Glenn Heights City Zoning Code

The regulations of this chapter are intended to coordinate the use, placement, physical dimensions and design of all signs within the city. The purpose of these regulations is to promote public health, safety and welfare, and develop an appropriate visual appearance within the city by:

(1)

Protecting the public from damage or injury caused by signs which are poorly designed or maintained and from distractions or hazards to pedestrians or motorists caused by the indiscriminate placement or use of signs;

(2)

Maintaining property values by eliminating signs that are incompatible with the surrounding land uses;

(3)

Encouraging a viable economic environment through uniform control of signs;

(4)

Facilitating communication by means of well-designed and proportioned signage;

(5)

Encouraging quality sign design to promote a better visual environment; and

(6)

Enhancing the physical appearance of the city through a program that ensures the removal of inadequately maintained, unpermitted, or illegal signs within a reasonable time period.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.002; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Alter means to change the size, shape, outline, configuration, intent, location or type of sign.

Animation means copy or other images that flash or move or otherwise change in less than ten seconds frequency.

Area of a sign means the area of a sign shall be measured as the area within a series of straight lines around the outermost extremities of all text, symbols, graphics, advertising surfaces, framing, background and ornamentation, but not including sign poles or other supporting structures. If dimensions and a means of calculating the area of circular, oval-shaped or triangular signs are readily available, they may be used for such signs.

Awning means an architectural projection designed to provide weather protection, identification or decoration, and supported by the structure to which it is attached. An awning is composed of a frame over which is placed a cover of fabric or other material.

Banner means a temporary sign containing a worded message or graphic image composed of lightweight material secured or mounted so as to allow movement caused by wind.

Canopy means a roof-like structure of permanent construction, either freestanding or supported by an adjacent structure and open on two or more sides. Examples of canopies include those structures erected above the fuel pumps at a service station or the lanes of a drive-through facility.

Canopy sign means a sign attached to or painted upon an awning and visible to the exterior.

Changeable electronic variable message sign (CEVMS) means a sign which permits light to be turned on or off intermittently or which is operated in a way whereby light is turned on off intermittently, including any illuminated sign on which such illumination is not kept stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use, including an LED (light emitting diode) or digital sign, and which varies in intensity or color.

Copy means letters, characters, illustrations, logos, graphics, symbols, writing or combination thereof, designed to communicate information of any kind, or to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to identify or advertise a business or business product, or to advertise the sale or lease of a premises.

Inflatable sign means an inflatable sign is a type of temporary sign that is inflated with air or gas to display a message, logo, or advertisement. These signs are often made of flexible materials, such as PVC or nylon, and can take various shapes, including balloons, tubes, or custom figures. Inflatable signs are commonly used for promotional events, grand openings, and sales, and they are typically anchored to the ground or a structure to prevent movement.

Masonry pylon sign means a freestanding sign erected upon two masonry pylons or posts. Except the sign face, the pylons, decorative cap and base should be made of masonry material namely brick, stone, concrete, or stucco and designed to match with the primary structure elevation. Masonry pylon signs can have a monolithic form as well where, rather than two masonry pylons, the whole sign will be solid masonry sign with a base and a cap. The base or supports of any and all pylon signs shall be securely anchored to a concrete base or footing. The height of a pylon sign shall be measured from the average ground grade adjacent to the sign to the top of the sign.

Monument sign means a freestanding sign intended to be relatively broad in width compared to height build with masonry material like brick, stone, concrete or other masonry material that harmonizes with the architecture of the establishment it serves.

Neon sign means neon tubing attached directly to a wall surface forming a border for the subject matter, or when attracting or directing attention to the subject matter, or when forming letters, logos or pictorial designs.

Obsolete sign means a sign which no longer serves a bona fide use or purpose conforming to this chapter, or a sign which advertises a business no longer in operation or a product or service no longer offered at that location.

Pole sign means any freestanding sign supported above the ground by upright structural members.

Premises means a lot or tract, or a combination of contiguous lots or tracts if the lot or tract, or combination, is under single ownership and is reflected as a single premises in the plat records of the city.

Sign means any device, flag, light, figure, picture, letter, word, message, symbol, plaque or poster visible from outside the premises on which it is located and designed to inform or attract the attention of persons not on the premises.

Sign installer means a person who is hired to install, construct, erect or repair such sign in the city, and employees, representatives and subcontractors.

