Willow Park City Zoning Code
ARTICLE 14
07 SIGN REGULATIONS
§ 14.07.001 Definitions.
shall mean the officer or other person with the City of Willow Park charged with the administration and enforcement of the sign regulations.
means a sign supported solely by posts or structures other than a building.
means a sign displaying advertising copy that pertains to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service or product not principally located or primarily manufactured or sold on the premises on which the sign is located.
means a sign identifying or advertising a business, person or activity and installed on the same premises as such business, person or activity.
means a sign designed to be mounted on a trailer, bench, wheeled carrier or other nonmotorized mobile structure. A portable sign may be an off-premise or on-premise sign.
means an outdoor structure, display, light device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque, poster, billboard, flag or other thing that is designed, intended or used to advertise, inform or attract attention.
means signs attached against building fronts or exposed walls, or parallel to the face of the building and atop a marquee and not extending above or beyond such building.
A sign which is not installed in a permanent fashion and is used to identify, direct, sell, promote or otherwise advertise homes and real estate for sale, lease or rent. Such signs include but are not limited to real estate signs installed by use of a stake, tripod or other temporary means.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-700; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001)
§ 14.07.002 Signs requiring permits.
Permits.
No person shall erect, construct, relocate, alter or repair a sign without first having obtained a permit, except as otherwise provided in this section. This section does not apply to government signs.
No sign shall be, erected, created or constructed after the effective date of this article without a permit issued by the city secretary or his designate, except as provided herein.
Every applicant before being granted a permit shall pay a one-time permit fee in the amount established by city council and on file in the offices of the city. All off-premise sign permits shall be renewed annually at the same fees.
Weekend directional sign.
Permit requirement.
No person shall erect, place or position or cause to be erected, placed or positioned in or on any public property or right-of-way within the city, a weekend directional sign without first having obtained an annual permit from the building official or his designee.
Permit duration.
Any permit authorized under this subsection shall be valid for a period of one year from the granting thereof. The permit shall not be granted until an annual fee in the amount set by the city council has been collected from the applicant. The permit authority is subject to all other applicable federal, state or local statutes, rules or regulations.
Portable signs.
Existing businesses with portable signs in use at the date of enactment of this article are not required to [obtain a] permit or to pay a permit fee for six (6) months.
Subsequent new businesses may use a portable sign for a period of six (6) months from the date of certificate of occupancy or until a permanent sign is installed, whichever comes first. The permit fee shall be in the amount established by city council subject to a 30-day extension with the city administration approval and a new permit fee.
A temporary permit valid for fifteen (15) days may be obtained for portable signs. The permit fee shall be in the amount established by city council and on file in the offices of the city. Permits shall be issued for no longer than thirty (30) days in a six (6) month period for any business or location.
No permit shall be required for the following signs:
Signs advertising the sale or lease of real property on which they are located.
An on-premise sign in existence before the effective date of this article.
A sign that has as its purpose the protection of life and property.
A sign or marker giving information about the location of underground electric transmission lines, telegraph or telephone properties and facilities, pipelines, public sewers or water lines or other public utilities.
A sign erected by an agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state.
A sign erected solely for and relating to a public election, but only if:
The sign is on private property;
The sign is erected no sooner than the 30th day before the election and is removed no later than the 7th day after the election;
The area of the sign does not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet per sign face;
The sign does not exceed ten (10) feet in height;
The sign is self-supporting.
On-site directional signs not exceeding two (2) square feet, provided such directional signs do not contain advertising and are not used as such.
One unlighted or indirectly lighted sign with names and/or street numbers so long as the area of such sign does not exceed one (1) square foot for each dwelling unit.
Bulletin boards not over sixteen (16) square feet in area for public, charitable or religious institutions when the same are located on the premises of such institutions.
One (1) temporary construction sign denoting the architect, engineer, financial institution or contractor when placed upon the site under construction and not exceeding sixteen (16) square feet in area.
Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection, when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other noncombustible materials.
