To those interested here is a current copy of the Austin Sign Ordinance- I requested it from the city about 6 months ago.
Scott
CHAPTER 25-10 SIGN REGULATIONS
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 25-10-1 APPLICABILITY.
(A) Except as provided in Subsection (B), this chapter applies to a sign that is:
(1) located in the planning jurisdiction;
(2) visible from the public right of way; and
(3) used for advertising.
(B) This chapter does not apply to the official flag of a nation or of a state, unless the flag is installed, maintained, or used in a manner that would make the flag a hazardous sign if it were a commercial flag.
Source: Section 13-2-850, 13-2-851(a), and 13-2-851(d).
§ 25-10-2 COMPLIANCE REQUIRED.
(A) A person may not install, move, structurally alter, structurally repair, maintain, or use a sign except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and other applicable Code provisions.
(B) The primary beneficiary of a sign installed, moved, structurally altered, structurally repaired, maintained, or used in violation of this Code is presumed to have authorized the installation, movement, structural alteration, structural repair, maintenance, or use of the sign in violation of this Code.
(C) A person who violates Subsection (A) or (B) commits an offense.
Source: Section 13-2-851.
§ 25-10-3 DEFINITIONS.
In this chapter:
(1) ADVERTISING SEARCHLIGHT means a searchlight used to direct beams of light upward for advertising purposes.
(2) COMMERCIAL FLAG means a piece of fabric or other flexible material displayed for commercial purposes, but excluding the official flag of a nation or of a state.
(3) FREESTANDING SIGN means a sign not attached to a building, but permanently supported by a structure extending from the ground and permanently attached to the ground.
(4) MAINTENANCE means the cleaning, painting, repairing, or replacing of defective parts of a sign in a manner that does not alter the basic copy, design, or structure of the sign, but does not include changing the design of the sign's support construction, changing the type of component materials, or increasing the illumination.
(5) MULTI-TENANT CENTER SIGN means a sign advertising two or more uses with common facilities.
(6) NONCONFORMING SIGN means a sign that was lawfully installed at its current location but does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.
(7) OFF-PREMISE SIGN means a sign advertising a business, person, activity, goods, products, or services not located on the site where the sign is installed, or that directs persons to any location not on that site.
(8) PROJECTING SIGN means a wall sign that extends over public right-of-way for a distance of more than 18 perpendicular inches from the building facade.
(9) ROOF SIGN means a sign installed over or on the roof of a building.
(10) SIDEWALK SIGN means a sign located on a sidewalk, either within public right-of-way or on private property within a unified development, advertising the business abutting the sidewalk where the sign is located.
(11) STREET BANNER means a fabric sign hung over a street maintained by the City.
(12) WALL SIGN means a sign attached to the exterior of a building or a freestanding structure with a roof but not walls.
Source: Sections 13-2-850, 13-2-854(a), 13-2-869(b), 13-2-873(a), 13-2-874(a), and 13-2-875(a); Ord. 990225-57.
§ 25-10-4 SIGN AREA CALCULATIONS.
(A) For a wall sign, the sign area is the lesser of:
(1) the area of the smallest rectangle within which the face of the sign can be enclosed; or
(2) the smallest area of not more than three contiguous rectangles enclosing different sections of the sign.
(B) For a single sign having two faces with only one face visible from any point, the sign area is measured using only one face.
(C) For a three-dimensional sign, the sign area is the smallest rectangle within which the largest silhouette of the sign can be enclosed.
(D) Sign area does not include a supporting structure, pole cover, or landscape feature.
(E) A door surface sign is not included in calculating maximum allowable sign area.
(F) For a sign on a corner site whose allowable sign area is based on linear feet of street frontage, the maximum sign area is calculated using only the single largest street frontage.
Source: Sections 13-2-885 and 13-2-867.
§ 25-10-5 CLEARANCE AND HEIGHT CALCULATIONS.
(A) Sign clearance is calculated by measuring the smallest vertical distance between the grade of the adjacent street pavement or curb and the lowest point of the sign. Sign framework and embellishment are included in the measurement, and sign supports are excluded.
(B) Sign height is calculated by measuring the vertical distance above grade, street pavement, or building facade to the highest point of the sign.
Source: Section 13-2-850.
§ 25-10-6 SCENIC ROADWAYS DESCRIBED.
The following are scenic roadways:
(1) Arterial 8 (Adelaide Drive/Forsythia Drive);
(2) Barton Springs Road;
(3) Loop 1 (MoPac);
(4) Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway), south of US 183;
(5) RM 620, from SH 71 to Anderson Mill Road (FM 2769);
(6) RM 2222, west of MoPac only;
(7) RM 2244;
(8) Lake Austin Boulevard;
(9) West Cesar Chavez Street;
(10) Riverside Drive;
(11) Spicewood Springs Road, from Mesa Drive to Loop 360;
(12) William Cannon Drive, from Brodie Lane to Southwest Parkway;
(13) Escarpment Boulevard, from William Cannon Drive to Arterial 11 (SH 45);
(14) Arterial 5 (McKinney Falls Parkway) from US 183 to William Cannon Drive;
(15) FM 973 from SH 71 to US 183;
(16) SH 71 east of IH-35; and
(17) US 183 south of SH 71;
(18) Cameron Road, north of U.S. 183;
(19) Parmer Lane, except for the area between Loop 1 (Mopac) and IH 35;
(20) Stassney Lane, east of IH 35;
(21) Slaughter Lane; and
(22) Old Spicewood Springs Road, from Loop 360 to Old Lampass Trail.
Source: Section 13-2-1. Ord. 000511-110
ARTICLE 2: ENFORCEMENT
§ 25-10-21 ENFORCEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION.
The building official shall:
(1) enforce and implement this chapter;
(2) issue permits and collect fees required by this chapter;
(3) conduct inspections to insure compliance with this chapter;
(4) institute legal proceedings to insure compliance with this chapter, including suits for injunctive relief; and
(5) investigate complaints of alleged violations of this chapter.
Source: Section 13-2-852(a).
