord. Nos. 28238; 29393; 29557)
SEC. 51A-7.401. APPLICATION OF DIVISION.
The provisions of this division apply to all signs located:
(1) in any non-business zoning district;
(2) within 100 feet of private property in a non-business zoning district; or
(3) within 100 feet of a public park of more than one acre. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20007; 20379)
SEC. 51A-7.402. GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO SIGNS IN NON-BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICTS.
(a) No portion of an illuminated sign shall have a luminance greater than 200 foot lamberts.
(b) Except for wind devices, no sign nor part of any sign in a non-business zoning district shall move, flash, rotate, or change its illumination more than once an hour.
(c) Except as otherwise permitted under Sections 51-4.213(25) or (26), 51-4.217(b)(5), 51A-4.206(1) or (3), and 51A-4.217(b)(9), an occupant in non-business zoning districts may erect only signs that convey a noncommercial message, special purpose signs, and premise signs, which include movement control signs and protective signs.
(d) Subdivision signs are subject to the following restrictions:
(1) Subdivision signs are exempt from compliance with the provisions of Section 51A-7.403, “Detached Signs,” of this article.
(2) The maximum effective area of each subdivision sign may not exceed 40 square feet.
(3) The maximum number of subdivision signs permitted is two signs per street entrance into the residential neighborhood.
(4) Subdivision signs may not project more than three inches from the surface of the structure.
(5) Subdivision signs may not be internally illuminated.
(6) The highest part of a subdivision sign may not exceed six feet in height.
(7) Subdivision signs must be landscape signs or monument signs. For purposes of this subsection, “landscape sign” means a sign that is part of a single landscape design that creates a base for the sign in conjunction with a retaining wall or an open space created with the use of water or planting material, and “monument sign” means a detached sign applied directly onto a ground-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and the ground.
(8) Subdivision signs may be located within the public right-of-way if a license for use of the public right-of-way is obtained pursuant to the requirements of the Dallas City Code.
(9) Subdivision signs may only contain the name of the single family, duplex, or townhouse residential neighborhood.
(10) The application for a subdivision sign permit must be submitted by a homeowners association.
(11) The application for a subdivision sign permit must be supported by the owner of property abutting the proposed subdivision sign, if any, and two-thirds of the property owners within 300 feet of the proposed subdivision sign. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 24232; 24270; 25455; 29024)
SEC. 51A-7.403. DETACHED SIGNS.
(a) A multifamily or non-residential premise may display detached signs subject to the following restrictions:
(1) TYPE OF SIGNS: A sign permitted by this subsection must:
(A) be a premise sign; or
(B) convey a noncommercial message.
(2) NUMBER OF SIGNS: Each premise may have one detached sign for each 600 feet, or fraction thereof, of frontage along a public way, other than an alley.
(3) SETBACK: A sign permitted by this subsection must comply with the following setback requirements:
(A) A minimum setback of five feet is required of all detached signs.
(B) A minimum setback of 10 feet is required for signs exceeding 10 square feet in effective area or 15 feet in height.
(C) A minimum setback of 20 feet is required for all signs exceeding 20 square feet in effective area or 20 feet in height.
(D) A minimum setback of 15 feet is required if any part of the sign, other than supports that do not exceed a total cross-sectional area of one square foot, occupies the space between two feet and 10 feet above grade.
(4) EFFECTIVE AREA AND HEIGHT: A detached sign may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area or 25 feet in height.
(b) A single family or duplex residential premise may display detached signs subject to the following restrictions:
(1) TYPE OF SIGNS: A sign permitted by this subsection must:
(A) refer to the sale or lease of the premises;
(B) refer to an occasional sale authorized in Section 51A-4.217(b)(5) of this code; or
(C) convey a noncommercial message.
(2) NUMBER OF SIGNS: Each premise may have one detached sign for each 600 feet, or fraction thereof, of frontage along a public way, other than an alley.
(3) SETBACK: A sign permitted by this subsection must comply with the following setback requirements:
(A) A minimum setback of five feet is required for all detached signs unless the premise has a yard that is less than five feet, in which case the sign must be set back the maximum possible distance.
(B) A minimum setback of 10 feet is required for signs exceeding 10 square feet in effective area.
(C) A minimum setback of 15 feet is required if any part of the effective area of the sign occupies the space above two feet above grade.
(4) EFFECTIVE AREA AND HEIGHT: A detached sign may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 20962; 21798)
SEC. 51A-7.404. ATTACHED SIGNS.
(a) Attached signs are permitted for multifamily premises, non-residential premises, and non-residential occupancies in non-business zoning districts, subject to the following restrictions:
(1) Except as otherwise permitted under Section 51-4.213 in Chapter 51, or under Section 51A-4.206 in this chapter, all attached signs must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(2) All signs erected pursuant to this section shall be limited to one per facade per occupant of premise.
(3) Words consisting of characters all of which are less than four inches in height may be used without limit as to number, and shall not be considered in computing the effective area.
(4) Reserved.
(5) No attached sign erected pursuant to this section shall be permitted to have more than eight words consisting of characters in excess of four inches in height and such sign shall not exceed 40 square feet in effective area. As an exception to this rule a building in an LO(A), MO(A), GO(A), or O-2 zoning district may be permitted to have additional attached signs with larger effective areas above the first two stories of the building when the following conditions are met:
(A) If an election is made to erect a sign greater than 40 square feet only one sign on that facade will be permitted above the first two stories of the building. Nothing herein shall prohibit each occupant or premise otherwise authorized an attached sign pursuant to this section to have such a sign below the third story of the building.
(B) Only two attached signs per building may have an effective area larger than 40 square feet and each shall be on a separate facade.
(C) Each attached sign erected pursuant to this exception may have an additional 40 square feet of effective area for each additional story above the first two stories of the building.
(6) All signs and their words shall be mounted parallel to the building surface to which they are attached and shall project no more than 18 inches from the surface to which they are attached except as provided in Paragraph (7) below. Signs shall not be mounted on roofs and shall not project above roofs.
(7) A non-residential premise may erect one attached sign that projects no further than 4 feet from the vertical building surface provided that the sign may not be illuminated, exceed 20 square feet in effective area, extend above the roof or over any public right-of-way, be located within the space 10 feet above the grade, or be on a premise with a detached sign.
(b) A single family or duplex residential premise may not display an attached sign except a protective sign. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 19786; 19879; 21978; 24232; 29611)
SEC. 51A-7.501. PURPOSE OF SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICTS.
For the purpose of establishing, enhancing, preserving, or developing the character, quality, and property values of areas of unique character and special development potential, and to protect public welfare, districts whose signs are regulated by special provisions may be established from time to time, as provided below. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 24232)
SEC. 51A-7.502. CREATION OF A SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICT.
By amendment to this article, the city council may designate an area as a special provision sign district subject to the following conditions:
(1) The district must include frontage on a street, either for an entire blockface or for not less than 500 feet measured along the way or continuous set of intersecting ways.
(2) A special provision sign district is an overlay zoning district that must be created or amended in accordance with Section 51A-4.701.
(3) As a prerequisite to the establishment of such a special provision sign district, the council must determine that the modified rules established for said districts shall:
(A) establish, preserve, enhance, or develop the character of a particular area;
(B) cause no disturbance to neighboring property lying outside the proposed district;
(C) create no hazard or annoyance to motorists or pedestrians; and
(D) not contravene the intent of this chapter. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 24232; 30932)
SEC. 51A-7.502.1. NON-PREMISE SIGNS IN SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICTS.
(a) The city council may expressly authorize one or more non-premise signs in:
(1) all special provision sign districts created on or before October 14, 1999; and
(2) any special provision sign district created after that date if:
(A) the district has an area of at least 50 acres; and
(B) the signs are located in or within one mile of the central business district.
(b) The city council may expressly authorize one or more non-premise athletic field signs in any special provision sign district, regardless of the size or location of the district.
(c) A minimum of 30 percent of the effective area of a detached HBA sign that exceeds 100 square feet in effective area must identify activities conducted or premises located in the special provision sign district. (Ord. 24232)
SEC. 51A-7.503. MODIFICATIONS ALLOWED IN SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICTS.
Without changing the definition of this article, or altering its basic structure, the modified rules for special provision sign districts may:
(1) impose sign restrictions which are in addition to, or more stringent than those provided for elsewhere in this article; and
(2) waive certain restrictions, or establish restrictions more lenient than those provided for elsewhere in this article. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 24232)
SEC. 51A-7.504. SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE CREATED.
(a) There is hereby created a committee to be known as the special sign district advisory committee, hereinafter called the “committee”, composed of five members appointed by the city plan commission. The committee shall be appointed within 15 days following the effective date of the establishment of the first special provision sign district created pursuant to the provisions of Division 51A-7.500 of this article. The members of the committee shall include one architect, one graphic designer, and one businessman associated with the sign industry. The city plan commission is authorized to solicit a list of nominees from any trade or professional association the membership of which has special knowledge of or interest in the design, construction, and placement of signs or urban planning and design. Appointments to the committee shall be for a term of two years ending on September 1 of each odd-numbered year and the members shall serve without compensation. The commission shall designate a chairman and vice-chairman from the members. The commission may appoint up to three alternate members to the committee who serve in the absence of one or more regular members when requested to do so by the chairperson or by the city manager. The alternate members serve for the same period and are subject to removal the same as regular members. The commission shall fill vacancies occurring in the alternate membership the same as in the regular membership.
(b) The committee shall meet at least once each month with additional meetings upon call by the committee chairman or a simple majority of the committee members. A simple majority of members present shall constitute a quorum and issues shall be decided by a simple majority vote of the members present. The department shall furnish staff support to the committee.
(c) The function of the committee shall be to familiarize itself thoroughly with the character, special conditions, and economics of all special provision sign districts as provided in Section 51A-7.503 of this article. In addition, the committee shall, upon request, provide guidance, advice and assistance to any applicant for a sign permit in a special provision sign district.
(d) Nothing in this article shall be construed to affect or modify the authority of any committee or commission whose duty it is to review permits for changes to the exterior of buildings in a special purpose district. Such committee or commission shall continue to review said permits using the standards and procedures established for that special purpose district.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing the city council from creating a separate procedure for allowing a separate committee to function as or in lieu of the sign district advisory committee for a particular special provision sign district. Any such separate procedure or separate committee must be established as part of the ordinance creating the special provision sign district or as part of an amendment thereto. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20345; 20927; 24232; 25047; 28073)
SEC. 51A-7.505. PERMIT PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICTS.
Unless otherwise provided as part of the ordinance creating a special provision sign district or as part of an amendment thereto, the following permit procedures apply:
(1) When required. Except when erecting a sign in a historic overlay district, in which case a certificate of appropriateness must be obtained in accordance with Section 51A-4.501(b), no sign permit may be issued in a special provision sign district to any applicant unless the application has first been reviewed by the director and a certificate of appropriateness has been issued in accordance with this section.
(2) Application. When applying for a sign permit in a special provision sign district, the applicant shall submit an application to the building official. After determining that the proposed sign conforms with the other sections of the code, the building official shall forward a copy of the application to the director within five working days of its receipt. The applicant shall provide the building official, the director, and the committee with specific information in the form of perspectives, renderings, photographs, models, or other representations sufficient to show the nature of the proposed sign and its effect on the immediate premises. Any applicant may request a meeting with the director or the committee before submitting an application and may consult with the director or the committee during the review of the permit application. Every applicant is entitled to appear before the committee and to be present when any vote is taken.
(3) Determination of procedure. Upon receipt of an application, the director shall determine whether it is to be reviewed under the director procedure or the committee procedure. The proposed sign must be reviewed under the director procedure if it:
(A) has an effective area less than 50 square feet;
(B) is a premise sign;
(C) does not contain any changeable message or flashing or blinking lights;
(D) has a setback of at least 10 feet;
(E) is not located within a historic overlay district;
(F) does not project more than 18 inches over public right-of-way if it is an attached sign;
(G) has an effective area of less than 15 percent of the facade of the building to which the sign is attached if the sign is an attached sign; and
(H) does not exceed 25 feet in height if the sign is a detached sign.
If the proposed sign does not meet all of the above requirements, it must be reviewed under the committee procedure.
(4) Director procedure.
(A) Decision by the director. If the director determines that the sign must be reviewed under the director procedure, the director shall review the application and approve or deny it within 10 days of its receipt.
(B) Appeals. Any interested person may appeal the decision of the director by submitting a written request for appeal to him or her within 10 days of the decision. The appeal starts the committee procedure.
(5) Committee procedure.
(A) Decision by the committee. If the director determines that the sign must be reviewed under the committee procedure or that his or her decision has been appealed, he or she shall forward the application to the committee for review.
(B) Factors the committee shall consider. In reviewing an application, the committee shall first consider whether the applicant has submitted sufficient information for the committee to make an informed decision. If the committee finds the proposed sign to be consistent with the special character of the special provision sign district, the committee shall make a recommendation of approval to the city plan commission. The committee shall consider the proposed sign in terms of its appropriateness to the special provision sign district with particular attention to the effect of the proposed sign upon the economic structure of the special provision sign district and the effect of the sign upon adjacent and surrounding premises without regard to any consideration of the message conveyed by the sign. After consideration of these factors, the committee shall recommend approval or denial of the application and forward that recommendation to the city plan commission.
(6) Decision by the commission. Upon receipt of a recommendation by the committee, the commission shall hold a public hearing to consider the application. At least 10 days before the hearing, notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing, the name of the applicant, and the location of the proposed sign must be published in the official newspaper of the city and the building official shall serve, by hand-delivery or mail, a written notice to the applicant that contains a reference to this section, and the date, time, and location of this hearing. A notice sent by mail is served by depositing it properly addressed and postage paid in the United States mail. In addition, if the application is for a detached sign or for an attached sign that has more than 100 square feet of effective area, the applicant must post the required number of notification signs in accordance with Section 51A-1.106. In making its decision, the commission shall consider the same factors that were required to be considered by the committee in making its recommendation. If the commission approves the application, it shall forward a certificate of appropriateness to the building official within 15 days after its approval. If the commission denies the application, it shall so inform the building official in writing. Upon receipt of the written denial, the building official shall so advise the applicant within five working days of the date of receipt of the written notice.
(7) Authority of building official not affected. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect or modify the authority of the building official to refuse to grant a sign permit in any case in which the proposed sign does not conform to specific provisions of height, effective area, setback, or similar restrictions established in this article or the modified restrictions applicable to the special provision sign district, or to the structural requirements of the building code or other codes which the building official is required by law to enforce.
(8) Action required within 60 days. If no action has been taken by the city within 60 days of the receipt of the application by the building official, a certificate of appropriateness shall be deemed issued and the building official shall so advise the applicant.
(9) Change in application. No change may be made in any permit application subsequent to action by the city without resubmittal to the director and approval of the resubmitted application by following the procedures in this section.
(10) Appeal to council. An applicant may appeal a denial of a certificate of appropriateness by the commission to the city council within 60 days of the date of the decision by the commission.
(11) Criminal responsibility. A person commits an offense if he or she erects or maintains a sign in a special provision sign district without first obtaining a certificate of appropriateness expressly authorizing the sign as required by this article. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20949; 20962; 21402; 22425; 24163; 24232; 30892)
SEC. 51A-7.506. EXPIRATION OF SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICTS.
The city council may establish a special provision sign district for a limited time. At the end of this period, the special provision sign district, and its provisions regulating signs, shall be discontinued, unless renewed for another limited period in accordance with the procedure established in Section 51A-7.502. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 24232)
SEC. 51A-7.507. TEMPORARY SIGNS IN SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICTS
(a) Purpose. This section allows persons to erect and maintain temporary signs within special provision sign districts while their applications for permanent signs in those districts are pending. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting a special provision sign district from having a separate procedure for obtaining a temporary sign permit.
(b) Procedures to obtain permit.
(1) In general. Notwithstanding Section 51A-7.505, an applicant for a sign permit in a special provision sign district may apply for a permit to erect a temporary sign in accordance with this section. The permit must be obtained before erecting or maintaining the sign.
(2) Application for permit. An application for a permit must be filed with the building official on a form provided by the city. Each application must comply with the requirements of the Dallas Building Code.
(3) Requirements. The building official shall deny the application unless the proposed temporary sign meets all of the following requirements. The sign must:
(A) comply with all provisions of the code, as amended, except for Section 51A-7.505;
(B) be an attached sign;
(C) be a premise sign;
(D) be constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, or nylon;
(E) not be an illuminated sign;
(F) not have dimensions that exceed the dimensions of the sign for which the applicant proposes to obtain a certificate of appropriateness; and
(G) not be the same sign for which the applicant proposes to obtain a certificate of appropriateness.
(4) Decision of the building official.
(A) Timing. The building official shall make a decision regarding the application within five working days after it is filed. If the applicant has not provided all the information required by this section, then the five-day period does not begin until the required information is provided.
(B) Failure to act. If the building official fails to make a decision regarding the application within five working days after it is filed, it is approved subject to compliance with all applicable city ordinances.
(C) Form of decision. The decision must take one of the following three forms:
(i) Approval, no conditions.
(ii) Approval, subject to conditions noted.
(iii) Denial.
(D) Approval with no conditions. If there are no grounds for denying the application, the building official shall approve it with no conditions.
(E) Approval subject to conditions noted. As an alternative to denial of the application, the building official may approve it subject to conditions noted if compliance with all conditions will eliminate what would otherwise constitute grounds for denial. If he or she approves it subject to conditions noted, he or she shall state in writing the specific requirements to be met before it is approved.
(F) Denial.
(i) Grounds for denial. The building official shall deny the application if it does not comply with all of the requirements of this section or contain all required information.
(ii) Statement of reasons. If the building official denies the application, he or she shall state in writing the specific reasons for denial.
(G) Notice of decision. The building official shall give written notice to the applicant of his or her decision regarding the application. Notice is given either by hand-delivery or by depositing the notice properly addressed and postage paid in the United States mail. If the notice is mailed, it must be sent to the address shown on the application.
(c) Revocation of permit. The building official shall revoke the permit if he or she determines that the permittee has:
(1) failed to comply with any provision of the code, as amended, except for Section 51A-7.505;
(2) made a false statement of material fact on the application; or
(3) erected or maintained a sign that endangers the safety of persons or property and is not otherwise in the public interest.
(d) Expiration of permit. A permit automatically expires 60 days from the date of its issuance.
(e) Permit limit. Once a permit expires or is revoked, no person may apply for another permit for that sign.
(f) Appeals. In considering an appeal from a decision of the building official made in the enforcement of this section, the sole issue before the board of adjustment shall be whether or not the building official erred in his or her decision. The board shall consider the same standards that the building official was required to consider in making the decision on the permit.
(g) Criminal responsibility. If a sign violates this section and is not otherwise authorized by the code, a person is criminally responsible for a sign unlawfully erected or maintained if the person:
(1) erects or maintains the sign;
(2) is an owner or operator of a use or business to which the sign refers; or
(3) owns part or all of the land on which the sign is located.
(h) No representation by the city. The grant of a permit to erect a temporary sign does not mean that an applicant will receive a certificate of appropriateness for any sign. (Ord. Nos. 20954; 24232; 30892)
SEC. 51A-7.601. ADMINISTRATION OF ARTICLE BY DIVISION OF BUILDING INSPECTION.
The provisions of this article shall be administered and enforced by the division of building inspection. (Ord. 19455)
SEC. 51A-7.602. PERMITS.
(a) While all signs not explicitly exempted are subject to the provisions of this article, and while a permit to erect any sign not so exempted may be applied for if desired, a permit is required only for the following signs:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (b), all signs having an effective area greater than 20 square feet.
(2) All signs having a height in excess of eight feet.
(3) All illuminated signs.
(4) All signs with moving elements.
(5) All signs erected or to be erected in or over any public way.
(6) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (b), all signs projecting more than 18 inches from any wall, roof, parapet, or eaves.
(b) Pursuant to Section 216.903 of the Texas Local Government Code, a permit is not required for a sign that contains primarily a political message and is located on private real property with the consent of the property owner unless the sign:
(1) has an effective area greater than 36 feet;
(2) is more than eight feet high;
(3) is illuminated; or
(4) has any moving elements.
In this subsection, the term “private real property” does not include real property subject to an easement or other encumbrance that allows the city to use the property for a public purpose. This subsection does not apply to a sign, including a billboard, that contains primarily a political message on a temporary basis and that is generally available for rent or purchase to carry commercial advertising or other messages that are not primarily political.
(c) Any sign for which a permit is issued shall be inspected after its erection for conformity to the provisions of this article by the division of building inspection. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 25921)
SEC. 51A-7.603. APPLICATIONS.
All applicants for permits must comply with the requirements of Subchapter 36 of Chapter 53, the Dallas Building Code. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 28553)
SEC. 51A-7.604. RESERVED.
(Ord. 20927)
SEC. 51A-7.605. EXTRAORDINARILY SIGNIFICANT SIGNS.
(a) General provisions.
(1) The city council or city plan commission may authorize a hearing to designate an existing sign as an extraordinarily significant sign. Any person may apply for designation of an existing sign as an extraordinarily significant sign. Except for city council or city plan commission authorized hearings, each owner of a proposed extraordinarily significant sign and each owner of property where the proposed extraordinarily significant sign is located must sign the application.
(2) The director shall send written notice of a public hearing on an application to designate an extraordinarily significant sign to all owners of real property lying within 200 feet of the boundary of the area of request.
(3) If a sign is designated as an extraordinarily significant sign, it is exempted from the provisions of Section 51A-7.210(b)(1)(A) and Division 51A-7.700 of this article.
(4) An owner of an extraordinarily significant sign must ensure that the sign is not structurally dangerous or a fire hazard, and does not cause electrical shocks or other hazardous conditions.
(b) The city plan commission shall review an application to designate an extraordinarily significant sign in accordance with Subsection (c) of this section in a public hearing and shall submit its recommendation to the city council. The city council shall act upon the recommendation of the city plan commission by granting or denying the application subject to the voting requirement in Section 51A-4.701(c)(2)(B) and Section 51A-7.803 of this article.
(c) To qualify for designation as an extraordinarily significant sign, the sign must:
(1) be at least 40 years of age;
(2) possess unique physical design characteristics such as configuration, color, texture, or other unique characteristics; and
(3) be of extraordinary significance to the city, the historic district where it is located, or the historic structure to which it is attached.
(d) In the consideration of Subsection (c)(3) of this section, the following must be evaluated:
(1) the significance of the sign on the basis of the significance of the physical composition or structure of the sign without regard to the significance of the company or other entity which is identified by the sign; and
(2) the importance of the sign in identifying a particular area of the city and the attitude and sentiment of the community concerning the significance of the sign without regard to the significance of the company or other entity which is identified by the sign. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 19557; 20927; 21186; 22738)
SEC. 51A-7.701. PURPOSE OF DIVISION.
It is the declared purpose of this division that, in time, all privately owned signs shall either conform to the provisions of this article or be removed. By the passage of this ordinance and its amendments, no presently illegal sign shall be deemed to have been legalized unless such sign complies with all current standards under the terms of this ordinance and all other ordinances of the city of Dallas. Any sign which does not conform to all provisions of this ordinance shall be a non-conforming sign if it legally existed as a conforming or non-conforming sign under prior ordinances; or an illegal sign if it did not exist as a conforming or non-conforming sign, as the case may be. It is further the intent and declared purpose of this ordinance that this division, and not the provisions of Article IV, shall exclusively govern how non-conforming signs in the city are treated. It is further the intent and declared purpose of this ordinance that no offense committed, and no liability, penalty or forfeiture, either civil or criminal, incurred prior to the time this ordinance was adopted shall be discharged or affected by such passage, but prosecutions and suits for such offenses, liabilities, penalties or forfeitures may be instituted, and causes presently pending may proceed. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 24232)
SEC. 51A-7.702. REMOVAL AND MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN NON- CONFORMING SIGNS.
(a) Signs erected without a permit, either prior to or after the adoption of this article, are illegal signs if a permit was required for its erection according to the law in effect at the time the sign was erected. It shall be unlawful to maintain any illegal sign. It is a defense to prosecution under this subsection if the sign has been made to comply with the provisions of this article so that a permit may be issued.
(b) All signs that were legally erected pursuant to a valid permit or legally maintained and that do not conform to the provisions of this article must be removed or modified if useful life determinations were made and amortization periods were set by the Municipal Board on Sign Control before January 1, 1990.
(c) No person may repair a non-conforming sign if the cost of repair is more than 60 percent of the cost of erecting a new sign of the same type at the same location, unless that sign is brought into conformity with this chapter. No person may repair a non-conforming sign where the effect of such repair shall be to enlarge or increase the structure of the non-conforming sign. For purposes of this section, mono-pole, metal, and wood are each an example of a “type” of sign and the term “repair” does not include maintenance or changes of words or other content on the face of a sign.
(d) The effective area of a detached non-premise sign does not include the sign skirting if no part of the sign message appears on the skirting other than the name of the sign company.
(e) No new electrical or mechanical properties may be added to a non-conforming detached non-premise sign. (For example, a non-illuminated sign may not be converted to an illuminated sign, and a plain billboard may not be converted to a tri-vision type.)
(f) The effective area of a detached non-premise expressway sign does not include extensions of the sign face if:
(1) the extensions do not collectively exceed 20 percent of the original area of the sign face; and
(2) no individual extension exceeds 80 percent of the original length or 50 percent of the original height of the sign face. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 22113; 23094; 24232)
SEC. 51A-7.703. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
(a) The board of adjustment may, in specific cases, take the following actions and authorize the following special variances and exceptions with respect to the provisions of this article.
(b) The board of adjustment may waive any filing fee for an appeal under this article when the board finds that payment of the fee would result in substantial financial hardship to the applicant. The applicant may either pay the fee and request reimbursement as part of his appeal or request the matter be placed on the board’s miscellaneous docket for predetermination. If the matter is placed on the miscellaneous docket, the applicant may not file his appeal until the merits of the request for waiver have been determined by the board.
(c) When in its judgment the public convenience and welfare will be substantially served and appropriate use of the neighboring area will not be substantially and permanently injured, the board of adjustment may, in specific cases and subject to appropriate conditions, authorize only the following special variances and exceptions to the regulations established in this article for non-conforming signs legally erected or maintained prior to April 30, 1973:
(1) Reserved.
(2) Permit a variance for detached non-premise signs of up to 20 percent of the setback, effective area, and height requirements of this article.
(3) Permit a variance for detached premise signs of up to 25 percent of the setback, effective area, and height requirements of this article.
(4) Authorize one additional detached sign on a premise in excess of the number permitted by this article.
(5) Authorize up to two additional large letter words on an attached sign in excess of the number permitted by this article.
(6) Permit the following special variances and exceptions for movement control signs when from the evidence presented the board finds them to be necessary to give directions to a business:
(A) Authorize an identification message to be placed on the sign.
(B) Authorize an effective area of up to 4 square feet.
(C) Authorize a height of up to 2-1/2 feet.
(7) Authorize the remodeling, renovation, or alteration of a sign when some non-conforming aspect of the sign is thereby reduced and when the period of time allowed for the owner of the sign to recoup his investment is not thereby extended.
(8) The board of adjustment may also vary any or all other provisions of this article not specified above with respect to premise signs only when the board has made a specific finding from evidence presented that strict compliance will result in substantial financial hardship or inequity to the applicant without sufficient corresponding benefit to the city and its citizens in accomplishing the objectives of this article.
(d) Except as provided in Section 51A-7.703(c) the board of adjustment may, in specific cases and subject to appropriate conditions, authorize only the following special variances and exceptions to the regulations established in this article when the board has made a special finding from the evidence presented that strict compliance with the requirement of this article will result in substantial financial hardship or inequity to the applicant without sufficient corresponding benefit to the city and its citizens in accomplishing the objectives of this article:
(1) Permit a variance for detached premise signs of up to 10 percent of the setback, effective area, and height requirements of this article.
(2) Authorize one additional detached premise sign on a premise in excess of the number permitted by this article.
(3) Authorize up to two additional large letter words on an attached sign in excess of the number permitted by this article.
(4) Authorize signs attached to a window or glass door in a business zoning district to exceed 15 percent of the area of that window or glass door or to be located within the upper two-thirds of that window or glass door if the board finds that the proposed signs do not eliminate visibility into, or out from, the premise.
(A) A sign authorized by this paragraph:
(i) must be made of translucent vinyl or a similar material with at least a 65/35 perforation pattern (a maximum of 65 percent of the area is closed, a minimum of 35 percent of the area is open); and
(ii) may only have images; any text or characters on the sign are limited to 15 percent of the window area and are only permitted in the lower one-third of the window.
(B) A convenience store regulated by Chapter 12B is not eligible for this special exception.
(C) Once a special exception is approved, a business does not need to return to the board of adjustment to change out the images or words on a sign as long as the sign complies with the approved special exception.
(5) Permit the following special variances and exceptions for movement control signs when from the evidence presented the board finds them to be necessary to give directions to a business:
(A) Authorize an identification message to be placed on the sign.
(B) Authorize an effective area of up to 4 square feet.
(C) Authorize a height of up to 2-1/2 feet.
(e) The board of adjustment may hear and decide appeals which allege error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the building inspection division in the enforcement of this article.
(f) The board of adjustment may require a non-conforming sign to be brought into immediate conformity with all current standards of all ordinances of the city of Dallas, or to be removed when from the evidence presented the board finds the sign to be hazardous to the public or to have been abandoned by its owners.
(g) Where a permit was required for a sign’s erection according to the law in effect at the time the sign was erected and where building inspection division finds no record of a permit being issued, the board of adjustment may authorize the issuance of a replacement permit when from the evidence presented the board finds either that a permit was issued or that arrangements were made with a sign company to obtain said permit. The period of time allowed by Section 51A-7.702(b) for the owner to recoup his investment will not be extended by issuance of a replacement permit. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 28784)
SEC. 51A-7.704. RESERVED.
(Ord. 20927)
SEC. 51A-7.705. DETERMINATION OF NONCOMMERCIAL AND PRIMARILY POLITICAL MESSAGES.
(a) Findings. The city council finds that it may be necessary in the enforcement of this article to determine whether the message displayed upon a sign is commercial, noncommercial, or primarily political.
(b) Hearing. If a person receives a notice of violation or is cited for maintaining an illegal sign, and the person notifies the city attorney in writing within 10 days of receiving the notice or citation that he believes the sign displays a noncommercial or primarily political message and is therefore not in violation of this article, the city attorney shall postpone prosecution of the case and have the matter placed on the agenda of the board of adjustment for appeal under Section 51A-7.703(e) of this article. The board shall give the person maintaining the sign 10 days written notice of a public hearing on the matter. After hearing the evidence, the board shall decide whether the message displayed on the sign is commercial, noncommercial, or primarily political. No fee may be charged for this appeal.
(c) Judicial Review. If the board decides that the message is commercial or not primarily political and that the sign is therefore illegal, the person maintaining the sign may within 10 days of the board’s decision file a notice of nonacceptance of the decision with the city attorney. Within three days after receiving notice of nonacceptance, the city attorney shall initiate suit in the district court for determination that the sign is illegal and for an injunction to prohibit display of the sign in violation of this article. The city shall bear the burden of showing that the sign is illegal. In computing the three-day time period, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are excluded. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 25921)
SEC. 51A-7.706. RESERVED.
(Ord. 21511)
SEC. 51A-7.801. AUTHORITY TO AMEND; SUBMISSION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CITY PLAN COMMISSION.
The city council may from time to time amend, supplement, or change this article. The amendment, supplement, or change may be petitioned for by any person, corporation, or group of persons by filing an application and paying an application fee to the department. Proposals for amending, supplementing, or changing this article in the public interest may also be initiated by motion of the city council or the city plan commission. Before taking any action on a proposed amendment, supplement, or change, the city council shall submit the same to the city plan commission for its recommendation and report. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 25047; 28073)
SEC. 51A-7.802. PUBLIC HEARINGS PROVIDED.
The city plan commission shall hold a public hearing on any amendment, supplement or change prior to making its recommendation and report to the city council. The director shall give notice of the public hearing in the official newspaper of the city at least 10 days before the hearing. The city council shall hold a public hearing before acting on the city plan commission’s recommendation and report. At least 15 days notice of the time and place of city council hearing shall be published in the official newspaper of the city of Dallas. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20007)
SEC. 51A-7.803. THREE-FOURTHS VOTE OF CITY COUNCIL IN CERTAIN CASES.
If the city plan commission votes to recommend against a proposed change to this article as clearly reflected in the minutes of its meeting, the change shall not become effective except by a three-fourths vote of the members of the city council of the city of Dallas. (Ord. 19455; 24185)
SEC. 51A-7.901. DESIGNATION OF DOWNTOWN SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICT.
(a) The Downtown Special Provision Sign District is designated to be known as the Downtown Sign District. For purposes of this article, the boundaries of the Downtown Sign District is that area bounded by the following lines:
BEGINNING at a point being the intersection of the SE line of Thomas Avenue with the SW line of Hall Street, said point being the most northerly corner of Lot 1, Block T/587;
THENCE with said SW line of Hall Street proceeding southeasterly, crossing North Central Expressway, Cochran Street, and Jewett Street and continuing to the NW line of Flora Street, a point for a corner;
THENCE southwesterly with said NW line of Flora Street, approximately 187 feet to a point on a common tract line in Block 1/594;
THENCE crossing Flora Street to a point in a common tract line in Block 595, being approximately 197 feet SW from Hall Street;
THENCE along common tract lines in Block 595 southeasterly to a point for a corner on the NW line of Ross Avenue, being approximately 181 feet SW from Hall Street;
THENCE southwesterly with said NW line of Ross Avenue to a point for a corner on the northwesterly extension of the SW line of Pavillion Street;
THENCE southeasterly along said extension line and with the SW lines of Pavillion Street, crossing Van Court Street and continuing to a point for a corner on the NW line of San Jacinto Street;
THENCE southwesterly with the NW line of San Jacinto Street to a point for a corner on the common line of Blocks 4/505 and 504;
THENCE southerly, crossing San Jacinto Street to a point on a common tract line in Block 1/503, being approximately 205 feet from the NE line of Liberty Street and continuing southeasterly along common tract lines in Block 1/503 to a point for a corner on the NW line of Adolph Street, being approximately 203 feet NE from Liberty Street;
THENCE southwesterly with said NW line of Adolph Street and extending same to a point for a corner on the SW line of Liberty Street;
THENCE southeasterly with the SW line of Liberty Street to a point for a corner on the NW line of Bryan Street;
THENCE southwesterly, along the NW line of Bryan Street to a point for a corner, being on the northwesterly extension line of the SW line of approximately 25 feet wide Allen Street;
THENCE southeasterly with said extension line and the SW line of Allen Street and continuing southeasterly along a common tract line in Block 289 to a point for a corner on the NW line of Live Oak Street, said point being approximately 252 feet SW from Liberty Street;
THENCE southwesterly with the NW line of Live Oak Street and extending same to the SW line of Cantegral Street, a point for a corner;
THENCE southeasterly along the SW lines of Cantegral Street, crossing Live Oak Street and Florence Street to a point for a corner on the NW line of 15 feet wide Lodge Street;
THENCE southeasterly thru Block 271 with the NW line of Lodge Street to a point for a corner on the NE line of Good-Latimer Expressway;
THENCE southeasterly with said NE lines of Good-Latimer Expressway, crossing Swiss Avenue, Floyd Street, Gaston Avenue and the T.& P.R.R. right of way and extending to a point for a corner on the southwesterly extension of the SE line of 25 feet wide Monument Street;
THENCE northeasterly with said extension line and the SE line of Monument Street to a point for a corner on the SW line of an alley in Block 286;
THENCE southeasterly and southerly with the westerly lines of said alley in Block 286 and extending same to a point for a corner on the South line of Elm Street;
THENCE easterly with the south line of Elm Street to a point for a corner on the common block line of Blocks 182 and A/480;
THENCE southerly with said common line of blocks 182 and A/480 and with the common line of Blocks 182 and 2/480 and crossing Main Street to a point for corner on the common line of Blocks 183 and 3/183;
THENCE easterly along the south line of Main Street, crossing Prior Street and continuing to a point for a corner on the West line of Crowdus Street;
THENCE southerly along the west lines of Crowdus Street, crossing Commerce Street to a point for a corner, same being the northeast corner of Block 4/186;
THENCE easterly along the south lines of Commerce Street, crossing Crowdus Street and continuing to a point for a corner on the common line of Lots 4 and 3, Block 13/191;
THENCE southerly along the common line of Lots 4 and 3 Block 13/191, crossing 25 feet wide Clover Street and continuing along the common line of Lots 11 and 12, Block 13/191, and crossing Canton Street to a point for a corner on the common line of Lots 4 and 3, Block 12/192;
THENCE easterly along the south line of Canton Street to the west line of Oakland Avenue, a point for a corner;
THENCE southerly with said west line of Oakland Avenue and extending same to a point for a corner on the south line of 25 feet wide Virgil Street;
THENCE easterly along the south lines of Virgil Street crossing Oakland Avenue and Walton Street and continuing to a point for a corner on the west line of Hall Street;
THENCE easterly with the extension of the south line of 30 feet wide Virgil Street, crossing Hall Street, Block 850 and part of Block 851 to a point for a corner, being the northwesterly extension of a common block line of Blocks 851 and 7/851;
THENCE southwesterly along said northwesterly extension line and common block line of Blocks 851 and 7/851 to a common block corner and continuing northeasterly with said common block line and with the common block line of Blocks 851 and 6/851 and extending same through part of Block 851 to a point for a corner on the southwest right of way line of the T.& P.R.R.;
THENCE southeasterly with said SW right of way line of the T.& P.R.R. to a point for a corner, being on the southwesterly extension of a common tract line in Block 6/828, same being approximately 177.5 feet northwesterly from and parallel to Hickory Street;
THENCE northeasterly, crossing the T.& P.R.R. right of way and 20 feet wide Truck Avenue and continuing along said common tract line in Block 6/828 to a point for a corner on the southwest line of Second Avenue;
THENCE southeasterly with said southwest line of Second Avenue and extending same to a point for a corner on the southeast line of Hickory Street;
THENCE northeasterly, crossing Second Avenue and continuing along the southeast line of Hickory Street to a point for a corner on the southwest line of First Avenue;
THENCE southeasterly along said southwest line of First Avenue, crossing the G.C.&.S.F.R.R. right of way to a point for a corner on the northeasterly line of Block 2/812;
THENCE easterly with the southerly line of First Avenue, crossing R. L. Thornton Freeway to the easterly right of way line of said freeway, same being the northwest cornerpoint of Block 6/812;
THENCE southerly along the west line of said Block 6/812 to its southwest cornerpoint;
THENCE southwesterly, crossing a portion of R. L. Thornton Freeway right of way, including an underpass portion of Second Avenue, to a point for a corner on the southeast right of way line of R. L. Thornton Freeway and the west line of Oak Lane, same being the present northeast corner of Block 3/812;
THENCE southerly with the west lines of Oak Lane, crossing Third Avenue and continuing to the most southerly cornerpoint of Block 4/812;
THENCE westerly, crossing Block 853 and the G.C.&S.F.R.R. right of way with the shortest line connecting to a point on the northeast line of said G.C.&S.F.R.R. right of way and being on the southwest line of Chestnut Street extended;
THENCE southwesterly with the northeast line of said railroad right of way to a point on the southwest line of Jeffries Street extended;
THENCE northwesterly with said extension line and the southwest line of Jeffries Street to the southeast line of Hickory Street, a point for a corner;
THENCE southwesterly with said southeast line of Hickory Street and extending same to a point for a corner on the centerline of Oakland Avenue;
THENCE southeasterly along the centerline of Oakland Avenue to a point for a corner on the northwest right of way line of the G.C.& S.F.R.R.;
THENCE southwesterly with said northwest right of way line of the G.C.& S.F.R.R. to a point for a corner on the southeasterly extension of the southwest line of Lot 17, Block 14/865;
THENCE crossing Central Expressway (Interstate Highway 45) to a point for a corner, being on the westerly right of way line of said Central Expressway (Interstate Highway 45) and the northwest line of Corinth Street;
THENCE southwesterly with said northwest line of Corinth Street to the northeast line of Good-Latimer Expressway, a point for a corner;
THENCE westerly, crossing Good-Latimer Expressway to a point for a corner on the northwest line of a 12 feet wide tract in Block 869-1/4, the same being approximately 142 feet from and parallel to Corinth Street;
THENCE southwesterly with the northwest line of said 12 feet wide tract in Block 869 1/4 to a point for a corner on the northeast right of way line of the (T.&N.O.R.R.) H.& T.C.R.R.;
THENCE westerly, crossing said (T.&N.O.R.R.) H.&T.C.R.R. right of way to a point for a corner on the northwest line of Corinth Street;
THENCE southwesterly with the northwest lines of Corinth Street, crossing South Central Expressway and Harwood Street and continuing to the northeast line of Park Avenue to a point for a corner;
THENCE northwesterly with said northeast lines of Park Avenue, crossing Hickory Street and continuing to a point for a corner on the northeasterly extension of the northwest line of Beaumont Street, same being the southeast line of Block 454 extended;
THENCE southwesterly with said northwest line of Beaumont Street to a point for a corner on the northeast line of an alley in Block 454;
THENCE northwesterly with said northeast line of an alley in Block 454 to a point for a corner on the common line of Lots 16 and 17 extended;
THENCE southwesterly along said extension line and common lot line to the northeast line of St. Paul Street, a point for a corner;
THENCE northwesterly with said northeast line of St. Paul Street and extending same to a point for a corner on the northwest line of Gano Street;
THENCE southwesterly with said northwest line of Gano Street to a point for a corner on the northeast line of Ervay Street;
THENCE crossing Ervay Street to a point for a corner on the northwest line of Gano Street;
THENCE northwesterly with the southwest line of Ervay Street and extending same to a point for a corner on the northwest line of approximately 35 feet wide Sullivan Avenue;
THENCE southwesterly along said northwest line of Sullivan Avenue to the northeast line of Orr Street, a point for a corner;
THENCE northwesterly with said northeast line of Orr Street and extending same to a point for a corner, being on the northeasterly extension of the common line of Blocks 448 1/2 and Block B/93;
THENCE southwesterly along said common block line to a point for a corner on the northeast line of Browder Street;
THENCE with said northeast line of Browder Street northwesterly and extending to the northwest line of Blakeney Street, a point for a corner;
THENCE southwesterly crossing Browder Street and continuing along the northwest line of approximately 25 feet wide Blakeney Street to the northeast line of Akard Street, a point for a corner;
THENCE westerly, crossing Akard Street to a point for a corner on the southwest line of Akard Street and the northwest line of Powhattan Street;
THENCE southwesterly along the northwest line of Powhattan Street, crossing Peters Street, Wall Street, and a C.R. & P.R.R. right of way and continuing with said northwest line of Powhattan Street and extending to a point for a corner on the southwest line of Lamar Street;
THENCE northwesterly with said southwest line of Lamar Street to a point for a corner being approximately 660 feet southeasterly from the southeast line of Cadiz Street;
THENCE southwesterly crossing Block 1082, Austin Street, Block 1082, the M.K.T.R.R. and C.R. & P.R.R. right of ways and Block 1081 and across an old channel of the Trinity River with the shortest line connecting to the common northeast corner point of Lots 10 and 11, Block 69/7338;
THENCE southwesterly with the common line of Lots 10 and 11, Block 69/7338 and crossing Industrial Blvd. to a point for a corner on the common line of Lots 4 and 5, Block 71/340;
THENCE southwesterly with said common line of Lots 4 and 5 and with the common line of Lots 24 and 25 through Block 71/340 to a point for a corner on the northeast line of Rock Island Street;
THENCE southwesterly, crossing Rock Island Street and through part of Block 8000 to a point for a corner on the approximate centerline of the Trinity River East Levee (of the City and County of Dallas Levee Improvement District), said point being approximately 660 feet southeasterly from the southeast right of way line of Cadiz Street Viaduct;
THENCE northwesterly and northerly with said approximate centerline of the Trinity River East Levee and crossing Cadiz Street Viaduct right of way, R. L. Thornton Freeway right of way, the North Texas Traction Company right of way, Houston Street Viaduct right of way, Texas Turnpike Authority right of way and continuing to a point for a corner on the southerly right of way line of West Commerce Street;
THENCE easterly with said southerly line of West Commerce Street to a point for a corner on the east line of said Trinity River East Levee;
THENCE crossing West Commerce Street and continuing northwesterly with said east line of the Trinity River East Levee to a point for a corner on the original 230 feet wide Texas and Pacific R.R. southerly right of way line;
THENCE easterly along said original Texas and Pacific R.R. southerly right of way line to a point for a corner on same, being approximately 660 feet westerly from the westerly line of Stemmons Freeway;
THENCE northerly, crossing the Texas and Pacific R.R. right of way and part of Block 6828 to a point for a corner on the westerly line of Industrial Blvd. and on the common line of Block 6828 and 409;
THENCE with the westerly line of Industrial Blvd. northwesterly and extending same to a point for a corner, being on the westerly extension of the north line of Continental Avenue;
THENCE easterly along said extension line and the north line of Continental Avenue and extending same to a point for a corner on the northeast line of Dragon Street, same being the southwest corner of Block 2/409;
THENCE northwesterly with the northeast lines of Dragon Street, crossing Wichita Street and continuing to a point for a corner in Block 409 on a common tract line, being approximately 369 feet northwest of the northwest line of Wichita Street;
THENCE northeasterly with common tract lines to a point for a corner on the southwest line of Slocum Street;
THENCE northeasterly, crossing Slocum Street, Block 401, Stemmons Freeway, the C.R.I.& P.R.R. and S.L. & S. W. R. R. right of ways, a Dallas Power and Light Company tract in Blocks 392 and 393 and the MKT R.R. right of way and crossing part of Blocks I/389, J/384 and a closed portion of Griffin and Ashland Streets, with the shortest line connecting to a point on the southeast line of Ashland Street and the northeast line of an alley in Block G/385;
THENCE northeasterly with said southeast lines of Ashland Street, crossing Summer Street and extending to a point for a corner on the NE line of Wesley Alley;
THENCE southeasterly along said NE line of Wesley Alley to the SE line of Block I/354, a point for a corner;
THENCE northeasterly along the southeast line of Block I/354 and along the northwest line of Cedar Springs Road to a point for a corner on the southwest line of 24 feet wide Yates Alley;
THENCE northeasterly with the northwest lines of Cedar Springs Road, crossing Yates Alley, old Field Street, Alamo Street, right of way for new extension of Field Street, and Caroline Street and extending said northwest line of Cedar Springs Road across Akard Street to a point for a corner on the east line of Cedar Springs Road;
THENCE with the east line of Cedar Springs Road northerly to the south line of Harwood Street, a point for a corner;
THENCE easterly with said south line of Harwood Street and extending same to a point for a corner on the easterly line of McKinney Avenue extended;
THENCE northeasterly along said extension line and the easterly line of McKinney Avenue to a point for a corner on the southwest line of Olive Street;
THENCE crossing Olive Street to a point for a corner on the southeast line of Thomas Street;
THENCE northeasterly along the southeast lines of Thomas Street, crossing Pearl Street, Crockett Court, Leonard Street, Fairmount Street, Routh Street, Boll Street, Worthington Street, Clay Alley, Allen Street, Clyde Alley, Clark Street, Ellis Street and Hugo Street and continuing to the southwest line of Hall Street and the point of beginning.
(b) Other special provision sign districts created in accordance with this article are not controlled by this division even though such districts may be wholly or partially located within the boundaries described in Subsection (a). (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20167; 21404; 24606)
SEC 51A-7.901.1. DESIGNATION OF SUBDISTRICTS.
(a) This district is divided into nine subdistricts: Retail Subdistrict A, Retail Subdistrict B, the General CBD Subdistrict, the Downtown Perimeter Subdistrict, the Main Street Subdistrict, the Convention Center Subdistrict, the Akard Station Subdistrict, the Whitacre Tower Subdistrict, and the Discovery Subdistrict.
(b) Retail Subdistrict A is that central area of downtown within the boundaries described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30685, passed by the Dallas City Council on October 25, 2017.
(c) Retail Subdistrict B is that central area of downtown within the boundaries described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30685, passed by the Dallas City Council on October 25, 2017.
(d) The General CBD Subdistrict is that area of the district within the Freeway Loop, more particularly described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30685, passed by the Dallas City Council on October 25, 2017.
(e) The Downtown Perimeter Subdistrict is that area outside of the freeway loop within the downtown sign district.
(f) The Main Street Subdistrict is that area of downtown near Main Street described in Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30685, passed by the Dallas City Council on October 25, 2017.
(g) The Convention Center Subdistrict is that area of downtown near the convention center, more particularly described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30685, passed by the Dallas City Council on October 25, 2017.
(h) The Akard Station Subdistrict is that area of downtown that is more particularly described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30685, passed by the Dallas City Council on October 25, 2017.
(i) The Whitacre Tower Subdistrict is that area of downtown within the boundaries described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30685 passed by the Dallas City Council on October 25, 2017.
(j) The Discovery Subdistrict is that area of downtown within the boundaries described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 31191, passed by the Dallas City Council on April 24,
2019.
(Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925; 28346; 29227; 29751; 30685; 31191
; 31374
; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.902. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and the alterations of existing signs with a view towards enhancing, preserving, and developing the unique character of the downtown area while addressing the diversity of businesses and promoting the economy of downtown. The general objectives of this division include those listed in Section 51A-7.101 as well as aesthetic considerations to ensure that signs are appropriate to the architecture of the district, do not obscure significant architectural features of its buildings, and lend themselves to the developing retail and residential uses and the pedestrian character of the area. The district regulations are in large part inspired by the high level of pedestrian activity and the need to maximize effective orientation of signage toward the walking public. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20167; 21404; 24606)
SEC. 51A-7.903. DEFINITIONS.
In this division:
(1) ACTIVITY DISTRICT means a group of entertainment, cultural, performance, retail, or restaurant establishments that generate pedestrian activity within a particular geographic area, and that has a known name as a destination such as, but not limited to, the Farmers Market, Main Street, or the Arts District.
(2) ARCADE SIGN means any sign that is mounted under a canopy or awning and is perpendicular to the building to which the canopy or awning is attached. This sign is intended to be read from the pedestrian walkway that the canopy or awning covers.
(3) AWNING means a fabric or vinyl surface supported by a metal structure, which is applied to the face of a building.
(4) AWNING SIGN means a sign attached to, painted on, or otherwise applied to an awning.
(5) BANNER means a sign applied on a strip of cloth, vinyl, or similar material and attached to a building or structure. Awning, canopy signs, and flags are not banners.
(6) CANOPY means a permanent, non-fabric architectural element projecting from the face of a building.
(7) CANOPY SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a canopy, with no changeable message area.
(8) CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN means a sign composed of LED/LCD elements, slide lettering, slated rotating surfaces, or other changeable message technology that displays different designs or advertisements.
(8.1) CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGN means a sign that is affixed to a construction barricade.
(8.2) CONVENTION CENTER COMPLEX means the convention center and buildings attached to the convention center, including a convention center hotel.
(9) DISTRICT or THIS DISTRICT means the Downtown Sign District.
(10) DISTRICT ACTIVITIES means activities that take place on five or more premises within an activity district.
(11) EFFECTIVE AREA means:
(A) for a detached sign other than outlined in (B) below, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign, excluding its supports. This rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are moveable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view;
(B) for signs placed on a fence, non enclosing wall, planter, or other similar structure that is designed to serve a separate purpose other than to support the sign, the entire area of such structure may not be computed, and the effective area must be measured by the rule for effective area for attached signs; and
(C) for an attached sign, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of effective area.
(12) ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY means a structure or building for sports events or the performing arts, including indoor motion picture theaters, theaters for live musical or dramatic performances, indoor and outdoor concert halls, and exhibition halls.
(13) FACADE means 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, chimneys, roof-mounted equipment, mounted antennas, or water towers. Where separate faces are oriented in the same direction or in directions within 45 degrees of one another, they are to be considered as part of a single facade. A roof is not a facade or part of a facade. Multiple buildings on the same lot will each be deemed to have separate facades.
(14) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 12 inches or less from a building, and the face of which is parallel to the building facade.
(15) FREEWAY LOOP means the area of the city within Woodall Rogers Freeway, R.L. Thornton Freeway, Central Expressway (elevated bypass), and Stemmons
Freeway.
(16) GENERIC GRAPHICS means any pattern of shapes, colors, or symbols that does not commercially advertise.
(17) KIOSK means a multi-sided structure for the display of premise and nonpremise signs.
(18) LANDSCAPE SIGN means a sign that is a part of a single landscape design which creates a base for the sign in conjunction with a retaining wall or an open space created with the use of water or planting material.
(19) LOWER LEVEL SIGN means an attached sign wholly situated within the lower level sign area.
(20) LOWER LEVEL SIGN AREA means the portion of a facade less than 36 feet above grade.
(21) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building, and consisting primarily of changeable panels, words, or characters.
(21.1) MEDIA CENTER PLAZA means an outdoor area that is accessible to the public, and includes:
(A) a plaza that is at least 120,000 square feet in size; and
(B) structures containing ground-floor retail and restaurant uses.
(21.2) MEDIA WALL SIGN means an attached sign projecting no more than five feet from a building, the face of which is parallel to the building facade, and which may wrap around the corner of a building. A media wall sign must be located adjacent to a media center plaza. A media wall sign must be a changeable message sign, and must incorporate changeable messages, including streaming.
(22) MESSAGE AREA means the area within the effective area of a sign that provides a specific commercial or non-commercial message and that excludes all extremity and intra-areas associated with the sign fixture.
(22.1) MIDDLE LEVEL SIGN means an attached sign wholly or partially situated within the middle level sign area.
(22.2) MIDDLE LEVEL SIGN AREA means the portion of a building facade that is between the lower level sign area and the upper level sign area.
(23) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and grade.
(24) MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGN means a sign that directs vehicular and pedestrian movement within this district.
(24.1) PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED CON- CESSION SIGN means a premise sign displaying advertising for one or more retail uses to on-site pedestrians.
(25) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting more than 12 inches from a building at an angle other than parallel to the facade.
(26) PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE means a message that identifies or promotes a cultural activity within this district, any special event being conducted in this district, any event being conducted, in whole or in part, in an entertainment complex, or any other event that will benefit the city. Benefit to the city is established by:
(A) use of city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit;
(B) the receipt of city monies for the activity or event; or
(C) an ordinance or resolution of the city council that recognizes the activity or event as benefitting the city.
