Hondo City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 7
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
§ 7.1 Applicability.
The following general development standards shall apply to all zoning districts, except where expressly stated to apply to, or exclude, specific districts.
(Ordinance 1148-01-18 adopted 1/8/18)
§ 7.2 Off-Street Parking Standards.
In all zoning districts there shall be provided in connection with appropriate allowable uses, sufficient off-street parking space in accordance with the requirements as provided in this Section. The building owner shall be responsible for providing a minimum of one (1) off-street parking space for the tenant even if the off-street parking location is not in the immediate vicinity of the building owner’s premises and may be owned by someone other than the building owner leasing living spaces(s). Issuance of any off-street parking permits shall be the sole responsibility of the building owner(s) leasing the living space(s). The building owner shall also be responsible for obtaining adequate security for the tenant(s). This may include but is not limited to proper locking devices, security lighting, surveillance cameras, etc.
7.2.1
Off-Street Parking Requirements.
Every use or structure instituted, constructed, erected, or structurally altered after the effective date of this Ordinance shall provide off-street parking facilities in accordance with provisions of this Article for the use of occupants, employees, visitors, and/or patrons. Off-street parking facilities shall be maintained and continued as long as the principal use is in existence.
Any building or structure may be modernized, altered, or repaired provided there is no increase in floor area or capacity and there is no change of use without providing additional off-street parking facilities.
It shall be unlawful for an owner or operator of any use to discontinue, change, dispense with, or cause the discontinuance or reduction of required parking facilities without providing for alternative parking facilities which meet the requirements of this Article.
a.
Location, Extent, Character and Size
i.
The off-street parking facilities required by this Article shall be located on the same lot or parcel of land that they are intended to serve, provided however, when the size or shape of the parcel of land, or a nonconforming building or structure presently existing on the parcel of land prevents the establishment of such facilities on the same lot or parcel, they shall be provided on a properly zoned lot or parcel within two hundred (200) feet of the premises they are to serve. However, before such parking facilities are approved, it shall be required that a recordable instrument be properly executed for the alternate facility, provided further, that said recordable instrument shall be filed, as a matter of record, in the City Secretary’s Office, and said lot or parcel shall not be utilized for any subsequent use without parking being supplied on an alternate site.
ii.
Each parking space required and provided pursuant to the provisions of this Article shall not be less than nine (9) feet in width and eighteen (18) feet in length. Each parking space shall be directly accessible from a street or alley, or from an adequate aisle or driveway leading to a street or alley. Access aisles and driveways shall be of sufficient size to permit convenient maneuvering of cars and each space shall be accessible without driving over or through any other parking space.
iii.
OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES, INCLUSIVE OF PARKING LOTS, shall be guided by the nature of the properties use, location, and frequency of use.
iv.
All required or provided off-street parking areas shall be paved and maintained according to city standards and specifications as provided and delineated below in surfacing.
b.
Surfacing:
i.
All businesses fronting Highway 90 will have surfaced parking. It may be porous concrete, asphalt seal coat or pavers. (constructed to standards of a minor street)
ii.
All other commercial properties/business and city owned will use porous concrete, asphalt, seal coat, pavers, bricks or grasscrete for primary parking required by this section.
iii.
Private residences: May also use crushed limestone in addition to the surfacing for commercial properties/business.
iv.
Exceptions: Owners of residences, businesses or structures that by their nature, location, age or environmental concerns desire a parking surface or marking exemption, may petition the Planning and Zoning Commission with their request.
v.
Businesses shall be required to perform maintenance of surface parking when surface areas have failed due to deterioration and use.
c.
Marking:
i.
All hard-surfaced parking will be marked and striped in a manner that clearly depicts parking slots. Handicap parking will be plainly marked. Non-hard-surfaced parking will be marked and/or striped on the surface or with signage or other means to indicate parking slots. Handicap parking will be plainly marked. Parking areas used solely for display of vehicles for sale or rental are not required to have delineated parking spaces.
ii.
(4) [sic] All off-street parking facilities, inclusive of parking lots, required and/or provided, shall be properly drained so as not to cause any nuisance or damage to adjacent property, and any lighting of said facilities shall be designed and arranged so as to prevent glare or excessive light on adjacent property. All such facilities and lots shall be designed for the convenient access and safety for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
7.2.2
Unclassified Uses.
Where the proposed land use cannot be classified within the uses herein specified, the designated City representative shall determine the specified use most clearly related to the proposed use and the minimum requirements for the specified use so determined shall apply to the proposed use.
7.2.3
Determining Quantity of Parking Spaces.
In each parking facility within the City of Hondo, a portion of the total parking shall be designed, located and reserved for use by the handicapped according to the Americans with Disabilities Act Requirements. The minimum number of parking spaces required for uses within any district shall be determined as follows:
Use | No. of Parking Spaces | Required for Each |
|---|---|---|
a. Residential | ||
Single-Family | 1 | Dwelling Unit |
Two-Family | 1 | Dwelling Unit |
Townhouse | 1 | Dwelling Unit |
Garage Apartment | 1 | Dwelling Unit |
Apartment Multiple-Family Dwelling | 2 | Dwelling Unit for first 50 units; thereafter, 1.75 parking spaces for each unit |
Hotel, motel or tourist court | 1 | Guest room or residential unit up to 100 units then thereafter 0.75 over 100; 50% of these spaces may be counted to satisfy the parking requirements of accessory uses. |
Mobile/Manufactured Home | 1 | Lot, Plot, Tract or Stand |
Private Dormitory | 1 | Two Residents |
Zero lot line dwelling | 1 | Dwelling Unit |
Servant’s or caretaker’s quarters | 1 | Two Residing Employees |
b. Institutional | ||
Community or welfare center | 1 | 200 sq. ft. of floor area |
School | ||
Elementary | 1 | 20 students |
Junior High | 1 | 18 students |
Senior High | 1 | 1.75 students |
Trade/Vocational | 1 | 1 student |
College or University | 1 | 4 day students |
Public assembly hall without fixed seating | 1 | 4 seats |
Church | 1 | 4 seats in sanctuary or auditorium |
Kindergarten, day nursery, day care | 1 | 8 students |
Hospital - acute or chronic care | 1 | 1-1/2 beds |
Hospital, alcoholic, narcotic psychiatric patients | 1 | 2 employees or attendants plus one (1) space for each ten (10) residents |
Home for the aged | 1-1/2 | Dwelling Unit |
Library or Museum | 1 | 300 sq. ft. of public area |