§ 25-10-22 AUTHORIZATION TO EXCEED SIZE OR HEIGHT RESTRICTION.
(A) The building official may authorize installation of a sign that exceeds the applicable size or height restriction by up to 20 percent of the maximum size or height prescribed by this chapter after determining that:
(1) the sign owner or user has demonstrated the existence of practical difficulties in complying with this chapter;
(2) a unique circumstance exists that makes compliance with the requirements of this chapter impractical;
(3) the modification is in conformity with the purposes of this chapter; and
(4) the modification does not lessen public safety requirements.
(B) The building official shall record the details of a modification authorized under this section in the City files.
Source: Section 13-2-852(b).
§ 25-10-23 HAZARDOUS SIGNS DESCRIBED AND PROHIBITED.
(A) A sign installed, maintained, or used in violation of Subsection (B) is a hazardous sign.
(B) A person may not install, maintain, or use a sign that:
(1) obstructs a fire escape, required exit, window, or door used as a means of escape;
(2) interferes with a ventilation opening, except that the sign may cover a transom window if the window and the sign comply with the Building Code and Fire Code;
(3) substantially obstructs the lighting of public right-of-way or other public property, or interferes with a public utility or traffic control device;
(4) contains or uses a supporting device placed on public right-of-way or other public area within the full purpose boundaries of the city, unless the use of the public right-of-way or other public area has been approved by City Council;
(5) is illuminated in a manner that creates a hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
(6) creates a traffic hazard by restricting visibility at a curb cut;
(7) has less than nine feet of clearance and is located within a triangle formed by connecting the intersection point of two streets and the points 45 feet from the intersection point on the street frontage property line of each intersecting street;
(8) violates a requirement of the Electric Code;
(9) does not comply with a requirement of Section 25-10-191 (Sign Setback Requirements); or
(10) is determined by the building official to be dangerous because of a condition or defect described in Section 302 of the Dangerous Buildings Code.
Source: Section 13-2-888.
§ 25-10-24 ABATEMENT OF A HAZARDOUS SIGN.
(A) The building official shall give notice that abatement of a hazardous sign is required to the sign owner, sign user, or property owner. The notice must:
(1) be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or hand-delivery; and
(2) include a statement that the building official may exercise the powers granted by Subsection (C) if the hazardous sign is not abated.
(B) The recipient of a notice described in Subsection (A) shall remove, modify, or repair the hazardous sign and abate the hazardous condition within a reasonable period of time established by the building official, not to exceed 10 days after receipt of the notice.
(C) If the hazardous condition is not abated in accordance with Subsection (B), the building official may enter the premises and abate the hazardous condition. The reasonable cost of abating the hazardous sign, together with interest on the unpaid balance at an interest rate of six percent, shall be taxed as a lien against the record owner of the property on which the sign is located.
(D) If the building official removes a sign under Subsection (C), the building official shall retain the sign for at least 10 days before disposing of the sign. If during this period the sign owner pays the storage fee established by the City Council, the building official shall return the sign to its owner.
Source: Section 13-2-853.
ARTICLE 3: VARIANCES AND APPEALS
§ 25-10-41 SIGN REVIEW BOARD POWERS.
(A) The Sign Review Board may:
(1) grant a variance in accordance with this article; and
(2) hear and act on an appeal by a person aggrieved by a decision of the building official under this chapter.
Source: Section 13-2-921(a).
§ 25-10-42 FILING; REVIEW.
(A) To apply for a variance or appeal a the decision of the building official, a person must file an application for a variance or appeal with the building official.
(B) The Sign Review Board may establish guidelines for its review of variances.
Source: Sections 13-2-921(d) and (e).
§ 25-10-43 ACTION ON VARIANCE OR APPEAL.
(A) The Sign Review Board may grant a variance from a requirement of this chapter after determining that granting the variance does not provide the applicant with a special privilege not enjoyed by others similarly situated or potentially similarly situated; and
(1) the variance is necessary because enforcement of the requirement prevents any reasonable opportunity to provide adequate signs on the site, considering the unique features of a site including its dimensions, landscaping, or topography;
(2) granting the variance will not have a substantially adverse effect on neighboring properties; or
(3) granting the variance will not substantially conflict with the purposes of this chapter.
(B) An application for a variance or an appeal of a decision of the building official is automatically granted if the Sign Review Board does not act on the variance or appeal before the 46th day after the date the variance or appeal is filed. The applicant for the variance or the person appealing a decision may waive the time deadline established by this subsection.
Source: Sections 13-2-921(b) and (c).
§ 25-10-44 APPEAL TO CITY COUNCIL.
An interested party may appeal to the City Council the Sign Review Board’s action under Section 25-10-43 (Action On Variance Or Appeal).
Source: Section 13-2-921(f).
ARTICLE 4: REMOVAL OF CERTAIN SIGNS; COMPENSATION.
§ 25-10-61 REQUIRED REMOVAL OF FESTOONS AND PORTABLE SIGNS.
The owner of a lawfully installed festoon or portable sign shall remove the festoon or portable sign if compensation is available and notice is given in accordance with this article.
Source: Section 13-2-927.
§ 25-10-62 DETERMINATION OF COMPENSATION.
(A) The Sign Control Board shall determine the amount of compensation that the owner of a festoon or portable sign is entitled to be paid by the City.
(B) The Sign Control Board may make a determination under Subsection (A) only after a public hearing at which the sign owner has an opportunity to be heard.
(C) Notice of the public hearing shall be given in accordance with the requirements of Section 25-1-132(A) (Notice Of Public Hearing), except that notice of the public hearing is required to be given only to the sign owner.
(D) The Sign Control Board may establish rules, procedures, and guidelines consistent with this article and applicable law to exercise its powers under this section.
Source: Section 13-2-926.
§ 25-10-63 COMPENSATION APPROVAL; NOTICE; REMOVAL DEADLINE.
(A) After the Sign Control Board has determined the amount of compensation to which a sign owner is entitled under Section 25-10-62 (Determination Of Compensation), the City Council may approve payment of the compensation by a method authorized by Local Government Code Chapter 216 (Regulation Of Signs By Municipalities).
