125-8.1.1.

Purpose. The purpose of these sign regulations is to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication in the city; to maintain and enhance the aesthetic environment and the city's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; to improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent enforcement of these sign restrictions. This article is adopted under zoning and related authority of the city in furtherance of the more general purposes set forth herein and in accordance with V.T.C.A., Local Government Code Ch. 216.

125-8.1.2.

Compliance with standards. All signs erected, altered, displayed, or relocated within the city shall be constructed, maintained and removed according to the standards established by this article in accordance with law. As outlined in tables 1—5, the type of signs permitted on any property is dependent upon the type of roadway frontage that serves the property. Special consideration has been given to the Historic District, as outlined in tables 6 and 7, for properties located with its existing boundaries or as amended, and such regulations shall apply and control in case of conflict with any other regulations as provided herein.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

125-8.2.1.

Measurements. Sign area shall be measured as the area of rectangles or triangles or combination thereof necessary to enclose the sign face. signs composed of individual cut out letters or figures shall be the sum of the area rectangles or triangles necessary to enclose each letter or figure.

125-8.2.2.

Materials. All signs shall be constructed from materials designed to withstand the outdoor elements. All signs within the Main Street Historic District shall be constructed in accordance with the preservation plan and approved architectural guidelines. In addition, "A" frame signs shall be constructed of treated wood, painted to protect from weathering, and maintained in good visible and structural condition at all times.

125-8.2.3

Permit. No sign structure shall be erected, altered, displayed, or relocated without first obtaining a permit from the City of League City. In addition, to the permit required; electrical signs also require electrical permits under the electrical code. No permit or fee is required for the follow types of signs:

(a)

Traffic control signs on private property which do not exceed four and one-half square feet in area or no higher than three feet.

(b)

Menu boards that are a maximum of eight feet in height and do not exceed 72 square feet in area. Only two menu boards are permitted per drive-through.

(c)

Signs placed on buildings, walls or fences facing the interior and/or the exterior of athletic stadiums, courts or fields owned or operated by governmental entities, including school districts. These signs are exempt from the requirements of this article.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020; Ord. No. 2025-12, § 1, 4-22-2025)

No sign shall be erected, altered or displayed, unless otherwise permitted in this article, which:

(1)

Makes sounds, revolves or uses waving, blinking, flashing, vibrating, flickering, mimics a traffic control device, interferes with the safe operation of a motor vehicle or that causes a traffic safety issue.

(2)

Constitutes a traffic hazard by reasons of size, location, projection, content, color, or manner of illumination.

(3)

Is affixed to utility poles, trees, or other signs.

(4)

Obstructs light, air, ingress or egress from required door, window or other opening.

(5)

Is structurally unsafe or not kept in good repair or maintenance.

(6)

Is a portable sign except for sandwich board (or "A" frame signs) in approved areas.

(7)

Is an off-premises sign unless specifically permitted by this article.

(8)

Is a vehicular sign.

(9)

Is a wind driven sign.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020; Ord. No. 2025-26, § 1, 8-26-2025)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, an existing off-premises ground sign structure may be modified to support an electronic face(s) or relocated subject to the provisions of this section and table 1. Only a billboard with an electronic face(s) will be considered a conforming sign if all requirements of this section and table 1 are met.

An existing traditional face off-premises sign may be modified to support an electronic face(s) or relocated if the owner presents the building inspections department with a pictorial proof and a sworn affidavit evidencing the removal of at least three square feet of traditional face from within the city for every one square foot of electronic face to be erected. (Example: for a 672-square-foot electronic face, an owner would have to remove at least 2,016 square feet of existing sign face area.) The removal of the face of which the electronic face will replace does not count toward the removal total. Prior to issuance of a building permit the city manager or their designee must approve a digital billboard conversion agreement which outlines which static billboards are being removed and the location and dominions of the digital billboards being constructed.

The owner of an existing off-premises sign may replace any structure components necessary to support an electronic face(s). The sign structure that is modified or replaced:

(1)

Shall not increase the number of poles used to support the sign's superstructure.

(2)

Shall not utilize wood poles to support the sign's superstructure.

(3)

Shall not increase the sign support's height or the number of faces on the structure.

(4)

Shall not have an electronic face with an active copy area that exceeds 680 square feet or has an active copy area larger than the original sign face.

(5)

Shall obtain all necessary electrical permits from the city.

(6)

Must comply with all state regulations.

The owner of an off-premises electronic sign face(s) shall coordinate with local authorities to display when appropriate, emergency information important to the traveling public such as Amber Alerts, alerts concerning terrorist attacks, natural disasters or as authorized by the office of emergency management. Emergency information messages shall remain in the advertising rotation according to the protocols of the agency that issues the information.

Table 1: Billboards

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

Commercially zoned lots with multiple frontages may have signs on each roadway upon which they have frontage. Signage must comply with the appropriate frontage requirements.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

Two or more contiguous lots or multiple lots that are a part of an approved master plan may construct a multi-tenant sign structure on one of the lots advertising all of the uses on lots within the master plan or within the contiguous lots. Signs shall meet all requirements of table 1.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

The city council may approve, following recommendation by the planning and zoning commission, a special signage program for any area with more than 300 feet of continuous street frontage comprised of a combination of two or more properties or a single property greater than 20 acres. Purpose of the special signage program shall be to permit flexibility and creative design when establishing a common signage program for a commercial area.

(1)

The special sign program should be compatible with surrounding properties. In considering whether a special signage program is compatible, the council shall consider, but are not limited to considering the following:

a.

Scale. The relationship between compatibility of sign scale, site scale and the scale of nearby buildings.

b.

Material. The materials of the signs and how they relate to their surroundings.

c.

Shape. The shape and design of the signs and how they relate to their surroundings.

d.

Traffic safety and traffic circulation. The impact of the signs on driver's view, the degree to which view obstructions are created or improved, avoidance of confusion with or obstruction of traffic control signs and devices, and the time it takes a motorist to read the sign.

e.

Illumination. The impact and compatibility of sign illumination within the district and in relation to neighboring properties. The avoidance of glare and light pollution.

f.

Integration. How the signs in the district are integrated into a unified development concept with the topography, building design, other signs, landscaping, traffic circulation and other development features on the district and nearby property.

(2)

The special sign program should address all aspects of signage associated with this chapter and clearly delineate all exceptions or deviations for which flexibility is requested. The program should include details sufficient to clearly convey the anticipated appearance of signage.

(3)

No signs shall be permitted to exceed height requirements established in this chapter nor shall total square footage of signage in the commercial area exceed the amount to be permitted by this chapter.

(4)

In approval, the planning and zoning commission may request and council may impose conditions upon the special signage program.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

Light emitting diode (LED) signs shall not be placed within 100 feet of a residential zoning district. Refer to table 2 below regarding regulations. No sign may be of such intensity or brilliance that it interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal. All electronic reader boards or LED sign shall be required to pay an annual fee as adopted by the city-wide fee schedule. Electronic reader boards and LED signs are not permitted in the Main Street Historic District.

Table 2: LED and Electronic Reader Board Signs

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

Signs which do not conform to this section but which lawfully existed and were maintained on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall be kept in good repair or visual appearance and no structural alterations shall be made thereto. Signs which have been granted variances prior to the adoption of this article may remain; however, any permits for new signs must comply with this article. If more than 60 percent of the total dollar value for replacement of a nonconforming sign is damaged, the sign shall be replaced with a conforming sign rather than repairing the damage.

Businesses that have one or more nonconforming signs will not be granted new permits for similar signs unless the permit is for a conforming sign that will replace a nonconforming sign.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

All such signs shall be removed within 60 calendar days of the date that the business, person, or activity that the sign identifies or advertises ceases to operate on the site on which the sign is located.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

A nonprofit, philanthropic, or special events organization whose primary mission is to coordinate programs or events intended to contribute to or enhance the quality of life for residents of the City of League City may request to install banners over public rights-of-ways only after submitting an application to the City of League City and obtaining approval by the city manager or his/her designee.