Fraternity or sorority | 1 | 200 sq. ft. of floor area |
Student Religious center | 1 | 250 sq. ft. of floor area |
Nursing and personal care | 1 | 6 beds |
Mortuary or Funeral Chapel | 1 | 4 seats in chapel |
Labor union | 1 | 300 sq. ft. of floor area |
c. Recreational, special entertainment | ||
Theater | 1 | 4 seats |
Bowling Alley | 4 | Lane |
Pool halls, coin-machine arcades, other commercial amusements (indoor) | 1 | 100 sq. ft. of floor area |
Commercial amusements (outdoor) | 1 | 600 sq. ft. of site area exclusive of building |
Ballpark, stadium | 1 | 8 seats |
Lodge, fraternal organization | 1 | 200 sq. ft. of floor area |
Golf Course | Minimum of 30 spaces | |
Driving range or miniature golf | 1-1/2 | Space for each putting tee |
d. Personal service and retail | ||
Personal service shop | 1 | 200 sq. ft. of floor area |
Retail Store or Shops (inside) | 1 | 250 sq. ft. of floor area for the first 3,000 sq. ft.; thereafter one (1) space for each additional 300 sq. ft. |
Furniture Sales Appliance Sales and repair | 1 | 400 sq. ft. of floor area |
Open Retail Sales | 1 | 600 sq. ft. of floor area exclusive of buildings |
Coin-operated or Self-Service Laundry or Dry Cleaning | 1 | 3 washing machines |
e. Food and beverage services | ||
Eating or Drinking place (inside) eating only; no drive-in windows | 1 | 100 sq. ft. of floor area (minimum of 12 spaces) |
Eating or Drinking place with drive-in windows, bar, nightclub, and private club and all others | 1 | 75 sq. ft. of floor area (minimum of 4 spaces; for drive-in windows, 6 additional tandem spaces) |
f. Business services | ||
Bank | 1 | 300 sq. ft. of floor area |
Savings and Loan or similar institution | 1 | 400 sq. ft. of floor area |
Medical, dental, animal clinic or office | 1 | 150 sq. ft. of floor area (minimum of 5 spaces) |
Other office, business or professional | 1 | 300 sq. ft. of floor area (minimum of 5 spaces) |
g. Automotive and Equipment | ||
Service station including incidental carwash | 1 | 200 sq. ft. of floor area (minimum of 4 spaces) |
Motor vehicle repair, garage or shop (indoors) | 1 | 500 sq. ft. of floor area (minimum of 5 spaces) |
Motor vehicle parts & accessory sales (indoors) | 1 | 200 sq. ft. of floor area |
Motor vehicle parts & accessory sales (outdoors) | 1 | 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area |
Vehicle or machinery sales (indoors) | 1 | 500 sq. ft. floor area |
Vehicle or machinery sales (outdoors) | 1 | 5,000 sq. ft. of floor area |
Self-Service Carwash | 1 | Wash bay (1/2 of the spaces shall be tandem spaces awaiting wash bay) |
Machine Carwash | 1 | 150 sq. ft. of floor area (2/3 of the spaces shall be tandem spaces for cars awaiting wash or vacuum) |
h. Storage, Wholesale and Manufacturing | ||
Brick or lumber yard or similar area | 1 | 1,000 sq. ft. of site area |
Open storage of sand, gravel, petroleum | 1 | 2,000 sq. ft. of site area |
Warehouse & Enclosed Storage | 1 | 3,000 sq. ft. of floor area; plus one (1) space for each 300 sq. ft. of office area |
Outside Storage | 1 | 5,000 sq. ft. of site area used for outside storage |
Commercial, Wholesale Manufacturing Operations | 1 | 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area or 4 spaces for each 5 employees on largest shift, whichever is greater |
Manufacturing Operations | 1 | 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area or 4 spaces for each 5 employees on largest shift, whichever is greater |
Mini-Warehouse | 1 | 20 storage stalls or lockers plus one (1) space for each; 250 sq. ft. for manager’s quarters |
7.2.4
Parking Space Dimensions:
The design and dimensions of off-street parking areas shall be in accordance with the following table of minimum dimensions. Minimum stall widths shall be nine (9) feet, except for residential and all-day office parking which may utilize stalls eight and one-half (8-1/2) feet in width, provided that minimum aisle widths are increased by one (1) foot. In addition, the dimensions of up to twenty (20) percent of the total number of off-street parking spaces may be reduced to eight (8) feet in width and sixteen (16) feet in depth to accommodate compact automobiles. All dimensions below are in feet
Angles (Degrees) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0° | 30° | 45° | 60° | 90° | |
Stall, Parallel | 23 | 18 | 12.7 | 10.4 | 9 |
Stall, Perpendicular to Aisle | 9 | 16.5 | 19 | 20 | 18 |
Aisle Width, One-Way | 12 | 12 | 12 | 16 | 24 |
Aisle Width, Two-Way | 22 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 24 |
Cross Aisle, One-Way | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 |
Cross Aisle, Two-Way | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
7.2.5
Fire Lanes. Fire lanes as required by the Fire Code.
7.2.6
Off-Street Loading. All business uses shall provide and maintain off-street facilities for the loading and unloading of merchandise and goods within the building or on the lot adjacent to a public alley or private service drive to facilitate the movement of traffic on the public street in addition to other parking requirements. Such space shall consist of a minimum area of ten (10) feet by twenty-five (25) feet and be provided as follows:
Gross Floor Space (Sq. Ft.) | Loading or Unloading Berths |
|---|---|
25,000 feet or less | 1 |
25,001 to 84,000 | 2 |
84,001 to 156,000 | 3 |
156,001 to 236,000 | 4 |
Each 100,000 additional | 1 additional |
(Ordinance 1148-01-18 adopted 1/8/18)
§ 7.3 Signs.
Signage regulations shall be in conformance to those general regulations as contained in Section 25.1604 Sign Regulations [Section 7.3] of this ordinance. It shall be unlawful to construct or install or permit to be constructed or installed any sign or billboard within the City limits of the City of Hondo, Texas, except as is expressly permitted herein.
7.3.1
Real Estate Signs
a.
One (1) temporary sign announcing the offering for sale or rental of individually platted residential or commercial property on which it is placed shall be allowed in any district and may be placed in any yard. Such sign shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area; it shall be removed within one (1) week following the close of sale or lease.
b.
On nonresidential commercial property where there is a business building, a temporary unlighted sign offering all or a portion of the same for sale or rental shall be allowed flat against any wall of the business building. Such sign shall be no taller than the wall and shall have an area no larger than one hundred (100) square feet. Such sign shall be removed within one (1) week following the close of sale or lease.
c.
On undeveloped property, temporary unlighted signs offering the same for sale shall be allowed. Such signs shall be located at least twenty (20) feet behind any curb or ten (10) feet behind any property line, whichever is greater, and shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. The total area of all sign message surfaces of all such signs shall not exceed one (1) square foot per one (1) lineal foot of street frontage of the property for sale, or one hundred (100) square feet.
7.3.2
Political Signs.
Temporary, unlighted political signs supporting an announced candidate, a party or an issue shall be allowed in any district subject to the following:
Private property
a.
May be placed in any yard but only with the permission of the owner.
b.
There shall be no restrictions on the number of political signs on each zoning lot.
c.
In developed districts zoned “RE”, “R1”, “R2”, or “R3”, no such signs shall exceed eight (8) feet in height and thirty-six (36) square feet gross surface area.
7.3.3
[Political Signs on] Public Right-Of-Way
a.
There shall be no limit on the permitted number of temporary political signs displayed.
b.
Such signs shall not exceed an aggregate gross surface area of two (2) square feet.
c.
