Ordinance 2025-1517_0

§ 28-3-1 Purpose and applicability.

§ 28-3-2 General building and site design standards.

§ 28-3-3 Single-family development.

(a) 

Generally.

All single-family detached and attached dwellings (including industrialized housing) shall be developed in accordance with the standards of this section.

(b) 

Applicability.

These standards apply to single-family detached and attached developments within the district(s) where they are permitted as set out in:

(1) 

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

(2) 

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

(c) 

Placement of buildings.

The placement of a principal dwelling in a perpendicular or sideways orientation on an interior lot is prohibited unless in a conventional neighborhood or approved as part of a planned neighborhood (See figure 28-3-3-1, building placement). Such arrangement may be approved as part of planned neighborhood if:

(1) 

The dwelling is arranged in a housing cluster where homes front a green space and take access from an alley or parking lot; or

(2) 

The street-facing façade is horizontally articulated; includes a hip-and-valley, cross-hipped, Dutch gable, or dormer roof type; and is designed to include a pattern of windows common to the front elevations of the homes on the block along both sides of the street (See figure 28-3-3-2, roof types).

Figure 28-3-3-1 Building Placement

Figure 28-3-3-2 Roof Types

(d) 

Garage door orientation.

Garage doors on a single-family detached or attached dwelling on a lot in the suburban residential (SR) or semi-urban residential (SU) districts shall be oriented in one of the manners depicted in table 28-3-3, garage orientation.

Table 28-3-3 Garage Orientation
Requirements	Illustration
Garage in Front. Garage doors shall be oriented to the street and will be five feet in front of the front wall plane of the residence.
Semi-Flush. 1. Garage doors oriented toward the street shall be positioned semi-flush or recessed. 2. Semi-flush doors shall be a minimum of two feet and a maximum of 20 feet behind the front wall plane of the residence and create a minimal intrusion into the livable area of the home. 3. Semi-flush doors may extend a maximum 40% of the width of the residence.
Recessed. 1. Garage doors oriented toward the street shall be positioned semi-flush or recessed. 2. Recessed doors shall be a minimum of 20 feet behind the front wall plane of the residence. 3. There is no restriction on maximum recessed garage door width.
Side-Loaded. Garage doors oriented perpendicular to the front wall plane have no restrictions on door width or recessed position.
Detached. 1. Detached garages placed entirely to the rear of the house have no restrictions on door width or recessed position. 2. Detached garages that are closer to the street than the rearmost portion of the residence shall be a minimum of 20 feet behind the front wall plane of the residence.

(e) 

Transitions.

(1) 

Scale.

Where a single-family attached dwelling directly abutting or is across a street from a single-family detached dwelling, the building height of the attached dwelling must be equal to or no greater than eight feet higher than the abutting detached dwelling. Where an attached dwelling is located between a detached dwelling and apartments or non-residential development, the attached dwelling may not exceed the height of the adjacent single-family detached dwelling by more than one story. See figure 28-3-3-3, scale transitions.

(2) 

Bufferyards.

Bufferyards are required per section 28-3-27, bufferyard landscaping.

Figure 28-3-3-3 Scale Transitions
ADJACENT SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED DWELLING SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLING
ADJACENT MULTI-FAMILY APARTMENT SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED DWELLING

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2024-1453, 4-16-2024)

§ 28-3-4 Multiple-family housing.

§ 28-3-5 Manufactured homes.

§ 28-3-6 Nonresidential development.

(a) 

Generally.

All nonresidential buildings shall be developed in accordance with the minimum standards of this section and in order to foster a coherent and enduring character within the community, the City will require that new development adhere to a generally defined architectural style as demonstrated visually in examples below. This standard is not intended to dictate specific building materials - in adherence with state law - but rather to lead to design choices that contribute to a shared architectural vernacular consistent throughout the Fulshear community.

Figure 3-6-1a

(b) 

Applicability.

These standards apply to commercial retail and service and civic and institutional land uses within the district(s) where they are permitted as set out in:

(1) 

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

(2) 

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

(3) 

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

(4) 

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

(c) 

Building form.

(1) 

Neighborhood-scale.

Buildings that cover up to 30,000 square feet of gross floor area shall have moderate changes in height or roof lines, which can be accomplished by one or more of the following techniques:

a. 

Modules shall be offset from each other by a horizontal recess or projection of the building façade that measures ten percent or more of the building height;

b. 

Dormers with ridge lines that are three feet or more below the ridge line of the roof;

c. 

A compound roof shape, in which the highest ridge line and the lowest ridge line have a height difference of two to five feet;

d. 

Parapet walls that vary in height from two to four feet and which are designed of equal or greater height to screen from public view all rooftop mechanical equipment; or

e. 

Towers that have a height that is four to six feet above the highest peak or ridge of the roof or highest point of the parapet for a minimum of ten percent of the façade on which the tower is located.

(2) 

Community-scale.

Buildings that cover between 30,001 square feet and 60,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area shall have major changes in height per every 50 lineal feet of roofline, so which can be accomplished by one or more of the following techniques:

a. 

A compound roof shape, in which the highest ridge line and the lowest ridge line have a height difference of five or more feet;

b. 

Parapet walls that vary in height by more than four feet, are proportional to the building, and which are designed of equal or greater height to screen from public view all rooftop mechanical equipment;

c. 

Towers that have a height that is more than six feet above the highest peak or ridge of the roof or highest point of the parapet. The mass of such towers shall be proportional to the building, so that the towers appear as substantial, but not overwhelming, architectural elements;

d. 