(1)

A temporary banner:

a.

Must be mesh or similarly permeable material. Vinyl shall be considered an acceptable material with limitations noted in table 5.

b.

May only advertise public events, such as holidays, nonpolitical elections, and similar occasions, with the exception that the city may provide information regarding local elections including, but not limited to, dates and locations.

c.

Shall be placed at a location approved by the Texas Department of Transportation as designated by the State of Texas and the City of League City.

d.

May be removed by the city during inclement weather.

(2)

A permit shall:

a.

Follow guidelines established by the Texas Department of Transportation for use of State of Texas right-of-way for temporary signs for special events.

b.

Be issued for a period not to exceed 14 days.

(3)

City sponsored events may supersede requests by other eligible organizations as approved by the city manager or his/her designee.

(4)

The city shall assess a fee for installation, removal, and management of temporary banners.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

Political signs that contain primarily a political message are allowed without a permit, fee, or approval of the city, but only on private property and with the consent of the property owner. No political sign may exceed 36 square feet in area or eight feet in height. Such signs shall not be illuminated, have any moving parts or be placed within any dedicated easement allowing for municipal uses. Notwithstanding any provisions herein to the contrary, this section shall apply to all signs which satisfy the requirements of V.T.C.A., Local Government Code § 216.903.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

A nonprofit, philanthropic, or special events organization whose primary mission is to coordinate programs or events intended to contribute to or enhance the quality of life for residents of the City of League City may obtain a permit to display signs for an event as follows:

(1)

Directional and wayfinding signs may be placed throughout the city under the following conditions:

a.

Signs shall not exceed an area of six square feet area or a height of three feet; and

b.

May be displayed 48 hours immediately prior to the event and during the event.

(2)

As an alternative to a temporary banner over the right-of-way, special event signage that advertises an event may be placed throughout the city under the following conditions:

a.

Total square footage of all advertising signage shall not exceed 140 square feet;

b.

No single sign shall exceed an area of 36 square feet or a height of six feet; and

c.

Signage may be displayed for a maximum of 14 days immediately prior to and/or during the event.

(3)

All special event signage must be removed no later than 24 hours after conclusion of the event.

(4)

Special event signage shall not be allowed to be displayed within the right-of-way, except as noted in section 125-8.11 regarding temporary banners over the right-of-way.

(5)

Separate permits for banners may also be allowed for special events; however, they must be on-premises and comply with tables 3, 5, and 7.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020)

125-8.14.1.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for the limited and orderly use of wind flags, banners, and bandit signs in a manner that support limited special events and recurring assemblies while maintaining the aesthetic character and safety of the city.

125-8.14.2.

Permitted use of wind flags, bandit signs, and banners at limited special events. Wind flags, banners, and bandit signs are permitted only for limited special events in the following circumstances:

(a)

Eligible events:

(1)

A special event, as defined in chapter 14 of the City of League City Code of Ordinances.

(2)

A one-day event held no more than once a week at a site (farmer's markets, art or trade fairs, holiday markets, etc.).

(3)

This section is not intended to be utilized for ongoing commercial activity at its usual location or any "sale" events associated with a permanent business.

(b)

Location requirements:

(1)

Wind flags, banners, and bandit signs shall be permitted only on-premises and shall not be placed within public rights-of-way, medians, or adjacent properties.

(2)

Wind flags, banners and bandit signs must be secured and shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular visibility and must adhere to AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) site visibility standards.

(c)

Limitations:

(1)

Wind flags: A maximum of two wind flags are permitted per event site.

(2)

Bandit signs:

a.

A maximum of five bandit signs are permitted per event site.

b.

Bandit signs shall not exceed four square feet in area or three feet in height.

(3)

Banners:

a.

A maximum of one banner is permitted per event site.

b.

Banners are limited to a maximum area of 36 square feet.