Subject to the determination of the Chief of Police in accordance with public safety requirements, temporary political signs may be located in public right-of-ways but not across, over, or extending onto the paved portion of any public roadway.
d.
Such signs shall be erected or installed in such a manner so as to not interfere with or obstruct access, activity or vision along any such public right-of-way. Such signs shall not be attached to or placed on traffic signals, utility poles, trees and other similar vegetation.
e.
Temporary political signs may be erected or maintained for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days prior to the date of the election to which such signs are applicable is scheduled to occur and shall be removed within ten (10) days following such election.
f.
While no permit fee shall be required, the permittee of such signs to be located in the public right-of-way shall deposit with the City Secretary the sum of Fifty Dollars ($50.00). Along with this deposit, a signed agreement stating that, in the event that such temporary political signs are not removed within ten (10) days following the date of the election to which the signs are applicable, the monies so deposited shall be used to reimburse the City for the cost incurred by it in removing the signs. Such signs shall become the property of the City and shall be destroyed accordingly.
g.
No temporary political sign shall be placed on the area known as the Highway 90 Parkway (north side of Highway 90, between Highway 90 and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks) between the intersections of Highway 90 and Ave. E and Highway 90 and Castro Ave.
7.3.4
Garage Sale Signs.
Temporary, unlighted signs announcing the holding of a sale of household possessions, displayed for not more than thirty (30) days in any one (1) year, shall be allowed in any district and may be placed in any yard. Total sign area shall not exceed eight (8) square feet. Signs may be posted for a period of five (5) days prior to the first day of sale, and shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the last day of the sale. Signs may not be posted on public property. The City has the right to remove all signs without notification as is deemed necessary by the City.
7.3.5
Charity and Civic Event Signs.
Temporary, unlighted signs announcing special events, bazaars, rallies and similar activities of charity, religious, civic and philanthropic associations shall be allowed in any district and may be placed in any yard. Such sign shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet in area; it may be posted for a period of thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the event, and shall be removed within seventy-two (72) hours following the last day of the event, but no such sign shall be allowed to remain for a period in excess of thirty (30) days.
7.3.6
Special Event Signs [and Other Specific Regulations].
Temporary special event signs announcing a nonpolitical campaign, drive, activity, or event of a civic, philanthropic, educational, or religious organization for noncommercial purposes shall be subject to the following:
a.
Number, Area, Height, Location
i.
The permitted number, area, height, location and construction of temporary event signs shall be determined by the Development Officer with consideration given to the public safety and the signage reasonably necessary and appropriate for the intended purpose.
ii.
Any temporary event sign which is permitted by the Development Officer to extend over or onto a public right-of-way shall be erected and maintained in such a manner as to not interfere or obstruct access, activity, or vision along any such public right-of-way.
b.
Special Conditions
i.
Timing.
Temporary event signs may be erected and maintained for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days prior to the date of which the nonpolitical campaign, drive, activity, or event advertised is scheduled to occur and shall be removed within three (3) days of the termination of such nonpolitical campaign, drive, activity or event.
ii.
No temporary event sign shall be placed on the area known as the Highway 90 parkway (north side of Highway 90, between Highway 90 and S.P.R.R. tracks) between the intersection of Highway 90 and Ave. E and Highway 90 and Castro Ave. Exceptions to the above restrictions are Highway 90 and Ave. M and Highway 90 and Ave. Y.
iii.
No temporary event sign may be placed on traffic signals, utility poles, trees, or other similar vegetation.
c.
Signs Requiring Permits.
Upon application to the Code Enforcement Department, permits may be granted for erection and alteration of signs as a matter of right in each district according to the standards set forth for each zoning district and subject to the additional regulations set forth in this section.
d.
Off-Premise Signs.
No new construction permits shall be issued for off-premise signs except for relocation of existing signs which meet the provisions of this Section, including the following spacing requirements within the corporate limits of the City:
i.
No off-premise sign shall be erected closer than three hundred (300) feet along one side of any roadway within the corporate limits of the City.
ii.
No off-premise sign shall be relocated closer than seven hundred and fifty (750) feet to any other legally erected off-premise sign.
iii.
Off-premise signs may be erected, with an approved permit from the City of Hondo and the Texas Department of Transportation, on Highway 90, west of Castro Avenue to the city limits and east of Avenue B to the city limits.
e.
Portable Signs.
No portable sign shall be placed or displayed or be caused to be placed or displayed on any premise located within the corporate limits of the City, other than a properly zoned storage area.
f.
Obsolete Signs.
Any sign, whether existing on or erected after the effective date of this ordinance, which advertises a business no longer being conducted or a product no longer being offered for sale in or from the premises on which the sign is located, shall be removed within ninety (90) days upon the cessation of such business or sale of such product by the owner, agent or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which the sign is located.
Building Inspector shall give written notice to the owner, agent or person having the beneficial interest in the building or the premises on which such sign is located notifying them of the new ordinance and required removal within ninety (90) days.
If the Building Inspector shall find that any such sign advertising a business no longer being conducted or a product no longer being offered for sale in or from the premises on which the sign is located has not been removed within ninety (90) days upon the cessation of such business or sale of such products, he/she shall give written notice to the owner, agent or person having the beneficial interest in the building or the premises on which such sign is located. Removal of the sign shall be effected within ten (10) days after receipt of the notice from the Building Inspector. If such sign is not removed after the conclusion of such ten (10) day period, the Building Inspector is hereby authorized to cause the sign to be removed at the expense of the owner, agent or person having the beneficial interest in the building or premises on which the sign is located.
g.
Exception for Municipal Off-Premises Signs.
Municipal off-premises signs are exempt from the Off-Premises Sign requirements of this code. This exemption applies to information and directions to City services, buildings, economic development areas, airport, intermodal parks, establishments, recreational areas, municipal parks, city property, convention and visitor centers, and events.
i.
Municipal off-premises signs will be subject to the sign space and height requirements set forth in each zoned district, except that applicable municipal off-premises signs shall be granted nonconforming use status.
ii.
Municipal off-premises signs will not require the City to obtain a sign permit.
h.
Existing Signs.
Any sign installed and in use prior to the enactment of this ordinance will not be restricted by this ordinance so long as significant characteristics remain unchanged. Any sign in any zoning district which is rebuilt, relocated, modified, enlarged, extended, altered or changed in any manner, other than by normal maintenance, from the configuration existing at the time of enactment of this ordinance shall be regulated by this ordinance.
i.
Signs located in “RE” Residential Estate, “R1” Residential One, “R2” Residential Two, “R3” Residential Three and “MMH” Mobile/Manufactured Home
i.
Building Sign:
Each family may install or permit to be installed an unilluminated nameplate, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area containing the name and if applicable, permitted home occupation of the occupant of the premises. There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises, other than one sign, not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, nonilluminated and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building.
ii.
Ground Sign:
Not allowed (except for churches and schools).
iii.
Pole Sign:
Not allowed (except for churches and schools).
iv.
Special Provisions:
Temporary signs pertaining to garage sales and nameplates not exceeding one square foot in area may be permitted.
j.