(B) If the requirements of Subsection (A) are satisfied, the building official shall notify the owner that the compensation is available and will be paid on removal of the sign. Notice shall be given under Section 25-1-133(B) (Notice Of Applications And Administrative Decisions).
(C) The sign owner shall permanently remove the sign not later than the 10th day after notice is given in accordance with Subsection (B).
Source: Section 13-2-927.
ARTICLE 5: SIGN DISTRICTS
§ 25-10-81 SIGN DISTRICTS DESCRIBED; HIERARCHY ESTABLISHED.
Sign districts are described and established in the following hierarchy, with the historic sign district as the first district and the commercial sign district as the last district.
(1) The historic sign district includes land in:
(a) a designated historic landmark or historic district; or
(b) a National Register District.
(2) The expressway corridor sign district includes land within 200 feet of the public right-of-way of:
(a) IH-35; and
(b) those portions of U.S. Highway 183, U.S. Highway 290, and State Highway 71 that are developed as a limited access highway, or have been designated by the Texas Department of Transportation as a limited access highway and for which there is a construction contract.
(3) The scenic roadway sign district includes land in:
(a) a Hill Country Roadway corridor;
(b) a Principal Roadway Area of a Scenic Arterial; and
(c) the extraterritorial jurisdiction that would be in a Hill Country Roadway corridor or a Principal Roadway Area of a Scenic Arterial if the land were in the zoning jurisdiction.
(4) The neighborhood sign district includes land located:
(a) in a traditional neighborhood zoning district; or
(b) in a neighborhood plan combining district, and that is used for:
(i) a corner store special use;
(ii) a neighborhood mixed use building special use;
(iii) a residential infill special use; or
(iv) a neighborhood urban center special use.
(5) The low-density residential sign district includes land in a zoning district that is more restrictive than a townhouse and condominium residence (SF-6) zoning district.
(6) The multifamily residential sign district includes land in the following zoning districts:
(a) townhouse and condominium residence (SF-6);
(b) multifamily residence limited density (MF-1);
(c) multifamily residence low density (MF-2);
(d) multifamily residence medium density (MF-3);
(e) multifamily residence moderate-high density (MF-4);
(f) multifamily residence high density (MF-5);
(g) multifamily residence highest density (MF-6);
(h) mobile home residence (MH);
(i) neighborhood office (NO);
(j) agricultural (AG); and
(k) development reserve (DR).
(7) The neighborhood commercial sign district includes land in the LO, LR, CR, or W/LO zoning districts.
(8) The downtown sign district includes land in the CBD and the DMU zoning districts.
(9) The commercial sign district includes land that is not in any other sign district.
Source: Section 13-2-861; Ord. 000406-81.
§ 25-10-82 DETERMINATION OF APPLICABLE SIGN DISTRICT.
(A) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the sign regulations for a sign district apply to all land in the sign district.
(B) If a sign is located in more than one sign district, the regulations for the sign district that first appears in the hierarchy described in Section 25-10-81 (Sign Districts Described And Established) apply to the sign.
(C) A nonconforming use is in the sign district that would apply if that nonconforming use were located in the most restrictive zoning district in which that nonconforming use is a permitted use.
(D) For property that is not permanently zoned, the building official shall:
(1) determine the use or proposed use and determine which base zoning district would be the most restrictive base zoning district in which that use would be a permitted use; and
(2) designate the property as a sign district in accordance with the determination under Subsection (D)(1).
Source: Sections 13-2-860 and 13-2-861(b) and (c).
ARTICLE 6: REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL SIGN DISTRICTS
§ 25-10-101 SIGNS ALLOWED IN ALL SIGN DISTRICTS WITHOUT AN INSTALLATION PERMIT.
(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a person may install or modify a sign described in this section without first obtaining a sign installation permit from the building official.
(B) This subsection applies to a temporary freestanding or wall sign advertising the construction, remodeling, development, sale, or lease of a building or the land on which the sign is located.
(1) One sign is permitted on each lot, or for a single use or unified development, one sign for each major access point is permitted.
(2) A sign may only be displayed from the 30th day before the activity begins until the 30th day after the activity ends.
(3) The sign area of a freestanding sign may not exceed:
(a) 128 square feet;
(b) for a low density residential sign district, 12 square feet; or
(c) for a multifamily residential sign district, 48 square feet.
(4) The sign area of a wall sign is may not exceed an area equal to 10 percent of the building facade.
(5) A sign may not exceed a height of:
(a) 22 feet above grade; or
(b) for a low density residential sign district, six feet above grade.
(C) This subsection applies to a sign directing the movement or placement of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(1) One freestanding or wall sign for each building or curb cut is permitted.
(2) The sign area may not exceed 12 square feet.
(3) The height of a sign may not exceed:
(a) for a freestanding sign, four feet above grade; and
(b) for a wall sign, the height of the facade.
(D) The following governmental signs are permitted:
(1) a sign installed, maintained, or used by the state the federal government;
(2) a sign required or authorized for a public purpose under state or federal government regulations; and
(3) a sign installed in a public right-of-way by a government agency to regulate traffic.
(E) A decoration that displays or depicts a national, local, or religious holiday or season is permitted if installed, maintained, or used for not more than 45 consecutive days.
(F) This subsection applies to small signs, emblems, and decals informing the public of goods, facilities, or services available on the premises, including credit card signs and hours of operation signs.
(1) A sign described in this subsection is not permitted in the low density residential or multifamily residential sign districts.
(2) For each premise, the total sign area of the signs described in this subsection may not exceed six square feet.
(G) This subsection applies to a bulletin board, changeable copy directory, or a sign relating solely to a public, religious, or charitable institution, and intended for use by the institution on which the sign is located.
(1) One sign is permitted for each institution.
(2) The sign area may not exceed 32 square feet.
(3) A sign may not exceed a height of six feet above grade.
(H) Memorial signs or tablets are permitted, including:
(1) freestanding historical markers; and
(2) building names or construction dates, if cut into the building surface or inlaid to become part of the building.