Flags, emblems and insignia of any governmental body, and decorative displays for holidays or public demonstrations which do not contain advertising and are not used as such and which do not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height and one hundred (100) square feet in area.
Temporary signs advertising occasional noncommercial sales (including garage sales, patio and porch sales) shall be limited to three (3) signs not to exceed two (2) square feet each. Signs shall be removed within two (2) days following such sale.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-701; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001; Ordinance adopting 2017 Code)
§ 14.07.003 Application for permit.
Application for permits shall contain or have attached thereto the following information:
Name, address and telephone number of the person or company which will own the sign.
Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the sign or other advertising structure is to be attached or erected.
Two (2) sets of reproducible plans shall be submitted showing the sign location in relation to nearby buildings or structures, signs, property lines, driveways, public streets, fences and sidewalks.
Two (2) sets of reproducible plans and specifications showing method of construction and attachment to the building or ground. Size, type, height, construction materials and such other information as the building official may require.
Name, address and telephone number of person, firm, corporation or association erecting the sign.
If an off-premises sign, the written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to which or on which the sign is to be erected.
Zoning classification of the property.
Such other information as the building official shall require to show compliance with this and all other ordinances of the city.
Weekend directional sign.
The application for a permit shall include a drawing of the proposed sign(s).
Applicant should provide the name, address, and telephone number of the property owner of the affected property.
The application shall contain the name, address and telephone number of the person that the applicant acknowledges is responsible for placement, retrieval and maintenance of the sign identified in the permit.
The application shall contain an acknowledgement by the applicant that they received, read and understand the provisions relating the weekend directional sign including that such signs are subject to seizure and confiscation and imposition of a seizure fee in the amount established by city council and on file in the offices of the city for each sign seized for violations of terms of the permits or conditions of sign display.
An approximate maximum number of weekend directional signs that will be displayed up to the permitted limit of 20.
Any other information the building official may require for compliance with this article or enforcement thereof.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-702; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001; Ordinance adopting 2017 Code)
§ 14.07.004 Measurements.
The area of any sign shall be deemed to be the sum of the area of each sign face, including cutouts unless so designated in other sections herein.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; Ordinance 244-88 adopted 10/11/1988; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-703; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001)
§ 14.07.005 Spacing of off-premise signs.
No off-premise sign shall be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of another off-premise sign on the same side of the street or highway.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-704; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001)
§ 14.07.006 Height restrictions.
No freestanding sign shall exceed thirty (30) feet above ground level and shall not be lower than ten (10) feet above ground level.
Wall signs shall not exceed four (4) feet above roof line.
Any sign over a walkway must have a minimum of eight (8) feet clearance over the walkway.
A freestanding on-premises sign may extend to a height of thirty-five (35) feet above ground level or above grade directly opposite of the sign of a limited access freeway, whichever is higher if and only if the premises property is zoned "C" or is contiguous to a limited access freeway or separated therefrom only by a service road.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; Ordinance 246-89 adopted 1/10/1989; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-705; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001)
§ 14.07.007 Area restrictions.
The maximum area of on-premise wall signs associated with property zoned "C" or contiguous to a limited access freeway or separated therefrom only by a service road shall be no greater than two hundred sixty (260) square feet per sign face.
The maximum area for a freestanding on-premise sign associated with property zoned "C" commercial shall be no greater than forty (40) square feet per sign face with the limit of one (1) freestanding sign per business.
An additional freestanding, nationally franchised logo type sign, will be permitted with the limit of one (1) per business subject to the area restrictions on freestanding signs.
When a shopping strip directory sign is selected, each individual business in the shopping strip shall forfeit their right to individual freestanding signs and the maximum area for the directory sign shall be the sum of forty (40) square feet for each business located in the shopping strip.
The maximum of any off-premise sign shall be ninety-six (96) square feet per sign face.
The maximum area of any portable sign shall be forty (40) square feet per sign face (80 square feet maximum).
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; Ordinance 246-89 adopted 1/10/1989; Ordinance 323-92 adopted 5/19/1992; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-706; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001)
§ 14.07.008 Frontage on more than one street.