(d)

Duration: Temporary bandit signs, banners, and wind flags shall be displayed only during the business hours of the associated event and must be removed at the conclusion of the event.

(e)

Permit:

(1)

A temporary sign permit shall be required for the use of wind flags, banners, and bandit signs.

(2)

The permit must identify the date, duration, and location of the event.

(3)

No more than one permit may be issued per week.

(4)

The permit fee shall be set by the city council.

125-8.14.3.

Temporary signage for recurring assemblies.

(a)

Eligibility. Temporary signage under this section is permitted only at sites where:

(1)

The principal structure is classified as Group A-3 Assembly occupancy under the city's adopted building and fire codes; and

(2)

The building has a occupant load of 100 or more persons, as established by the city through applicable building permit or inspection records; and

(3)

A recurring assembly is conducted on the premises at least once per week on a consistent schedule.

(b)

Signage authorization. Eligible sites may display temporary signage as authorized under section[s] 125-8.14.2(b) and (c) subject to all dimensional, placement, and safety requirements of that section, provided:

(1)

The signage is displayed only between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Sundays; and

(2)

The signage is authorized by a valid permit issued in accordance this section.

(c)

Permit. A temporary sign permit shall be required to utilize signage under this section. The permit:

(1)

Shall be valid for one calendar year from the date of issuance after payment of the permit fee set by the city council;

(2)

Shall identify the property address and signage authorized; and

(3)

May be revoked by the city for noncompliance with the requirements of this section or of section 125-8.14.

(Ord. No. 2025-26, § 2, 8-26-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2025-26, §§ 2, 3, adopted Aug. 26, 2025, renumbered the former § 125-8.14 as § 125-8.15 and enacted a new § 125-8.14 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes.

Any variance request to this article shall follow the procedures outlined in section 125-2.14.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020; Ord. No. 2025-26, § 3, 8-26-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2025-26, § 3, adopted Aug. 26, 2025, renumbered the former § 125-8.15 as § 125-8.16 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes. See also editor's notes at §§ 125-8.14 and 125-8.16.

The City of League City shall issue a citation and order the repair or removal of any dilapidated, abandoned, illegal, or prohibited signs from property within the corporate city limits of the City of League City. If the property owner fails or refuses to comply with this Article, the city shall give written notice to the property owner. The notice shall be delivered by U.S. Mail or in person to the owner. If delivery in person is not possible or the owner's address is unknown, notice shall be given by publication in the city's official newspaper at least once. The owner has ten working days from the date of this notice to correct the violation. If the owner fails to correct the violation or fails to pay the cost for abatement, a lien shall be filed against the property to secure all costs and fees incurred by the city as provided by law. In the event that a temporary or portable sign is erected without a permit, the city may remove any sign without notice and the sign shall be destroyed.

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020; Ord. No. 2025-26, § 3, 8-26-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2025-26, § 3, adopted Aug. 26, 2025, renumbered the former § 125-8.16 as § 125-8.17 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes. See also editor's notes at §§ 125-8.15 and 125-8.17.

Tables 3—8 show the types of signs allowed by roadways as defined in the master thoroughfare plan. If a space is blank, the sign is not permitted. "ROW" stands for right-of-way.

Table 3: Freeway and Arterial Frontage—Permanent Signs

Table 4: Freeway and Arterial Frontage—Temporary Signs

Table 5: Collector, Local, and Private Street/Driveway Frontage—Permanent Signs

Table 6: Collector, Local, and Private Street/Driveway Frontage—Temporary Signs

Table 7: Historic District—Permanent Signs

Table 8: Historic District—Temporary Signs

(Ord. No. 2020-25, § 1(Exh. A), 9-29-2020; Ord. No. 2025-26, § 3, 8-26-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2025-26, § 3, adopted Aug. 26, 2025, renumbered the former § 125-8.16 as § 125-8.17 as set out herein. The historical notation has been retained with the amended provisions for reference purposes. See also editor's note at § 125-8.16.