Sign support means any pole, post, strut, cable or other structural fixture or framework necessary to hold and secure a sign, providing that such fixture or framework is not imprinted with any picture, symbol or word using characters in excess of one inch in height or is internally or decoratively illuminated.

Vehicular sign means any sign that is attached to, painted on, or otherwise displayed on a motor vehicle, trailer, or other mobile unit for the purpose of advertising or identifying a business, service, product, or event. Vehicular signs can be permanent or temporary and may include decals, wraps, magnetic signs, or rooftop signs.

Visibility triangle.

(1)

Alley intersects a public street right-of-way. The areas on both sides of the intersection of an alley and a public street shall have a triangular visibility area with two sides of each triangle being a minimum of ten feet in length from the point of intersection, and the third side being a line connecting the ends of the other two sides.

(2)

Street intersection or intersection of private driveway onto a public street. These areas shall have a triangular visibility area with two sides of each triangle being a minimum of 25 feet in length along the right-of-way lines (or along the driveway curbline and the street right-of-way line) from the point of the intersection, and the third side being a line connecting the ends of the other two sides.

Wall sign means a permanent sign other than a mural erected, displayed or maintained on the wall of a building.

Window sign means a sign painted on or attached to a window or erected, displayed or maintained inside a structure within five feet of a window and visible through such window.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.011; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012; Ord. No. O-06-25, § 1, 4-1-2025)

All signs erected or maintained pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable state laws, V.T.C.A., Local Government Code ch. 216, and with the 2021 International Building Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, and other applicable city regulations. In the event of conflict between this chapter and portions of this Code or state law, the most restrictive standard applies.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.003; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

Any sign permit holder, owner, manager, agent, occupant, person in charge of a premises; person having the beneficial use of the property on which a sign is erected, maintained or displayed; the owner of the land or structure on which a sign is located; a contractor or person in charge of erecting, maintaining or displaying a sign; or anyone who causes a sign to be erected, displayed or maintained, shall be subject to the provisions of this chapter.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.004; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

The provisions of this chapter shall be administered and enforced by the city code enforcement officer as appointed by the city manager or designee.

(1)

Violation. Failure to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a violation of this chapter. Every day on which a violation exists shall constitute a separate violation and a separate offense;

(2)

Penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine upon conviction in an amount not to exceed $500.00. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during or on which a violation or failure to comply occurs or continues to occur.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.005; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

The regulations of this chapter shall govern the placement and construction of all outdoor advertising displays within the city.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.006; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

The purpose of this chapter is to ensure that, over time, all privately owned signs shall either conform to the provisions of this chapter or be removed. By the passage of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived and its amendments, no presently illegal sign shall be deemed to have been legalized unless such sign complies with all current standards under the terms of this chapter and all other ordinances of the city. Any sign which does not conform to all applicable provisions of this chapter shall be a nonconforming sign, even if it legally existed as a conforming sign under prior ordinances.

(b)

Change of ownership, or occupant, or use, or any such event that requires a new certificate of occupancy (CO) or building permit to be processed, shall make this chapter applicable to all existing and proposed signs on the property. Under such circumstance all signs on the property shall be brought in compliance with this chapter or shall be removed as required by this chapter.

(c)

No nonconforming sign shall be repaired or renovated except to bring the sign into compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Any nonconforming sign which is damaged in excess of 50 percent of its current value must be demolished and not repaired unless such proposed repairs will bring the sign into compliance with the provisions of this chapter. A nonconforming sign on any property that has been vacant for a period of six months or more or that does not have a current certificate of occupancy issued by the city must be brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.007; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

Every sign in the city, regardless of whether any permit is required for such sign, shall be maintained in a safe, presentable and sound structural and operational condition at all times, including the replacement of nonfunctioning, broken, defective, or missing parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and any other acts required for the maintenance of such sign. All signs and sign supports, brackets and frames shall be kept painted or otherwise treated to prevent rust, rot or deterioration.

(b)

Signs not meeting the standards imposed by this chapter shall be subject to removal or repair at the expense of the person responsible for the sign. Obsolete signs shall be removed immediately by the city at the expense of the property owner or any person responsible for that sign.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.008; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

Established; composition. The planning and zoning commission is hereby established to serve in a dual capacity as the sign control board (SCB).