Ground-level arcades and second floor galleries/balconies;

e. 

Functional or faux chimneys; or

f. 

Other features that reduce the apparent mass of the building.

(3) 

Regional-scale.

Buildings that cover more than 60,001 square feet of gross floor area shall have major changes in height per every 50 lineal feet of roofline, which shall, in addition to the requirements for community-scale buildings, must include:

a. 

Significant architectural features to identify principal entrances; and

b. 

Elements such as towers or significant projections from the building to break up the building mass.

(d) 

Architectural detailing.

All buildings shall include a minimum of two architectural details that promote and are in harmony with the design vernacular including, but not limited to, those exhibited in figure 28-3-6-1, architectural detailing.

Figure 28-3-6-1 Architectural Detailing

(e) 

Multi-story buildings.

Buildings with three or more stories shall be designed with a clearly differentiated base, middle, and top.

(1) 

Building base.

A recognizable base shall include, but shall not be limited to:

a. 

Thicker walls, ledges, or sills; or

b. 

Raised planters, which are integral to the building façade.

(2) 

Building top.

A recognizable top shall include, but shall not be limited to:

a. 

Cornice treatments, other than just colored stripes or bands; or

b. 

Sloping roofs with eaves and brackets.

(f) 

Building articulation.

(1) 

Major building articulation.

Buildings shall be articulated using one or more of the following major articulation design techniques uniformly over the entire building facade:

a. 

A step back of upper floors to create human-scale and to reduce building scale and mass;

b. 

Increased setbacks for up to 30 percent of a street elevation to create public space; (public space may include outdoor seating/dining areas, pocket parks, fountains and/or water features, children's play areas, or similar space open to the public);

c. 

Variations in building heights for a minimum of 30 percent of the building façade;

d. 

Building insets or projections of at least 10 feet that extend the full height of the building for a minimum of 40 percent of the building façade;

e. 

Material changes for different building planes or elements;

(2) 

Minor building articulation.

Buildings less than 15,000 sq. ft. shall be articulated using five or more different elements of the following minor articulation design techniques uniformly over the entire building façade:

a. 

Windows or faux window openings;

b. 

Doors or faux door openings;

c. 

Recessed or projecting building entries;

d. 

Projecting bay windows;

e. 

Window moldings;

f. 

Arcades;

g. 

Recessed or projecting porches;

h. 

Recessed or projecting balconies;

i. 

Functional or decorative canopies and awnings;

j. 

Cornices;

k. 

String courses;

l. 

Columns;

m. 

Wall sconces;

n. 

Brick patterning, including soldier courses, or other building material or color variations;

o. 

Score lines;

p. 

Accents through the use of moldings, sills, cornices, canopies, or spandrels; or

q. 

Any other architectural feature which adds visual interest to the building.

(g) 

Building entrances.

Each building shall have clearly-defined customer entrances that include at least three of the following features:

(1) 

Canopies, porticos, arcades, or overhangs;

(2) 

Recesses or projections;

(3) 

Over the door or peaked roof forms;

(4) 

Arches;

(5) 

Outdoor patios or plazas;

(6) 

Display windows;

(7) 

Obviously differentiating architectural details such as moldings that are integrated into the building structure and design; and/or

(8) 

Integral planters or wing walls that incorporate landscaped areas and/or places for sitting.

(h) 

Roofing styles.

Any roof type may be used provided it has a minimum pitch of 4:12. A flat roof may be allowed provided it incorporates permitted building articulations to disguise a flat roof. Examples are displayed in figure 28-3-6-2, allowed roof forms.

Figure 28-3-6-2 Allowed Roof Forms

(i) 

Elevations.

(1) 

Front elevation.

In addition to the above articulation features, the front elevation of a building shall have:

a. 

Architectural features that animate the façade along its entire length, spaced at intervals of not more than 30 feet in horizontal distance. These features may include wall sconces, display windows, faux windows, material patterning, entry areas, towers, pilasters, and columns, or other elements that create a pattern of light and shadow on the building wall.

b. 

Awnings, arcades, or overhangs that project at least six feet along not less than 50 percent of the façade.

(2) 

Side and rear elevations.

Side and rear elevations shall have architectural features that animate no less than 50 percent of the façade, which shall include:

a. 

Awnings, arcades, or overhangs that project at least six feet and connect to awnings, arcades, or overhangs on the front elevation;

b. 

No blank wall surfaces that extend for more than 15 or 30 feet in vertical or horizontal distance, respectively; and

c. 

Wall sconces, display windows, faux windows, material patterning, entry areas, towers, pilasters, and columns, or other elements that create a pattern of light and shadow on the building wall.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2023-1433, 9-19-2023; Ord. No. 2024-1453, 4-16-2024; Ord. No. 2025-1481, 3-18-2025; Ord. No. 2025-1502, 9-16-2025)

§ 28-3-7 Office park design.

§ 28-3-8 Downtown.

(a) 

Generally.

If the standards regulating non-residential buildings are more strict than those found in Section 28-3-6 then the standards of the stricter section shall apply.

(b) 

Building requirements.

(1) 

Building form.

a. 

Retail and mixed-use buildings must provide for pedestrian-scale and orientation, as follows:

i. 

As set out in table 28-2-13-1, building standards, commercial and mixed-use buildings must be built to or within five feet of the property line or street right-of-way to define a pedestrian-oriented streetscape. When a new or redevelopment building site is designed for outdoor dining or a recessed plaza, the front setback may be increased by no more than 15 feet with approval of the ZBA.

ii. 