(I) This subsection applies to a free-standing or wall sign used to inform patrons of food that may be purchased on the premises.
(1) Not more than two menu boards are permitted for each drive-through lane at a business.
(2) The sign area may not exceed 32 square feet.
(3) The sign may not exceed a height of eight feet above grade.
(4) The sign must be landscaped and substantially screened from the public right-of-way.
(J) A nonelectrical, on-premise sign that communicates only the name of the occupant or the address of the premises is permitted if the sign area does not exceed three square feet.
(K) A sign advertising a retail item accompanying its display, including an advertisement on a product dispenser, is permitted.
(L) This subsection applies to signs announcing or promoting candidacy for elective public office, or concerning a political issue to appear on the ballot in any public election.
(1) The sign area may not exceed 32 square feet.
(2) The sign shall include the name and address of the person responsible for installation and removal of the sign.
(3) The responsible person shall remove the sign not later than the 30th day after the election to which the sign applies.
(M) A flag, banner, or other similar emblem that is not a commercial flag is permitted if suspended entirely over private property.
(N) A temporary on-premise wall sign advertising a special event, sale, product, or service:
(1) may be displayed for not more than 30 days;
(2) must include the date it was installed; and
(3) is limited to a sign area of not more than:
(a) 30 percent of the window area, if in a window; or
(b) 96 square feet, if attached flat against a building.
(O) A sign installed on or in a window or door is permitted. The total sign area of all window and door signs are included in and limited by the maximum sign area permitted under this chapter.
(P) A sign on private property that advertises a garage sale, yard sale, neighborhood meeting, or similar events is permitted. The sign:
(1) must include the installation date; and
(2) may be displayed for not more than:
(a) three consecutive days; or
(b) for a sign concerning a lost or found pet, 30 consecutive days.
(Q) A wall sign or freestanding sign that complies with the requirements of this subsection is permitted in a sign district other than the historic, low density residential, or traditional neighborhood sign districts.
(1) A wall sign must be securely affixed to a building, fence, or wall, and the sign may not exceed:
(a) 32 square feet of sign area; or
(b) three inches of thickness.
(2) A freestanding sign may not exceed:
(a) a height of eight feet above grade; or
(b) 20 square feet of sign area.
(3) The sign:
(a) may not be an electrical sign;
(b) must be composed of durable materials; and
(c) must comply with applicable sign district regulations concerning the type, maximum number, maximum height, and maximum size of signs.
(R) A sign installed on the interior wall of a building is permitted.
Source: Section 13-2-862.
§ 25-10-102 SIGNS PROHIBITED IN ALL SIGN DISTRICTS.
Unless the building official determines that the sign is a nonconforming sign, the following signs are prohibited:
(1) an off-premise sign, unless the sign is authorized by another provision of this chapter;
(2) a sign placed on a vehicle or trailer that is parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the sign;
(3) a festoon, including tinsel, strings of ribbon, small commercial flags, streamers, and pinwheels;
(4) a sign not permanently affixed to a building, structure, or the ground that is designed or installed in a manner allowing the sign to be moved or relocated without any structural or support changes, excluding a sidewalk sign described in Section 25-10-153 (Sidewalk Sign In Downtown Sign District).
(5) a tethered, pilotless balloon or other gas-filled device used as a sign;
(6) a sign that uses an intermittent or flashing light source to attract attention, excluding an electronically controlled changeable-copy sign; and
(7) a sign within 12 feet of the public right-of-way that is more than 30 inches in height above street pavement grade or has a clearance of less than nine feet above street pavement grade.
Source: Section 13-2-863; Ord. 990225-57.
§ 25-10-103 SIGNS PROHIBITED IN PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY.
(A) A person may not cause or authorize a sign to be installed, used, or maintained on a structure located on or over a public property or public right-of-way, except as authorized by this chapter.
(B) The primary beneficiary of any sign installed in violation of this section is presumed to have authorized or caused the installation, use, or maintenance of the sign in violation of this section and commits an offense.
(C) The City Manager may remove a sign or other advertising device installed, used, or maintained on or over any public property or public right-of-way in violation of this chapter. Notice is not required to be given to the owner or beneficiary of a sign removed under this section, either before the removal or before the disposition or destruction of the sign.
(D) This section does not prohibit the installation, use, or maintenance in the public right-of-way of:
(1) a sidewalk sign;
(2) a projecting sign in the downtown sign district;
(3) a street banner; or
(4) a wall sign that is mounted flat against the building and extends not more than 18 inches from the facade of a building and into public right-of-way.
Source: Section 13-2-864.
ARTICLE 7: REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN SIGN DISTRICTS
§ 25-10-121 HISTORIC SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) Notwithstanding any other provision in this chapter, a person may not install a sign in the historic sign district, except:
(1) for a sidewalk sign; or
(2) in compliance with the requirements of Section 25-10-122 (Historic Landmark Commission Review).
(B) The following are prohibited in the historic sign district:
(1) a sign, or any portion of a sign, that rotates; and
(2) a roof sign.
(C) A person may not place a handbill, poster, placard, or other advertising device of a temporary nature on a structure in the historic sign district, except inside a window or on a bulletin board with the consent of the owner or tenant.
Source: Section 13-2-866.
§ 25-10-122 HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION REVIEW.
(A) If a person files an application for a sign permit in the historic sign district, the building official shall:
(1) immediately notify the presiding officer of the Historic Landmark Commission of the application; and
(2) give at least 10 days' written notice to the applicant and land owner of the date, time, and place of the meeting at which the Landmark Commission will consider the application.
(B) The applicant or land owner may waive the 10 day notice of the hearing.
(C) In reviewing a sign permit application, the Historic Landmark Commission shall consider:
(1) the proposed size, color, and lighting of the sign;
(2) the material from which the sign is to be constructed;
(3) the proliferation of signs on a building or lot;
(4) the proposed orientation of the sign with respect to structures; and
(5) other factors that are consistent with the Historic Landmark Preservation Plan, the character of the National Register District, and the purpose of historic landmark regulations.
(D) The Historic Landmark Commission shall approve a sign permit application if it determines that the proposed sign:
(1) will not adversely affect a significant architectural or historical feature of the historic sign district; and
(2) as applicable, is consistent with the Historic Landmark Preservation Plan, the character of the National Register District, and the purpose of the historic landmark regulations.
(E) If the Historic Landmark Commission does not review a sign permit application by the 40th day after the date the application is filed, the application is considered approved by the Historic Landmark Commission.
(F) The applicant or land owner may appeal a decision of the Historic Landmark Commission under this section to the City Council in accordance with Chapter 25-1, Article 7, Division 1 (Appeals).
Source: Section 25-10-866.
§ 25-10-123 EXPRESSWAY CORRIDOR SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) This section applies to an expressway corridor sign district.
(B) This subsection prescribes regulations for freestanding signs.
(1) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10-131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted).
(2) The sign area may not exceed:
(a) on a lot with not more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, 60 square feet; or
(b) on a lot with more than 86 linear feet of street frontage, the lesser of:
(i) 0.7 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or
(ii) 300 square feet.
(3) The sign height may not exceed the greater of:
(a) 35 feet above frontage street pavement grade; or
(b) 20 feet above grade at the base of the sign.
(C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section 25-10-132 (Roof Sign Instead Of Freestanding Sign).
(D) Wall signs are permitted.
(E) One commercial flag for each curb cut is permitted.
(F) For signs other than freestanding signs or roof signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 20 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building.
Source: Section 13-2-867.
§ 25-10-124 SCENIC ROADWAY SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) This section applies to a scenic roadway sign district.
(B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot.
(1) The sign area may not exceed the lesser of:
(a) 0.4 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or
(b) 64 square feet.
(2) The sign height may not exceed 12 feet.
(C) Wall signs are permitted.
(D) For signs other than freestanding signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 10 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building.
(E) In a Hill Country Roadway corridor, a spotlight on a sign or exterior lighting of a sign must be concealed from view and oriented away from adjacent properties and roadways.
(F) Internal lighting of signs is prohibited, except for the internal lighting of individual letters.
(G) Notwithstanding the sign setback requirements established by Section 25-10-191 (Sign Setback Requirements), a sign or sign support must be installed at least 12 feet from the public right-of-way, or at least 25 feet from street pavement or curb in the right-of-way, whichever distance is less.
Source: Sections 13-2-867 and 13-2-868.
§ 25-10-125 NEIGHBORHOOD SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a sign in a neighborhood sign district must comply with this section.
(B) A sign may be a wall sign, an awning sign, a berm sign, or a hanging sign.
(C) The area of a hanging sign may not exceed eight square feet, and there must be not less than eight feet clearance between the bottom of the sign and the finished grade.
(D) A building in a Neighborhood Center Area of a traditional neighborhood zoning district or used for a neighborhood urban center special use in a neighborhood plan combining district may have not more than three signs with a total sign area of not more than 24 square feet.
(E) A commercial building in a Mixed Residential Area of a traditional neighborhood zoning district or used for a residential infill special use in a neighborhood plan combining district may have not more than two signs with a total sign area of not more than 12 square feet.
(F) A townhouse, condominium, or multifamily building within a Mixed Residential Area of a traditional neighborhood zoning district or used for a residential infill special use in a neighborhood plan combining district may have not more than two signs with a total sign area of not more than eight square feet.
(G) A spotlight on a sign or exterior lighting of a sign must be concealed from view and oriented away from adjacent properties and roadways.
(H) Internal lighting of a sign is prohibited, except for the internal lighting of individual letters.
Source: Section 13-2-867.1; Ord. 000406-81.
§ 25-10-126 LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
The only signs permitted in a low density residential sign district are those authorized under Section 25-10-101 (Signs Allowed In All Sign Districts Without An Installation Permit) and Articles 8 (Special Signs) and 9 (Street Banners) of this chapter.
Source: Section 13-2-865.
§ 25-10-127 MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) This section applies to a multifamily residential sign district.
(B) One freestanding sign for each curb cut is permitted.
(1) The sign height may not exceed six feet.
(2) The sign area may not exceed 35 square feet.
(C) Wall signs are permitted.
(D) One commercial flag for each curb cut is permitted. The sign height may not exceed 30 feet.
(E) For signs other than freestanding signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed the lesser of:
(1) 0.5 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or
(2) 35 square feet.
Source: Section 13-2-867.
§ 25-10-128 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) This section applies to a neighborhood commercial sign district.
(B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot.
(C) Wall signs are permitted.
(D) One commercial flag for each curb cut is permitted.
(E) This subsection prescribes the maximum sign area.
(1) For a freestanding sign, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed the lesser of:
(a) 0.3 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or
(b) 100 square feet.
(2) For signs other than freestanding signs, the sign area may not exceed 10 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of building height.
(F) The sign height may not exceed the greater of:
(1) 20 feet above frontage street pavement grade; or
(2) six feet above grade at the base of the sign.
Source: Section 13-2-867; Ord. 000309-39.
§ 25-10-129 DOWNTOWN SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) This section applies to a downtown sign district.
(B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10-131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted).
(C) Wall signs are permitted.
(D) A wall sign may be a projecting sign if the sign complies with this subsection.
(1) One projecting sign for each building facade is permitted.
(2) The sign area of a projecting sign may not exceed 35 square feet.
(3) A sign may extend from the building facade not more than the lesser of:
(a) six feet; or
(b) a distance equal to two-thirds the width of the abutting sidewalk.
(4) For a sign that projects over state right-of-way, the state must approve the sign.
(E) One commercial flag for each curb cut is permitted. A commercial flag may be suspended over public right-of-way.
(F) This subsection prescribes the maximum sign area.
(1) For signs other than freestanding signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 20 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building.
(2) For a freestanding sign, the sign area may not exceed the lesser of
(a) 0.5 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or
(b) 200 square feet.
(G) The sign height may not exceed:
(1) for a freestanding sign, six feet; or
(2) for a commercial flag, 30 feet.
Source: Sections 13-2-867 and 13-2-869.
§ 25-10-130 COMMERCIAL SIGN DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
(A) This section applies to a commercial sign district.
(B) One freestanding sign is permitted on a lot. Additional freestanding signs may be permitted under Section 25-10-131 (Additional Freestanding Signs Permitted).
(C) A roof sign may be permitted instead of a freestanding sign under Section 25-10-132 (Roof Sign Instead Of Freestanding Sign).
(D) Wall signs are permitted.
(E) One commercial flag for each curb cut is permitted.
(F) This subsection prescribes the maximum sign area.
(1) For signs other than freestanding signs, the total sign area for a lot may not exceed 20 percent of the facade area of the first 15 feet of the building.
(2) For a freestanding sign, the sign area may not exceed the lesser of
(a) 0.7 square feet for each linear foot of street frontage; or
(b) for a sign other than a multi-tenant sign, 200 square feet; or
(c) for a multi-tenant sign, 250 square feet.
(G) The sign height may not exceed the greater of:
(1) 30 feet above frontage street pavement grade; or
(2) 6 feet above grade at the base of the sign.
Source: Section 13-2-867.
§ 25-10-131 ADDITIONAL FREESTANDING SIGNS PERMITTED.
(A) This section applies in the expressway corridor, downtown, and commercial sign districts.
(B) In this section, "lot" includes contiguous lots used for a single use or unified development.
(C) For a lot with total street frontage of more than 400 feet, two freestanding signs are permitted.
(D) For a lot fronting on two streets, one freestanding sign is permitted on each street.
(E) For a pad site within a unified development, one freestanding sign is permitted in addition to the other freestanding signs permitted by this chapter.
Source: Section 13-2-870.
§ 25-10-132 ROOF SIGN INSTEAD OF FREESTANDING SIGN.
(A) This section applies in the expressway corridor and commercial sign districts.
(B) A roof sign may be substituted for a freestanding sign.
(C) A roof sign may not exceed the lesser height of:
(1) five feet above the building facade; or
(2) five feet above the maximum height permitted for a freestanding sign.
Source: Section 13-2-871.
ARTICLE 8: SPECIAL SIGNS
§ 25-10-151 ADVERTISING SEARCHLIGHTS.
(A) A person may use an advertising searchlight if the building official issues a permit for the use.
(B) Except as provided in Subsection (C), the building official shall issue a permit for the use of an advertising searchlight if the applicant demonstrates compliance with this subsection.
(1) Not more than four beams of light may be projected from a lot.
(2) The aggregate light intensity of the searchlights on a lot may not exceed 1,600 million foot candles.
(3) A searchlight located within 25 feet of public right-of-way may not project beams at an angle of less than 30 degrees above grade.
(4) A searchlight may not:
(a) project a beam at a public right-of-way or adjoining property; or
(b) impair the vision of a driver of a vehicle.
(5) An advertising searchlight may not be operated between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
(6) An advertising searchlight may not be operated on a lot for more than 10 consecutive days.
(C) The building official may not issue a permit to operate an advertising searchlight at a location at which an advertising searchlight was used within the two months preceding the date of the permit application.
Source: Section 13-2-873.
§ 25-10-152 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
(A) A person may continue or maintain a nonconforming sign at its existing location.
(B) A person may not change or alter a nonconforming sign except as provided in this subsection.
(1) The face of the sign may be changed.
(2) The sign may be changed or altered if the change or alteration does not increase the degree of the existing nonconformity or increase the illumination of the sign.
(3) The sign may be relocated on a tract, if the building official determines that the relocated sign will not be hazardous, and the sign is:
(a) located on a tract that is partially taken by condemnation or partially conveyed under threat of condemnation; or
(b) moved to comply with other regulations.
(4) Except as provided in Subsection (B)(5), a nonconforming sign may be modified or replaced in the same location, if the modification or replacement reduces:
(a) the sign area by at least 20 percent;
(b) the height of the sign by at least 20 percent; or
(c) both sign area and height of the sign by an amount which, combined, is equal to at least 20 percent of the sign area and height.
(5) An off-premise sign may be modified or replaced only if:
(a) the modification or replacement reduces the sign area by at least 25 percent;
(b) the modified or replacement sign is constructed in the same location with the same type of materials and construction design as the original sign; and
(c) sign illumination is not directed into a property zoned or used for residential use.
(C) This subsection applies to a nonconforming sign that is damaged by accident, natural catastrophe, or the intentional act of a person other than the sign owner or land owner.
(1) The sign owner or land owner may repair the damaged sign if the cost of repairing the sign does not exceed 60 percent of the cost of installing a new sign of the same type in the same location. Otherwise, the sign owner or land owner shall remove the sign.
(2) The sign owner or land owner:
(a) must apply to the building official for a repair permit not later than the 30th day after the date of damage, and shall finish the repairs not later than the 90th day after the date the building official approves the permit application; or
(b) shall remove the sign.
(D) This subsection applies to the replacement or relocation of a nonconforming sign under Subsections (B)(3) through (B)(5).
(1) The sign owner or land owner may not replace or relocate the sign if it is dismantled before a permit authorizing the replacement or relocation is issued.
(2) The sign owner or land owner shall:
(a) finish the replacement or relocation of the sign not later than the 90th day following the date of dismantling; or
(b) remove the sign.
(E) The building official may not issue a permit for maintenance of a nonconforming sign if the maintenance cost exceeds 60 percent of the cost of installing a new sign of the same type in the same location.
(F) This subsection applies to an off-premise sign.
(1) The owner of the property on which the sign is located must register the sign every two years with the director.
(2) The owner shall provide information regarding the sign location, height, size, construction type, materials, setback from property boundaries, and illumination, on a form to be provided by the director.
(3) The owner shall initially register the sign by August 31, 1999, or within 180 days after the date the sign becomes subject to the City's planning jurisdiction, as applicable, and shall pay a registration fee set by separate ordinance.