If a use has street frontage on a corner, street frontage for the purpose of calculation of sign area shall be either:
In the case of a sign erected on a building, the frontage of the building on the street which the sign faces.
In the case of a freestanding sign more than three hundred (300) feet from an intersection of any public street, the frontage of the street closest to the sign, or if equidistant from two (2) or more streets, the longest such frontage.
In the case of a freestanding sign less than three hundred (300) feet from an intersection, the frontage to be used in calculation shall be the street upon which the largest business building on such property faces.
If a use has street frontage on more than one street but not on a corner, such business shall be entitled to signs by formula on each street.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-707; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001)
§ 14.07.009 Location of signs by type.
Off-premise signs shall be allowed in the following zoning districts, but only within one hundred (100) feet of major thoroughfares, designated on the Willow Park thoroughfare plan. Such districts where off-premise signs are allowed are commercial and industrial. No off-premise sign may be located closer than two hundred fifty (250) feet from any residence or residentially zoned area.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-708; Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001)
§ 14.07.010 Wind loads.
All signs shall be designed, constructed and anchored to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot per sign face.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-709)
§ 14.07.011 Obstruction to doors, windows or fire escapes.
No sign shall be erected, relocated, or maintained so as to prevent free ingress or egress from any door, window or fire escape. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-710)
§ 14.07.012 Signs not to constitute traffic hazard.
No sign shall be erected or maintained in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where by reason of position, shape, color, degree, manner or intensity of illumination it may interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic. Pursuant to the foregoing, no sign shall be erected or maintained in such manner as to be likely to interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. No sign shall make use of words, phrases, symbols or characters or employ any lamp of light in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse traffic.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-711)
§ 14.07.013 Prohibited signs, advertising, lighting.
No person shall attach any sign, paper, other material, or paint, stencil or write any name, number (except house numbers), or otherwise mark on any sidewalk, curb, gutter, street, utility pole, trees, public building, fence or structure unless authorized by this article.
No sign shall be illuminated to an intensity greater than two hundred (200) footlamberts. The restrictions of luminance shall be determined from any other premises or from any public right-of-way other than an alley. Lights shall be shielded to prevent the source of lighting from being directly visible from residential property.
No portion of any sign shall be erected upon or over public property.
Signs and advertising devices which move, flash, rotate, blink, change color, or are animated are prohibited; provided, however, this section shall not be deemed to prohibit devices showing time, temperature and informative messages.
Signs and advertising devices which produce noises discernible from more than fifty (50) yards away are prohibited.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-712)
§ 14.07.014 Compliance with other codes.
All signs shall comply with all other city codes, including the electrical and building codes.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-713)
§ 14.07.015 Maintenance.
All signs, together with all supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be kept in good repair by the owner of the sign or the person in charge of the premises. Failure to keep a sign in good repair shall be deemed cause for removal if the owner of the sign or person in charge thereof fails to make such repairs within thirty (30) days of notice from the building official of deficiencies.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-714)
§ 14.07.016 Unsafe signs.
If the building official shall find that any sign is unsafe and is a menace to the public, he shall give notice to the permittee thereof in the same manner as is provided in the building code for notice of unsafe buildings. If the permittee fails to remove or repair the structure within the time provided in such notice, such sign may be removed by the building official at the expense of the permittee. The building official shall refuse to reissue a permit to any permittee or owner who refuses to pay costs so assessed. The building official may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-715)
§ 14.07.017 Replacement or repair of sign.
When any sign, or a substantial part of it, is blown down or otherwise destroyed or taken down or removed for any purpose other than maintenance operations or for changing the letters, symbols or other matter on the sign, it may not be re-erected, reconstructed or rebuilt except in full conformance with the provisions and requirements of this article.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-716)
§ 14.07.018 Existing sign registration.