(27) PUBLIC AREA means any publicly or privately-owned outdoor area that is accessible to the public.
(28) RESIDENTIAL USES means those uses defined in Section 51A-4.209.
(29) RETAIL & PERSONAL SERVICE USES means those uses defined in Section 51A-4.210.
(29.1) RETAINING WALL SIGN means a sign in Retail Subdistrict B affixed or engraved into a retaining wall supporting a landscape bed or similar feature.
(30) SIGN HARDWARE means the structural support system for a sign, including the fastening devices that secure a sign to a building facade or pole.
(31) SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE means that committee created by Section 51A-7.504 of the Dallas Development Code, as amended.
(32) TEMPORARY SIGN means a sign erected for a limited time that identifies an event or activity of limited duration. Examples include signs advertising the sale or lease of property, construction activity in progress, or a concert or other cultural event.
(33) UPPER LEVEL SIGN means an attached sign wholly situated within the upper level sign area.
(34) UPPER LEVEL SIGN AREA means the portion of a facade more than 36 feet above grade and within the top 12 feet of a facade on buildings 18 stories or less, or within the top 36 feet of a facade on buildings more than 18 stories.
(34.1) VIDEOBOARD SIGN means a flat screen that is capable of displaying moving images similar to television images, by light-emitting diode or other similar technology, and that is mounted to the exterior of a building.
(35) WELCOME MESSAGE means a message that identifies and greets heads of state, foreign dignitaries, groups using city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit, or government organizations.
(36) WINDOW ART DISPLAY means an exhibit or arrangement placed within a storefront window of a building and designed to be viewed from a street or public area.
(37) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed to a window.
(38) WORD: For purposes of this division, each of the following is considered to be one word:
(A) Any word in any language found in any standard unabridged dictionary or dictionary of slang.
(B) Any proper noun or any initial or series of initials.
(C) Any separate character, symbol, or abbreviation such as “&”, “$”, “%”, and “Inc.”
(D) Any telephone number, street number, or commonly used combination of numerals and symbols such as “$5.00” or “50%”,
(E) Any Internet website, network, or protocol address, domain name, or universal record locator.
(F) Any symbol or logo that is a registered trademark but which itself contains no word or character.
(G) A street address is not considered to be a word. (Ord. Nos. 20167; 21404; 22425; 24606; 24925; 27795; 28346; 28347; 29227; 31191
; 31374
; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.904. DETACHED NON-PREMISE SIGNS.
Except as provided in this division, no person may erect a detached non-premise sign in this district. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20167; 21404; 24606; 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.905. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENT.
(a) Except as provided in Sections 51A-7.908, 51A-7.914, and 51A-7.915, a person shall not alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city.
(b) The procedure for obtaining a sign permit is outlined in Section 51A-7.505 of this article. Section 51A-7.602 of this article does not apply to signs in this district.
(c) A person who violates Subsection (a) is guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion of a day during which the violation is continued. (Ord. Nos. 20167; 21404; 24606; 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.906. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS IN THE DOWNTOWN SIGN DISTRICT.
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), the regulations of Section 51A-7.303 apply in this district.
(b) For retail and personal service uses within the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B, the measurements of luminance are taken from any premise or public right-of-way other than an alley outside the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B, respectively.
(c) Illuminated signs in this district must comply with Section 51A-6.104 of the Dallas Development Code, as amended. (Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925; 27795; 29227)
SEC. 51A-7.907. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Signs over the right-of-way.
(1) Signs may be located within the public right-of-way subject to the franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the City Charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, Chapter 45 of the Dallas Building Code, and the requirements of all other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
(2) The director shall review the location of any sign located in or overhanging the public right-of-way to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction.
(3) No portion of a sign may be located less than two feet from the back of a street curb.
(b) Signs in general.
(1) Except as provided in Division 51A-7.900 of Article VII, all applications for certificates of appropriateness for detached signs in this district must be reviewed by the special sign district advisory committee using the permit procedures set forth in Division 51A-7.500. The director procedure in Division 51A-7.500 is not available for detached signs in this district. All applications for certificates of appropriateness for other types of signs in this district must be in accordance with Division 51A-7.500 of Article VII.
(2) Unless otherwise provided, all signs in this district must be premise signs.
(3) All wind devices except for flags and banners are prohibited in this district unless allowed under a special events permit issued under Chapter 42A of the Dallas City Code, as amended. (Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925; 25047; 28073)
SEC. 51A-7.908. VIDEOBOARD SIGN.
(a) One videoboard sign may be attached to a building adjacent to the Main Street Subdistrict.
(b) The videoboard sign may display any message.
(c) A certificate of appropriateness is required for approval of the specific size and location of the videoboard sign.
(d) The videoboard sign may not be placed on a landmark structure. (Ord. 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.909. ATTACHED NON- PREMISE DISTRICT ACTIVITY VIDEOBOARD SIGNS.
(a) Content. Non-premise district activity videoboard signs must display district activity messages a minimum of three minutes of every operational hour and must display either district activity messages or premise messages for an additional minimum of nine minutes of every operational hour.
(b) Location and number.
(1) A maximum of 15 non-premise district activity videoboard signs are permitted and may only be erected on buildings with frontage on streets within Retail Subdistrict A and Retail Subdistrict B bounded by Jackson Street, Lamar Street, Pacific Avenue, and Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
(2) A maximum of one non-premise district activity videoboard sign is permitted per block face.
(3) Non-premise district activity videoboard signs may not be placed on Pacific Avenue between Akard Street and Ervay Street.
(4) Non-premise district activity videoboard signs may not be placed on building facades facing Main Street Garden or Belo Garden.
(c) Size. Non-premise district activity videoboard signs must have a minimum of 100 square feet in effective area and may have a maximum 150 square feet in effective area.
(d) SUP required.
(1) Non-premise district activity videoboard signs are only permitted by SUP.
(2) All applications for non-premise district activity videoboard signs must include a report from a traffic engineer stating that the placement of the sign will not interfere with the effectiveness of traffic control devices within 300 ft of the sign.
(3) If there is a conflict between Subsection 51A-4.206(1) and this section, this section controls.
(4) Original applications and renewal applications for non-premise district activity videoboard signs must include an affidavit stating that the building meets the occupancy requirements in Subsection (g).
(5) Within 10 days after expiration or revocation of the SUP the non-premise district activity videoboard sign must be removed.
(e) Installation. Non-premise district activity videoboard signs must be securely attached.
(f) Projecting signs. Projecting non-premise district activity videoboard signs:
(1) must have a vertical orientation with height exceeding the width at a minimum 16:9 height-to-width ratio;
(2) may project a maximum of 12 feet into the right-of-way:
(A) subject to the licensing requirements of Chapter XIV of the City Charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, the Dallas Building Code, and all other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations;
(B) subject to review by the traffic engineer to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction; and
(C) provided that no projecting sign may project closer than two feet to a vertical plane extending through the back of a street curb;
(3) must have a minimum clearance of 15 feet above the sidewalk and a maximum clearance of 35 feet above the sidewalk; and
(4) must have videoboard displays on both sides of the sign.
(g) Building occupancy requirements. Non-premise district activity videoboard signs are only permitted on buildings with retail and personal service uses, lodging uses, or office uses occupying at least 75 percent of the leasable ground floor area and an overall building occupancy of at least 50 percent. Non-premise district activity videoboard signs are not allowed on a lot containing a commercial surface parking lot use. The director shall notify City Council of any building that falls below the occupancy requirements and fails to reestablish the occupancy requirement within 120 days. The director may waive the occupancy requirements of this subsection for up to one year if the director determines that the building or multi-building complex is currently being redeveloped. The director may revoke this waiver if redevelopment stops or is inactive for 90 days or more. (Ord. Nos. 27481; 28347; 28424; 28553; 28822; 29227)
SEC. 51A-7.910. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTACHED VIDEOBOARD SIGNS.
(a) Display.
(1) All videoboard signs:
(A) must contain a default mechanism that freezes the image in one position in case of a malfunction;
(B) must automatically adjust the sign brightness based on natural ambient light conditions in compliance with the following formula:
(i) the ambient light level measured in luxes, divided by 256 and then rounded down to the nearest whole number, equals the dimming level; then
(ii) the dimming level, multiplied by .0039 equals the brightness level; then
(iii) the brightness level, multiplied by the maximum brightness of the specific sign measured in nits, equals the allowed sign brightness, measured in nits. For example:
32768 = ambient light in luxes
÷ 256
128 = dimming level
x .0039
.4992 = brightness level
x 9000 = (maximum brightness of the example sign)
4492.8 = allowed brightness in nits;
(C) must be turned off between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday; and
(D) may not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary driver, or constitute a nuisance.
(2) Non-premise district activity videoboard signs:
(A) must have a full color display able to display a minimum of 281 trillion color shades; and
(B) must be able to display a high quality image with a minimum resolution equivalent to the following table:
Non-Premise District Activity Videoboard Sign
Resolution Chart
| |
Size of LED Panel | Maximum Pixel Size
|
100 s/f to 125 s/f | 16 mm |
Greater than 126 s/f | 19 mm |
(b) Light intensity. Before the issuance of a videoboard sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that:
(1) the light intensity has been factory programmed to comply with the maximum brightness and dimming standards in the table in Subparagraph (a)(1)(B); and
(2) the light intensity is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software, or other method satisfactory to the building official.
(c) Change of message. Except as provided in this section, changes of message must comply with the following:
(1) Each message must be displayed for a minimum of eight seconds.
(2) Changes of message must be accomplished within two seconds.
(3) Changes of message must occur simultaneously on the entire sign face.
(4) No flashing, dimming, or brightening of message is permitted except to accommodate changes of message.
(d) Streaming information. If a special events permit has been issued for district activities, streaming video and audio is permitted, except that ticker tape streaming is permitted at all times when the videoboard sign is operating. Ticker tape streaming must be located within the bottom 10 percent of the effective area.
(e) Malfunction. Videoboard sign operators must respond to a malfunction or safety issue within one hour after notification. (Ord. Nos. 27481; 27572)
SEC. 51A-7.911. ATTACHED PREMISE SIGNS.
(a) Attached signs in general.
(1) Attached signs must be securely attached.
(2) Attached signs overhanging the public way are permitted, except that no sign may project closer than two feet to the vertical plane extending through the back of a street curb.
(3) The total effective area for all signs on a facade, excluding media wall signs in the Discovery Subdistrict, may not exceed:
(A) 30 percent of the area in the lower level sign area;
(B) 20 percent of the area in the middle level sign area; and
(C) 30 percent of the area in the upper level sign area.
Projecting attached signs are not included in these effective area calculations. See additional restrictions on sign area in the provisions for specific sign types.
(4) Except as provided in this paragraph, attached signs may not project more than four feet above the roof line. Attached signs in the Convention Center Subdistrict may not project more than nine feet above the roof line.
(5) Attached premise signs may be videoboard signs, provided that the message content concerns businesses on the premise which are open for business for a minimum of 50 weeks per year with employees present a minimum of 30 hours per week. For operational and maintenance requirements, see Section 51A-7.910.
(b) Arcade signs.
(1) An arcade sign must be located at least 15 feet from any other arcade sign.
(2) No arcade sign may exceed six square feet in effective area.
(3) No arcade sign may be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(c) Awning signs.
(1) Awning signs in the general CBD and convention center subdistricts.
(A) No awning sign may:
(i) project more than two inches from the surface of the awning; or
(ii) be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(B) The total effective area for any one awning sign may not exceed six square feet.
(C) The total effective area for all awning signs combined on each street frontage may not exceed 150 square feet.
(2) Awning Signs in the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B.
(A) No awning sign may:
(i) project more than two inches from the surface of the awning; or
(ii) be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(B) The total effective area for each awning sign may not exceed eight square feet.
(C) The total effective area for all awning signs combined on each premise may not exceed 180 square feet on each street frontage.
(d) Canopy signs.
(1) Canopy signs in the general CBD and convention center subdistricts.
(A) No canopy sign may:
(i) exceed 50 percent of the length of the canopy facade to which it is attached;
(ii) project horizontally more than two inches from the surface of the canopy; or
(iii) be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(B) The total effective area for all canopy signs combined on each street frontage may not exceed 150 square feet.
(C) No canopy sign may project vertically above the surface of the canopy if a lower level flat attached sign is maintained at that occupancy on the same facade.
(D) No canopy sign may project vertically above the surface of the canopy more than 15 percent of the overall length of the sign.
(E) A canopy sign may only be located over a pedestrian entrance to a premise.
(2) Canopy Signs in the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B.
(A) No canopy sign may:
(i) exceed 60 percent of the length of the canopy facade to which it is attached;
(ii) project horizontally more than 12 inches from the surface of the canopy; or
(iii) be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(B) The total effective area for all canopy signs combined on each street frontage may not exceed 180 square feet.
(C) No canopy sign may project vertically above the surface of the canopy if a lower level flat attached sign is maintained at that occupancy on the same facade.
(D) No canopy sign may project vertically above the surface of the canopy more than 20 percent of the overall length of the sign.
(E) Canopy signs may only be located over a pedestrian entrance to a premise.
(e) Flat attached signs.
(1) Lower level flat attached signs.
(A) Except as provided in this paragraph, the maximum number of lower level flat attached signs permitted on a facade is the sum obtained by counting all of the street entrances and first floor occupants with windows on that facade with no street entrances.
(B) In the general CBD and convention center subdistricts, the maximum effective area for a lower level flat attached sign is:
(i) 30 square feet if the sign is within 15 feet of the right-of-way; and
(ii) 50 square feet if the sign is more than 15 feet from the right-of-way.
(C) Except as provided in this paragraph, in the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B, the maximum effective area for a lower level flat attached sign is:
(i) 40 square feet if the sign is within 15 feet of the right-of-way; or
(ii) 60 square feet if the sign is more than 15 feet from the right-of-way.
(D) In Retail Subdistrict B, if retaining wall signs are erected pursuant to Section 51A-7.912, a maximum of one flat attached sign is permitted per building entry with a maximum effective area of 10 square feet per sign. The provisions of Subparagraph (C) apply in the absence of retaining wall signs.
(2) Middle level flat attached signs.
(A) Each middle level flat attached sign may have a maximum of eight words that contain any character of a height equal to or exceeding four inches.
(B) Middle level flat attached signs must be wholly or partially located within the middle level sign area.
(C) Except as provided in this subparagraph, the maximum effective area for a middle level flat attached sign is 500 square feet. In the Whitacre Tower Subdistrict the maximum effective area for a middle level flat attached sign is 784 square feet.
(D) Middle level flat attached signs may only display the names or symbols or a combination thereof representing tenants occupying one or more full floors or 20,000 square feet or more of leasable building area, whichever is greater.
(E) Middle level flat attached signs are only permitted on buildings with 10 or more stories.
(F) One middle level flat attached sign is permitted for every 100 feet of building height or portion thereof, up to a maximum of three signs, per facade.
(G) Middle level flat attached signs must have a vertical separation of 75 feet from any other flat attached sign on the same facade in the lower, middle, or upper level sign area.
(3) Upper level flat attached signs.
(A) Each upper level flat attached sign may have a maximum of eight words that contain any character of a height equal to or exceeding four inches.
(B) Upper level flat attached signs must be wholly located within the upper level sign area.
(f) Marquee signs.
(1) No marquee sign may:
(A) exceed 225 square feet for buildings with an entertainment facility housing 150 seats or less; or
(B) exceed 375 square feet for buildings with an entertainment facility housing more than 150 seats.
(2) No marquee sign may be longer than two-thirds of the length of the frontage of the building to which the marquee is attached.
(3) The message area on any marquee sign may not exceed 60 percent of the effective area of the sign.
(4) Marquee signs must have a height dimension of not less than two feet.
(5) No premise may have more than one marquee sign per street frontage.
(6) Only an entertainment facility may have a marquee sign.
(g) Projecting attached signs.
(1) Lower projecting attached signs.
(A) No premise may have more than one lower projecting attached sign per pedestrian entrance.
(B) No lower projecting attached sign may exceed 15 square feet in effective area in the general CBD and convention center subdistricts, or 30 square feet in effective area in the Main Street Sub-district, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B.
(C) No lower projecting attached sign may be lower than 10 feet above grade, or project vertically above the roof of a building, or 25 feet above grade, whichever is lower.
(D) No lower projecting attached sign may project more than five feet into the public right-of-way.
(2) Upper projecting attached signs.
(A) No premise may have more than one upper projecting attached sign.
(B) No upper projecting attached sign may project more than five feet into the public right-of-way.
(C) An upper projecting attached sign:
(i) may be located outside the upper level sign area; and
(ii) may not be lower than 12 feet above grade.
(D) The lowest point of an upper projecting attached sign must be located within 36 feet above grade.
(E) No upper projecting attached sign may exceed 180 square feet in effective area.
(3) The board of adjustment may authorize a special exception to the effective area, height, or location restrictions for a projecting attached sign if the board finds, after a public hearing, that the special exception will not be contrary to the public interest, adversely affect neighboring properties, or create a traffic hazard and that the special exception will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this division. In no event may a special exception granted under this paragraph authorize a sign to exceed 300 square feet in effective area or 45 feet in height.
(4) All projecting attached videoboard signs must have videoboard displays on both sides of the sign.
(h) Media wall signs.
(1) One media wall sign is permitted in the Discovery Subdistrict only.
(2) A media wall sign may be located no lower than 15 feet from grade and may be located no higher than 125 feet from grade.
(3) Non-premise messages are permitted only when streaming live or pre-recorded media content that is not simply an advertisement or commercial.
(4) For purposes of a media wall sign, PREMISE means the property within the Discovery Subdistrict and the property within the Media Center Plaza abutting the Discovery Subdistrict.
(5) For purposes of a media wall sign, PREMISE SIGN means any sign that contains content that relates to the premise and referring exclusively to the following:
(A) the name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of the premises, or the identification of the premise;
(B) accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted on the premise;
(C) products or media content sold, other than incidentally, on the premise, the intent of which is not to promote third-party advertising but to allow the products and media content of the premise, but does not include monetization from third-party advertising;
(D) the sale, lease, or construction of the premise;
(E) products or media content owned by the owner or its affiliates, or by the occupant of the premise;
(F) public service or sponsorship announcements; and
(G) the streaming of live or pre-recorded content.
(6) Media wall signs may be a maximum 9,300 square feet in effective area. For a media wall sign that wraps around the side of a building, a maximum of 6,650 square feet in effective area is permitted on the north/Jackson Street side of the building, and a maximum of 2,650 square feet in effective area is permitted on the west/Akard Street side of the building.
(7) A media wall sign:
(A) must contain a default mechanism that freezes the image in one position in case of a malfunction.
(B) must automatically adjust the sign brightness based on natural ambient light conditions in compliance with the following formula:
(i) the ambient light level measured in luxes, divided by 256 and then rounded down to the nearest whole number, equals the dimming level; then
(ii) the dimming level, multiplied by .0039 equals the brightness level; then
(iii) the brightness level, multiplied by the maximum brightness of the specific sign measured in nits, equals the allowed sign brightness, measured in nits. For example:
32,768 (ambient light in luxes) ÷ 256 = 128 (dimming level)
128 (dimming level) x .0039 = 0.4992 (brightness level)
0.4992 (brightness level) x 9,000 (maximum brightness of the example sign) = 4492.8 (allowed brightness in nits);
(C) between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, and between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday,
(i) must display at no more than 300 nits or five percent of the total brightness of the sign capabilities, whichever is less; and
(ii) may utilize no more than 50 percent of the sign's total diodes and display no text;
(D) may not display light of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary driver, or constitute a nuisance;
(E) must have a color display able to display a minimum of 281 trillion color shades; and
(F) must be able to display a high-quality image with a minimum pixel pitch of six mm.
(8) Before the issuance of a media wall sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer or vendor that:
(A) the light intensity has been programmed to comply with the maximum brightness and dimming formula in Section 51A-7.911(h)(7)(B); and
(B) the light intensity is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software, or other method satisfactory to the building official.
(9) Media wall sign operators must respond to a malfunction or safety issue within one hour after
notification.
(Ord. 20927; 21404; 21694; 24606; 24925; 27481; 27795; 28346; 29227; 30685; 31191
; 31374
; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.912. DETACHED PREMISE SIGNS.
(a) Unless otherwise provided, all detached premise signs must be monument signs or landscape signs.
(b) No detached premise sign may be located within five feet of a public right-of-way, except for monument signs or landscape signs, which may be located at the building line.
(c) Except as provided in this section, detached premise signs located within 15 feet of a public right-of-way may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area, or five feet in height.
(d) Except as provided in this section, detached premise signs with a setback of 15 feet or greater from a public right-of-way may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area, or 15 feet in height.
(e) A detached premise sign may contain only the name, logo, and address of the premise building and its occupants.
(f) Section 51A-7.304(c) of the Dallas Development Code, as amended, does not apply to monument signs or landscape signs in this district.
(g) A premise having more than 450 feet of frontage along a street may have no more than one additional detached premise sign for each additional 100 feet of frontage or fraction thereof. For purposes of the subsection, “street” means a right-of-way that provides primary access to adjacent property.
(h) The following additional regulations apply in Retail Subdistrict B.
(1) Campus identification sign.
(A) One campus identification sign is permitted if the building site contains a single building with a floor area of 1.5 million square feet or greater.
(B) This sign must be located within 15 feet of the right-of-way.
(C) Maximum height is four feet, six inches.
(D) Maximum effective area is 77 square feet.
(E) The message area cannot exceed 70 percent of the effective area.
(F) Push-through acrylic lettering is required. No other lettering is permitted.
(2) Additional monument signs.
(A) Three additional monument signs are permitted if the building site contains a single building with a floor area of 1.5 million square feet or greater.
(B) Maximum height is four feet, six inches.
(C) Maximum effective area of each sign is 45 square feet.
(D) The message area cannot exceed 60 percent of the effective area.
(E) These signs may be located along any street, provided there are no more than five detached premise signs oriented toward any street.
(F) The 200-foot spacing provision in Section 51A-7.304, “Detached Signs,” for detached signs on the same premise does not apply to additional monument signs permitted by this paragraph.
(3) Retaining wall signs.
(A) A maximum of four retaining wall signs are permitted.
(B) Maximum effective area of each sign is 40 square feet.
(4) Pedestrian-oriented concession signs.
(A) A maximum of three pedestrian-oriented concessions signs are permitted.
(B) These signs may contain campus and associated identification.
(C) Minimum setback is 15 feet.
(D) Maximum height is eight feet, eight inches.
(E) Maximum effective area of each sign is 30 square feet.
(F) There is no message area restrictions for these signs.
(G) Push-through acrylic lettering is required. No other lettering is permitted.
(5) Illumination.
(A) Except as provided in this paragraph, internal sources of illumination may only be used if the internal source is an integral part of the sign’s design, such as the use of light emitting diodes (LED) or small individual incandescent lamps.
(B) Except as provided in this paragraph, detached premise signs must not have a plastic translucent cover.
(C) Retaining wall signs and pedestrian-oriented concession signs may be externally lit, or internally lit with a translucent or transparent cover, without limitation to the type of lighting or cover materials.
(Ord.
Nos. 20167; 21404; 22425; 24606; 24925; 29227
; 31374
; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.913. CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGNS.
(a) The director shall review all construction barricade signs for consistency with the construction fence requirements of the Dallas Central Business District Streetscape plan. Upon approval of the signs by the director, a sign permit for the signs may be issued. This review is a condition precedent for any permit issued for a construction barricade. No additional sign permits for the barricade may be issued after the barricade permit is issued.
(b) A construction barricade sign may not project more than two inches from the surface of the construction barricade.
(c) A construction barricade sign may neither be lighted nor contain any moving parts.
(d) A construction barricade sign must be removed when the construction barricade is removed.
(e) A minimum of ten percent of the effective area of a construction barricade sign must display city park names, city activities, district activities, or the names of the owner, occupant, or district sponsor of the construction site.
(f) A construction barricade sign may not exceed eight feet in height.
(g) A construction barricade may be fully decorated or graphically designed if:
(1) no decoration or graphic horizontally projects more than two inches from the surface of the barricade; or
(2) no decoration or graphic vertically projects more than four feet above the top of the barricade.
(h) A construction barricade sign may contain one non-premise message per street frontage. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20167; 21404; 24606; 24925; 25047; 28073; 28347; 28553)
SEC. 51A-7.914. BANNERS ON STREETLIGHT POLES.
Banners on streetlight poles are subject to the following regulations:
(a) A banner must display a promotional message, a welcome message, or generic graphics.
(b) No more than 10 percent of the effective area of a banner may contain a welcome message that identifies and greets a group using city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit.
(c) Up to 10 percent of the effective area of a banner may contain the word(s) or logo(s) that identify a sponsor of a cultural event or activity if the sponsor’s name is part of the name of the activity or event.
(d) A banner having either a promotional message or a welcome message may not be erected more than 90 days prior to the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 15 days after that activity or event has ended. The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(e) A banner and its sign hardware must:
(1) be mounted on a streetlight pole;
(2) meet the sign construction and design standards in the Dallas Building Code;
(3) be at least 12 feet above grade, unless it overhangs a roadway, in which case it must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(4) be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material;
(5) not project more than three feet from the pole onto which it is mounted; and
(6) not exceed 20 square feet in effective area.
(f) No sign permit or certificate of appropriateness is required to erect or remove a banner. (Ord. Nos. 21404; 24606; 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.915. WINDOW ART DISPLAYS IN VACANT BUILDINGS.
Window art displays on the ground floor of a vacant building are allowed subject to the following regulations:
(a) A window art display may contain only a promotional message, generic graphics (including three-dimensional artifacts), a message identifying the sponsor of the display, or a message referring to the sale or lease of the premises.
(b) Window signs in a window art display may not:
(1) cover more than 25 percent of the surface area of a window;
(2) contain a logo or word that has any character that exceeds five inches in height;
(3) advertise a specific product or service other than the cultural event or activity; or
(4) have more than 10 percent or four square feet, whichever is less, of its effective area devoted to sponsorship identification.
(c) No sign permit or certificate of appropriateness is required to erect or remove a window art display. (Ord. Nos. 21404; 24606; 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.916. NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE NONDISCRIMINATION.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, any sign that may display a type of noncommercial message may display in place of that message any other type of noncommercial message, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this article and other ordinances that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed. Section 51A-7.209 of the Dallas Development Code, as amended, applies to this district. (Ord. Nos. 21404; 24606; 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.917. ACTIVITY DISTRICT CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGNS.
(a) No more than six activity district changeable message signs may be located in this district.
(b) Activity district changeable message signs in the general CBD and convention center subdistricts:
(1) may be attached or detached signs;
(2) must be located at least 1500 feet apart;
(3) if attached signs, must be located on separate facades; and
(4) may not exceed 450 square feet in effective area.
(c) Activity district changeable message signs in the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B:
(1) must be attached signs;
(2) must be located at least 300 feet apart;
(3) must be located on separate facades; and
(4) may not exceed 200 square feet in effective area.
(d) A maximum of four activity district changeable message signs may be located in the general CBD and convention center subdistricts collectively, and a maximum of two activity district changeable message signs may be located in the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B, collectively.
(e) Activity district changeable message signs may not exceed 60 feet in height.
(f) Activity district changeable message signs may only promote district activities within this district or West End Special Provision Sign District, Deep Ellum Special Provision Sign District, Arts District Special Provision Sign District, and Farmers Market Special Provision Sign District.
(g) No more than 10 percent of the effective area of a district changeable message sign may be devoted to sponsorship identification.
(h) No more than eight permanent words may be located on an activity district changeable message sign.
(i) There is no limit to the number of words on the changeable message portion of an activity district changeable message sign.
(j) No attached activity district changeable message sign may project above the roof.
(k) Activity district changeable message signs must be securely anchored and meet design standards approved by the Special Sign District Advisory Committee. (Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925; 28346; 29227)
SEC. 51A-7.918. KIOSKS.
(a) Kiosks for which permits were issued after March 9, 2005.
(1) Kiosks may only be erected as part of a city-wide kiosk program approved by the city council.
(2) Kiosks are not subject to this section, and must meet the design standards of a city-wide kiosk program approved by the city council.
(b) Kiosks for which permits were issued on or before March 9, 2005.
(1) Kiosks may display premise or non-premise messages.
(2) Kiosks must be spaced at least 300 feet apart.
(3) No kiosk may be illuminated by a detached, independent external light source.
(4) Kiosks may not be located on sidewalks unless:
(A) an unobstructed sidewalk width of 10 feet is maintained on any side with a message area; or
(B) an unobstructed sidewalk width of seven feet is maintained with no message area.
(5) Kiosks must be securely anchored.
(6) Except as provided in this section, kiosks must meet the design standards of a city-wide kiosk program approved by the city council.
(7) Kiosks may contain coin-operated public toilets.
(8) Kiosks may not exceed:
(A) 10 feet in height;
(B) 80 square feet in effective area; or
(C) 100 square feet in effective area if a kiosk contains a coin-operated public toilet.
(9) The effective area of a kiosk is measured using the rule for measuring the effective area of detached signs.
(10) The message area of a kiosk may not exceed 60 percent of the effective area of the kiosk.
(A) One-third of the message area of a kiosk must identify a district activity or be an area way-finding map. The message area identifying a district activity or containing an area way-finding map must be oriented to be visible from a sidewalk within the public right-of-way.
(B) There is no limit as to the number of words containing characters of a height equal to or exceeding four inches on a kiosk.
(11) Kiosks with area way-finding maps must have the word “information” or an information symbol above the message area.
(12) Kiosks may be relocated within this district, provided the new location and kiosk design complies with this section. (Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925; 25926)
SEC. 51A-7.919. MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGNS.
(a) Except as provided in this section, movement control signs must direct vehicular or pedestrian movement within this district or to adjacent districts and may include the name or logo of any premise located in this district or the name or logo of any adjacent district.
(b) Movement control signs that include the name or logo of two or more premises may:
(1) be attached or detached signs;
(2) not exceed 30 square feet in effective area;
(3) be located in a public right-of-way; or
(4) be erected anywhere within the district without limit as to number.
(c) Movement control signs that include the name or logo of one premise may:
(1) be attached or detached signs;
(2) be erected on the premise without limit as to number;
(3) not exceed two square feet in effective area; and
(4) not be located in the public right-of-way.
(d) The following additional regulations apply in Retail Subdistrict B.
(1) Movement control signs cannot include the name or logo of any premise located in this subdistrict or adjacent subdistricts.
(2) Pedestrian movement control signs may:
(A) be attached or detached signs;
(B) not exceed 10 square feet in effective area;
(C) not exceed a message area of 75 percent;
(D) not exceed a maximum letter height of five inches;
(E) not be located in a public right-of-way; and
(F) be erected anywhere in this subdistrict without limitation as to number.
(3) Vehicular movement control signs may:
(A) be attached or detached signs;
(B) not exceed two square feet in effective area;
(C) not be located in a public right-of-way; and
(D) be erected anywhere in this subdistrict without limitation as to number.
(Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925; 29227
; 31374
; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.920. DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGNS.
(a) A district identification sign may only:
(1) identify the name or logo of the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, or Retail Subdistrict B as approved by the city council; and
(2) be located in the subdistrict it identifies.
(b) A district identification sign may be located in the right-of-way.
(c) No district identification sign may be a changeable message sign.
(d) A district identification sign may only be a monument sign, a banner sign, or be located on a structure that spans a right-of-way or on a nonenclosing wall.
(e) A maximum of six district identification signs are allowed in the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, and Retail Subdistrict B, collectively.
(f) No district identification sign may exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(g) No district identification sign may exceed five words.
(h) A structure that spans a right-of-way or a nonenclosing wall containing a district identification sign:
(1) may not exceed 900 square feet in effective area;
(2) must be at least 15 feet above grade; and
(3) may not exceed 25 feet in height.
(i) Monument identification signs located within 15 feet of a public right-of-way may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area, or five feet in height.
(j) Monument identification signs located more than 15 feet from a public right-of-way may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area, or 15 feet in height.
(k) Banner district identification signs and their hardware must meet the sign construction and design standards contained in the Dallas Building Code, and be at least 12 feet above grade, unless they overhang a roadway, in which case they must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(1) No banner district identification sign and its hardware may exceed 25 feet in height;
(2) No banner district identification sign and its hardware may project more than three feet from the pole on which they are mounted;
(3) A banner district identification sign and its hardware must be spaced at least 100 feet from other banner district identification signs;
(4) A banner district identification sign and its hardware may not exceed 24 square feet in effective area; and
(5) A banner district identification sign and its hardware must be made of weather-resistant and rust proof material. (Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925; 29227)
SEC. 51A-7.921. PROTECTIVE SIGNS.
(a) The occupant of a premise may erect no more than two detached protective signs in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) No sign may exceed 700 square inches in effective area.
(2) No detached sign may exceed two feet in height.
(3) No word may exceed four inches in height, unless otherwise required by law.
(b) The occupant of a premise may erect attached protective signs at each entrance to a premise in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) No sign may exceed 700 square inches in effective area.
(2) The cumulative messages may not exceed 1,300 square inches per entrance.
(3) No word may exceed four inches in height, unless otherwise required by law. (Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.922. SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS.
(a) Illumination. Special purpose signs may be externally or internally illuminated.
(1) Attached signs.
(A) Only one attached premise special purpose sign may be located on each facade per premise up to four times within any 12-month period as long as:
(i) the sign is maintained for no more than 45 days each time during that 12-month period;
(ii) the sign conforms to all other regulations for attached signs; and
(iii) the effective area of the sign does not exceed:
(aa) 30 percent of the building facade for an entertainment facility; or
(bb) 10 percent of the building facade for other uses.
(B) There is no limit to the number of words permitted on an attached premise special purpose sign.
(2) Detached special purpose signs are prohibited in this district. (Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.923. OTHER TEMPORARY SIGNS.
(a) In addition to the protective signs permitted under Section 51A-7.921, temporary protective signs may be erected anywhere on a construction site at anytime during construction subject to the following provisions:
(1) There is no limit on the number of temporary protective signs on a construction site.
(2) No sign may exceed 20 square feet in effective area, or eight feet in height.
(3) Temporary protective signs may be illuminated, but no lighting source may project more than three inches from the vertical surface, or six inches above the top, of the sign.
(4) All temporary protective signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(b) “For Sale,” “For Lease,” “Remodeling,” and “Under Construction” signs. Signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, remodeling, or construction of the premises on which they are located are permitted subject to the following provisions:
(1) Attached signs.
(A) There is no limit on the number of attached signs permitted.
(B) If the sign is attached to a window, the maximum effective area of the sign is 16 square feet.
(C) If the sign is attached to other portions of a facade, the maximum effective area of the sign is 32 square feet.
(2) Detached signs.
(A) Detached signs are limited to one for each 100 feet of frontage on a public street or private access easement.
(B) No detached sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area, or 16 feet in height. (Ord. Nos. 24606; 24925)
SEC. 51A-7.930. SUPERGRAPHIC SIGNS.
(a) Definitions. In this section:
(1) AFFILIATE means any person who is an owner, shareholder, member, partner, agent, officer, or director of an applicant for a supergraphic sign location permit pursuant to this section or a person who has a contractual relationship with an applicant related to supergraphic signs.
(2) CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WALLSCAPE SIGN means a supergraphic sign located in the inner loop area that is neither a promotional wallscape nor a civic center wallscape.
(3) CIVIC CENTER WALLSCAPE SIGN means a supergraphic sign located on a city-owned performance venue with a minimum 1,000 person seating capacity, convention center, or library.
(3.1) EXPOSED PARTY WALL means the remaining outer wall of a structure that formally was a part of a common wall between two adjoining structures.
(4) INNER LOOP AREA means the Main Street Subdistrict, Retail Subdistrict A, Retail Subdistrict B, the Convention Center Subdistrict, the General CBD Subdistrict, the Akard Station Subdistrict, and the Whitacre Tower Subdistrict.
(5) LOCATION PERMIT means a sign permit to erect a supergraphic sign in a specific location.
(6) PROMOTIONAL WALLSCAPE SIGN means a supergraphic sign that identifies or promotes a cultural activity or sporting event that significantly benefits the city.
(7) QUALIFIED APPLICANT means any person who has been qualified by the director to apply for a location permit.
(8) SUPERGRAPHIC SIGN means a large attached premise or non-premise sign on a mesh or fabric surface, or a projection of a light image onto a wall face without the use of lasers.
(9) WALL FACE means an uninterrupted blank plane of a wall, from vertical edge to vertical edge, from its highest edge to its lowest edge. Edges can be established by a distinct change in materials or off-set which runs across (transects) the entire wall in a straight line.
(b) Visual display and coverage.
(1) Except as provided in this paragraph, a supergraphic sign must have one large visual display with a minimum of 80 percent non-textual graphic content (no more than 20 percent text).
(A) Multiple displays giving an appearance of multiple signs are prohibited.
(B) The effective area of text is the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word.
(C) A promotional wallscape sign may contain 10 percent text or logo related to sponsorship. The remainder of the promotional wallscape sign must promote the special event.
(2) Subject to the maximum effective area in Subsection (c), a central business district wallscape sign must cover at least 60 percent of the wall face of the building to which it is attached. The lower 10 feet of the wall face may not be covered and is disregarded in calculating the coverage area.
(3) Supergraphic signs are intended to be creative and artful and not strictly a representation of an advertised product. It is the intent of this provision to:
(A) encourage the use of illustrative images or other non-repetitive design elements;
(B) encourage visually interesting, vibrant, and colorful designs;
(C) discourage use of solid colors or repetitive design elements; and
(D) discourage an image of a single product or product logo without other graphic elements.
(4) Supergraphic signs may be externally illuminated.
(5) No building may have more than two central business district wallscape signs. The two central business district wallscape signs must be oriented a minimum of 90 degrees from each other.
(c) Effective area. Minimum permitted effective area of a central business district wallscape sign is 2,500 square feet. This subsection controls over Paragraph (b)(2).
(d) Height. No central business district wallscape sign or civic center wallscape sign may exceed 450 feet in height. There is no maximum height for promotional wallscape signs.
(e) Number of sign locations permitted.
(1) No more than 22 central business district wallscape locations are permitted within the inner loop area.
(2) No more than four civic center wallscape locations are permitted within the inner loop area.
(3) No supergraphic signs are permitted outside of the inner loop area.
(f) Extensions.
(1) Except as provided in Paragraph (2), a supergraphic sign may not extend beyond the edge of the face of the building to which it is attached.
(2) A supergraphic sign may wrap around the edge of a building if:
(A) both building facades to which the supergraphic sign is attached are otherwise eligible facades; and
(B) the supergraphic sign is one continuous image.
(g) Location.
(1) A central business district wallscape sign may only be located on a blank wall face.
(2) A central business district wallscape sign on a federal-, state-, or city- designated historic or landmark structure may only be located on a blank exposed party wall. For a central business district wallscape sign located on a city-designated historic or landmark structure, the installation mechanism must be approved by the landmark commission.
(3) No supergraphic sign may:
(A) cover any window or architectural or design feature of the building to which it is attached;
(B) be attached to a federal-, state-, or city-designated historic or landmark structure unless it complies with Paragraph (2);
(C) be attached to a facade erected or altered after June 1, 2005;
(D) be attached to a facade on Pacific Avenue between Akard Street and Ervay Street;
(E) be attached to a facade facing Main Street Garden or Belo Garden.
(4) Except as provided in Paragraph(5), central business district wallscape signs are only permitted on parking structures or buildings with lodging, residential, retail and personal service, or office uses occupying at least 75 percent of the leasable ground floor area and an overall building occupancy of at least 50 percent of the floor area.
(5) The director may waive the requirements in Paragraph(4) for up to one year if the director determines that the building or multi- building complex is currently being redeveloped. The director may revoke this waiver if redevelopment stops or is inactive for 90 days or more.
(h) Message duration. A supergraphic sign location may not display the same message for more than four consecutive months in any 12-month period.
(i) Hardware fasteners. All hardware fasteners for a supergraphic sign must comply with the Dallas Building Code and all other ordinances, rules, and regulations of the City of Dallas.
(j) HBA signs prohibited. No supergraphic sign may be a Highway Beautification Act (HBA) sign as defined in Section 51A-7.102.
(k) Permits.
(1) Application to be a qualified applicant.
(A) An applicant shall submit an application to the director for the purpose of qualifying as an applicant. The application must include:
(i) the name, address, phone number, and other pertinent information of the applicant, and if the applicant is a business entity, the names and business addresses of the principal officers, managers, and other persons who own more than five percent of the entity; and
(ii) an affidavit stating that the applicant is in good standing with the city on all code enforcement matters related to supergraphic signs.
(B) A person may not qualify as an applicant if that person:
(i) has any outstanding code violations related to supergraphic signs;
(ii) has previously displayed a non-permitted supergraphic sign within the previous 12 month period; or
(iii) is an affiliate of another qualified applicant.
(2) Location permit.
(A) Qualified applicants must submit a separate location permit application for each location. The director shall time stamp all applications upon receipt.
(B) The director shall review location permit applications in order of submittal. If the director determines that a location permit application is incomplete or does not meet the guidelines, the director shall reject the application and then review the next location permit application. If the initial number of location permit applications exceeds the number of location permits available, the director shall provide for a lottery to distribute the location permits.
(C) An application for a supergraphic sign location permit must contain:
(i) a memorandum of lease, sworn to by affidavit, that shows that the qualified applicant has an enforceable lease for a supergraphic location;
(ii) an affidavit stating that the property where the supergraphic sign will be located has no outstanding code enforcement matters;
(iii) a current tax certificate and affidavit stating that there are no unpaid governmental liens for the supergraphic sign location; and
(iv) an affidavit stating that the building meets the occupancy requirements in Paragraph (g)(3).
(D) Location permit holders may not be an affiliate of any other location permit holder.
(E) A person may not have more than nine pending or active location permits combined at any one time.
(F) A person shall not obtain a location permit for use by another person.
(G) A location permit expires four years after the date of issuance.
(H) The director shall revoke a location permit if the location has displayed obsolete supergraphic advertising or has been without supergraphic advertising matter for six months or more.
(I) A holder of a location permit may apply for renewal of the location permit by filing a complete application for renewal with the director no more than 180 days before the expiration of the current permit. To be eligible for a renewal of a location permit, an applicant must meet the qualification criteria under Paragraph (1).
(3) Promotional wallscape signs. An application for a promotional wallscape must be supported by a resolution of the city council that recognizes the activity or event as significantly benefiting the city. A promotional wallscape may not be erected more than 60 days before the beginning of the activity or event and must be removed not later than 30 days after the activity or event has ended.
(4) Review procedure. The director shall review all applications for location permits and copy change permits using the director procedure in Section 51A-7.505.
(l) Mandatory removal in 2027. All supergraphic signs must be removed on or before August 31, 2027. This section does not confer a nonconforming or vested right to maintain a supergraphic sign after August 31, 2027, and all permits authorizing supergraphic signs shall automatically expire on that date
(m) Sunset. This section expires on August 31, 2027, unless re-enacted with amendment before that date. The city plan commission and city council shall review this section before its expiration date. (Ord. Nos. 24717; 24925; 24926; 25291; 25995; 27300; 27587; 28346; 28347; 28553; 29227; 31229
)
SEC. 51A-7.931. CONVENTION CENTER COMPLEX ACCENT LIGHTING.
(a) The convention center complex may have building accent lighting consisting of LED or similar technology that changes colors and brightness.
(b) Convention center complex accent lighting may display images, symbols, logos, or words that are associated with
(1) a convention or event taking place within the convention center complex or;
(2) an event or activities taking place within the Downtown Special Provision Sign District. (Ord. 28346)
SEC. 51A-7.932. AKARD STATION SUBDISTRICT.
(a) Purpose. It is the intent of this subdistrict to:
(1) create an aesthetically pleasing environment that promotes an atmosphere of vitality appropriate for a place where thousands of citizens gather for living, working, commuting, entertainment, and celebration;
(2) encourage the use of innovative, colorful, and entertaining signs, and signs that bring a distinctive character and attract people to downtown;
(3) identify and promote Akard Station as a vibrant centerpiece of ingress and egress in the heart of the Central Business District;
(4) encourage signs with a style, orientation, and location that take into consideration the high number of pedestrians and commuters expected within this district;
(5) communicate clear directions to and through the subdistrict; and
(6) promote the economic success of businesses within the subdistrict.
(b) In general. Except as provided in this section, signs must comply with the Downtown Special Provision Sign District in Division 51A-7.900. If there is a conflict between the text of this section and this division, the text of this section controls.
(c) Definitions. In this section:
(1) BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN means a sign identifying a building within the subdistrict.
(2) FACADE-INTEGRATED SIGN means a sign that is part of a skin system for a portion of a building facade, has no fenestration, projects no more than 12 inches from the building facade, and the sign hardware is visually concealed from public rights-of-way.
(3) MIDDLE-LEVEL SIGN AREA means that portion of a building facade that is between the lower-level sign area and the upper-level sign area not to exceed 100 feet above grade.
(4) UPPER-LEVEL SIGN AREA means that portion of a building facade 36 feet or less from the top of a building.
(d) Special provisions for all signs.
(1) The maximum effective area of all signs combined is 10 percent of the total area of all building facades within this subdistrict.
(2) Permits for all signs in the Akard Station Subdistrict are subject to the director procedure in Section 51A-7.505(4).
(3) Except as otherwise limited by maximum effective areas allowed in this subdistrict, there is no maximum size or number of individual signs.
(e) Non-premise signs.
(1) Non-premise signs are only allowed on a building constructed before 1970 that contains at least 1,000,000 square feet of floor area.
(2) Non-premise signs may only be located in the middle-level sign area.
(3) Maximum total effective area of non-premise signs is 19,100 square feet. Minimum effective area of a single non-premise sign is 3,000 square feet. A message that wraps a building corner is considered one sign.
(4) Not more than 50 percent of all non-premise signage may be digital.
(5) The portion of a non-premise facade-integrated sign not devoted to building identification must be one large visual display with a minimum of 80 percent non-textual graphic content (no more than 20 percent text).
(6) A maximum of six signs may display non-premise messages at one time.
(7) No more than two non-premise signs may be displayed on a facade at one time.
(8) The same non-premise sign message may not be displayed for a period longer than 12 consecutive months.
(f) Digital signs.
(1) Digital signs must be facade-integrated signs and may only be located in the middle-level sign area.
(2) Digital signs must comply with the operational requirements for attached videoboard signs in Section 51A-7.910.
(g) HBA signs. No sign may be a Highway Beautification Act (HBA) sign as defined in Section 51A-7.102.
(h) Lower-level sign area.
(1) The total effective area for all signs in the lower-level sign area is 7,500 square feet.
(2) Premise signs located behind a window with at least 75 percent non-textual graphic content are not included in the calculation of effective area of signage within the lower-level sign area.
(3) Signs may be attached to a window or glass door and may exceed 15 percent of the area of that window or glass door or be located within the upper two-thirds of that window or glass door if the building official determines that the proposed signs do not eliminate visibility into or out of the premise. A sign authorized by this paragraph:
(A) must be made of translucent vinyl or a similar material with at least a 65/35 perforation pattern (a maximum of 65 percent of the area is closed, a minimum of 35 percent of the area is open); and
(B) may only have images; any text or characters on the sign are limited to 15 percent of the window area and are only permitted in the lower one-third of the window.
(4) Facade-integrated signs are not allowed in the lower-level sign area.
(i) Middle-level sign area.
(1) The total effective area for all signs in the middle-level sign area is 30,000 square feet.
(2) Middle-level signs must be facade-integrated signs. Facade-integrated signs may be digital signs or static signs with a light source that is not directly visible.
(3) To effectively balance the desire for significant signage and vibrancy within this subdistrict, a minimum of 1,400 square feet of effective area must display promotional messages in the Central Business District. An additional minimum of 1,500 square feet of effective area must display:
(A) promotional messages in the Central Business District, or
(B) images of artwork, historically significant buildings, or events within the city.
(4) A minimum of 1,800 square feet of the effective area of facade-integrated signs must be a building identification signage. Building identification signage may be included within or as a portion of any other sign.
(5) Digital signs are prohibited on a building facade facing Akard Street.
(6) Each new non-premise sign permit application for signs in the middle-level sign area must be submitted with a form provided by the department of planning and development detailing compliance with this section.
(j) Upper-level sign area.
(1) The total effective area for all signs in the upper-level sign area is 6,500 square feet.
(2) Facade-integrated signs are not allowed in the upper-level sign area.
(k) Signage study.
(1) Property owner or operator shall submit a signage study evaluating the types and ratio of signs in this subdistrict. The signage study must be in writing, must be submitted to the director between 60 and 90 days before December 31, 2021, and must include:
(A) a summary of all middle-level sign permit applications, including the forms submitted detailing compliance with this section; and
(B) the total number of notices of violation and citations issued by the City of Dallas for violating this section since May 27, 2015.
(2) Within 30 days after submission of the signage study, the director shall forward to the city council. If no signage study is submitted by the deadline, the director shall notify city council.
(j) Nonconforming or vested rights. This section does not confer a nonconforming or vested right to maintain a non-premise sign after the maximum period allowed for a non-premise message has expired. (Ord. Nos. 29751
; 32002
; 32760
)
SEC. 51A-7.1001. DESIGNATION OF WEST END HISTORIC SIGN DISTRICT.
(a) The West End Historic Sign District is hereby recognized as that area of the city within the boundaries described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30139, passed by the Dallas City Council on June 22, 2016.
(b) The Purse Building subdistrict is hereby created within the West End Historic Sign District. The boundaries of the Purse Building subdistrict are described in Exhibit B attached to Ordinance No. 30139, passed by the Dallas City Council on June 22, 2016.
(c) The Antioch Church subdistrict is hereby created within the West End Historic Sign District. The boundaries of the Antioch Church subdistrict are described in Exhibit C attached to Ordinance No. 30663, passed by the Dallas City Council on September 27, 2017.
(d) The MKT subdistrict is hereby created within the West End Historic Sign District. The boundaries of the MKT subdistrict are described in Exhibit D attached to Ordinance No. 32817, passed by the Dallas City Council on August 14, 2024.
(e) The Lawyers Building subdistrict is hereby created within the West End Historic Sign District. The boundaries of the Lawyers Building subdistrict are described in Exhibit E attached to Ordinance No. 33011, passed by the Dallas City Council on February 12, 2025. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 21404; 22112; 26027; 30139; 30663; 32817; 33011)
SEC. 51A-7.1002. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this division is to regulate the construction of new signage and alterations made to existing signage with a view towards preserving the historic nature of this district. The general objectives of this division include those listed in Section 51A-7.101 as well as aesthetic considerations to insure that new signage is of appropriate historical design and does not visually obscure significant architectural features of a building or the district in general. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 21404; 22112; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1003. DEFINITIONS.
In this division:
(1) BANNER means a sign attached to or applied on a strip of cloth and temporarily attached to a building or structure. Canopy signs and political flags are not banners.
(2) CANOPY SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a canopy or awning.
(3) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting four or less inches from a building.
(4) GENERIC GRAPHICS means any pattern of shapes, colors, or symbols that does not commercially advertise.
(5) LOWER LEVEL SIGN means a sign partially or wholly situated below the top of the first floor windows or, if there are no first floor windows, below a point 12 feet above grade.
(6) MARQUEE means a permanent canopy projecting over the main entrance of a building. A marquee is considered to be part of the building.
(7) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a marquee.
(8) NIGHT means the time period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.
(9) PAINTED APPLIED SIGN means a sign painted directly on to the exterior facade of a building, not including doors and windows.
(10) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign, other than a roof sign, projecting 18 or more inches from a building.
(11) PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE means a message that identifies or promotes a cultural activity or event that benefits the city. Benefit to the city is established by:
(A) use of city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit;
(B) the receipt of city monies for the activity or event; or
(C) resolution of the city council that recognizes the activity or event as benefitting the city.
(12) ROOF SIGN means a sign that is attached by sign supports to the roof of a building.
(13) SIGN HARDWARE means the structural support system for a sign, including the fastening devices that secure a sign to a building facade or pole.
(14) THIS DISTRICT means the West End Historic Sign District.
(15) TYPE A FACADE means a facade with a total window area comprising between 30 and 50 percent (inclusive) of the total facade area.
(16) TYPE B FACADE means a facade with a total window area comprising less than 30 or more than 50 percent of the total facade area.
(17) UPPER LEVEL SIGN means a sign wholly situated above the top of the first floor windows or, if there are no first floor windows, above a point 12 feet above grade.
(18) WELCOME MESSAGE means a message that identifies and greets heads of state, foreign dignitaries, groups using city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit, or government organizations.
(19) WINDOW ART DISPLAY means an exhibit or arrangement placed within a storefront window of a building and designed to be viewed from a street.
(20) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted on or affixed to a window. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 21404; 22112; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1004. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of all signs in the West End Historic Sign District are as follows:
(1) No illuminated sign may contain flashing or moving elements or change its brightness, except as otherwise provided in this division.
(2) Except for a marquee sign or a sign constructed of fiberglass, no sign may be illuminated by fluorescent or back lighting. The use of indirect lighting is allowed.
(3) The use of neon and single incandescent bulbs is allowed.
(4) Except for a marquee sign, the use of plastic on the exterior of a sign is prohibited. For purposes of this provision, fiberglass is not considered to be plastic.
(5) The use of a fluorescent color on a sign is prohibited.
(6) No sign or part of a sign may move or rotate, with the exception of a wind device, the motion of which is not restricted.
(7) Except as provided in Sections 51A-7.1008 and 51A-7.1009, all signs must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(8) No sign may cover or obscure any portion of a major decorative cornice of a building.
(b) The following typestyles are suggested, but not required, for signs in this district: Americana Extra Bold, Aster Bold, Baskerville Bold, Bodoni Bold, Bookman Bold, Caslon No. 3, Cheltenham Bold, Copperplate Gothic 31, Craw Modern, Egyptian 505 Bold, Garamond Bold, Gothic 13, Goudy Extra Bold, Times Roman Bold. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 21404; 21626; 22112; 22392; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1005. ATTACHED SIGNS.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of attached signs in the West End Historic Sign District are as follows:
(a) Attached signs in general.
(1) Attached signs must be securely attached.
(2) Attached signs overhanging the public way are permitted, except that no sign may project closer than two feet to the vertical plane extending through the back of a street curb.