Signs Located in “MF” Multi-Family District.
Signs shall be permitted to identify the use or uses of the property upon which it is displayed as follows:
i.
Building Sign:
Maximum total area of eighty square feet (80 sq. ft.), maximum height of twenty (20) feet.
ii.
Ground Sign:
Maximum total area of eighty square feet (80 sq. ft.), maximum height of six (6) feet.
iii.
Pole Sign:
Not allowed.
iv.
Maximum allowable is one (1) per street frontage.
v.
Special Provisions:
Signs may be illuminated, but the source of light shall not be visible to traveled ways and shall not be intermittent or flashing. Revolving signs will not be permitted in this district. Sign area limitations can be used with ground or building signs or in combination.
k.
Signs Located in the “C” Commercial District.
Signs shall be permitted to identify the use or uses of the property upon which they are displayed as follows:
i.
Building Sign:
Signs on buildings shall not extend beyond the building. The total area of a building sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
ii.
Ground Sign:
Not allowed except on sites of one hundred (100) feet or more of street frontage. Maximum total area of eighty square feet (80 sq. ft.), maximum height of six (6) feet.
iii.
Pole Sign:
Allowed only for those businesses having two hundred (200) linear feet of street frontage. Pole signs may be located in the front yard or the side yard provided such pole signs comply with the following:
Every portion of such sign extending over the required yard shall have a minimum clearance of eleven (11) feet. Each sign shall be supported by a single or dual freestanding pole without guy wires and braces. Not more than one (1) pole sign shall be erected in the required front yard for each one hundred feet (100') of street frontage, or one (1) for each yard required because of reverse frontage. The maximum area permitted is the total area of all tenants or services advertised on one (1) sign structure. The combined area of a ground and/or pole sign shall not exceed two hundred eighty (280) square feet. Upon approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council, signs may be allowed to exceed the above stated square footage for groups of six (6) or more businesses on sites greater than two (2) acres which use a common sign. The maximum height, of sign and pole inclusive, shall not exceed fifty (50) feet.
iv.
Signs may be illuminated, but the source of light shall not be visible to traveled ways. Intermittent, flashing or marquee type signs may be allowed upon review and approval by the Development Officer. Revolving signs will not be permitted in this district.
v.
Subject to the space and height requirements set forth in this subsection, property where a business activity is located is limited to two (2) off-premises signs, either pole or building signs, located on property other than the one where the business activity is conducted, sold or offered.
vi.
A business with an illuminated digital sign that can function as an off-premises sign is limited to include two (2) other businesses, professions, activities, commodities, services or other entertainment industries other than the one conducted, sold, or offered on the property.
l.
Signs Located in the “CBD” Central Business District.
Signs shall be permitted to identify the use or uses of the property upon which they are displayed as follows:
i.
Building Sign:
Signs on buildings shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet.
ii.
Ground Sign:
Maximum total area of eighty square feet (80 sq. ft.), maximum height of six (6) feet.
iii.
Pole Sign:
Pole signs shall comply with the following: Every portion of such sign extending over the required yard shall have a minimum clearance of eleven (11) feet. Each sign shall be supported by a single or dual freestanding pole without guy wires and braces. Not more than one (1) pole sign shall be erected in the required front yard for each one hundred feet (100') of street frontage, or one (1) for each yard required because of reverse frontage. The maximum height shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet and the maximum area of sign surface shall not exceed eighty (80) feet.
iv.
Signs may be illuminated, but the source of light shall not be visible to traveled ways. Intermittent, flashing or marquee type signs may be allowed upon review and approval by the Development Officer. Revolving signs will not be permitted in this district.
v.
Subject to the space and height requirements set forth in this subsection, property where a business activity is located is limited to two (2) off-premises signs, either pole or building signs, located on property other than the one where the business activity is conducted, sold or offered.
vi.
A business with an illuminated digital sign that can function as an off-premises sign is limited to include two (2) other businesses, professions, activities, commodities, services or other entertainment industries other than the one conducted, sold, or offered on the property.
m.
Signs Located in “LI” Light Industrial and “HI” Heavy Industrial Districts.
Signs shall be permitted to identify the use or uses of the property upon which they are displayed as follows:
i.
Building Sign:
Signs on buildings shall not extend beyond the building. The total area of a building sign shall not exceed two hundred (200) square feet.
ii.
Ground Sign:
May be located in the front or the side yard; but must not interfere with the operation of vehicular traffic. Maximum total area of one hundred (100) square feet, maximum height of ten (10) feet.
iii.
Pole Sign:
Pole signs may be located in the front yard or the side yard provided such pole signs comply with the following:
Every portion of such sign extending over the required yard shall have a minimum clearance of eleven (11) feet. Each such sign shall be supported by a single or dual freestanding pole without guy wires or braces. The area of sign shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet and fifty (50) feet high. Pole signs shall be located not less than fifty (50) feet from Districts “RE”, “R1”, “R2”, “R3”, “MH”, and “MF”. Not more than one (1) pole sign shall be erected in the required front yard, or one (1) for each side yard required because of reversed frontage. The maximum area is the total area of all tenants or services advertised on one (1) sign structure. The combined area of a ground and/or pole sign shall not exceed five hundred (500) square feet.
n.
Symbols.
Symbols which are designed as an integral part of the building structure and symbols and signs which are not visible or readable from the public street shall not be limited by the sign regulations of the zoning district.
o.
Traffic-Control Conflicts.
No sign or lighting permitted under these regulations shall be erected, placed or allowed to remain whereby such creates confusion, impairs hearing or vision, or otherwise distracts the automotive driver using any public street.
p.
Residential Area Nuisance.
No sign shall be authorized whereby such sign, by reason of placement, lack of shielding, noise generation or character of operation, would be adverse to the normal sensibilities of a person residing on adjacent property or would interfere with the reasonable use, enjoyment or right of privacy on his property. Specifically:
The noise level of signs, when measured within the adjacent dwelling unit, shall not be greater than the noise levels of equipment customarily in operation in the home including air conditioning and kitchen refrigerators.
q.
Signs In Or Over Right-Of-Way Prohibited.
With the exception of some areas within the CBD, no sign, whether requiring a permit or not, shall be located within or project over any public right-of-way. This provision shall not be applicable to official traffic-control signs, or entrance and exit signs less than thirty (30) inches above grade placed with permission of the City.
r.
Maintenance.
All signs for which a permit is required, together with all supports, braces, guys and anchors, shall be kept in a state of repair that is aesthetically acceptable and does not present a safety hazard to the community. The enforcement officer may order the removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with this section or other building codes as adopted by the City. Such removal shall be accomplished at the expense of the owner or person in charge of the premises. Failure to comply with such order shall constitute a misdemeanor.
s.
Maintenance by Sign Owner or Person in Charge.
The owner of the sign or the person in charge or in possession of the premises shall be responsible for the maintenance of the sign(s) as described in Subsection 25.1604.19 [this Subsection s.] and as set forth below:
i.
