1. 1.
   With respect to parking:

   1. a.
      Adequate off-street parking is provided for uses that are permitted by this Code.
   2. b.
      Off-street parking areas are designed and illuminated to protect the safety of their users.
   3. c.
      Sufficient parking is provided in nonresidential areas that are near residential neighborhoods, so that the character and quality of life of the residential neighborhoods are protected from overflow parking.
   4. d.
      Reductions in off-street parking requirements are available to mixed-use projects that utilize shared parking arrangements that account for differences in the timing of the peak parking demand of the various uses.
2. 2.
   With respect to loading areas:

   1. a.
      Adequate loading areas are provided to support the uses to which they relate.
   2. b.
      Loading areas do not interfere with parking and circulation and do not disturb the use of adjacent properties.
3. 3.
   With respect to stacking areas, sites have drive-through lane capacity to hold vehicles while transactions are taking place by providing direct access to a service window or other improvement.  

1. 1.
   Except as provided in Subdivisions.B.2., the standards of this Article apply to:

   1. a.
      New Development. New residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development or change in use from residential to nonresidential or mixed-use;
   2. b.
      Increase in Intensity. Increase in apartment units, manufactured home pads, gross floor area, or impervious surface by 10 percent or more, cumulatively over a five-year period; or
   3. c.
      Change in Use. Change in use requiring additional parking spaces.
2. 2.
   The requirements of this Division shall not apply to the DT district.   

1. 1.
   Parking Space Width. Table 4.102-1, Minimum Horizontal Parking Widths for Standard Automobiles, specifies the minimum horizontal widths for standard parking rows, aisles, and modules.
2. 2.
   Minimum Area. The standard parking space is nine feet by 18 feet. See Sec. 4.105, Parking for Persons with Disabilities (ADA), for required dimensions of accessible parking spaces.
3. 3.
   Vertical Clearance.

   1. a.
      A vertical clearance of not less than eight feet shall be provided over all parking spaces. 
   2. b.
      Additional clearance shall be provided for larger vans, sports utility vehicles, and light trucks that require such clearance if parking demand from such vehicles is anticipated.
   3. c.
      All parking garage entrances shall include an overhead bar to alert oversized vehicles regarding clearance. 
4. 4.
   Parking Space Markings. All standard and accessible parking spaces shall be clearly marked as illustrated in Figure 4.102-1, Parking Stall Dimensions.

1. 1.
   Per Square Feet (SF). Where the number of parking spaces in Table 4.103-1, Minimum Parking and Loading Requirements, is calculated based on the gross floor area of the use not including restrooms and areas that are designed and used exclusively for storage.
2. 2.
   Fractional Spaces. When the number of required off-street parking spaces results in a fractional space, the fractional space shall be rounded up to the next highest whole number.
3. 3.
   Per Dwelling Unit (DU) or Per Bedroom. The phrase "per DU" means that the number of parking spaces is calculated based on the number of dwelling units. In some cases, the parking requirements are based on the number of bedrooms in the dwelling unit.
4. 4.
   Per Seat Capacity. The phrase "per # seats" means that the number of parking spaces is based on the number of seats that are provided for guests (patrons, members, etc.), with benches or pews measured as one seat per each two feet of width; 
5. 5.
   Per Employee. The phrase "per employee" means the requirement is based on the number of employees on the maximum shift.
6. 6.
   Per Bed. The phrase "per bed" means the requirement is based on the maximum number of patient beds that the facility may accommodate. 

1. 1.
   In general, off-street parking areas that are required to have more than three parking spaces shall be graded and surfaced with material acceptable to the City Engineer that will protect against potholes, erosion, and dust. 
2. 2.
   The City Engineer may permit less durable surfaces (such as crushed stone or gravel) for off-street parking facilities that serve athletic fields or public or private parks, provided that the perimeter of such parking areas is defined by bricks, stones, railroad ties, or other similar devices and such surfaces are set back at least 25 feet from a public street.

1. 1.
   In general, the number of accessible spaces shall be in accordance with Table 4.105-1, Required Number of Off-Street Accessible Parking Spaces.
2. 2.

   In multi-family residential development, one accessible parking space shall be provided for each unit that is designed for occupancy by disabled persons.

3. 3.
   No accessible spaces are required for valet parking lots. 

1. 1.
   On-Street Parking Credit.