(b)

Powers; duties. The planning and zoning commission in its capacity as the SCB is authorized to sit as a board of appeals and to exercise the powers set forth in this section.

(c)

Appeals. Appeals to the SCB may be taken by any person aggrieved or by any officer, department, board or bureau of the city affected by any decision of the building official. Such appeal shall be taken within 30 days of the date of the decision appealed from, by filing with the building official and with the SCB a notice of appeal specifying the grounds thereof. The building official shall forthwith transmit to the SCB all the papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken.

(d)

Quorum; voting; meetings. A majority of the members shall constitute a quorum. All motions shall be decided by a simple majority of the members present. A tie vote shall constitute failure of a motion. All meetings shall be open to the public and minutes shall be recorded.

(e)

Appeal stays proceeding. An appeal stays all proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed unless the building official certifies to the SCB after the notice of appeal shall have been filed with the building official that, by reason of facts stated in the certificate, a stay would, in the building official's opinion, cause imminent peril to life or property. In such case, proceedings shall not be stayed otherwise than by a restraining order which may be granted by the SCB or by a court of record on application or notice to the building official and on due cause shown.

(f)

Hearing. The SCB shall fix a reasonable time for the hearing of the appeal, give public notice thereof, as well as due notice to the parties in interest, and decide the same within a reasonable time. Upon the hearing, any party may appear in person or by agent. At the conclusion of the hearing, the SCB may grant the special exception requested, grant a special exception of a greater or lesser nature or degree than requested, or deny the special exception requested.

(g)

Factors to be considered; burden of proof. The appellant or applicant for the exception bears the burden of proving facts justifying an exception. In considering requests under this section, the SCB, as a board of appeal, shall consider factors, including, but not limited to:

(1)

The degree of exception from the requirements of this chapter that is requested;

(2)

The reasons for the exception requested;

(3)

The location of the exception requested;

(4)

The duration of the exception requested;

(5)

The effect on public safety;

(6)

The impairment of use, if any, of adjacent property that is developed in compliance with the city requirements;

(7)

The alteration of the character of the area adjacent to the property;

(8)

The impairment of the purposes of the regulations of this chapter;

(9)

The degree of hardship or injustice involved; and

(10)

The effect of the exception on the general plan for signing within the city.

(h)

Submission to city council. All SCB actions on exception requests shall be submitted to the city council for review, and such decisions of the SCB shall become final unless reversed or modified by the city council no later than the second regular called city council meeting following the SCB meeting at which formal action was taken by the SCB.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.009; Ord. No. O-22-20, 11-10-2020)

(a)

Signs that are not described or mentioned anywhere in this chapter are prohibited, and the following signs are specifically prohibited in the city by this chapter:

(1)

Balloon, banner, flags. Except as provided in section 66-67(b), any balloon, banner or flag signs for the explicit purpose of advertising a business or attracting attention to a business or place is prohibited;

(2)

Changeable electronic variable message signs (CEVMS). A sign that permits light to be turned on or off intermittently, including any illuminated sign on which such illumination is not kept stationery or constant intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use, including an LED (light emitting diode) or digital sign, and which varies in intensity or color. This prohibition does not include time and temperature signs. Signs that have copy that changes, moves, flashes, or blinks in no less than ten-second intervals shall not be considered as animated and shall be reviewed by city's planning, permit and code enforcement officers on a case-by-case basis for approval/denial. These signs must not be illuminated in such an intensity and glare to constitute traffic hazard as defined in Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices;

(3)

Imitation signs. Any signs that imitate official traffic, warning, or governmental signs, lights or other similar devices, emergency signs, or block visibility of such signs are prohibited;

(4)

Nuisance signs. No sign, name, number or advertising material other than building addresses may be applied to, placed or scattered upon streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, trees, rocks, natural features, fences, railings, public telephones, utility poles or any public property;

(5)

Off-premises signs. Except as specified in this chapter, all off-premises signs are prohibited. This includes all signs commonly referred to as billboards;

(6)

Portable signs. Signs mounted on portable or movable frames or structures, including signs placed on, but not affixed or attached to, the ground, shall be prohibited;

(7)

Roof signs. A sign mounted on the main roof portion of a building or on the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such building are prohibited. Signs mounted on mansard façades, pent eaves, and architectural projections, such as canopies or marquees, shall not be considered to be roof signs;

(8)

Signs causing safety concerns. No sign shall be erected in a manner that would interfere, confuse, or obstruct the view of moving traffic, traffic signs, signals or devices, and no sign shall be erected within the visibility triangle as determined by the city's engineer, or within public right-of-way;

(9)

Vehicular signs. Signs placed on or leaning on to vehicles or trailers that are parked on a public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from a public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property shall be prohibited. However, this is not in any way intended to prohibit signs affixed to vehicles and trailers, such as lettering on motor vehicles, where the sign is incidental to the primary use of the vehicle or trailer.