Sign owner or person in charge or in possession of the premises shall maintain the sign(s) in a structurally safe condition, freshly painted and/or in good repair and shall replace repair, repaint, restore damaged sign(s) as promptly as possible.
ii.
Sign owner or person in charge or in possession of the premises shall repair or replace all damaged sign(s) within ten (10) business days of the receipt of the City’s written request for repair or replacement.
iii.
Sign owner or person in charge or in possession of the premises shall routinely check that the sign(s) are kept in a state of repair that is aesthetically acceptable and does not present a safety hazard to the community.
iv.
Sign owner or person in charge or in possession of the premises shall maintain all sign(s) in compliance with the requirements prescribed [in] this Section.
t.
Removal When Unsafe or Unlawful: Authority of Development Officer:
The owner of any sign regulated by this section, including supporting structures, shall keep the same in safe condition at all times. If the Building Inspector shall find that any sign regulated herein is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, he shall give written notice to the sign owner and the property owner. If such owner fails to remove or alter the sign so as to comply with the standards set forth in this section, or other applicable building codes and regulations as adopted by the City, within thirty (30) days after such notice, the building inspector may cause such sign to be removed or altered to comply at the expense of the sign owner or owner of the property upon which it is located. The Building Inspector may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
u.
Prohibitions.
The following signs are absolutely prohibited within the corporate limits of the City of Hondo, Texas:
i.
Signs which imitate or resemble “any official traffic sign, signal or device” or using a revolving beam or beacon resembling any “emergency vehicle.”
ii.
Signs which are erected or maintained upon trees or which are painted or drawn upon rocks or other natural features.
iii.
Portable signs.
iv.
No sign shall be placed on or attached to any utility pole or pedestal, except by a utility company owning the pole or pedestal or on operating facilities mounted on the pole or in the pedestal.
v.
No sign shall be placed or kept in use to advertise an activity, business or service no longer conducted on the premises or for a business which has been terminated.
vi.
No sign or part of a sign, including mounting fixtures and supporting structures, shall be located on or above any public land or public right-of-way, except as regulated by other provisions of this Code.
vii.
No sign may be located or placed on any sidewalk or in any unpaved walkway intended for public use, except as regulated by other provisions of this Code.
viii.
No signals will be permitted in a residential zoned district.
ix.
No sign or part of a sign frame shall be located between two (2) feet and ten (10) feet above the established ground level within the area of a clear site triangle for traffic extending twenty-five (25) feet in each direction from the point of a street intersection.
x.
No sign or part of a sign, including mounting fixtures and supporting structures, which is mounted above or projects over any sidewalk, street, drive or parking area, whether on public or private land, shall be hung with less than seven (7) feet of vertical clearance above the sidewalk or less than twelve (12) feet of vertical clearance above the street, drive or parking area.
xi.
No sign shall be located closer than six (6) feet laterally to a secondary power line or closer than fifteen (15) feet laterally to a primary power line.
xii.
No lighted sign, and no permanent sign shall be mounted or placed on or extend above the side wall or rear wall of any building, or be located in the side yard or rear yard of any lot or tract of land, when such sign faces upon and is visible from a contiguous residential area not separated from the building, lot or tract containing the sign by a public street or alley.
v.
Holiday Greeting Cards.
Temporary holiday greeting cards:
i.
Shall be authorized by the City of Hondo, or a designated representative, prior to placement.
ii.
Shall be placed on Highway 90 Parkway between Avenue E and Avenue U. Spaces are assigned by the designated representative.
iii.
Shall be erected no earlier than the week prior to Christmas in God’s Country event or at the discretion of the Development Officer.
iv.
Shall be removed no later than ten (10) days after January 1 or at the discretion of the Development Officer.
v.
May be illuminated but lights shall not be flashing or strobe type.
vi.
Shall display a holiday greeting message.
vii.
Shall not list the sponsor’s phone number or address.
w.
Design Guidelines.
It is the policy of the city to encourage signage which is appropriate to Hondo’s commercial, cultural, historical and residential areas; the rural scale of the city; and to discourage signs which are in conflict with the established character of the community. To this end, all sign owners are encouraged to conform to the following guidelines for sign location, configuration, design and materials:
i.
Signs should be located with sensitivity to preserving the natural landscape and environment. Signs should be incidental complements to the principal use of a site, and should never be allowed to visually dominate a site.
ii.
The height, width and area of a sign should all be in proportion to the dimensions of a building to which the sign is attached and in architectural harmony with surrounding structures. Sign dimensions should respect the size, scale and mass of a building facade, the height of the building, and the rhythms and sizes of window and door openings.
iii.
No sign should be placed upon a building or structure in any manner which would disfigure, damage or conceal any window opening, door, or significant architectural feature or detail of the building.
iv.
Sign materials should be predominantly natural, such as native stone, rough cedar, pine or other types of wood, metal, or materials that simulate natural materials that are designed, intended or used to advertise or inform.
v.
No additions, tag sign streamer(s), attention-getting device(s) or other appurtenances shall be attached to any sign(s).
x.
Signs Located in “MUD” Mixed-Use Districts.
No off-premises signs shall be permitted in a Mixed-Use District, unless a variance is requested and approved in accordance with the provisions of the City of Hondo Code of Ordinances.
(Ordinance 1148-01-18 adopted 1/8/18; Ordinance 1170-05-18 adopted 5/14/18; Ordinance 1288-05-24 adopted 5/28/2024)
§ 7.5 Accessory Structures.
7.5.1
Residential Districts.
Accessory buildings including garages, tool sheds and other utility structures shall be permitted behind the front setback line, except that carports may be located at a minimum of five (5) feet from the front property line or street-side property line as applicable, and there is no spacing requirement between detached carport and any other structure on the property. An accessory building or carport attached to a primary structure (whether original or subsequently added to the primary structure) is considered part of the primary structure and must comply with the setback requirement of the primary structure. Accessory buildings shall not be used for commercial purposes. No accessory structure or carport shall be so located or placed that it obstructs the vision of a motor vehicle driver approaching any street, alley or drive intersection in accordance with the twenty-five (25) foot clear vision triangle requirements of UDC Chapter 7, Section 7.6(a)(iv)–(v). The following restrictions shall apply to Accessory Buildings.
RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY BUILDING REQUIREMENTS | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RE | R1 | R2 | R3 | PH | MF | MMH | |
Front Setback Minimum | Twenty-five (25) feet from front property line. Carports may be located at a minimum of five (5) feet from the front property line. | Accessory setbacks shall match main structure setbacks. Carports may be located at a minimum of five (5) feet from the front property line or street-side property line as applicable. | Accessory setbacks shall match main structure setbacks. Carports may be located at a minimum of five (5) feet from the front property line or street-side property line as applicable. | Accessory setbacks shall match main structure setbacks. Carports may be located at a minimum of five (5) feet from the front property line or street-side property line as applicable. | |||
Side Yard Setback Minimum | Five (5) feet from an interior side property line. Ten (10) feet from a property line adjacent to a side street. Twenty (20) feet from a property line adjacent to a side street if an accessory building is being used as a garage and the garage faces the side street. Carports may be located at a minimum of five (5) feet from the street-side property line. | ||||||
Rear Yard Setback Minimum | Five (5) feet from a rear property line. | ||||||
Height Maximum | Maximum of one (1) story. | Maximum of one (1) story. | Max of one (1) story or 15 ft. If used for mechanical or maintenance equipment, 10 ft. max | Maximum of one (1) story | |||
Minimum Separation | Minimum of ten (10) feet from other structures on lot. There is no spacing requirement between detached carport and any other structure on the property. | ||||||
7.5.2
Nonresidential Districts
a.