Buildings must utilize elements such as massing, windows, canopies, and articulated roof forms to create a visually distinct building base, middle, and top (See figure 28-3-8-1, horizontal articulation).

iii. 

Each building must include functional and identifiable public entrance(s) along the street frontage. The entrance must be emphasized by incorporating changes in mass, surface, or finish.

iv. 

Buildings located on corners of streets and public spaces must include special building features, such as towers, cupolas, pediments, chamfering, rounded corners, or balconies.

b. 

Residential building types must comply with the lot and building standards per table 28-2-13-1, building standards, as well as the relationship to the street as per figure 28-2-13-2, building frontage types.

Figure 28-3-8-1 Horizontal Articulation

(2) 

Massing and scale of street frontages.

The public-facing façades of adjacent buildings must be architecturally differentiated by varying at least three of the following:

a. 

Variations in building heights;

b. 

Building insets or projections of at least two feet that extend the full height of the building;

c. 

Material changes for different building planes or elements;

d. 

Changes in color to accentuate horizontal or building elements;

e. 

Accents through the use of moldings, sills, cornices, canopies, or spandrels; or

f. 

Other façade features, such as an arcade, balcony, gallery, oriel or bay windows, pavilion, pergola, porches, porticos, terrace, tower, or vestibules.

(3) 

Architectural details.

a. 

Exterior lighting.

Exterior lighting must be an integral part of the architecture, sign, and landscape or hardscape design. Street lighting must be of a maximum height of 12 feet and consistent with the character of the district. Sidewalk lighting may be a maximum of three feet in height.

b. 

Street furniture.

Public seating, trash receptacles, and directional kiosks must be of uniform design and provided throughout district, approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Street trees, landscaping, weather protection, public art, street furniture, and other pedestrian amenities in public rights-of-way and plazas must provide a minimum passable sidewalk width of four feet.

c. 

Awnings, sunshades, and canopies.

Weather protection is required for pedestrian street frontages with ground floor commercial use. Weather protection elements must extend at least six feet from the building, may be no closer than two feet to a street curb and must have a minimum clearance of eight feet and a maximum height of 12 feet. Internally illuminated awnings are prohibited.

d. 

Fenestration.

i. 

Façades.

Any public-facing facade must incorporate fenestration. Fenestration patterns for street-level commercial uses must have a minimum 60 percent transparency between two feet and eight feet in height that allow views of indoor space or product display areas. Glass curtain walls, reflective glass, and painted or dark tinted glass are prohibited.

ii. 

Street visibility.

Upper and lower-story windows must be designed to overlook streets and public spaces to make these spaces comfortable and safe.

iii. 

Modulation.

The roof line of buildings must be modulated and include architectural features such as a decorative eave, trim, or cornice.

iv. 

Articulation.

Public-facing building façades must be articulated with projections or recesses that cumulatively equal 15 percent of the average building wall height, with a minimum depth of two feet. Such variations will contribute to the building architecture, which may be expressed in any manner provided the cumulative relief is achieved, as shown in figure 28-3-8-2, building wall articulation. The base of buildings must be articulated through use of plinths, pilasters, or other elements.

Figure 28-3-8-2 Building Wall Articulation

e. 

Residential-only buildings.

i. 

Buildings must have a primary entrance on the front façade which shall face a public or private right-of-way.

ii. 

Covered front porches shall be 100 sq. ft. for single-family detached dwellings, single-family attached dwellings, stoops, and/or balconies are required on the street-facing facades of residential buildings.

iii. 

Four or more of the following architectural features must also be present: wall sconces, a cupola or other tower element, oriel or bay window, exterior window molding, pointed spires, pilasters, dormers, gables of varying size and/or height, molding which provides relief on exterior, transom windows, metal roofs, chimneys, operable shutters, pier and beam including steps to the primary entrance, window awnings, half-radius top windows, or some other feature which provides visual interest.

iv. 

New residential buildings shall have a slab foundation or pier and beam foundation no more than 30 inches above grade.

v. 

New or reconstructed buildings must be built to the setbacks set out in table 28-2-13-1, building standards; provided, however, the front setback may be the average of the dwellings along the block face, excluding the lot of the new building.

vi. 

Where a residential structure is setback 15 feet or more from the property line, a fence or wall is required on the boundary at a height of no more than 48 inches to demarcate the private from the public sphere and promote walkability.

f. 

Carports.

Carports in the Downtown District must be entirely hidden from public view.

g. 

Garages.

The garage door of a garage facing a public right-of-way shall be set-back from the primary entrance, face an alleyway, not face the public right-of-way, or face the side street on a corner lot.

(c) 

Pedestrian and bicycle improvements.

The applicant is responsible for the installation of the following pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

(1) 

Sidewalks must:

a. 

Be installed to connect public walkways to all building entrances, parking structures or areas, open spaces, and any other destinations warranting pedestrian access;

b. 

Connect to existing sidewalks on abutting and adjacent lots or tracts; and

c. 

Include a minimum six-foot pedestrian zone and six-foot tree zone with a minimum one-foot dismount area from the back of curb. (See figure 28-3-8-3, sidewalk cross-section.)

(2) 

Bicycle linkages must:

a. 

Connect to existing or planned future trails and bikeways;

b. 

Be designed, striped, and signed separately from vehicular use and circulation areas; and

c. 

Connect to bicycle parking areas distributed throughout the mixed-use development according to the standards set out in section 28-3-21, bicycle parking.

