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Sign Ordinance Memo to P&Z (704-C discussion item) City of Southlake Department of Planning M E M O R A N D U M March 11, 2005 TO: Planning & Zoning Commission FROM: Ken Baker, Planning Director SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 704-C, Discussion of proposed amendments to the Sign Ordinance 704-B. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Purpose of the Item: Discuss proposed amendments to the Sign Ordinance. Background: Staff has prepared amendments to the Sign Ordinance for City Council’s consideration. These amendments result from concerns raised by City Council regarding the duration and size of banner signs and the allowable coverage area of window signage. The proposed amendments are as follows: 1) Reduce the maximum area and length of duration for banner signs; 2) Revise the definition for window signs; and 3) Reduce the area permitted, set a maximum area, and restrict the sign area for window signage. Summary of Amendments: Reduce the maximum area and length of duration for banner signs. The current regulations for banner signs allow a maximum area of 0.5 square feet for every one foot of width of building or lease space not to exceed fifty (50) square feet for duration of maximum fifteen (15) days, twice per calendar year with a sixty (60) day separation between permits. Several concerns have been expressed that the 50 square foot limit and the maximum 15 day duration are more than sufficient. As a result, Section 21 of the ordinance has been amended to read as follows (See page 13 of Ordinance 704-C – Attachment A): A. BANNER 1. PERMITTED SIGN STRUCTURE: Attached 2. MODIFICATIONS TO GENERAL REGULATIONS: a. MAXIMUM AREA: 0.5 square feet for every one foot of width of building or lease space not to exceed fifty (50) square feet. 0.5 square feet for every one foot of width of building or lease space not to exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. b. MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SIGNS: One (1) per site c. DURATION: Maximum fifteen (15) days, twice per calendar year Memo to P&Z 1 02/11/05 with a sixty (60) day separation between permits. Maximum ten (10) days, twice per calendar year with a sixty (60) day separation between permits. Revise the definition for window signs The current definition for window sign is, “Any sign located on the internal and/or external surface of the window, or is located within two feet (2’) of the window, of any establishment.” The Sign Ordinance regulates all window signs that meet this definition. However, several business establishments within the City have circumvented the ordinance requirements by placing signage just beyond the 2-foot distance. Therefore, the definition for window signs (Section 1.A) has been revised to increase the distance from two (2) feet to five (5) feet (See page 4 of Ordinance 704-C – Attachment A): SIGN, WINDOW: Any sign located on the internal and/or external surface of the window, or is located within two feet (2') of the window, of any establishment. Any sign located on the internal and/or external surface of the window, or is located within six feet (6') of the window, of any establishment. Reduce the area permitted, set a maximum area, and restrict the sign area to an individual window unit Window signs currently are allowed to obscure no more that fifteen percent (15%) of the window area per façade. Window signs do not require a permit so enforcement is quite difficult. By requiring the window sign area be determined per individual window rather than window area per façade, enforcement of the Sign Ordinance would be greatly simplified and the sign area reduced (See page 15 of Ordinance 704-C & Appendix B of Ordinance 704-C - Attachment A): D. WINDOW SIGN Window signs may not obscure more than fifteen percent (15%) of the window area per facade, measured and located within ten (10) vertical feet from the at-grade exterior entrance to the lease space. The area of the sign shall be measured by the smallest box that could be drawn around the continuity of the sign (see Appendix ‘B’ for further clarification). No illuminated window signs shall be allowed within two feet of the window glazing except for open/closed signs 1. PERMITTED SIGN STRUCTURE: Window Sign (as defined in Section 1.A) 2. MODIFICATIONS TO GENERAL REGULATIONS: a. MAXIMUM AREA: Window signs may not obscure more than ten percent (10%) of the window area per each individual window not to exceed eight (8) square feet per window, measured and located within ten (10) vertical feet from the at-grade exterior entrance to the building or the lease space. The total area permitted for window signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet per façade. The area of the sign shall be measured by the smallest box that could be drawn around the Memo to P&Z 2 02/11/05 continuity of the sign (see Appendix ‘B’ for further clarification). b. ILLUMINATION: No illuminated window signs shall be allowed except for open/closed signs. Staff Concerns: Staff believes that these proposed amendments will result in numerous violations throughout the City. As a result, prior to a public hearing on this item, staff desires to hold a public forum with local business owners to inform them on the proposed changes. The purpose of the meeting would be to encourage voluntary conformance. After the public forum, staff would bring the amended Sign Ordinance to Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council for consideration. Attachment A: Proposed Ordinance 704-C Memo to P&Z 3 02/11/05