(3) Attached signs projecting horizontally more than 18 inches from a vertical building surface are prohibited.
(4) Except for a painted applied sign or a marquee sign, no attached sign may exceed 30 square feet in effective area unless it is:
(A) attached to a building having more than six stories; and
(B) at least 36 feet above grade.
(5) An attached sign, other than a roof sign, must be mounted parallel to the facade and may not project more than six feet above the surface to which it is attached.
(b) Canopy signs.
(1) No canopy sign may:
(A) be lower than 10 feet above grade, except that a sign may be as low as eight feet above grade if it does not project more than one-half inch from the surface of the canopy; or
(B) project vertically above the surface of the canopy or awning.
(2) The total effective area permitted for all canopy signs combined on a premise is the product obtained by multiplying 20 square feet times the number of street entrances to the premise.
(c) Flat attached signs on Type A facades.
(1) The maximum number of lower level flat attached signs permitted on a Type A facade is the sum obtained by counting all of the street entrances and first floor windows on that facade.
(2) No lower level flat attached sign on a Type A facade may exceed six feet in effective area.
(3) The maximum permitted effective area for all upper level flat attached signs combined on each Type A facade is 30 square feet.
(4) No upper level flat attached sign on a Type A facade may contain more than eight words. All words must:
(A) consist of characters eight inches or more in height; and
(B) read horizontally from left to right.
(d) Flat attached signs on Type B facades.
(1) No premise may have more than three flat attached signs on each Type B facade.
(2) No flat attached sign on a Type B facade may contain more than eight words with characters four or more inches in height. Words consisting of characters less than four inches in height may be used without limit.
(e) Marquee signs.
(1) No marquee sign may exceed 90 square feet in effective area unless it is for a theater, in which case it may not exceed 400 square feet in effective area.
(2) Marquee signs must:
(A) be parallel to the surface to which they are attached; and
(B) have a minimum height dimension of two feet.
(3) Except for a marquee sign for a theater, all words on a marquee sign must consist of changeable individual characters.
(4) Marquee signs may have flashing lights.
(5) The following provisions apply to a marquee sign for a theater:
(A) No more than 10 percent of its effective area may contain fixed characters.
(B) No more than 75 percent of its effective area may contain changeable characters.
(C) It may contain an unlimited number of words consisting of changeable characters.
(f) Painted applied signs on Type A facades.
(1) No lower level painted applied signs on a Type A facade may contain words consisting of characters more than eight inches in height.
(2) No upper level painted applied sign on a Type A facade may contain more than eight words. All words must:
(A) consist of characters eight or more inches in height; and
(B) read horizontally from left to right.
(g) Painted applied signs on Type B facades.
(1) No painted applied sign on a Type B facade may contain more than eight words consisting of characters exceeding four inches in height. Words consisting of characters four or less inches in height may be used without limit.
(2) No more than 60 percent of a Type B facade may be covered by painted applied signs.
(h) Projecting attached signs.
(1) No premise may have more than one projecting attached sign per street entrance.
(2) No projecting attached sign may:
(A) exceed 20 square feet in effective area;
(B) be lower than 10 feet above grade; or
(C) project vertically above the second story or the roof of the building, whichever is lower.
(i) Window signs. No window sign may:
(1) contain words consisting of characters eight or more inches in height;
(2) have a painted background; or
(3) cover more than 25 percent of the window surface area.
(j) Roof signs.
(1) Only buildings having six or more stories may have roof signs.
(2) No more than one roof sign may be located above each facade.
(3) No roof sign may be erected on a roof:
(A) lower than the sixth story ceiling;
(B) that is not the main roof of a building; or
(C) of a penthouse.
(4) A roof sign and its sign supports may not be located within four feet of a parapet wall or the outer edge of a building.
(5) The sign supports for a roof sign must consist of open, exposed metal framing. The metal must be painted, coated, or of a material that will not rust or corrode.
(6) No roof sign may project above the roof more than one-fourth of the building height.
(7) The effective area of a roof sign may not exceed 800 square feet. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 20927; 21404; 21626; 22112; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1006. DETACHED SIGNS.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of detached signs in the West End Historic Sign District are as follows:
(1) No premise which maintains an attached sign of any type may have a detached sign.
(2) No detached sign may:
(A) have an effective area greater than 12 square feet;
(B) have a total height greater than 15 feet; or
(C) be located less than five feet from a public right-of-way. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 21404; 22112; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1007. SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of special purpose signs in the West End Historic Sign District are as follows:
(a) Attached special purpose signs.
(1) Attached special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of ten time periods in each calendar year for a maximum of 15 days per time period. No more than one attached special purpose sign may be displayed on a premise at any given time.
(2) Special purpose signs attached to a window may not cover more than 25 percent of the window surface area.
(3) No more than one banner may be displayed on a premise in each calendar year. The maximum permitted period of display is 30 consecutive days.
(b) Detached special purpose signs.
(1) No detached special purpose sign is permitted on a sidewalk less than seven feet wide. All detached special purpose signs must be placed so that a minimum seven-foot wide clear passageway is maintained for pedestrian traffic.
(2) No detached special purpose sign may:
(A) be displayed at night;
(B) be more than 30 inches from a building; or
(C) exceed a height of four feet.
(3) No more than one detached special purpose sign may be displayed on a premise at any given time. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 21404; 22112; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1007.1. PURSE BUILDING SUBDISTRICT.
(a) In general. Except as provided in this division, the provisions of the West End Historic Sign District apply in this subdistrict.
(b) Definitions. In this subdistrict:
(1) SUPERGRAPHIC SIGN means a large attached premise or non-premise sign on a mesh or fabric surface, or a projection of a light image onto a wall face without the use of lasers.
(2) WALL FACE means an uninterrupted blank plane of a wall, from vertical edge to vertical edge, from its highest edge to its lowest edge. Edges can be established by a distinct change in materials or off-set which runs across (transects) the entire wall in a straight line.
(c) Supergraphic sign.
(1) Number. A maximum of one supergraphic sign is permitted.
(2) Visual display and coverage.
(A) The supergraphic sign must have one large visual display with a minimum of 80 percent non-textual graphic content (no more than 20 percent text).
(i) Multiple displays giving an appearance of multiple signs are prohibited.
(ii) The effective area of text is the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word.
(B) The supergraphic sign is intended to be creative and artful and not strictly a representation of an advertised product. It is the intent of this provision to:
(i) encourage the use of illustrative images or other non-repetitive design elements;
(ii) encourage visually interesting, vibrant, and colorful designs;
(iii) discourage use of solid colors or repetitive design elements; and
(iv) discourage an image of a single product or product logo without other graphic elements.
(C) The supergraphic sign may be internally or externally illuminated. If internally illuminated, the supergraphic sign may consist of translucent materials, but not transparent materials.
(D) The supergraphic sign may not extend beyond the edge of the face of the building to which it is attached.
(3) Effective area. Minimum permitted effective area is 2,500 square feet. Maximum permitted effective area is 6,500 square feet.
(4) Height. The supergraphic sign may not be lower than 10 feet above grade level.
(5) Location. The supergraphic sign may only be located on the east facade of the building.
(6) Additional provisions.
(A) All hardware fasteners for the supergraphic sign must comply with the Dallas Building Code and all other ordinances, rules, and regulations of the City of Dallas.
(B) The supergraphic sign may not be a Highway Beautification Act (HBA) sign as defined in Section 51A-7.102.
(C) The existing painted sign on the east facade must remain uncovered and visible.
(Ord. Nos. 30139; 31204)
SEC. 51A-7.1007.2. ANTIOCH CHURCH SUBDISTRICT.
(a) In general. Except as provided in this division, the provisions of the West End Historic Sign District apply in this subdistrict.
(b) Definitions. In this subdistrict:
(1) SUPERGRAPHIC SIGN means a large attached premise or non-premise sign on a mesh or fabric surface, a projection of a light image onto a wall face without the use of lasers, or painted or vinyl adhesive signage.
(2) WALL FACE means an uninterrupted blank plane of a wall, from vertical edge to vertical edge, from its highest edge to its lowest edge. Edges can be established by a distinct change in materials or off-set which runs across (transects) the entire wall in a straight line.
(c) Supergraphic sign.
(1) Number. A maximum of one supergraphic sign is permitted.
(2) Visual display and coverage.
(A) The supergraphic sign must have one large visual display with a minimum of 80 percent non-textual graphic content (no more than 20 percent text).
(i) Multiple displays giving an appearance of multiple signs are prohibited.
(ii) The effective area of text is the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word.
(B) The supergraphic sign is intended to be creative and artful and not strictly a representation of an advertised product. It is the intent of this provision to:
(i) encourage the use of illustrative images or other non-repetitive design elements;
(ii) encourage visually interesting, vibrant, and colorful designs;
(iii) discourage use of solid colors or repetitive design elements; and
(iv) discourage an image of a single product or product logo without other graphic elements.
(C) The supergraphic sign may be internally or externally illuminated. If internally illuminated, the supergraphic sign may consist of translucent materials, but not transparent materials.
(D) The supergraphic sign may not extend beyond the edge of the face of the building to which it is attached.
(3) Effective area. Minimum permitted effective area is 2,500 square feet. Maximum permitted effective area is 6,500 square feet.
(4) Height. The supergraphic sign may not be lower than 10 feet above grade level.
(5) Location. The supergraphic sign may only be located on the east facade of the building.
(6) Additional provisions.
(A) All hardware fasteners for the supergraphic sign must comply with the Dallas Building Code and all other ordinances, rules, and regulations of the City of Dallas.
(B) The supergraphic sign may not be a Highway Beautification Act (HBA) sign as defined in Section 51A-7.102.
(C) The supergraphic sign may not display the same message for more than six consecutive months in any 12-month period.
(D) The supergraphic sign must be removed on or before September 27, 2027. This section does not confer a nonconforming or vested right to maintain a supergraphic sign after September 27, 2027, and all permits authorizing a supergraphic sign automatically expire on that date.
(d) This section expires on September 27, 2027, unless re-enacted before that date. The city plan commission and city council shall review this section before its expiration date. (Ord. Nos. 30663; 31203)
SEC. 51A-7.1007.3. MKT SUBDISTRICT.
(a) In general. Except as provided in this division, the provisions of the West End Historic Sign District apply in this subdistrict.
(b) Definitions. In this subdistrict:
(1) SUPERGRAPHIC SIGN means a large attached premise or non-premise sign on a mesh or fabric surface, a projection of a light image onto a wall face without the use of lasers, or painted or vinyl adhesive signage.
(2) WALL FACE means an uninterrupted blank plane of a wall, from vertical edge to vertical edge, from its highest edge to its lowest edge. Edges can be established by a distinct change in materials or off-set which runs across (transects) the entire wall in a straight line.
(c) Supergraphic sign.
(1) Number. A maximum of one supergraphic sign is permitted.
(2) Visual display and coverage.
(A) The supergraphic sign must have one large visual display with a minimum of 70 percent non-textual graphic content (no more than 30 percent text).
(i) Multiple displays giving an appearance of multiple signs are prohibited.
(ii) The effective area of text is the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word.
(B) The supergraphic sign is intended to be creative and artful and not strictly a representation of an advertised product. It is the intent of this provision to:
(i) encourage the use of illustrative images or other non- repetitive design elements;
(ii) encourage visually interesting, vibrant, and colorful designs; and
(iii) discourage use of solid colors or repetitive design elements.
(C) The supergraphic sign may be internally or externally illuminated. If internally illuminated, the supergraphic sign may consist of translucent materials, but not transparent materials.
(D) The supergraphic sign may not extend beyond the edge of the face of the building to which it is attached.
(3) Effective area. Minimum permitted effective area is 2,500 square feet. Maximum permitted effective area is 6,500 square feet.
(4) Height. The supergraphic sign may not be lower than 10 feet above grade level.
(5) Location. The supergraphic sign may only be located on the east facade of the building.
(6) Additional provisions.
(A) All hardware fasteners for the supergraphic sign must comply with the Dallas Building Code and all other ordinances, rules, and regulations of the City of Dallas.
(B) The supergraphic sign may not be a Highway Beautification Act (HBA) sign as defined in Section 51A-7.102.
(C) The supergraphic sign may not display the same message for more than six consecutive months in any 12-month period. (Ord. No. 32817)
SEC. 51A-7.1007.4. LAWYERS BUILDING SUBDISTRICT.
(a) In general. Except as provided in this division, the provisions of the West End Historic Sign District apply in this subdistrict.
(b) Definitions. In this subdistrict:
(1) SUPERGRAPHIC SIGN means a large attached premise or non-premise sign on a mesh or fabric surface, a projection of a light image onto a wall face without the use of lasers, or painted or vinyl adhesive signage.
(2) WALL FACE means an uninterrupted blank plane of a wall, from vertical edge to vertical edge, from its highest edge to its lowest edge. Edges can be established by a distinct change in materials or off-set which runs across (transects) the entire wall in a straight line.
(c) Supergraphic sign.
(1) Number. A maximum of one supergraphic sign is permitted.
(2) Visual display and coverage.
(A) The supergraphic sign must have one large visual display with a minimum of 70 percent non-textual graphic content (no more than 30 percent text).
(i) Multiple displays giving an appearance of multiple signs are prohibited.
(ii) The effective area of text is the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word.
(B) The supergraphic sign is intended to be creative and artful and not strictly a representation of an advertised product. It is the intent of this provision to:
(i) encourage the use of illustrative images or other non-repetitive design elements;
(ii) encourage visually interesting, vibrant, and colorful designs; and
(iii) discourage use of solid colors or repetitive design elements.
(C) The supergraphic sign may be internally or externally illuminated. If internally illuminated, the supergraphic sign may consist of translucent materials, but not transparent materials.
(D) The supergraphic sign may not extend beyond the edge of the face of the building to which it is attached.
(3) Effective area. Minimum permitted effective area is 2,500 square feet. Maximum permitted effective area is 6,500 square feet.
(4) Height. The supergraphic sign may not be lower than 10 feet above grade level.
(5) Location. The supergraphic sign may only be located on the east facade of the building.
(6) Additional provisions.
(A) All hardware fasteners for the supergraphic sign must comply with the Dallas Building Code and all other ordinances, rules, and regulations of the City of Dallas.
(B) The supergraphic sign may not be a Highway Beautification Act (HBA) sign as defined in Section 51A-7.102.
(C) The supergraphic sign may not display the same message for more than six consecutive months in any 12-month period. (Ord. No. 33011)
SEC. 51A-7.1008. BANNERS ON STREETLIGHT POLES.
Banners may be mounted on streetlight poles subject to the following regulations:
(a) A banner must display a promotional message, a welcome message, or generic graphics. No sponsorship identification is permitted on a banner.
(b) No more than 10 percent of the effective area of a banner may contain a welcome message that identifies and greets a group using city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit.
(c) Up to 10 percent of the effective area of a banner may contain the words or logos that identify a sponsor of a cultural event or activity if the sponsor’s name is part of the name of the activity or event.
(d) A banner having either a promotional message or a welcome message may not be erected more than 90 days prior to the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 15 days after that activity or event has ended. The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(e) A banner and its sign hardware must:
(1) be mounted on a streetlight pole;
(2) meet the sign construction and design standards in the Dallas Building Code;
(3) be at least 12 feet above grade, unless it overhangs a roadway, in which case it must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(4) be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material;
(5) not project more than three feet from the pole onto which it is mounted; and
(6) not exceed 20 square feet in effective area.
(f) If a banner overhangs the public right-of-way, a license must be obtained in accordance with the requirements of the City Charter and the Dallas City Code.
(g) No sign permit or certificate of appropriateness is required to erect or remove a banner. (Ord. Nos. 21404; 22112; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1009. WINDOW ART DISPLAYS IN VACANT BUILDINGS.
Window art displays on the ground floor of a vacant building are allowed subject to the following regulations:
(a) A window art display may contain only a promotional message, generic graphics (including three-dimensional artifacts), or messages identifying the sponsor of the display.
(b) Window signs in a window art display may not:
(1) cover more than 25 percent of the surface area of a window;
(2) contain a logo or word that has any character that exceeds five inches in height;
(3) advertise a specific product or service other than the cultural event or activity; or
(4) have more than 10 percent or four square feet, whichever is less, of its effective area devoted to sponsorship identification.
(c) No sign permit or certificate of appropriateness is required to erect or remove a window art display. (Ord. Nos. 21404; 22112; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1010. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENT.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the sign permit requirements for signs in the West End Historic Sign District are as follows:
(1) Except as provided in Sections 51A-7.1008 and 7.1009, a person shall not alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in the West End Historic Sign District without first obtaining a sign permit from the city.
(2) The procedure for obtaining a sign permit is outlined in Section 51A-7.505 of this article. Section 51A-7.602(a) and (c) of this article does not apply to signs in the West End Historic Sign District.
(3) A person who violates Paragraph (1) above is guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion of a day during which the violation is continued. (Ord. Nos. 19455; 21404; 22112; 26027; 29208)
SEC. 51A-7.1011. NONDISCRIMINATION BETWEEN NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGES.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, any sign that may display a type of noncommercial message may display in place of that message any other type of noncommercial message, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this article and other ordinances that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed. (Ord. Nos. 21404; 22112; 26027)
SEC. 51A-7.1101. DESIGNATION OF UPTOWN SIGN DISTRICT.
A special sign provision district is hereby created to be known as the Uptown Sign District. For purposes of this division, the Uptown Sign District of the City of Dallas is that area of the city within the following described boundaries:
BEING a tract or parcel of land situated in the John Grigsby Survey, Abstract No. 495 and being part of City of Dallas Blocks J/929, 3/933, 5/944, 948, l/949, 3/950, A/541 and all of City of Dallas Blocks, A/541, 2/933, and 2/948 and also being part of the following dedicated streets: (previous street - now abandoned) Yeargan Street, Leonard Street, Howell Street, Bookout Street, Maple Avenue, McKinney Avenue, Pearl Street, McKinnon Street, and the North Dallas Tollway and being more particularly described as follows:
BEGINNING at a point for corner in the centerline of Leonard Street (50 feet wide), said point being North 45°11'10" West, a distance of 243.15 feet from the intersection of the centerline of Thomas Avenue (variable width) and the centerline of said Leonard Street;
THENCE South 44°50'21" West, a distance of 68.00 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 14°42'00" West, a distance of 243.37 feet going through City Block A/541 to a point for corner;
THENCE South 45°11'00" West, a distance of 269.95 feet going through City Block A/541 to a point for corner in the centerline of North Pearl Street (variable width) and the beginning of a curve to the left;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along said centerline of North Pearl Street and along said curve to the left whose chord bears North 50°55'28" West, and having a radius of 547.63 feet, a central angle of 16°06'58" and an arc length of 154.04 feet to a point for corner in the centerline of McKinney Avenue (60 feet wide) and the end of said curve to the left;
THENCE South 15°00'00" West along the centerline of McKinney Avenue, a distance of 106.93 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 89°15'32" West, a distance of 667.47 feet across Block 948 along a line between previously Platted Lot 1 of Block 3/948 and Tract 14 (1.4954 acs) in Block 948 to a point for corner in the centerline of Cedar Springs Road (variable width);
THENCE North 03°02'00" West along the centerline of Cedar Springs Road, a distance of 149.72 feet to a point for corner in the centerline of said Pearl Street;
THENCE South 82°27'00" West along the centerline of Pearl Street and along the centerline of the McKinnon St/North Dallas Tollway (variable width), a distance of 122.00 feet to a point for corner and the beginning of a curve to the right;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction continuing along the centerline of said McKinnon St/Dallas North Tollway and along said curve to the right having a radius of 124.57 feet, a central angle of 51°00'00" and an arc length of 110.88 feet to a point for corner and the end of said curve to the right;
THENCE North 46°33'00" West continuing along the centerline of said McKinnon St/Dallas North Tollway, a distance of 207.54 feet to a point for corner in the centerline of the previous said Yeargan Street (variable width);
THENCE North 42°06'27" East along the centerline of the previous said Yeargan Street, a distance of 94.48 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE North 0°31'00" West continuing along the centerline of the previous said Yeargan Street, passing at 224.36 feet the centerline of North Pearl Street (50 feet wide) and at 555.72 feet the centerline of Bookout Street to the east (33 feet wide) and continuing a total distance of 577.98 feet to a point for corner in the centerline of Bookout Street to the west (50 feet wide);
THENCE North 45°31"00" West along the centerline of Bookout Street, a distance of 329.67 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE North 44°24'15" East passing at 146.20 feet the most westerly corner of the Cedar Maple Addition, an addition to the City of Dallas as recorded in Volume 83097, Page 1486 of the Deed Records of Dallas County, Texas and continuing along the northwest line of said Cedar Maple Addition, a total distance of 436.46 feet to a point for corner in the centerline of Maple Avenue (70 feet wide);
THENCE North 45°39'00" West along the centerline of Maple Avenue, a distance of 247.10 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE North 44°21'00" East passing at 35.0 feet the most westerly corner of the North Dallas Improvement Co. Addition, an addition to the City of Dallas as recorded in Volume 88143, Page 2123 of the Deed Records of Dallas County, Texas and continuing along the northwest line of said addition, a total distance of 197.40 feet to the centerline of a 16 foot wide alley;
THENCE South 45°39'00" East along the centerline of said alley passing at 248.30 feet the centerline of Cedar Springs Road and continuing along said line, a total distance of 309.76 feet to an intersection of same with the easterly line of said Cedar Springs Road;
THENCE South 5°02'55" East along said easterly line, a distance of 51.25 feet to the intersection of same with the centerline of Howell Street;
THENCE North 45°08'50" East along said centerline of Howell Street, a distance of 33.36 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 45°39'00" East, passing at 20.0 feet the centerline of said Howell Street and continuing along the centerline of a 16 foot wide alley, a total distance of 722.46 feet to a point for corner in the terminus of said 16 foot wide alley;
THENCE North 44°21'00" East, a distance of 20.50 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 45°39'00" East, a distance of 249.60 feet to a point for corner; said point being the northernmost corner of Lot 1, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition, an addition to the City of Dallas, Texas according to the plat recorded in Volume 94089, Page 4558, in said Deed Records;
THENCE South 44°43'00" West, along the northwest line of said Lot 1, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition, at a distance of 83.50 feet passing the easternmost corner of Lot 7, Block 1/949, North Dallas Improvement Co., an addition to the City of Dallas, Texas according to the plat recorded in Volume 106, Page 258, in said Deed Records, then continuing along the southeast line of said Lot 7, Block 1/949, North Dallas Improvement Co., the northeast line of said Maple Avenue; said point being the westernmost corner of said Lot 1, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition and the southernmost corner of said Lot 7, Block 1/949, North Dallas Improvement Co., then continuing into, over and through the said right-of- way of Maple Avenue, in all a total distance of 214.86 feet to a point for corner in the centerline of said Maple Avenue right-of-way;
THENCE South 45°50'30" East, along the said centerline of Maple Avenue a distance of 388.87 feet to a point for corner at the intersection of said Maple Avenue centerline with the said centerline of McKinney Avenue;
THENCE departing the said centerline of Maple Avenue and along the said centerline of McKinney Avenue, the following two calls:
North 14°48'30" East, a distance of 245.47 feet to a point for corner at an angle point in the said McKinney Avenue centerline;
North 15°00'00" East a distance of 21.49 feet to a point for corner at the intersection of said centerline of McKinney Avenue and the said centerline of Leonard Street;
THENCE South 45°11'10" East, departing the said McKinney Avenue centerline and along the centerline of said Leonard Street, a distance of 355.51 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and containing approximately 35.15 acres. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037; 20378; 32497)
SEC. 51A-7.1101.1. DESIGNATION OF A SUBDISTRICT.
The 23 Springs Subdistrict is hereby created within the Uptown Sign District generally bounded by Cedar Springs Road, Bookout Street, Maple Avenue, and properties to the northwest. The boundaries of the 23 Springs subdistrict are described in Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 33060, passed by the Dallas City Council on March 26, 2025. (Ord. No. 33060)
SEC. 51A-7.1102. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and the alterations of existing signs with a view towards enhancing, preserving and developing the unique character of this district. The general objectives of this division include those listed in Section 51A-7.101 as well as aesthetic considerations to insure that signs are appropriate to the architecture of the district, do not obscure significant architectural features of its buildings, and lend themselves to the developing character of the area. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037)
SEC. 51A-7.1103. DEFINITIONS.
In this division:
(a) ARCADE means any walkway which is attached to a building and not fully enclosed on all sides, covered with a roof structure having the primary function of weather protection and which is not structural to the building itself.
(b) BANNER means a sign attached to or applied on a strip of cloth and temporarily attached to a building or structure. Canopy signs and political flags are not banners.
(c) CANOPY SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a canopy or awning.
(d) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting from a building and parallel to the building facade.
(e) LOWER LEVEL SIGN means a sign partially or wholly situated below the top of the first floor windows or below a point 16 feet above grade, whichever is lower.
(f) MARQUEE means a permanent canopy projecting over the main entrance of a building. A marquee is considered to be part of the building.
(g) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a marquee.
(h) PAINTED APPLIED SIGN means a sign painted directly onto the exterior facade of a building, not including doors or windows.
(i) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting from a building.
(j) THIS DISTRICT means the Uptown Sign District.
(k) TYPE A FACADE means a facade with a total window area comprising between 20 to 50 percent (inclusive) of the total facade area.
(l) TYPE B FACADE means a facade with a total window area comprising less than 20 or more than 50 percent of the total facade area.
(m) UPPER LEVEL SIGN means a sign wholly situated above the top of the first floor windows or above a point 16 feet above grade, whichever is lower.
(n) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed onto a window. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037)
SEC. 51A-7.1104. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of all signs in the Uptown Sign District are expressly modified as follows:
(1) No illuminated sign may contain flashing or moving elements or change its brightness, except as otherwise provided in this division.
(2) Except as provided in this paragraph, signs may be illuminated by fluorescent back lighting or indirect lighting. Signs in the 23 Springs subdistrict may also be illuminated by LED.
(3) The use of neon or single incandescent bulbs is allowed.
(4) The use of fiberglass as a sign material is allowed.
(5) Except as provided in this subsection, the use of plastic as an exterior face of a sign is prohibited. Plastic may be used as a backing for routed letters in a sign can or as decorative ornaments.
(6) For signs located within the 23 Springs subdistrict, plastic may be used for faces of individual channel letters. Channel letters must be either visually trim capless or use metal fabricated trim caps. No plastic trim caps are allowed.
(7) The use of fluorescent color on a sign is prohibited.
(8) No sign or part of a sign may move or rotate, with the exception of a wind device, the motion of which is not restricted.
(b) The following typestyles are suggested, but not required, for signs in this district: Americana Extra Bold, Aster Bold, Avante Garde, Baskerville Bold, Bookman Bold, Caslon No. 3, Century Bold Condensed, Cheltenham Bold, Univers 67. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037; 33060)
SEC. 51A-7.1105. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ATTACHED SIGNS.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of attached signs in the Uptown Sign District are expressly modified as follows:
(a) Attached signs in general.
(1) Attached signs must be securely attached.
(2) Except as provided in this subsection, attached signs projecting horizontally and either parallel or perpendicular to a building facade are permitted except no sign can extend above the highest point of the building roof.
(3) Attached signs in the 23 Springs subdistrict may extend above the highest point of the roof but not extend above the parapet wall to which it is attached.
(4) Attached signs overhanging the public right-of-way are permitted except that no sign may project closer than two feet to the vertical plane extending through the back of a street curb.
(5) Attached signs projecting horizontally more than eight inches but less than 18 inches from a vertical building surface are prohibited.
(6) Except as provided in this subsection, no attached sign other than a painted applied sign, an upper-level flat attached sign, a marquee sign, or a banner may exceed 30 square feet in effective area.
(7) Attached upper level signs in the 23 Springs subdistrict may exceed 30 square feet in effective area per sign with the following restrictions:
(A) signs within the top 50 feet of the top of building may not exceed a cumulative effective area of 450 square feet;
(B) signs below 50 feet from the top of the facade may not exceed a cumulative effective area of 100 square feet;
(C) signs must be spaced vertically at least 260 feet apart;
(D) signs must be spaced horizontally at least 150 feet apart; and
(E) the combined effective area of all signs may not exceed five percent of the total area of the facade.
(8) In the 23 Springs subdistrict, attached signs located on the front facade of the first and second floors of a building:
(A) may not exceed 30 square feet in effective area per sign for individual tenant signs 90 square feet in effective area per sign for multitenant signs;
(B) in aggregate, may not exceed 10 percent of the total area of the facade;
(C) may be located without separation; and
(D) cannot be located more than 36 feet above grade when measured vertically.
(9) Projecting attached signs may have one double faced copy area which is perpendicular to the building facade.
(10) Attached signs may be placed above an arcade.
(11) Banner signs may be constructed of either synthetic or natural cloth.
(b) Canopy signs.
(1) No canopy sign may:
(A) project horizontally more than two inches from the surface of the canopy or awning;
(B) be lower than 10 feet above grade, except that a sign may be as low as eight feet above grade if it does not project more than one-half inch from the surface of the canopy; or
(C) project vertically above the surface of the canopy or awning.
(2) The total effective area permitted for all canopy signs combined on a facade is the product obtained by multiplying 20 square feet times the number of street entrances to the premise.
(3) The maximum size of each canopy sign is limited to 30 square feet.
(c) Flat attached signs on Type A facade.
(1) No flat attached sign may project more than eight inches from a building.
(2) The maximum number of lower level flat attached signs permitted on Type A facade is the sum obtained by multiplying two times the number of street entrances on that facade.
(3) No lower level flat attached sign on a Type A facade may contain more than eight words. All words must:
(A) consist of characters eight inches or less in height; and
(B) read horizontally from left to right.
(4) The maximum size of a lower level flat attached sign on Type A facade is limited to eight square feet.
(5) No premise may have more than one upper level flat attached sign per street entrance.
(6) No upper level flat attached sign on a Type A facade may contain more than eight words. All words must:
(A) consist of characters four inches or more in height; and
(B) read horizontally from left to right.
(d) Flat attached signs on Type B facades.
(1) No flat attached sign may project more than eight inches from a building.
(2) Except as provided in this paragraph, no premise may have more than one flat attached sign on each Type B facade. In the 23 Springs subdistrict, a Type B facade may have up to three signs per facade.
(3) No flat attached sign on any Type B facade may contain more than eight words with characters four or more inches in height. Words consisting of characters less than four inches in height may be used without limit.
(e) Marquee signs.
(1) No marquee sign may exceed 90 square feet in effective area.
(2) Marquee signs must:
(A) be parallel to the surface to which they are attached; and
(B) have a minimum height dimension of two feet.
(3) All words on a marquee sign must consist of changeable individual characters.
(4) Marquee signs may have flashing lights.
(5) The maximum number of marquee signs shall be limited to one per facade.
(f) Projecting attached signs.
(1) Projecting attached signs on any facade must be 16 feet apart measured in any direction.
(2) No projecting attached sign may:
(A) exceed 20 square feet in effective area of the face of the sign;
(B) be lower than 10 feet above grade;
(C) project vertically above the third level window sill or 32 feet above grade whichever is less;
(D) project vertically above the highest surface of the building roof; or
(E) project less than 18 inches from a building.
(g) Window signs.
(1) No window sign may:
(A) contain words consisting of characters more than eight inches in height;
(B) cover more than 25 percent of the window surface area; or
(C) be affixed to the window by tape.
(2) A window sign may be hand painted or silk screened onto a window, or made of self-adhesive vinyl. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037; 20927; 33060)
SEC. 51A-7.1106. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR DETACHED SIGNS.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of detached signs in the Uptown Sign District are expressly modified as follows:
(a) No detached sign may:
(1) have an effective area greater than 120 square feet;
(2) have a total height greater than 15 feet; or
(3) be located less than five feet from a public right-of-way.
(b) The maximum number of signs permitted shall be one for every 220 linear feet of frontage on the public right-of-way, or fraction thereof. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037)
SEC. 51A-7.1107. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR NON-PREMISE DETACHED SIGNS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of non-premise detached signs in the Uptown Sign District are expressly modified as follows:
(a) Non-premise detached signs may be located within the public right-of-way subject to the franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the city charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, and the requirements of this section.
(b) Non-premise detached signs may be located in the public right-of-way only when the distance from the back of the curb to the property line is 13 feet or greater.
(c) Non-premise detached signs may be placed in the public right-of-way only within five feet of a motor vehicle entrance to a premise shared by two or more uses whose front doors are not visible from the street.
(d) Signs erected pursuant to this section must identify use categories and not particular business establishments. Examples of permitted messages are: “OFFICES”, “SHOPS”, “PARKING”, “RESTAURANTS”, “HOTEL”, alone or in combination. Signs that say “EXIT” or “ENTRANCE” are also permitted.
(e) No more than two signs may be erected pursuant to this section at each motor vehicle entrance to a premise.
(f) No non-premise detached sign may contain more than eight words. All words must:
(1) consist of characters eight inches or less in height; and
(2) read horizontally from left to right.
(g) No non-premise detached sign located within the public right-of-way may:
(1) have an effective area greater than four square feet;
(2) have a total height of greater than two feet, six inches;
(3) be located less than five feet from the back of a street curb;
(4) be located so as to obstruct sidewalk passage;
(5) be located within a visibility triangle as defined in this chapter;
(6) interfere with utilities or traffic signage and signals;
(7) contain the colors red or green; or
(8) be spot lit or directly lit from outside the sign.
(h) Plants must be kept trimmed so as to clearly expose non-premise detached signs in the public right-of-way. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037)
SEC. 51A-7.1108. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the rules relating to the erection of special purpose signs in the Uptown Sign District are expressly modified as follows:
(a) Attached or window special purpose signs.
(1) Attached special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of three 30 day time periods and one 45 day time period in each calendar year. No more than one attached special purpose may be displayed on a facade at any given time.
(2) Window special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of three 30 day time periods and one 45 day time period in each calendar year. No more than one attached special purpose sign may be displayed on a window at any given time.
(3) No more than 25 percent of a window surface may be covered by either window signs or special purpose window signs, alone or in combination.
(4) The size of an attached or window special purpose sign is limited to 30 square feet.
(5) A window special purpose sign may not be affixed to a window by tape.
(b) Detached special purpose signs.
(1) Detached special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of three 30 day time periods and one 45 day time period in each calendar year.
(2) The maximum number of detached special purpose signs permitted on a premise at any given time is the sum obtained by counting all of the street entrances onto that premise, and multiplying by two.
(3) No detached special purpose sign may:
(A) exceed eight feet in height;
(B) contain more than eight words;
(C) be mounted on wheels;
(D) be a trailer sign with changeable copy; or
(E) contain flashing or blinking lights. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037)
SEC. 51A-7.1109. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENT.
Pursuant to the authority of Section 51A-7.503 of this article, the sign permit requirements for signs in the Uptown Sign District are expressly modified as follows:
(a) A person shall not alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in the Uptown Sign District without first obtaining a sign permit from the city.
(b) The procedure for obtaining a sign permit is outlined in Section 51A-7.505 of this article. Section 51A-7.602 of this article does not apply to signs in the Uptown Sign District.
(c) A person who violates Subsection (a) is guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion of a day during which the violation is continued.
(d) The erection of signs within the public right-of-way, as specified herein, is permitted if the owner of the land as well as the owner of the improvements agree in writing, prior to the issuance of a permit, that the signs will be removed at no expense to the city upon notice from the city that the street is to be widened or the license with the city is terminated or expires, whichever occurs first. (Ord. Nos. 19649; 20037)
SEC. 51A-7.1201. DESIGNATION OF ARTS DISTRICT SIGN DISTRICT.
(a) A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the Arts District Sign District. For purposes of this article, the boundaries of the Arts District Sign District are described in the Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 33252, passed by the Dallas City Council on September 24, 2025.
(b) The property described in Subsection (a), which was formerly part of the Downtown Special Provision Sign District, is no longer considered to be part of that district. This division completely supersedes Division 51A-7.900 with respect to the property described in Subsection (a). (Ord. Nos. 20345; 28471; 30731; 31079; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1202. PURPOSE.
The Dallas Arts District (Planned Development District No. 145) was established by Ordinance No. 17710, which was passed by the Dallas City Council on February 16, 1983. This approximately 22-block, 118-acre area in the northeast section of the central business district represents a concerted effort on the part of the city and arts organizations to consolidate major art institutions in one mixed-use area.
The guideline for development in the Arts District is an urban design plan known as the “Connect Master Plan.” This plan is based on district-wide design and land use concepts, which include the creation of a pedestrian-oriented environment and a distinctive visual image for the district. Flora Street is defined as the major pedestrian spine and focus of development in the district. As a wide, tree-lined environment, Flora Street connects three subdistricts (Museum Crossing, Concert Lights, and Fountain Plaza) and provides continuity in a development framework for public institutions and private owners. Similarly, Ross Avenue is defined as the primary mixed-use commercial corridor and is another focus area for development in the district. Ross Avenue is a high- quality streetscape that complements Flora Street with active street frontages that accommodate pedestrians and transit.
The sign regulations in this division have been developed with the following objectives in mind:
(1) To protect the character of Flora Street, Ross Avenue, and the Arts District from inappropriate signs in terms of number (clutter), size, style, color, and materials.
(2) To enhance the image and liveliness of the Arts District by encouraging compatible signs that are colorful, decorative, entertaining, and artistic in style, while being functional and informative in purpose.
(3) To promote the commercial success of each individual tenant in the Arts District and, in turn, the commercial success of all the tenants in the district collectively.
(4) To create a sense of design uniformity between signs and the other streetscape elements of the Arts District.
(5) To help make the Arts District an attractive place for the public to frequent by providing ease of direction to specific cultural institutions.
(6) To create a means of identifying the various types or categories of retail establishments along Flora Street and Ross Avenue.
(7) To identify and promote cultural events and activities consistent with the purposes of the Arts District.
(8) To recognize that sign hardware is a part of the overall visual design of a sign, and to ensure that investments in signs and other structures in the Arts District are not devalued by inappropriate or poor quality sign hardware. (Ord. Nos. 20345, 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1203. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In this division:
(1) ARTS DISTRICT means Planned Development District No. 145 (the Dallas Arts District) and Planned Development District No. 708 (the Dallas Arts District Extension Area).
(2) ARTS DISTRICT OFFICIAL LOGO means the official logo of the Arts District as depicted in Exhibit A, shown in Section 31 of Ordinance No. 33252, passed by the Dallas City Council on September 24, 2025.
(3) AWNING SIGN means an attached sign that is or appears to be part of an awning.
(4) BLOCK means an area bounded by streets on all sides.
(5) BLOCKFACE means all of the lots on one side of a block.
(6) BUILDING CORNICE AREA means that portion of a building facade above the highest story, but below the actual roof structure.
(7) BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGN means an attached or detached sign composed of one or more characters that identify a specific building’s name.
(8) BUILDING PLAZA AREA means an open area near a building featuring amenities, such as walkways, trees and shrubs, and seating.
(9) CANOPY means a permanent non-fabric architectural element projecting from the face of a building.
(10) CANOPY FASCIA SIGN means an attached sign with a digital display that is attached to, applied on, or supported by the fascia or soffit of a canopy.
(11) CHARACTER means a symbol, as a letter or number, that represents information.
(12) CONNECT MASTER PLAN means the urban design plan adopted by Dallas City Council on January 27, 2021. The Connect Master Plan is intended to serve as a guide and should be consulted for goals, objectives, policy statements, and recommendations for development in the Dallas Arts District.
(13) CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGN means a temporary detached sign that is affixed to a construction barricade.
(14) CULTURAL INSTITUTION means any facility used primarily for the visual or performing arts; open to the public, such as a museum, concert hall, theater, or similar facility; and established by a public or philanthropic entity.
(15) CULTURAL INSTITUTION SIGN means cultural institution identification signs, district information signs, facade mounted banner signs, and pole mounted banner signs.
(16) CULTURAL INSTITUTION IDENTIFICATION SIGN means an attached or detached premise sign that identifies the cultural institution; the district; an arts organization such as a symphony, dance company, or theatre group that uses that cultural institution; or otherwise promotes cultural events or cultural activities in this district.
(17) DETACHED PREMISE SIGN means a sign that is both a detached sign and a premise sign as defined in Section 51A-7.102.
(18) DIGITAL CULTURAL INSTITUTION SIGN means a cultural institution sign with a digital display.
(19) DISTRICT INFORMATION means words or symbols that identify the district; a cultural institution in the district; an arts organization such as a symphony, dance company, or theatre group that uses a cultural institution in the district; or otherwise promotes cultural events or cultural activities in the district.
(20) FACADE MOUNTED BANNER SIGN means a sign that promotes a cultural event or activity and that is attached to a building facade.
(21) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign that is parallel to the building facade.
(22) FLORA STREET FRONTAGE AREA means the “Flora Street Frontage Area” as defined in the Arts District PD ordinance (Ordinance No. 17710, as amended).
(23) GENERIC RETAIL IDENTIFICATION SIGN means an attached or detached sign identifying a type or category of retail establishment without identifying a specific establishment.
(24) GOVERNMENTAL TRAFFIC SIGN means a detached sign, signal, or other traffic control device installed by a governmental agency for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding vehicular or pedestrian traffic on a public highway. Examples of these signs include stop signs, one-way signs, no parking signs, and electronic pedestrian and vehicular signalization devices and their fixtures.
(25) INTEGRATED SIGN means a sign that is integrated into the design of the building.
(26) KIOSK means a detached non-premise sign with one or more sides and may include digital capabilities.
(27) MARQUEE SIGN means an attached sign that is affixed to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building, and consisting primarily of changeable panels, words, or characters.
(28) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and grade.
(29) MOVEMENT INFORMATION SIGN means an attached or detached sign showing the location of or route to a specific cultural institution or a parking area serving that institution.
(30) PLAQUE means an attached or detached tablet, the contents of which are either commemorative or identifying.
(31) POLE MOUNTED BANNER SIGN means a sign that promotes a cultural institution or cultural event or activity and that is mounted to a streetlight pole.
(32) PREMISE means the entire Arts District Sign District land area as defined in Section 51A-7.1201(a).
(33) PRIVATE SIGNS means those signs that are not “public signs” as defined in this section.
(34) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign that is perpendicular to a building facade.
(35) PUBLIC ART means art created with the intention of being viewed by the public. Public art is not a sign.
(36) PUBLIC SIGNS means governmental traffic signs, movement information signs, generic retail identification signs, plaques, or construction barricade signs as defined in this section.
(37) RETAINING WALL SIGN means a sign that is integrated into a retaining wall.
(38) ROSS AVENUE FRONTAGE AREA means the area of each building site within 50 feet of Ross Avenue.
(39) SIGN HARDWARE means the structural support system for a sign, including the fastening devices that secure a sign to a building facade or pole.
(40) SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION means goods and services sold by the sponsor of the cultural institution, district, or arts organization whether sold on or off the premises.
(41) TENANT IDENTITY SIGN means an attached premise sign that identifies a specific tenant of the premise on which the sign is located.
(42) THIS DISTRICT means the Arts District Sign District.
(43) WINDOW SIGN means a sign temporarily or permanently attached to, applied on, or supported by a window.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the definitions contained in Sections 51A-2.102 and 51A-7.102 apply to this division. In the event of a conflict, this section controls. (Ord. Nos. 20345; 26768; 28071; 28471; 30731; 31079; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1204. ARTS DISTRICT SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENT.
(a) A person shall not alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city, except that no sign permit is required for:
(1) governmental traffic signs;
(2) cultural institution identification signs or district information signs no larger than 30 inches by 40 inches;
(3) plaques;
(4) facade-mounted banner signs; and
(5) pole-mounted banner signs.
(b) The procedure for obtaining a sign permit is outlined in this section. Section 51A-7.602 does not apply to signs in this district.
(c) No sign permit may be issued to authorize a sign in this district unless the director has first issued a certificate of appropriateness in accordance with this section.
(d) There is hereby created a committee to be known as the Arts District Sign Review Committee (“the committee”). The committee shall be composed of five members appointed by the city plan commission. One member of the committee must be an architect or graphic designer. The commission shall solicit a list of nominees from entities operating in the Arts District. Appointments to the committee shall be for a term of two years ending on September 1 of each odd-numbered year, and the members shall serve without compensation. The commission may appoint up to three alternate members to the committee who serve in the absence of one more regular members when requested to do so by the chairperson or by the city manager. The alternate members serve for the same period and are subject to removal the same as regular members. The commission shall fill vacancies occurring in the alternate membership the same as in the regular membership.
(e) The committee shall meet upon the call of the chair or a simple majority of the committee members. A simple majority of members present shall constitute a quorum, and issues shall be decided by a simple majority vote of the members present. The department shall furnish staff support to the committee.
(f) The function of the committee shall be to familiarize itself thoroughly with the character, special conditions, and economics of the Arts District. In addition, the committee shall provide guidance, advice, and assistance to the director in reviewing applications for permits to authorize signs in this district.
(g) Section 51A-7.504, which establishes the special sign district advisory committee for special provision sign districts in the city generally, does not apply to this district. The Arts District Sign Review Committee is the exclusive advisory committee for reviewing and making recommendations to the director concerning applications for permits to authorize signs in this district.
(h) Upon receipt of an application for a permit to authorize a sign in this district, the building official shall refer the application and plans to the director for a review to determine whether the work complies with this ordinance. The director shall conduct his or her review so that a decision on issuance of the permit can be made within 30 calendar days from the date the completed application is submitted to the building official.
(i) The director shall solicit a recommendation from the committee before making a decision to approve or disapprove a certificate of appropriateness. The recommendation of the committee is not binding upon the director, and the director may decide a matter contrary to the recommendation of the committee.
(j) A decision by the director to grant a certificate of appropriateness may be appealed by the committee only. A decision to deny the certificate may be appealed by either the applicant or the committee. An appeal is made by filing a written request with the director for review by the city plan commission. An appeal must be made within 10 days after notice is given to the applicant of the director’s decision. In considering the appeal, the sole issue shall be whether or not the director erred in making the decision, and, in this connection, the commission shall consider the same standards that were required to be considered by the director in making the decision. Decisions of the commission are final as to available administrative remedies and are binding on all parties.
(k) If the city plan commission fails to make a decision on an appeal by the applicant within 30 calendar days of the date the written request for an appeal is filed with the director, the application shall be considered approved subject to compliance with all other applicable city codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
(l) A person who violates Subsection (a) or any other provision in this division is guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion of the day during which the violation is continued. (Ord. Nos. 20345; 20927; 25047; 28073; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1205. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) This division does not apply to signs that are not visible from outside the premise on which they are located.
(b) Signs in this district are permitted in or overhanging the public way subject to city franchise requirements.
(c) No sign may obscure a window or a significant architectural element of a building.
(d) Sign hardware may be visible if its structural elements have been specifically devised for their intrinsic contribution to an overall artistic or architectural effect. Utilitarian hardware intended only for functional purposes must be concealed from normal view.
(e) Mounting devices supporting a projecting attached sign must be fully integrated with the overall design of the sign.
(f) Materials, fasteners, and anchors used to manufacture and install signs must be resistant to corrosion.
(g) Paints and coatings must contain a UV inhibitor to retard the discoloration and fading effects of ultraviolet light. In addition to finish coats, bare metals must have a primer coat or other surface pretreatment as recommended by the paint or coating manufacturer.
(h) Electrical power required for signs must be supplied by means of concealed conduit from an appropriate power source to the sign in accordance with city codes and accepted practices of the trade. Electrical disconnects, transformers, and related apparatus, including wiring and conduit, must be concealed from normal view.
(i) No signs may be illuminated by an independent external light source, unless the external light source is located on the ground and within four feet of the sign.
(j) Burned out or defective lights in signs must be replaced within a reasonable time. Failure to comply with this provision may result in sign permit revocation.
(k) Only those signs exempt from the Highway Beautification Act are permitted within 660 feet of a regulated highway. (Ord. Nos. 20345; 28471; 30731; 31079; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1205.1. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNS WITH DIGITAL DISPLAYS.
(a) Display. All signs with digital display:
(1) must contain a default mechanism that freezes the image in one position in case of a malfunction;
(2) must automatically adjust the sign brightness based on natural ambient light conditions in compliance with the standards required in the central business district, or the following formula, whichever is less:
(A) the ambient light level measured in luxes, divided by 256 and then rounded down to the nearest whole number, equals the dimming level; then
(B) the dimming level, multiplied by .0039 equals the brightness level; then
(C) the brightness level, multiplied by the maximum brightness of the specific sign measured in nits, equals the allowed sign brightness, measured in nits. For example:
32768 = natural ambient light conditions
÷ 256
128 = dimming level
x .0039
.4992 = brightness level
x 9000 = (maximum brightness of the example sign)
4492.8 = allowed brightness in nits;
(3) may not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary driver, or constitute a nuisance;
(4) must have a full color display able to display a minimum of 281 trillion color shades; and
(5) must be able to display a high quality image with a minimum resolution equivalent to the following table:
Digital Display Sign Resolution Chart
| |
Size of LED Panel | Maximum Pixel Size |
100 s/f to 125 s/f | 16 mm |
Greater than 126 s/f | 19 mm |
(b) Light intensity. Before the issuance of a sign permit for a sign with a digital display, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that:
(1) the light intensity has been factory programmed to comply with the maximum brightness and dimming standards in the formula in Subparagraph (a)(2); and
(2) the light intensity is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software, or other method satisfactory to the building official.
(c) Change of message. Except as provided in this section, changes of message must comply with the following:
(1) Each message must be displayed for a minimum of eight seconds.
(2) Changes of message must be accomplished within two seconds.
(3) Changes of message must occur simultaneously on the entire sign face.
(4) No flashing, dimming, or brightening of message is permitted except to accommodate changes of message.
(d) Streaming information. If a special events permit has been issued for district activities, ticker tape streaming and streaming video are permitted.
(e) Malfunction. Digital display sign operators must respond to a malfunction or safety issue within one hour after notification. (Ord. Nos. 28071; 33252
)
SEC. 51A-7.1206. PUBLIC SIGNS.
(a) Generic retail identification signs.
(1) These signs are only permitted on Flora Street.
(2) These signs must be one- eighth inch thick aluminum disks that are 12 inches in diameter.
(3) Messages on these signs must consist entirely of graphic symbols or glyphs designed to identify a type or category of retail facility. They may not identify specific retail establishments.
(4) These signs must be mounted on streetlight poles. No more than six signs are allowed on a pole. When there is more than one sign, the second sign must be the same height as the first sign and located on the other side of the pole. Additional signs must be similarly paired and located immediately beneath the first two signs. Thus, the proper maximum configuration will be symmetrical and consist of three pairs of signs, with the second and third pairs being located immediately below the first pair.
(b) Governmental traffic signs.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision in this division, these signs must comply with applicable statutory specifications.
(2) On Flora and Crockett Streets these signs must be mounted on streetlight poles, or on white cylindrical poles.
(3) The backs of these signs must be white in color.
(c) Movement information signs.
(1) On Flora and Crockett Streets these signs must be mounted on streetlight poles or on white cylindrical poles. On other streets, they must be mounted on white cylindrical poles.
(2) The backs of these signs must be white in color and incorporate the Arts District official logo.
(3) Movement information signs may include district information.
(d) Plaques.
(1) Permanent plaques must be made of bronze or stone and contain an inscription that relates to the Arts District.
(2) Temporary plaques are only permitted in conjunction with public art, and must contain an inscription that relates to the public art.
(e) Construction barricade signs.
(1) A minimum 10 percent of the effective area of the sign must display the names of the owner, occupant, district sponsor, district activity, and/or Klyde Warren Park name or activity.
(2) Non-premise messages are permitted, provided only one non-premise message consisting of a business name or logo may be located along each street frontage.
(3) Construction barricade signs must be removed when the construction barricade is removed.
(4) The message area on a construction barricade sign may be fully decorated or graphically designed if:
(A) no decoration or graphic horizontally projects more than two inches from the surface of the barricade; and
(B) no decoration or graphic vertically projects more than four feet above the top of the barricade. (Ord. Nos. 20345, 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1207. ATTACHED PRIVATE SIGNS.
(a) In general.
(1) No sign may project above the building cornice area.
(2) Except for retaining wall signs, at grade structural supports for attached signs are prohibited.
(3) No establishment may have a mix of awning signs, projecting attached signs, flat attached signs, and/or marquee signs, except that awning signs may be mixed with flat attached signs.
(4) The total effective area of all private signs on one facade may not exceed 30 percent of the facade area. Projecting attached signs are not included in these effective area calculations.
(b) Awning signs.
(1) Letters and numbers on these signs must:
(A) be parallel or perpendicular to the front building facade; and
(B) not exceed 18 inches in height.
(2) No letters or numbers are allowed on the sloped top of an awning except as part of an official corporate logo or registered trademark. No more than 50 percent of the total sloped awning surface area may contain graphics.
(3) No words, other than those which are part of the basic awning design pattern, are permitted on awnings located above the second story.
(4) No sign may have flashing or sequenced lighting.
(c) Flat attached signs.
(1) This subsection applies only to flat attached signs located at or below the third story of a facade of a building with frontage on the Flora Street Frontage Area.
(2) These signs may project a maximum of four inches from a building.
(3) Except for flat attached signs located at or above the highest leasable floor, these signs are not permitted above the third story of a building.
(4) No sign may have a length that exceeds 70 percent of the length of the frontage of the establishment with which it is associated. Signs associated with the same establishment must be spaced at least 30 feet apart. No sign may exceed 60 square feet in effective area.
(5) The maximum character heights allowed on these signs are:
(A) 18 inches for signs located below the third story; and
(B) 24 inches for third-story signs.
(6) No sign cabinets are permitted. Adequate clear space for staging characters must be provided. The character height may not exceed 60 percent of the vertical dimension of the sign. The sides of three-dimensional characters, if any, must be the same color as their faces.
(7) No sign may contain more than five words.
(8) Sources of sign illumination that are an integral part of the design of the sign, such as neon or small individual incandescent lamps, are permitted. These signs may be protected by transparent covers.
(9) Internally lit plastic translucent signs are prohibited.
(10) No sign may have flashing or sequenced lighting.
(d) Marquee signs.
(1) These signs are only allowed in conjunction with establishments that have as their major use movies or live entertainment productions.
(2) The permanent canopy of which this sign is a part must:
(A) project no more than six feet from the building facade;
(B) be a minimum of 10 feet above the sidewalk grade;
(C) have a vertical dimension that does not exceed four feet; and
(D) have a horizontal dimension along the building facade that does not exceed 30 feet.
(3) The total effective area of signs on the permanent canopy must not exceed 120 square feet.
(4) No sign may:
(A) project more than three feet from the permanent canopy;
(B) extend vertically more than 30 feet above the canopy height; or
(C) be more than three feet in width.
(5) Messages with characters over eight inches in height are limited to a maximum of five words on each canopy facade. Messages with characters under eight inches in height have no limit on the number of words. Character height must not exceed 60 percent of the vertical dimension of the permanent canopy, or 24 inches, whichever is less.
(6) Only the name of the establishment with which the sign is associated may appear on that portion of the sign located above the permanent canopy.
(7) Display panels that announce a show or event may have plastic characters on an internally-lit background.
(8) These signs may turn on or off or change their brightness. The restrictions contained in Section 51A-7.303(b)(1) do not apply to these signs. Flashing and sequenced lighting are permitted.
(e) Projecting attached signs.
(1) These signs must be a minimum of 10 feet above grade.
(2) These signs must be located in either the bottom, top, or combined envelope depicted graphically in the diagram that is attached to and made a part of this ordinance as Exhibit B. Restrictions on the size and location of each sign depend on which envelope the sign is located in as follows:
Bottom Envelope | Top Envelope | Combined Envelope | |
Maximum projection allowed from building facade | 6 ft. | 3 ft. | 3 ft. |
Maximum vertical dimension allowed | 10 ft. | 20 ft. | 30 ft. |
Maximum effective area allowed for each sign face* | 30 sq. ft. | 40 sq. ft. | 45 sq. ft. |
*Double this amount to compute the total effective area allowed for both sides of the sign. | |||
(3) If their characters are eight inches or less in height, these signs are not restricted as to the number of words permitted. Signs with characters more than eight inches in height are limited to five words. No character may exceed 12 inches in height if the message area exceeds 60 percent of the sign surface area.
(4) One sign is allowed above each entrance provided that signs associated with the same establishment are spaced at least 30 feet apart.
(5) No sign may be more than 12 inches thick. All messages on these signs must be located on a sign face that is perpendicular to the front building facade.
(6) No illuminated sign or element of a sign may turn on or off or change its brightness.
(7) Sources of sign illumination that are an integral part of the design of the sign, such as neon or small individual incandescent lamps, are permitted. These signs may be protected by transparent covers.
(8) Internally lit plastic translucent signs are prohibited.
(f) Window signs.
(1) This subsection applies only to window signs as defined in Section 51A-7.1203.
(2) Window signs may only consist of a business name, business logo, cultural institution information, or address.
(3) No character of a window sign may exceed 12 inches in height.
(4) The maximum amount of window area that may be utilized as sign space varies depending on the location of the window as follows:
Window Location
| Maximum Window Coverage Allowed
|
First Story | 15 percent |
Second Story | 20 percent |
Third Story | 25 percent |
(5) No establishment may have more than four window signs.
(6) Hanging neon signs are allowed if their transformers are concealed from normal view.
(7) Opaque painted backgrounds on windows are permitted during permitted construction.
(g) Canopy fascia signs.
(1) Canopy fascia signs must comply with the operational requirements in Section 51A-7.1205.1.
(2) Canopy fascia signs may only be located on buildings with frontage on Flora Street.
(3) A maximum of two canopy fascia signs are allowed per building. Only one canopy fascia sign is allowed on a building facade.
(4) Maximum height of a canopy fascia sign is four feet.
(5) [Reserved.]
(6) Maximum length of a canopy fascia sign is 74 feet.
(7) Maximum effective area of a canopy fascia sign is 296 square feet.
(8) Canopy fascia signs may only display premise and sponsorship content.
(h) Integrated signs.
(1) The following four integrated signs are the only integrated signs permitted:
(A) One integrated sign may be located on Ross Avenue a minimum of 10 feet from Olive Street and 260 feet from Harwood Street.
(B) One integrated sign that may only identify the building may be located on Ross Avenue a minimum of 280 feet from Olive Street and 20 feet from Harwood Street.
(C) One integrated sign may be a monument sign located on Pearl Street a minimum of 15 feet from Woodall Rodgers Freeway and 100 feet from Munger Avenue. The portion of the sign that contains the address and that does not contain tenant names must have a clear or transparent appearance.
(D) One integrated sign may be attached to a wall or a monument sign and must be located on a building site on Crockett Street and Leonard Street, east of Ross Avenue.
(i) If the integrated sign is attached to a wall, it must be located on Crockett Street.
(ii) If the integrated sign is a monument sign, it may be two- sided but must be located in a building plaza area.
(2) The maximum height for an integrated sign is eight feet, measured from the bottom of the sign face to the top of the sign face.
(3) The maximum effective area for an integrated sign is 60 square feet.
(4) A single contiguous integrated sign that is able to be viewed from more than one street is considered one integrated sign.
(5) Integrated signs may be located at the building line or within five feet of a public right-of-way.
(6) All elements of an integrated sign must be consistent in color and material.
(i) Tenant identity signs.
(1) Tenant identity signs are prohibited on facades with frontage on the following:
(A) Munger Avenue.
(B) Crockett Street, unless the building site is adjacent to the Ross Avenue Frontage Area.
(C) Leonard Street, unless the building site is adjacent to the Flora Street Frontage Area.
(2) Tenant identity signs must be the same color and composed of individual letters or symbols only.
(3) Illumination of tenant identity signs, if any, must be internal to illuminate the building facade and produce a “halo” around the characters. No illuminated sign or element of a sign may turn on or off or change its brightness.
(4) Tenant identity signs may not exceed four percent of the facade to which it is affixed.
(j) Building identification signs.
(1) On each facade, one building identification sign is permitted:
(A) below the third story of a building, provided the sign is located above a building entrance and contains only the building name and/or street address.
(B) at or above the highest leasable floor of a building.
(2) Building identification signs are prohibited on facades with frontage on the following:
(A) Munger Avenue.
(B) Crockett Street, unless the building site is adjacent to the Ross Avenue Frontage Area.
(C) Leonard Street, if the building site is adjacent to the Flora Street Frontage Area.
(3) A building identification sign located below the third story of a building may have a maximum of 50 square feet of effective area allocated to the building name, and a maximum of 25 square feet of effective area allocated to the building address. The maximum permitted heights of characters on these signs are 24 inches for the building name, and 12 inches for the building address.
(4) A building identification sign located at or above the highest leasable floor of a building may not exceed four percent of the facade to which it is affixed.
(5) Building identification signs must be the same color and composed of individual letters or symbols only.
(6) Illumination of building identification signs, if any, must be internal to illuminate the building facade and produce a “halo” around the characters. No illuminated sign or element of a sign may turn on or off or change its brightness. (Ord. Nos. 20345; 26768; 28071; 28471; 30731; 31079; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1208. DETACHED PRIVATE SIGNS.
(a) Detached non-premise signs. Detached non-premise signs are prohibited in this district. This provision does not apply to:
(1) kiosks that are located in the public right-of-way or on a private building site; or
(2) non-premise messages allowed on construction barricade signs.
(b) Detached premise signs.
(1) Maximum number. Each premise may have no more than one detached premise sign on each blockface.
(2) Size. No detached premise sign may exceed 30 square feet in effective area, a maximum height of 13 feet six inches, and a maximum depth of 12 inches.
(3) Lighting. Illumination of detached premise signs, if any, must be from within to illuminate the building facade or monument and produce a “halo” around the characters. No illuminated sign or element of a sign may turn on or off or change its brightness.
(4) Monument signs.
(A) A maximum of two monument signs are permitted per building site.
(B) Monument signs must be freestanding.
(C) Monument signs may be two sided but must be located in a building plaza area.
(D) Monument signs may identify a building’s original owner, architect and developer and/or a building’s multiple current tenants.
(E) Monument signs may be located at the building line.
(F) Monument signs may be located within five feet of the public right-of- way.
(G) The maximum height for a monument sign is eight feet measured to the top of the sign face.
(H) Except as otherwise provided, the maximum effective area for a monument sign is 50 square feet.
(I) All elements of a monument sign must be consistent in color and material.
(5) Retaining wall signs.
(A) A maximum of two retaining wall signs are permitted per building site.
(B) Retaining wall signs must be mounted on a perimeter retaining wall facing a right-of-way.
(C) Retaining wall signs may identify the building’s owner or developer and multiple tenants.
(D) Retaining wall signs may be located within five feet of the public right-of- way.
(E) The maximum height for a retaining wall sign is eight feet measured to the top of the sign face.
(F) The maximum effective area for a retaining wall sign is 50 square feet.
(G) All elements of a retaining wall sign must be consistent in color and material. (Ord. Nos. 20345; 26768; 28071; 28471; 30731; 31079; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1209. BUILDING IDENTIFICATION SIGNS.
(a) This subsection applies to building identification signs that are part of a landscape design that creates a base for the sign in conjunction with a retaining wall or an open space created with the use of water or planting material.
(1) A building identification sign must be located on a monument in a landscaped area between a building facade and the property line.
(2) The maximum effective area of a building identification sign is 50 square feet.
(3) A maximum of one building identification sign is permitted per building site.
(4) These signs must be composed of individual characters made of bronze, brass, or stainless steel, or be engraved in stone.
(5) A building identification sign may be located within five feet of a public right- of-way.
(b) This subsection applies to freestanding building identification signs.
(1) A maximum of three freestanding building identification signs are allowed in the district.
(2) Maximum height is 20 feet.
(3) Maximum width is eight feet.
(4) A freestanding building identification sign may be located within the public right-of-way if a license has been granted by the city.
(5) Freestanding building identification signs may be double-sided.
(6) Freestanding building identification signs may only display the building name. (Ord. Nos. 20345; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1210. CULTURAL INSTITUTION SIGNS.
(a) In general.
(1) Cultural institution identification signs may only be located on:
(A) a building facade;
(B) a lower-level roof line as shown on Exhibit B; or
(C) a monument in a landscaped area between a building facade and the property line.
(2) Cultural institution identification signs on a building facade may not have an effective area greater than five percent of that building facade.
(3) Cultural institution identification signs on a lower-level roof line may not have an effective area greater than five percent of the facade segment located beneath that lower-level roof line. No portion of the sign on a lower-level roof line may project above the structure’s highest roof line.
(4) Cultural institution identification signs that are monument signs must comply with the setback and effective area regulations for detached premise signs in this chapter.
(5) Sign cabinets are not permitted.
(6) Cultural institution identification signs may be illuminated, provided the illuminated sign elements do not turn on or off, but may go through cycles of dimming and brightening to create a slow pulsing effect. Each cycle of dimming and brightening must exceed five seconds.
(7) Cultural institution identification signs must be compatible with the architectural design and contribute to the visual effect of the building.
(8) Characters may not exceed 24 inches in height.
(9) Cultural institution identification signs are not considered a business identification sign.
(10) Cultural institution identification signs may not have a changeable message.
(b) Digital cultural institution signs.
(1) Digital cultural institution signs must comply with the operational requirements in Section 51A-7.1205.1.
(2) The following six digital cultural institution signs are the only digital cultural institution signs allowed:
(A) One digital cultural institution sign is allowed at the southwest corner of the intersection of Woodall Rodgers Freeway and Jack Evans Street.
(i) Maximum height is 50 feet.
(ii) Maximum width is 20 feet.
(iii) Total maximum effective area is 1,000 square feet per side. Maximum effective area for identification of sponsor is 400 square feet per side.
(iv) Minimum setback from back of curb is 12 feet.
(B) One digital cultural institution sign is allowed at the northeast corner of the intersection of Ross Avenue and Leonard Street.
(i) Maximum height is 35 feet.
(ii) Maximum width is 12 feet.
(iii) Total maximum effective area is 420 square feet, per side. Maximum effective area for identification of sponsor is 144 square feet, per side.
(iv) Minimum setback from back of curb is 35 feet.
(C) Four digital cultural institution signs are allowed along Flora Street.
(i) Maximum height is seven feet.
(ii) Maximum width is three feet six inches.
(iii) Total maximum effective area is eight square feet, per side. Maximum effective area for identification of sponsor is 1.25 square feet, per side.
(iv) Minimum setback from back of curb is 30 feet.
(3) Digital cultural institution signs may only display premise and sponsorship information.
(c) Facade mounted banner signs.
(1) Facade mounted banner signs may not exceed 2,205 square feet in effective area.
(2) Facade mounted banner signs may include sponsorship information. The portion of a sign devoted to sponsorship information, if any, must not exceed 10 percent of its effective area. No sign or portion of a sign may be used to advertise a specific product or service other than the cultural event or activity.
(3) A banner must be flat against a building facade.
(4) A facade mounted banner sign must be removed no later than 30 days after its specific advertised event or activity has ended.
(d) Pole mounted banner signs.
(1) Pole mounted banner signs may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area.
(2) Pole mounted banner signs may include sponsorship information. The portion of a sign devoted to sponsorship information, if any, must not exceed 10 percent of its effective area. No sign or portion of a sign may be used to advertise a specific product or service other than the cultural event or activity.
(3) A pole mounted banner sign must be removed no later than 30 days after its specific advertised event or activity has ended. (Ord. Nos. 26768; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1211. APPLICATION OF THE HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION ACTS.
For purposes of applying the Federal and Texas Highway Beautification Acts, this district is considered to be a commercial zone. (Ord. Nos. 28071; 33252)
SEC. 51A-7.1212.
(Repealed by Ord. No. 33252)
EXHIBIT A - ORD. 33252
SEC. 51A-7.1301. DESIGNATION OF SIGN DISTRICT.
A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the Deep Ellum/Near East Side Sign District. The boundaries of the Deep Ellum/Near East Side Sign District are the same as those of the Deep Ellum/Near East Side District (Planned Development District No. 269). (Ord. 20596)
SEC. 51A-7.1302. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this division is to promote signage that is compatible with the architectural character and design guidelines of the Deep Ellum/Near East Side Planned Development District while encouraging artistic, creative, and innovative signs which are reflective of themes that have grown and developed in the Deep Ellum area. (Ord. 20596)
SEC. 51A-7.1303. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In this division:
(1) A-FRAME SIGN means a premise sign that is a portable detached structure that is hinged at the top and is made of durable, rigid materials such as wood, plastic, or metal.
(2) ARTWORK means any pictorial or image presentation or design.
(3) AWNING means a fabric or vinyl surface supported by a metal structure, which is applied to the face of a building.
(4) AWNING SIGN means a sign attached to, painted on, or otherwise applied to an awning.
(5) DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGN means an attached or detached sign identifying only this district.
(6) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building, and consisting primarily of changeable panels or words.
(7) PAINTED APPLIED SIGN means a sign that is painted, or that is made to look painted, directly onto the face of the exterior facade of a building not including doors and windows. Signs of this type must naturally conform to the textured surface of the facade.
(8) THIS DISTRICT means the Deep Ellum/Near East Side Sign District.
(9) WALLSCAPE SIGN means a sign meeting the requirements set forth in Section 51A-7.1306(g).
(10) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed onto a window.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the definitions contained in Sections 51A-2.102 and 51A-7.102 apply to this division. In the event of a conflict, this section controls. (Ord. Nos. 20596; 24984; 31494)
SEC. 51A-7.1304. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) No person may alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city. This section does not apply to government signs described in Section 51A-7.207.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 51A-7.1306(f), the procedure for obtaining a sign permit is outlined in Section 51A-7.505.
(c) Section 51A-7.602 does not apply to signs in this district. (Ord. Nos. 20596; 24984)
SEC. 51A-7.1305. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) Signs in this district are permitted to overhang the public right-of-way subject to city franchising requirements.
(b) Except for wallscape signs, painted applied signs, and district identification signs, no sign may exceed 150 square feet unless it is located more than 65 feet above grade, at which point no sign may exceed 300 square feet.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Subsections (d) and (e), the maximum effective area of all signs combined on a premise, not including A-frame signs, painted applied signs on certain facades, and district identification signs, is 10 percent of the total area of all building facades facing public right-of-way that is adjacent to the premise, not to exceed 1,200 square feet. Where a premise has only one facade facing an adjacent public right-of-way, the maximum effective area can be increased to 15 percent of that facade, not to exceed 500 square feet.
(d) Excluding A-frame signs, painted applied signs on certain facades, and district identification signs, when more than 50 percent of the total effective area of all signs combined on a premise is devoted to artwork, and there is no wallscape sign on the premise, the maximum effective area of all signs combined on a premise is 15 percent of the total area of all building facades facing public right-of-way that is adjacent to the premise, not to exceed 1,400 square feet. Where a premise has only one facade facing an adjacent public right-of-way, the maximum effective area can be increased to 20 percent of that facade, not to exceed 600 square feet.
(e) When there is a wallscape sign on the premise, the maximum effective area of all signs combined on a premise is 90 percent of the total area of all building facades facing a public right-of-way that is adjacent to the premise.
(f) Except for wallscape signs, all signs must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(g) Special purpose signs may be erected on a premise no more than twice each calendar year. The maximum number of consecutive days that a special purpose sign may be maintained is 45. Special purpose signs may not exceed 10 percent of the facade to which they are attached. Detached special purpose signs are prohibited.
(h) The use of neon or single incandescent bulbs is permitted.
(i) Digital displays are prohibited.
(j) No portions of a sign other than the words themselves may be illuminated by back-lighting.
(k) No portion of a sign may have a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts.
(l) The following materials are suggested, but not required, for signs in this district:
(1) Metal.
(2) Glass.
(3) Wood. (Ord. Nos. 20596; 24984; 31494)
SEC. 51A-7.1306. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ATTACHED SIGNS.
The regulations relating to the erection of attached signs in this district are hereby expressly modified as follows:
(a) Attached signs in general.
(1) No portion of an attached sign may be located:
(A) more than 10 feet from the facade to which it is attached; or
(B) less than two feet from the back of a street curb.
(2) Although not required, the use of three-dimensional projecting attached signs is encouraged.
(b) Cultural event or activity signs.
(1) Cultural event or activity signs are permitted in this district to promote cultural events or activities happening within the district and within one-half mile of the district.
(2) Cultural event or activity signs are temporary signs that may only be displayed up to 45 days prior to the event or activity being promoted and must be removed no later than 45 after the event or activity.
(3) If the cultural event or activity has a sponsor, no more than 10 percent of the effective area of a cultural event or activity sign may be utilized for sponsor identification.
(4) No portion of a cultural event or activity sign may be used to advertise a specific product or service other than the cultural event or activity.
(c) Awning signs. Awning signs must be flat attached, imprinted, painted on the face of an awning, or attached to and hanging from the bottom of an awning. Signs hanging from the bottom of an awning must meet the following requirements:
(1) The bottom of the awning sign must be a minimum of 10 feet above the ground surface when projecting over a private or public walkway.
(2) Awning signs must project no more than five feet into a public right-of-way and must project no closer than two feet from the face of the curb line without projecting past the edge of the awning. All necessary city licenses and permits must be obtained.
(d) Marquee signs.
(1) No premise may have more than one marquee sign.
(2) The length of a marquee sign must not exceed two-thirds of the length of the facade to which it is attached.
(3) Marquee signs may incorporate moving patterns or bands of light, except that the use of illumination to produce apparent motion of a visual image, such as expanding or contracting shapes, rotation, or similar effects of animation, is prohibited.
(e) Window sign. No window sign may cover more than 25 percent of the window surface area.
(f) Painted applied signs.
(1) On facades where less than 10 percent of the facade is comprised of windows, painted applied signs may cover up to 40 percent of the facade.
(2) No portion of a painted applied sign, on any facade, may cover a significant decorative feature of the facade.
(g) Wallscape signs.
(1) Definitions. In this section, WALLSCAPE SIGN means an attached premise or non-premise sign on a mesh type surface or painted directly onto the face of a building.
(2) Visual display and coverage.
(A) A wallscape sign must have at least 84 percent of non-textual graphic content (a maximum of 16 percent of the effective area of the sign may contain text).
(B) A wallscape sign must have a single message; it may not have multiple messages or function as multiple signs.
(C) The lower 15 feet of the face may not be covered.
(3) Minimum effective area. Minimum effective area of a wallscape sign is 1,200 square feet.
(4) Location. The building to which a wallscape sign is attached or applied must be more than 80 feet in height, and only those portions of a building covering at least 1,100 square feet in floor area may be used to determine the height of the building for the purpose of this paragraph. No wallscape sign may be attached to a building or structure erected after June 1, 2005.
(5) Number of signs permitted, and spacing requirement. One wallscape per face is permitted in this district. The signs may be spaced immediately adjacent to each other on different faces of the building.
(6) Removal of wallscape sign. If a wallscape sign is proposed that will be painted onto the face of a building, the applicant must provide a bond in the amount of the cost of removal of the wallscape sign, that provides that the wallscape sign will be removed within 30 days of the expiration of the permitted message duration.
(7) Sign permit application review. All applications for sign permits for wallscape signs shall be reviewed using the director procedure in Division 51A-7.500.
(8) Mandatory removal in 2030. All wallscape signs must be removed on or before July 1, 2030. This section does not confer a nonconforming or vested right to maintain a wallscape sign after July 1, 2030, and all permits authorizing wallscape signs shall automatically expire on that date.
(9) Sunset. This section expires on July 1, 2030, unless reenacted with amendment prior to that date. The city plan commission and city council shall review this section prior to its expiration date.
(h) District identification signs.
(1) Recognizing the historical, cultural, artistic, and architectural importance and significance of this district to the citizens of the City of Dallas, the provisions in this subsection are specifically tailored to preserve and enhance the district, and to strengthen district identity.
(2) There is no limit to the number of attached district identification signs. (Ord. Nos. 20596; 24984; 25996; 27284; 31494)
SEC. 51A-7.1307. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR DETACHED SIGNS.
The regulations relating to the erection of detached signs in this district are hereby expressly modified as follows:
(1) No premise having an attached sign of any type, except for cultural event or activity signs, special purpose signs, or district identification signs, may have a detached sign, except for A-frame signs, unless the maximum effective area for all signs on the premise, as established in 51A-7.1305(c), 51A-7.1305(d), or 51A-7.1305(e), is reduced by 25 percent for each detached sign located on the premise not to exceed a total reduction of 75 percent of the maximum effective area. Where the premise has only one facade facing an adjacent public right-of-way, the maximum effective area is to be reduced by 75 percent.
(2) A premise may have no more than one detached sign along each street frontage.
(3) No detached sign support may be located in the public right-of-way.
(4) A-frame signs.
(A) Only one A-frame sign is permitted for each business use.
(B) The maximum size of an A-frame sign is 32 inches wide and 36 inches tall.
(C) An A-frame sign may only be displayed when the business it identifies is open.
(D) A-frame signs may be located on the sidewalk if a minimum of four feet of unobstructed sidewalk area is provided and all necessary city licenses and permits have been obtained.
(E) A-frame signs may not be located within 25 feet of an intersection or within a visibility triangle.
(5) District identification signs. Recognizing the historical, cultural, artistic, and architectural importance and significance of this district to the citizens of the City of Dallas, the provisions in this paragraph are specifically tailored to preserve and enhance the district, and to strengthen district identity.
(A) The maximum number of district identification signs is nine.
(B) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, district identification signs may only be located in or over and span across the rights-of-way at the following locations:
(i) Four of the district identification signs are limited to 1,000 square feet in effective area and may be located at any of the following locations:
(aa) Along Hall Street, between Crutcher Street and Elm Street.
(bb) Main Street & Deep Ellum Trailhead.
(cc) Exposition Avenue & 1st Avenue.
(dd) Malcolm X Boulevard & Hall Street.
(ee) Elm Street & Interstate-345.
(ii) Four other district identification signs are limited to 250 square feet in effective area and may be located at any of the previously stated locations that do not already have a district identification sign or at any of the following locations:
(aa) Canton Street & Henry Street.
(bb) Main Street & Malcolm X Boulevard.
(cc) Main Street & Good-Latimer Expressway.
(iii) The final district identification sign is limited to 250 square feet in effective area and may be located at any location within the district that does not already have a district identification sign.
(C) Minimum clearance for a district identification sign located in or over and spanning across a right-of-way must be determined by the director before a district identification sign permit may be issued and all necessary city licenses and permits are obtained.
(D) A district identification sign that is located over and spanning across a right-of-way may not resemble or obstruct traffic control devices.
(E) A district identification sign may not be located in or visually obstruct a visibility triangle as defined in the visual obstructions regulations in Section 51A-4.602(d). (Ord. Nos. 20596; 31494)
SEC. 51A-7.1308. COMMERCIAL PARKING LOTS.
For commercial parking lots, one sign is permitted for each street frontage. Commercial parking lot signs are limited to 20 square feet in effective area and 15 feet in height. (Ord. Nos. 26066; 31494)
SEC. 51A-7.1401. DESIGNATION OF SIGN DISTRICT.
A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the Jefferson Boulevard Sign District. The Jefferson Boulevard Sign District is that area within the following described boundaries:
BEGINNING at a point being the northwestern corner of Lot 9A, Block 189/3248;
THENCE easterly along the northern lot line of Lot 9A, Block 189/3248, crossing Polk Street and extending along the center line of the alley between Sunset Street and Jefferson Boulevard to the center line of the alley between Polk Street and Tyler Street;
THENCE northerly along the alley center line to the projected northern lot line of Lot 3, Block 178/3237;
THENCE easterly along the northern lot line of Lot 3, Block 178/3237 crossing Tyler Street and extending along the northern lot lines of Lots 11 and 12, Block 157/3226 and extending along the center line of the alley between Sunset Street and Jefferson Boulevard to the center line of the alley between Zang Boulevard and Beckley Avenue;
THENCE northerly along the center line of the alley between Zang Boulevard and Beckley Avenue to the projected northern lot line of Lot 10, Block 49/3169;
THENCE easterly along the northern lot line of Lot 10, Block 49/3169 to the center line of Beckley Avenue;
THENCE southerly along the center line of Beckley Avenue to the projected northern lot line of Lot 12, Block 50/3170;
THENCE westerly along the northern lot line of Lot 12, Block 50/3170 and continuing along the center line of the alley between Jefferson Boulevard and Center Street continuing and crossing Polk Street to the northeast corner of Lot 10, Block 188/3247 and continuing along the northern lot lines of Lots 9 and 10, Block 188/3247 to the center line of the alley between Willomet Street and Polk Street;
THENCE northerly along the center line of the alley between Willomet Street and Polk Street crossing Jefferson Boulevard and continuing along the western lot line of Lot 9A, Block 189/3248 to the PLACE OF BEGINNING. (Ord. Nos. 21114; 22019)
SEC. 51A-7.1402. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and the alterations of existing signs with a view towards enhancing, preserving, and developing the unique character of this district. These sign regulations have been developed with the following objectives in mind:
(1) To protect the historical and architectural character of this district from inappropriate signs in terms of number (clutter), style, color and materials.
(2) To ensure that significant architectural features in this district or of a building within this district are not obscured.
(3) To promote the economic success of each business within this district and, in turn, the collective success of this district.
(4) To ensure that the size and orientation of signs are geared toward the high number of pedestrians in this district.
(5) To enhance the aesthetics of this district.
(6) To promote safety, communications efficiency, and landscape quality and preservation as described in Section 51A-7.101. (Ord. Nos. 21114; 22019)
SEC. 51A-7.1403. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In this division:
(1) ARTWORK means any pictorial or image presentation or design.
(2) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting from a building and parallel to the building facade.
(3) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building, and consisting primarily of changeable panels, words, or characters.
(4) PAINTED APPLIED SIGN means a sign painted directly onto the exterior facade of a building, not including doors or windows.
(5) THIS DISTRICT means the Jefferson Boulevard Sign District.
(6) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed to a window.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the definitions contained in Sections 51A-2.102 and 51A-7.102 apply to this division. In the event of a conflict, this section controls. (Ord. Nos. 21114; 22019)
SEC. 51A-7.1404. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) No person may alter, erect, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city. This section does not apply to government signs described in Section 51A-7.207.
(b) The procedure for obtaining a sign permit is outlined in Section 51A-7.505. Section 51A-7.602 does not apply to signs in this district. (Ord. Nos. 21114; 22019)
SEC. 51A-7.1405. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) Signs in right-of-way. Signs in this district are permitted to overhang the public right-of-way subject to city franchising requirements.
(b) Materials. Although not required, painted applied signs and enameled metal signs are encouraged.
(c) Lighting.
(1) No sign may be illuminated by an independent, external fluorescent light source.
(2) The only light sources that may be used to illuminate a sign are cold cathode tube (neon), mercury vapor bulbs, or incandescent bulbs. (Ord. Nos. 21114; 22019)
SEC. 51A-7.1406. ATTACHED SIGNS.
(a) Attached signs in general.
(1) Except for marquee signs and as specified in Paragraphs (2) and (3), all attached signs must be mounted parallel to the building surface to which they are attached and may not project more than 18 inches from that building.
(2) One attached sign that projects up to four feet from a vertical building surface may be erected at a nonresidential occupancy if:
(A) the sign does not exceed 20 square feet in effective area;
(B) no portion of the sign is lower than 10 feet above grade; and
(C) there is no detached sign on the premise.
(3) No portion of a sign may be located less than two feet from the back of a street curb.
(4) The use of artwork on signs is encouraged.
(5) Signs may not be mounted on or project above roofs.
(b) Marquee signs.
(1) No premise may have more than one marquee sign.
(2) The length of the marquee sign must not exceed two-thirds of the length of the facade to which it is attached.
(3) Marquee signs may incorporate moving patterns or bands of light, except that the use of illumination to produce apparent motion of a visual image, such as expanding or contracting shapes, rotation, or similar effects of animation, is prohibited.
(c) Window signs. No window sign may:
(1) have a painted or opaque background; or
(2) cover more than 25 percent of the window surface area. (Ord. Nos. 21114; 22019; 22392)
SEC. 51A-7.1407. DETACHED SIGNS.
(a) Detached signs may not exceed the height of the tallest building on the premise or 30 feet, whichever is less.
(b) Detached signs may not exceed 150 square feet in effective area.
(c) Detached non-premise signs are prohibited in this district. (Ord. Nos. 21114; 22019)
SEC. 51A-7.1501. DESIGNATION OF SIGN DISTRICT.
A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the McKinney Avenue Sign District. The McKinney Avenue Sign District is that area within the following described boundaries:
BEGINNING at a point for corner at the intersection of the centerline of McKinney Avenue (a called 60-foot- wide right-of-way) with the centerline of Leonard Street (a called 50-foot wide right-of-way); said point being 144.00 feet southwest of and 34.57 feet southeast of, the intersection of the northwest right-of-way line of McKinney Avenue with the southwest right-of-way line of Fairmount Street (a called 50-foot wide right-of-way);
THENCE in a southwesterly direction departing the said centerline of Leonard Street and along the said centerline of McKinney Avenue, a distance of 21.49 feet to a point for corner at an angle point in the said McKinney Avenue centerline;
THENCE continuing in a southwesterly direction along the said McKinney Avenue centerline, a distance of 245.47 feet to a point for corner at the intersection of said McKinney Avenue centerline with the centerline of Maple Avenue (a called 70-foot wide right-of-way);
THENCE in a northwesterly direction, departing the said McKinney Avenue centerline and along the said Maple Avenue centerline, a distance of 388.84 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction, departing the said Maple Avenue centerline and into, over and through said Maple Avenue right-of-way, at a distance of 35.00 feet passing the northeast right-of-way line of said Maple Avenue at the westernmost corner of Lot 1A, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition, an addition to the City of Dallas, Texas according to the plat recorded in Volume 94089, Page 4668 in the Deed Records of Dallas County, Texas (DRDCT) and the southernmost corner of Lot 7, Block 1/949, North Dallas Improvement Co., an addition to the City of Dallas, Texas according to the plat recorded in Volume 106, Page 258, DRDCT, continuing along the northwest line of said Lot 1/A, Block 1/949 and the southeast line of said Lot 7, Block 1/949, at a distance of 131.52 feet passing the easternmost corner of said Lot 7, Block 1/949, then continuing along said northwest line of Lot 1/A, Block 1/949, in all a total distance of 214.86 feet to a point for corner; said point being approximately 144 feet southwest of and parallel to the southwest line of said Fairmount Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along a line, said line being approximately 144 feet southwest of and parallel to the southwest line of Fairmount Street, a distance of approximately 249.60 feet to a point for corner on the common line between City Blocks 949 and 1/949;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said common Block line, a distance of approximately 16.11 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of a 16 feet wide public alley adjacent to Lots 13 and 15 in City Block 1/949;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of said alley and its northwestward prolongation across Mahon Street and continuing along the centerline of a 16 feet wide public alley in City Block 3/950 and continuing along the northwestward prolongation of the centerline of said alley, a distance of approximately 705 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Howell Street;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Howell Street, a distance of approximately 400.4 feet to a point for corner on the southeastward prolongation of the centerline of a 20 feet wide abandoned public alley in City Blocks 952 and 953;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along said line and continuing along the centerline of said alley in City Blocks 952 and 953, a distance of approximately 403 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being 30 feet northwest of and parallel to the southeast line of Lot 10 in City Block 952;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along said line and its northeastward prolongation a distance of approximately 213 feet to the point of intersection with the centerline of Routh Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Routh Street a distance of approximately 24 feet to the point of intersection with the centerline of Laclede Street
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Laclede Street, a distance of approximately 850 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Vine Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the center- line of Vine Street, a distance of approximately 240 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Cole Avenue;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Cole Avenue, a distance of approximately 773.63 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being 118.0 feet northeast of and parallel to the northeast line of Sneed Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said line, continuing along the northeast boundary of Lot 1-A in City Block 17/965, a distance of approximately 165.24 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of a 15 feet wide public alley in City Block 17/965;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of said alley, a distance of approximately 315 feet to a point on the southwest line of Bowen Street;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction, continuing along the northeastward prolongation of the centerline of the 15 feet wide public alley in City Block 17/965, crossing Bowen Street and continuing along the centerline of a 15 feet wide alley in City Block 12/970 and its northeastward prolongation, crossing Hall Street, and continuing along the centerline of a 15 feet wide public alley in City Block 9/972, a total distance of approximately 1257.83 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being the southeasterly prolongation of the common line between (originally platted) Lots 3 and 4 in City Block 9/972, originally platted Lots have been replatted to Lot 1A and said divides Lot 1A in half.;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along said line and continuing along said common line continuing along the northwestward prolongation of said common Lot line, a distance of approximately 209.01 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Cole Avenue;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Cole Avenue, a distance of approximately 328.8 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Lemmon Avenue;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along a line, said line being 224.7 feet southeast of and parallel to the southeast line of Cole Avenue, a distance of approximately 137.20 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being the northwestward prolongation of the common line between (originally platted) Lots 2 and 3 in City Block 978, said line is now dividing replatted Lot 1A in Block 978 in half;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said line, and continuing along said common line in City Block 978, and continuing along the southeastward prolongation of said line, a total distance of approximately 351.80 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of McKinney Avenue;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said centerline of McKinney Avenue, a distance of approximately 139.92 feet to a point at the intersection of said centerline of McKinney Avenue and the centerline of Lemmon Avenue;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said centerline of Lemmon Avenue, a distance of approximately 201.45 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being approximately 198 feet southeast of and parallel to said centerline of McKinney Avenue;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, crossing Lemmon Avenue, and continuing into City Block 11/971, following the originally platted Lot and alley lines in this City Block a distance of approximately 495.74 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being approximately 146 feet northeast of and parallel to the northeast line of Hall Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 288.81 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Oak Grove Avenue;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of Oak Grove Avenue, a distance of approximately 1,356 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of McKinney Avenue;
THENCE in a southerly direction along the centerline of McKinney Avenue, a distance of approximately 115 feet to a point for corner on the northwestward prolongation of the centerline of Clyde Lane;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said line and continuing along the centerline of Clyde Lane, a distance of approximately 314.82 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being the northeastward prolongation of the common line between Lots 18 and 19 in City Block B/578;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line and continuing along said common line between Lots 18 and 19, a distance of approximately 89.63 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Lot 18 in City Block B/578;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said Lot line, a distance of approximately 47.25 feet to a point for corner on the common line between Lots 1 and 2 in City Block A/578;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said common Lot line and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 150.78 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Allen Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Allen Street, a distance of approximately 133.80 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being perpendicular to the southwest line of Allen Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 20.74 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Allen Street, said point also being the northernmost corner of (the originally Platted) Lot 5 in City Block 577;
THENCE in a southerly direction along the western boundary of said (the originally platted Lots 5, 6, 7) Lot 5 and continuing in a southeasterly direction along the southwestern boundary of Lots 6 and 7, and continuing along the southeastward prolongation of the southwestern boundary of said Lot 7, a distance of approximately 338.06 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of a 15 feet wide public alley adjacent to City Block A/577;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of said alley and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 172.16 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Worthington Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Worthington Street, a distance of approximately 34.54 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being perpendicular to the southwest line of Worthington Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 30.06 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Worthington Street, said point also being the most northerly corner of Lot 5-A in City Block A/561;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the northwest line of said Lot 5-A, a distance of 154.52 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the southwest line of Lot 5-A in City Block A/561, a distance of 45.64 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 39°38'00" West along a common property line, a distance of approximately 160.56 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Boll Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Boll Street, a distance of approximately 68.51 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being perpendicular to the southwest line of Boll Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 22.19 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Boll Street, said point also being the most easterly corner of Lot 4 in City Block A/554;
THENCE in a southerly and southwesterly direction along the southeasterly boundary of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 in City Block A/554, and continuing along the southwestward prolongation of the southeast boundary of Lot 1 in City Block A/554, a distance of approximately 351.07 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Routh Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Routh Street, a distance of approximately 117.25 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being perpendicular to the southwest line of Routh Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 23.31 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Routh Street, said point also being the centerline of a 15 feet wide public alley in City Block C/549;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of said alley and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 373.43 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Fairmount Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Fairmount Street, a distance of approximately 51.05 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being the northeastward prolongation of the centerline of a 20 feet wide public alley in City Block B/548;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the center- line of said alley and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 209.58 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Leonard Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Leonard Street, a distance of approximately 120 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of McKinney Avenue, the POINT OF BEGINNING; and containing a calculated approximate area of 3,539,275.582 square feet or 81.25 acres.
(Ord. Nos. 21145; 31265; 32497)
SEC. 51A-7.1502. DESIGNATION OF SUBDISTRICTS.
(a) This district is hereby divided into five subdistricts, which shall be known as the Spine, Quadrangle, Peripheral, Maple, and Quad Subdistricts.
(b) The Spine Subdistrict is that area of the city within the following described boundaries:
BEGINNING at a point on the northwest line of McKinney Avenue, said point being 166.84 feet southwest of the southwest line of Fairmount Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along a line, said line being approximately 142 feet southwest of and parallel to the southwest line of Fairmount Street, a distance of approximately 317.05 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being approximately 165 feet southeast of and parallel to the common line between City Blocks 949 and 1/949;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 167 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Fairmount Street;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along a line, said line being the southwestward prolongation of the centerline of Howland Street and continuing along the centerline of Howland Street and its northeastward prolongation, a distance of approximately 458 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Routh Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Routh Street, a distance of 90 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being the southwestward prolongation of the centerline of Howland Street in City Block 3/955;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along said line and continuing along the centerline of Howland Street to a point for corner on the centerline of Boll Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Boll Street to a point for corner on a line, said line being 105 feet northwest of and parallel to the northwest line of Howland Street;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along said line to a point for corner on the common line between Lots 6 and 6A in City Block 2/955;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along said common lot line to a point for corner on the north/south common line between Lots 6 and 6A in City Block 2/955;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said common lot line and its southwestward prolongation to a point for corner on the centerline of Boll Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Boll Street to a point for corner on the centerline of Howell Street;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Howell Street to a point for corner on the centerline of Worthington Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Worthington Street to a point for corner on a line, said line being the southwestward prolongation of the common line between Lots 1 and 10 in City Block 1/955;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along said line, and continuing along said common lot line, a distance of approximately 195.86 feet to a point for corner on the south line of Lot 1 in City Block 955;
THENCE in a westerly direction along the south line of said Lot 1, a distance of approximately 67 feet to a point for corner on the southeast line of Howell Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along a line, said line being perpendicular to the southeast line of Howell Street, a distance of approximately 25 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Howell Street;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Howell Street to a point for corner on the centerline of Vine Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Vine Street to a point for corner on the centerline of Cole Avenue;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Cole Avenue to a point for corner on a line, said line being the northwestward prolongation of the southwest line of Lot 3 in City Block 963;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said line, and continuing along the southwest line of said Lot 3 to a point for corner on the southeast line of said Lot 3;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the southeast line of said Lot 3 to a point for corner on the northeast line of said Lot 3;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the northeast line of said Lot 3 and its northwestward prolongation to a point for corner on the centerline of Cole Avenue;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of Cole Avenue to a point for corner on a line, said line being the northwestward prolongation of the northeast line of Lot 1A in City Block 963;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said line, and continuing along the northeast line of said Lot 1A to a point for corner on the northwest line of said Lot 1A;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the northwest line of said Lot 1A and its northeastward prolongation to a point for corner on the centerline of Allen Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Allen Street to a point for corner, said point being approximately 169.5 feet southeast of the northeastward prolongation of the southeast line of Laclede Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along a line parallel with the southwest line of McKinney Avenue, a distance of approximately 495 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Sneed Street, with said point being approximately 122.77 feet southeast of the southeast line of Cole Avenue, said point also being at the intersection of the southwestward prolongation of the centerline of a 15-foot-wide public alley in City Block 17/965;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along the centerline of said alley, a distance of approximately 458 feet to a point on the southwest line of Bowen Street;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction, continuing along the northeastward prolongation of the centerline of the 15 foot wide public alley in City Block 17/965, crossing Bowen Street and continuing along the centerline of a 15 foot wide alley in City Block 12/970 and its northeastward prolongation, crossing Hall Street, and continuing along the centerline of a 15 foot wide public alley in City Block 9/972, a total distance of approximately 1,278 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Lemmon Avenue;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Lemmon Avenue, a distance of approximately 30 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being the southwestward prolongation of the common line between Lots 1 and 2 in City Block 978;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction along said line and continuing along the common line between said Lots 1 and 2, a distance of approximately 138 feet to a point for corner on the common line between Lots 2 and 3 in City Block 978;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said common lot line and continuing along the southeastward prolongation of said line, crossing McKinney Avenue a total distance of approximately 200 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of McKinney Avenue;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said centerline of McKinney Avenue, a distance of approximately 131 feet to a point at the intersection of said centerline of McKinney Avenue and the centerline of Lemmon Avenue;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said centerline of Lemmon Avenue, a distance of approximately 198 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being approximately 198 feet southeast of and parallel to said centerline of McKinney Avenue;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, crossing Lemmon Avenue, and continuing into City Block 11/971, a distance of approximately 474.51 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being approximately 146 feet northeast of and parallel to the northeast line of Hall Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 85 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Noble Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of Noble Street and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 171 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Hall Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Hall Street, a distance of approximately 205 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Oak Grove Avenue;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of Oak Grove Avenue, a distance of approximately 1,185 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of McKinney Avenue;
THENCE in a southerly direction along the centerline of McKinney Avenue, a distance of approximately 115 feet to a point for corner on the northwestward prolongation of the centerline of Clyde Lane;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said line and continuing along the centerline of Clyde Lane, a distance of approximately 320 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being the northeastward prolongation of the common line between Lots 18 and 19 in City Block B/578;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line and continuing along said common line between Lots 18 and 19, a distance of approximately 90 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Lot 18 in City Block B/578;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along said lot line, a distance of approximately 40 feet to a point for corner on the common line between Lots 1 and 2 in City Block A/578;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said common lot line and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 155 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Allen Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Allen Street, a distance of approximately 100 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being perpendicular to the southwest line of Allen Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 22.5 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Allen Street, said point also being the northernmost corner of Lot 5 in City Block 577;
THENCE in a southerly direction along the western boundary of said Lot 5 and continuing in a southeasterly direction along the southwestern boundary of Lots 6 and 7, and continuing along the southeastward prolongation of the southwestern boundary of said Lot 7, a distance of approximately 277.5 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of a 15-foot-wide public alley adjacent to City Block A/577;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of said alley and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 190 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Worthington Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Worthington Street, a distance of approximately 50 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being perpendicular to the southwest line of Worthington Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 24 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Worthington Street, said point also being the most northerly corner of Lot 5-A in City Block A/561;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the northwest line of said Lot 5-A, a distance of 158.69 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the southwest line of Lot 5-A in City Block A/561, a distance of 48.3 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 39°38'00" West along a common property line, a distance of 172.0 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Boll Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Boll Street, a distance of approximately 80 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being perpendicular to the southwest line of Boll Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 25 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Boll Street, said point also being the most easterly corner of Lot 4 in City Block A/554;
THENCE in a southerly and southwesterly direction along the southeasterly boundary of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4 in City Block A/554 and continuing along the southwestward prolongation of the southeast boundary of Lot 1 in City Block A/554, a distance of approximately 355 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Routh Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Routh Street, a distance of approximately 120 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being perpendicular to the southwest line of Routh Street;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 25 feet to a point for corner on the southwest line of Routh Street, said point also being the centerline of a 15-foot-wide public alley in City Block C/549;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of said alley and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 375 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Fairmount Street;
THENCE in a southeasterly direction along the centerline of Fairmount Street, a distance of approximately 30 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being the northeastward prolongation of the centerline of a 20-foot-wide public alley in City Block B/548;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of said alley and its southwestward prolongation, a distance of approximately 210 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of Leonard Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along the centerline of Leonard Street, a distance of approximately 120 feet to a point for corner on the centerline of McKinney Avenue;
THENCE in a southwesterly direction along the centerline of McKinney Avenue, a distance of approximately 40 feet to a point for corner on a line, said line being approximately 142 feet southwest of and parallel to the southwest line of Fairmount Street;
THENCE in a northwesterly direction along said line, a distance of approximately 35 feet to a point on the northwest line of McKinney Avenue, the PLACE OF BEGINNING.
(c) The Quadrangle Subdistrict is that area of the city within the following described boundaries:
BEING a tract of land situated in the John Grigsby Survey, Abstract No. 495, City of Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, being a part of Lot 1A, Block 956 of Quadrangle, an addition to the City of Dallas recorded Volume 86024, Page 4941, Deed Records of Dallas County, Texas and being all of a tract of land described in Special Warranty Deed to PPF AMLI DEVCO, LLC, recorded in Instrument No. 200600350615, Official Public Records, Dallas County, Texas and being more particularly described as follows:
BEGINNING at a PK nail found for the south corner of said PPF AMLI DEVCO, LLC tract and being the most westerly west corner of a tract of land described in Special Warranty Deed to SRPF B/Quadrangle Property, L.L.C., recorded in Instrument Number 201900023836 of said Official Public Records, in the northwest right-of-way line of Howell Street (a 50' right-of-way);
THENCE with the southwest lines of said PPF AMLI DEVCO, LLC tract and the northeast lines of said SRPF B/Quadrangle Property, L.L.C. tract, the following courses and distances:
North 45°32'26" West, a distance of 178.64 feet to a point for corner;
North 44°27'34" East, a distance of 16.76 feet to a point for corner;
North 45°32'26" West, a distance of 166.45 feet to a point for the most easterly east corner of said PPF AMLI DEVCO, LLC tract and the north corner of said SRPF B/Quadrangle Property, L.L.C. tract, in the southeast right-of-way line of Laclede Street (a 50' right-of-way);
THENCE with said southeast right-of-way line of Laclede Street, North 44°09'34" East, a distance of 306.98 feet to a point for the north corner of said PPF AMLI DEVCO, LLC tract, at the intersection of said southeast right-of-way line of Laclede Street and the southwest right-of-way line of Vine Street (a 52' right-of-way);
THENCE with said southwest right-of-way line of Vine Street, South 45°32'26" East, a distance of 345.00 feet to a point for the most easterly east corner of said PPF AMLI DEVCO, LLC tract, at the intersection of said southwest right-of-way line of Vine Street and said northwest right-of-way line of Howell Street;
THENCE with said northwest right-of-way line of Howell Street, South 44°09'34" West, a distance of 323.74 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and containing 108,901 square feet or 2.5000 acres of land.
(d) The Peripheral Subdistrict is that area within the McKinney Avenue Sign District that is not in the Spine Subdistrict, the Quadrangle Subdistrict, or the Maple Subdistrict; and containing a calculated area of 953,544.485 square feet or approximately 21.89 acres.
(e) The Maple Subdistrict is that area of the city within the following described boundaries:
BEING a 2.795 acre tract of land situated in the John Grigsby Survey, Abstract No. 495, City of Dallas, Dallas County, Texas; said tract being part of Fairmount Street right-of-way (a 50-foot wide right-of-way), part of McKinney Avenue right-of-way (a 60-foot wide right- of-way), part of Maple Avenue right-of-way (a 70-foot wide right-of-way), part of Block 949, Official Block Number of the City of Dallas and all of Lot 1A, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition, an addition to the City of Dallas, Texas according to the plat recorded in Volume 94089, Page 4668 in the Deed Records of Dallas County, Texas; said 2.795 acre tract being more particularly described as follows:
BEGINNING, at a point for corner at the intersection of the centerline of said Fairmount Street with the centerline of said McKinney Avenue; said point being North 83 degrees, 18 minutes, 43 seconds East, a distance of 32.24 feet from the intersection of the southwest right-of-way line of said Fairmount Street with the northwest right-of-way line of said McKinney Avenue at the easternmost corner of said Block 949; said POINT OF BEGINNING having State Plane Coordinates (Grid) of: North: 6,976,403.44, East: 2,490,190.20;
THENCE, departing the said centerline of Fairmount Street and along the said centerline of McKinney Avenue, the following two calls:
South 14 degrees, 48 minutes, 49 seconds West, a distance of 177.58 feet to a point for corner;
South 14 degrees, 36 minutes, 22 seconds West, a distance of 262.42 feet to a point for corner at the intersection of said centerline of McKinney Avenue with the centerline of said Maple Avenue; said point being South 23 degrees, 12 minutes, 10 seconds East, a distance of 90.17 feet from the southernmost south corner of said Lot 1A, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition and the southwest end of a right-of-way corner clip at the intersection of said northwest right-of-way line of McKinney Avenue with the northeast right-of-way line of said Maple Avenue; said point for corner having State Plane Coordinates (Grid) of: North: 6,975,977.74, East: 2,490,078.80;
THENCE, North 46 degrees, 02 minutes, 38 seconds West, departing the said centerline of McKinney Avenue and along the said centerline of Maple Avenue, a distance of 388.94 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE, North 44 degrees, 30 minutes, 52 seconds East, departing the said centerline of Maple Avenue and into, over and across said right-of-way of Maple Avenue, at a distance of 35.00 feet passing the said northeast line of Maple Avenue, the southernmost corner of Lot 7, Block 1/949, North Dallas Improvement Co., an addition to the City of Dallas, Texas according to the plat recorded in Volume 106, Page 258, in said Deed Records, and the westernmost corner of said Lot 1A, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition, continuing along the southeast line of said Lot 7, Block 1/949 and the northwest line of said Lot 1A, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition, at a distance of 96.36 feet passing the easternmost corner of said Lot 7, Block 1/949, then continuing along a southeast line of said City Block 949, in all a total distance of 214.86 feet to a point for corner; said point being the northernmost corner of said Lot 1A, Block 1/949, The James P. Leake Addition and a reentrant corner of said City Block 949;
THENCE, into, over and across said City Block 949, the following two calls:
North 45 degrees, 51 minutes, 08 seconds West, a distance of 85.00 feet to a point for corner;
North 44 degrees, 08 minutes, 52 seconds East, at a distance of 144.55 feet passing the said southwest line of Fairmount Street, then continuing into, over and through said Fairmount Street right-of-way, in all a total distance of 169.55 feet to a point for corner in the said centerline of Fairmount Street;
THENCE, South 45 degrees, 51 minutes, 08 seconds East, along the said centerline of Fairmount Street, a distance of 256.18 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING; and CONTAINING, approximately 121,756 square feet or 2.795 acres.
(f) The Quad Subdistrict is that area of the city within the following described boundaries:
BEING a tract of land situated in the John Grigsby Survey, Abstract No. 495, City of Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, being a part of Lot 1A, Block 956 of Quadrangle, an addition to the City of Dallas recorded Volume 86024, Page 4941, Deed Records of Dallas County, Texas and being all of the tract of land described in Special Warranty Deed to SRPF B/Quadrangle Property, L.L.C., recorded in Instrument Number 201900023836, Official Public Records of Dallas County, Texas and being more particularly described as follows:
BEGINNING at an "X" cut in concrete found for the south corner of said Lot 1A, Block 956, at the intersection of the northwest right-of-way line of Howell Street (a 50-foot right-of-way) and the northeast right-of-way line of Routh Street (a variable width right-of-way);
THENCE with said northeast right-of-way line of Routh Street, North 45°32'26" West, a distance of 345.00 feet to a point at the intersection of said northeast right-of-way line of Routh Street and the southeast right-of-way line of Laclede Street (a 50-foot right-of- way);
THENCE with said southeast right-of-way line of Laclede Street, North 44°09'34" East, a distance of 493.02 feet to a point at the north corner of said SRPF B/Quadrangle Property, L.L.C. tract;
THENCE departing said southeast right-of-way line of Laclede Street, over and across said Lot 1A, Block 956 and with the northeast line of said SRPF B/Quadrangle Property, L.L.C. tract, the following courses and distances:
South 45°32'26" East, a distance of 166.45 feet to a point for corner;
South 44°27'34" West, a distance of 16.76 feet to a point for corner;
South 45°32'26" East, a distance of 178.64 feet to a pk nail found for the east corner of said SRPF B/Quadrangle Property, L.L.C. tract and in the said northwest right-of-way line of Howell Street;
THENCE with said northwest right-of-way line of Howell Street, South 44°09'34" West, a distance of 476.26 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and containing 3.8360 acres or 167,097 square feet of land.
Bearing system based on the Texas Coordinate System of 1983, North Central Zone (4202), North American Datum of 1983. (Ord. Nos. 21145; 24132; 31265; 32497; 32642)
SEC. 51A-7.1503. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and the alterations of existing signs with a view towards enhancing, preserving, and developing the unique character of this district. These sign regulations have been developed with the following objectives in mind:
(a) To protect the historical and architectural character of this district from inappropriate signs in terms of number (clutter), style, color, and materials.