   1. a.
      On‐street parking spaces may provide credit to satisfy the minimum parking space requirements in the nonresidential districts established in Section 4.103, Required Off-Street Parking and Loading Spaces, on streets designed for on-street parking. The use of on‐street parking spaces to satisfy minimum parking requirements in no way guarantees the use of such parking spaces to customers, employees, or visitors of the subject property. 
   2. b.
      On-street spaces shall be located on a public or private street, shall be available to the general public, and directly abutting the subject property.
   3. c.
      Bus stops, clear zones adjacent to curb cuts, and other areas in which parking is prohibited shall not be included in the calculation of available on‐street parking spaces. 
   4. d.
      An on‐street parking space shall be a minimum of 20 feet in length.  A minimum of 16 linear feet of an on-street parking space shall be directly adjacent to the subject property in order to be counted as a parking space.
2. 2.
   Shared Parking Reduction. 

   1. a.
      Shared parking allows a reduction of up to 30 percent in the total number of required parking spaces when a property is occupied by two or more uses that typically do not experience peak use of parking areas at the same time. When any land or building is used for two or more uses that are listed in Table 4.106-1, Shared Parking Table, below, the minimum total number of required parking spaces may be determined by the following procedures, which are followed by Table 4.106-2, Illustrative Shared Parking Credit Calculation, showing an example of how to calculate shared parking reductions.

      1. i.
         Determine the minimum parking requirements for each use category in Column (A) as if it were a separate use excluding spaces reserved for use by specified individuals or classes of individuals (for example, accessible spaces or spaces posted as “reserved”);
      2. ii.
         Multiply the sum of required parking spaces for each use by the corresponding percentages for each of the five time periods set forth in Columns (B) through (F) of Table 4.106-1, below;
      3. iii.
         Calculate the total for each time period; and
      4. iv.
         Select the Column with the highest total to find the required number of shared spaces. 

1. 1.
   Location.

   1. a.
      Required bicycle parking must be located within 50 feet of an entrance to the building. With approval from the City Engineer, a maximum of 50 percent of required bicycle parking may be located in the public right-of-way.
   2. b.
      Any bicycle parking in the public right-of-way should be located within the band created by street trees and pedestrian scale lights; however, it must be placed in a manner that avoids conflicts with pedestrian and vehicular paths.
   3. c.
      Bicycle parking may also be provided within a building, but the location must be easily accessible to bicycles.
2. 2.
   Covered Spaces. If covered spaces for motor vehicles are provided on-site, then 50 percent of the bicycle parking shall also be covered.
3. 3.
   Signs. If bicycle parking is not visible from the street, then a sign must be posted indicating the location of the bicycle parking facilities.

1. 1.
   Rack Type. Bicycle rack types and dimensions shall be approved by the City.
2. 2.
   Parking Space Dimensions.

   1. a.
      Bicycle parking spaces must be at least six feet long and two feet wide, and in covered situations, the overhead clearance must be at least seven feet.
   2. b.
      An aisle for bicycle maneuvering must be provided and maintained beside or between each row of bicycle parking. This aisle must be at least five feet wide.
   3. c.
      Each required bicycle parking space must be accessible without moving another bicycle.

Applicability. The standards of this Division apply to the following development activities:

1. 1.
   New Development. New residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development or change in use from residential to nonresidential or mixed-use;
2. 2.
   Increase in Intensity. Increase in apartment units, manufactured home pads, gross floor area, or impervious surface by 20 percent or more, cumulatively over a five-year period; or
3. 3.
   Change in Use. Change in use requiring additional parking spaces.

1. 1.
   Site Landscaping. In order to avoid large monocultures of trees and shrubs, no more than 20 percent of each category of required landscaping (large trees, small trees, and shrubs) on a site shall be of any one species; and no more than 40 percent of each category shall be of any one genera.
2. 2.
   Street Trees. Street trees shall be diversified to prevent large-scale losses in the event of disease or blight. Each street block shall have at least 3 genera of street trees, and no more than 40 percent of the street trees in the City shall be of the same genus.

Plant Locations. All plantings shall comply with the following:

1. 1.
   Sight Distance Triangle. No landscaping may be planted in violation of the visibility triangle established in Subsection 3.301, Measurements. Corner lots, and in situations where driveways and alleys intersect with street rights-of-way, shall be kept free of landscaping and plant materials that interfere with the vision of a motorist or pedestrian.
2. 2.
   Easements. Trees shall not be placed within any public utility easement.
3. 3.
   Clearance. Landscaping shall not be planted such that it obstructs traffic or rights-of-way, restricts access, or causes a public nuisance.

   1. a.
      Fire Safety. Landscaping shall meet minimum clearance of 5 feet from all fire hydrants as well as meet any  other requirements of the fire department.
   2. b.
      Meters. No large trees, small tress, or shrubs may be planted within 5 feet of any utility meter.
4. 4.
   Spacing. In general, all plants shall be sited and spaced in a manner to allow for appropriate growth to mature size.

1. 1.
   Large. One large tree may be substituted in place of 10 required shrubs.
2. 2.
   Small. One small tree may be substituted in place of five required shrubs.
3. 3.
   Palm. For all situations except street trees, three palm trees may be substituted in place of one required large tree. provided that the three palm trees are installed with all trunks no further than eight feet apart.
4. 4.
   Substitution. One large tree may be substituted in place of two required small trees. Small trees may not be substituted for required large trees.
5. 5.
   Grasses. Three ornamental grasses may be substituted for one required shrub.
6. 6.
   Overhead Utilities. Where one large tree is required beneath an overhead utility line, it shall be substituted with two small trees. Palms are not permitted to be planted under overhead utilities.

1. 1.
   General. On-lot landscaping is that landscaping which is installed on property that is designated for development, such as single-family residential lots, multi-family residential lots, and nonresidential lots (in landscape areas that are required pursuant to the applicable landscape area ratio [LSR]). See Figure 4.203-1, On-Lot Landscaping.

1. 1.
   Protected Trees, Generally. The following trees are protected within the City of Edinburg, and shall be preserved and maintained according to the standards of this Section:

   1. a.
      All Champion trees. See Subsection 2., below.
   2. b.
      All Heritage trees. See Subsection 3., below.
   3. c.
      Any tree (except a prohibited tree) with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 8 inches or more, located in the AO, CN, CG, DT, UU, IL, or IG District, or on land to be subdivided within an RS, RP, RU, or RM District.
   4. d.
      Any tree (except a prohibited tree) with a DBH of 20 inches or more, located on a vacant residential lot in the RS, RP, or RM District. 
2. 2.
   Champion Trees. The largest tree of any given species within the City limits shall be designated by the Administrator as a benchmark Champion tree if it is in good physical and structural health. The measurement shall be the tree's diameter at breast height (DBH). Any tree within the City with a diameter at breast height of at least 80 percent of the benchmark Champion tree of the same species shall also be designated a Champion tree. The Administrator shall keep a registry of Champion trees.
3. 3.
   Heritage Trees.

   1. a.
      Heritage trees are trees that are selected by the City Council by resolution for protection, for one or more of the following reasons:

      1. i.
         The tree is an outstanding specimen of a desirable species.
      2. ii.
         The tree is one of the largest or oldest trees in the City.
      3. iii.
         The tree possesses a distinctive form, size, age, or location.
      4. iv.
         The tree has historical significance because:

         1. 1.
            The tree stands at the home of a person who played a role in history as a leader, writer or other significant contribution.
         2. 2.
            The tree stands at or near where an event occurred that affected Texas' development and its citizens.
         3. 3.
            The tree was planted by an individual or group whose experience is of significance.
         4. 4.
            The tree is illustrated in sketches, journals, photographs or writings, related to a historical event.
   2. b.
      No tree shall be designated as a heritage tree without the consent of the property owner.
   3. c.
      Heritage trees shall not be removed, damaged, or destroyed unless their heritage tree designation is first removed by the City Council and the standards of Subsection B, Tree Removal and Replacement, below, are met, except that the Administrator may order the removal of a Heritage tree in the case of a bona fide emergency that would cause the Heritage tree to become a public danger

1. 1.
   General. A tree survey performed by a certified arborist, registered landscape architect, or a registered land surveyor shall be submitted prior to any development that is proposed that would impact a protected tree.
2. 2.
   Partial Tree Survey. The Administrator may accept a partial tree survey in lieu of a full tree survey if the Administrator finds that protected trees only exist on a portion of the site.
3. 3.
   Tree Inventory. The Administrator may accept a tree inventory in lieu of a tree survey if protected trees are located in areas of designated open space. 