CBD.
For one-story buildings, Code allows the property owner to build an extension of the ground floor and/or a mezzanine loft creating a living space (dwelling place for one (1) to three (3) persons where the use and management of sleeping quarters, appliances, HVAC, utilities, and lighting are under the control of the occupant(s)). For a two (2) or more story building, the owner of the building may lease one or more living spaces (apartments) located above a business. A minimum of 500 sq. feet of living space is required for lease [of] each living space by the building owner. Off-street parking in conjunction with a principal permitted use shall be allowed as an accessory use when in compliance with the requirements of Off-Street Parking and Loading.
Any living space, not meeting the above minimum square footage requirements prior to adoption of the amendments, will be granted pre-existing status until any structural modifications/remodeling occur, which will require building permits.
b.
“CL”, “C”, “LI” and “HI”.
The following restrictions shall apply to Accessory Buildings. See “R3” Accessory Building for setbacks.
The following uses shall be permitted as accessory uses:
i.
Mechanical equipment used for the operation and maintenance of the primary structure. This equipment shall not be located within one hundred twenty (120) feet of any residentially zoned district.
ii.
Screened garbage storage on a concrete pad located no less than fifty (50) feet from a residentially zoned district and not located between the front of the building and any street right-of-way.
iii.
Parking of automobiles, provided that such facilities are within sixty (60) feet of a residentially zoned district shall be screened and/or fenced in accordance with the requirements listed in Screening and Fencing Regulations.
iv.
Signs advertising uses on the premises in accordance with Sign Regulations.
v.
Any other structure other than those listed above may be permitted with the approval of a Specific Use Permit in accordance with the procedures provided in “SP” Specific Use Permit.
(Ordinance 1148-01-18 adopted 1/8/18; Ordinance 1188-10-18, sec. 2(D)(a), (b), adopted 10/22/18; Ordinance 1205-07-19 adopted 7/22/19; Ordinance 1237-09-20 adopted 9/28/20)
§ 7.6 Buffer Requirements.
Screening and Fencing Regulations
a.
General Provisions and Restrictions.
It shall be unlawful for any individual, partnership, company or corporation to erect or have erected, a fence or wall, or any part thereof, in the City limits, without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Building Inspection.
i.
In order to allow ingress/egress of emergency and maintenance personnel and equipment at all times, at least one (1) self-closing and self-latching but unlocked gate, or unrestricted opening not less than three (3) feet in width, shall be required with each fence or wall that is adjacent to, or running parallel with, public right-of-way, alley, drainage, utility or access easement. One such opening is required for each lot. Another alternate opening or gate shall be located not more than two hundred (200) feet away on the same property, if the property lot line is long enough to allow for same.
ii.
Property owner’s responsibility.
The construction of a fence or wall set back from the private property line shall not preclude owner’s responsibility to maintain and keep the area between the fence and private property line and/or public right-of-way free and clear of debris and high weeds.
iii.
No fence, screen, freestanding wall or other visual barrier shall be constructed or placed in such a manner as would endanger the safe public, pedestrian and physically challenged person’s passage; vehicular driver’s line of site sight; or general health and safety of the traveling public. Front yard setbacks for all districts shall be observed.
iv.
No fence, screen, freestanding wall or other visual barrier shall be so located or placed that it obstructs the vision of a motor vehicle driver approaching any street, alley or drive intersection. A visual barrier shall be deemed as any fence, wall, hedge, shrubbery, etc., higher than thirty-six (36) inches above ground level at the private property line, except single trees having single trunks, which are pruned to a height of seven (7) feet above ground level. Shrub “see-through” visibility at corners of frontage lots shall have a density of no more than fifty (50) percent to allow drivers and pedestrians to view approaching public intersectional activity.
v.
At all street corner intersections, clear vision shall be maintained across the private lot for a distance of twenty-five (25) feet back from the property corner along both streets.
vi.
Fences constructed of barbed wire and walls topped with broken glass or surfaces with any like material shall be prohibited; provided, however, a commercial security fence not less than six (6) feet in height may be topped by, not to exceed, an additional two (2) feet of barbed wire, so long as it is located on property zoned for nonresidential purposes.
vii.
No exterior perimeter fence shall be electrically charged in any form or fashion. Low-level electrical fencing is allowed internally to a perimeter fence for pet control.
viii.
No fence in a residential district shall exceed eight (8) feet in height above ground level at the fence line.
ix.
No fence, guy wire, brace or any post of such fence shall be constructed upon or caused to protrude over public property that the city, a utility, or the general public has dominion and control over; owns or has an easement over, under, around or through; except upon utility easements which are specifically permitted to be fenced provided that appropriate double-wide knock-out gates are provided by private property owner.
x.
No person shall weave or use slats of any material, including but not limited to metal, fiberglass, or bamboo, through an exterior boundary chain-link perimeter fence, visible from adjacent public or private property, in order to create a blind fence, screening fence or any other type of perimeter fence.
b.
Location of Screening and Fencing.
When a nonresidential use or residential apartment is established on a lot or premise located adjacent to any residential zoning district, a six (6) foot high opaque fence, or alternate form of screening wall, if so determined by the Planning and Zoning Commission or City Council, shall be erected and maintained along the property line to provide visual screening from adjacent private property. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply where districts are separated by a public street, railroad right-of-way, drainage ditch, or canal, with a minimum easement or right-of-way width of thirty (30) feet.
c.
Type of Material for Screening.
Screening may consist of a single material or a combination of materials and/or methods. A required screening fence or wall shall be a wood or masonry diagonal, horizontal or vertical stockade type privacy fence. In addition, hedges or other dense planting material may serve as a portion of the screening method. However, vegetative growth will need to meet the required height and visual barrier requirements of this ordinance within two (2) years of planting. Landscaped berms may, when appropriate in scale, be used as a screening element in lieu of a fence, wall, hedge or other dense planting material. If the proposed screening is not deemed adequate by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Commission may require alternative screening materials or methods that are deemed appropriate.
Maximum mesh size for chain-link fences shall be a 1-3/4 inch square unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top and the bottom which reduce the openings to not more than 1-3/4 inches.
d.
Swimming pools.
For purposes of this ordinance, the following definitions are applicable: a “swimming pool” or “pool” means a permanent swimming pool, permanent wading or reflection pool, or permanent hot tub or spa over 18 inches deep, located at ground level, above ground, below ground, or indoors; a “private residential swimming pool” means any swimming pool, above ground, in ground, and including spas/hot tubs located on private property under the control of a single homeowner or his tenant, the use of which is limited to members of the homeowner’s family, the tenant’s family and their invited guests; a “pool yard” means an area that contains a pool; a “pool yard enclosure” or “enclosure” means a fence, wall, or combination of fences, walls, gates, windows, or doors that completely surround a pool.