(b) To ensure that significant architectural features in this district are not obscured.
(c) To encourage signs that are complimentary to the architectural styles and historical nature of the buildings and trolley in this district.
(d) To ensure that the size and orientation of signs are geared toward the high number of pedestrians in this district.
(e) To attract the public to the goods and services available in the district by enhancing the aesthetic quality of signs in this district.
(f) To encourage artistic, creative, and innovative signs that reflect the themes of the area.
(g) To promote safety, communications efficiency, and landscape quality and preservation as described in Section 51A-7.101. (Ord. 21145)
SEC. 51A-7.1504. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, in this division:
(1) ARCADE means any structure that is attached to a building and neither fully enclosed on all sides nor structural to the building itself, which is covered by a roof having the primary function of weather protection for a walkway.
(2) BLADE SIGN means a multi-face attached sign containing messages that are perpendicular to the building facade.
(3) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting from a building and parallel to the building facade.
(4) HIGHRISE BUILDING means a building that has a height of more than 36 feet.
(5) LOWER FACADE means the area of a highrise building facade that is 36 feet or less above grade when measured vertically.
(6) LOWRISE BUILDING means a building that has a height of 36 feet or less.
(7) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building, and consisting primarily of changeable panels, words, or characters.
(8) PAINTED APPLIED SIGN means a sign painted directly onto the exterior facade of a building, not including doors and windows.
(9) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 18 or more inches from a building.
(10) SMALL WORD means a word with no character that exceeds four inches in height.
(11) THIS DISTRICT means the McKinney Avenue Sign District.
(12) UPPER FACADE means the area of a highrise building facade that is more than 36 feet above grade when measured vertically.
(13) WINDOW ART DISPLAY means an exhibit or arrangement placed within a street level storefront window.
(14) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed to a window.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the definitions contained in Sections 51A-2.102 and 51A-7.102 apply to this division. In the event of a conflict, this section controls. (Ord. Nos. 21145; 32497)
SEC. 51A-7.1505. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
The regulations relating to the erection of all signs in this district are expressly modified as follows:
(a) No person may alter, erect, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city. This section does not apply to government signs described in Section 51A-7.207.
(b) The procedure for obtaining a sign permit is outlined in Section 51A-7.505. Section 51A-7.602 does not apply to signs in this district. (Ord. 21145)
SEC. 51A-7.1506. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
The regulations relating to the erection of all signs in this district are expressly modified as follows:
(a) Signs in right-of-way. Signs in this district are permitted to overhang the public right-of-way subject to city franchising requirements.
(b) Materials.
(1) The use of plastic is prohibited, except when it is:
(A) used as a decoration (as opposed to a character) on the exterior face of a sign, in which case no more than five percent of the effective area of the sign may consist of plastic;
(B) placed behind the exterior face of a sign in places where that face has been cut in the shape of a character;
(C) used in or on a marquee sign; or
(D) used as the exterior face of individual channel letters in the Maple or Quad Subdistricts where channel letters are either trim- capless or use metal fabricated retainers.
(2) Although not required, painted applied signs and enameled metal sheet signs are encouraged.
(c) Lighting.
(1) Except in the Maple and Quad Subdistricts, the only light sources that may be used to illuminate a sign are cold cathode, neon, and incandescent lamps.
(2) A light source external to a sign may illuminate a sign if the light does not cross into either a public right-of-way or a residential zoning district.
(3) Illuminated signs on translucent fabric are encouraged.
(4) No light used to illuminate a sign may turn on or off, or change its brightness more than twice a day.
(d) Colors. Fluorescent and neon colors on signs are prohibited. (Ord. Nos. 21145; 32497
; 32642
)
SEC. 51A-7.1507. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ATTACHED SIGNS.
The regulations relating to the erection of attached signs in this district are expressly modified as follows:
(a) Location restrictions.
(1) Except as provided in Paragraph (2), no attached sign may be erected on a facade unless it faces a public right-of-way that is adjacent to the lot where the sign is proposed to be located, except that flat attached signs may be located on any upper facade within the Maple Subdistrict and any facade within the Quad Subdistrict.
(2) In the Maple Subdistrict, flat attached signs may be located on any upper facade. A maximum of two flat attached signs may be located between the top of the lower facade and the 14th floor on each facade.
(3) No small words may be on an attached sign erected partially or totally within an upper facade in either the Spine, Maple, Quad, or Quadrangle Subdistricts.
(4) In the Peripheral Subdistrict, no attached sign may be erected on:
(A) an upper facade; or
(B) a lot where a detached sign is erected.
(b) Effective area.
(1) Spine, Maple, Quad, and Quadrangle Subdistricts. In the Spine, Maple, Quad, and Quadrangle Subdistricts, the combined effective area of all attached signs:
(A) on a lowrise building or a lower facade may not exceed 10 percent of the total area of the building facade or the lower facade, as the case may be; and
(B) on an upper facade may not exceed five percent of the total area of the lower facade, except in the Quad Subdistrict on the upper facade facing Howell Street or Routh Street may not exceed three percent of the total area of the upper facade.
(2) Peripheral Subdistrict. In the Peripheral Subdistrict, the combined effective area of all attached signs on a lowrise building or a lower facade may not exceed eight percent of the total area of the building facade or the lower facade, as the case may be.
(c) Flat attached signs.
(1) Except as provided in this paragraph, no flat attached sign may project more than eight inches from a building. In the Maple and Quad Subdistricts, no flat attached sign may project more than 18 inches from a building.
(2) A flat attached sign may be erected on an arcade, but it may not project above the roof of the attached building.
(3) In the Quad Subdistrict, a flat attached sign on one upper facade may be attached to any part of the building and project 10 feet above the roof of the attached building.
(d) Projecting attached signs.
(1) A projecting attached sign may be erected on an arcade, but it may not project above the roof of the attached building.
(2) No projecting attached sign may be erected partially or totally within an upper facade.
(3) No face of a projecting attached sign erected below the bottom of a second story window may exceed eight square feet.
(4) No face of a projecting attached sign erected above the bottom of a second story window may exceed 15 square feet.
(5) In the Maple Subdistrict, projecting attached signs are prohibited on a facade with one or more blade signs.
(e) Marquee signs.
(1) No marquee sign may:
(A) exceed 100 square feet in effective area;
(B) be longer than one-half of the length of the frontage of the building to which the marquee is attached; and
(C) be located above the bottom of a second story window.
(2) A marquee sign must:
(A) be parallel to the surface to which it is attached; and
(B) have a height dimension between two and six feet.
(3) No premise may have more than one marquee sign.
(4) A marquee sign may be erected only on a building that contains a theater use.
(5) A marquee sign may consist of up to 100 percent plastic.
(f) Window signs.
(1) Except as modified by Paragraph (2), the effective area of a window sign may not exceed more than 25 percent of the area of a window or 10 percent of the facade area, whichever is less.
(2) If a window sign uses neon bulbs, the effective area of that sign may not exceed more than 15 percent of the area of a window.
(3) No window sign may be erected on an upper facade.
(g) Blade signs. Blade signs may only be located in the Maple Subdistrict and:
(1) may only be located on a facade facing Fairmont Street;
(2) may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area;
(3) may not be located lower than 12 feet above grade or outside of the lower facade;
(4) may not be located more than four feet from the facade or above a roof of a building; and
(5) must maintain a minimum 25 foot horizontal spacing separation from all other blade signs.
(h) Window art displays. In the Maple Subdistrict, window art displays on the ground floor of a building are allowed subject to the following regulations:
(1) A window art display must be located within a window on a facade facing Fairmont Street and may contain only a promotional message, generic graphics (including three-dimensional artifacts or objects), cultural event or activity, merchandise only if sold by a tenant occupying space within the premise, a message identifying the sponsor of the display, or a message referring to the sale or lease of the premises.
(2) No sign permit or certificate of appropriateness is required to erect or remove a window art display. (Ord. Nos. 21145; 32497; 32642)
SEC. 51A-7.1508. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR DETACHED SIGNS.
The regulations relating to the erection of detached signs in this district are expressly modified as follows:
(a) No detached sign may:
(1) exceed 20 feet in height; or
(2) be located within five feet of any public right-of-way.
(b) Except in the Maple and Quad Subdistricts, if a detached sign has an effective area of more than 10 square feet, it must be located at least 10 feet from any public right-of-way.
(c) No detached sign may have an effective area of more than:
(1) 150 square feet if the sign is located in the Quad or Quadrangle Subdistricts;
(2) 20 square feet if the sign is located in the Spine Subdistrict;
(3) 15 square feet if the sign is located in the Peripheral Subdistrict; and
(4) the size limitations provided in Subsection (f) of this section.
(d) In the Peripheral Subdistrict, no detached sign may be erected on a lot where an attached sign is erected.
(e) Detached non-premise signs are prohibited in this district.
(f) In the Maple Subdistrict, detached signs are limited to:
(1) one multi-tenant monument sign, not to exceed 125 square feet in effective area or six feet in height;
(2) two single-tenant monument signs, not to exceed 50 square feet in effective area or six feet in height; and
(3) movement control signs as provided for in Section 51A-7.205(e).
(g) Except as proved in Sections 51A-7.1509 and 51A-7.1510, in the Quad Subdistrict, detached signs are limited to no more than four multi-tenant monument signs, not to exceed two along any street frontage.
(h) In the Quad and Maple Subdistricts, each monument sign must maintain a minimum spacing separation of 175 feet from all other monument signs within the subdistrict. (Ord. Nos. 21145; 32497; 32642)
SEC. 51A-7.1509. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SUBDIVISION SIGNS IN THE QUAD SUBDISTRICT.
(a) Except as provided in this section, subdivision signs are permitted in accordance with Section 51A-7.303(d).
(b) The maximum effective area of each subdivision sign may not exceed 65 square feet.
(c) Subdivision signs may be internally illuminated.
(d) The highest part of a subdivision sign may not exceed 10 feet in height.
(e) For the purposes of permitting, Section 51A-7.303(d)(10) does not apply. (Ord. No. 32642)
SEC. 51A-7.1510. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGNS IN THE QUAD SUBDISTRICT.
(a) Except as provided in this section, movement controls signs are permitted in accordance with Section 51A-7.205(e).
(b) Movement control signs are subject to the following:
(1) Movement control signs may contain tenant and subdivision identification messages.
(2) Detached movement control signs may not exceed six square feet in effective area.
(3) Attached movement control signs may not exceed 10 square feet in effective area.
(4) Projecting attached movement control signs:
(A) may only be erected on the lower facade but not located lower than 12 feet above grade;
(B) may not project more than three feet from the facade; and
(C) may not have letters or symbols that exceed six inches in height, except for letters or symbols indicating parking or subdivision logos.
(c) No setback is required for a detached movement control sign that does not exceed four feet in height. (Ord. No. 32642)
SEC. 51A-7.1601. DESIGNATION OF SIGN DISTRICT.
A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the Farmers Market Sign District. The boundaries of the Farmers Market Sign District are the same as those of the Farmers Market Special Purpose District (Planned Development District No. 357). (Ord. Nos. 22097; 29233)
SEC. 51A-7.1601.1. DESIGNATION OF SIGN SUBDISTRICTS.
(a) Camden Sign Subdistrict. The Camden Sign Subdistrict is that area of the Farmers Market Sign District within the following described boundaries:
TRACT 1:
BEING all of Lot 2B in City Block 40/164.
TRACT 2:
BEING all of Lot 1A in City Block 7/153.
TRACT 3:
BEING a tract of land situated in the John Grigsby Survey, Abstract No. 495, in the City of Dallas, Dallas County, Texas and being a portion of Blocks 142, 5/155/4/156, 36/168 and 37/167, a portion of a 200-foot-wide H. & T.C. Railroad right-of-way, a portion of a 150-foot-wide T. & N.O. Railroad spur right-of-way, all as dedicated on the Final Plat of Railroad Addition, an Addition to the City of Dallas according to the Map or Plat thereof recorded in Volume 4 at Page 350 of the Map Records of Dallas County, Texas, a portion of a 20- foot-wide alley situated in Block 4/156 abandoned in Ordinance No. 8234, a portion of St. Louis Street, Paris Street and a w-foot wide alley abandoned in Ordinance No. 11472, a portion of St. Louis Street and 20-foot-wide alleys situated in Blocks 36/168 and 37/167 abandoned Ordinance No. 1570 and a portion of Central Expressway as abandoned on Ordinance No. 23588, same being a portion of Tract “O” conveyed to Camden Property Trust as evidence by a Special Warranty Deed recorded in Volume 98040 at Page 02379 of the Deed Records of Dallas County, Texas (D.R.D.C.T.) and being more particularly described by metes and bounds as follows (bearing based on the southwest right-of-way line of Good-Latimer Expressway as described in Ordinance No. 21092, recorded in Volume 91249 at Page 4100 D.R.D.C.T., said bearing being North 36°50'46" West):
BEGINNING at a nail found for the east corner of aforesaid Tract “O,” same being the north corner of a tract of land conveyed to Graybar Electric, Inc., as evidenced in a deed recorded in Volume 3502 at Page 282 D.R.D.C.T., said nail also being on the southwest right-of-way line of Good-Latimer Expressway (a variable width right-of-way);
THENCE in a southwesterly direction, departing the southwest right-of-way line of said Good-Latimer Expressway and along the southwest line of said Tract “O,” the following:
South 53°05'14" West, a distance of 219.11 feet to the point of curvature of a corner to the left;
Along the arc of said curve to the left, through a central angle of 28°50'05", having a radius of 219.64 feet and an arc length of 111.05 feet to a 1/2-inch rod found for the end of said curve;
South 36°29'26" East, a distance of 29.78 feet to a 1/2- inch rod found for corner;
South 53°10'39" West, a distance of 424.89 feet to a corner;
South 36°45'09" East, a distance of 93.67 feet to a corner;
South 52°02'59" West, a distance of 350.00 feet to the south corner of said Tract “O,” same being on the northeast right-of-way line of Cesar Chavez Boulevard (formerly Central Expressway) (a variable width right-of-way);
THENCE in a northwesterly direction, along the southwest line of said Tract “O” and the northeast right-of-way line of said Cesar Chavez Boulevard (formerly Central Expressway), the following:
North 27°01'56" West, a distance of 201.55 feet to a chiseled cross found for the point of curvature of a curve to the left;
Along the arc of said curve to the left, through a central angle of 68°13'29", having a radius of 67.00 feet and an arc length of 79.78 feet to the chiseled cross found for the end of said curve;
North 24°20'27" West, a distance of 145.68 feet to a chiseled cross found for the point of curvature of a curve to the left;
Along the arc of said curve through a central angle of 06°14'28", having a radius of 424.70 feet and an arc length of 46.26 feet to a chiseled cross found for the end of said curve;
North 53°21'43" East, a distance of 93.54 feet to a 1/2- inch iron rod found for the point of curvature of a non-tangent curve to the left;
Along the arc of said curve to the left, through a central angle of 06°50'22", having a radius of 1071.00 feet, a chord bearing of North 82°15'38" West, a chord distance of 127.77 feet and an arc length of 127.85 feet to a chiseled cross found for the end of said curve, same being the south corner of a portion of Cesar Chavez Boulevard (formerly Central Expressway) as abandoned by aforesaid Ordinance No. 23588, recorded in Volume 98187 at Page 061815 D.R.D.C.T.;
THENCE North 36°50'27" West, along the southwest line of said abandonment, and along the current northwest right-of-way line of said Cesar Chavez Boulevard (formerly Central Expressway), a distance of 123.76 feet to the intersection of the northeast right-of-way line of said Cesar Chavez Boulevard (formerly Central Expressway) with the curving southeast right-of-way line of Marilla Street (a variable width right-of-way at this point) as described in a deed recorded in Volume 98183 at Page 05868 D.R.D.C.T., said curve being a curve to the right;
THENCE in a northeasterly direction, along the southeast right-of-way line of said Marilla Street, the following:
Along the arc of said curve to the right, through a central angle of 89°59'41", having a radius of 15.00 feet and an arc length of 23.56 feet to the point of tangency of said curve (Marilla Street being 58-foot-wide at this point);
North 53°09'14" East, a distance of 434.59 feet to the intersection of the southeast right of-way line of said Marilla Street with the southwest right-of-way line of Farmers Market Way (a 58-foot-wide right-of-way);
THENCE South 36°50'46" East, along the southwest right-of-way line of said Farmers Market Way, a distance of 127.50 feet to the intersection of the southwest right-of-way line of said Farmers Market Way with the southeast right-of-way line of Taylor Street (a 58-foot-wide right-of-way);
THENCE North 53°09'14" East, along the southeast right-of-way line of said Taylor Street, a distance of 491.01 feet to the point of curvature of a curve to the right;
THENCE in a easterly direction, continuing along the southeast right-of-way line of said Taylor Street and along the arc of said curve to the right, through a central angle of 90°00'00", having a radius of 15.00 feet and an arc length of 23.56 feet to the point of tangency of said curve, same being on the northeast line of said Tract "O," said corner also being the intersection of the southeast right-of-way line of said Taylor Street with the southwest right-of-way line of aforesaid Good-Latimer Expressway;
THENCE South 39°14'11" East, along the northeast line of said Tract "O" and the southwest right-of-way line of said Good-Latimer Expressway, a distance of 411.92 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and containing 11.534 acres of land, more or less.
(b) Market Center Sign Subdistrict. The Market Center Sign Subdistrict is that area of the Farmers Market Sign District within the following described boundaries:
BEGINNING at the south corner of a corner clip in the northeast line of Harwood Street and the southwest line of City Block 131;
THENCE North 08°36'06" East, along said corner clip, a distance of 40.00 feet to a point for corner in the south line of said Marilla Street, said point being the north corner of said corner clip;
THENCE along the south line of Marilla Street the following calls;
North 74°47'11" East, a distance of 142.30 feet to a point for corner;
South 45°01'41" East, a distance of 1.11 feet to a point for corner;
North 78°16'02" East, a distance of 192.25 feet to a point for corner;
North 77°52'42" East, a distance of 87.67 feet to a point for corner;
North 74°22'09" East, a distance of 373.33 feet to a point for corner, in the southwest line of South Cesar Chavez Boulevard (a variable width right-of-way);
THENCE South 36°00'00" East, along the southwest line of said Cesar Chavez Boulevard, a distance of 601.81 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 32°25'25" East, a distance of 80.16 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 10°11'11" East, a distance of 220.32 feet to a point for corner in the south line of Gibson Street, abandoned by Ordinance;
THENCE South 45°34'13" West, along the south line of said abandoned Gibson Street, a distance of 89.59 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE South 71°04'56" West, a distance of 431.66 feet to a point for corner in the northeast line of aforementioned Harwood Street;
THENCE North 45°02'47" West, along the northeast line of said Harwood Street, a distance of 733.28 feet to a point for corner;
THENCE North 45°01'41" West, continuing along the northeast line of said Harwood Street, a distance of 313.77 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING and containing 15.03 acres or 654,661 square feet of land, more or less. (Ord. Nos. 24424; 29233; 29557)
SEC. 51A-7.1602. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this division is to promote signage that is compatible with the architectural character and design guidelines of the Farmers Market Planned Development District while encouraging artistic, creative, and innovative signs that are reflective of themes that have grown and developed in Farmers Market area. (Ord. Nos. 22097; 29233)
SEC. 51A-7.1603. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In this division:
(1) ARTWORK means any pictorial or image presentation or design.
(2) BANNER means a sign attached to or applied on a strip of cloth.
(3) CANOPY SIGN means a sign attached to or applied on a canopy or awning.
(4) DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGN means an attached or detached sign identifying the Farmers Market.
(5) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 18 inches or less from a building and parallel to the building facade.
(6) KIOSK means a detached multi-sided structure for the display of premise and non-premise signs.
(7) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building, and consisting primarily of changeable panels or words.
(8) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached premise sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and the ground, or mounted on a fence or masonry wall.
(9) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 18 or more inches from a building.
(10) ROOF SIGN means a sign that is attached to or supported by the roof of a building constructed after December 11, 2013.
(11) SUPERGRAPHIC SIGN means a large attached premise or non-premise sign on a mesh or fabric surface, or a projection of light image onto a wall face without the use of lasers.
(12) THIS DISTRICT means the Farmers Market Sign District.
(13) VIDEOBOARD SIGN means a flat screen that is capable of displaying moving images similar to television images, by light-emitting diode or other similar technology and that is mounted to the exterior of a building.
(14) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed onto a window.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the definitions in Sections 51A-2.102 and 51A-7.102 apply to this division. If there is a conflict, this section controls. (Ord. Nos. 22097; 29233)
SEC. 51A-7.1604. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) No person may alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city. This section does not apply to government signs described in Section 51A-7.207.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this division, the procedure for obtaining a sign permit is outlined in Section 51A-7.505.
(c) Section 51A-7.602 does not apply to signs in this district. (Ord. Nos. 22097; 29233)
SEC. 51A-7.1605 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) Signs may be located within the right-of-way subject to the licensing requirements of Chapter XIV of the City Charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, the Dallas Building Code, and all other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulation.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (c), the maximum effective area of all signs combined on a premise is 10 percent of the total area of all building facades facing public right-of-way that is adjacent to the premise.
(c) When more than 50 percent of the total effective area of all signs combined on a premise is devoted to artwork, the maximum effective area of all signs combined on a premise is 15 percent of the total area of all building facades facing public right-of-way that is adjacent to the premise.
(d) All signs must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(e) Special purpose signs may be erected on a premise no more than once each calendar year. The maximum number of consecutive days that a special purpose sign may be maintained is 15.
(f) The use of neon or single incandescent bulbs is permitted.
(g) No portions of a sign other than the words themselves may be illuminated by back-lighting.
(h) No portion of a sign may have a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts.
(i) The following materials are suggested, but not required, for signs in this district:
(1) Metal.
(2) Glass.
(3) Wood. (Ord. Nos. 22097; 29233)
SEC. 51A-7.1606. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR ATTACHED SIGNS.
(a) In general. The regulations relating to the erection of attached signs in this district are expressly modified as follows:
(b) Attached signs in general.
(1) No portion of an attached sign may be located:
(A) more than 10 feet from the facade to which it is attached; or
(B) less than two feet from the back of a street curb.
(2) Although not required, the use of three-dimensional projecting attached signs is encouraged.
(c) Banners.
(1) Banners are permitted in this district to promote cultural events or activities.
(2) If the cultural event or activity has a sponsor, no more than 10 percent of the effective area of the banner may be used for sponsor identification.
(3) No portion of a banner may be used to advertise a specific product or service other than the cultural event or activity.
(d) Canopy signs. Canopy signs must be flat-attached or painted directly onto the surface of the canopy.
(e) Marquee signs.
(1) No premise may have more than one marquee sign.
(2) The length of a marquee sign must not exceed two-thirds of the length of the facade to which it is attached.
(3) Marquee signs may incorporate moving patterns or bands of light, except that the use of illumination to produce apparent motion of a visual image, such as expanding or contracting shapes, rotation, or similar effects of animation, is prohibited.
(f) Window sign. No window sign may cover more than 25 percent of the window surface area.
(g) Camden Sign Subdistrict.
(1) No more than four attached signs are permitted in this subdistrict.
(2) No attached sign may exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(3) Each attached sign may contain a maximum of eight words, except that words consisting of characters less than four inches in height may be used without limit.
(4) No more than two signs may be attached to any one facade.
(h) Attached movement control signs in the Camden Sign Subdistrict.
(1) No more than four attached movement control signs are permitted in this subdistrict.
(2) No attached movement control sign may exceed four square feet in effective area.
(3) No attached movement control sign may identify the name or logo of more than one occupant of the premise. (Ord. Nos. 22097; 24424; 29233)
SEC. 51A-7.1607 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR DETACHED SIGNS.
(a) In general. The regulations relating to the erection of detached signs in this district are hereby expressly modified as follows:
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no premise having an attached sign of any type, except for banners, may have a detached sign.
(2) A premise that has no attached signs other than banners, and that has frontage along more than one street, may have one detached sign along each street frontage.
(3) No detached sign support may be located in the public right-of-way.
(b) Detached signs in the Camden Sign Subdistrict.
(1) No more than four detached signs are permitted in this subdistrict.
(2) Each detached sign must be:
(A) an integral part of the fence or wall; and
(B) constructed of masonry, stone, or similar material with metal letters and symbols.
(3) No minimum setback is required for each detached sign, except that each detached sign must comply with all visibility obstruction regulations.
(4) No detached sign may exceed 30 square feet in effective area.
(5) No detached sign may be closer than 200 feet from another detached premise sign on the same premise.
(6) A detached sign may be located on a premise that has an attached sign.
(c) Detached movement control signs in the Camden Sign Subdistrict.
(1) No more than two detached movement control signs may be erected in this subdistrict.
(2) No detached movement control sign may exceed seven square feet in effective area.
(3) No detached movement control sign may exceed four feet in height.
(4) A detached movement control sign must have a minimum setback of four feet.
(5) No detached movement control sign may identify the name or logo of more than one occupant of the premise.
(6) A detached movement control sign may be located within a visibility triangle, as defined in Section 51A-4.602(d), if the director finds that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard. (Ord. Nos. 22097; 24424; 25047; 28073; 29233)
SEC. 51A-7.1608. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR THE MARKET CENTER SIGN SUBDISTRICT.
(a) In general.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the regulations in Sections 51A-7.1601 through 51A-7.1607 apply to the Market Center Sign Subdistrict. If there is a conflict between this section and Sections 51A-7.1601 through 51A-7.1607, this section controls.
(2) Permit applications are reviewed using the director procedure in Section 51A-7.505.
(3) Signs may be located within the right-of-way subject to the licensing requirements of Chapter XIV of the City Charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, the Dallas Building Code, and all other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulation.
(b) Special provisions for attached signs.
(1) Except district identification, roof, supergraphic, and videoboard signs, all attached signs must be premise signs.
(2) Attached signs may cover up to 50 percent of a building’s total facade area.
(3) Attached signs may not cover doors or windows.
(c) Special provisions for detached signs.
(1) Except detached movement control signs, district identification, and kiosk signs, all detached signs must be monument premise signs.
(2) Detached signs may be located on a premise with attached signs.
(3) A detached movement control sign is not a monument sign.
(d) District identification signs.
(1) A maximum of five district identification signs are permitted.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, district identification signs may only be located over and span across the rights-of-way at the following locations:
(A) Marilla Street and Pearl Street;
(B) Taylor Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard;
(C) Taylor Street and Harwood Street; and
(D) Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Farmers Way.
(3) Minimum clearance for a district identification sign located over and spanning across a right-of-way must be determined by the director of the department of transportation and public works before a district identification sign permit may be issued.
(4) A district identification sign that is located over and spanning across a right-of-way may not resemble or obstruct any traffic control devices.
(5) One district identification sign may be located on top of a building at the southeast corner of Farmers Way and Pearl Street. Maximum height of the district identification sign on top of a building at the southeast corner of Farmers Way and Pearl Street is 30 feet.
(6) Maximum effective area of a district identification sign is 1,000 square feet.
(7) A district identification sign may not be located in or visually obstruct a visibility triangle as defined in the visual obstructions regulations in Section 51A-4.602(d).
(e) Kiosks.
(1) A maximum of 10 kiosks are permitted.
(2) Except city kiosks, kiosks may not be located in the rights-of-way.
(3) Kiosks must be spaced at least 50 feet from another kiosk.
(4) Kiosks may not be illuminated by a detached independent external light source.
(5) Kiosks may not exceed 10 feet in height and 100 square feet in effective area.
(f) Monument signs.
(1) A maximum of five monument signs are permitted.
(2) Maximum effective area of a monument sign is 50 square feet.
(3) Maximum height of a monument sign is 15 feet.
(4) No monument sign may be closer than 200 feet from another monument sign on the same premise.
(g) Roof signs.
(1) A maximum of two roof signs are permitted.
(2) A roof sign may not be located on the same building as another roof sign.
(3) A roof sign may not exceed 1,200 square feet in effective area.
(4) At least 15 percent of the effective area of a roof sign must identify the Farmers Market.
(5) A roof sign must comply with the Dallas Fire Code and must be approved by the fire marshal before a sign permit may be approved by the director.
(h) Supergraphic signs.
(1) In general.
(A) Two supergraphic signs are permitted in addition to the number of supergraphic signs permitted in Section 51A-7.930.
(B) Supergraphic signs may be located on the facade of any building.
(2) Visual display and coverage.
(A) Except as provided in this subparagraph, a supergraphic sign must have one large visual display with a minimum of 80 percent non-textual graphic content (no more than 20 percent text).
(i) Multiple displays giving an appearance of multiple signs are prohibited.
(ii) The effective area of text is the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word.
(B) Supergraphic signs are intended to be creative and artful and not strictly a representation of an advertised product. It is the intent of this provision to:
(i) encourage the use of illustrative images or other non-repetitive design elements;
(ii) encourage visually interesting, vibrant, and colorful designs;
(iii) discourage use of solid colors or repetitive design elements; and
(iv) discourage an image of a single product or product logo without other graphic elements.
(C) Supergraphic signs may be internally or externally illuminated. If internally illuminated, a supergraphic sign may consist of translucent materials, but not transparent materials.
(3) Extensions.
(A) Except as otherwise provided in Subparagraph (B), a supergraphic sign may not extend beyond the edge of the face of the building to which it is attached.
(B) A supergraphic sign may wrap around the edge of a building if:
(i) both building facades to which the supergraphic sign is attached are otherwise eligible facades; and
(ii) the supergraphic sign is one continuous image.
(4) Message duration. A supergraphic sign location may not display the same message for more than four consecutive months in any 12-month period.
(5) Hardware fasteners. All hardware fasteners for a supergraphic sign must comply with the Dallas Building Code and all other ordinances, rules, and regulations of the City of Dallas.
(6) HBA signs prohibited. No supergraphic sign may be a Highway Beautification Act (HBA) sign as defined in Section 51A-7.102.
(i) Videoboard signs.
(1) In general.
(A) A maximum of two videoboard signs are permitted.
(B) Videoboard signs must have a vertical orientation with height exceeding the width at a minimum 16:9 height-to-width ratio.
(C) Videoboard signs may project a maximum of 12 feet into the right-of-way:
(i) subject to review by the traffic engineer to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction; and
(ii) provided that no videoboard sign may be project closer than two feet to a vertical plane extending through the back of a street curb.
(D) Videoboard signs must have a minimum clearance of 15 feet above the sidewalk and a maximum clearance of 35 feet above the sidewalk.
(E) Videoboard signs must have videoboard displays on both sides of the sign.
(F) Videoboard signs may have a maximum 150 square feet in effective area.
(2) Display.
(A) All videoboard signs must:
(i) contain a default mechanism that freezes the image in one position in case of a malfunction;
(ii) automatically adjust the sign brightness based on natural ambient light conditions in compliance with the following formula:
(aa) the ambient light level measured in luxes, divided by 256 and then rounded down to the nearest whole number, equals the dimming level; then,
(bb) the dimming level, multiplied by .0039 equals the brightness level; then,
(cc) the brightness level, multiplied by the maximum brightness of the specific sign measured in nits, equals the allowed sign brightness, measured in nits. For example:
32768 = ambient light in luxes
÷ 256
128 = dimming level
x 0039
. 4992 = brightness level
x 9000 = (maximum brightness of the example sign)
4492.8 = allowed brightness in nits;
(dd) be turned off between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday; and
(ee) not display light of such intensity or brilliance to cause glare, impair the vision of an ordinary driver, or constitute a nuisance.
(B) Videoboard signs must:
(i) have a full color display able to display a minimum of 281 trillion color shades; and
(ii) be able to display a high quality image with a minimum resolution equivalent to the following table:
Videoboard Sign Resolution Chart
| |
100 s/f to 125 s/f | 16 mm |
Greater than 126 s/f | 19 mm |
(3) Light intensity. Before the issuance of a videoboard sign permit, the applicant shall provide written certification from the sign manufacturer that the light intensity:
(A) has been factory programmed to comply with the maximum brightness and dimming standards in Provision (j)(2)(A)(ii)(cc); and
(B) is protected from end-user manipulation by password-protected software, or other method satisfactory to the building official.
(4) Change of message. Except as provided in this paragraph, changes of message must comply with the following:
(A) Each message must be displayed for a minimum of eight seconds.
(B) Changes of message must be accomplished within two seconds.
(C) Changes of message must occur simultaneously on the entire sign face.
(D) No flashing, dimming, or brightening of message is permitted except to accommodate changes of message.
(5) Streaming information. If a special events permit has been issued for subdistrict activities, streaming video and audio is permitted, except that ticker tape streaming is permitted at all times when the videoboard sign is operating. Ticker tape streaming must be located within the bottom 10 percent of the effective area.
(6) Malfunction. Videoboard sign operators must respond to a malfunction or safety issue within one hour after notification.
(j) Detached movement control signs in the Market Center Sign Subdistrict.
(1) A maximum of five detached movement control signs may be erected in this subdistrict.
(2) No minimum distance is required between a detached movement control sign and any other sign in this subdistrict.
(3) Maximum effective area is 24 square feet on each sign face.
(4) Each face of a detached movement control sign may have a maximum of six panels and a minimum of three panels.
(5) Maximum height is eight feet. Maximum width is three and a half feet.
(6) No maximum letter size.
(7) Maximum number of words on a panel is five.
(8) A detached movement control sign may identify businesses and uses within this subdistrict and may include district identification.
(9) Minimum clearance for pedestrian access on the sidewalk must be determined by the director before a detached movement control sign permit may be issued. (Ord. Nos. 29233; 29557; 30802; 32864)
SEC. 51A-7.1701. DESIGNATION OF VICTORY SIGN DISTRICT.
(a) A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the Victory Sign District.
(b) Any portion of this district that was formerly part of the Downtown Special Provision Sign District is no longer considered to be part of that district. This division completely supersedes Division 51A-7.900 with respect to the property within this district.
(c) This district is that area of the city within the boundaries described in Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 30043, passed by the Dallas City Council on March 23, 2016. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30043)
SEC. 51A-7.1702. DESIGNATION OF SUBDISTRICTS.
(a) This district is hereby divided into four subdistricts: Subdistricts A, B, C, and D. Subdistrict B has three subareas, B-1, B-2, and B-3. Subdistrict C has two tracts and one subarea, C-1. Subdistrict D has two subareas, D-1 and D-2.
(b) The subdistrict boundaries are described in Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 31410, passed by the Dallas City Council on December 11, 2019. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30043; 31410)
SEC. 51A-7.1703. PURPOSE.
(a) The purpose of these sign regulations is to encourage and regulate the erection and display of signs that will create a unique, lively, and commercially-active environment that is bright and safe, and that incorporates diverse, state-of-the-art graphic technologies.
(b) These sign regulations have been developed to achieve the following objectives in this district:
(1) To create an atmosphere of vitality appropriate for a place where thousands of citizens gather for entertainment and celebration.
(2) To encourage the use of signs that are innovative, colorful, and entertaining, and that bring a distinctive character to this district.
(3) To identify and promote special events and cultural activities that will occur in this district.
(4) To encourage signs with a style, orientation, and location that take into consideration the high number of pedestrians expected within this district.
(5) To communicate clear directions to and through this district.
(6) To promote the economic success of businesses in this district. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1704. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In this division:
(1) ADVERTISE means to attract, or to attempt to attract, the attention of any person to any business, accommodations, goods, services, property, or commercial activity.
(2) ATTACHED SIGN means any sign attached to, applied on, or supported by, any part of a building (such as a wall, parapet, roof, window, canopy, awning, arcade, or marquee) that encloses or covers usable space, and any sign attached to, applied on, or supported by, mounted antennas, water reservoirs on buildings, chimneys, and visual screens that surround roof-mounted equipment. For the following signs, the term attached sign also means any sign attached to, applied on, or supported by the exterior structural framing of a building or architectural elements of a building, whether or not the exterior structural framing or architectural elements enclose or cover usable space:
(A) Signs on buildings adjacent to an entertainment complex plaza.
(B) A hotel spectacular sign as described in Section 51A-7.1727(d).
(3) AWNING SIGN means a sign that is attached to or applied or painted on an awning.
(4) BANNER means a sign attached to or applied on a strip of cloth, vinyl, or similar material and attached to a building or structure. Canopy signs and flags are not banners.
(5) BLOCK means an area bounded by streets on all sides.
(6) BLOCKFACE means all of the premises on one side of a block.
(7) BUILDING means a structure that has a roof supported by columns, walls or air for the shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals or chattel.
(8) CANOPY SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a canopy.
(9) CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN means a sign displaying static or moving images (similar to television images) that may display different designs, messages, or advertisements and that may include LED/LCD elements, slide lettering, slated rotating surfaces, or other changeable message technology.
(10) CHARACTER means any letter of the alphabet or numeral.
(11) CITY means the city of Dallas, Texas.
(12) COMMERCIAL MESSAGE means a message placed or caused to be placed before the public by a person or business enterprise directly involved in the manufacture or sale of the products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities or possible substitutes for those things which are the subject of the message and that:
(A) refers to the offer for sale or existence for sale of products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities; or
(B) attracts attention to a business or to products, property, accommodations, services, attractions, or activities that are offered or exist for sale or for hire.
(13) COMMISSION means the city plan commission of the city of Dallas.
(14) DETACHED SIGN means any sign connected to the ground that is not an attached, portable, or vehicular sign.
(15) DIRECTOR means the director of planning and development of the city or that director’s designated representative.
(16) DISTRICT ACTIVITIES means: (A) the name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of any premise within this district; (B) the identification of any premise within this district; (C) any accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on any premise within this district; (D) products sold, other than incidentally, on any premise within this district; and (E) the sale, lease, or construction of any premise within this district.
(17) EFFECTIVE AREA means the following:
(A) For marquee and other changeable message signs and detached signs other than monument signs, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign, excluding its supports, mast, and finial that does not include patterns, characters, logos, or illustrations. The rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are moveable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view. If an attached sign moves or rotates, the sign's effective area shall be measured when the sign is stationary and shall not be based on the entire area within which the sign moves or rotates.
(B) For monument signs and attached signs other than marquee and other changeable message signs, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word, excluding a mast and finial that does not include patterns, characters, logos, or illustrations. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of the effective area. An awning or canopy is not included in the calculation of the effective area.
(17.1) ENHANCED BANNER SIGN means a district identification sign consisting of a pole displaying banners and elements that display the name or logo of the district.
(18) ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX means a public, multi-use sports, entertainment, and convention facility with a seating capacity of at least 15,000, where people view and participate in events and performances, including, but not limited to, theatrical, musical and dramatic performances, professional or amateur sporting events, and meetings and assemblages.
(19) ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX PLAZA means any outdoor area (whether publicly or privately owned) that is accessible to the public, and that is: (A) at least 10,000 square feet in size; (B) adjacent to an entertainment complex; or (C) within 300 feet of, and has direct pedestrian access to, an entertainment complex. Direct pedestrian access includes, but is not limited to, access across public or private streets.
(20) ERECT means to build, attach, hang, place, suspend, fasten, affix, maintain, paint, draw, or otherwise construct.
(21) EXPRESSWAY means Interstate Highway 35E and Woodall Rodgers Freeway.
(22) EXPRESSWAY-FACING FACADE means a facade that is parallel to or within 45° of the travel lanes of an expressway.
(23) FACADE means 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, chimneys, roof-mounted equipment, mounted antennas, or water towers. Where separate faces are oriented in the same direction or in directions within 45° of one another, they are to be considered as part of a single facade. A roof is not a facade or part of a facade. Multiple buildings on the same lot will each be deemed to have separate facades. For purposes of these sign regulations, each 250 linear feet, or fraction thereof, of an expressway-facing facade in Subdistrict C is deemed to be a separate facade. For signs located on buildings adjacent to an entertainment complex plaza and the hotel spectacular sign, as described in Section 51A-7.1727(d), the term facade includes the exterior structural framing of a building or architectural elements of the building, whether or not the exterior structural framing or architectural element encloses or covers usable space.
(23.1) FINIAL means a single stationary ornamental element above a sign that may include a light.
(24) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 18 inches or less from a building.
(25) GOVERNMENT SIGN means a flag, insignia, legal notice, informational, directional, traffic, or safe school zone sign which is legally required or necessary to the essential functions of government agencies.
(26) HEIGHT, as applied to a sign, means the vertical distance between the highest part of the sign or its supporting structure, whichever is higher, and a level plane going through the nearest point of the vehicular traffic surface of the adjacent improved public right-of-way, other than an alley. In the event a sign is equidistant from more than one improved public right-of-way, none of which are alleys, the highest point shall be used.
(27) HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION ACT (HBA) SIGN means a non-premise sign that is within 660 feet of an expressway right-of-way and whose message is visible from the main traveled way of that expressway.
(28) ILLUMINATED SIGN means any sign that is directly lighted by any electrical light source, internal or external. This definition does not include signs that are illuminated by street lights or other light sources owned by any public agency or light sources that are specifically operated for the purpose of lighting the area in which the sign is located rather than the sign itself.
(29) KIOSK means a multi-sided structure for the display of premise and non-premise signs. Kiosks may be changeable message signs.
(30) LUMINANCE means the brightness of a sign or a portion thereof expressed in terms of footlamberts. For purposes of this division, luminance is determined by the use of an exposure meter calibrated to standards established by the National Bureau of Standards and equipped with a footlambert scale.
(31) MARQUEE SIGN means a changeable message sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building.
(31.1) MAST means an upright pole that supports a sign and may extend above the sign.
(32) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and grade.
(33) MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGN means a sign that directs vehicular and pedestrian movement within this district or to the West End Historic District.
(34) NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE means any message that is not a commercial message. News messages such as stock quotes, scores from sporting events, and news bulletins are noncommercial messages.
(35) NON-PREMISE SIGN means any sign that is not a premise sign.
(36) OCCUPANCY means the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term also includes the building or room housing such use.
(37) ONE SIGN means any number of detached signs structurally connected above grade.
(38) PARAPET SIGN means a projecting attached sign erected on or attached to the eaves or edge of the roof or on a parapet. A parapet sign is not a roof sign.
(38.1) PARKING STRUCTURE SCREENING SIGN means an attached sign located on a parking structure intended to be creative and artful by use of visually interesting, vibrant, and colorful designs with promotional messages limited to the name or logo of the district or athletic team names, players, or logos.
(39) PERMANENT SIGN means any sign that is not a temporary sign as defined in this section or a sign permitted pursuant to Sections 51A-7.1716 through 51A-7.1722 of this division.
(40) PORTABLE SIGN means any sign that is not securely connected to the ground in such a way that it cannot easily be moved from one location to another and that is not an attached sign, vehicular sign, or a sign that refers solely to the sale or lease of the premises.
(41) PREMISE means a lot or unplatted tract that is reflected in the plat books of the building inspection division of the city. Refer to Section 51A-7.1709 of this division.
(42) PREMISE SIGN means any sign the content of which relates to the premise on which it is located and refers exclusively to:
(A) the name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of the premise or the identification of the premises;
(B) accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted on the premise;
(C) products sold, other than incidentally, on the premise if no more than 70 percent of the sign is devoted to the advertisement of products by brand name or symbol; or
(D) the sale, lease, or construction of the premise.
(43) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 18 or more inches from a building.
(44) PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE means a message that identifies, promotes, or advertises a cultural activity within this district, any event being conducted, in whole or in part, in an entertainment complex or entertainment complex plaza within this district, any special event being conducted in this district, or any other event that will benefit the city. Benefit to the city is established by:
(A) use of city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit;
(B) the receipt of city monies for the activity or event; or
(C) an ordinance or resolution of the city council that recognizes the activity or event as benefiting the city.
(45) PROTECTIVE SIGN means any sign that is commonly associated with safeguarding the permitted uses of the occupancy, including, but not limited to “bad dog,” “no trespassing,” and “no solicitors.”
(46) PUBLIC AREA means any publicly or privately-owned outdoor area that is accessible to the public.
(47) ROOF SIGN means a sign that is attached to or supported by the roof of a building.
(48) SAFE SCHOOL ZONE SIGN means a government sign:
(A) to be placed in the public right-of-way at the direction of a school district;
(B) indicating a safe school hotline number, or an alcohol-free, gun-free, or drug-free zone for a school; and
(C) erected to give notice of these zones in order to aid in the enforcement of state or federal laws involving violation of certain crimes in proximity of a school.
(49) SETBACK means the distance between a sign and the nearest public right-of-way line. An alley is not considered to be public right-of-way for the purpose of calculating a setback. Where a public way crosses a railroad right-of-way, the setback is measured from the public right-of-way line extended across the railroad right-of-way.
(50) SIGN means any device, flag, light, figure, picture, letter, word, message, symbol, plaque, poster, display, design, painting, drawing, billboard, wind device, or other thing visible from outside the premise on which it is located and that is designed, intended, or used to inform or advertise to persons not on that premise. This definition does not include:
(A) searchlights and landscape features that display no words or symbols;
(B) works of art that are not designed, intended, or used to advertise; or
(C) temporary holiday decorations.
(51) SIGN HARDWARE means the structural support system for a sign, including the fastening devices that secure the sign to a building facade or pole.
(52) SIGN SUPPORT means any pole, post, strut, cable, or other structural fixture or framework necessary to hold and secure a sign, providing that the fixture or framework is not imprinted with any picture, symbol, or word using characters in excess of one inch in height, nor is internally or decoratively illuminated.
(53) SPECIAL EVENT means a temporary event or gathering, including a special event parade, using either private or public property, in which the estimated number of participants and spectators exceeds 75 during any day of the event and that involves one or more of the following activities, except when the activity is for construction or housemoving purposes only:
(A) Closing of a public street.
(B) Blocking or restriction of public property.
(C) Sale of merchandise, food, or beverages on public or private property.
(D) Erection of a tent on public or private property.
(E) Installation of a stage, bandshell, trailer, van, portable building, grandstand, or bleachers on public or private property.
(F) Placement of portable toilets on public or private property.
(54) SPECIAL EVENT PARADE means the assembly of three or more persons whose gathering is for the common design of traveling or marching in procession from one location to any other location for the purpose of advertising, promoting, celebrating, or commemorating a thing, person, date, or event that is not directly related to the expression of feelings and beliefs on current political, religious, or social issues.
(55) SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGN means a sign temporarily supplementing the permanent signs on a premise.
(56) TEMPORARY SIGN means a sign erected for a limited time that identifies an event or activity of limited duration. Examples include signs advertising the sale or lease of property, construction activity in progress, or a concert or other cultural event.
(57) THIS DISTRICT means the Victory Sign District.
(58) VEHICULAR SIGN means any sign on a vehicle moving along the ground or on any vehicle parked temporarily, incidental to its principal use for transportation. This definition does not include signs that are being transported to a site of permanent erection.
(60) WELCOME MESSAGE means a message that identifies and greets heads of state; foreign dignitaries; groups using city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit; or government organizations.
(60.1) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed to a window.
(61) WIND DEVICE means any flag, banner, pennant, streamer, or similar device that moves freely in the wind.
(62) WORD: For purposes of this division, each of the following is considered to be one word:
(A) Any word in any language found in any standard unabridged dictionary or dictionary of slang.
(B) Any proper noun or any initial or series of initials.
(C) Any separate character, symbol or abbreviation such as “&”, “$”, “%”, and “Inc.”.
(D) Any telephone number or commonly used combination of numerals and symbols such as “$5.00" or “50%”.
(E) Any internet website, network, or protocol address, domain name, or universal record locator.
(F) Any symbol or logo that is a registered trademark but which itself contains no word or character.
A street number is not considered to be a word. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25047; 25918; 30043)
SEC. 51A-7.1705. APPLICABILITY OF HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION ACTS.
For purposes of applying the Federal and Texas Highway Beautification Acts, this district is considered to be a commercial zoning district. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1706. VICTORY DISTRICT SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In general. Except as provided in this subsection, a person shall not alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city. A sign permit is not required to:
(i) Erect an illuminated projection sign in accordance with Section 51A-7.1727(i).
(ii) change the text on a changeable message sign or a kiosk.
(iii) Erect or replace a banner using the existing sign hardware. A sign permit is required to install sign hardware for a banner.
(b) Sign permit procedures. Except as provided in Subsection (c) below, the procedures for obtaining a sign permit in Division 51A-7.600 apply in this district.
(c) Roof Signs in Subdistrict B and Subarea D-2.
(i) Certificate of appropriateness required. No sign permit may be issued to authorize a roof sign in Subdistrict B unless the commission has first issued a certificate of appropriateness in accordance with this subsection.
(ii) Application for a roof sign. When applying for a roof sign in Subdistrict B or Subarea D-2, the applicant shall submit an application to the building official. After determining that the proposed roof sign conforms with all building, electrical, and mechanical codes and all sign regulations in this ordinance, the building official shall forward a copy of the application to the director within five working days of its receipt. The applicant shall provide the building official and the director with specific information in the form of perspectives, renderings, photographs, models, or other representations sufficient to show the nature of the proposed sign and its effect on the building on which it is located as well as its effect on surrounding premises. Any applicant may request a meeting with the director before submitting an application and may consult with the director during the review of the permit application.
(iii) Review of application by director. The director shall review the application and make a recommendation within 10 days of its receipt. In reviewing an application, he shall first consider whether the applicant has submitted sufficient information to allow an informed decision. If he finds that the proposed roof sign is consistent with the special character of this district, he shall make a recommendation of approval to the commission. The director shall consider the proposed sign in terms of its appropriateness for this district without regard to any consideration of the message conveyed by the sign. After consideration of these factors, the director shall recommend approval or denial of the application and forward that recommendation to the commission.
(iv) City plan commission review. Upon receipt of a recommendation by the director, the commission shall hold a public hearing to consider the application. At least 10 days before the hearing, notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing, the name of the applicant, and the location of the proposed roof sign must be published in the official newspaper of the city. In addition, the building official shall serve, by hand-delivery or mail, a written notice to the applicant that contains a reference to this subsection, and the date, time, and location of the hearing. A notice sent by mail is served by depositing it properly addressed and postage paid in the United States mail. In making its decision, the commission shall consider the same factors that were required to be considered by the director in making his recommendation. If the commission approves the application, it shall forward a certificate of appropriateness to the building official within 15 days of the date of its approval. If the commission denies the application, it shall so inform the building official in writing. The building official shall advise the applicant of the denial within five working days of the date of receipt of the written notice from the commission. If the commission does not deny the application within 60 days of its receipt by the building official, the building official shall issue a certificate of appropriateness to the applicant.
(v) Authority of building official not affected. Nothing in this subsection shall affect or modify the authority of the building official to refuse to grant a sign permit when the proposed roof sign does not conform to the height, effective area, setback, or similar restrictions established by this ordinance or the structural requirements of the construction codes of the city.
(vi) Appeal to council. A decision to deny the certificate may be appealed by the applicant. An appeal is made by filing a written request with the director for review by the city council. An appeal must be made within 10 days after notice is given to the applicant of the commission’s decision. In considering the appeal, the sole issue shall be whether or not the commission erred in making its decision, and in this connection, the city council shall consider the same standards that were required to be considered by the commission. Decisions of the city council are final as to available administrative remedies. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30892; 31410)
SEC. 51A-7.1707. IMITATION OF TRAFFIC AND EMERGENCY SIGNS PROHIBITED.
No person shall cause to be erected or maintained any sign using any combination of forms, words, colors, or lights that imitate standard public traffic regulatory, emergency signs, or signals. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1708. OTHER CODES NOT IN CONFLICT, APPLICABLE.
All signs erected or maintained pursuant to the provisions of this division shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable state laws and with the building code, electrical code, and other applicable ordinances of the city. In the event of conflict between this division and other laws, the most restrictive standard applies. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1709. CREATION OF SITE.
Except for signs located wholly within the public right-of-way, the building official shall not issue a permit for construction, erection, placement, or maintenance of a sign until a site is established in one of the following ways:
(1) A lot is part of a plat which is approved by the city plan commission and filed in the plat records of Dallas County, Texas.
(2) Tracts that are governed by a detached sign unity agreement in accordance with Section 51A-7.1710. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1710. DETACHED SIGN UNITY AGREEMENTS.
(a) The building official may authorize the dissolution of common boundary lines between lots for the limited purpose of allowing those lots to be considered one premise for the erection of detached signs if a written agreement is executed in accordance with this section on a form provided by the city.
(b) The agreement must:
(1) contain legal descriptions of the properties sharing the common boundary line(s);
(2) set forth adequate consideration between the parties;
(3) state that all parties agree that the properties sharing the common boundary line(s) may be collectively treated as one lot for the limited purpose of erecting detached signs;
(4) state that the dissolution of the common boundary line(s) described in the agreement is only for the limited purpose of allowing the erection of detached signs, and that actual lines of property ownership are not affected;
(5) state that it constitutes a covenant running with the land with respect to all properties sharing the common boundary line(s);
(6) state that all parties agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the city of Dallas from and against all claims or liabilities arising out of or in connection with the agreement;
(7) state that it shall be governed by the laws of the state of Texas;
(8) state that it may only be amended or terminated by a subsequent written instrument that is:
(A) signed by an owner of property sharing the common boundary line(s) or by a lienholder, other than a taxing entity, that has either an interest in a property sharing the common boundary line(s) or an improvement on such a property;
(B) approved by the building official;
(C) approved as to form by the city attorney; and
(D) filed and made a part of the deed records of Dallas County, Texas;
(9) be approved by the building official and be approved as to form by the city attorney;
(10) be signed by all owners of the properties sharing the common boundary line(s);
(11) be signed by all lienholders, other than taxing entities, that have either an interest in the properties sharing the common boundary line(s) or an improvement on those properties; and
(12) be filed and made a part of the deed records of Dallas County, Texas.
(c) The building official shall approve an agreement if all properties governed by the agreement fully comply with the regulations in this division.
(d) An agreement shall not be considered effective until a true and correct copy of the approved agreement is filed in the deed records in accordance with this section and two file-marked copies of the agreement are filed with the building official.
(e) An agreement may only be amended or terminated by a written instrument that is executed in accordance with this subsection on a form provided by the city. The instrument must be:
(1) signed by an owner of property sharing the common boundary line(s) or by a lienholder, other than a taxing entity, that has either an interest in a property sharing the common boundary line(s) or an improvement on such a property;
(2) approved by the building official;
(3) approved as to form by the city attorney; and
(4) filed and made a part of the deed records of Dallas County, Texas.