1. 1.
   General. Development shall be designed so that existing stands of native trees are preserved in designated open spaces whenever practicable.
2. 2.
   Clear Cutting. Sites that include significant numbers of trees, as determined by a certified arborist, shall not be clear cut in preparation for development. Trees shall be removed only if:

   1. a.
      They are a prohibited species;
   2. b.
      They are unhealthy or structurally unsound;
   3. c.
      They are within 10 feet of an approved building footprint;
   4. d.
      They are within five feet of the paved area of an approved street or parking area;
   5. e.
      They are within eight feet an approved outdoor recreation area that by its nature requires the removal of the trees (e.g., ballfields);
   6. f.
      They are within an approved stormwater retention/detention area and are not adapted to such conditions; or
   7. g.
      They are within 6 feet of a utility easement and would interfere with the use of the easement. 

1. 1.
   General. Protected trees shall not be removed, damaged (e.g., through topping or other improper pruning) or destroyed unless a tree removal permit is issued by the City. Trees that are not protected as provided in Subsection A, Protected Trees, may be removed, subject to the limitations of Subsection C, Limitation on Clear Cutting, upon issuance of a building permit.
2. 2.
   Relocation. Relocation of protected trees is encouraged but not required. Protected trees that are relocated to another place on-site or within the City do not have to be replaced if they are relocated according to the transplanting methods described in the Appendix B, Permitted and Prohibited Plants, and they survive for at least two years from the date of the transplant.
3. 3.
   Development. A tree removal permit may be issued for the removal of protected trees for development of a site if the applicant demonstrates that all of the following apply:

   1. a.
      No reasonable alternative site design at the same density and intensity could be approved that:

      1. i.
         Would preserve all of the protected trees;
      2. ii.
         Would preserve the largest of the protected trees; or
      3. iii.
         Would preserve a greater number of protected trees.
   2. b.
      Relocation of the protected trees to another location on-site or within the City is not practically or economically feasible;
   3. c.
      The trees are replaced or mitigated according to the following standards:

      1. i.
         New large tree species are installed to replace the removed protected trees, such that:

         1. 1.
            For protected trees and trees larger than 20 inches in DBH, that are not Champion or Heritage trees,  the sum of the DBH measurements of the new trees is equal to or greater than the sum of the DBH of the removed protected trees;
         2. 2.
            For Champion trees or trees for which a Heritage tree designation was removed, the sum of the DBH measurements of the new trees is equal to or greater than three times the sum of the DBH of the removed Champion or former Heritage trees; and
      2. ii.
         At least 60 percent of all replacement trees will be native, drought tolerant species; or
      3. iii.
         The applicant pays into the City's tree planting fund an amount equal to $150 per inch DBH of protected trees that are not replaced on site. The City shall use the fund to plant trees on public property to enhance the overall tree canopy within the City limits.
   4. d.
      The applicant guarantees replanting of any replacement trees that fail to survive for a period of 2 years after installation.  The guarantee shall be in the form of a letter of credit or performance bond equal to the cost of the trees being protected.
4. 4.
   Relationship to Other Landscaping Requirements. Replacement trees shall count toward the landscaping requirements of the areas in which they are planted. However, if this Section requires more trees than the other Sections of this Division, then this Section controls. 
5. 5.
   Removal Without Replacement. A protected tree, including a Champion tree, may be removed without replacement only in a minimum of one of the following circumstances:

   1. a.
      The Administrator orders such removal due to an emergency.
   2. b.
      A certified arborist certifies to the City that one or more of the following conditions exists:

      1. i.
         The protected tree is damaged by natural causes beyond the point of recovery;
      2. ii.
         The protected tree is diseased beyond the point of recovery;
      3. iii.
         The protected tree must be removed as a safety measure because it is in danger of falling; or
      4. iv.
         The protected tree threatens to damage property.
   3. c.
      The protected tree is dead.

1. 1.
   Restrictions Within Dripline or Critical Root Zone.