All private residential swimming pools associated with single- or two-family dwellings shall be at least entirely fenced with a four (4) foot high property line perimeter privacy/security fence or wall with self-closing and self-latching gates that have the ability to be locked; chain-link metal fencing is allowed, but is discouraged.
All privately-owned, commercially-related swimming pools associated with apartments, hotels, motels, townhomes, condominiums, neighborhood associations, and mobile/manufactured home rental communities, shall be entirely surrounded with at least one pool yard enclosure. The height of the pool yard enclosure must be at least four (4) feet high measured from the ground on the side away from the pool. The pool yard enclosure may be constructed with wood, wrought iron (meeting safety slat spacing requirements) or wall, and equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates capable of being locked, and located in close proximity to the pool area in accordance with all applicable State safety regulations found in Title 9 of the Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 757. Such pool-side fencing may be in addition to property perimeter boundary fencing. Privately owned and commercially-related property perimeter boundary fencing (as opposed to pool-side fencing) may be constructed with chain-link fencing, so long as non-chain-link fencing is located pool-side.
To discourage climbing over chain-link fences to access privately-owned and commercially-related swimming pools, the use of chain-link fencing materials is prohibited by State and local laws for a new privately-owned and commercially-related pool yard enclosure that is constructed after January 1, 1994. The use of diagonal fencing members that are lower than 49 inches above the ground is prohibited for a new privately-owned and commercially-related pool yard enclosure that is constructed after January 1, 1994.
Existing privately-owned and commercially-related pool yard enclosures constructed or modified before January 1, 1994 are subject to the provisions set forth in Texas Health & Safety Code, Section 757.005.
e.
Front-yard Fencing - Decorative
i.
Purpose.
To allow for aesthetic fencing within front yard setbacks that provides decorative features and satisfies emergency access requirements defined by the ordinance as amended.
ii.
Definition.
Fencing that adds beauty, architectural feature(s) and does not substantially block the view from the street, and maintains the open space characteristics provided for by zoning standards.
Except where subdivision deed restrictions do not permit front-yard fencing and screening, fences and screening not more than four (4) feet in height are permitted, providing: said fences are constructed as decorative in style and made of materials that are architecturally and aesthetically consistent with the surrounding neighborhood, such as wood and wood substitute materials, wrought iron, masonry to include split-board effect, shrubs, and columns with open railing connections, etc. as approved by City staff or referred or appealed to the Planning and Zoning Commission through the building permit process. Imitation concrete, vinyl or fiberglass composite materials may be utilized if the material is designed and constructed for fencing purposes. Front gate openings shall be a minimum of 60 inches wide to provide access for any and all emergency vehicles. Front fence shall not enclose any fire hydrant that may be present, which must remain accessible from the public right-of-way. Under no circumstances shall shrubbery of any type be permitted as front-yard fencing. Landscaping within front-yard setback shall not exceed height and density restrictions in this ordinance and shall not exceed 25% of the total lot frontage distance. |
Solid/opaque/privacy fencing shall not be permitted within private residential front yard setbacks. Chain-link type fencing shall not generally be permitted as front yard fencing, but may be permitted in limited instances subject to review and written authorization by the Planning and Zoning Commission. |
f.
Salvage and junk yards.
All wrecking yards (junk and salvage) and salvage yards with open air storage of wrecked or salvaged automobiles, machinery, appliances or other used commodities and equipment shall surround such open-air storage with a solid opaque, screening wall or fence not less than eight (8) feet in height. In no instance will stored salvage material be allowed to be stacked to a height which exceeds the height of the fence such that stored salvage materials are able to be seen from adjacent public or private properties.
(Ordinance 1148-01-18 adopted 1/8/18)
§ 7.7 Outdoor Lighting Standards.
Outdoor Lighting
The purpose of this Section is to regulate the spill-over of light and glare on operators of motor vehicles, pedestrians, and land uses in the vicinity of a light source in order to promote traffic safety and to prevent the creation of nuisances. All exterior lighting for any type of residential or nonresidential development shall comply with the standards of this Section unless exempted:
7.7.1
Lighting Plan Requirement. The submission of an exterior lighting plan is required prior to the approval of a site plan to promote a standard illumination that is unified in design, color, intensity, and fixtures. The plan shall describe such things as the light source, level of illumination, pole height, fixture details, hours of illumination, and the orientation. Single- and two-family residential dwellings are not required to submit a lighting plan.
7.7.2
Exempt Lighting. The following types of lighting are exempt from the requirements of this Section:
a.
Soffit or wall-mounted luminaries that are permanently attached to single-family and two-family residential dwellings, not to exceed the height of the eave.
b.
Public street and right-of-way lighting.
c.
Temporary decorative seasonal lighting.
d.
Temporary lighting for emergency work and construction.
e.
Temporary lighting for theatrical, television, and performance areas, or for special events authorized by the City.
f.
Lighting required and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
7.7.4
Design Requirements. Outdoor lighting shall primarily be used to provide safety while secondarily accenting key architectural elements to emphasize landscape and building features. Light fixtures shall be designed as an internal design element that complements the design of the project. This may be accomplished through style, material or color. All lighting fixtures designed or placed so as to illuminate any portion of a site shall meet the following requirements[.]
a.
Fixture (Luminaries):
All light sources shall be concealed or shielded with luminaries with cut-offs with an angle not exceeding 90 degrees to minimize the potential for glare and unnecessary diffusion on adjacent property.
b.
Fixture Height:
Lighting fixtures shall be a maximum of 30 feet in height (including base) within parking areas and shall be a maximum of 15 feet in height within non-vehicular pedestrian areas.
c.
Light Source (Lamp):
Lighting with a similar color temperature shall be used for similar types of lighting on any one site throughout any development.
d.
Light Spill/Trespass:
If light trespasses onto adjacent property, house-side shields shall be used on light fixtures adjacent to residential zoned property to prevent glare, light spill, or trespass.
7.7.5
Specific Lighting Standards
a.
Building-Mounted Lighting:
Building-mounted security light fixtures such as wall packs shall not project above the fascia or roof line of the building and shall be full cut-off. Building mounted fixtures shall not be substituted for parking area or walkway lighting and shall be restricted to loading, storage, service and similar locations.
i.
Accent Lighting:
Only lighting used to accent architectural features, buildings, landscaping or art may be directed upward, provided that the fixture shall be located, aimed or shielded to minimize glare and light spill into the night sky.
ii.
Canopy Area Lighting:
All developments that incorporate a canopy area over fuel sales, automated teller machines or similar installations shall use flat lens, full cut-off fixtures.
iii.
Parking Area Lighting:
A minimum of 0.5 footcandle of illumination is required on the parking surface, drive lanes and loading zones.
7.7.6
Excessive Illumination
a.
Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking areas shall be down-lit away from residential properties and public streets in such a way as not to create a nuisance.
b.