(4) A person who fails to register a sign as required by this subsection commits an offense.
Source: Section 13-2-854; Ord. 990225-57; Ord. 010419-11.
§ 25-10-153 SIDEWALK SIGN IN DOWNTOWN SIGN DISTRICT.
(A) A sidewalk sign is permitted in the downtown sign district.
(B) The building official shall issue a sign installation permit for a sidewalk sign if the sign complies with this section.
(1) The sign must be located:
(a) on a sidewalk directly in front of a building that is not set back from public right-of-way; or
(b) for a unified development, on a sidewalk directly in front of the applicant's business.
(2) An applicant must provide the building official with proof of:
(a) an insurance policy protecting the City from liability arising from installation, use, or maintenance of the sign, in accordance with the requirements of Section 25-10-235 (Insurance); and
(b) indemnification of the City for liability arising from the installation, use or maintenance of the sign.
(3) A sign may be displayed at a designated location on the sidewalk only during the hours the business it advertises is open to the public.
(4) A business may not use more than one sidewalk sign.
(5) A sidewalk sign may not be:
(a) more than four feet high; or
(b) wider than the lesser of one-third the width of the sidewalk, or 30 inches.
(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code to the contrary:
(1) a sidewalk sign may contain or use a supporting device placed on public right-of-way; and
(2) approval by the City Council of a license agreement for the use of public right-of-way is not required for a sidewalk sign.
Source: Section 13-2-875.
§ 25-10-154 SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN.
For each major entry to a multi-lot, master planned subdivision, two permanent subdivision identification signs with combined sign area of not more than 128 square feet are permitted.
Source: Section 13-2-872.
§ 25-10-155 URBAN FARM SIGN.
For an urban farm use, a sign is permitted that:
(1) is not more than four square feet in size;
(2) has a sign face not more than four feet wide; and
(3) is not more than four feet above grade.
Source: Ord. 000406-86.
ARTICLE 9: STREET BANNERS
§ 25-10-171 PERMITS.
(A) The building official may issue a permit for display of a street banner advertising a noncommercial or nonpolitical event, including a:
(1) charitable, humanitarian, or eleemosynary event;
(2) educational, scholastic, or artistic event;
(3) community or public interest activity; and
(4) the sale of goods or services in conjunction with an event the proceeds of which will primarily benefit a charitable, humanitarian, scholastic, or eleemosynary cause.
(B) The building official shall issue a street banner display permit after determining that:
(1) the street banner advertises an event described in Subsection (A);
(2) the proposed display location has been approved under Section 25-10-173 (Location);
(3) the street banner and the manner of installation comply with the requirements established by the Electric Utility Department; and
(4) installation of the street banner complies with all other applicable requirements of this Code.
(C) The building official may issue a street banner display permit subject to reasonable conditions concerning the location, mounting, duration, or manner of display.
(D) For a street banner proposed to be displayed at a location not previously approved under Section 25-10-173 (Location):
(1) the application to display the street banner must be accompanied by payment of an evaluation fee established by ordinance; and
(2) after evaluation of the location and before the building official may issue a street banner display permit, the applicant shall pay the City a nonrefundable fee established by ordinance to reimburse the expenses of labor, materials, and equipment incurred to establish a street banner location.
(E) The building official may suspend or revoke a street banner display permit for a violation of this Code, the conditions of the permit, or other applicable law.
Source: Sections 13-2-874(b), (c), (d), (h), and (i).
§ 25-10-172 RESTRICTIONS.
(A) An event or activity may not be advertised at more than three locations. A street banner for an event or activity may not be displayed more than 14 days at one location during a 12 month period.
(B) A street banner display permit is a license that does not confer a property right on the permittee with respect to occupancy of public right-of-way. A person may not assign or transfer a street banner display permit.
Source: Sections 13-2-874(f) and (d).
§ 25-10-173 LOCATION.
(A) The building official, in consultation with the Electric Utility Department, may establish a location for display of a street banner if the building official determines that:
(1) display at the proposed location is feasible considering the placement of utility poles, installation of mounting brackets, or other necessary fixtures;
(2) display at the proposed location will not produce a public safety hazard;
(3) display at the proposed location is consistent with existing land uses in the area;
(4) display at the proposed location is consistent with other applicable laws and ordinances, including those regarding scenic views or historic preservation;
(5) the Electric Utility Department has inspected the proposed site and has not found a technical, logistical, or safety problem with display at the proposed location; and
(6) the applicant has agreed in writing that all accessions or improvements added to establish a display location shall be the property of the Electric Utility Department.
Source: Section 13-2-874(g).
§ 25-10-174 INSTALLATION.
(A) The Electric Utility Department shall install a street banner after:
(1) the applicant delivers the street banner to the Electric Utility Department; and
(2) the Electric Utility Department verifies that:
(a) the building official has approved the street banner display permit; and
(b) the street banner complies with street banner specifications.
(B) An improvement or accession installed at a display location becomes the property of the Electric Utility Department.
Source: Section 13-2-874(e) and (j).
§ 25-10-175 REMOVAL; DESTRUCTION.
(A) The building official or the Electric Utility Department may remove a street banner that:
(1) is displayed after expiration of the street banner display permit; or
(2) in the opinion of the building official or the Electric Utility Department, creates a public safety hazard;
(3) was installed in the public right-of-way without a permit; or
(4) is illegal.
(B) The building official may destroy a street banner:
(1) after the 10th day following the expiration of the street banner display permit, if the street banner is removed under Subsection (A)(1) or (A)(2) and not reclaimed by the permittee; or
(2) immediately, if the street banner is removed under Subsection (A)(3) or (A)(4).
Source: Sections 13-2-874(k) and (l).
ARTICLE 10: SETBACK AND STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
§ 25-10-191 SIGN SETBACK REQUIREMENTS.
(A) A sign installed in compliance with this section is not required to comply with building setback requirements established elsewhere in this title.
(B) A sign support 12 inches or less in diameter is not required to be set back from a public right-of-way.