   1. a.
      No cutting or filling, nor storage of building materials or debris, nor disposal of wastes, shall take place within the larger of the dripline or critical root zone of any protected tree.
   2. b.
      No impervious paving shall be placed within the critical root zone of any protected tree.
   3. c.
      The larger of the dripline or critical root zone of all protected trees shall be barricaded during construction to prevent damage to the trees and their roots by construction equipment.
2. 2.
   Prohibited Pruning Techniques. The following types of pruning are not permitted because they damage the tree:

   1. a.
      Topping (cutting large vertical branches of the tree to reduce its height). See Figure 4.205-1-A.
   2. b.
      Tipping (cutting branches between nodes). See Figure 4.205-1-B.
   3. c.
      Bark ripping (cutting branches so that the bark rips when the branch falls). See Figure 4.205-1-C.
   4. d.
      Flush cuts (cutting the branch too close to the collar, the area where the branch connects to the tree). See Figure 4.205-1-D.
   5. e.
      Stub cuts (cutting branches too far away from the collar, the area where the branch connects to the tree). See Figure 4.205-1-E. 

1. 1.
   Generally. A landscape maintenance plan shall identify all open space areas and all other landscaped areas on the site. A part of the approved landscape plan shall be a maintenance plan that identifies the short-term maintenance after planting and long-term maintenance for all open space areas and all landscaped areas such as parkways as required by this Code.
2. 2.
   Short-Term Maintenance. This is maintenance that is needed for the first two years after planting to ensure trees get sufficient water and other care and that areas of groundcover are kept free of weeds or other material that prevent it from stabilizing. In natural areas, this may require intensive initial care to keep out invasive species.
3. 3.
   Long-Term Maintenance. The long-term maintenance program shall set out the type and frequency of care, such as mowing, watering, applying fertilizer, and periodic work in natural areas.
4. 4.
   Maintenance Plan. The maintenance plan shall provide a detailed explanation of the work to be done, the reason it is needed, the frequency of the work, and the estimated cost of the work in a given year. This is intended to be a guide to the homeowners or property owners' association, property owner, business owner, developer, or tenant on the needed maintenance, and an aid to budgeting and contracting. It also informs the developer of work that needs to be accomplished prior to turning the project over to the owners' association, property owner, business owner, or tenant and ensures continuing compliance with the City’s landscape and open space standards.
5. 5.
   RIght-of-Way Maintenance. The adjacent landowner shall maintain the right-of-way between the edge of pavement (if there is no curb) or the inside edge of the curb for the length of the property owner's frontage and to the centerline of a recorded or proposed alley. It is the duty of the adjacent landowner to keep streets and alleys, whether private or public free of debris, weeds higher than 24  inches, filth, carrion and impure or unwholesome matter.

1. 1.
   General. All plant material shall have access to water by drip irrigation unless otherwise approved; and buildings shall have an exterior hose bib faucet for watering of potted plants and other outside needs.. Irrigation systems shall be required and designed to avoid sprinkling and unnecessary runoff onto paved areas, including parking, loading and street pavement areas. Prevailing winds shall be considered in the design of the irrigation systems.

   1. a.
      The irrigation of all required landscape areas and plant materials shall utilize one or a combination of the following methods to be detailed on a landscaping plan which is capable of providing a soil moisture adequate to maintain the survival and growth of the landscape plants on a sustained basis keeping the minimum soil moisture level between the field capacity of the soil and the wilting point of the plants.
   2. b.
      An automated irrigation system consisting of conventional spray, bubblers, drip, emitters, drip tubing, porous pipe-soakers or similar designs compliant with Chapter 551 of the Texas Local Government Code which require a city with a population of 20,000 or more to regulate the installation of irrigation systems within the corporate limits of the city as well as the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction connecting to the City’s potable water system. The irrigation system shall comply with applicable Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulations on the installation, inspection and operation of irrigations systems by licensed irrigators.
   3. c.
      Manual watering is permitted if all parts of the landscape improvements are within 100 feet of one or more hose bibs and if nonresidential landscape improvements do not exceed 2,000 square feet. Watering hoses must not cross vehicular or pedestrian traffic during business hours. 
   4. d.
      Xeriscape plant materials may be manually watered regardless of their distance from a hose bib or their size. 
2. 2.
   Constrained Areas. Irrigation of constrained areas such as street right of way, parkways, and medians shall be by drip irrigation or other systems that comply with Subsection A.
3. 3.
   Water Conservation. Irrigation systems shall be designed to conserve the City’s water supply in accordance with the City’s water conservation policies and regulations.
4. 4.
   Permitting. No automated irrigation system shall be installed unless authorized by a permit based on irrigation plans approved by the Administrator.
5. 5.
   Manual Watering. 

   1. a.
      Manual watering is permitted if all parts of the landscape improvements are within 100 feet of one or more hose bibs and if nonresidential landscape improvements do not exceed 2,000 square feet. 'Watering hoses must not cross vehicular or pedestrian traffic during business hours.
   2. b.
      Manual watering is permitted for on-lot landscaping which is installed on property that is developed with single and two-family residential lots. Manual watering is prohibited for on-lot landscaping which is installed on multi-family lots and on non-residential lots developed with commercial, industrial, and institutional uses.

1. 1.
   Generally. All construction, relocation, enlargement, alteration, and modification of signs within the City shall conform to the requirements of this Section, all state and federal regulations concerning signs and advertising, and adopted building codes.
2. 2.
   Development Activities. The standards of this Division apply to the following development activities:

   1. a.
      New Development. New residential, nonresidential, or mixed-use development or change in use from residential to nonresidential or mixed-use;
   2. b.
      Increase in Intensity. Increase in apartment units, manufactured home pads, gross floor area, or impervious surface by 20 percent or more, cumulatively over a five-year period; or
   3. c.
      New Sign. Construction, placement, painting, or other form of creation of a new sign. 

1. 1.
   Ancillary Signs. A maximum of six ancillary signs that are:

   1. a.
      Placed at entrances and exits to the site or on the interior of the site but visible from a public street; and 
   2. b.
      Not larger than six square feet of sign area and/or less than four feet in height.
2. 2.
   Grave Markers, Statues, or Sculptures. Grave markers, statues, or sculptures that are not commercial in nature;
3. 3.
   Handheld Signs. Handheld signs or signs, symbols, or displays on persons; 
4. 4.
   Interior Signs. Signs located within a structure or on a site that are not visible from a public street; 
5. 5.
   Mailboxes and Addresses:

   1. a.
      Signs on a standard size on a mailbox that do not exceed four square feet; or, 
   2. b.
      Street markings painted on curbsides that do not exceed four square feet.
6. 6.
   Plaques or Monuments. Plaques or tablets cut into a building surface when such sign is attached flush to the building or commemorative plaques or monuments placed by historical organizations;
7. 7.
   Railway Signs. Any sign on property owned by a railroad placed or maintained in reference to the operation of the railway;
8. 8.
   Sidewalk Signs. Sidewalk signs in the Downtown (DT) district shall not require a permit or advance approval but shall conform to the following requirements:

   1. a.
      The sign shall be removed after business hours;
   2. b.
      The sign may not contain changeable letters on tracks; 
   3. c.
      The sign shall be properly anchored or weighted against the wind;
   4. d.
      The sign placement shall maintain a minimum sidewalk clearance width of four feet to provide accessibility; and
   5. e.
      The sign shall be no larger than 12 square feet per side and no taller than five feet. 
9. 9.
   Transit Shelter Sign. Authorized signs attached to a transit shelter sign shall be exempt from any permit as long as the sign does not exceed 12 square feet. All signs shall be non-electrical. Only one sign/sign face per shelter shall be allowed; 
10. 10.
    Utility Pole Banners. Banners on utility poles in the public right-of-way approved by the Administrator.
11. 11.
    Utility and Hazard Signs. Safety and  signs, such as warnings of high voltage, explosives, hazardous materials and other dangerous situations; and
12. 12.
    Vehicle Signs. Signs applied directly onto the body of a car, truck, bus, trailer, or other vehicle if such vehicle is operated in the normal course of a business and such vehicle is not used primarily to display such sign.

