The provisions of this Section Ten regulate all signs, as that term is defined in Paragraph 2.0 below, within the City limits of the City of Spring Valley, Texas, consistent with the objectives set forth in the preamble of this Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, as amended. Further, the City finds that signs can be a distraction to the attention of and endanger the traveling public; an overabundance of signs results in clutter and unsightliness which, though the results may not be immediately apparent, would subtly contribute to a deterioration trend in the City of Spring Valley residential and COMMERCIAL areas, as trends past and present illustrate throughout Harris County and the surrounding area; the City of Spring Valley recognizes that protection and enhancement of the City's visual environment and beauty will benefit both residential and commercial property owners and will promote a positive image of the City; the City desires to promote the reasonable, orderly, and effective display of signs; and to ensure that signs do not create or become hazards due to collapse, damage, decay, and abandonment.

(Ordinance 2007-11 adopted 5-15-07)

As used in this Section Ten the words shall have the meanings given, as follows:

To seek the attraction of, or to direct the attention of, the public to any goods, services, business, activity or merchandise of any kind or type.

Except as otherwise specifically provided for "banner", "banner sign", and "signs which contain or have attached thereto banners" shall refer to any sign incorporating canvas, netting, or any other such temporary sign material capable of being suspension-mounted.

New construction or erection of a building, which shall not include remodeling, refurbishing, or repair work on an existing building.

One or more buildings erected on a site by a common owner or developer.

A unit of luminous intensity, defined as the amount of luminous flux (total luminous power emitted from a source and expressed as lumens) per unit solid angle in a given direction.

A sign that permits lights to be turned on or off intermittently or that 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 a light emitting diode (LED) or digital sign, and that varies in color or intensity. 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 (MUCTD) approved by the Federal Highway Administrator as the National Standard.

A single sign with two parallel sign faces (display surfaces) back-to-back.

Any sign containing electrical wiring or utilizing electrical current, but not including signs illuminated by a separate light source.

The primary exterior building covering, veneer, sheathing, or facade.

A complete, static display screen on the entire face of an electronic sign.

The total floor area within the exterior walls of a building, measured exclusive of such exterior walls.

A sign that is supported by uprights or braces in or upon the ground.

A development consisting of two or more business establishments using common driveways and onsite parking facilities, including, but not limited to, shopping centers, office complexes, office buildings, and business parks.

See changeable electronic variable message signs (CEVMS).

The total luminous power emitted per unit solid angle from a uniform point source whose luminous intensity is one (1) candela.

A projecting sign attached to or hung from a canopy or covered structure projecting from and supported by a frame or pipe support extending beyond the fascia of a building or structure.

A permanent sign, mounted on a base anchored in or on the ground, and not attached to any building. A monument sign, including the entire sign structure and sign face, is generally horizontal to and positioned just above finished grade, as opposed to being vertically positioned from grade to sky.

A sign conveying a civic, political, religious, seasonal, or personal message that is not displayed for a fee or for compensation and that is located on property under the control of or owned by the person displaying the sign. As used herein, a non-commercial message refers to and includes, by way of example and not in limitation, an endorsement of or comment regarding a candidate in an election, a religious expression, an assertion of a personal viewpoint or opinion on a matter, a holiday greeting, protection and security signs denoting no trespassing and/or security devices, a personal announcement, declaration or message, and any other statement(s) that is not advertising as defined herein. "For Sale," "For Rent," "For Lease" and "Open House" signs shall be included in the definition of non-commercial message sign.

A unit of measurement of luminance, or the intensity of visible light, where one (1) nit is equal to one (1) candela per square meter.

Any sign identifying or advertising the business, product, or services primarily sold or offered for sale on the premises or property where the sign is installed and maintained.

Any sign identifying or advertising a business, product, service, or activity primarily sold, offered for sale, or conducted on premises other than the property upon which the sign is situated.

A line drawn along that edge of the pavement on the side of a public or private street nearest to the property from which a measurement is taken.

Any sign designed and constructed of durable materials to remain for a period greater than twelve (12) months.

An individual, company, corporation, partnership, association, or any other entity.

Any sign which identifies the name of a commercial or office development to the public.

Any sign that is affixed to any building or structure and extends or protrudes more than twelve (12) inches horizontally beyond the building wall or structure to which it is affixed.

The physical removal of a sign in conjunction with revocation of the sign permit after written notice from the Sign Administrator.

Revocation or withdrawal of the authorization to place or maintain the operate a sign, including signs approved by City Council, by the Sign Administrator, in accordance with the procedures contained in this Section Ten.

Which, in the case of a building with a flat roof, means any sign which extends above the roof of a building or any parapets surrounding the roof; or in the case of a building with a peaked, sloped, pitched, mansard, or similar roof, any sign which extends above the top of the fascia of the same side of the building.

Any sign, display, light device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, indoor and outdoor structure, or other medium or thing that is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform. The term "sign" shall include the sign structure.

The person or his or her designee who is directed to administer, enforce, and carry out the terms and conditions of this Section Ten and all other provisions of laws or ordinances relating to signs.