(C) A sign support more than 12 inches and not more than 24 inches in diameter must be set back at least three feet from a public right-of-way.
(D) A sign support more than 24 inches and not more than 36 inches in diameter must be set back at least five feet from the public right-of-way.
(E) A sign support more than 36 inches in diameter must be set back at least 12 feet from the public right-of-way.
(F) Except for a wall sign, a sign within 12 feet of a public right-of-way must have either:
(1) a height of not more than 30 inches; or
2) a clearance of at least nine feet.
Source: Section 13-2-886.
§ 25-10-192 STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS.
(A) Except for a wall sign, a sign must be designed, installed, and maintained so that it will withstand a horizontal pressure of 30 pounds per square foot of exposed surface.
(B) A lighted sign:
(1) may not produce glare visible to vehicle drivers; and
(2) must be visually separated from traffic signs, signals, and devices.
Source: Section 13-2-887.
ARTICLE 11: INSTALLATION PERMITS
§ 25-10-211 SIGN INSTALLATION PERMIT REQUIRED.
(A) A person may not install, move, structurally alter, or structurally repair a sign unless the building official has issued a sign installation permit. This prohibition does not apply to:
(1) a sign described in Section 25-10-101 (Signs Allowed In All Sign Districts Without An Installation Permit); or
(2) routine maintenance, nonstructural repair, or re-facing of an existing sign.
(B) The fee for a sign installation permit is established by separate ordinance and is nonrefundable.
(C) For an electrical sign, an electric permit is required before:
(1) a person may install, move, structurally alter, or structurally repair the sign; or
(2) the building official may issue an installation permit for the sign.
Source: Section 13-2-900.
§ 25-10-212 EXPIRATION AND EXTENSION OF SIGN INSTALLATION PERMIT.
(A) Except as provided in Subsection (B), a sign installation permit expires on the 180th day after the permit is granted unless the applicant requests a final inspection before the permit expires.
(B) The building official may grant a single 90 day extension of a sign installation permit if the applicant requests an extension before the permit expires.
(C) If an extension is granted under Subsection (B), the permit expires on the 270th day after the permit is granted unless the applicant requests a final inspection before the permit expires.
Source: Section 13-2-902.
ARTICLE 12: REGISTRATION
§ 25-10-231 REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
(A) Except as provided in this section, a person may not install, move, structurally alter, structurally repair, or maintain a sign unless the person is registered with the building official in accordance with this article.
(B) The registration requirement of Subsection (A) does not apply to:
(1) an employee of a person who is registered; or
(2) a person who:
(a) paints or refaces an existing sign;
(b) installs or maintains a sign authorized under Section 25-10-101 (Signs Allowed In All Sign Districts Without An Installation Permit);
(c) installs individual components of a wall sign not attached to each other as part of a larger sign, if each component is less than 32 square feet in size, securely affixed to a building, fence, or wall, and not more than three inches thick;
(d) installs or maintains a freestanding sign that is not more than eight feet in height; or
(e) installs a sidewalk sign.
Source: Sections 13-2-905 and 13-2-875(d)(2).
§ 25-10-232 REGISTRATION FEE.
An applicant must pay a registration fee in the amount established by separate ordinance when the applicant files an application for the registration required by this article.
Source: Section 13-2-910.
§ 25-10-233 PREREQUISITES; EXPIRATION; NONTRANSFERABLE.
(A) The indemnification agreement and proof of insurance required by this article is a prerequisite to registration.
(B) Registration expires on December 31 of each calendar year.
(C) Registration under this article is not transferable.
Source: Section 13-2-906.
§ 25-10-234 INDEMNIFICATION.
A registrant shall:
(1) indemnify the City from all liability arising from the person's activities or operations; and
(2) pay all expenses incurred in defending against a claim made against the City.
Source: Section 13-2-907.
§ 25-10-235 INSURANCE.
A registrant shall purchase and maintain at all times insurance for bodily injury and property damage liability in amounts and with the coverages, terms, and conditions required by rules promulgated by the City Manager in accordance with Chapter 1-2 (Adoption Of Rules) of the Code.
Source: Section 13-2-908.
§ 25-10-236 REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION.
(A) The Sign Review Board may suspend or revoke the registration of a person after determining that the person is guilty of:
(1) fraud or deceit in registering under this article;
(2) allowing a person other than the registrant who obtained the sign installation permit, or an employee acting under the direct supervision of that person, to perform work for which that permit is required;
(3) gross negligence, incompetency, or misconduct in the performance of sign work;
(4) intentionally making a false or misleading material statement on the application for a sign installation permit or in providing facts to support the building official's determination that a particular sign is a nonconforming sign;
(5) installing, moving, or structurally altering or repairing a sign in violation of this chapter; or
(6) failing to maintain the insurance required by this article.
(B) This subsection prescribes the procedure by which the Sign Review Board shall determine whether a registrant has violated a provision of Subsection (A).
(1) If the Sign Review Board receives sworn information alleging a violation from a person of sound mind and legal age, the Sign Review Board shall determine whether the information is sufficient to support further action in its part.
(2) If the Sign Review Board determines that the information supports further action, it shall schedule a public hearing on the allegation.
(3) Notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing shall be mailed to the registrant by registered mail, not less than 15 days before the date of the hearing.
(4) The registrant may appear in person or be represented by counsel to present a defense to the Sign Review Board. If the registrant does not appear, the Sign Review Board may hear evidence and make a determination on the allegation in the registrant's absence.
(5) If the registrant admits the violation, or if the Sign Review Board, by at least a two-thirds vote, determines that the allegation is true, the Sign Review Board shall suspend or revoke the registration. A suspension shall be for a period of not less than 30 days and not more than 180 days.
(6) When the Sign Review Board has completed its hearing, it shall file a record of its determination with the City Clerk and forward a certified copy of its finding and decision to the registrant.
(C) The Board's decision may be appealed to the City Council in accordance with Chapter 25-1, Article 7, Division 1 (Appeals).
(D) A person whose registration is revoked may not register for a period of one year after the revocation.
Source: Section 13-2-909.