The building official shall approve an instrument amending or terminating an agreement if all properties governed by the agreement fully comply with the regulations in this division. The amending or terminating instrument shall not be considered effective until it is filed in the deed records in accordance with this subsection and two file-marked copies are filed with the building official.
(f) No detached non-premise sign may be erected or maintained on a property that is described in an agreement executed in accordance with this section. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1711. GENERAL MAINTENANCE.
(a) In general. Sign and sign supports must be maintained in a state of good repair and neat appearance at all times.
(b) Revocation of permit.
(1) The building official shall revoke, in writing, the sign permit for a sign if it has for a period of one year:
(A) displayed obsolete advertising matter;
(B) been without advertising matter; or
(C) been damaged in excess of 50 percent of the cost of replacement of the sign.
(2) The owner of the sign is liable to the city for a civil penalty in the amount of $200 a day for each calendar day that the sign is maintained without a required permit. The building official shall give written notice to the property owner of the amount owed to the city in civil penalties, and shall notify the city attorney of any unpaid civil penalty. The city attorney shall collect unpaid civil penalties in a suit on the city’s behalf.
(3) The civil penalty provided for in Paragraph (2) is in addition to any other enforcement remedy the city may have under city ordinances and state law. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1712. GOVERNMENT SIGNS.
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), nothing in this division shall be construed to regulate the display of a government sign.
(b) Safe school zone signs must satisfy the following requirements.
(1) Each sign must be erected within 600 feet of a school.
(2) No sign may exceed five square feet in effective area.
(3) At least 80 percent of the effective area of each sign must be devoted to a governmental message.
(4) Up to 20 percent of the effective area of each sign may be devoted to the identification of a sponsor. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1713. SIGNS OVER THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.
(a) Signs may be located in or project over the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, subject to the licensing and franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the city charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, and the requirements of this section.
(b) The traffic engineer shall review the location of any sign located in or overhanging the public right-of-way to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 28424)
SEC. 51A-7.1714. COMMERCIAL VERSUS NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGES.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this ordinance, any sign that may display a commercial message may also display a noncommercial message, either in place of or in addition to the commercial message, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this ordinance that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this ordinance, any sign that may display one type of noncommercial message may also display any other type of noncommercial message, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this ordinance that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1715. PREMISE VERSUS NON-PREMISE ADVERTISEMENT.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this ordinance, any sign that may display non-premise advertisement may display premise advertisement in place of the non-premise advertisement, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this ordinance that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1716. MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGNS.
In addition to all other signs permitted in this ordinance, movement control signs are permitted subject to the following provisions:
(1) Movement control signs must direct vehicular or pedestrian movement within this district or to the West End Historic District and may include the name or logo of any premise located in this district or the name or logo of the West End Historic District.
(2) Except as provided in this paragraph, no movement control sign may exceed 30 square feet in effective area.
(A) Four movement control signs may have a maximum effective area of 60 square feet.
(B) One movement control sign exceeding 30 square feet in effective area may be located at each of the following intersections:
(i) Victory Avenue and Victory Avenue West;
(ii) Olive Street and Houston Street;
(iii) Continental Avenue and Victory Avenue; and
(iv) Houston Street and Victory Avenue West.
(3) Movement control signs may be attached or detached signs and may be erected on any premise without limit as to number.
(4) Movement control signs may be changeable message signs when the messages are limited to directing vehicular movement, including but not limited to the availability and amount of parking, price of parking, and the name of the parking business. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30043)
SEC. 51A-7.1717. SIGNS IN PUBLIC PLACES.
In addition to all other signs permitted in this ordinance, an unlimited number of signs that only identify the name or logo of this district may be located on or incorporated into manhole covers, street light poles, sidewalks, benches, trash receptacles, and other improvements in public areas. No such sign, however, may exceed one square foot in effective area or contain more than three words. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30043)
SEC. 51A-7.1718. PROTECTIVE SIGNS.
(a) The occupant of a premise may erect not more than two protective signs, in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) No sign may exceed 100 square inches in effective area.
(2) No detached sign may exceed two feet in height.
(3) No letter may exceed four inches in height.
(b) The protective signs authorized in the preceding subsection are in addition to all other signs permitted in this ordinance. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1719. VEHICULAR SIGNS.
(a) In addition to all other signs permitted in this ordinance, vehicular signs are permitted subject to the following restrictions:
(1) No sign may contain flashing or moving elements.
(2) No sign may have an element with a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts.
(3) No sign may project beyond the surface of a vehicle in excess of eight inches.
(4) No sign may be attached to a vehicle so that the driver’s vision is obstructed from any angle.
(5) Signs, lights, and signals used by authorized emergency vehicles are not restricted.
(b) A vehicular sign must comply with all regulations for detached signs if:
(1) it is placed so as to constitute a “sign” as defined in Section 51A-7.1704; and
(2) the vehicle upon which the sign is located is parked on other than a temporary basis.
(c) The owner of the vehicle upon which a vehicular sign is placed is responsible for ensuring that the provisions of this section are adhered to and commits an offense if any vehicular sign on his vehicle violates this section. If such a vehicle is found unattended or unoccupied, the registered owner of the vehicle shall be presumed to be the actual owner. The records of the state highway department or the county highway license department showing the name of the registered owner of the vehicle shall constitute prima facie evidence of actual ownership by the named individual. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1720. STREET CONSTRUCTION ALLEVIATION SIGNS.
(a) Definitions. In this section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) CONSTRUCTION means major activity involving on-site excavation, fabrication, erection, alteration, repair, or demolition that materially alters or restricts access to a premise.
(2) DIRECTOR means the director of transportation and public works of the city or his or her designated representative.
(3) ERECT means erect or maintain.
(4) OPERATOR means a person who causes a use or business to function or puts or keeps a use or business in operation. A person need not have an ownership interest in a use or business to be an “operator” of the use or business for purposes of this section.
(5) OWNER includes any part owner, joint owner, tenant in common, tenant in partnership, joint tenant, tenant by the entirety, or lessee.
(6) SIGN means a sign authorized to be erected or maintained under this section.
(7) STREET means a street more than 85 feet in width, including frontage roads, if applicable. “Frontage Road” means a frontage, access, or service road for a freeway or tollway.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the city in order to lessen the congestion in the streets; to improve communications efficiency by allowing businesses to identify themselves and by helping customers to locate these businesses; to promote the safety of persons and property by reducing the confusion created by street construction; and to preserve landscape quality by imposing uniform standards. This section is not intended to apply to temporary minor repairs to streets.
(c) Authority to erect. In addition to any other signs permitted in this ordinance, up to two detached premise signs may be erected on a premise if:
(1) the premise contains at least one main use other than a single family or duplex use;
(2) the premise has frontage along that portion of a street under construction as defined in Subsection (a); and
(3) the director has given written notice in accordance with Subsection (d).
(d) Notice required to be given by the director. Whenever the director determines that construction of a street, as defined in this section, is imminent, the director shall serve a written notice for the purpose of authorizing the erection of signs in accordance with this section. The written notice may be hand-delivered, sent by mail, or published in the official newspaper of the city. In order to validly authorize a sign under this section, the notice must:
(1) contain a reference to or copy of this section;
(2) describe with specificity the portion of the street that is or will be under construction;
(3) contain estimated commencement and completion dates for the construction; and
(4) contain a statement that no sign may be erected or maintained on a premise:
(A) more than five days before the estimated construction commencement date stated in the notice; or
(B) more than five days after the estimated construction completion date stated in the notice.
(e) Time period when sign authorized. This section only authorizes signs to be placed on property adjacent to that portion of a street described in the notice given pursuant to Subsection (d) during the time period beginning five days before the estimated construction commencement date stated in the notice and ending five days after the estimated construction completion date stated in the notice. No sign may be erected or maintained on a premise:
(1) more than five days before the estimated construction commencement date stated in the notice; or
(2) more than five days after the estimated construction completion date stated in the notice.
The director may change the time period for erecting and maintaining signs under this section at any time by giving a new notice in accordance with Subsection (d).
(f) Physical requirements for sign. All signs must comply with the following paragraphs:
(1) No more than two signs may be erected on a premise. No more than one sign may be erected at any motor vehicle entrance to a premise.
(2) No setback is required for a sign; however, no sign may be located in a public right-of-way. If a sign is placed in a visibility triangle as defined in Section 51A-4.602(d), it shall be a defense to prosecution under that section that the sign does not constitute a traffic hazard.
(3) The sign must be visible from and oriented towards the street under construction and have an arrow that directs motorists to a motor vehicle entrance to the premise.
(4) The sign must be a square, with dimensions of four feet by four feet. It must have a three-inch border of white reflective sheeting or paint and a reflective blue background. The text of the sign must consist of reflective white characters. (Note: It is intended that the requirements of this paragraph be strictly and precisely complied with.)
(5) No sign may exceed eight feet in height.
(6) No sign may be a portable sign unless the director determines that the sign does not constitute a safety hazard.
(g) Criminal responsibility. If a sign violates this section and is not otherwise authorized under the Dallas City Code, a person is criminally responsible for a sign unlawfully erected or maintained if the person:
(1) erects or maintains the sign;
(2) is an owner or operator of a use or business to which the sign refers; or
(3) owns part or all of the land on which the sign is located.
(h) City may remove signs. The City of Dallas may remove any sign without liability if the director determines that the sign constitutes a safety hazard, or if the sign does not comply with this section; however, the city shall not be liable for failure to remove a sign. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25047; 25918; 30239
; 30654
; 32864
)
SEC. 51A-7.1721. ATTACHED SIGNS ON MACHINERY OR EQUIPMENT.
Words may be attached to machinery or equipment which is necessary or customary to a business, including but not limited to devices such as gasoline pumps, vending machines, ice machines, etc., provided that the words so attached refer exclusively to products or services dispensed by the device, consist of characters no more than four inches in height, and project no more than one inch from the surface of the device. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1722. DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGNS.
(a) District identification signs may only identify the name or logo of this district.
(b) No sign may exceed three words or be a changeable message sign.
(c) These signs are in addition to all other signs permitted on a premise and are subject to the following regulations:
(1) In Subdistrict A, district identification signs are not permitted in addition to the other signs authorized on a premise. Any sign in Subdistrict A that identifies the name or logo of this district must meet the regulations for attached or detached signs in Subdistrict A, and the sign will be included in the calculation of the number of permitted signs on a premise.
(2) In Subdistricts B and D, district identification signs must be flat attached signs, monument signs, banners attached to pole supports, or enhanced banner signs.
(A) Attached and detached signs.
(i) In Subdistrict B, a maximum of three flat attached signs or monument signs are permitted.
(ii) In Subdistrict D, a maximum of two monument signs are permitted.
(iii) The maximum effective area for a flat attached sign is 900 square feet.
(iv) The maximum effective area for a monument sign is 150 square feet and the sign may not exceed 10 feet in height.
(B) Banners attached to pole supports. No maximum number of banners attached to pole supports. The following additional restrictions apply:
(i) Banners and hardware must meet the sign construction and design standards contained in the Dallas Building Code and be constructed of weather-resistant and rust-proof material.
(ii) Maximum height, including masts and finials, is 36 feet.
(iii) Banners must be between 12 feet and 30 feet above grade, excluding masts and finials.
(iv) Maximum projection for banners is three feet from the pole on which it is mounted.
(v) Maximum effective area for individual banners is 50 square feet.
(C) Enhanced banner signs.
(i) In addition to the banners and elements allowed in Subparagraph B, enhanced banner signs may have one each of the following elements located between 12 feet and 30 feet above grade:
(aa) A vertically oriented illuminated blade cabinet that contains the logo or name of the district with a maximum effective area of 40 square feet with a maximum projection of three feet from the pole on which it is mounted.
(bb) A horizontal element that contains the logo or name of the district with a maximum effective area of 10 square feet and a maximum projection of six feet from the pole on which it is mounted.
(ii) A maximum of one enhanced banner sign is allowed per blockface. Enhanced banner signs are limited to the following locations:
(aa) The southwest corner of Houston Street and Olive Street;
(bb) The southwest corner of Victory Park Lane and Olive Street;
(cc) The southwest corner of Houston Street and Museum Way;
(dd) The northeast corner of Victory Park Lane and High Market Street;
(ee) The northeast corner of Houston Street and High Market Street;
(ff) The northwest corner of Victory Park Lane and High Market Street;
(gg) The northwest corner of Houston Street and Lamar Street;
(hh) The southeast corner of Victory Avenue and Olive Street; and
(ii) The southeast corner of Victory Avenue and High Market Street.
(3) In Subdistrict C, the only district identification signs permitted are one monument sign and banners attached to pole supports. If the sign is a monument sign, the sign may not exceed 10 feet in height or have an effective area greater than 150 square feet. If the sign is a banner, the banner and its hardware must:
(A) meet the sign construction and design standards contained in the Dallas Building Code;
(B) be at least 12 feet but no more than 25 feet above grade;
(C) not project more than three feet from the pole on which it is mounted;
(D) not exceed 50 square feet in effective area; and
(E) be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30043)
SEC. 51A-7.1723. DETACHED SIGNS IN ACCESS EASEMENTS.
(a) No more than 10 permanent, non-premise detached signs may be located in access easements in this district.
(b) No permanent sign in an access easement may exceed five words or be a changeable message sign.
(c) These signs may only identify district activities. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1724. STREAMERS, PENNANTS, AND INFLATABLE SIGNS PROHIBITED.
Streamers, pennants, and inflatable signs, including, but not limited to, balloons, are prohibited in this district. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1725. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
Unless otherwise stated, the following general rules apply to all signs in this district.
(1) All signs must comply with Divisions 51A-7.500, 51A-7.600, 51A-7.800, and 51A-7.1700. No other division of Article VII applies to a sign in this district.
(2) There are no setback requirements for a sign in this district.
(3) All signs in this district must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(4) No sign may be painted onto the roof of a building, and no flat attached sign is permitted on the roof of a building.
(5) No illuminated sign that has an effective area of 400 square feet or less may have a luminance greater than 300 footlamberts, nor may any such sign have a luminance greater than 300 footlamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle two feet in diameter. No illuminated sign which has an effective area greater than 400 square feet may have a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts, nor may any such sign have a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle of two feet in diameter. The measurements of luminance are taken from any other premise or from any public right-of-way other than an alley. This subsection does not apply to signs authorized by Subsections 51A-7.1727(c), (d) or (i).
(6) No illuminated sign, nor any illuminated element of any sign, may turn on or off, or change its brightness, if:
(A) the change of illumination produces an apparent motion of the visual image, including but not limited to illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, expanding or contracting shapes, rotation or any similar effect of animation;
(B) the change of message or picture occurs more often than once each three seconds for those portions of a sign which convey time or temperature, or once each 20 seconds for all other portions of a sign; or
(C) a portion of the sign, within a circle of two feet in diameter, has a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts when all elements of the sign are fully and steadily illuminated.
This subsection does not apply to signs authorized by Subsections 51A-7.1727(c), (d) or (i).
(7) No sign or any part of any sign may move or rotate at a rate more often than once each 10 seconds, or change its message at a rate more often than once each 20 seconds, with the exception of wind devices, the motion of which is not restricted. This subsection does not apply to signs authorized by Subsections 51A-7.1727(c), (d) or (i) , unless the sign is visible from the main traveled way of an expressway.
(8) No sign may move, rotate, or change its message at any rate if any of its elements or any illuminated portion within a two-foot circle has a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts. This subsection does not apply to signs authorized by Subsections 51A-7.1727(c), (d) or (i).
(9) Attached premise signs are allowed a 10 percent increase in effective area if 51 percent or more of the characters incorporate neon lighting. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30043)
SEC. 51A-7.1726. SIGN REGULATIONS FOR SUBDISTRICT A (THE ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX SUBDISTRICT).
(a) Movement and illumination provisions for all signs.
(1) Signs visible from the main traveled way of an expressway. For signs containing a message that is visible from the main traveled way of an expressway, the regulations of Section 51A-7.1725 apply.
(2) All other signs. For all other signs, the regulations of Section 51A-7.1725 apply except for the provisions of Section 51A-7.1725 (6), (7), and (8).
(3) Luminance.
(A) For purposes of applying Section 51A-7.1725 (5), (6), and (8), the measurements of luminance are taken from any premise or public right-of-way, other than an alley, outside this district.
(B) Luminance limitations related to measurements taken within a circle of two feet in diameter under Section 51A-7.1725 (5), (6), and (8) do not apply in this subdistrict.
(4) Changeable message sign greater than 1,000 square feet facing an entertainment complex plaza. The provisions of Section 51A-7.1725 (5), (6), (7), and (8) do not apply to a changeable message sign greater than 1,000 square feet in effective area located on the facade of a building facing the entertainment complex plaza.
(b) Permanent attached signs. The only permanent attached signs permitted in this subdistrict are signs provided for in this subsection.
(1) Number of permitted signs.
(A) There is no limitation on the number of premise and non-premise attached signs that may be placed on a facade of a building.
(B) Except as otherwise provided, there is no limitation on the number of changeable message signs 1,000 square feet in effective area and less, including marquee signs, that may be placed on a facade of a building. The facade of a building that has a changeable message sign greater than 1,000 square feet in effective area may not have additional changeable message signs greater than 100 square feet in effective area on the same facade.
(C) No more than 13 roof signs are permitted in this subdistrict.
(2) Number of words or characters.
(A) Except for roof signs, there is no limit as to the number of words or characters that may be placed on an attached sign.
(B) The painted roof sign permitted on an entertainment complex may contain 10 words. For all other roof signs, no more than three characters or symbols are permitted for each sign.
(3) Premise and non-premise signs.
(A) All roof signs in this subdistrict must be premise signs.
(B) All other signs in this subdistrict may be premise or non-premise signs.
(4) Effective area limitations for certain attached signs.
(A) The maximum effective area of a changeable message sign is 1,000 square feet, except:
(i) A marquee sign.
(ii) One changeable message sign with a maximum effective area of 1,500 square feet on the facade of a building facing the entertainment complex plaza.
(B) The maximum effective area of a marquee sign is 250 square feet.
(C) The maximum effective area of an awning or canopy sign is 150 square feet.
(D) The maximum effective area of the painted roof sign on an entertainment complex is 8,500 square feet. For purposes of calculating the maximum effective area of this painted roof sign, the building official shall draw a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines around all extremities of the sign. The area within the minimum imaginary rectangle is the effective area of the roof sign.
(E) With the exception of the one painted roof sign permitted on an entertainment complex, there is no maximum effective area for a roof sign.
(F) The maximum effective area for all other projecting attached signs is 20 square feet.
(5) Cumulative effective area limitations for all attached signs. The cumulative effective area of permanent non-premise attached signs on a building facade may not exceed 10 percent of the total area of the facade on which the signs are located. The cumulative effective area of all permanent attached signs on the facade may not exceed 30 percent of the total area of the facade.
(6) Spacing of attached non-premise signs. HBA signs on a facade must be spaced a minimum of 50 feet from all HBA signs on another facade. There are no spacing requirements for HBA signs on the same facade.
(7) Signs overhanging or projecting into the public right-of-way.
(A) Attached signs overhanging the public right-of-way are permitted as long as each sign is a minimum of 10 feet above the sidewalk grade.
(B) No portion of a marquee sign may:
(i) project more than eight feet into the public right-of-way; or
(ii) be located less than two feet from the back of a street curb.
(C) For all other projecting attached signs, no portion of the signs may:
(i) project more than four feet into the public right-of-way; or
(ii) be located less than two feet from the back of the street curb.
(8) Roof signs.
(A) No roof sign may project above the surface to which it is attached by more than 25 feet.
(B) One flat attached roof sign is permitted on an entertainment complex if it is: (1) painted directly on the roof of the entertainment complex, and (2) not visible within 400 feet of the boundary of Subdistrict A. The sign is deemed visible if any portion of that sign can be seen at a point five feet above grade.
(C) All other roof signs in this subdistrict must be mounted parallel to the building facade.
(D) No roof sign may be a changeable message sign.
(9) Parapet signs. Parapet signs are prohibited in this subdistrict.
(10) No limitation on projecting attached signs. Projecting attached signs are permitted on premises with detached signs.
(11) District activities and non-premise signs. A minimum of 30 percent of the effective area of an attached non-premise sign must identify district activities.
(12) Signs projecting over the roof line. Except for a roof sign, no attached sign may project over a building.
(13) Location limitation on projecting attached signs. Except for a roof sign, no portion of a projecting attached sign may be located at a point on the facade above 66 feet in height.
(c) Permanent detached signs.
(1) The only permanent detached signs permitted in this subdistrict are movement control and vent stack signs.
(2) A detached sign may only be located on a vent stack if:
(A) the sign face does not exceed 15 feet in height; and
(B) the sign does not exceed 100 square feet in effective area.
(3) Only one sign may be located on a vent stack, and no more than 16 vent stack signs are permitted in this subdistrict.
(4) Signs located on vent stacks may be non-premise signs. Twelve of the 16 permitted signs may only identify district activities.
(d) Temporary signs. The only temporary signs permitted in this subdistrict are special purpose signs, temporary protective signs, temporary signs on construction fencing, and “for sale,” “for lease,” “remodeling,” and “under construction” signs. These temporary signs are in addition to all other signs permitted in this ordinance.
(e) Special purpose signs.
(1) Illumination. Special purpose signs may be externally illuminated, and, except for banners, may be internally illuminated or “back-lighted.”
(2) Premise special purpose signs.
(A) Attached premise special purpose signs.
(i) Entertainment complex. On an entertainment complex, there is no limit on the number or size of attached premise special purpose signs. No sign may be maintained for more than 45 days in any given twelve-month period.
(ii) All other uses. An occupancy may have one attached premise special purpose sign up to four times within any twelve-month period as long as the sign:
(aa) is displayed for no more than 45 days each time during the twelve-month period; and
(bb) has no more than 10 words that contain any character equal to or exceeding four inches in height.
(B) Detached premise special purpose signs. No detached premise special purpose sign is permitted in this subdistrict.
(3) Non-premise special purpose signs.
(A) In general. Non-premise special purpose signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(i) Except as provided in Subparagraph (A)(ii) below, non-premise special purpose signs may only display promotional and welcome messages.
(ii) Up to 10 percent of the effective area of a non-premise special purpose sign may contain commercial advertisement. The name of the event or activity identified in a promotional message is not considered commercial advertisement even if the event or activity is named after the sponsor.
(iii) A non-premise special purpose sign may not be erected more than 30 days before the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 10 days after the activity or event has ended.
(iv) The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(B) Attached non-premise special purpose signs.
(i) Entertainment complex. The only attached non-premise special purpose signs permitted on an entertainment complex are banners. Banners may be displayed anywhere on the entertainment complex without limit on their number or size.
(ii) All other uses. For all other uses, attached non-premise special purpose signs are prohibited.
(C) Detached non-premise special purpose signs. No detached non-premise special purpose sign is permitted in this subdistrict.
(f) Other temporary signs.
(1) Temporary protective signs. In addition to the other protective signs permitted under Section 51A-7.1718, temporary protective signs may be erected anywhere on a construction site at anytime during construction. There is no limit on the number of these signs, but no sign may exceed 20 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height. Temporary protective signs may be illuminated, but no lighting source may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the sign. All temporary protective signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(2) Temporary signs on construction fencing. Temporary signs may be erected on construction fencing subject to the following provisions:
(A) The signs must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(B) No sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height.
(C) No sign may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the fence.
(D) The signs may be illuminated.
(E) The signs may only identify the project under construction and its owners, developers, future tenants, lenders, architects, engineers, project consultants, and contractors.
(F) The signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(3) “For Sale,” “For Lease,” “Remodeling,” and “Under Construction” signs. Signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located are permitted. There is no limit to the number of attached signs permitted. Detached signs are limited to one for each 100 feet of frontage on a public street or private access easement. If attached to a window, the maximum effective area of the sign is 16 square feet; if attached to other portions of a facade, the maximum effective area is 32 square feet. No detached sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or 16 feet in height. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 26552)
SEC. 51A-7.1727. SIGN REGULATIONS FOR SUBDISTRICT B (RETAIL AND ENTERTAINMENT SUBDISTRICT).
(a) Movement and illumination provisions for all signs.
(1) Signs visible from the main traveled way of an expressway. For signs containing a message that is visible from the main traveled way of an expressway, the regulations of Section 51A-7.1725 apply.
(2) All other signs. For all other signs, the regulations of Section 51A-7.1725 apply except for the provisions of Section 51A-7.1725 (6), (7), and (8). The provisions of Subsections 51A-7.1725(5), (6), (7), and (8) do not apply to the signs authorized by Subsections 51A-7.1727(c), (d), and (i).
(3) Luminance.
(A) For purposes of applying Section 51A-7.1725(5), (6), and (8), the measurements of luminance are taken from any premise or public right-of-way, other than an alley, outside this district. The measurement of luminance taken within a circle of two feet in diameter under Section 51A-7.1725(5), (6), and (8) does not apply in this subdistrict.
(B) The luminance limitations Section 51A-7.1725(5), (6), and (8) do not apply to signs authorized by Subsections 51A-7.1727(c), (d) or (i).
(b) Permanent attached signs. The only permanent attached signs permitted in this subdistrict are signs provided for in this subsection and Subsections (c) and (d). The restrictions on signs in this subsection do not apply to the signs authorized in Subsections (c) and (d) below.
(1) Number of permitted signs.
(A) Each premise or non-residential occupancy is allowed:
(i) one projecting attached sign per facade;
(ii) one marquee sign, canopy sign, or an awning sign per facade; and
(iii) one additional attached sign per facade. The one additional attached sign may not be a changeable message sign.
(B) Except as provided in this subparagraph, in addition to the three signs permitted in Subparagraph (A), each premise is entitled to two changeable message signs, other than marquee signs. A theater may have a maximum of one changeable message premise sign for each theater screen other than marquee signs.
(C) Four flat attached non-premise signs are permitted in this subdistrict. These signs are not in addition to the number of signs permitted on a premise. Only one non-premise sign is permitted on a facade. A maximum of two of the four attached non-premise signs may be changeable message signs.
(D) No more than two roof signs are permitted in this subdistrict. Only one roof sign is permitted per building.
(E) In no event may the total number of signs on a premise or nonresidential occupancy exceed the number of signs permitted under Subparagraphs (A) and (B).
(F) Window signs are limited to premise signs and do not count against the maximum number of permanent attached signs. Window signs are limited to the first and second floor of a building and may not cover more than 25 percent of any window.
(2) Number of words or characters.
(A) Except for marquee and changeable message signs, no person may erect a sign that contains more than 10 words consisting of any characters of a height equal to or exceeding four inches on any building facade. Words consisting of characters less than four inches in height may be used without limit.
(B) There is no limit as to the number of words containing characters of a height equal to or exceeding four inches on a marquee or other changeable message sign.
(3) Premise and non-premise signs. Except for the four attached non-premise signs permitted in Subsection (b)(1), all attached permanent signs in this subdistrict must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(4) Effective area limitations for certain attached signs.
(A) With the exception of a marquee sign, the maximum effective area of a changeable message sign is 1,000 square feet.
(B) The maximum effective area of a marquee sign is 250 square feet.
(C) The maximum effective area of an awning or canopy sign is 150 square feet.
(D) There is no maximum effective area for a parapet sign.
(E) The maximum effective area for a roof sign is 800 square feet.
(F) The maximum effective area for all other projecting attached signs is 250 square feet.
(5) Effective area limitation for non-premise attached signs. Except as further restricted in Subsection (b)(4)(A), the effective area of a permanent non-premise attached sign on a building facade may not exceed 50 percent of the area of the portion of the facade below 66 feet in height.
(6) Cumulative effective area limitations for all attached signs. The cumulative effective area of all permanent attached signs on a building facade may not exceed 50 percent of the total area of the facade.
(7) Spacing of attached non-premise signs. HBA signs must be spaced at least 250 feet apart.
(8) Signs overhanging or projecting into the public right-of-way.
(A) Attached signs overhanging the public right-of-way are permitted as long as each sign is a minimum of 10 feet above the sidewalk grade.
(B) No portion of a marquee sign may be located less than 2.5 feet from the back of a street curb.
(C) For all other projecting attached signs, no portion of the signs may:
(i) project more than eight feet into the public right-of way; or
(ii) be located less than two feet from the back of the street curb.
(9) Parapet signs. Parapet signs are permitted as follows:
(A) Except as provided in Subparagraph (B), no parapet sign may project more than four feet above the edge of the roof, regardless of whether the sign is erected on a parapet wall or the roofs edge.
(B) Six parapet signs in this district may project up to 10 feet above the edge of the roof if no parts of the signs are located at a height above 100 feet, measured from the grade of the buildings on which the signs are attached.
(10) Roof signs. Roof signs are permitted as follows:
(A) No part of a roof sign may be located at a height above 100 feet, measured from the grade of the building on which the sign is attached.
(B) The sign support for a roof sign must consist of open, exposed metal framing. The metal must be painted or coated, or be composed of a material that will not rust or corrode.
(C) A roof sign must be erected on the main roof of the building.
(D) No roof sign may project above the roof more than one-third of the building height.
(E) A roof sign must be mounted parallel to the nearest facade of the building.
(F) No roof sign may be a changeable message sign.
(11) No limitation on projecting attached signs. Projecting attached signs are permitted on premises with detached signs.
(12) Location limitation on non-premise signs. No portion of a non-premise sign may be located at a point on the facade above 66 feet in height.
(13) District activities and non-premise signs. A minimum of 30 percent of the effective area of an attached non-premise sign must identify district activities.
(14) Signs projecting over the roof line. A projecting, attached sign, other than a roof or parapet sign, may project up to a maximum of 10 feet above a building. No changeable message or attached non-premise sign may project above a building.
(15) Location limitation on projecting attached signs. Except for a roof or parapet sign, no portion of a projecting attached sign may be located at a point on the facade above 66 feet in height.
(16) Location limitation on changeable message signs. No portion of a changeable message sign may be located at a point on the facade above 66 feet in height.
(c) Additional signs in Subarea B-1.
(1) In general. The non-premise signs described in this subsection are permitted in Subarea B- 1 subject to the following restrictions.
(A) The signs may not be HBA signs.
(B) The signs are permitted on premises with detached signs.
(C) The signs are in addition to all other signs permitted on a premise.
(2) Icon Tower Signs. A maximum of three projecting attached changeable message signs are permitted on an architectural element (such as a tower) that is part of a building adjacent to the western edge of an entertainment complex plaza, subject to the following restrictions:
(A) The signs may not be HBA signs.
(B) Each sign may not exceed 1,200 square feet in effective area.
(C) The signs may not be located more than 150 feet above the base of the building to which the architectural element is attached.
(D) The signs may not project above the architectural element to which they are attached.
(E) The signs may project outward from the architectural element to which they are attached.
(F) All of the signs must be located on the same architectural element.
(3) Icon tower static signs. A maximum of five projecting attached signs are permitted on an architectural element (such as a tower) that is part of a building adjacent to the western edge of an entertainment complex plaza, subject to the following restrictions:
(A) The signs may not be HBA signs.
(B) Each sign may not exceed 144 square feet in effective area.
(C) The signs may not be located more than 170 feet above the base of the building to which the architectural element is attached.
(D) The signs may project above the architectural element to which they are attached.
(E) The signs may project outward from the architectural element to which they are attached.
(F) All of the signs must be located on the same architectural element.
(G) The signs are subject to the limitations on the number of words or characters in Subsection (b)(2) above.
(4) Media Wall Signs. A maximum of eight projecting attached changeable message signs are permitted on a facade facing an entertainment complex plaza, subject to the following restrictions:
(A) The signs may not be HBA signs.
(B) Each sign may not exceed 967 square feet in effective area.
(C) The signs may move along the structural framing to which they are attached and converge to form one or more screens that exceed 967 square feet in effective area.
(D) The signs may not be located more than 85 feet above the base of the building to which the signs are attached.
(E) The signs may project outward from the structural framing or building to which they are attached.
(F) The signs may not project above the building to which they are attached.
(G) No facade may have more than five media wall signs.
(H) The signs may be attached to the exterior structural framing of the building or the building itself.
(5) Portal Sign. One projecting attached changeable message sign is permitted on a building adjacent to the eastern edge of an entertainment complex plaza, subject to the following restrictions:
(A) The sign may not be an HBA sign.
(B) The sign may not exceed 2,135 square feet in effective area.
(C) The sign may not be located more than 85 feet above the base of the building to which the sign is attached.
(D) The sign must be oriented to the south, southeast, or east.
(E) The sign may be attached to one or more facades, so that it wraps around the building.
(F) The sign may be attached to the exterior structural framing of the building or the building itself.
(G) The sign may project outward from the structural framing or building to which it is attached.
(H) The sign may not project above the building to which it is attached.
(6) Ticker sign. Two projecting attached changeable message signs are permitted on an architectural element that is part of a building adjacent to the eastern or western edge of an entertainment complex plaza, subject to the following restrictions:
(A) The sign may not be an HBA sign.
(B) The sign may not exceed 1,000 square feet in effective area.
(C) The sign may not be located more than 40 feet above the base of the building to which the architectural element is attached.
(D) Except as provided in Subparagraph (E), the sign may be attached to a maximum of two facades, so that it wraps around the building.
(E) The sign must be primarily oriented towards either the entertainment complex plaza or Olive Street.
(F) The sign may not project above the building to which the architectural element is attached.
(G) The sign may project outward from the architectural element to which it is attached.
(7) Entertainment complex plaza accent lighting. Facades facing the entertainment complex plaza may have building accent lighting consisting of LED or similar technology that changes colors or brightness. All messages are limited to images, symbols, logos, or words that are associated with district activities.
(d) Additional signs in Subareas B-2 and B-3:
(1) Hotel spectacular sign. One non-premise flat attached changeable message sign is permitted on an architectural element that is part of a building in Subarea B-2, subject to the following restrictions:
(A) The sign may not be an HBA sign.
(B) The sign is permitted on a premise with detached signs.
(C) The sign is in addition to all other signs permitted on a premise.
(D) The sign may not exceed 1,680 square feet in effective area.
(E) The sign may not be located more than 170 feet above the base of the building to which the architectural element is attached.
(F) The sign may not project above the building to which it is attached.
(G) The sign may project outward from the building or architectural element to which it is attached.
(H) The sign must be oriented to the north, northwest, or west.
(I) The sign may be attached to one or more facades, so that it wraps around the building.
(J) If a portion of the sign is static, the static portion is subject to the restrictions on the number of words or characters in Subsection (b)(2) above.
(2) Parking structure screening signs. Attached signs are permitted on parking structures in Subarea B-3, subject to the following restrictions:
(A) Visual display and coverage.
(i) The maximum effective area of text may not exceed 20 percent. The effective area of text is the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word.
(ii) Multiple displays giving an appearance of multiple signs are prohibited.
(iii) A parking structure screening sign must be at least 10 feet above adjacent average grade.
(iv) A parking structure screening sign may be internally or externally illuminated. If internally illuminated, a parking structure screening sign may consist of translucent materials, but not transparent materials. Illumination must be turned off between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
(v) Minimum permitted effective area of a parking structure screening sign is 750 square feet.
(B) Location and construction.
(i) The sign may not be an HBA sign.
(ii) A parking structure screening sign may only be located on a blank wall face or on the facade of a parking structure facing north, west, or south.
(iii) The parking structure must comply with the Dallas Building Code parking structure ventilation requirements.
(iv) No parking structure screening sign may cover any window or architectural or design feature of the building to which it is attached.
(v) A parking structure screening sign may wrap around the edge of a building if both building facades to which the parking structure screening sign is attached are eligible facades and the parking structure screening sign is one continuous image.
(e) Permanent detached signs. The only permanent detached signs permitted in this subdistrict are signs provided for in this subsection.
(1) Kiosks. Kiosks are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(A) No more than 20 kiosks are permitted in this district.
(B) Kiosks within the same block face and within 20 feet of the right-of-way line of a public street must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(C) No kiosk may be illuminated by a detached independent external light source.
(D) Kiosks may not be located on sidewalks unless a minimum unobstructed sidewalk width of 10 feet is maintained. If, however, a greater unobstructed sidewalk is required in the ordinance establishing Planned Development District No. 582, then that greater unobstructed sidewalk width requirement must be maintained.
(E) Kiosks must be securely anchored to the ground.
(F) No kiosk may exceed ten feet in height, measured from the ground at the base of the kiosk, or 100 square feet in effective area.
(G) Kiosks may display premise or non-premise signs. If the sign displayed is a non-premise non-changeable message sign or a non-premise non-digital changeable message sign, 30 percent of the effective area of the sign must identify a district activity. If the sign displayed is a non-premise digital changeable message sign, the sign must identify a district activity 30 percent of the time measured on a 24- hour basis.
(2) Monument signs. Each premise fronting on a public street or private access easement may have one monument sign. Premises that have more than 250 feet of frontage along a public street or private access easement, other than an alley, may have not more than one additional monument sign for each additional 250 feet of frontage or fraction thereof. No monument sign may exceed 250 square feet in effective area or 10 feet in height.
(3) Water tower sign. One non-premise sign is permitted on a water tower in this subdistrict subject to the following regulations:
(A) The sign is limited to two words.
(B) The sign may only identify the name or logo of this district.
(C) The sign may not exceed 110 feet in height.
(D) The sign must be painted on the water tower.
(4) All other detached signs. The following additional detached signs are permitted:
(A) Non-premise detached signs may be located in private access easements. No such sign may exceed 30 feet in height or have a sign face that exceeds six feet in height. Each such sign must have a minimum clearance of 14 feet above the ground. Signs permitted under this subparagraph must be spaced at least 250 feet apart.
(B) The owner or operator of a surface parking lot may erect one non-premise detached sign for each vehicular entrance to the parking lot, and one additional non-premise detached sign for each 40,000 square feet of parking surface. Signs permitted under this subparagraph:
(i) may not exceed 30 square feet in effective area or 20 feet in height;
(ii) must be spaced at least 100 feet apart; and
(iii) must be located at least five feet from the lot line or public right-of-way line, whichever creates the greater setback.
A minimum of 30 percent of the effective area of each sign must identify a district activity.
(C) Two additional non-premise detached signs are permitted in this subdistrict subject to the following provisions:
(i) No sign may exceed 66 feet in height, measured from the ground at the base of the sign.
(ii) No sign may exceed 1,500 square feet in effective area.
(iii) The signs must be spaced 400 feet from each other and if the sign is an HBA sign, it must be spaced 100 feet from any detached HBA sign.
(iv) No sign may be nearer than five feet to the lot line or public right-of-way line, whichever creates the greater setback.
(v) No sign may exceed one foot in width for every three feet in height, measured from the ground at the base of the sign.
(vi) The signs must consist of individual panels. Messages may only be displayed on the individual panels. Each panel must be separated from the others by at least one foot of air space, and, except as otherwise provided, no single panel may have an effective area that exceeds 250 square feet. One panel of a sign may have an effective area of up to 500 square feet if: (aa) the panel is an electronic changeable message panel, and (bb) the message displayed on the panel only identifies district activities.
(vii) A minimum of 50 percent of the cumulative effective area of each sign must identify district activities.
(D) One additional non-premise detached sign is permitted in this subdistrict subject to the following provisions:
(i) The sign may not exceed 30 feet in height, measured from the ground at the base of the sign.
(ii) The sign may not exceed 600 square feet in effective area.
(iii) If the sign is an HBA sign, the sign must be spaced at least 200 feet from any other detached HBA sign.
(iv) The sign may not be nearer than five feet to the lot line or public right-of-way line, whichever creates the greater setback.
(v) The sign must be located on the same premise as an entertainment complex use.
(vi) A minimum of 70 percent of the sign’s effective area must identify district activities.
(5) Vent stack signs prohibited. Except as provided in this paragraph, no sign may be located on a vent stack. In Subarea B-2, a vent stack may be used as a monument sign or monument district identification sign.
(f) Temporary signs. The only temporary signs permitted in this subdistrict are special purpose signs, temporary protective signs, temporary signs on construction fencing, and “for sale,” “for lease,” “remodeling,” and “under construction” signs. These temporary signs are in addition to all other signs permitted in this ordinance.
(g) Special purpose signs.
(1) Illumination. Special purpose signs may be externally illuminated, and, except for banners, may be internally illuminated or “back-lighted.”
(2) Premise special purpose signs.
(A) Attached premise special purpose signs.
(i) In general. An occupancy may have one attached premise special purpose sign up to four times within any twelve-month period as long as the sign:
(aa) is displayed for no more than 45 days each time during the twelve-month period; and
(bb) has no more than 10 words that contain any character equal to or exceeding four inches in height.
(ii) Entertainment complex plaza. There is no limit on the number of attached premise special purpose signs that may be erected on the facade of a building facing and adjacent to an entertainment complex plaza. No attached premise special purpose sign may be maintained for more than 45 days in any given twelve-month period.
(B) Detached premise special purpose signs.
(i) An occupancy may have a detached premise special purpose sign no more than three times each calendar year for no more than 38 consecutive days each time. No detached premise special purpose sign may be erected at an occupancy during the 30-day period immediately following the removal of a detached premise special purpose sign from that occupancy.
(ii) Detached premise special purpose signs must:
(aa) be located at least 100 feet apart;
(bb) not exceed eight feet in height; and
(cc) not exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(iii) No more than one detached premise special purpose sign may be erected on each street or private access easement that the premise fronts on.
(4) Non-premise special purpose signs.
(A) In general. Non-premise special purpose signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(i) Except as provided in Subparagraph (A)(ii) below, non-premise special purpose signs may only display promotional and welcome messages.
(ii) Up to 10 percent of the effective area of a non-premise special purpose sign may contain commercial advertisement. The name of the event or activity identified in a promotional message is not considered commercial advertisement even if the event or activity is named after the sponsor.
(iii) A non-premise special purpose sign may not be erected more than 30 days before the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 10 days after the activity or event has ended.
(iv) The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(B) Attached non-premise special purpose signs.
(i) The only attached non-premise special purpose signs permitted in this subdistrict are banners.
(ii) Banners may be displayed on the facade of a building that is adjacent to an entertainment complex plaza, except that no portion of a banner may be located on the facade at a point above 66 feet in height. There is no limit on the number or size of these banners.
(iii) Banners may also be displayed on the facades of buildings that are not adjacent to an entertainment complex plaza, except that no portion of a banner may be located on the facade at a point above 36 feet in height. No banner may exceed 200 square feet in effective area, and all banners must be spaced at least 100 feet apart.
(C) Detached non-premise special purpose signs. The only detached non-premise special purpose signs permitted in this subdistrict are as follows:
(i) Banners on street light poles. Banners are permitted on street light poles as long as the banners and their hardware:
(aa) Meet the sign construction and design standards contained in the Dallas Building Code;
(bb) are at least 12 feet above grade, unless they overhang a roadway, in which case they must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(cc) do not project more than three feet from the pole on which they are mounted;
(dd) do not exceed 50 square feet in effective area; and
(ee) are made out of weather-resistant and rustproof material.
(ii) Other banners crossing the public way. Banners may be displayed over and across the public way. No portion of a banner may be located more than 35 feet above grade, or less than 14 feet above any street, sidewalk, or other pedestrian area. The height of a sign face may not exceed six feet. All banners must be spaced at least 100 feet apart.
(iii) Other signs located in the right-of-way. Signs may be displayed on any public sidewalk or other public pedestrian area if an unobstructed 10-foot sidewalk or pedestrian walkway area is maintained. No sign may exceed an effective area of 50 square feet, or a height of 10 feet. No more than one sign is permitted per blockface.
(h) Other temporary signs.
(1) Temporary protective signs. In addition to the other protective signs permitted under Section 51A-7.1718, temporary protective signs may be erected anywhere on a construction site at anytime during construction. There is no limit on the number of these signs, but no sign may exceed 20 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height. Temporary protective signs may be illuminated, but no lighting source may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the sign. All temporary protective signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(2) Temporary signs on construction fencing. Temporary signs may be erected on construction fencing subject to the following provisions:
(A) The signs must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(B) No sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height.
(C) No sign may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the fence.
(D) The signs may be illuminated.
(E) The signs may only identify the project under construction and its owners, developers, future tenants, lenders, architects, engineers, project consultants, and contractors.
(F) The signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(3) “For Sale,” “For Lease,” “Remodeling,” and “Under Construction” signs. Signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located are permitted. There is no limit to the number of attached signs permitted. Detached signs are limited to one for each 100 feet of frontage on a public street or private access easement. If attached to a window, the maximum effective area of the sign is 16 square feet; if attached to other portions of a facade, the maximum effective area is 32 square feet. No detached sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or 16 feet in height.
(i) Illuminated Projection Signs. A maximum of five non-premise signs created by the projection of light onto an entertainment complex plaza adjacent to an entertainment complex are permitted. The projection of light may originate from a premise other than the premise upon which the light is cast. These illuminated projection signs are in additional to all other signs permitted on a premise. The signs may not be HBA signs. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30043)
SEC. 51A-7.1728. SIGN REGULATIONS FOR SUBDISTRICT C (EXPRESSWAY ADJACENCY SUBDISTRICT).
(a) Permanent attached signs. The only permanent attached signs permitted in this subdistrict are signs provided for in this subsection.
(1) Number of permitted signs.
(A) Each premise or non-residential occupancy is entitled to one attached sign per facade.
(B) In addition to the signs permitted in Subparagraph (A), the following flat attached non-premise signs are permitted on expressway-facing facades in this subdistrict:
(i) On three expressway-facing facades, two non-premise signs with a maximum number of 10 words each, regardless of the size of any character in the word, are permitted. No sign may exceed 672 square feet in effective area or be a changeable message sign. One of the two signs on each facade is limited to advertising district activities.
(ii) In lieu of one of the three facades permitted attached non-premise signs in Subparagraph (i) above and one 1,500-square-foot detached non-premise sign permitted in Subsection (b) of this section, one expressway-facing facade may have an unlimited number of non-premise signs. The cumulative effective area of all non-premise signs on that facade, however, may not exceed 22 percent of the area of the building facade below 66 feet in height. There is no limit on the number of words permitted on a sign. Only one marquee sign and one other changeable message sign, not to exceed 500 square feet in effective area, are permitted on that facade. These signs are limited to advertising district activities.
(iii) For purposes of calculating the maximum effective area of a non-premise attached sign in this subdistrict, the building official shall draw a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines around all extremities of the attached non-premise sign. The area within the minimum imaginary rectangle is the effective area of the sign.
(C) In addition to the signs permitted in Subparagraphs (A) and (B), a non-residential occupancy wholly located within Subarea C-1 is entitled to one additional attached sign per facade, up to a maximum of two signs per facade. For a facade located partially within Subarea C-1 and partially outside of Subarea C-1, the maximum number of attached premise signs per non-residential occupancy located on that part of the facade located within Subarea C-1 is two, limited to four attached premise signs total for the entire facade.
(2) Number of words or characters generally.
(A) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or in Paragraph (1), no person may erect a sign which contains more than 10 words consisting of any characters of a height equal to or exceeding four inches on any building facade. Words consisting of characters less than four inches in height may be used without limit.
(B) There is no limit as to the number of words containing characters of a height equal to or exceeding four inches on a marquee or other changeable message sign.
(3) Premise and non-premise signs. Except for the attached non-premise signs permitted in Paragraph (1), all attached permanent signs in this subdistrict must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(4) Effective area limitations for certain attached signs.
(A) Except as provided in Subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section or as further restricted below, the maximum effective area of a changeable message sign is 1,000 square feet.
(B) The maximum effective area of a marquee sign is 250 square feet.
(C) The maximum effective area of an awning or canopy sign is 150 square feet.
(D) There is no maximum effective area for a parapet sign.
(E) The maximum effective area for all other projecting attached signs is 20 square feet.
(5) Cumulative effective area limitations for all attached signs.
(A) Except as provided in Subparagraph (B), the cumulative effective area of all permanent attached signs on an expressway-facing facade may not exceed 22 percent of the total area of the facade.
(B) The cumulative effective area of all permanent attached signs on the expressway-facing facade that is permitted to have an unlimited number of non-premise attached signs pursuant to Subsection (a)(1)(B)(ii) may not exceed 32 percent of the total area of the facade.
(C) The cumulative effective area of all permanent attached signs on a facade that does not face an expressway may not exceed 20 percent of the total area of the facade.
(6) Spacing of attached non-premise signs. HBA signs on a facade must be spaced a minimum of 1000 feet from all HBA signs on another facade. There are no spacing requirements for HBA signs on the same facade.
(7) Signs overhanging or projecting into the public right-of-way.
(A) Attached signs overhanging the public right-of-way are permitted as long as each sign is a minimum of 10 feet above the sidewalk grade.
(B) No portion of a marquee sign may:
(i) project more than eight feet into the public right-of-way; or
(ii) be located less than two feet from the back of a street curb.
(C) For all other projecting attached signs, no portion of the signs may:
(i) project more than four feet into the public right-of-way; or
(ii) be located less than two feet from the back of the street curb.
(8) Parapet signs. Parapet signs are permitted in this subdistrict. No parapet sign may project more than four feet above the edge of the roof, regardless of whether the sign is attached to a parapet wall or the roof’s edge.
(9) Roof signs. Roof signs are prohibited in this subdistrict.
(10) No limitation on projecting attached signs. Projecting attached signs are permitted on premises with detached signs.
(11) Limitations on changeable message signs.
(A) A premise is entitled to only one marquee sign per facade, except that one additional marquee sign is permitted on that facade if the width of the facade is more than 300 feet.
(B) A premise is entitled to two additional changeable message signs per facade as long as the signs are not marquee signs.
(C) No portion of a changeable message sign may be located at a point on the facade above 66 feet in height.
(12) Location limitation on projecting attached signs. Except for a parapet sign, no portion of a projecting attached sign may be located at a point on the facade above 66 feet in height.
(13) Location limitation on non-premise signs. No portion of a non-premise sign may be located at a point on the facade above 66 feet in height.
(14) Signs projecting over the roof line. Except for a parapet sign, no attached sign may project over a building.
(b) Permanent detached signs. The only permanent detached signs permitted in this subdistrict are signs provided for in this subsection.
(1) Kiosks. Kiosks are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(A) No more than 20 kiosks are permitted in this district.
(B) Kiosks within the same block face and within 20 feet of the right-of-way line of a public street must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(C) No kiosk may be illuminated by a detached, independent external light source.
(D) Kiosks may not be located on sidewalks unless a minimum unobstructed sidewalk width of 10 feet is maintained. If, however, a greater unobstructed sidewalk is required in the ordinance establishing Planned Development District No. 582, then that greater unobstructed sidewalk width requirement must be maintained.
(E) Kiosks must be securely anchored to the ground.
(F) No kiosk may exceed ten feet in height, measured from the ground at the base of the kiosk, or 100 square feet in effective area.
(G) Kiosks may display premise or non-premise signs. If the sign displayed is a non-premise non-changeable message sign or a non-premise non-digital changeable message sign, 30 percent of the effective area of the sign must identify a district activity. If the sign displayed is a non-premise digital changeable message sign, the sign must identify a district activity 30 percent of the time measured on a 24- hour basis.
(2) Monument signs. Each premise fronting on a public street or private access easement may have one monument sign. Premises which have more than 250 feet of frontage along a public street or private access easement, other than an alley, may have not more than one additional monument sign for each additional 250 feet of frontage or fraction thereof. No monument sign may exceed 250 square feet in effective area or 10 feet in height.
(3) All other detached signs. The following additional detached signs are permitted:
(A) Non-premise detached signs may be located in private access easements. No such sign may exceed 30 feet in height or have a sign face that exceeds six feet in height. Each such sign must have a minimum clearance of 14 feet above the ground. Signs permitted under this subparagraph must be spaced at least 250 feet apart.
(B) The owner or operator of a surface parking lot may erect one non-premise detached sign for each vehicular entrance to the parking lot, and one additional premise or non-premise detached sign for each 40,000 square feet of parking surface. Signs permitted under this subparagraph:
(i) may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area or 20 feet in height;
(ii) must be spaced at least 100 feet apart; and
(iii) must be located at least five feet from the lot line or public right-of-way line, whichever creates the greater setback.
A minimum of 30 percent of the effective area of each sign must identify a district activity.
(C) Two additional non-premise detached signs are permitted in this subdistrict subject to the following provisions:
(i) No sign may exceed 66 feet in height, measured from the ground at the base of the sign.
(ii) No sign may exceed 1,500 square feet in effective area.
(iii) The signs must be spaced at least 1,500 feet from each other and at least 100 feet from any detached HBA sign.
(iv) No sign may be nearer than five feet to the lot line or public right-of-way line, whichever creates the greater setback.
(v) No sign may exceed one foot in width for every three feet in height, measured from the ground at the base of the sign.
(vi) The signs must consist of individual panels. Messages may only be displayed on the individual panels. Each panel must be separated from the others by at least one foot of air space, and except as otherwise provided, no single panel may have an effective area that exceeds 250 square feet. One panel of a sign may have an effective area of up to 500 square feet if: (aa) the panel is an electronic changeable message panel, and (bb) the message displayed on the panel only identifies district activities.
(vii) A minimum of 50 percent of the cumulative effective area of each sign must identify district activities.
(4) Vent stack signs prohibited. No sign may be located on a vent stack in this subdistrict.
(c) Temporary signs. The only temporary signs permitted in this subdistrict are special purpose signs, temporary protective signs, temporary signs on construction fencing, and “for sale,” “for lease,” “remodeling,” and “under construction” signs. These temporary signs are in addition to all other signs permitted in this ordinance.
(d) Special purpose signs.
(1) Illumination. Special purpose signs may be externally illuminated, and, except for banners, may be internally illuminated or “back-lighted.”
(2) Premise special purpose signs.
(A) Attached premise special purpose signs. An occupancy may have one attached premise special purpose sign up to four times within any twelve-month period as long as the sign:
(i) is displayed for no more than 45 days each time during the twelve-month period; and
(ii) has no more than 10 words that contain any character equal to or exceeding four inches in height.
(B) Detached premise special purpose signs.
(i) An occupancy may have a detached premise special purpose sign no more than three times each calendar year for no more than 38 consecutive days each time. No detached premise special purpose sign may be erected at an occupancy during the 30-day period immediately following the removal of a detached premise special purpose sign from that occupancy.
(ii) Detached premise special purpose signs must:
(aa) be located at least 100 feet apart;
(bb) not exceed eight feet in height; and
(cc) not exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(iii) No more than one detached premise special purpose sign may be erected on each street or private access easement that the premise fronts on.
(4) Non-premise special purpose signs.
(A) In general. Non-premise special purpose signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(i) Except as provided below, non-premise special purpose signs may only display promotional and welcome messages.
(ii) Up to 10 percent of the effective area of a non-premise special purpose sign may contain commercial advertisement. The name of the event or activity identified in a promotional message is not considered commercial advertisement even if the event or activity is named after the sponsor.
(iii) A non-premise special purpose sign may not be erected more than 30 days before the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 10 days after the activity or event has ended.
(iv) The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(B) Attached non-premise special purpose signs. Attached non-premise special purpose signs are prohibited in this subdistrict.
(C) Detached non-premise special purpose signs. The only detached non-premise special purpose signs permitted in this subdistrict are as follows:
(i) Banners on street light poles. Banners are permitted on street light poles as long as the banners and their hardware:
(aa) meet the sign construction and design standards contained in the Dallas Building Code;
(bb) are at least 12 feet above grade, unless they overhang a roadway, in which case they must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(cc) do not project more than three feet from the pole on which they are mounted;
(dd) do not exceed 50 square feet in effective area; and
(ee) are made out of weather-resistant and rustproof material.
(ii) Other banners crossing the public way. Banners may be displayed over and across the public way. No portion of a banner may be located more than 35 feet above grade, or less than 14 feet above any street, sidewalk, or other pedestrian area. The height of a sign face may not exceed six feet. All banners must be spaced at least 100 feet apart.
(e) Other temporary signs.
(1) Temporary protective signs. In addition to the other protective signs permitted under Section 51A-7.1718, temporary protective signs may be erected anywhere on a construction site at anytime during construction. There is no limit on the number of these signs, but no sign may exceed 20 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height. Temporary protective signs may be illuminated, but no lighting source may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the sign. All temporary protective signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(2) Temporary signs on construction fencing. Temporary signs may be erected on construction fencing subject to the following provisions:
(A) The signs must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(B) No sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height.
(C) No sign may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the fence.
(D) The signs may be illuminated.
(E) The signs may only identify the project under construction and its owners, developers, future tenants, lenders, architects, engineers, project consultants, and contractors.
(F) The signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(3) “For Sale,” “For Lease,” “Remodeling,” and “Under Construction” signs. Signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located are permitted. There is no limit to the number of attached signs permitted. Detached signs are limited to one for each 100 feet of frontage on a public street or private access easement. If attached to a window, the maximum effective area of the sign is 16 square feet; if attached to other portions of a facade, the maximum effective area is 32 square feet. No detached sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or 16 feet in height. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 31410)
SEC. 51A-7.1729. SIGN REGULATIONS FOR SUBDISTRICT D (OFFICE AND RESIDENTIAL SUBDISTRICT).
(a) Permanent attached signs. The only permanent attached signs permitted in this subdistrict are signs provided for in this subsection.
(1) Number of permitted signs.
(A) Except as provided in this paragraph, each premise or non-residential occupancy is entitled to one attached sign per facade.
(B) In addition to the signs allowed in Subparagraph (A), each non-residential occupancy located wholly within Subarea D-2 is allowed:
(i) one projecting attached sign per facade;
(ii) one marquee sign, canopy sign, or awning sign per facade; and
(iii) one additional attached sign per facade.
(C) For a facade located partially within Subarea D-2 and partially outside of Subarea D-2:
(i) The maximum number of attached premise signs per non-residential occupancy located on that part of the facade located within Subarea D-2 is four, limited to four attached premise signs total for the entire facade.
(ii) The maximum total number of attached premise signs per non-residential occupancy on a facade wholly or partially located in Subarea D-2 is four.
(2) Number of words or characters.
(A) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, no person may erect a sign which contains more than 10 words consisting of any characters of a height equal to or exceeding four inches on any building facade. Words consisting of characters less than four inches in height may be used without limit.
(B) There is no limit as to the number of words containing characters of a height equal to or exceeding four inches on a marquee or other changeable message sign.
(3) Premise and non-premise signs. All attached permanent signs in this subdistrict must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(4) Effective area limitations for certain attached signs.
(A) With the exception of a marquee sign, the maximum effective area of a changeable message sign is 1,000 square feet.
(B) The maximum effective area of a marquee sign is 250 square feet.
(C) The maximum effective area of an awning or canopy sign is 150 square feet.
(D) There is no maximum effective area for a parapet sign.
(E) The maximum effective area for a roof sign is 800 square feet.
(F) The maximum effective area for all other projecting attached signs is 250 square feet.
(5) Cumulative effective area limitations for all attached signs. The cumulative effective area of all permanent attached signs on a building facade may not exceed 20 percent of the total area of the building facade on which the signs are located.
(6) Signs overhanging or projecting into the public right-of-way.
(A) Attached signs overhanging the public right-of-way are permitted as long as each sign is a minimum of 10 feet above the sidewalk grade.
(B) No portion of a marquee sign may:
(i) project more than eight feet into the public right-of-way; or
(ii) be located less than two feet from the back of a street curb.
(C) For all other projecting attached signs, no portion of the signs may:
(i) project more than four feet into the public right-of-way; or
(ii) be located less than two feet from the back of the street curb.
(7) Parapet signs. Parapet signs are permitted in this subdistrict. No parapet sign may project more than four feet above the edge of the roof, regardless of whether the sign is attached to a parapet wall or the roof's edge.
(8) Roof signs. A maximum of two roof signs are permitted in Subarea D-2 only.
(A) A roof sign may only be erected on the roof of a main building.
(B) One roof sign per building is permitted.
(C) Roof signs may not exceed a height of 30 feet above the building or one-third of the building height, whichever is less, measured from the highest point of the roofline of the building upon which the sign is attached.
(D) The support for a roof sign must be constructed of open, exposed metal framing. The metal must be painted or coated, or be composed of a material that will not rust or corrode.
(E) A roof sign may not be a changeable message sign.
(9) No limitation on projecting attached signs. Projecting attached signs are permitted on premises with detached signs.
(10) Limitation on changeable message signs.
(A) A premise is entitled to only one marquee sign per facade, except that one additional marquee sign is permitted on that facade if the width of the facade is more than 300 feet.
(B) A premise is entitled to two additional changeable message signs per facade as long as the signs are not marquee signs.
(C) No portion of a changeable message sign is permitted at a point on the facade above 66 feet in height.
(11) Signs projecting over the roof line. A projecting attached sign, other than a roof sign in Subarea D-2, may project up to a maximum of five feet above a building. No changeable message sign may project above a building.
(b) Permanent detached signs. The only permanent detached signs permitted in this subdistrict are signs provided for in this subsection.
(1) Kiosks. Kiosks are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(A) No more than 20 kiosks are permitted in this district.
(B) Kiosks within the same block face and within 20 feet of the right- of-way line of a public street must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(C) No kiosk may be illuminated by a detached independent external light source.
(D) Kiosks may not be located on sidewalks unless a minimum unobstructed sidewalk width of 10 feet is maintained. If, however, a greater unobstructed sidewalk is required in the ordinance establishing Planned Development District No. 582, then that greater unobstructed sidewalk width requirement must be maintained.
(E) Kiosks must be securely anchored to the ground.
(F) No kiosk may exceed ten feet in height, measured from the ground at the base of the kiosk, or 100 square feet in effective area.
(G) Kiosks may display premise or non-premise signs. If the sign displayed is a non-premise non-changeable message sign or a non-premise non-digital changeable message sign, 30 percent of the effective area of the sign must identify a district activity. If the sign displayed is a non-premise digital changeable message sign, the sign must identify a district activity 30 percent of the time measured on a 24-hour basis.
(2) Monument signs. Each premise fronting on a public street or private access easement may have one monument sign. Premises which have more than 250 feet of frontage along a public street or private access easement, other than an alley, may have not more than one additional monument sign for each additional 250 feet of frontage or fraction thereof. No monument sign may exceed 250 square feet in effective area or 10 feet in height.
(3) All other detached signs. The following additional detached signs are permitted:
(A) Non-premise detached signs may be located in private access easements. No such sign may exceed 30 feet in height or have a sign face that exceeds six feet in height. Each such sign must have a minimum clearance of 14 feet above the ground. Signs permitted under this subparagraph must be spaced at least 250 feet apart.
(B) The owner or operator of a parking lot or parking garage (regardless of whether the parking garage stands alone or is part of a building that houses another use) may erect one non-premise detached sign in Subarea D-2 only, which may be a changeable message sign for each vehicular entrance to the parking lot or parking garage, and one additional non-premise detached sign for each 40,000 square feet of parking surface. Signs permitted under this subparagraph:
(i) may not exceed 30 square feet in effective area or 20 feet in height;
(ii) must be spaced at least 100 feet apart; and
(iii) must be located at least five feet from the lot line or public right-of-way line, whichever creates the greater setback.
A minimum of 30 percent of the effective area of each sign must identify a district activity.
(4) Vent stack signs prohibited. No sign may be located on a vent stack in this subdistrict.
(c) Temporary signs. The only temporary signs permitted in this subdistrict are special purpose signs, temporary protective signs, temporary signs on construction fencing, and “for sale,” “for lease,” “remodeling,” and “under construction” signs. These temporary signs are in addition to all other signs permitted in this ordinance.
(d) Special purpose signs.
(1) Illumination. Special purpose signs may be externally illuminated, and, except for banners, may be internally illuminated or “back-lighted.”
(2) Premise special purpose signs.
(A) Attached premise special purpose signs. An occupancy may have one attached premise special purpose sign up to four times within any twelve-month period as long as the sign:
(i) is displayed for no more than 45 days each time during the twelve-month period; and
(ii) has no more than 10 words that contain any character equal to or exceeding four inches in height.
(B) Detached premise special purpose signs.
(i) An occupancy may have a detached premise special purpose sign no more than three times each calendar year for no more than 38 consecutive days each time. No detached premise special purpose sign may be erected at an occupancy during the 30-day period immediately following the removal of a detached premise special purpose sign from that occupancy.
(ii) Detached premise special purpose signs must:
(aa) be located at least 100 feet apart;
(bb) not exceed eight feet in height; and
(cc) not exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(iii) No more than one detached premise special purpose sign may be erected on each street or private access easement that the premise fronts on.
(4) Non-premise special purpose signs.
(A) In general. Non- premise special purpose signs are permitted subject to the following regulations:
(i) Except as provided below, non-premise special purpose signs may only display promotional and welcome messages.
(ii) Up to 10 percent of the effective area of a non-premise special purpose sign may contain commercial advertisement. The name of the event or activity identified in a promotional message is not considered commercial advertisement even if the event or activity is named after the sponsor.
(iii) A non- premise special purpose sign may not be erected more than 30 days before the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 10 days after the activity or event has ended.
(iv) The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(B) Attached non- premise special purpose signs. Attached non- premise special purpose signs are prohibited in this subdistrict.
(C) Detached non- premise special purpose signs. The only detached non-premise special purpose signs permitted in this subdistrict are as follows:
(i) Banners on street light poles. Banners are permitted on street light poles as long as the banners and their hardware:
(aa) meet the sign construction and design standards contained in the Dallas Building Code;
(bb) are at least 12 feet above grade, unless they overhang a roadway, in which case they must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(cc) do not project more than three feet from the pole on which they are mounted;
(dd) do not exceed 50 square feet in effective area; and
(ee) are made out of weather-resistant and rustproof material.
(ii) Other banners crossing the public way. Banners may be displayed over and across the public way. No portion of a banner may be located more than 35 feet above grade, or less than 14 feet above any street, sidewalk, or other pedestrian area. The height of a sign face may not exceed six feet. All banners must be spaced at least 100 feet apart.
(e) Other temporary signs.
(1) Temporary protective signs. In addition to the other protective signs permitted under Section 51A-7.1718, temporary protective signs may be erected anywhere on a construction site at anytime during construction. There is no limit on the number of these signs, but no sign may exceed 20 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height. Temporary protective signs may be illuminated, but no lighting source may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the sign. All temporary protective signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(2) Temporary signs on construction fencing. Temporary signs may be erected on construction fencing subject to the following provisions:
(A) The signs must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(B) No sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height.
(C) No sign may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the fence.
(D) The signs may be illuminated.
(E) The signs may only identify the project under construction and its owners, developers, future tenants, lenders, architects, engineers, project consultants, and contractors.
(F) The signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(3) “For Sale,” “For Lease,” “Remodeling,” and “Under Construction” signs. Signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located are permitted. There is no limit to the number of attached signs permitted. Detached signs are limited to one for each 100 feet of frontage on a public street or private access easement. If attached to a window, the maximum effective area of the sign is 16 square feet; if attached to other portions of a facade, the maximum effective area is 32 square feet. No detached sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or 16 feet in height.
(f) Additional signs in Subarea D-1: Parking structure screening signs.
(1) Visual display and coverage.
(A) The maximum effective area of text may not exceed 20 percent. The effective area of text is the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word.
(B) Multiple displays giving an appearance of multiple signs are prohibited.
(C) A parking structure screening sign must be at least 10 feet above adjacent average grade.
(D) A parking structure screening sign may be internally or externally illuminated. If internally illuminated, a parking structure screening sign may consist of translucent materials, but not transparent materials. Illumination must be turned off between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
(E) Minimum permitted effective area of a parking structure screening sign is 750 square feet.
(2) Location and construction.
(A) The sign may not be an HBA sign.
(B) A parking structure screening sign may only be located on a blank wall face or on the facade of a parking structure facing north, east, or south.
(C) The parking structure must comply with the Dallas Building Code parking structure ventilation requirements.
(D) No parking structure screening sign may cover any window or architectural or design feature of the building to which it is attached.
(E) A parking structure screening sign may wrap around the edge of a building if both building facades to which the parking structure screening sign is attached are otherwise eligible facades and the parking structure screening sign is one continuous image. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918; 30043; 31410)
SEC. 51A-7.1730. NON-CONFORMANCE AND BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AUTHORITY.
(a) Purpose of section. It is the declared purpose of this division that, in time, all privately owned signs shall either conform to the provisions of this division or be removed. By the passage of this ordinance and its amendments, no presently illegal sign shall be deemed to have been legalized unless such sign complies with all current standards under the terms of this ordinance and all other ordinances of the city of Dallas. Any sign which does not conform to all provisions of this ordinance shall be a nonconforming sign if it legally existed as a conforming or nonconforming sign under prior ordinances; or an illegal sign if it did not exist as a conforming or nonconforming sign, as the case may be. It is further the intent and declared purpose of this ordinance that this division, and not the provisions of Article IV, shall exclusively govern how non-conforming signs in this district are treated. It is further the intent and declared purpose of this ordinance that no offense committed, and no liability, penalty or forfeiture, either civil or criminal, incurred prior to the time this ordinance was adopted shall be discharged or affected by such passage, but prosecutions and suits for such offenses, liabilities, penalties or forfeitures may be instituted, and causes presently pending may proceed.
(b) Removal and maintenance of certain non-conforming signs.
(1) A sign erected without a permit, either prior to or after the adoption of this division, is an illegal sign if a permit was required for its erection according to the law in effect at the time the sign was erected. It shall be unlawful to maintain any illegal sign. It is a defense to prosecution under this subsection if the sign has been made to comply with the provisions of this division so that a permit may be issued.
(2) No person may repair a nonconforming sign if the cost of repair is more than 60 percent of the cost of erecting a new sign of the same type at the same location, unless that sign is brought into conformity with this chapter. No person may alter or repair a nonconforming sign where the effect of such repair shall be to enlarge or increase the structure of the nonconforming sign. For purposes of this section, mono-pole, metal, and wood are each an example of a “type” of sign and the term “repair” does not include maintenance or changes of words or other content on the face of a sign.
(c) Board of Adjustment authority.
(1) The board of adjustment may, in specific cases, take the following actions and authorize the following special exceptions with respect to the provisions of this division.
(2) The board of adjustment may waive any filing fee for an appeal under this division when the board finds that payment of the fee would result in substantial financial hardship to the applicant. The applicant may either pay the fee and request reimbursement as part of his appeal or request that the matter be placed on the board’s miscellaneous docket for predetermination. If the matter is placed on the miscellaneous docket, the applicant may not file his appeal until the merits of the request for waiver have been determined by the board.
(3) The board of adjustment may hear and decide appeals that allege error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the building inspection division in the enforcement of this division.
(4) The board of adjustment may require a nonconforming sign to be brought into immediate conformity with all current standards of all ordinances of the city, or to be removed when, from the evidence presented, the board finds the sign to be hazardous to the public or to have been abandoned by its owners.
(5) Where a permit was required for a sign’s erection according to the law in effect at the time the sign was erected and where the building inspection division finds no record of a permit being issued, the board of adjustment may authorize the issuance of a replacement permit when, from the evidence presented, the board finds either that a permit was issued or that arrangements were made with a sign company to obtain the permit.
(d) Determination of non-commercial message.
(1) Findings. The city council finds that it may be necessary in the enforcement of this division to determine whether the message displayed upon a sign is a commercial message or a noncommercial message.
(2) Hearing. If a person receives a notice of violation or is cited for maintaining an illegal sign, and the person notifies the city attorney in writing within 10 days of receiving the notice or citation that he believes the sign displays a noncommercial message and is, therefore, not in violation of this division, the city attorney shall postpone prosecution of the case and shall have the matter placed on the agenda of the board of adjustment for appeal under Section 51A-7.1730(c)(3) of this section. The board shall give the person maintaining the sign 10 days written notice of a public hearing on the matter. After hearing the evidence, the board shall decide whether the message displayed on the sign is commercial or noncommercial. No fee may be charged for this appeal.
(3) Judicial Review. If the board decides that the message is commercial and that the sign is illegal, the person maintaining the sign may within 10 days of the board’s decision file a notice of nonacceptance of the decision with the city attorney. Within three days after receiving notice of nonacceptance, the city attorney shall initiate suit in the district court for determination that the sign is commercial and for an injunction to prohibit display of the sign in violation of this article. The city shall bear the burden of showing that the sign is commercial. In computing the three-day time period, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are excluded. (Ord. Nos. 24348; 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1731. RELOCATION OF NON- PREMISE SIGNS PROHIBITED.
Non-premise signs located outside of this district and located on or overhanging a parcel of land owned or acquired by a governmental entity may not be relocated within this district. (Ord. 25918)
SEC. 51A-7.1801. DESIGNATION OF SOUTHSIDE ENTERTAINMENT SIGN DISTRICT.
(a) A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the Southside Entertainment Sign District. For purposes of this article, the boundaries of the Southside Entertainment Sign District are that portion of Planned Development District No. 317 (the Cedars Special Purpose District), that is enclosed between the centerlines of Interstate Highway 30, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit right-of-way, Belleview Road, and the MK&T railroad right-of-way.
(b) This division incorporates by reference the provisions of Divisions 51A-7.100 through 51A-7.800 of CHAPTER 51A, “PART II OF THE DALLAS DEVELOPMENT CODE,” as that division exists today and as it may be amended in the future. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this division and Divisions 51A-7.100 through 51A-7.800, this division controls.
(c) Any portion of the property described in Subsection (a) that was formerly part of the Downtown Special Provision Sign District is no longer considered to be part of that district. This division completely supersedes Division 51A-7.900 with respect to the property described in Subsection (a). (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1802. PURPOSE.
(a) The purpose of these sign regulations is to regulate the construction of new signs and the alteration of existing signs to promote economic growth in this district as an entertainment district.
(b) These sign regulations have been developed to achieve the following objectives in this district:
(1) To create a vibrant entertainment environment while ensuring that signage does not obscure architecturally significant features of the buildings in this district.
(2) To help create an aesthetically pleasing environment that promotes economic growth in this district. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1803. DEFINITIONS.
(1) ARCADE SIGN means a sign that is mounted under a canopy or awning and is perpendicular to the building to which the canopy or awning is attached. This sign is intended to be read from the pedestrian walkway that the canopy or awning covers.
(2) AREA INFORMATION SIGN means a sign providing information about any of the following:
(A) The name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of any premise within this district.
(B) The identification of any premise within this district.
(C) Any accommodations, services or activities offered, or conducted, other than incidentally, on any premise within this district.
(D) The sale, lease, or construction of any premise within this district.
(3) ATTACHED SIGN means a sign that is attached to, applied on, or supported by: any part of a building (such as a wall, parapet, roof, window, canopy, awning, arcade, or marquee) that encloses or covers usable space; mounted antennas; water reservoirs on buildings; chimneys; or visual screens that surround roof-mounted equipment.
(4) AWNING means a fabric or vinyl surface supported by a metal (or other similarly strong material) structure, which is applied to the face of a building.
(5) AWNING SIGN means a sign attached to, painted on, or otherwise applied to an awning.
(6) BANNER means a sign applied on a strip of cloth, vinyl, or similar material and attached to a building or structure. Awning, canopy signs, and flags are not banners.
(7) CANOPY means a permanent, non-fabric architectural element projecting from the face of a building.
(8) CANOPY SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a canopy, with no changeable message area.
(9) CHANGEABLE MESSAGE means the portion of a sign composed of Light Emitting Diode (LED)/Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) elements, “Diamond Vision” technology, slide lettering, slated rotating surfaces, or other changeable message technology that displays different designs or advertisements.
(10) DISTRICT or THIS DISTRICT means the Southside Entertainment Sign District.
(11) EFFECTIVE AREA means:
(A) for a detached sign, or a marquee sign, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign excluding its supports. The rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are moveable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view;
(B) for a sign placed on an awning, canopy, fence, construction barricade, non-enclosing wall, planter, or other similar structure that is designed to serve a separate purpose other than to support the sign, the entire area of such structure may not be computed, and the effective area must be measured by the rule for effective area for an attached sign; and
(C) for an attached sign other than a marquee sign, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of the effective area.
(12) EVENT SIGN means a temporary sign advertising any event at a sports, musical, or arts venue in this district, including, but not limited to, indoor motion picture theaters, theaters for live musical or dramatic performances, indoor and outdoor concert halls, galleries, and exhibition halls.
(13) FACADE means a separate face of a building, such as: a parapet wall; an omitted wall line; any part of a building which encloses or covers usable space; a chimney; roof-mounted equipment; a mounted antenna; or a water tower. Where separate facades on a building are oriented in the same direction or in directions within 45 degrees of one another, they are to be considered as part of a single facade. A roof is not a facade or part of a facade. Multiple buildings on the same lot have separate facades from each other.
(14) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign that projects 18 inches or less from a building, and has a face parallel to the building facade.
(15) GENERIC GRAPHICS means a pattern of shapes, colors, or symbols that does not commercially advertise.
(16) LANDSCAPE SIGN means a sign that is a part of a single landscape design that creates a base for the sign in conjunction with a retaining wall or an open space created with the use of water or planting material.
(17) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building, and consisting primarily of changeable panels, words, or characters.
(18) MESSAGE AREA means the area within the effective area of a sign that provides a specific commercial or noncommercial message and that excludes all extremity and intra-areas associated with the sign fixture.
(19) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and grade.
(20) MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGN means a sign that directs vehicular and pedestrian movement within this district.
(21) OCCUPANT means a person, group of people collectively, association, partnership, corporation, or other entity to whom a single certificate of occupancy has been issued by the building official.
(22) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting more than 12 inches from a building at an angle other than parallel to the facade.
(23) ROOF SIGN means a sign that is attached to or supported by the roof of a building.
(24) SIGN HARDWARE means the structural support system for a sign, including the fastening devices that secure a sign to a building facade or pole.
(25) SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE means that committee created by Section 51A-7.504 of the Dallas Development Code, as amended.
(26) TEMPORARY SIGN means a sign erected for a limited time that identifies an event or activity of limited duration. Examples include signs advertising the sale or lease of property, construction activity in progress, or a concert or other cultural event.
(27) WELCOME MESSAGE means a message that identifies and greets heads of state, foreign dignitaries, groups using city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit, or government organizations.
(28) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed to a window.
(29) WORD: For purposes of this division, each of the following is considered to be one word:
(A) Any word in any language found in any standard unabridged dictionary or dictionary of slang.
(B) Any proper noun or any initial or series of initials.
(C) Any separate character, symbol, or abbreviation such as “&”, “$”, “%”, and “Inc.”
(D) Any telephone number, street number, or commonly used combination of numerals and symbols such as “$5.00" or “50%.”
(E) Any Internet website, network, or protocol address, domain name, or universal record locator.
(F) Any symbol or logo that is a registered trademark but which itself contains no word or character.
(G) A street address is not considered to be a word.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the definitions in the Dallas Development Code apply to this division. In the event of a conflict, this section controls. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1804. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this division, all applications for certificates of appropriateness for signs in this district must be reviewed by the special sign district advisory committee using the permit procedures set forth in Section 51A-7.505.
(b) The only signs permitted in this district are those specified in this division, and those required by state or federal law.
(c) In Historic Overlay District No. 56, the Landmark Commission has the sole authority:
(1) to determine every aspect of a sign other than the construction and maintenance standards, such as the location, size, height, effective area, number, and type of signs; and
(2) to issue a certificate of appropriateness for a sign.
(d) All wind devices except for flags and banners are prohibited in this district unless allowed under a special events permit issued under Chapter 42A of the Dallas City Code, as amended.
(e) Roof signs and pole signs, except for area information signs and temporary detached signs, are prohibited.
(f) A sign with a changeable message area may not change its message at a rate more often than once each 20 seconds. No sign permit is required for changes to the changeable message portion of a sign.
(g) All signs must be premise signs, except area information signs, banner signs on streetlight poles, movement control signs, vehicular signs, government signs, event signs, and window display signs.
(h) Signs over the right-of-way.
(1) Signs may be located within the public right-of-way subject to the franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the City Charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, Chapter 36 of the Dallas Building Code, and the requirements of all other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
(2) The traffic engineer shall review the location of any sign located in or overhanging the public right-of-way to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction.
(3) Signs overhanging the public right-of-way are permitted, except that no sign may project closer than two feet to the vertical plane extending through the back of a street curb. No portion of a sign may be located less than two feet from the back of a street curb. (Ord. Nos. 24760; 28424)
SEC. 51A-7.1805. ATTACHED SIGNS.
(a) Attached signs in general.
(1) The total effective area for all attached signs on a facade may not exceed 30 percent of the area of the facade. Projecting signs, marquee signs, and event signs are not included in the total effective area calculations of a facade.
(2) Except for changeable message portions of a sign, event signs, or as otherwise provided in this division, on any building facade, there may be a maximum of eight words per premise and/or per occupant which contain any character of a height equal to or exceeding four inches. Words consisting of characters less than four inches high may be used without limit.
(3) Attached signs must be securely attached.
(4) Attached signs may not project more than four feet above the surface to which they are attached, unless otherwise specified in this division.
(b) Arcade signs.
(1) An arcade sign must be located at least six feet from any other arcade sign.
(2) No arcade sign may exceed six square feet in effective area.
(3) No arcade sign may be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(c) Awning signs.
(1) No awning sign may project beyond the surface of the awning or be lower than 10 feet above grade or higher than 20 feet above grade.
(2) The total effective area for any one awning sign may not exceed six square feet.
(3) An awning sign must be located over a window or a door.
(d) Canopy signs.
(1) No canopy sign may:
(A) exceed 50 percent of the length of the canopy facade to which it is attached;
(B) project vertically beyond the canopy more than 15 percent of the length of the sign;
(C) project horizontally more than 12 inches from the surface of the canopy; or
(D) be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(2) A canopy sign may only be located over a pedestrian entrance to a premise.
(e) Flat attached signs.
(1) The maximum effective area for a flat attached sign is 15 percent of the total facade area.
(2) The minimum distance between flat attached signs is four feet.
(3) Parapet signs are permitted as flat attached signs.
(f) Marquee signs.
(1) No marquee sign may exceed 50 percent of the area of the facade.
(2) No marquee sign may be longer than two-thirds of the length of the frontage of the building to which the marquee is attached.
(3) Marquee signs may not project more than five feet above the roof line of the facade to which it is attached.
(4) No premise may have more than one marquee sign per street frontage.
(g) Projecting attached signs.
(1) A projecting attached sign may not exceed the following size limits:
(A) Seventy-five square feet in effective area if the building to which it is attached is at least 36 feet high.
(B) Thirty square feet in effective area if the building to which it is attached is less than 36 feet high.
(2) No projecting attached sign may be lower than 12 feet above grade.
(3) No projecting attached sign may project more than five feet from the facade, or more than five feet over the roof line, of the building to which it is attached.
(h) Temporary attached signs.
(1) Temporary attached signs permitted in this district are temporary protective signs, or signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located.
(2) No more than one temporary attached sign per occupant is permitted on the facade of the building.
(3) Temporary protective signs may be erected anywhere on a construction site during construction, subject to the following provisions:
(A) No sign may exceed 20 square feet in effective area or ten feet in height.
(B) The signs may be illuminated.
(C) The signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(4) Signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located are permitted, but if the sign is attached to a window, the maximum effective area of the sign is 15 square feet. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1806. EVENT SIGNS.
(a) Event signs may be non-premise signs.
(b) Event signs are not counted in the calculations for total percentage of facade area covered by signs.
(c) A maximum of 15 percent of the effective area of the sign may contain words or logos that identify the sponsor of the activity or event.
(d) Only one event sign per facade is permitted at one time.
(e) Each facade may display an event sign for up to 15 consecutive days (the display period), a maximum of 12 times per calendar year per premise or occupant. No event sign may be displayed on the same facade in two or more consecutive display periods.
(f) The effective area of an event sign may not exceed 30 percent of the area of the facade to which it is attached.
(g) An event sign may contain an unlimited number of words.
(h) An event sign may not be painted on any part of the building or be below 10 feet above grade. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1807. WINDOW DISPLAY SIGNS.
(a) Window display signs are permitted only on the ground floor of a vacant building.
(b) A window display sign may contain only the following messages: welcome messages for visitors; advertising of occupants or events at a sports, musical, or arts venue in this district, including, but not limited to, indoor motion picture theaters, theaters for live musical or dramatic performances, indoor and outdoor concert halls, galleries, and exhibition halls; generic graphics (including three-dimensional artifacts); a message identifying the sponsor of the display; or a message referring to the sale or lease of the premises.
(c) Window display signs may not:
(1) cover more than 25 percent of the surface area of a window;
(2) contain a logo or word that has any character that exceeds five inches in height; or
(3) contain more than 15 percent sponsorship identification.
(d) No sign permit or certificate of appropriateness is required to erect or remove a window display sign. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1808. DETACHED SIGNS.
(a) Detached signs in general.
(1) The only detached signs permitted are area information signs, banner signs on streetlight poles, landscape signs, monument signs, temporary detached signs, construction barricade signs, movement control signs, vehicular signs, government signs, and protective signs.
(2) A detached premise sign may contain only the name, logo, and address of a premise in this district and its occupants.
(3) No more than one detached sign per premise per street frontage is permitted, except that a premise having more than 450 feet of street frontage may have one additional sign per 100 feet (or fraction thereof) of street frontage above 450 feet.
(4) Banner signs on streetlight poles and movement control signs may contain only the name, logo, and address of any building in this district and its occupants, or a sponsorship or welcome message, unless otherwise specified in this section.
(b) Area information signs.
(1) A maximum of one area information sign is permitted in this district, and it may be located only in the following area, generally described as being near the intersection of Terminal Street and Lamar Street: Being a portion of Lot 3 of Mosher’s Subdivision of Block 419 of the City of Dallas, Texas, as recorded in Volume 4, Page 201, of the Map Records of Dallas County, Texas, and more particularly described as an area within the perimeter of Lot 3, in the shape of a rectangle which is 20 feet wide and 96 feet long, and which is bounded on the northwest by an imaginary line which is parallel to and 11.5 feet to the southeast of the northwest lot line of said Lot 3 (said northwest line being the dividing or common line between Lot 3 and Lot 4 of said Mosher’s Subdivision of Block 419), bounded on the northeast by an imaginary line which is parallel to and 15 feet to the southwest of the northeast lot line of said Lot 3 (said northeast lot line being adjacent to Lamar Street), bounded on the southeast by an imaginary line which is parallel to and 9.9 feet to the northwest of the southeast lot line of Lot 3 (said southeast line being the dividing or common line between Lot 3 and Lot 2 of said Mosher’s Subdivision of Block 419), and bounded on the southwest by an imaginary line parallel to and 15 feet to the northeast of the southwest line of said Lot 3 (said southwest lot line being adjacent to Terminal Street).
(2) An area information sign:
(A) may not exceed 60 feet in height or 600 square feet in effective area;
(B) must have a changeable message component to the sign;
(C) must display messages regarding at least three occupants of premises in this district or events in this district per cycle of the changeable message board, and may not display an occupant or event message in two successive messages per cycle; and
(D) may display sponsorship identification on a maximum of 20 percent of the effective area of the sign.
(3) The text in the changeable message portion of the sign is limited to welcome messages for visitors, and to advertising of occupants or events at a sports, musical, or arts venue in this district, including, but not limited to, indoor motion picture theaters, theaters for live musical or dramatic performances, indoor and outdoor concert halls, galleries, and exhibition halls.
(4) The changeable message portion of the sign must be available for messages from all premises and occupants within this district.
(c) Banner signs on streetlight poles.
(1) A banner sign is permitted only if it:
(A) advertises an occupant or premise in this district or events at a sports, musical, or arts venue in this district, including, but not limited to, indoor motion picture theaters, theaters for live musical or dramatic performances, indoor and outdoor concert halls, galleries, and exhibition halls; or
(B) displays a sponsorship identification, a welcome message, or generic graphics.
(2) Text on a banner sign may not exceed 10 percent of the total effective area of the banner.
(3) A banner and its sign hardware must:
(A) be mounted on a streetlight pole;
(B) meet the sign construction and design standards in the Dallas Building Code;
(C) be at least 12 feet above grade, unless it overhangs a roadway, in which case it must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(D) be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material;
(E) not project more than three feet from the pole onto which it is mounted; and
(F) not exceed 20 square feet in effective area.
(4) No sign permit or certificate of appropriateness is required to erect or remove a banner sign.
(d) Landscape signs.
(1) A landscape sign must be a premise sign.
(2) A landscape sign may have a maximum effective area of 50 square feet, and a maximum height of 15 feet.
(3) There is no minimum setback required for landscape signs.
(4) Section 51A-7.304(c) of the Dallas Development Code, as amended, does not apply to landscape signs in this district.
(e) Monument signs.
(1) A monument sign must be a premise sign.
(2) A monument sign may have a maximum effective area of 50 square feet, and a maximum height of 15 feet.
(3) There is no minimum setback required for monument signs.
(4) Section 51A-7.304(c) of the Dallas Development Code, as amended, does not apply to monument signs in this district.
(f) Temporary detached signs.
(1) Temporary detached signs permitted in this district are temporary protective signs, or signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located.
(2) There is no limit on the number of temporary protective signs permitted.
(3) Temporary protective signs may be erected anywhere on a construction site during construction, subject to the following provisions:
(A) No temporary protective sign may exceed 20 square feet in effective area or 10 feet in height.
(B) The signs may be illuminated.
(C) The signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(4) Signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located are permitted, subject to the following restrictions:
(A) The maximum height of the sign is 10 feet, and the maximum effective area of the sign is 128 square feet.
(B) No more than one of this type of sign is permitted per each 100 feet of frontage of the premises. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1809. CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGNS.
(a) A construction barricade sign may cover up to 100 percent of the surface area of the construction barricade to which it is attached.
(b) A construction barricade sign may contain any number of words and may have a maximum message area of 50 square feet.
(c) A construction barricade sign may neither be lighted nor contain any moving parts.
(d) A construction barricade sign must be removed from the area when the construction barricade is removed, i.e. the sign may not be detached from the barricade and left at the site.
(e) The information on a construction barricade sign is limited to information regarding what is being constructed on the site and who is conducting the construction, including the owners, developers, future tenants, lenders, architects, engineers, project consultants, and contractors. The sign may not advertise a product.
(f) A construction barricade may not project more than four feet above the top or sides of the construction barricade.
(g) A sign that is affixed to a construction barricade may not project more than two inches from the surface of the construction barricade. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1810. MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGNS.
(a) Movement control signs must direct vehicular or pedestrian movement within this district or to adjacent districts and may include the name or logo of any premise located in this district or in any sign district within a one-mile radius of the Central Business District.
(b) Movement control signs that include the name or logo of two or more premises may:
(1) not exceed 30 square feet in effective area;
(2) be located in a public right-of-way; or
(3) be erected anywhere within the district without limit as to number.
(c) Movement control signs that include the name or logo of only one premise may:
(1) not exceed two square feet in effective area;
(2) not be located in the public right-of-way; and
(3) be erected on the premise without limit as to number. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1811. PROTECTIVE SIGNS.
(a) The owner of, and each occupant of, a premise may erect no more than two detached protective signs in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) No sign may exceed 700 square inches in effective area.
(2) No detached sign may exceed two feet in height.
(b) The owner of, and each occupant of, a premise may erect attached protective signs at each entrance to a premise in accordance with the following provisions:
(1) No sign may exceed 700 square inches in effective area.
(2) The cumulative messages may not exceed 1,300 square inches per entrance.
(3) No word may exceed four inches in height, unless otherwise required by law. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1812. APPLICABILITY OF HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION ACTS.
For purposes of applying the Federal and Texas Highway Beautification Acts, this district is considered to be a commercial zoning district. (Ord. 24760)
SEC. 51A-7.1901. DESIGNATION OF WEST VILLAGE SIGN DISTRICT.
A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the West Village Sign District. For purposes of this article, the boundaries of the West Village Sign District are that portion of the West Mixed Use Subzone of the Planned Development District No. 305 (commonly known as the Cityplace PD) that is enclosed within the following boundaries set forth in Exhibit 7.1900A, which is attached to and made a part of this ordinance, and generally described as the property bounded by the centerlines of Cole Avenue, Blackburn Street, McKinney Avenue, and Lemmon Avenue, and including a 1.1028 acre tract fronting approximately 357 feet on Blackburn Street, fronting approximately 118 feet on McKinney Avenue, and fronting approximately 118 feet on Cole Avenue. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1902. DESIGNATION OF SUBDISTRICTS.
(a) This district is hereby divided into two subdistricts: Subdistricts A and B.
(b) Subdistrict A is that area of this district within the following described boundaries: all building faces that front on Cole Avenue, Blackburn Street, McKinney Avenue, and Lemmon Avenue.
(c) Subdistrict B is that area of this district that is not in Subdistrict A. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1903. PURPOSE.
(a) The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and the alterations of existing signs to create a unique, lively and commercially-active environment that is bright and safe, and that incorporates diverse, state-of-the-art graphic technologies to promote an urban mixed use environment in this district.
(b) These sign regulations have been developed to achieve the following objectives in this district:
(1) To create an aesthetically pleasing environment that promotes an atmosphere of vitality appropriate for a place where thousands of citizens gather for entertainment and celebration.
(2) To encourage the use of signs that are innovative, colorful, and entertaining, and that bring a distinctive character to this district.
(3) To identify and promote special events and cultural activities that will occur in this district.
(4) To encourage signs with a style, orientation, and location that take into consideration the high number of pedestrians expected within this district.
(5) To communicate clear directions to and through this district.
(6) To promote the economic success of businesses in this district. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1904. DEFINITIONS.
In this division:
(1) ARCADE SIGN means any sign mounted to the underside of a canopy or awning intended to be read from the pedestrian walkway that the canopy covers.
(2) ATTACHED SIGN means any sign attached to, applied on, or supported by, any part of a building (such as a wall, parapet, roof, window, canopy, awning, arcade, or marquee) that encloses or covers usable space.
(3) AWNING means a fabric or vinyl surface supported by a tubular metal structure, which is applied to the face of a building.
(4) AWNING SIGN means a sign that is attached or applied to or painted on an awning.
(5) BANNER means a sign attached to or applied on a strip of cloth, vinyl, or similar material and attached to a building or structure. Awning signs and flags are not banners.
(6) CANOPY means a permanent, non-fabric architectural element projecting from the face of a building.
(7) CANOPY SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a canopy, with no changeable message area.
(8) CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN means an electronic sign whose contents can change periodically and that can show animated messages.
(9) DISTRICT means the West Village Special Provision Sign District.
(10) EFFECTIVE AREA means:
(A) For a detached sign, other than outlined in (B) below, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign, excluding its supports. This rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are moveable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
(B) For signs placed on a fence, non-enclosing wall, planter or other similar structure that is designed to serve a separate purpose other than to support the sign, the entire area of such structure shall not be computed. In such cases, the sign area shall be computed as the entire area within a single continuous rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight (8) straight lines enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblems, or figures together with all material, color or lighting forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign background against which it is placed.
(C) For an attached sign, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of effective area.
(D) An awning or canopy is not included in the calculation of the effective area.
(11) ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX means an entertainment facility with a seating capacity of at least 100 persons for showing motion pictures or staging theatrical performances to an audience or where the audience views and participates in events and performances including, but not limited to, theatrical, musical and dramatic performances, and meetings and assemblages.
(12) FACADE means 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, chimneys, roof-mounted equipment, mounted antennas, or water towers. Where separate faces are oriented in the same direction or in directions within 45 degrees of one another, they are to be considered as part of a single facade. A roof is not a facade or part of a facade. Multiple buildings on the same lot will each be deemed to have separate facades.
(13) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 18 inches or less from a building, the face of which is parallel to the building facade.
(14) FREEWAY LOOP means the area of the city inside the District, within 100 feet of an Expressway right-of-way.
(15) GENERIC GRAPHICS means any pattern of shapes, colors, or symbols that does not commercially advertise.
(16) KIOSK means a multi-sided structure or cylindrical structure for the display of premise signs. It does not mean vending and sales carts.
(17) MARQUEE SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a permanent canopy projecting over a pedestrian street entrance of a building and consisting primarily of changeable panels, words, or characters. LED, LCD or other electronic message technology may be used.
(18) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure.
(19) MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGN means a sign that directs vehicular and pedestrian movement within this district.
(20) NEWSSTAND means an enclosed kiosk that displays premise signs and is manned by a vendor that sells newspapers, magazines, other periodicals and other small retail items such as candy, tobacco etc.
(21) ONE SIGN means any number of detached sign parts structurally connected at, or above grade.
(22) PARAPET SIGN means a permanent projecting attached sign erected on or attached to the eaves or edge of the roof or on a parapet. A parapet sign is not a roof sign.
(23) PREMISE means the property in this District.
(24) PREMISE SIGN means any sign the content of which relates to the premise on which it is located and refers exclusively to:
(A) the name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of the premise or the identification of the premises;
(B) accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted on the premise; or
(C) the sale, lease, or construction of the premise.
(25) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting more than 18 inches from a building at an angle, other than parallel, to the facade.
(26) PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE means a message that identifies, promotes, or advertises a cultural activity taking place in this district, any special event being conducted in this district, any event being conducted, in whole or in part, in an entertainment complex in this district, or any other event that will benefit the city that will take place in this district. Benefit to the city is established by:
(A) Use of city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit;
(B) The receipt of city monies for the activity or event; or
(C) An ordinance or resolution of the city council that recognizes the activity or event as benefiting the city.
(27) PUBLIC AREA means any publicly or privately owned outdoor area that is accessible to the public.
(28) ROOF SIGN means a sign that is attached to or supported by the roof of a building.
(29) SPECIAL SIGN DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE means that committee composed and established in Section 51A-7.504 of the Dallas Development Code.
(30) STOREFRONT means an identifiable portion of the premise for which a separate certificate of occupancy has been issued.
(31) TEMPORARY SIGN means a sign erected for a limited time that identifies an event or activity of limited duration. Examples include signs advertising the sale or lease of property, construction activity in progress, or a concert or other cultural event.
(32) WELCOME MESSAGE means a message that identifies and greets people who are expected to visit this district, such as heads of state; foreign dignitaries; groups using city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit; or government organizations.
(33) WINDOW ART DISPLAY means an exhibit or arrangement placed within a storefront window of a building and designed to be viewed from a street or public area.
(34) WINDOW SIGN means a sign painted or affixed to a window.
(35) WORD: For purposes of this division, each of the following is considered to be one word:
(A) Any word in any language found in any standard unabridged dictionary or dictionary of slang.
(B) Any proper noun or any initial or series of initials.
(C) Any separate character, symbol or abbreviation such as “&”, “$”, “%”, and “Inc.”.
(D) Any telephone number or commonly used combination of numerals and symbols such as “$5.00" or “50%”.
(E) Any internet website, network, or protocol address, domain name, or universal record locator.
(F) Any symbol or logo that is a registered trademark but which itself contains no word or character.
A street number is not considered to be a word. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1905. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) Premise signs. All signs in this district must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(b) Applicable divisions of Article VII. Except as otherwise provided in this division, all signs in this district must comply with Article VII. Divisions 51A-7.300 and 51A-7.400 do not apply in this district. In the event of a conflict between this division and other requirements set forth in Article VII that are not mandated by state or federal law, the requirements set forth in this division apply.
(c) Permit and certificate of appropriateness requirements.
(1) Sign permit required. A person shall not alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city. It is a defense to prosecution that the person was replacing a banner overhanging the public right-of-way using the existing sign hardware. A sign permit is required to install sign hardware for a banner.
(A) Sign permit procedures. Except as provided below, the procedures for obtaining a sign permit in Sec. 51A-7.505 apply in this district.
(B) Determination of procedure. Upon receipt of an application, the director shall determine whether it is to be reviewed under the director procedure or committee procedure. The proposed sign must be reviewed under the director procedure if the sign is:
(i) an attached premise sign of less than 50 square feet effective area and is not located within a historic overlay district; or
(ii) a detached premise sign with less than 50 square feet effective area, less than 25 feet in height, and not located within a historic overlay district; or
(iii) streetlight pole banners or facade mounted banners.
If the proposed sign does not meet the requirements for the director procedure, it must be reviewed under committee procedure.
(2) Certificate of appropriateness. All signs in this district are required to obtain a certificate of appropriateness, except for:
(A) any non-illuminated temporary banners of 20 square feet or less; or
(B) any non-illuminated attached premise sign of less than 20 square feet; or
(C) streetlight pole banners or facade mounted banners.
(d) Signs over the right-of-way. Signs may be located in or project over the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, subject to the licensing and franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the City Charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, Chapter 45 of the Dallas Building Code, and the requirements of all other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. The traffic engineer shall review the location of any sign located in or overhanging the public right-of-way to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction.
(e) Other codes not in conflict. All signs erected or maintained pursuant to the provisions of this division shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable state laws and with the building code, electrical code, and other applicable ordinances of the city. Except as indicated in Subsection (b), in the event of conflict between this division and other laws, the most restrictive standard applies.
(f) Noncommercial messages.
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this ordinance, any sign that may display a commercial message may also display a noncommercial message, either in place of or in addition to the commercial message, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this ordinance that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this ordinance, any sign that may display one type of noncommercial message may also display any other type of noncommercial message, so long as the sign complies with other requirements of this ordinance that do not pertain to the content of the message displayed.
(g) Highway Beautification Acts. For purposes of applying the Federal and Texas Highway Beautification Acts, this district is considered to be a commercial zoning district.
(h) Streamers, pennants, and inflatable signs. Streamers, pennants, and inflatable signs, including, but not limited to, balloons are prohibited in this district.
(i) Setback. Except as provided in the spacing requirements for kiosks and newsstands, there are no setback requirements for a sign in this district.
(j) Illuminated signs.
(1) Except for changeable message signs, no illuminated sign that has an effective area of 150 square feet or less may have a luminance greater than 300 footlamberts, nor may any such sign have a luminance greater than 300 footlamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle two feet in diameter. No illuminated sign which has an effective area greater than 150 square feet may have a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts, nor may any such sign have a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle of two feet in diameter. The measurements of luminance are taken from any other premise or from any public right-of-way other than an alley.
(2) Except for changeable message signs, no illuminated sign nor any illuminated element of any sign, may turn on or off, or change its brightness, if:
(A) the change of illumination produces an apparent motion of the visual image, including but not limited to illusion of moving objects, moving patterns or bands of light, expanding or contracting shapes, rotation or any similar effect of animation;
(B) the change of message or picture occurs more often than once each three seconds for those portions of a sign which convey time or temperature, or once each 20 seconds for all other portions of a sign; or
(C) a portion of the sign, within a circle of two feet in diameter, has a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts when all elements of the sign are fully and steadily illuminated.
(k) Sign movement. Except for changeable message signs, no sign or any part of any sign may move or rotate at a rate more often than once each 10 seconds, or change its message at a rate more often than once each 20 seconds. Except for changeable message signs, no sign may move, rotate or change its message at any rate if any of its elements or any illuminated portion within a two-foot circle has a luminance greater than 200 footlamberts. (Ord. Nos. 24974; 28424)
SEC. 51A-7.1906. DETACHED SIGNS.
(a) Detached signs in general.
(1) A premise may have one or more detached signs.
(2) Detached signs may not exceed 20 feet in effective area.
(3) Detached signs may not exceed 5 feet in height if an attached sign is located on any storefront on the lot where the detached sign is located; otherwise, detached signs may not exceed 15 feet in height.
(4) Detached signs may only be:
(A) monument signs;
(B) an architectural, water or landscape composition that identifies the premise; or
(C) signs on public improvements;
(D) banners on streetlight poles;
(E) special purpose signs; or
(F) district identification signs.
(b) Signs on public improvements. An unlimited number of signs that only identify the name or logo of this district may be located on or incorporated into manhole covers, street light poles, sidewalks, benches, trash receptacles and other improvements in public areas. No such sign, however, may exceed one square foot in effective area.
(c) Banners on streetlight poles.
(1) Banners must display a promotional message, a welcome message, or generic graphics.
(2) No more than 10 percent of the effective area of a banner may contain a welcome message that identifies and greets a group using city property in the district in accordance with a contract, license, or permit.
(3) No more than 10 percent of the effective area of a banner may contain the word(s) or logo(s) that identify a sponsor of a cultural event or activity taking place in the district.
(4) A banner having either a promotional message or a welcome message may not be erected more than 90 days prior to the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 15 days after that activity or event has ended. The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(5) A banner and its hardware must:
(A) be mounted on a streetlight pole;
(B) meet the sign construction and design standards in the Dallas Building Code;
(C) be at least 12 feet above grade, unless it overhangs a roadway, in which case it must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(D) be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material;
(E) not project more than three feet from the pole onto which it is mounted; and
(F) not exceed 20 square feet in effective area. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1907. ATTACHED SIGNS.
(a) In general.
(1) Attached signs must be securely attached.
(2) Attached signs overhanging the public way are permitted, except that no sign may project closer than two feet to the vertical plane extending through the back of a street curb.
(3) The maximum combined effective area of all signs attached to a facade may not exceed 30 percent of the total area of the facade.
(4) Except as provided in paragragh (5), attached signs may have a maximum of eight words, which contain any character of a height equal to or exceeding four inches and pertain to any premise or occupancy. Words consisting of characters less than four inches high may be used without limit.
(5) A storefront that is used as an entertainment complex may have attached signs with up to 10 words per facade of 4 inches or greater, which may be located at any height on the storefront.
(6) No sign may be painted onto the roof of a building, and no flat attached sign is permitted on the roof of a building.
(7) No sign may project more than four feet above the edge of the wall to which it is attached; if the wall to which the sign is attached has a parapet wall, no sign may project above the parapet wall.
(b) Awning signs.
(1) No awning sign may:
(A) project horizontally more than two inches from the surface of the awning;
(B) be lower than 10 feet above grade; or
(C) project vertically more than two inches above the surface of the awning.
(2) The maximum size of each awning sign is six square feet.
(3) The maximum combined effective area permitted for all awning signs on a facade is 150 square feet.
(4) There is no limit to the number of awning signs permitted on a premise.
(c) Arcade signs.
(1) No arcade sign may exceed six square feet in effective area.
(2) The minimum linear distance between any two arcade signs in this district is 10 feet.
(3) There is no limit to the number of arcade signs permitted on a premise.
(4) No arcade sign may be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(d) Canopy signs.
(1) No canopy sign may:
(A) exceed 100 square feet in effective area;
(B) project horizontally more than two inches from the surface of the canopy; or
(C) be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(2) Canopy signs may project vertically above the surface of the canopy. The maximum height of the projection may not exceed 15 percent of the overall length of the sign.
(3) Canopy signs erected pursuant to this section are permitted on canopies that overhang the public right-of-way, except that no canopy sign may project closer than two feet from the back of the curb.
(e) Marquee signs.
(1) Marquee signs are allowed only on a storefront that is used as an entertainment complex.
(2) The maximum effective area of a marquee sign is 150 square feet.
(3) Marquee signs must be parallel to the surface to which they are attached, and may not project less than two feet from back of curb.
(4) No building may have more than one marquee sign per street frontage.
(5) Marquee signs may use LED, LCD or similar electronic technology.
(f) Projecting attached signs.
(1) No projecting attached sign on a premise may be closer than five feet from another projecting attached sign.
(2) No projecting attached sign may exceed 100 square feet in effective area, or project more than 3 feet into the public right-of-way.
(3) No projecting attached sign may be lower than 12 feet above grade.
(4) No projecting attached sign may project vertically more than four feet above the edge of the wall to which it is attached; if the sign is attached to a wall with a parapet wall, it may not project vertically above the parapet wall.
(5) No projecting attached sign shall have its lower end more than 25 feet above grade.
(g) Window signs.
(1) A window sign may only be a premise sign or contain a promotional message.
(2) Window signs are allowed only in ground level windows.
(3) Up to 10 percent of the effective area of a window sign may contain the word(s) or logo(s) that identify a sponsor of a cultural event or activity taking place in the district.
(h) Changeable message signs.
(1) Changeable message signs may only be attached signs.
(2) The maximum number of changeable message signs within this district is two.
(3) Changeable message signs may not exceed 150 square feet in effective area.
(4) Changeable message signs are not permitted in Subdistrict A. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1908. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGNS.
(a) Special purpose signs may be externally illuminated, and, except for banners, may be internally illuminated or “back-lighted.”
(b) Attached special purpose signs.
(1) Each storefront may have one attached special purpose sign per facade. An attached special purpose sign may be displayed for a maximum of 45 consecutive days, up to 4 times per year, and it must not exceed 200 square feet in effective area.
(2) A storefront for an entertainment complex use may have up to four attached special purpose signs at a time. An attached special purpose sign may be displayed for up to 45 days in any given twelve-month period, and it must not exceed 400 square feet in effective area.