(b)

Any prohibited sign mentioned in subsection (a) of this section, if found in the city, shall be removed and disposed of by the code enforcement officer, and the cost incurred should be billed to the person responsible for such a sign, along with the code violation ticket with a penalty for violation of this chapter.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.010; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

Official signs. No permit shall be required for signs required or authorized by the local, state or federal government or any kind of governmental agency. These signs include, but are not limited to, traffic control signs, public utility signs, street names or directional signs, historical markers, railroad crossing signs, bus stop and transit agency signs.

(b)

Holiday decoration. No permit shall be required for signs or materials displayed in a temporary manner on or prior to traditional civic, patriotic or religious holidays. These decorations shall not be displayed more than 15 days prior to the respective holiday and should not be displayed for more than 30 days altogether.

(c)

Political signs. No permit shall be required for signs supporting, opposing, encouraging or identifying any candidate, or proposition in an upcoming election, or any sign displaying political speech.

(d)

Real estate signs. No permit shall be required for signs not exceeding six square feet in sign area and three feet in height advertising the sale, lease or rental of real estate in residential zoning districts. For nonresidential and agricultural zoning districts, no permit shall be required for signs having up to 32 square feet of sign area (but not exceeding six feet in height) advertising the sale, lease or rental of real estate. For agricultural and nonresidentially zoned land, one such sign shall be allowed per property, parcel or lot of record.

(e)

Gasoline signs. No permit shall be required for gasoline price or credit card signs placed on pump islands not exceeding four square feet in sign area.

(f)

Window signs. No permit shall be required for signs in windows facing public rights-of-way that are limited to ten percent of the window area per façade in nonresidentially zoned districts.

(g)

Special event banner. No permit shall be required for special event banners that are associated with a special event that has obtained a special events permit from the city's planning and permitting division. The banner should contain a message directly relating to a special event; provided, however, that such banners may be displayed no more than seven days prior to the special event and must be removed within two days after the conclusion of the special event. The size of the banner is limited to 50 square feet and at least one-half of the banner shall contain a message relating to the special event. Such banner shall be located within the private property where such event is taking place and not within any public rights-of-way.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.031; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

It is unlawful for any person to maintain, display, erect, replace, repair, alter or reface any sign or to cause same to be maintained, displayed, erected, replaced, repaired, altered or refaced within the city without first obtaining a permit to do so from the planning and permitting division, except for the signs specifically identified in section 66-39. A permit application should be submitted to the planning and permitting division with a complete application form (which may be obtained at the planning and permitting offices), required drawings, information, and applicable fees (as per the city's adopted fee schedule). Application and associated information will be reviewed by planning and permitting division staff and the review will be coordinated with the development review committee (DRC). Upon completion of staff review and determination of compliance with this article and other applicable city ordinances, a sign permit will be issued to the applicant. The permit number, primary contact/applicant's full name and phone number should be visibly displayed at the bottom of the sign at all times.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.032; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

If the work authorized by a permit issued under this article has not been commenced within 60 days after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.033; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

Any person or business engaging in the operation of erecting, installing, servicing or maintaining signs within the city must be registered with the city to conduct such business. For the purposes of this article, persons engaging in the business of erecting, installing and maintaining signs shall be designated as sign installers, including those responsible for erecting temporary signs requiring a permit.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.034; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

No permit for the installation, erection, relocation and maintenance of signs shall be issued to any sign installer until such person has provided proof of general liability insurance covering the work to be performed pursuant to the permit in the amount of at least $100,000.00 or filed with the city a $5,000.00 surety bond in favor of the city as the beneficiary thereof, and shall be conditioned for the installation and erection of signs in accordance with the ordinances of the city, for any and all damages or liability which may accrue against it by reason of faulty installation, erection, demolition, repair, removal, or defects in, or collapse of, any signs, for a period of one year after erection and for such period of time that such sign is maintained or serviced by or under the direction of the maker of such bond.