The display surface area of a sign.

A permit issued by the City to erect a sign. Additionally, a sign permit refers to the continuing authorization by the City to maintain and operate a sign in the City while such sign conforms with the provisions of this Section Ten.

Any structure, device, or system which supports or is capable of supporting a sign.

Permits only one (1) color in the frame for any message.

A single sign with one sign face (display surface).

A written notice from the Sign Administrator directing that work being conducted on a sign, contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance, be stopped and stating the conditions under which work may be resumed.

The primary exposure or front of a business intended, by location or orientation, as the main entrance or front for public access or display.

A sign that contains the name only of a residential subdivision.

Any sign, but not including a portable sign, erected for or during an event or for a limited purpose for a specific period of time to provide information relating solely to that event or purpose.

Any sign which identifies the name of a property user or occupant, except Tenant Listing.

A sign identifying the tenant or user of property in a multi-tenant business project which sign is attached to and is a part of the Project identification sign.

Not illuminated (lighted) by either internal or external light source, whether a direct or indirect light source.

Any sign upon the wall of any building or extending twelve (12) inches or less horizontally from the structure to which it is affixed.

(Ordinance 2007-11 adopted 5-15-07; Ordinance 2013-06 adopted 3-26-13)

Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Section Ten, and subject to the exceptions set forth in this paragraph, no person shall hereafter erect, construct, reconstruct, or alter a sign without having first secured a written permit from the Sign Administrator of the City of Spring Valley. A sign permit to erect, construct, reconstruct, or alter a sign shall only be valid for a period of thirty' (30) days from and after the date of permit issuance. Commencement of actual construction, placement, or work on a sign prior to expiration of the thirty' (30) day period shall extend said permit during a reasonable period of time that construction or placement is diligently continued toward completion.

Permit fees for signs shall be established from time-to-time by ordinance. Permit fees are not refundable.

No sign permit shall be required under this ordinance for on premise signs of the following types or descriptions, provided such signs are erected and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Section Ten.

.01

Sign erected by the City of Spring Valley, Texas, the State of Texas (including its political subdivisions such as school districts) or the United States Government, or otherwise required by Federal, State, or local laws; or

.02

Railroad sign; or

.03

On-premise directional signs setting forth the location of or direction to parking or buildings located on the premises or regulating the flow of on-premise traffic. Such directional signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in size or three (3) feet in height; or

.04

Non-Commercial Message Signs in all Districts.

(Ordinance 2007-11 adopted 5-15-07)

It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or permit the erecting of any sign within Dwelling District "A" except as follows:

One "For Sale" or "For Rent" sign, not exceeding six (6) square feet in sign area or four (4) feet in height shall be permitted for each street frontage.

Not more than four (4) un-illuminated garage or yard sale signs, either single or double faced, but which may be erected no earlier than the day preceding the sale, may be erected for a maximum of three (3) days, and which must be removed promptly at the conclusion of the sale. No garage or yard sale sign shall be placed on private property without the consent of the owner of such private property. These signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet per face, shall not be placed within any public street right-of-way, and shall be placed a minimum of ten (10) feet from the pavement line of any street. Such signs shall not exceed four (4) feet in height above the surrounding grade level, including the height of the supporting structure.

A sign permit shall be required. One temporary single or double faced sign, not exceeding forty-eight (48) square feet per face in area, shall be permitted for each major street entrance to an approved and recorded residential development of two (2) or more one-family dwellings. Such sign may be displayed to provide information concerning lot or dwelling sales for the development while such lots or dwellings are actually offered for sale. Such sign(s) shall be removed prior to acceptance by the City of the subdivision infrastructure improvements, or upon construction of a permanent subdivision identification sign, whichever first occurs. No residential development sign shall be placed within any open ditch, or closer than ten feet (10') to the pavement edge of any street. Such sign(s) shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height above the surrounding finished grade level, including the height of the supporting structure.

One subdivision sign, which shall be either a monument sign or a sign embedded into a masonry wall, shall be allowed at each main street entrance to a residential subdivision. No subdivision sign shall have a sign face that exceeds fifty (50) square feet.

(Ordinance 2007-11 adopted 5-15-07)

It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or permit the erecting of any sign within Office Building District "B" except as follows::

A permit is required for such signs.

.01

One (1) temporary, single or double faced building construction sign may be displayed on the site, per building project, to provide information while a building is under construction and being offered for sale, lease or rent. Such sign shall be removed prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for all or any part of such building, or upon completion of the project's permanent sign, whichever first occurs.

.02

One (1) temporary, single or double faced "for sale" or "for rent" sign may be displayed per lot or parcel of land relating solely to the property upon which the sign is located. The sign may contain information related to the sale or lease of such property including the name, address and telephone number of the agent, broker, developer or owner of the property. Such sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the sale or lease of the property.

.03

Any sign permitted by this section shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet per sign face, and shall be placed a minimum of ten (10) feet from a railroad right-of-way, shall not be placed within any public street right-of-way, or within ten (10) feet of the pavement edge of any street. Such sign shall not exceed twelve (12) feet in height above the surrounding finished grade level, including the height of the supporting structure. The sign may not be illuminated.