Figure 28-3-8-3 Sidewalk Cross-Section

(d) 

Civic space.

Civic space is an important organizing element within a mixed-use district, which must be integrated into the overall design of the downtown district (DD). Both public and private civic space must be distributed throughout the district and should provide not only an aesthetic quality, but serve recreational and civic functions as well. A variety of types of civic spaces must be conveniently accessible and provide linkages within and throughout the DD.

(1) 

Amount required.

The minimum required civic space is five percent of the net developable land area within the development.

(2) 

Types of civic space.

Various types of civic space may be provided, but must include a central space such as a park, square, green, or plaza, as displayed in figure 28-3-8.5, types of civic space.

Figure 28-3-8-4 Types of Civic Space
Park	Green
Square	Plaza
Source: SmartCode

(3) 

Active and passive.

Additional civic spaces may include active recreation facilities as well as passive open spaces such as greenways, creeks, detention or retention ponds, drainage areas, or similar types of open space.

(4) 

Requirements.

a. 

A minimum of five percent of the development within the DD district must be developed as civic space. Permanent wet ponds (excluding on-site detention basins and other stormwater impounding areas) may be counted for up to 20 percent of the civic space requirement.

b. 

The civic space must be located near the middle of the development and must be easily accessible from all dwelling units and non-residential buildings.

c. 

The civic space must contain a focal point such as public art or a sculpture, pavilion, or hardscape plaza with a fountain or other iconic feature to help identify the space as a primary gathering place for the downtown.

d. 

The civic space must be owned and maintained by a property owners' association (POA), property owner, or another city-approved legal entity.

(e) 

Parking.

(1) 

On-street.

The street cross-sections for the DD are constrained by existing rights-of-way. These cross-sections are shown in figure 28-3-8-2, building wall articulation, which provide for on-street parallel parking on local and collector streets. Where feasible, these streets may be designed to accommodate angled parking in certain locations. No on-street parking is planned along the designed arterial streets, unless the cross-section is reconfigured and engineered for the expected traffic volumes.

(2) 

Off-street.

Off-street surface parking may not front on any arterial street or highway, except for those properties that front FM 1093 and can fit parking within their required front setback. Given the character and pedestrian scale of the downtown, off-street parking is prohibited within a front and/or street side yard of any multiple-family, civic, institutional, commercial, mixed-use. If the parking surface is placed at the rear, then a fence or wall will be required only where the parking surface abuts a public right-of-way, excluding alleys.

a. 

When any type of permit or approval is sought for a property with existing surface parking, the lot must be improved by:

i. 

A five-foot pervious planting strip adjacent to all streets and vehicular use areas that meets the screening requirements in figure 28-3-8-3, sidewalk cross section; or

ii. 

Construct a three-foot tall fence or wall to screen the parking lot edge; and

iii. 

Provide landscaped parking islands in conformance with figure 28-3-8-3, sidewalk cross section.

b. 

Surface lots may only be accessed from a local street or alley. Such parking shall be arranged in individual lots of no more than 60 spaces, interconnected with alleys or drives. Each lot must be landscaped per the standards set out in section 28-2-13, downtown (DD).

(3) 

Shared parking.

Uses within a radius of 500 feet may have different hours of operation and peak parking demand hours. The use of shared parking reduces the amount of impervious area, improves site efficiency, and maintains the traditional, walkable nature of the downtown. In these instances, the city may allow a reduction in the required number of spaces. To do so, an applicant may submit a shared parking study to demonstrate that the parking required for mixed-uses is less than the cumulative total of the parking requirements for each individual use. The shared parking study is required to be undertaken by a qualified, certified traffic engineer.

(f) 

Freestanding and attached canopies and porte cocheres.

The design of freestanding canopies, such as those used as shelters for pump islands at automobile service stations, and the design of attached canopies and porte cocheres, shall match or be consistent with the architectural style, principal and accent materials, colors, and lighting of the principal building on the development site.

(1) 

Cladding and finishes for support columns and other vertical structural components shall match or be consistent with the principal and accent materials of the principal building.

(2) 

The roof structure of the canopy shall match or be consistent with the roof structure of the principal building in terms of pitch, roofing materials, and colors.

(3) 

Downspouts and related hardware shall be integrated into the canopy structure.

(g) 

Awnings and canopies.

Awnings and canopies, if installed, shall:

(1) 

Be attached and integral to the principal structure;

(2) 

Not obstruct any windows;

(3) 

Have a minimum clearance of eight feet (16 feet for drive-under canopies) from finished grade to the bottom of an awning or a canopy;

(4) 

If they are freestanding, be of a similar style, material, color, and lighting as those attached to the principal building;

(5) 

Project a maximum of six feet from the principal building; and

(6) 

Not exceed 100 feet in length.

(h) 

Arcade treatment.

Arcades may be constructed along building façades to provide shelter and shade and to add visual interest to structures but shall be located entirely outside the public street right-of-way. The arcade design shall also incorporate adequate pedestrian-level lighting under the arcade for visibility and security.

(i) 

Screening of mechanical and service equipment.

(1) 

Ground-level equipment.

Ground-level exterior equipment, such as mechanical components, electrical drops, utility meter banks, and heating/cooling controls, shall be completely screened from ground-level public view through building wall extensions or installation of structural enclosures or dense, year-round vegetation.

a. 

Structural enclosures or hedges that are used to satisfy this screening requirement shall be maintained at a height that is at least one foot higher than the equipment.

b. 

Structural enclosures shall use materials and colors that match or are consistent with the design and materials of the principal building.

(2) 

Building-mounted equipment.

Building-mounted exterior equipment shall be completely screened from ground-level public view through installation of structural enclosures or dense, year-round vegetation consistent with the screening provisions in subsection a., below.

a. 

Where complete screening using the specified methods is not practical, building-mounted equipment shall be painted to match the color of the building façade.

b. 

Gutters, downspouts, and related building-mounted hardware for conveying stormwater shall match the color of the building façade, whether through the choice of hardware used or painting of the hardware to achieve this consistency. Any such hardware and associated painting shall be maintained in sound condition at all times.

(3) 

Rooftop equipment.

Rooftop exterior equipment shall be completely screened from ground-level public view through design, materials, and colors that match or are consistent with the overall building design. This may include, but is not limited to, use of sloped roofs or other architectural elements of adequate height, such as parapet walls or cornice treatments, that conceal roof areas where mechanical equipment is mounted.

(j) 

Multiple buildings.

Developments with multiple structures on a single property or involving out-parcels shall reflect coordinated and cohesive building design, with all buildings incorporating unifying elements such as common building forms, materials, textures, architectural detailing, and colors. The intent is not to require precise replication of the design of a principal building or buildings but rather to achieve general consistency and compatibility in architectural design.

(k) 

Parking structures.

(1) 

Architectural consistency.

Parking structures shall be designed for architectural consistency with the primary building served or other nearby buildings in terms of façade design and variation, finish materials, and shielding of unfinished structural elements and mechanical equipment.

(2) 

Special design elements.

Parking structures shall include architectural and landscape elements that enhance the garage appearance and help to screen parked vehicles and interior lighting from external view. Such elements may include, but are not limited to, decorative screens, trellises with or without associated vegetation, or façade and roofline variation.

(l) 

Service bays.

Uses with overhead doors providing access to service bays, such as for automobile service and repair, shall, wherever the site size, shape and orientation allows, place any building wall with overhead doors perpendicular to public street frontage. Where such building orientation is not practical, the overhead doors shall be of similar color to the building façade or roof material.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2023-1433, 9-19-2023; Ord. No. 2024-1453, 4-16-2024; Ord. No. 2025-1481, 3-18-2025; Ord. No. 2025-1502, 9-16-2025)

§ 28-3-9 Purpose.

§ 28-3-10 Applicability.

§ 28-3-11 Computing parking.

§ 28-3-12 Shared parking.

§ 28-3-13 Off-street loading.

§ 28-3-14 Use of off-street parking.

§ 28-3-15 Design and use.

(a) 

Dimensions of standard parking spaces.

Parking spaces shall have the following dimensions.

(1) 

Generally:

Nine feet in width by 19 feet in standard depth.

(2) 

90-degree parking spaces that abut a curb or the edge of pavement (allowing for an overhang):

Nine feet in width by 17 feet reduced depth provided there is a six-foot-wide sidewalk or a minimum eight-foot planting area as shown in figure 28-3-15-1, parking space dimensions.

(3) 

Parallel parking spaces:

Eight feet in width by 20 feet standard depth.

Figure 28-3-15-1 Parking Space Dimensions

(b) 

Traffic control devices.

All traffic control devices (signs, marking, and signals) shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, latest edition, published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F.

(c) 

Vertical clearance.

A vertical clearance of not less than eight feet shall be provided over all parking spaces. 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. All parking garage entrances shall include an overhead bar to alert oversized vehicles regarding clearance.

(d) 

Parking module dimensions.

Parking modules shall conform to the standards as shown in table 28-3-15, parking module standards. The dimensions that are set out in the table are illustrated in figure 28-3-15, parking module dimensions.

Table 28-3-15 Parking Module Standards
Measurement	Parking Space Angle (Degrees)
	0/Parallel Parking	45	60	90
One Stall Row, One-Way Aisle
Stall Row Depth	8 ft.	20 ft. 7 in.	21 ft. 11 in.	19 ft.
Drive Aisle Width	13 ft. 2 in.	13 ft. 10 in.	15 ft. 6 in.	24 ft.
Minimum Module Width (row & aisle)	21 ft. 2 in.	34 ft. 5 in.	34 ft. 5 in.	44 ft.
Two Stall Rows, One-Way Aisle
Stall Row Depth	16 ft.	41 ft. 1 in.	43 ft. 8 in.	38 ft.
Drive Aisle Width	13 ft. 2 in.	13 ft. 10 in.	15 ft. 6 in.	24 ft.
Minimum Module Width (row & aisle)	29 ft. 2 in.	54 ft. 11 in.	59 ft. 2 in.	64 ft.
One Stall Row, Two-Way Aisle
Stall Row Depth	8 ft.	20 ft. 7 in.	21 ft. 11 in.	19 ft.
Drive Aisle Width	23 ft. 3 in.	20 ft.	22 ft.	24 ft.
Minimum Module Width (row & aisle)	31 ft. 3 in.	40 ft. 7 in.	43 ft. 11 in.	44 ft.
Two Stall Rows, Two-Way Aisle
Stall Row Depth	16 ft.	41 ft. 1 in.	43 ft. 8 in.	38 ft.
Drive Aisle Width	23 ft. 3 in.	20 ft.	22 ft.	24 ft.
Minimum Module Width (row & aisle)	39 ft. 3 in.	61 ft. 1 in.	65 ft. 8 in.	64 ft.

Figure 28-3-15-2 Parking Module Dimensions
Illustrative dimensions for two stall row parking module

Illustrative dimensions for two stall row parking module

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

§ 28-3-16 Stacking requirements.

(a) 

Generally.

Stacking spaces are used to measure the capacity of a drive-through lane to hold cars while transactions are taking place at drive-through stations or car washes. Stacking spaces measure eight feet wide by 20 feet long and provide direct access to a service window or wash bay. The position in front of a drive-through station (e.g., a service window, ATM, wash bay, or station at a drive-through bank) or car stall is counted as a stacking space.

(b) 

Requirements.

Uses that include drive-through service or a car wash shall not have fewer than the following numbers of stacking spaces:

(1) 

Financial institutions, convenience stores, or pharmacies:

Four stacking spaces per drive-through station.

(2) 

Drive through restaurants:

a. 

If two service windows are provided (one for payments and one for pick-up):

i. 

Four stacking spaces to each menu board;

ii. 

Four stacking spaces between the menu board and the first window (including the position at the first window); and

iii. 

Two spaces between the first window and the second window (including the position at the second window). See figure 28-3-16, illustrative stacking requirements.

Figure 28-3-16 Illustrative Stacking Requirements

b. 

If one service window is provided (for both payments and pick up):

i. 

Six stacking spaces to each menu board; and

ii. 

Five stacking spaces between the menu board and the service window.

(3) 

Drive-through only uses:

In buildings with less than 300 square feet of floor area and no separate menu board (e.g., coffee stands, photo processing): Three stacking spaces per service window.

(4) 

Dry cleaners:

Two stacking spaces, including the position at the window.

(5) 

Car wash:

Two stacking spaces, including the car stall.

(6) 

Day care center:

Five stacking spaces, including the car stall.

(c) 

Design.

(1) 

Stacking lanes shall be clearly marked and shall not interfere with on-site or off-site traffic circulation.

(2) 

Stacking areas shall not be located between the façade of a building and the public street upon which the building fronts.

(3) 

Stacking lanes shall be designed with an abutting eight-foot wide bypass lane.

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

§ 28-3-17 Surface and maintenance.

§ 28-3-18 ADA parking.

§ 28-3-19 Special studies.

§ 28-3-20 Site access and circulation.

§ 28-3-21 Bicycle parking.

(a) 

Generally.

Where bicycle parking is provided, this section applies. In commercial and multi-family developments with 50 or more parking spaces for motor vehicles required, bicycle parking is also required, in accordance with this subsection. There shall be parking for five bicycles if there are 50 to less than 100 motor vehicle spaces required, parking for 10 bicycles if there are 100 to less than 150 motor vehicle spaces required, and parking for 15 bicycles if there are 150 or more motor vehicle spaces required.

(b) 

Bicycle parking design standards.

If provided, bicycle parking shall be designed with the following characteristics:

(1) 

The bicycle frame and one wheel can be locked to the rack with a high security, U-shaped lock with both wheels left on the bicycle (designs that only allow one locking point at the wheel are prohibited);

(2) 

A bicycle that is six feet long can be securely held with its frame supported so that the bicycle cannot be pushed or fall in a manner that will damage the wheel components; and

(3) 

The racks are securely anchored to a hard surface as shown in figure 28-3-21, illustrative permitted bicycle parking system.

Figure 28-3-21 Illustrative Permitted Bicycle Parking System

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2023-1433, 9-19-2023)

§ 28-3-22 Purpose.

§ 28-3-23 Applicability.

§ 28-3-24 Plant materials and locations.

§ 28-3-25 Landscape requirements.

(a) 

Generally.

(1) 

Applicability.

Site landscaping is required around multiple-family buildings, civic, institutional, commercial office and retail, industrial, and mixed-use buildings.

(2) 

Planting requirements.

The required number of canopy and small trees and shrubs or ornamental grasses as set out in the respective zoning district.

(3) 

Substitution.

Small trees may be substituted for canopy trees where there is sufficient room for the healthy growth and stability of the tree at a rate of three canopy trees per one canopy tree.

(4) 

The mulch surrounding trees and shrubs that are within the right-of-way shall not exceed three inches in thickness or height so as not to prohibit healthy plant growth.

(b) 

Foundation landscaping.

(1) 

Building foundation plantings shall be required for all multiple-family, civic, institutional, commercial, and mixed-use sites as set out in table 28-3-25, foundation planting requirements.

(2) 

Building foundation planting must include a combination of low height plant materials (shrubs, ornamental grasses, perennials) and shall be installed and maintained next to and along all building foundation lines where not impeded by building entrances, loading areas, and sidewalks. Foundation plantings may be installed at grade, in raised planters, or decorative plant containers.

(3) 

Foundation plant materials shall not count towards the fulfillment of any other landscaping requirement.

Table 28-3-25 Foundation Planting Requirements
District	Minimum Radius Around Building
	Front and Street Side	Side	Rear
SC, GC, DD, SO	10 ft.	8 ft. 1	6 ft. 1
IN	8 ft.	6 ft. 1	NA

TABLE NOTE:
Where planting areas are required, they may be crossed with sidewalks to provide access to the building or buildings.
1 Foundation plantings are required when adjacent to a parking lot or drive-through on the same or adjacent lot.

(c) 

Off-street parking, driveways and loading areas.

(1) 

Parking lot design.

a. 

All rows of parking shall be terminated with a curbed landscaped island that is a minimum nine feet wide and no less than 16 feet in length (32 feet in length for head-to-head parking stalls).

b. 

No off-street parking or loading area shall be more than 75 feet from an canopy tree located within a landscaped open space area.

c. 

Sidewalks that abut the front edge of any parking stall shall be no less than seven feet wide to accommodate a two feet vehicle overhang.

(2) 

Landscaping required.

All parking lot islands shall be landscaped with a combination of turf grass, ornamental grass plantings, plant beds, shrubs, and trees. Rock, chip brick, pavers, pavement and similar hard surfacing shall not be permitted within a parking lot island. Sidewalks may be constructed within a parking lot island as necessary to accommodate pedestrian circulation. No less than one canopy tree shall be planted within each required landscaped island. See figure 28-3-25, off-street parking, driveways, and loading areas.

(3) 

Parking lot screening.

Whenever an off-street parking area fronts along a public street an average of one canopy tree and two small trees shall be planted every 50 feet within the parking lot setback area. Additionally, a minimum three-foot tall vehicle headlight screen shall be installed between the parking lot and the adjoining street along the entire linear frontage. This screen can be constructed with any combination of ornamental grasses, shrubs, earth berming, and low masonry walls.

Figure 28-3-25 Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Areas

(d) 

Street trees required.

Trees are required along all public streets as set out for each of the districts in division II-2, zoning districts following the design standards provided in this section.

(Ord. No. 2020-1331, 9-15-2020; Ord. No. 2025-1481, 3-18-2025)

§ 28-3-26 Land clearing and tree credits.

§ 28-3-27 Bufferyards.

(a) 

Generally.

The required bufferyards are based on the amount of screening they provide. Bufferyards are classified from less screening ("type A") to more screening ("type C").

(b) 

Classifications.

(1) 

Types.

There are three types of bufferyards, each of which vary in width and the numbers and types of plants required per 100 linear feet, or portion thereof. The minimum planting requirements for each type and composition of bufferyard are set out in table 28-3-27, bufferyard classifications.

(2) 

Composition.

Bufferyards may be classified as:

a. 

Structural, which include the use of a wall or a fence to achieve the required level of screening; and

b. 

Natural, which include the use of an earthen berm and a higher density of plant materials.

Table 28-3-27 Bufferyard Classifications
Type	Width	Required Plantings per 100 Linear Feet (Structural/Natural)				Height of Berm, Wall or Fence1
		Canopy Trees	Evergreen Trees	Noncanopy Trees	Shrubs
Type A	5 ft.	1/2	1/2	1/3	20/25	—
Type B	10 ft.	2/3	2/2	2/1	20/20	—
Type C	20 ft	3/6	3/3	3/4	30/30	6 ft.

TABLE NOTE:
1 A berm, wall, or fence is not required for natural bufferyards.

(c) 

District standards.

The required bufferyards for the SC, GC, DD, SO, and IN districts are set out in division II-2, zoning districts.

(d) 

Other buffering requirements.

If a bufferyard is required by another section of this CDO, then the greater requirement shall supersede the lesser requirement.

(e) 

Adjacent development.

(1) 

No bufferyard.

Where the adjoining property is an existing single-family detached or attached property or development that does not have the required bufferyard, the multiple-family, civic, institutional, commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development shall provide a bufferyard of the next higher classification than required (e.g., type A bufferyard, the parcel must install a type B bufferyard).

(2) 

Compatibility.

New residential development is required to provide an increase in the level of screening of a bufferyard (e.g., type A to type B) when adjacent to an existing single-family detached or attached residential use or district if:

a. 

The lot width(s) of the new development is(are) less than 80 percent of the lot widths of the nearest existing lot(s);

b. 

The building height(s) of the new development is(are) more than eight feet taller than the building height(s) of the nearest existing lot(s); or

c. 

The housing type(s) located on the lots abutting existing development is(are) denser than the existing development (e.g., single-family attached or multiple-family abutting single-family detached).

(f) 

Existing buffer treatments.

(1) 

Generally.

Existing trees, fences, and walls may be counted toward the bufferyard requirements, provided the trees are in good health and the fences or walls are structurally sound, in good repair, and of an upright condition.

(2) 

Credit.

a. 

Credit shall be given for existing trees that are located within bufferyards according to the standards of section 28-3-26, land clearing and tree credits.

b. 

Credit shall be given for a structural bufferyard if an existing fence or wall is on or near the property line, provided:

i. 

The fence or wall meets the requirements of this section;

ii. 

The height and level of screening meets the intent of this section; and

iii. 

The applicant records an agreement with assurances to repair or replace the fence or wall if it is damaged, destroyed, or removed.

(g) 

Parking and vehicular use bufferyards.

(1) 

Generally.

a. 

The required bufferyards set out in division II-2, zoning districts, are to mitigate headlight glare on adjacent property and to reduce the aesthetic impact of parked cars.

b. 

Vehicular use areas, such as parking lots, drive-through and drive-in lanes, stacking areas, and common drives shall also be buffered as set out in division II-2, zoning districts.

(2) 

Where required.

Bufferyards are required:

a. 

Between parking lots and adjacent properties unless:

i. 

The area is occupied by a building; or

ii. 

Another required bufferyard provides ample screening.

b. 

Between parking lots and streets, except in areas where:

i. 

The elevation of the parking lot is three feet or more below the crown of the street; or

ii. 

The area is occupied by a building; or

iii. 

Another required bufferyard provides ample screening.

(3) 

Composition.

Parking lot bufferyards shall be composed of one or a combination of the following:

a. 

A three-foot tall masonry wall measured from the surface of the parking lot closest to the wall;

b. 

An earthen berm with a maximum 3:1 slope mounded to a minimum height of three feet, provided shrubs are planted along 50 percent of the linear dimension required to be screened;

c. 

Shrubs planted in a continuous buffer to a minimum height of three feet or five feet if ornamental grasses are used in lieu of shrubs. The landscape area shall be set back three feet from the edge of pavement or the face of the curb or parking bumper facing the parking space. See figure 28-3-27, parking lot bufferyard.

Figure 28-3-27 Parking Lot Bufferyard

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

§ 28-3-28 Screening and fencing.

§ 28-3-29 Maintenance.

§ 28-3-30 Purpose.

§ 28-3-31 Applicability.

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

(a) 

Generally.

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

(b) 

Sign area.

Sign area is calculated as follows:

(1) 

Generally.

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

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

(2) 

Double-faces.

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

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

(c) 

Clearance.

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

Figure 28-3-32-3 Sign Clearance

(d) 

Sign height.

(1) 

Generally.

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

a. 

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

b. 

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

(2) 

Monument signs.

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

Figure 28-3-32-4 Monument Sign Height

(e) 

Illumination of signs.

(1) 

Generally.

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

(2) 

Shielding of light source/prevention of glare.

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

(3) 

Code compliance.

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

(f) 

Electronic message board signs.

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

(1) 

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

(2) 

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

(3) 

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

(4) 

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

(5) 

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

(6) 

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

(7) 

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

(8) 

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

(9) 

No special effect transitions between each static display.

(g) 

Changeable copy centers.

(1) 

Enclosure required.

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

(2) 

Size and proportions.

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

(3) 

Design.

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

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

(h) 

Construction and identification.

(1) 

Construction.

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

(2) 

Identification.

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

(i) 

Maintenance.

(1) 

Generally.

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

(2) 

Upkeep of ground around sign.

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

(3) 

Sign structure, generally.

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

(4) 

Paint and finishes.

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

(5) 

Mineral deposits and stains.

Mineral deposits and stains shall be promptly removed.

(6) 

Corrosion and rust.

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

(7) 

Level position.

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

(8) 

Damage or destruction.

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

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

§ 28-3-33 Signs requiring a permit.

(a) 

Generally.

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

(b) 

Applicability.

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

(1) 

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

(2) 

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

(3) 

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

(4) 

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

(5) 

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

(6) 

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

(7) 

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

(8) 

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

(c) 

Total number of signs permitted for nonresidential uses.

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

(d) 

Permitted freestanding signs.

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

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

(e) 

Permanent attached signs.

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

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

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

(f) 

Temporary signs.

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

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

(g) 

Special event directional signs.

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

(1) 

Number of signs.

The number of special event directional signs to be installed;

(2) 

Special event signage duration.

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

(3) 

Special event directional signage.

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

(4) 

Map.

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

(5) 

Designated contact.

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

(6) 

Fee.

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

(7) 

Display of tags.

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

(8) 

Compliance with division.

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

(h) 

Roundabout signs.

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

(1) 

Landscaping.

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

(2) 

Lettering height.

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

(3) 

Lettering lighting.

All lettering and signage shall be backlit.

(4) 

Monument height.

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

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

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

(a) 

Generally.

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

(b) 

Governmental signs.

(1) 

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

(2) 

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

(3) 

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

(4) 

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

a. 

Does not exceed 24 square feet in area;

b. 

Meets all other design standards for monument signs;

c. 

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

d. 

Contains only information that relates to such school or library;

e. 

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

f. 

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

g. 

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

(5) 

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

(6) 

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

(c) 

Private traffic control signs.

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

(d) 

Railway signs.

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

(e) 

Utility and hazard signs.

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

(f) 

Plaques.

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

(g) 

Mailboxes and addresses.

(1) 

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

(2) 

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

(h) 

Temporary freestanding signs.

(1) 

All temporary freestanding signs.

Temporary freestanding signs provided that the sign:

a. 

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

b. 

Only be allowed one sign per road frontage;

c. 

Not be posted longer than 90 days;

d. 

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

e. 

Not be illuminated or contain any moving parts.

(2) 

Single parcels ten acres or less.

Signs on parcels ten acres or less that:

a. 

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

b. 

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

(3) 

Parcels greater than ten acres.

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

a. 

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

b. 

Eight feet in width is permitted; and

c. 

Exceed a maximum area of 32 square feet.

(i) 

Athletic field signs.

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

(j) 

National or state flags.

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

(k) 

Holiday signs.

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

(l) 

Property identification signs.

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

(m) 

Temporary banners.

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

(1) 

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

(2) 

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

(3) 

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

(4) 

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

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

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

(n) 

Ancillary signs.

Three or less ancillary signs when:

(1) 

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

(2) 

No larger than four square feet in total sign area.

(o) 

Fine art.

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

(p) 

Sandwich board signs.

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

(1) 

Limited to one per business;

(2) 

Seven square feet or less in sign area;

(3) 

42 inches or less tall;

(4) 

24 inches or less in width;

(5) 

Internally weighted to withstand strong winds;

(6) 

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

(7) 

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

(8) 

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

(q) 

Signs with lighting.

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

(1) 

From a single light source;

(2) 

Static;

(3) 

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

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

§ 28-3-35 Prohibited signs.

§ 28-3-36 Master signage plans.

§ 28-3-37 Obsolete and abandoned signs.

§ 28-3-38 Purpose.

§ 28-3-39 Applicability.

§ 28-3-40 Illuminance.

§ 28-3-41 Lighting design.