(b)

The bond shall further provide for the indemnification of any person who shall, while upon public property or in any public place, incur damage for which the principal named in the bond is legally liable.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.035; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

Permits issued under this article may be suspended or revoked when it is determined that the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect or false information supplied or when a sign for which such permit is issued violates any of the provisions of this Code or state or federal law. Such suspension or revocation shall be effective when communicated in writing to the person to whom the permit is issued, the owner of the sign or the owner of the premises upon which the sign is located.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.036; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

All signs for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection at the discretion of the code enforcement officer. Signs containing electrical wiring shall be subject to the provisions of the governing electrical code, and the electrical components used shall bear the label of an approved testing agency.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.037; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

An illuminated sign shall not directly front any residential district and must be located at least 50 feet away from all residential property lines. All external lighting for sign illumination shall be properly shielded to obstruct glare for pedestrians or motorists.

(b)

Any external illumination on signs shall follow glare, illumination and other applicable lighting standards as outlined in the city's lighting ordinance as was adopted and may be amended.

(c)

Required landscaping associated with certain sign types as specified in section 66-66 shall comply with maintenance provisions of the city's landscaping ordinance as it was adopted and as may be amended.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.061; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

Wall sign. Wall signs are allowed in every zoning district and shall be placed on the principal structure only and may be internally and externally illuminated.

(1)

Number. Each parcel containing a single business shall be allowed not more than one wall sign. On parcels containing multiple businesses, each business shall be allowed a wall sign. Single businesses on a corner lot shall be allowed one wall sign per street frontage;

(2)

Location. No wall sign shall be placed on any roof or on top of any structure. Except as otherwise set forth herein, no part of a wall sign shall extend beyond the roofline of the building. If a building has two or more stories, no signs shall be installed at a level above the bottom of the second floor windows, unless the building is a multitenant office or multitenant commercial structure wherein tenants have primary, direct access from their space to the outside. Their access must include outside walkways and stairways properly designed for public use. If the multi-stories building does not have the aforementioned direct, primary access, but has multiple businesses, a multitenant monument sign may be used in lieu of wall signs;

(3)

Erection. All wall signs shall be safely and securely attached to the building wall, subject to the approval of the city's permit division;

(4)

Size calculation. The allowable front wall sign area for each building shall not exceed two square feet per linear foot of the front length of the building or portion thereof occupied. If the sign is a panel or box, the total area, including background, is included. If a sign consists of individual letters, each attached directly to a building or structure, the area of the sign shall be measured by the area of the smallest rectangle or series of contiguous rectangles which enclose all the letters.

(b)

Canopy/awning sign. An awning or canopy sign is only allowed in TC Town Center Commercial Districts and can be used as the primary sign in lieu of a wall sign, subject to the following:

(1)

The sign area shall not exceed 40 percent of the total face area of the canopy or awning upon which the sign is affixed. The term "total face area of an awning or canopy" means the portion of the awning or canopy that is parallel, or within 15 percent of parallel to the building façade upon which it is attached;

(2)

The maximum vertical dimension of a canopy/awning sign shall be five feet and shall be limited to the first story only for multi-story buildings;

(3)

Canopy/awning signs may extend three feet into the public right-of-way and shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet above the ground level unless projecting over a vehicular right-of-way, in which case clearance shall be 14 feet;

(4)

Backlit awnings shall be limited to building façades that contain signs and shall not exceed 25 percent of the canopy/awning area of the façade upon which it is placed;

(5)

Canopy/awning signs shall be made of fabric that is flame retardant. It shall be supported with metal framework and mounting brackets. Rigid horizontal awning supports shall be no less than eight feet above the sidewalk. Decorative supports may be lower if they are angled down to attach to the building. Fabric valances shall not hang lower than seven feet and six inches from the sidewalk. The canopy/awning color shall compliment or coordinate with the building color. No fluorescent colors shall be allowed. The awning/canopy shall be sized to match the opening that it is shading.

(c)

Neon sign. Neon signs are allowed in nonresidential zoning districts and can be used as the primary sign in lieu of a wall sign subject to the following:

(1)

The sign area shall not exceed ten percent of the total sign area as would have been allowed under a wall sign;

(2)

On a multitenant premises, cumulative area of neon signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the building façade.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.062; Ord. No. O-18-21, 9-18-2012; Ord. No. O-07-21, 5-4-2021)

(a)

Monument sign. Monument signs shall be built on a monument base as opposed to a pole base with no separation between the base of the sign and natural grade. In addition to nonresidential zoning districts, monument signs may be erected within residential zoning districts to identify schools, churches, parks, residential subdivisions or apartment complexes, provided they do not contain any off-premises advertisement. Monument signs are intended to be relatively broad in width compared to height. Monument signs are not intended to have gaps, cutouts, or penetrations but instead should be a solid face or area without openings or cutouts. The sign face shall be designed with materials that harmonize with the architecture of the establishment it services. All monument signs shall have landscaping comprised of shrubbery and flowering plants, not exceeding three feet in height near the base of the sign. Only one monument sign per property along the street frontage shall be allowed. Monument signs shall be set back a minimum 12 feet from any public right-of-way and shall not obstruct traffic visibility triangles. Monument signs shall be at least 120 feet apart. Monument signs shall be illuminated externally for visibility after dark.

(1)

Residential subdivision. Each residential subdivision shall be permitted one monument sign and one wall sign mounted on a subdivision masonry screening wall for identification of the subdivision for each street frontage providing access to the subdivision. For the purposes of this article, identical subdivision signs on both sides of the access street shall be considered one sign. Such sign shall be a minimum eight feet in height and 12 feet in width, and the sign face area shall be a minimum 20 square feet per sign face;

(2)

Multifamily residential complex. Multifamily developments of 12 units or more shall be permitted one monument sign for identification of the development for each street frontage. Such sign shall not exceed eight feet (including the masonry base) in height and 12 feet in width, and the sign face area shall not exceed 60 square feet per sign face;

(3)

Other land uses in residential zoning. Church, school, park, or private club facilities shall be permitted one monument sign for identification purposes for each street frontage. Such sign shall not exceed eight feet (including the masonry base) in height and 12 feet in width, and the sign face area shall not exceed 60 square feet per sign face;

(4)

Manufactured home zoning. Mobile home parks located within MH Manufactured Home Districts shall be permitted one monument sign for identification purposes for each street frontage. Such sign shall not exceed eight feet (including the masonry base) in height and 12 feet in width, and the sign face area shall not exceed 60 square feet per sign face;

(5)

Nonresidential single-tenant premises. For single-tenant premises, one monument sign is allowed for each street frontage. The monument sign shall not exceed eight feet (including the masonry base) in height and 12 feet in width, and the sign face area shall not exceed 60 square feet per sign face;

(6)

Nonresidential multitenant premises. For multitenant premises, one monument sign for each street frontage is allowed. The monument sign shall not exceed 12 feet in height (including the masonry base) and 16 feet in width, and the sign face area shall not exceed 80 square feet per sign face.

(b)

Masonry pylon sign. Masonry pylon signs are allowed only on nonresidential properties with a minimum of 300 feet continuous frontage along IH-35E frontage road or any other four or more lane freeways or on F.M. 664 or Ovilla Road, except the height for such signs on F.M. 664 shall not exceed 35 feet. Masonry pylon signs are large signs with two masonry columns supporting a sign face that is surrounded by a minimum two-foot-wide masonry border and a minimum three-foot-high decorative cap on top. A 2½-foot-high masonry planter with landscaping should surround the base of the pylon sign. For multitenant premises, the sign face area shall not exceed 450 square feet and, for single-tenant premises, the sign face area shall not exceed 300 square feet. The maximum height of masonry pylon signs shall not exceed 50 feet above the adjacent pavement level. Masonry pylon signs shall be set back at least 15 feet from public right-of-way. Section 66-93(e) shows an example of a similar sign in the city.

(c)

Neon sign. Neon signs are allowed in nonresidential zoning districts and can be used as the primary sign in lieu of a wall sign subject to the following:

(1)

The sign area shall not exceed ten percent of the total sign area as would have been allowed under a wall sign;

(2)

On a multitenant premises, the cumulative area of neon signs shall not exceed 25 percent of the building façade;

(3)

Neon signs are permitted in nonresidential districts, provided that they shall not be erected within 100 feet of any residential district unless properly and adequately shielded so that light from such sign is not directed toward such residential district;

(4)

In no case can a sign be placed closer than 15 feet from a residential property;

(5)

No high-intensity lights shall be permitted as part of a sign display visible from an adjacent street;

(6)

No sign shall be illuminated to intensity greater than 200 footcandles. The restrictions of luminance in this subsection shall be determined from any other premises or from any public right-of-way other than an alley;

(7)

No sign shall be illuminated to such intensity or in such a manner as to cause a glare or brightness to a degree that it constitutes a hazard or nuisance.

(d)

Gasoline canopy sign. Sign advertising fuel price and gas station's name are allowed on the canopy of gasoline pumps. The sign area shall not exceed 60 square feet per side.

(e)

Comprehensive sign package. For any nonresidential property with a proposal of 100,000 square feet or more nonresidential development that may require a combination of different sign types and number of signs to ably serve the business and provide enough visibility for potential visitors, a case-by-case review is necessary to determine feasibility of such a sign package proposal. For example, a big box retail or grocery chain might have on-site gasoline pumps, several detached leased out-parcels, etc. It is the intent of this section to require a comprehensive review of all the signage requirements and numbers to fully accommodate this large development rather than performing a piecemeal review. The comprehensive sign package will be reviewed by city staff and processed through the planning and zoning commission and city council in a manner similar to that of a variance request under the development regulations of this Code.

(f)

Flags. Flags are permitted, to include state, national, local, religious or institutional flags or emblems, in nonresidential zoning district classification within the city, provided the number of flagpoles does not exceed three flagpoles per platted lot with a maximum height of the flagpole not to exceed 25 feet and the maximum flag area does not exceed 40 square feet. The state flag and all other assembled flags shall be arranged in accordance with the Texas constitution and flag etiquette rules. Governmental flags shall be maintained in good repair and shall be externally lit at night. Institutional or other uses allowed in a residential zoning may have flags subject to the provisions of this section. Residential lots in a residential subdivision are allowed one flagpole not to exceed 25 feet in height and maximum flag area not to exceed 30 square feet.

Schedule of Permanent Signs by Zoning Districts*

* For specific regulations regarding each sign type, refer to the respective subsections under section 66-65 and this section.

(g)

Pole signs. On-premises pole signs may be permitted on properties with at least 200 feet of continuous frontage along and adjacent to the I-35E corridor and shall be subject to the regulations of the Texas Highway Beautification Act, Outdoor Advertising Signs, and this Code. Off-premises pole signs are prohibited. Only one pole sign may be permitted for each 200 feet of roadway frontage along the I-35E corridor. Pole signs shall not exceed 50 feet in height, shall not be attached to or supported by any part of a building, and shall not be configured such that the sign is located between two and ten feet above average grade where located within 15 feet of an adjacent roadway. The overall surface area of each face of the sign shall not exceed 300 square feet. Additional regulations are as follows:

(1)

A pole sign having a surface area of 50 square feet or less for each face of the sign and serving as on-premises directional signage may be located at least five feet from an adjacent public right-of-way;

(2)

A pole sign having a surface area of more than 50 square feet but not greater than 150 square feet for each face of the sign and serving as on-premises directional signage may be located at least 15 feet from an adjacent public right-of-way;

(3)

A pole sign having a surface area of more than 150 square feet for each face of the sign may not be located within the applicable zoning setback line or with 25 feet from the adjacent right-of-way, whichever is greater.

(h)

Vehicular signs.

(1)

A special use permit (SUP) shall be required to attach any sign to a trailer, skid or similar mobile structure, where the primary use of such structure is to provide a base for such sign or constitute the sign itself. This subsection does not restrict the identification signs on vehicles used for bona fide transportation activity;

(2)

Signs attached to or upon vehicles shall require an SUP where any such vehicle is allowed to remain parked in the same location or in the same vicinity for frequent or extended periods of time, where it is apparent to be one of using the vehicle and signs for the purposes of advertising an establishment, service or product. Vehicles operating under a city franchise shall be excluded from this subsection;

(3)

Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles and/or trailers which are parked on public right-of-way, public property or private property, so as to be visible from a public right-of-way, where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity on the nearby property, are allowed only by SUP.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.063; Ord. No. O-07-21, 5-4-2021; Ord. No. O-06-25, § 2, 3, 5, 4-1-2025)

(a)

Garage sale sign. Garage sale signs shall follow the requirements as specified in chapter 6, article IX, as amended.

(b)

Grand opening sign. For grand openings, pennants, flags, streamers, searchlights, and one banner not to exceed 50 square feet in area may be displayed one time for a maximum of 30 days. All signs must be removed after the 30-day period. Small balloons less than 14 inches in diameter (one or a cluster) are exempt from sign permit requirements and are permitted at the time of grand opening or national holidays. If another grand opening or advertising event is required for the same business, then signs associated with such event, including the event itself, should be processed under a special events permit as outlined under section 66-39(g).

(c)

New development/project sign. On-premises signs identifying any new development (commercial, retail, office, mixed use, etc.) in the city shall not exceed six feet in height and the sign face shall not exceed 16 square feet. Such development signs are allowed for up to one year after the building permit has been issued or until the certificate of occupancy (CO) is issued whichever comes first. One sign is permitted per project and should be set back at least 20 feet from public right-of-way.

(d)

Model home sign. Signs identifying model homes and model home centers, including sales offices, shall be permitted one per builder/developer in the subdivision. Model home signs shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and four feet in height.

(e)

Kiosk sign plaza.

(1)

Kiosk sign plazas provide a uniform, coordinated method of providing homebuilders, developers and municipalities a means of utilizing directional signs, while minimizing the negative impacts to the city and its residents. Sign plaza installation should be reviewed and processed through the planning and permit division of the city as outlined in article II of this chapter. Each identification panel shall be four feet by 18 inches. The dimension of kiosk sign shall follow the schedule below:

a.

Three-subdivision identification panel: six feet by four feet (24 square feet of sign area) kiosk sign;

b.

Four-subdivision identification panel: eight feet by four feet (32 square feet of sign area) kiosk sign;

c.

Five-subdivision identification panel: ten feet by four feet (40 square feet of sign area) kiosk sign;

d.

Six-subdivision identification panel: 12 feet by four feet (48 square feet of sign area) kiosk sign;

(2)

Section 66-93(f) shows some examples of similar sign kiosks present at another city within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Once more than 60 percent of all lots are sold in these subdivisions, the kiosk sign plaza should be removed. The location and number of these plazas are restricted to one each for every major arterial intersection which are: intersection of Bear Creek and S. Uhl Road, intersection of Hampton and Bear Creek, intersection of Bear Creek and Westmoreland Road, intersection of Bear Creek and Cockrell Hill Road, intersection of Hampton and Ovilla Road, intersection of Ovilla and S. Uhl Road; total six sign plazas within the city limits.

(f)

Informational zoning change sign. Temporary informational signs are required to be installed by applicants for a change to the zoning category on a parcel of land. The city shall charge a fee as provided in the city fee schedule to provide signs related to a zoning change application, if the applicant so desires. These informational signs shall be up at least seven days before the case is heard by the planning and zoning commission and at least ten days before it is heard by the city council. After the application has received a second reading at the city council, such signs shall be removed from the property.

(g)

Inflatable signs.

(1)

Inflatable signs must be set back a minimum of ten feet from any property line;

(2)

Inflatable signs are allowed for three ten-day periods per calendar year. Permit periods may not run consecutively;

(3)

Placement of inflatable signs in rights-of-way is prohibited;

(4)

Signs and their anchors or attachments shall not be placed in such a way as to create a traffic hazard;

(5)

A minimum of 30 days must elapse between expiration and issuance of a new permit;

(6)

The air- or gas-filled device must be anchored to a building, structure, device, object or the ground and used for advertising purposes on a temporary basis.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.064; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012; Ord. No. O-06-25, § 4, 4-1-2025)

(a)

Examples of wall signs.

(b)

Examples of canopy/awning signs.

(c)

Examples of attached neon signs.

(d)

Examples of monument signs.

(e)

Examples of masonry pylon sign and masonry pylon sign in monolithic form.

(f)

Kiosk sign plaza.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.091; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

Freestanding signs. Freestanding signs are usually perpendicular to viewer's line of sight, may be double or multi-faced and contain thematic embellishment and integral covers or cladding to conceal structural supports:

(b)

Building signs. Examples of building signs are provided below.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.092; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

(a)

Ground signs. Methodology for computing the area of ground signs is provided below.

(b)

Wall/fascia signs. Examples of wall/fascia signs are provided below.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.093; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)

Examples of fascia signs on roof-like projections (not roof signs) are provided below.

(Code 1996, § 15.01.094; Ord. No. O-18-12, 9-18-2012)