Lighting shall not be orientated so as to direct glare or excessive illumination onto streets in a manner that may distract or interfere with the vision of drivers.
c.
All outdoor light not necessary for security purposes shall be reduced, activated by motion sensor detectors, or turned off during non-operating hours.
7.7.7
Intensity of Illumination
a.
Adjacent to Residential Zoned Property:
In no instance shall the amount of illumination attributable to exterior lighting, as measured at the property line, exceed 0.50 footcandles above ambient lighting conditions on a cloudless night.
b.
Adjacent to Nonresidential Zoned Properties:
For nonresidential zoned property adjacent to nonresidential zoned properties, in no instance shall the amount of illumination attributable to exterior lighting, as measured at the property line, exceed 3.00 footcandles above ambient lighting conditions on a cloudless night.
c.
Nonresidential Zoned Properties Adjacent to Right-of-Way:
For nonresidential zoned property adjacent to right-of-way, in no instance shall the amount of illumination attributable to exterior lighting, as measured at the property line, exceed 1.20 footcandles above ambient lighting conditions on a cloudless night, provided, however, that the lighting on the nonresidential zoned property, when combined with the roadway lighting, does not create a traffic hazard because of illumination and/or glare on operators of motor vehicles.
(Ordinance 1148-01-18 adopted 1/8/18)
§ 7.8 Outdoor Storage and Display.
The purpose of the regulations and standards in this section is to provide consistent screening and surfacing standards for outdoor storage and outdoor sales display of vehicles, equipment, products, and materials.
7.8.1
Outdoor storage.
a.
Public Streets and Publicly Accessible Areas.
i.
Outdoor storage shall not be visible from any view of a developed property;
ii.
The following minimum screening requirements shall apply to outdoor storage adjacent to or potentially visible from public streets and publicly accessible areas identified in this section:
iii.
A solid masonry wall not less than six feet high across the street frontage (but not within the street frontage yard), continuing back along the side of the property to a point equal to the building setback of any adjacent use;
iv.
Screening landscaping in the street frontage yard, located in front of the masonry wall, to soften the view of the wall;
b.
Other Areas.
The following minimum requirements shall apply to outdoor storage not adjacent to or potentially visible from public streets or publicly accessible areas identified in this section:
c.
General Screening Requirements.
i.
No storage may exceed the height of the screening wall or fence. Walls or fences shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
ii.
No screening wall or fence shall be located within a required street frontage yard.
iii.
Screening walls and fences shall be architecturally compatible with the main structure.
iv.
Surfacing.
Outdoor storage areas shall be graded and drain all surface water accumulated within the area to a public storm drain. No specific surfacing treatment is required. Outdoor storage areas may be surfaced with partially permeable materials, if adequate drainage and erosion and dust control are provided. Unpaved outdoor storage areas are not subject to the off-street parking area landscaping requirements.
v.
The use of shipping containers qualifies as outdoor storage and shall only be permitted in zoning districts in which outdoor storage is a permitted or conditional use. The shipping containers are subject to all of the standards and regulations for outdoor storage as found in this section[.]
7.8.2
Outdoor sales display
a.
General.
i.
A site plan approval shall be required prior to the establishment of any outdoor sales display area. All screening, fencing, and landscaping are subject to review and approval by the Development Officer.
ii.
Outdoor sales display areas may be located within a maximum of 10 percent of a street frontage yard; provided, that a landscaped strip six feet in width is maintained between the street right-of-way and the display area.
b.
Screening.
i.
Outdoor sales display areas shall be screened from view by a masonry wall where the side or rear property line of the display area abuts an Residential district, or Planned Development or open space designated for future residential use in the general plan. Walls or fences shall not exceed eight feet in height. No sales display may exceed the height of the screening wall or fence.
ii.
If a screening fence or wall is located on the property line, no additional fence or wall is needed to screen an outdoor sales display area; provided, the sales display does not exceed the height of and is not visible behind the fence or wall on the property line.
c.
Surfacing.
i.
Outdoor storage areas shall be surfaced with either an asphaltic or portland cement binder pavement on a suitable base. Upon approval of a zoning use permit by the zoning administrator, other surfacing appropriate to the product displayed, including compacted gravel, turf, landscaping, etc., graded and drained as to dispose of all surface water accumulated within the area to a public storm drain, may be permitted. Asphalt or concrete walkways or aisles shall be provided to permit all-weather customer access to all areas of the outdoor display.
d.
Landscaping.
A five-foot-wide landscaped area shall be provided at all perimeters of the outdoor display area, with ground cover, shrubs, and trees planted at an average spacing of 40 feet on center.
(Ordinance 1148-01-18 adopted 1/8/18)
§ 7.9 Traffic Impact Analysis.
7.9.1
Purpose.
A Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) develops public/private partnerships to coordinate land use and transportation facility development. Both the City of Hondo and the land developer share in the responsibility to consider all reasonable solutions to identified transportation problems. The TIA study looks at development size and use and determines the effect of that use on the existing roadway system. This process fosters a roadway system that accommodates the proposed land use and may recommend mitigation measures to foster efficient traffic flow around the proposed site.
7.9.2
Requirement.
The City of Hondo requires that a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) study be done for zoning revisions and site plans. Both types of TIA’s, share the goal of identifying the relationship between land use and transportation needs. TIA’s are required whenever the additional site-generated Average Daily Traffic (ADT) is more than or equal to 8,000. Traffic Impact Analysis studies shall be performed by a consultant qualified to practice Transportation Engineering in the State of Texas. Requirements for mitigating negative traffic impacts shall apply to all zoning cases and site plans. The applicant or developer shall provide the consultant services.
Typical procedures shall be followed in preparing traffic impact studies submitted to the City of Hondo. Two types of TIA’s may be required for development in Hondo: A Rezoning TIA and/or a Site Plan TIA.
7.9.3
Transportation Improvements Program (TIP).
A 5-year schedule and funding program of all approved and committed transportation improvements.
7.9.4
Rezoning Traffic Impact Analysis Content.
The Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), done at the time of a zoning change request, determines the traffic loading that the proposed zoning will impose on the thoroughfare system in a future design year. The study also evaluates if the impacted road system, as planned, can handle the traffic loading at Level of Service (LOS) D or better in the peak hour. The study area shall be a one-mile radius for less than 10,000 trips per day. A larger radius may be considered for more than 10,000 trips per day. The following elements should be included in the Zoning TIA document submitted to the City:
7.9.5
Site Plan Traffic Impact Analysis Content.
A Traffic Impact Analysis, at the time of site plan approval, defines the immediate traffic impacts of the proposed development and proposes transportation improvements (public or private) to foster satisfactory levels of service on affected roads. Traffic levels exceeding Level of Service D, where the development is contributing five percent or more of the total trips, should be mitigated.
The detail of a Site Plan Traffic Impact Analysis study is greater than TIA’s prepared for Zoning cases. The study area shall be a minimum of a one-mile radius at the discretion of the Development Officer. The following elements should be included in the Site Plan TIA document submitted to the City:
(Ordinance 1148-01-18 adopted 1/8/18)