1. 1.
   Generally. All permitted signs must be in compliance with the provisions of the building codes that are adopted by the City.
2. 2.
   Identification. Every permitted sign shall display in a conspicuous place on the sign, in letters no less than one inch in height, the date of erection, the permit number, the name of the sign manufacturer and installer, and the voltage of any electrical apparatus used.
3. 3.
   Anchoring. Signs shall not be suspended by chains or other devices that will allow the sign to swing, due to wind action. Signs shall be anchored to prevent any lateral movement that could cause wear on supporting members or connections.
4. 4.
   Supports. Supports and braces shall be an integral part of the sign design. Angle irons or wires used for supports or braces shall be hidden from public view to the extent technically feasible.
5. 5.
   Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be self-supporting structures and be permanently attached to sufficient foundations. Sign shall not overhang into public right-of-way, be placed in a utility easement, or be located below electric power lines.
6. 6.
   Attached Signs. Attached signs must derive their principle and total support from the building to which they are attached.
7. 7.
   Use of Fill Under Monument Signs. Mounds or berms may be used to elevate permanent monument signs, provided that the mound or berm elevates the base of the sign not more than three feet above the natural grade at the location of the sign.
8. 8.
   Electrical Switch. The sign shall be equipped with a switch that prevents electricity from flowing to the sign in order to promote safety during maintenance. 
9. 9.
   Evidence of Previous Signs. Where a wall sign is proposed to replace an existing wall sign, all evidence of the previous wall sign shall be removed from the surface of the wall prior to the installation of the new sign. 
10. 10.
    Inspection Request. After any sign requiring a permit is constructed or erected, the sign contractor performing the work or service shall notify the Building Official for final inspection of the sign.

1. 1.
   Generally. Every sign and ground area around signs permitted by this code shall be kept in good condition and maintained as provided in this Section. These regulations apply to all signs, temporary signs or permanent, attached or detached, unless otherwise specifically provided in this Section. The routine maintenance of a sign as required in this Section shall be exempt from obtaining a Sign Permit.
2. 2.
   Upkeep of Ground Around Sign. The area within a 10-foot radius of the base of a sign shall be kept free of weeds, rubbish, or flammable waste or material.
3. 3.
   Supports and Other Hardware. Structural supports, braces, bolds, clips, supporting frames and fastenings of a sign shall be kept in good repair and safe condition, including replacement of defective parts, so that the sign is securely fastened or anchored to a building wall, structural framing, or other foundation. Angle irons or wires used for supports or braces shall be hidden from public view to the extent technically feasible.
4. 4.
   Paint and Finishes. Paint and other finishes shall be maintained in good condition. Peeling finishes shall be repaired. Signs with running colors shall be repainted, repaired, removed, or replaced if the running colors were not part of the original design.
5. 5.
   Corrosion and Rust. Permanent signs and sign structures shall be finished and maintained to prevent corrosion and rust.
6. 6.
   Level Position. Signs that are designed to be level shall be installed and maintained in a level position.
7. 7.
   Damage or Destruction. Damaged signs and sign structures shall be promptly repaired (to their original condition or better) or removed. Damaged or destroyed nonconforming permanent signs are subject to the applicable requirements of Sec. 7.204, Signs. Damaged or destroyed temporary signs shall be removed.

1. 1.

   Generally. Signs with changeable copy may be used in the form of Electronic Message Centers (EMC) or Changeable Copy Centers (CCC). All signs using changeable copy shall be:

   1. a.
      Permanent signage that conforms to the requirements of this Division; and
   2. b.
      In compliance with all applicable Texas Department of Transportation standards.
2. 2.
   Location. EMCs are not allowed closer than 50 feet to residential zoning districts, an existing single-family dwelling or duplex dwelling if the EMC display faces the residential property.
3. 3.
   Enclosure Required. EMCs and CCCs that are a component of ground signs, wall signs, or projecting signs shall be enclosed on all sides with a finish of brick, stone, stucco, finished metal, or other durable material that is used for that portion of surface of the sign face that is not an EMC or CCC, and the EMC or CCC appear to be either recessed into the frame or flush with it. The enclosure shall extend not less than four inches outward from the EMC display or CCC component on all sides.
4. 4.
   Design.

   1. a.
      Generally. EMCs or CCCs on ground signs, cabinet wall signs, or projecting signs shall be designed as an integral part of the sign. See Figure 4.302-1, Electronic Message Center Design Requirements, and Figure 4.302-2, Changeable Copy Center Design Requirements.
   2. b.
      Size and Proportions.

      1. i.
         An EMC or CCC that is incorporated into a ground sign shall not occupy more than 50 percent of the sign area of the sign into which it is incorporated.
      2. ii.
         An EMC or CCC that is incorporated into a projecting sign or wall sign shall not exceed the 50 percent of the sign area of the sign into which it is integrated.
      3. iii.
         An EMC that is displayed through a building window is exempt from this Subsection 5. and Subsection 6.a. but its sign area shall not exceed six square feet.