Not later than the 120th day after the effective date of this article, each owner of an off-premise sign erected before the effective date of this article that is visible from the main-traveled way of a street or road shall either remove the sign or register the sign with the city building official. The owner must pay a fee in the amount established by city council and on file in the offices of the city, for such sign that is registered. This registration is valid for one (1) year, but is renewable for the same fee.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-717; Ordinance adopting 2017 Code)
§ 14.07.019 Application to extraterritorial jurisdiction.
This article shall apply to the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
(Ordinance 234-87 adopted 4/14/1987; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-718)
§ 14.07.020 Ground or monument signs.
These signs are designed to be used along or in supplement with a pole with a freestanding sign or a wall sign, where allowed, but subject to height and location restrictions in all districts where allowed. Said signs shall not exceed six (6) feet in height above ground except where otherwise allowed, and shall be located at least fifteen (15) feet behind the curb of any street, or the property line of said lot. Such sign shall not be wider at the top than at the lowest part of the sign, including supports. The lowest part of the sign shall not be higher than two (2) feet above ground. Said sign shall not be located within any visibility triangle and shall not obstruct the view of driveways or parking areas. Said signs shall be limited to identification of a building by name or owner, address, developer or tenants. Churches, colleges, public buildings and institutional educational uses shall be allowed to use such signs for the purposes stated above as well as for marquise purposes announcing names, dates, times and other information concerning the programs and services offered on-site. The maximum area for each side of such sign may not exceed eight (80) [sic] square feet.
(Ordinance 235-88 adopted 1/12/1988; 1993 Code, ch. 12, ex. B, sec. 12-719)
§ 14.07.021 Weekend directional signs.
Permit required.
No sign regulated by this section may be placed on public property or recorded utility easement, including public rights-of-way, except those that have a validly issued permit by the city. Any sign placed on public property or public right-of-way not properly permitted shall be removed without notice.
Nature of sign.
Only weekend directional signs, as defined herein are permitted and authorized by this section.
Size.
The sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in effective area. The entire visible surface of the sign exclusive of support devices, shall be included in the area of calculations.
Setback.
No sign that shall be placed closer than fifty (50) feet from intersections, shall have a minimum three (3) foot setback from the curb and shall not overhang the curb, sidewalks or public walkways.
Placement time.
Signs shall be erected, placed or installed only after 6:00 p.m. Friday and shall be removed no later than 5:00 a.m. on the Monday following. All times herein are Central Standard Time. Any sign in a public right-of-way other than during the times permitted herein is subject to seizure and to confiscation.
Sign spacing.
Signs are to be spaced at least one thousand (1,000) feet apart unless there is an intervening directional decision point such as directional change, intersection or required turn in which case spacing may be reduced to a minimum of one hundred (100) feet. Distances are to be measured in a line parallel with the street involved regardless of which side of the streets the signs are erected. A minimum spacing of twenty-five (25) feet from a sign erected by a different permittee under this section shall also be maintained.
Installation.
Signs authorized by this section and permitted by the city shall be supported by stake(s) that are set not more than one (1) foot into the ground. The top of the sign shall not extend higher than four (4) feet above the grade where erected.
No sign will be allowed within street median or attached to tree, fence or any public utility pole.
Enforcement.
The building official, or his designee, is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this section. It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere with such official in the discharge of his duties. The official shall have the power to issue citations for any violation of this section.
The city may seize any sign(s) in violation of this section. Signs held by the city for more than seven (7) days after seizure may be destroyed or discarded by the city. The seizure fee in the amount established by city council and on file in the offices of the city, per sign may still be imposed and collected even if the sign(s) were destroyed. Seizure of the sign and imposition of a fee therefor, is in addition to any other remedy available to the city.
Three violations of any provision of this section, or any other law related to the placement, maintenance, display or use of the sign, in a permit year shall be grounds for permit revocation. No permit may be issued to any person for ninety (90) days subsequent to the third conviction for same or similar signs.
Maintenance.
Each sign together, with its support brace or footing, shall be kept in repair and maintained in good condition. The display surface of each sign shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times.
Public safety.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the building official may cause any sign which is dangerous to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(Ordinance 470-01 adopted 9/18/2001; Ordinance adopting 2017 Code)