(c) Detached special purpose signs.
(1) Each storefront may have a detached special purpose sign no more than three times each calendar year for no more than 38 consecutive days each time. No detached special purpose sign may be erected at a location during the 30-day period after the removal of a detached special purpose sign from that location.
(2) A detached special purpose sign must:
(A) be located at least 100 feet apart;
(B) not exceed eight feet in height; and
(C) not exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(3) No more than one detached special purpose sign may be erected on each street or private access easement on which the storefront has frontage. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1909. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR FACADE-MOUNTED BANNER SIGNS.
(a) A banner must primarily display generic graphics.
(b) A banner may be a district sign or contain a promotional or a welcome message.
(c) A banner having either a promotional message or a welcome message may not be erected more than 90 days prior to the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 15 days after that activity or event has ended. The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(d) A banner and its hardware:
(1) may be mounted parallel on a premise facade or projecting from a premise facade at an angle of up to 90 degrees;
(2) must meet the sign construction and design standards in the Dallas Building Code;
(3) must be at least 12 feet above grade, unless it overhangs a roadway, in which case it must be at least 15 feet above grade;
(4) must be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material;
(5) must not project more than three feet from the facade; and
(6) must not exceed 100 square feet in effective area. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1910. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR KIOSK SIGNS.
(a) No more than six kiosks are permitted in this district.
(b) No kiosk may be illuminated by a detached, independent external light source.
(c) Kiosks must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(d) Kiosks may be located on sidewalks if unobstructed sidewalk widths of eight feet are maintained.
(e) Kiosks must be securely anchored to the ground.
(f) Kiosks may not exceed ten feet in height and 100 square feet in effective area. The display area for each sign on a kiosk may not exceed 20 square feet. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1911. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR NEWSSTAND SIGNS.
(a) No more than two newsstands are permitted in this district
(b) No newsstand may be illuminated by a detached, independent, external light source.
(c) Newsstands must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(d) Newsstands may be located on sidewalks if unobstructed sidewalk widths of eight feet are maintained.
(e) Newsstands may not exceed 10 feet in height and 10 feet in diameter. The display area for each sign on a newsstand may not exceed 30 square feet. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1912. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SIGNS ATTACHED TO MACHINERY OR EQUIPMENT.
Words may be attached to machinery or equipment that is necessary or customary to a business, including but not limited to devices such as gasoline pumps, vending machines, ATM shelters, ice machines, etc., provided that the words so attached refer exclusively to products or services dispensed by the device, consist of characters no more than four inches in height, and project no more than one inch from the surface of the device.
SEC. 51A-7.1913. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGNS.
(a) Movement control signs must direct vehicular or pedestrian movement within this district or to an adjacent and congruent district and may include the name or logo of any premise or activity center located in this district.
(b) Movement control signs:
(1) must not exceed three square feet in effective area;
(2) may be located in a public right-of-way; and
(3) may be erected anywhere within the district without limit as to number.
(c) Movement control signs may be attached or detached and may be erected on any premise without limit as to number. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1914. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGNS.
(a) The director of planning and development shall review all signs to be placed on a construction barricade and upon approval of the signs by the director, a sign permit for the signs may be issued. This review is a condition on any permit issued for a construction barricade.
(b) A sign that is affixed to a construction barricade must not project horizontally more than two inches from the construction barricade.
(c) A sign that is affixed to a construction barricade must neither be lighted nor contain any moving parts.
(d) A sign that is affixed to a construction barricade must be removed when the construction barricade is removed.
(e) The information contained on a sign placed on a construction barricade may only convey information regarding what is being constructed on the site and who is conducting the construction, including the owners, developers, future tenants, lenders, architects, engineers, project consultants and contractors. The sign may not advertise a product and the total effective area of the words on a construction barricade sign may not exceed 50 square feet.
(f) A construction barricade may be fully decorated with a graphic except that:
(1) no decoration or part of the graphic may project more than two inches horizontally from the barricade facade, or
(2) no decoration or graphic may project more than four feet vertically above the top of the barricade. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1915. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR OTHER TEMPORARY SIGNS.
(a) In addition to the other protective signs permitted under Section 51A-7.918, Temporary Protective Signs may be erected anywhere on a construction site at anytime during construction. There is no limit on the number of these signs, but no sign may exceed 20 square feet in effective area or eight feet in height. Temporary protective signs may be illuminated, but no lighting source may project more than three inches from the vertical surface of, or six inches above the top of, the sign. All temporary protective signs must be removed upon completion of the construction.
(b) Temporary signs may be erected on construction fencing subject to Section 51A-7.925(b)(4).
(c) “For Sale,” “For Lease,” “Remodeling,” and “Under Construction” signs. Signs that relate exclusively to the sale, lease, construction, or remodeling of the premises on which they are located are permitted. There is no limit to the number of attached signs permitted. Detached signs are limited to one for each 100 feet of frontage on a public street or private access easement. If attached to a window, the maximum effective area of the sign is 16 square feet. If attached to other portions of a facade, the maximum effective area of the sign is 32 square feet. No detached sign may exceed 128 square feet in effective area or 16 feet in height. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1916. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR DISTRICT SIGNS.
(a) District signs may only be a facade mounted banner sign, kiosk sign, newsstand sign, or a changeable message sign.
(b) A district sign may display:
(1) The name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of the premise or the identification of the premises located in this district.
(2) Accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted on any premise within this district;
(3) The advertisement of products by brand name or symbol for any products sold on a premise within this district if at least 10 percent of the sign is devoted to identification of the district;
(4) The sale, lease, or construction of any premise within the West Village Special Provision Sign District. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.1917. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGNS.
(a) No more than two district identification signs are permitted in this district.
(b) A district identification sign may only display the name of the premise as a whole, i.e. “West Village,” and a logo identifying the district.
(c) No district identification sign may have a height greater than six feet, or an effective area greater than 150 square feet. (Ord. 24974)
SEC. 51A-7.2001. DESIGNATION OF THE WEST COMMERCE STREET/FORT WORTH AVENUE SIGN DISTRICT.
A sign district is hereby created to be known as the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Sign District. The boundaries of the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Sign District are the same as Planned Development District No. 714, the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Special Purpose District, and generally described as the property located approximately one-eighth to one-fourth of a mile to the north and south of West Commerce Street and Fort Worth Avenue, from North Beckley Avenue to Westmoreland Road. (Ord. 25899)
SEC. 51A-7.2002. DESIGNATION OF SUBDISTRICTS.
This district is hereby divided into Subdistricts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The boundaries of Subdistricts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are the same as the boundaries of Subdistricts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in Planned Development District No. 714, the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Special Purpose District. (Ord. 25899)
SEC. 51A-7.2003. PURPOSE.
(a) The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and alterations of existing signs with a view towards enhancing, preserving, and developing the unique character of the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue corridor while addressing the diversity of businesses and promoting the economy of the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue corridor.
(b) The objectives of this division include those listed in Section 51A-7.101 as well as the objectives of ensuring that signs are appropriate to the architecture within the district; do not obscure significant architectural features; lend themselves to developing mixed office, retail, and residential projects; and preserve the pedestrian character of the area.
(c) These sign regulations have been developed to achieve the following objectives:
(1) To protect the historical and architectural character of this district from inappropriate signs in terms of number (clutter), style, color, and materials.
(2) To ensure that significant architectural features are not obscured.
(3) To encourage signs that are complementary to the architectural styles and historical nature of the buildings.
(4) To attract the public to the goods and services available by enhancing the aesthetic quality of signs.
(5) To encourage artistic, creative, and innovative signs that reflect the themes of the area.
(6) To promote safety, communications efficiency, and landscape quality. (Ord. 25899)
SEC. 51A-7.2004. DEFINITIONS.
Unless otherwise stated, the definitions in Article VII, “ Sign Regulations,” apply to this section. In this section:
(1) ARCADE means any walkway that is attached to a building, not fully enclosed on all sides, and covered with a canopy or roof structure having the primary function of weather protection.
(2) ARCADE SIGN means an attached sign suspended below the roof of an arcade.
(3) AWNING means a projecting fabric or vinyl surface supported by a metal (or other similarly strong material) structure, which is applied to the face of a building.
(4) AWNING SIGN means an attached sign applied to an awning.
(5) BANNER means a sign applied to a strip of cloth or similar material.
(6) CANOPY means a permanent, non-fabric architectural element projecting from the face of a building.
(7) CHANGEABLE MESSAGE means LED/LCD elements, slide lettering, slated rotating surfaces, or other changeable message technology that displays different designs or messages.
(8) DISTRICT means the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Sign District.
(9) DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGN means a detached sign that contains the logo or name of the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue corridor or welcomes people to the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue corridor.
(10) DISTRICT PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE means a message that identifies, promotes, or advertises a cultural activity, special event, event in an entertainment facility, or event that will benefit the city, and that will take place in this district. Benefit to the city is established by: use of city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit; the receipt of city monies for the activity or event; or an ordinance or resolution of the city council that recognizes the activity or event as benefiting the city.
(11) EFFECTIVE AREA means:
(A) For a detached sign, other than outlined in Subparagraph (B) below, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign, excluding its supports. This rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are moveable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
(B) For signs placed on a fence, non-enclosing wall, planter, or other similar structure that is designed to serve a separate purpose other than to support the sign, the entire area of such structure shall not be computed. In such cases, the sign area shall be computed as the entire area within a single continuous rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight straight lines enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblems, or figures together with all material, color, or lighting forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign background against which it is placed.
(C) For an attached sign, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of effective area.
(D) An awning or canopy is not included in the calculation of the effective area.
(12) ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY means a structure or building used for sports events or the performing arts, including indoor motion picture theaters, theaters for live musical or dramatic performances, indoor or outdoor concert halls, and exhibition halls.
(13) EXPRESSWAY SIGN means a detached sign that is wholly within 100 feet of an expressway or new expressway right-of-way and whose message is visible from the main traveled way.
(14) FACADE means 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, chimneys, roof-mounted equipment, mounted antennas, or water towers. Where separate faces are oriented in the same direction or in directions within 45 degrees of one another, they are to be considered as part of a single facade. A roof is not a facade or part of a facade. Multiple buildings on the same lot will each be deemed to have separate facades.
(15) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign that is parallel to the building facade.
(16) GENERIC GRAPHICS means any pattern of shapes, colors, or symbols that does not commercially advertise.
(17) HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION ACT (HBA) SIGN means a non-premise sign that is within 660 feet of an expressway or new expressway right-of-way and whose message is visible from the main traveled way.
(18) MARQUEE means a permanent canopy projecting over the main pedestrian entrance of a building. A marquee is considered to be part of the building.
(19) MARQUEE SIGN means an attached sign applied to a marquee, and consisting primarily of changeable panels, words, or characters.
(20) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and grade.
(21) PREMISE means a lot or unplatted tract that is reflected in the plat books of the building inspection division of the city. See Section 51A-7.208.
(22) PREMISE SIGN means any sign the content of which relates to the premise on which it is located and refers exclusively to:
(A) the name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of the premise or the identification of the premises;
(B) accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted on the premise; or
(C) the construction, lease, remodeling, or sale of the premise.
(23) PROJECTING SIGN means an attached sign projecting from a building.
(24) SIGN HARDWARE means the structural support system for a sign, including the fastening devices that secure the sign to a building facade or pole.
(25) SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGN means an attached or detached sign temporarily supplementing the permanent signs on a premise.
(26) WINDOW SIGN means a sign applied to the internal or external surface of a window.
(27) WORD means any of the following:
(A) Any word in any language found in any standard unabridged dictionary or dictionary of slang.
(B) Any proper noun or any initial or series of initials.
(C) Any separate character, symbol, or abbreviation such as “&”, “$”, “%”, and “Inc.”.
(D) Any telephone number or commonly used combination of numerals and symbols such as “$5.00" or “50%”.
(E) Any internet website, network, protocol address, domain name, or universal record locator.
(F) Any symbol or logo that is a registered trademark but which itself contains no word or character.
(G) A street number is not considered to be a word. (Ord. 25899)
SEC. 51A-7.2005. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) No person may alter, expand, maintain, or place a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city. No sign permit may be issued for a sign in this district unless the application has first been reviewed by the director and a certificate of appropriateness has been issued in accordance with the procedure outlined in this section.
(b) This section does not apply to government signs described in Section 51A-7.207.
(c) Section 51A-7.504, which establishes the special sign district advisory committee for special provision sign districts, does not apply to this district.
(d) Section 51A-7.505, which outlines the procedure for obtaining a certificate of appropriateness, does not apply in this district.
(e) Section 51A-7.602, which lists certain signs that require sign permits, does not apply to signs in this district. All signs within this district require sign permits.
(f) Upon receipt of an application for a permit to authorize a sign in this district, the building official shall refer the application to the director for review. The director shall issue a decision within 30 calendar days after the a complete application is submitted to the building official. The director shall solicit the recommendation of appropriate staff before approving or disapproving a certificate of appropriateness.
(g) The director shall approve a certificate of appropriateness if the application complies with the requirements of this district and the director finds that the proposed sign is consistent with the character of this district. The director shall consider the proposed sign in terms of its appropriateness to this district with particular attention to the effect of the proposed sign upon the economic structure of this district and the effect of the proposed sign upon adjacent and surrounding premises without regard to the consideration of the message conveyed by the sign. The director shall give written notice of the director’s decision to the applicant. Notice is given when mailed to the applicant.
(h) A decision to grant a certificate of appropriateness may not be appealed. A decision to deny a certificate of appropriateness may be appealed to the city plan commission only by the applicant. An appeal is made by filing a written request with the director within 10 calendar days after notice of the director’s decision is given. In considering the appeal, the sole issue shall be whether the director erred, and in this connection, the city plan commission shall consider the same standard that was required to be considered by the director. Decisions of the city plan commission are final as to administrative remedies. If the city plan commission fails to make a decision on an appeal within 30 calendar days after the appeal is filed with the director, the application shall be considered approved, provided the sign otherwise complies with all applicable city codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. (Ord. 25899)
SEC. 51A-7.2006. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL SIGNS.
(a) Balloons and wind devices. All balloons, banners, flags, inflatable objects, pennants, streamers, and wind devices are considered to be signs and may not be used except as specifically allowed in this section.
(b) Changeable messages.
(1) A changeable message may not change more than every eight seconds.
(2) Only one sign with a changeable message is allowed per premise.
(3) The changeable message portion of any sign is limited to an effective area of 50 square feet.
(c) Fences. Except for special purpose signs, signs may not be attached to fences.
(d) Historic overlay districts. Within a historic overlay district, the landmark commission has the sole authority to determine every aspect of a sign, other than construction and maintenance standards, including effective area, height, location, number, size, and type, and to issue a certificate of appropriateness for that sign.
(e) Lighting.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this division, signs may be illuminated by internal (back) lighting or indirect lighting.
(2) The use of neon or single incandescent bulbs is allowed.
(3) A light source external to a sign may illuminate a sign if the light does not cross into a public right-of-way, a residential zoning district line, or the property line of a residential use.
(4) Light used to illuminate a sign may not turn on or off, or change its brightness, more than twice a day.
(f) Message limitation. All signs must be district identification signs, district promotional message signs, premise signs, or convey a noncommercial message.
(g) Other applicable law.
(1) All signs erected or maintained pursuant to the provisions of this division must be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and with the building code, electrical code, and other applicable ordinances of the city. In the event of conflict between this division and other laws, the most restrictive standard applies.
(2) For purposes of applying the Federal and Texas Highway Beautification Acts, this district is considered to be a commercial zoning district. Signs within this district may not be HBA signs.
(3) The provisions of Division 51A-7.200, “Provisions for All Zoning Districts,” applies in this district. If the event of a conflict, this division controls.
(h) Portable signs. Portable signs are prohibited.
(i) Signs over the right-of-way.
(1) Signs may be located in or project over the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, subject to the licensing and franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the City Charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, the Dallas Building Code, and the requirements of all other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
(2) The traffic engineer shall review the location of any sign located in or overhanging the public right-of-way to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction.
(3) No portion of a sign may be located less than two feet from a vertical plane extending upward from the back of a street curb. (Ord. Nos. 25899; 28424)
SEC. 51A-7.2007. ATTACHED SIGNS.
(a) Provisions applicable to all attached signs.
(1) Attached signs must be securely attached.
(2) The maximum combined effective area of all attached signs on a facade may not exceed 20 percent of the total area of the facade.
(3) Attached signs may have a maximum of eight words, which contain any character of a height equal to or exceeding four inches. Words consisting of characters less than four inches high may be used without limit.
(4) Attached signs may not be painted onto the roof of a building.
(5) Attached signs are not permitted on the roof of a building.
(6) Banners used as attached signs may only be special purpose signs.
(b) Arcade signs.
(1) There is no limit to the number of arcade signs permitted on a premise.
(2) Arcade signs may not exceed eight square feet in effective area.
(3) The minimum linear distance between any two arcade signs is 15 feet.
(4) Arcade signs may not be lower than 10 feet above the sidewalk.
(5) Arcade signs may not project above the arcade to which they are attached.
(6) Arcade signs may only identify the premise or occupant and provide an address.
(c) Awning signs.
(1) There is no limit on the number of awning signs on a premise.
(2) A sign on the face of the awning may only have an effective area equal to 20 percent of the face of the awning. As used in this provision, “face” means the sloping or curved portion of an awning that provides shade over the sidewalk.
(3) Awning signs may not be lower than eight feet above the sidewalk.
(4) Awning signs may not project more than two inches from the surface of the awning.
(5) Awning signs may not be backlit.
(6) The valance of an awning may only have an address, occupant identification, or premise identification. As used in this provision, “valance” means that portion of an awning parallel to the street and perpendicular to the sidewalk.
(d) Flat attached signs.
(1) The maximum number of flat attached signs on any premise is one per public pedestrian entrance or one per first-floor tenant, whichever is greater.
(2) The total effective area of all flat attached signs per facade may not exceed 20 percent of the facade or 400 square feet, whichever is less.
(3) Flat attached signs may not project above the roofline.
(4) A flat attached sign may not project more than 12 inches from the facade to which it is attached.
(e) Marquee signs.
(1) The maximum number of marquee signs on any premise is one per street frontage.
(2) The horizontal dimension (length) of a marquee sign may not exceed two-thirds of the length of the facade to which it is attached. The vertical dimension (width) of a marquee sign may not exceed six feet.
(3) Marquee signs are allowed only on an entertainment facility.
(4) Marquee signs may have a changeable message.
(5) Marquee signs may incorporate moving patterns or bands of light, except that the use of illumination to produce apparent motion of a visual image, such as animation or similar effects, is prohibited.
(f) Projecting signs.
(1) The maximum number of projecting signs on any premise is one per facade.
(2) Projecting signs may not exceed 40 square feet in effective area.
(3) Projecting signs may not be lower than 10 feet above the sidewalk.
(4) No portion of a projecting sign may be located more than five feet from the facade to which it is attached.
(5) A projecting sign may not project higher than four feet above the edge of the wall to which it is attached.
(6) Projecting signs must be a minimum of five feet from another projecting sign.
(7) Projecting signs may have a message on both sides of the sign structure.
(g) Special purpose signs.
(1) Non-window special purpose signs.
(A) The maximum number of non-window special purpose signs on a facade at any time is two.
(B) Non-window special purpose signs may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(C) Non-window special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of four times each calendar year for a maximum of 30 consecutive days each time. Each new non-window special purpose sign must have a new message.
(D) Banners used as attached signs may only be non-window special purpose signs.
(E) Non-window special purpose signs that relate exclusively to the construction, lease, remodeling, or sale of the premise are permitted without limit as to the number or length of time displayed.
(2) Window special purpose signs.
(A) There is no limit on the number of window special purpose signs.
(B) No more than 25 percent of a window surface may be covered by either window signs or window special purpose signs, alone or in combination.
(C) Window special purpose signs may not contain words with characters more than eight inches in height.
(D) Window special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of four times each calendar year for a maximum of 30 consecutive days each time. Each new window special purpose sign must have a new message.
(E) Window special purpose signs may contain a district promotional message.
(F) Window special purpose signs that relate exclusively to the construction, lease, remodeling, or sale of the premises on which they are located are permitted without limit as to the number or length of time displayed.
(h) Window signs.
(1) There is no limit on the number of window signs.
(2) No more than 25 percent of a window surface may be covered by either window signs or window special purpose signs, alone or in combination.
(3) Window signs that use internal neon bulbs may not cover more than 15 percent of the window surface.
(4) Window signs may not contain words with characters more than eight inches in height.
(5) Window signs may not be taped to the window. Window signs must be professionally hand-painted, silk screened, or made of self-adhesive vinyl. (Ord. 25899)
SEC. 51A-7.2008 DETACHED SIGNS.
(a) Provisions applicable to all detached signs.
(1) Number. Only one detached sign may be erected on any premise, except that a premise that has more than 450 feet of frontage along a public right-of-way other than an alley may have no more than one additional detached sign for each additional 450 feet of frontage or fraction thereof.
(2) Height and effective area dependent upon setback.
(A) Detached signs must be set back a minimum of 10 feet.
(B) A detached sign set back more than 10 feet but less than or equal to 20 feet may not exceed 20 feet in height or exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(C) A detached sign set back more than 20 feet but less than or equal to 30 feet may not exceed 30 feet in height or exceed 150 square feet in effective area.
(D) In Subdistricts 1, 2, and 4, a detached sign set back more than 30 feet may not exceed 30 feet in height or exceed 150 square feet in effective area.
(E) In Subdistricts 3 and 5, a detached sign set back more than 30 feet may not exceed 40 feet in height or exceed 400 square feet in effective area.
(3) Other requirements.
(A) Except for special purpose signs, detached signs may not be placed on fences.
(B) A pole-mounted detached sign must have either a pole cover that covers the entire pole and is made of masonry, metal, plastic, stucco, or wood or have a minimum three-foot-high masonry base.
(C) Banners used as detached signs may only be street light banners.
(b) District identification signs.
(1) There is no limit on the number of district identification signs in the district.
(2) The maximum effective area of a district identification sign is 12 square feet.
(3) The maximum height of a district identification sign is 20 feet.
(4) District identification signs may not have a changeable message.
(c) Expressway signs.
(1) The maximum number of expressway signs is one per premise.
(2) Expressway signs may not exceed 400 square feet in effective area.
(3) Expressway signs may not exceed 40 feet in height.
(4) Expressway signs must be set back from the expressway and Fort Worth Avenue a minimum of 50 feet.
(d) Monument signs.
(1) The maximum number of monument signs is one per premise.
(2) Monument signs may not exceed 150 square feet in effective area.
(3) Monument signs may not exceed 10 feet in height.
(4) In Subdistrict 2, monument signs must be set back a minimum of 15 feet.
(5) In Subdistricts 1, 3, 4, and 5, monument signs must be set back a minimum of 10 feet.
(e) Special purpose signs.
(1) The maximum number of special purpose signs on a premise at any time is one per street frontage.
(2) Special purpose signs may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(3) Special purpose signs may not exceed eight feet in height.
(4) A special purpose sign must be located at least 100 feet from any other detached special purpose sign on the same premise.
(5) Special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of four times each calendar year for a maximum of 30 consecutive days each time. Each new special purpose sign must have a new message.
(6) Special purpose signs may be placed on fences.
(7) Special purpose signs may not be mounted on rotating wheels.
(8) Special purpose signs may not be mounted on a trailer.
(9) Special purpose signs may not be changeable message signs or have changeable copy.
(10) Special purpose signs may not be illuminated.
(11) Special purpose signs may not contain flashing or blinking lights.
(12) Special purpose signs that relate exclusively to the construction, lease, remodeling, or sale of the premises on which they are located are permitted without limit as to the length of time displayed.
(f) Street light banners.
(1) The maximum number of street light banners is two per pole, with each banner on opposite sides of the pole.
(2) Streetlight banners may not exceed 12 square feet in effective area.
(3) Streetlight banners may not project more than three feet from the pole onto which they are mounted.
(4) Streetlight banners must be at least 12 feet above the sidewalk. A streetlight banner that overhangs a roadway must be at least 15 feet above the roadway.
(5) Streetlight banners and sign hardware must be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material.
(6) If a streetlight banner overhangs the public right-of-way, a license must be obtained in accordance with the requirements of the City Charter and the Dallas City Code.
(7) A streetlight banner must be a district identification sign, or display a district promotional message or generic graphics.
(8) A street light banner having a district promotional message may not be erected more than 60 days prior to the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 30 days after that activity or event has ended.
(9) The hardware for a streetlight banner may be left in place between displays of a banner. A streetlight banner and the sign hardware must be mounted on a streetlight pole and meet the sign construction and design standards in the Dallas Building Code.
(10) A sign permit is not required to erect or remove a streetlight banner. (Ord. 25899)
SEC. 51A-7.2201. DESIGNATION OF PARKLAND HOSPITAL SIGN DISTRICT.
(a) A sign district is hereby created to be known as the Parkland Hospital Sign District.
(b) This district is that area of the city within the boundaries described in Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 28950, passed by the Dallas City Council on March 27, 2013. (Ord. 28950)
SEC 51A-7.2202. DESIGNATION OF CORRIDORS.
(a) This district is hereby divided into three corridors: the Perimeter Corridor, the Parkland Corridor, and the Service Corridor.
(b) The Perimeter Corridor is that area of the city generally bordering on Harry Hines Boulevard, Medical District Drive, and Maple Avenue within the boundaries described in Exhibit B attached to Ordinance No. 28950, passed by the Dallas City Council on March 27, 2013.
(c) The Parkland Corridor is that area of the city generally encompassing the internal campus drive from Harry Hines Boulevard to Maple Avenue and from Tex-Oak Avenue to Bengal Street within the boundaries described in Exhibit C attached to Ordinance No. 28950, passed by the Dallas City Council on March 27, 2013.
(d) The Service Corridor is that area of the city generally bordering the Parkland campus on the west, Tex-Oak Avenue, Butler Street, portions of Redfield Street, and Amelia Court within the boundaries described in Exhibit D attached to Ordinance No. 28950, passed by the Dallas City Council on March 27, 2013. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2203. PURPOSE.
(a) The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and alterations of existing signs with a view towards enhancing, preserving, and developing the unique character of the Parkland Hospital area while addressing the public’s need to find and navigate to the multiple entrances efficiently.
(b) The objectives of this division include those listed in Section 51A-7.101 as well the objectives of ensuring that signs are appropriate to the architecture of the district, do not obscure significant architectural features, and lend themselves to the various user types (vehicular to pedestrian) of the area.
(c) The district regulations reflect the vehicular speeds along Harry Hines Boulevard and Medical District Drive, the high level of pedestrian activity along Parkland Boulevard, and the need to maximize effective orientation to multiple buildings on the campus. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2204. DEFINITIONS.
In this division:
(1) ARCADE SIGN means any sign that is mounted under a canopy or awning and is perpendicular to the building to which the canopy or awning is attached. This sign is intended to be read from the pedestrian walkway that the canopy or awning covers.
(2) AWNING means a fabric or vinyl surface supported by a metal structure, which is applied to the face of a building.
(3) AWNING SIGN means a sign attached to, painted on, or otherwise applied to an awning.
(4) BANNER means a sign attached to or applied on a strip of cloth, vinyl, or similar material and attached to a building, pole, or structure. Awning signs, canopy signs, and flags are not banners.
(5) BRANDING SIGN means a sign that only displays the brand, logo, or name of the district.
(6) CANOPY means a permanent, non-fabric architectural element projecting from the face of a building.
(7) CANOPY SIGN means a sign attached to, applied on, or supported by a canopy.
(8) CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN means a sign displaying static images that may display different designs, messages, or advertisements and that may include LED/LCD elements, slide lettering, slated rotating surfaces, or other changeable message technology.
(9) CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGN means a sign that is affixed to a construction barricade.
(10) DONOR RECOGNITION SIGN means a sign made of words, logos, or emblems that displays the name of an individual, institution, or other entity that donates money, time, services, or other goods to Parkland Hospital or the Parkland Foundation for the benefit of the hospital.
(11) DISTRICT means the Parkland Hospital Sign District.
(12) EFFECTIVE AREA means the following:
(A) For a detached sign, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign, excluding its supports. This rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
(B) For an attached sign, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of effective area.
(C) For signs placed on a fence, non-enclosing wall, planter, or other similar structure that is designed to serve a separate purpose other than to support the sign, the entire area of such structure is not computed, and the effective area is to be measured by the rule for effective area for attached signs.
(13) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 24 inches or less from a building, and with a face parallel to the building facade.
(14) GENERIC GRAPHICS means a pattern of shapes, colors, or symbols that does not commercially advertise.
(15) KIOSK means a multi-sided structure for the display of premise signs, information messages, and wayfinding information and maps.
(16) LANDSCAPE SIGN means a sign that is a part of a single landscape design which creates a base for the sign in conjunction with a retaining wall or an open space created with the use of water or planting material.
(17) LOWER LEVEL SIGN AREA means the portion of a facade equal to or less than 85 linear feet measured vertically from the ground.
(18) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and grade.
(19) MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGN means a sign that must direct vehicular or pedestrian movement onto or within this district and may include the name or logo of any premise located in this district.
(20) PARKING LOT IDENTIFICATION SIGN means a sign that may display the number, name, and primary users, in any combination, of a parking lot within the district.
(21) PARKING ZONE IDENTIFICATION SIGN means a sign identifying a particular zone or area within a parking lot either by letter, number, name, or a combination of the three, typically located on light poles within the parking lot.
(22) PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGN means a sign providing information about any of the following:
(A) The name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of any premise within this district.
(B) The identification of any premise within this district.
(C) Any accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted, other than incidentally, on any premise within this district.
(D) Pedestrian directional information.
(E) Campus maps and other orientation information.
(23) PERMANENT SIGN means any sign that is not a temporary sign as defined in this section.
(24) PROJECTING ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 18 or more inches from a building.
(25) PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE means a message that identifies, promotes, or advertises a cultural activity within this district, any event being conducted, in whole or in part, in this district, or any special event being conducted in this district.
(26) SPECIAL EVENT means a special event as defined in Chapter 42A of the Dallas City Code.
(27) TEMPORARY SIGN means a sign erected for a limited time that identifies an event or activity of limited duration. Examples include signs advertising the sale or lease of property, construction activity in progress, or a special or other cultural event.
(28) UPPER LEVEL SIGN AREA means the portion of a facade within the top 45 linear feet of the building measured vertically.
(29) VISION GLASS means window glass that is transparent, translucent, or decoratively fritted.
(30) WELCOME MESSAGE means a message that identifies and greets heads of state; foreign dignitaries; groups using city or county property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit; or government organizations.
(31) WINDOW DISPLAY SIGN means a sign placed within a storefront window of a building and designed to be viewed from a street or public area. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2205. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In general. Except as provided in this subsection, a person shall not alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit. A sign permit is not required to:
(1) Change the text on a changeable message sign, a window display sign, a protective sign, or a kiosk.
(2) Erect or replace a banner on a street pole using the existing sign hardware. A sign permit is required to install sign hardware for a banner.
(3) Erect a temporary sign that is less than 50 square feet in effective area.
(4) Erect a non-illuminated sign with an effective area of 20 square feet or less.
(b) Sign permit procedures. The procedures for obtaining a sign permit using the director procedure in Section 51A-7.505(4) apply in this district.
(c) Special event signs. Special event signs are governed by the special event permit. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2206. IMITATION OF TRAFFIC AND EMERGENCY SIGNS PROHIBITED.
No person shall cause to be erected or maintained any sign using any combination of forms, words, colors, or lights that imitate standard public traffic regulatory or emergency signs or signals. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2207. CREATION OF SITE.
Except for signs located wholly within the public right-of-way, the building official shall not issue a permit for construction, erection, placement, or maintenance of a sign until a site is established in one of the following ways:
(1) A lot is part of a plat which is approved by the city plan commission and filed in the plat records of Dallas County, Texas.
(2) Tracts that are governed by a detached sign unity agreement in accordance with Section 51A-7.213. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2208. SIGNS OVER THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.
(a) Signs may be located in or project over the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, subject to the licensing and franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the city charter, as amended; Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended; and the requirements of this section.
(b) The traffic engineer shall review the location of any sign located in or overhanging the public right-of-way to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2209. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) Except as provided in this division, all signs must comply with Article VII.
(b) Except as provided in this subsection, the minimum setback from back of curb is two feet. In the Perimeter Corridor, the minimum setback from back of curb is 10 feet.
(c) Signs are not allowed in a visibility triangle.
(d) All permanent signs must be premise signs or convey a noncommercial message.
(e) Signs may not be painted onto the roof of a building, and flat attached signs are not permitted on the roof of a building, except that helipad signs identifying Parkland Hospital are permitted to be painted onto the roof of a building.
(f) Signs may be internally illuminated.
(g) Illuminated signs with an effective area of 500 square feet or less may not have a luminance greater than 300 foot lamberts, nor may any such sign have a luminance greater than 300 foot lamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle two feet in diameter. Illuminated signs with an effective area greater than 500 square feet may not have a luminance greater than 200 foot lamberts, nor may any such sign have a luminance greater than 200 foot lamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle of two feet in diameter. The measurements of luminance are taken from any other premise or from any public right-of-way other than an alley.
(h) Changeable messages must follow the requirements of Section 51A-7.303(b).
(i) There is no limit to the number of words permitted on a sign. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2210. MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGNS.
(a) In general.
(1) Movement control signs may be erected on any premise without limit as to number.
(2) Movement control signs may contain generic graphics.
(b) Primary movement control signs. Primary movement control signs:
(1) must be monument signs;
(2) may not exceed 150 square feet in effective area;
(3) may not exceed 20 feet in height; and
(4) may only be located in the Perimeter Corridor.
(c) Secondary movement control signs. Secondary movement control signs:
(1) must be monument signs;
(2) may not exceed 100 square feet in effective area;
(3) may not exceed 16 feet in height; and
(4) may only be located in the Perimeter Corridor.
(d) Tertiary movement control signs. Tertiary movement control signs:
(1) must be monument signs;
(2) may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area;
(3) may not exceed 11 feet in height;
(4) may be located anywhere in the district; and
(5) in the Parkland Corridor, may contain multiple tenant names.
(e) Quaternary movement control signs. Quaternary movement control signs:
(1) must be monument signs;
(2) may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area;
(3) may not exceed six feet in height; and
(4) may be located anywhere in the district.
(f) Overhead movement control signs. Overhead movement control signs:
(1) must be pole mounted signs;
(2) may not exceed 40 square feet in aggregate effective area of movement control panels;
(3) must have a minimum clearance of 13 feet; and
(4) may be located anywhere in the district.
(g) Parkland Corridor movement control signs. Parkland Corridor movement control signs:
(1) must be pole mounted signs;
(2) may not exceed 25 square feet in effective area of movement control panels;
(3) may also support a banner (the banner square footage is not counted as part of the square footage);
(4) must have a minimum clearance of eight feet; and
(5) may be located only in the Parkland Corridor.
(h) Pedestrian movement control signs. Pedestrian movement control signs:
(1) must be monument signs;
(2) may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area;
(3) may not exceed 10 feet in height; and
(4) may be located anywhere in the district.
(i) Parking zone identification signs. Parking zone identification signs:
(1) must be pole mounted signs;
(2) may not exceed three square feet in effective area;
(3) must have a minimum clearance of eight feet; and
(4) may be located anywhere in the district.
(j) Parking lot identification signs. Parking lot identification signs:
(1) must be monument signs;
(2) may not exceed 25 square feet in effective area; and
(3) may be located anywhere in the district. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2211. DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGNS.
(a) District identification signs may only identify the name or logo of this district or an abutting special provision sign district.
(b) District identification signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
(c) In the Perimeter Corridor, a maximum of two district identification signs are permitted. A district identification sign in this corridor may be attached onto a non-enclosing wall or may be a monument sign.
(1) If the sign is attached onto a non-enclosing wall, the sign may not exceed 10 square feet in effective area.
(2) If the sign is a monument sign, the sign may not exceed 20 feet in height or 150 square feet in effective area.
(d) In the Parkland Corridor, district identification signs are prohibited.
(e) In the Service Corridor, a maximum of two district identification signs are permitted and they must be monument signs. The signs may not exceed 11 feet in height or 45 square feet in effective area. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2212. BANNER SIGNS.
(a) Banner signs may not be illuminated.
(b) Banner signs may be attached to Parkland Corridor movement control sign poles, or may be mounted to street light poles in the Perimeter Corridor or the Service Corridor.
(c) Pole mounted banner signs are not limited in number.
(d) Pole mounted banner signs must:
(1) meet the sign construction and design standards contained in the Dallas Building Code;
(2) be at least eight feet, but no more than 16 feet, above grade;
(3) not project more than three feet from the pole on which they are mounted;
(4) not exceed eight square feet in effective area;
(5) be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material; and
(6) may contain district activity promotional messages, welcome messages, premise messages, and sponsorship messages.
(e) A sign permit is not required to erect or remove a pole mounted banner. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2213. BRANDING SIGNS.
(a) An unlimited number of branding signs may be located on or incorporated into manhole covers, street light poles, sidewalks, benches, trash receptacles, and other improvements.
(b) Branding signs may not exceed one square foot in effective area. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2214. DONOR RECOGNITION SIGNS.
(a) Attached donor recognition signs.
(1) Attached donor recognition signs are allowed in the lower level sign area only.
(2) Attached donor recognition signs may not be located on vision glass, but may be located on non-vision glass or solid surface areas of the facade.
(3) The aggregate square footage of all donor recognition signs on a facade may not exceed 15 percent of the facade to which they are attached.
(4) Attached donor recognition signs may be located anywhere in the district.
(b) Detached donor recognition signs.
(1) Detached donor recognition signs may be monument or landscape signs.
(2) Detached donor recognition signs may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area.
(3) Detached donor recognition signs may not exceed 11 feet in height.
(4) Detached donor recognition signs may include other non-commercial messages.
(5) Detached donor recognition signs may be located anywhere in the district. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2215. STREAMERS, PENNANTS, AND INFLATABLE SEASONAL DECORATIONS PROHIBITED.
Streamers, pennants, and inflatable seasonal decorations, including, but not limited to, balloons, are prohibited. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2216. ATTACHED SIGNS.
(a) In general.
(1) Except as provided in this subsection, the total effective area for all attached signs on a facade may not exceed 30 percent of the area of the facade.
(2) Projecting signs and special event signs may not exceed 20 percent of the area of facade.
(3) Attached signs must be securely attached.
(4) Attached signs may not project more than four feet above the surface to which they are attached.
(5) Attached signs may only be located in the lower level sign area or the upper level sign area.
(b) Arcade signs.
(1) Arcade signs may be located anywhere in the district.
(2) An arcade sign must be located at least six feet from any other arcade sign.
(3) Arcade signs may not exceed six square feet in effective area.
(4) Arcade signs may not be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(c) Awning signs.
(1) Awning signs may be located anywhere in the district.
(2) Awning signs may not project beyond the surface of the awning or be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(3) Awning signs may not exceed six square feet in effective area.
(4) Awning signs must be located over a window or a door.
(5) Awning signs may not be backlit.
(d) Canopy signs.
(1) Canopy signs may be located anywhere in the district.
(2) Canopy signs may not:
(A) exceed 75 percent of the length of the canopy facade to which it is attached;
(B) project vertically beyond the canopy more than four feet;
(C) project horizontally more than 12 inches from the surface of the canopy; or
(D) be lower than 10 feet above grade.
(e) Flat attached signs.
(1) Except as provided in this division, a flat attached sign may be located anywhere in the district.
(2) The minimum distance between flat attached signs on a retail or mixed use premise is four feet.
(3) The maximum width of a flat attached sign on a retail or mixed use premise is 75 percent of the facade width.
(4) Flat attached signs on a retail or mixed use premise may not be located more than 20 feet from the ground.
(f) Projecting attached signs.
(1) Projecting attached signs may be located anywhere in the district.
(2) Projecting attached signs on a retail or mixed use premise may not:
(A) exceed 20 square feet in effective area;
(B) be lower than 10 feet above grade;
(C) be closer than 15 feet to any other projecting attached sign on a retail or mixed use premise; or
(D) project vertically above 20 feet. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2217. WINDOW DISPLAY SIGNS.
(a) Window display signs are permitted only on the ground floor of a retail or mixed-use premise in the Parkland Corridor.
(b) Window display signs may not cover more than 25 percent of the surface area of a window. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2218. KIOSK SIGNS.
(a) A maximum of 10 kiosks are permitted in this district.
(b) Kiosks may not be illuminated by a detached, independent external light source.
(c) Kiosks may be changeable message signs.
(d) Kiosks must be spaced at least 50 feet apart.
(e) Kiosks must be securely anchored to the ground.
(f) Kiosks may not exceed 10 feet in height and 50 square feet in effective area. The display area for each sign on a kiosk may not exceed 20 square feet in effective area. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2219. CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGNS.
(a) Construction barricade signs may not be illuminated or contain any moving parts.
(b) Construction barricade signs must be removed when the construction barricade is removed.
(c) A construction barricade may be fully decorated with a graphic except that:
(1) no decoration or part of the graphic may project more than two inches horizontally from the barricade facade, or
(2) no decoration or graphic may project more than four feet vertically above the top of the barricade. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2220. TEMPORARY SIGNS.
(a) Temporary signs may be externally or internally illuminated.
(b) Temporary signs may be attached or detached.
(c) Attached temporary signs may not exceed 125 square feet in effective area.
(d) Detached temporary signs may not exceed 25 square feet in effective area. (Ord. 28950)
SEC. 51A-7.2301. DESIGNATION OF SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL SPECIAL PROVISION SIGN DISTRICT.
(a) A special provision sign district is hereby created to be known as the Southwestern Medical District Sign District.
(b) This district is that area within the boundaries described in Exhibit A attached to Ordinance No. 29392, passed by the Dallas City Council on June 25, 2014. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2302. PURPOSE.
(a) The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and alterations of existing signs with a view towards enhancing, preserving, and developing the unique character of the Southwestern Medical District area while addressing the public's need to locate and navigate to the multiple hospital and medical office entrances efficiently.
(b) The objectives of this division include those listed in Section 51A-7.101 as well as to:
(1) Create an aesthetically pleasing environment that cultivates a center for healthcare, education, biomedical research, and technology.
(2) Designate entries into this district.
(3) Communicate clear directions to, within, and through the district.
(4) Promote the goods and services available in this district.
(5) Ensure that the size and orientation of signs assist pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
(6) Enhance economic growth and community identity for local businesses and residents in the district.
(7) Ensure that significant architectural features and buildings within this district are not obscured by inappropriate signs.
(8) Identify and promote special events and cultural activities in this district.
(9) Identify and highlight key features, local amenities, corridors, and communities in and adjacent to this district. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2303. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS.
In this division:
(1) BANNER means a sign attached to or applied on a strip of cloth, vinyl, metal, or similar material and attached to a building, pole, or structure. Canopy signs and flags are not banners.
(2) CHANGEABLE MESSAGE SIGN means a sign displaying static images that may display different designs, messages, or advertisements and that may include LED/LCD elements, slide lettering, slated rotating surfaces, or other changeable message technology.
(3) CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGN means a sign that is affixed to a construction barricade.
(4) DISTRICT OR THIS DISTRICT means the Southwestern Medical District Sign District.
(5) EFFECTIVE AREA means the following:
(A) For a detached sign, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign, excluding its supports. This rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are movable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view.
(B) For an attached sign, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of effective area.
(C) For signs placed on a fence, non-enclosing wall, planter, or other similar structure that is designed to serve a separate purpose other than to support the sign, the entire area of such structure is not computed, and the effective area is to be measured by the rule for effective area for attached signs.
(6) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign projecting 24 inches or less from a building, and with face parallel to the building facade.
(7) GATEWAY SIGN means a district entry monument sign that lets travelers know they are entering a distinct area within this district.
(8) GENERIC GRAPHICS mean a pattern of shapes, colors, or symbols that does not commercially advertise.
(9) GOVERNMENTAL TRAFFIC SIGN means a sign, signal, or other traffic control device installed by a governmental agency for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding vehicular or pedestrian traffic on a public roadway, including stop signs, one-way signs, no parking signs, and electronic pedestrian and vehicular signalization devices and their fixtures.
(10) LOGO means a graphic or emblem that is used to identify, symbolize, and promote an entity or organization.
(11) MEDICAL INSTITUTION means healthcare, medical, educational, and research facilities and destinations within this district that may have a helipad.
(12) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and grade.
(13) MOVEMENT CONTROL SIGN means a sign that must direct vehicular or pedestrian movement into or within this district and may include the name or logo of this district or of any premise within this district.
(14) PERMANENT SIGN means any sign that is not a temporary sign as defined in this section.
(15) PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE means a message that identifies, promotes, or advertises a cultural activity within this district, any event being conducted, in whole or in part, within this district, or any special event being conducted within this district.
(16) SIGN HARDWARE means the structural support system for a sign, including the fastening devices that secure the sign to a building facade or pole.
(17) SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGNS means gateway signs, movement control signs, trailblazer signs, and district street topper signs that designate the boundaries of this district and guide people coming to medical institution destinations.
(18) SPECIAL EVENT means a special event as defined in Chapter 42A of the Dallas City Code.
(19) TEMPORARY SIGN means a sign erected for a limited time that identifies an event or activity of limited duration. Examples include signs advertising the sale or lease of property, construction activity in progress, or a special or other cultural event.
(20) TEXAS MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES means the latest publication of the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the Texas Department of Transportation.
(21) TRAILBLAZER SIGN means a sign placed strategically to guide travelers to a particular destination within this district.
(22) VIDEOBOARD SIGN means a flat screen that is capable of displaying moving images similar to television images, by light-emitting diode or other similar technology, and that is mounted to the exterior of a building.
(23) WELCOME MESSAGE means a message that identifies and greets heads of state; foreign dignitaries; groups using city or county property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit; or government organizations. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2304. SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In general. Except as provided in this subsection, a person shall not alter, place, maintain, expand, or remove a Southwestern Medical District identification sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit. A sign permit is not required to:
(1) Change the text on a changeable message sign or a protective sign.
(2) Erect or replace a banner on a street pole using the existing sign hardware. A sign permit is required to install sign hardware for a banner.
(3) Erect a temporary sign that is less than 50 square feet in effective area.
(4) Erect a non-illuminated sign with an effective area of 20 square feet or less.
(5) Erect governmental traffic signs.
(b) Sign permit procedures.
(1) Except as provided in this subsection, the procedures for obtaining a sign permit using the director procedure in Section 51A-7.505(4) apply in this district.
(2) For each sign permit application, a sign plan is required and must include a:
(A) map of the district boundaries with existing and proposed Southwestern Medical District identification signs shown; and
(B) table with the cumulative number of the existing and proposed Southwestern Medical District identification signs tabulated.
(c) Review of application. The director shall review the application and approve or deny it within 30 days of its receipt.
(d) Appeals. Any interested person may appeal the decision of the director by submitting a written request for appeal to the director within 10 days of the decision. Within 30 days after receipt of the written request for appeal, the director shall schedule the appeal on a future city plan commission agenda. The city plan commission shall hold a public hearing to consider the appeal in accordance with Section 51A-7.505(6).
(e) Special event signs. Special event signs are governed by the special event permit regulations in Chapter 42A of the Dallas City Code. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2305. IMITATION OF TRAFFIC AND EMERGENCY SIGNS PROHIBITED.
No person shall erect or maintain, or cause to be erected or maintained, any sign using any combination of forms, words, colors, or lights that imitate standard public traffic regulatory or emergency signs or signals. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2306. CREATION OF SITE.
Except for signs located wholly within the public right-of-way, the director shall not issue a permit for the construction, erection, placement, or maintenance of a sign until a site is established in one of the following ways:
(1) A lot is part of a plat that is approved by the city plan commission and filed in the plat records of Dallas County, Texas.
(2) Tracts that are governed by a detached sign unity agreement in accordance with Section 51A-7.213. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2307. GOVERNMENT TRAFFIC SIGNS.
Nothing in this division shall be construed to regulate the display of a government traffic sign. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2308. SIGNS WITHIN AND OVER THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.
(a) Signs may be located within or project over the public right-of-way, subject to the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the licensing and franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the city charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, and the requirements of this section.
(b) The traffic engineer shall review and must approve the location in, projecting over, or overhanging the public right-of-way to ensure that the sign complies with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices, other city ordinances and state laws, and will not pose a traffic or safety hazard or visibility obstruction.
(c) A minimum clearance over public right-of-way must be maintained in accordance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(d) For signs in the right-of-way, if there is a conflict between the text of this division and the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices controls. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2309. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR ALL SIGNS.
(a) Except as provided in this division, signs must comply with the provisions for business zoning districts in Article VII.
(b) Signs may be illuminated by back lighting or indirect lighting.
(c) Neon or single incandescent bulbs are not allowed.
(d) Illuminated signs with an effective area of 500 square feet or less may not have a luminance greater than 300 foot lamberts, nor may any such sign have a luminance greater than 300 foot lamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle two feet in diameter. The measurements of luminance are taken from any other premise or from any public right-of-way other than an alley.
(e) Illuminated signs with an effective area greater than 500 square feet may not have a luminance greater than 200 foot lamberts, nor may any such sign have a luminance greater than 200 foot lamberts for any portion of the sign within a circle of two feet in diameter. The measurements of luminance are taken from any other premise or from any public right-of-way other than an alley.
(f) Changeable messages must follow the requirements of Section 51A-7.303(b).
(g) A sign or part of a sign may not move or rotate, with the exception of a wind device, the motion of which is not restricted.
(h) Signs are not allowed in a visibility triangle.
(i) The number of words allowed on a sign is not limited, unless otherwise restricted by the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(j) All permanent signs must be premise signs, convey a noncommercial message, list the Southwestern Medical District name and logo, or the name of a hospital or medical or educational use.
(k) Fiberglass as a sign material is allowed.
(l) For detached signs, plastic is not permitted as an exterior face of a sign. Plastic may be used as a backing for routed letters in a sign can or as decorative ornaments.
(m) Except for helipad signs, signs may not be painted onto the roof of a building, and no flat attached sign is permitted on the roof of a building. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2310. PROHIBITED SIGNS.
The following signs are prohibited in this district:
(a) Videoboard signs.
(b) Supergraphic signs.
(c) Streamers, pennants, and inflatable seasonal decorations. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2311. SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGNS.
(a) In general.
(1) A minimum setback is not required for Southwestern Medical District identification signs.
(2) Southwestern Medical District identification signs may be located within the public right-of-way in accordance with Section 51A-7.2308.
(3) Except for district street topper signs, Southwestern Medical District identification signs may be illuminated in accordance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(4) Southwestern Medical District identification signs may contain changeable messages.
(b) Gateway signs.
(1) A maximum of 10 gateway signs are allowed.
(2) Gateway signs may not exceed:
(A) 150 square feet in effective area;
(B) 20 feet in height; and
(C) 8 feet in width.
(3) Gateway signs may only identify the name or logo of this district or an abutting special provision sign district.
(4) Gateway signs may be internally or externally illuminated.
(5) Gateway signs may be located within the right-of-way in accordance with Section 51A-7.2308.
(c) Movement control signs.
(1) In general.
(A) Movement control signs must be pole signs.
(B) Movement control signs may be located within or project over the public right-of-way in accordance with Section 51A-7.2308.
(C) Text size on movement controls signs must comply with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(2) Large movement control signs.
(A) A maximum of 14 are allowed.
(B) Large movement control signs may have a maximum effective area of 270 square feet.
(C) Large movement control signs may not exceed three separate panels.
(3) Medium movement signs.
(A) A maximum of 14 are allowed.
(B) Medium movement control signs may have a maximum effective area of 120 square feet.
(C) Medium movement control signs may only contain one panel.
(4) Small movement control signs.
(A) A maximum of 60 are allowed.
(B) Small movement control signs may have a maximum effective area of 80 square feet.
(C) Small movement control signs may only contain one panel.
(d) Trailblazer signs.
(1) A trailblazer sign may be a pole sign or mounted on existing traffic signal posts.
(2) Trailblazer signs may have a maximum effective area of 12 square feet.
(3) Trailblazer signs may only contain one panel.
(4) Trailblazer signs must comply with the minimum clearance over public right-of-way requirements in the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(e) District street topper signs.
(1) District street topper signs must be mounted on a traffic control pole.
(2) District street topper signs may have a maximum effective area of 30 square feet.
(3) District street topper signs may only contain the name of this district.
(4) District street topper signs may not be internally illuminated. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2312. BANNERS.
(a) Banners may be illuminated.
(b) A banner must display a promotional message, a welcome message, or generic graphics.
(c) No more than 10 percent of the effective area of a banner may contain a welcome message that identifies and greets a group using city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit.
(d) To create uniformity throughout this district, banners should, on up to 10 percent of the effective area, contain the words or logos identifying a Southwestern Medical District cultural event or activity sponsor if the sponsor's name is part of the name of the activity or event.
(e) A banner having a promotional message or a welcome message may not be erected for more than 90 days before the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 15 days after that activity or event ends. The sign hardware for a banner may be left in place between displays of a banner.
(f) Banners may be mounted to street light poles.
(g) Pole mounted banners are in addition to other signs allowed on a premise and the banner and its hardware must:
(1) meet the sign construction and design standards in the Dallas Building Code;
(2) be at least eight feet, but no more than 16 feet above grade;
(3) not project more than three feet from the pole on which it is mounted;
(4) not exceed eight square feet in effective area; and
(5) be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material.
(h) Pole mounted banners are not limited in number.
(i) A sign permit is not required to erect or remove a pole mounted banner. (Ord. 29392)
SEC. 51A-7.2313. CONSTRUCTION BARRICADE SIGNS.
(a) A construction barricade sign may not be illuminated or contain any moving parts.
(b) A minimum 10 percent of the effective area of a construction barricade sign must display the names of the owner, occupant, medical institution located within this district, or the Southwestern Medical District name, brand, or logo.
(c) Except for traffic signs, construction barricade signs are not allowed in the public right-of-way.
(d) A construction barricade sign must be removed when the construction barricade is removed.
(e) A construction barricade may be fully decorated with a graphic, except that:
(1) no decoration or part of the graphic may project more than two inches horizontally from the barricade; and
(2) no decoration or graphic may project more than four feet vertically above the top of the barricade. (Ord. 29392)