In addition to signs otherwise permitted by this Section Ten, banners may be displayed on buildings, subject to the following regulations. One (1) single sided banner may be used to advertise space for sale, for lease, or for rent in the building on which such banner is displayed, or building space for sale, for lease, or for rent in another building in the same office building project (same development and ownership). A banner permitted by this subsection shall be professionally made, constructed or comprised of soft material such as vinyl or canvas, shall be attached to the wall of the building or structure to which it pertains, shall not extend above the top of the building's parapet, shall only be mounted and displayed in a southerly direction facing Interstate Highway 10, and shall be maintained at all times in good condition (not torn, flapping loosely with the wind, or illegible). The banner shall not exceed more than two (2) inches of height for each one (1) foot of height of the wall to which it is attached, nor shall such banner exceed in size more than fifteen percent (15%) of the size of the wall upon which it is attached. The banner may be displayed for not more than sixty (60) days following the date the banner permit is approved. An application for a banner to be displayed in accordance with this subsection shall contain all information necessary for the Sign Administrator to determine compliance with these regulations.

One single or double-faced building identification Monument Sign shall be allowed for an office building. If the office building to which it pertains fronts Interstate Highway 10, the sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per face, nor shall its height, including the base, exceed twelve (12) feet above the surrounding finished grade. If the office building to which the sign pertains is facing a thoroughfare other than Interstate Highway 10, the sign shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet per face, and its height, including the base, shall not exceed six (6) feet above the surrounding finished grade. For integrated office developments, one Monument Sign shall be permitted for each separate office building. A permit shall be required for such sign.

.01

Changing Message Signs. A Monument Sign may include a changing message panel provided such message is not caused or permitted to change more often than every two (2) minutes.

In addition to other signs permitted by this Section Ten, Wall Signs may be attached to the walls of buildings or the portions of buildings to which the signs pertain. A Wall Sign shall not extend above the top of a building's parapet, shall not exceed two (2) inches in height for each one (1) foot of height of the wall to which it is attached, nor shall permitted Walls Signs cumulatively exceed in size more than fifteen percent (15%) of the size of the wall upon which they are attached. In determining the maximum size of a Wall Sign(s), only that portion of the building wall adjacent to the space occupied by the subject of the sign(s) shall be used.

(Ordinance 2007-11 adopted 5-15-07; Ordinance 2010-03 adopted 2-16-10)

It shall be unlawful for any person to cause or permit the erecting of any sign within Commercial District "C" except as follows:

Office Building Signs in Commercial District "C" are subject to the sign regulations in Office Building District "B."

A permit is required for such signs.

.01

One (1) temporary, single or double faced project construction sign may be displayed on the site of a project or building while the project or building is under construction and being offered for sale, lease or rent.

.02

One (1) temporary, single or double faced "for sale" or "for rent" sign may be displayed per lot or parcel of land relating solely to the property upon which the sign is located. The sign may contain information related to the sale or lease of such property including the name, address and telephone number of the agent, broker, developer or owner of the property. Such sign shall be removed within fourteen (14) days of the sale or lease of the property.

.03

Any sign permitted by this section shall not exceed forty-eight (48) square feet per sign face, shall not be placed within a public street right-of-way, and shall not be placed closer than ten (10) feet from the pavement edge of any street. Such signs shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height above the surrounding finished grade level, including, the height of the supporting structure. The sign may not be illuminated.

One single or double-faced building identification Monument Sign shall be allowed for each tract. If the enterprise to which it pertains fronts Interstate Highway 10, the sign shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet per face, nor shall its height, including the base, exceed twelve (12) feet above the surrounding finished grade. If the office building to which the sign pertains is facing a thoroughfare other than Interstate Highway 10, the sign shall not exceed fifty' (50) square feet per face, and its height, including the base, shall not exceed six (6) feet above the surrounding finished grade. A permit shall be required for such signs. For Integrated Business Developments, one Monument Sign shall be permitted for each separate building provided the total number of Monument Signs does not exceed the number of driveway entrances to the development. Provided further, no Monument Sign shall be erected nearer than fifty (50) feet from another Monument Sign on the same tract.

.01

Changing Message Signs. A Monument Sign may include a changing message panel provided such message is not caused or permitted to change more often than every two (2) minutes.

In addition to other signs permitted by this Section Ten, Wall Signs may be attached to the walls of buildings or the portions of buildings to which the signs pertain. A Wall Sign shall not extend above the top of a building's parapet, shall not exceed two (2) inches in height for each one (1) foot of height of the wall to which it is attached, nor shall permitted Walls Signs cumulatively exceed in size more than fifteen percent (15%) of the size of the wall upon which they are attached. In determining the maximum size of a Wall Sign(s), only that portion of the building wall adjacent to the space occupied by the subject of the sign(s) shall be used.

(Ordinance 2007-11 adopted 5-15-07; Ordinance 2010-03 adopted 2-16-10)

Signage within a Planned Area Development District shall comply with the following: