Pottsboro City Zoning Code
SECTION 23
NAME PLATES AND SIGNS
§ 23.1 Locations.
23.1.1
Signs shall be permitted in the various districts as accessory uses in accordance with the regulations contained in this section.
23.1.2
The following name plates and signs shall be permitted in any "R" District:
23.1.2.1
One (1) identification sign per one-family or two-family dwelling, provided such sign does not exceed two (2) square feet in area per face.
23.1.2.2
One (1) identification sign per multiple-family dwelling, provided such sign does not exceed twenty (20) square feet in area per face and has only indirect illumination.
23.1.2.3
One (1) "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign per lot, provided such sign does not exceed six (6) square feet in area per face and is unlighted. Signs are allowed to be placed on seller's property except in the Texas Department of Transportation right-of-way. Signs are not permitted to be placed in the Texas Department of Transportation right-of-way, attached to a utility pole of any kind, to a tree or any other device.
23.1.2.4
One (1) identification sign during the first year of construction of a new subdivision, provided such sign does not exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area per face and is unlighted; or, until all lots are sold.
23.1.2.5
One (1) identification sign per agricultural, mobile home park, public or semi-public use, provided such sign does not exceed thirty-five (35) square feet in area per face and has only indirect illumination.
23.1.3
The following signs shall be permitted in the "B-1" District:
23.1.3.1
All name plates and signs permitted in any "R" District.
23.1.3.2
A limit of four (4) square feet of sign area is permitted for each lineal foot of building frontage for a wall sign attached to the building.
23.1.3.3
Any exterior sign displayed shall pertain only to the use conducted within the building and shall be attached to the wall of the building. All signs with lights shall be shielded to eliminate annoyance to residential areas.
23.1.3.4
Monument signs are ground signs with a width greater than its height made of stone, metal, wood, brick or other materials approved by the building official. A monument sign shall be solid from the ground up, and all poles or supports shall be concealed.
(a)
A single-tenant business shall be allowed one square foot of signage per 50 square feet of total building space, with each business allowed a minimum of 40 square feet of signage and a maximum of 160 square feet, regardless of size.
(b)
A multi-tenant building shall be allowed one square foot of signage per 40 square feet of total building space, with each business allowed a minimum of 50 square feet of signage and a maximum of 160 square feet.
(c)
The maximum sign area on either type of sign is 160 square feet, including the base. The main sign supporting structure may not be visible.
23.1.3.5
Freestanding signs are ground signs with a height greater than its width.
23.1.4
The following signs shall be permitted in any "B-2" or "I" District:
23.1.4.1
All name plates and signs permitted in the "B-1" District.
23.1.4.2
A limit of four (4) square feet of sign area is permitted for each lineal foot of building frontage.
23.1.4.3
Signs shall not extend past the property line.
23.1.4.4
Signs of any type may not be erected upon the roof or go above the roofing of a commercial building.
(Ordinance 1142 adopted 7/25/06; Ordinance 1496 adopted 12/4/2023)
§ 23.2 General Regulations.
23.2.1
Off-Premises Signs are signs that identify businesses, goods or services not provided on the premises and are prohibited. Signs from previous on-site businesses shall be removed within ninety (90) days after such business ceases.
23.2.2
Outside signs with lighted backgrounds shall not be permitted below six (6) feet above grade unless located fifteen (15) feet or more from the public right-of-way.
23.2.3
Signs of any type shall not be positioned as to visually interfere or obstruct access to private or public property or street.
23.2.4
Billboards are considered "off-premises signs" and are prohibited.
23.2.5
Changeable electronic variable message sign (CEVMS) shall mean a sign which permits light to be turned on or off intermittently or which is operated in a way whereby light is turned on or 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. CEVMS are prohibited. A CEVMS sign does not include a sign located within the right-of-way that functions as a traffic-control device and that is described and identified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic-Control Devices (MUTCD) approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the National Standard. A CEVMS does not include fuel pricing signs for fuel costs only. CEVMS does not include quick service restaurant menu boards located in drive-throughs.
23.2.6
Portable signs, pennants, banners, feather flags, inflatable signs and characters are prohibited. Upon request of a new business owner, an exception for Grand Opening events may be made by the City Manager or designee for no more than 21 days after the Certificate of Occupancy for a new business has been issued. Special Events may be permitted by the City Manager or designee.
23.2.7
No handheld signs, worn signs or costumes shall be permitted. Persons or groups exercising First Amendment rights protected by the United States Constitution, such as the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, and the right of assembly and organized charity functions are exempt.
23.2.8
All signs shall be kept in a proper state of repair and preservation. It is a violation of this section to keep or allow to be kept any sign in a dilapidated or deteriorated condition. The building official may cause the repair or removal of any sign that is not maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section. All expenses incurred by the town incidental to such repair or removal may be placed as a lien against the property from which the sign is removed as allowed by law.
(Ordinance of 7/9/96; Ordinance 1198 adopted 5/3/08; Ordinance 1496 adopted 12/4/2023)