Item 7ACity of Southlake, Texas
MEMORANDUM
November 15, 2006
To: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
From: Ken Baker, AICP, Planning Director
Subject: First Reading of Ordinance 704 -C — City of Southlake Sign Ordinance.
Action
Requested: Conduct first reading of Ordinance 704 -C.
Background: Based on discussions with the Planning and Zoning Commission, public
input, and City Council, staff is proposing major amendments to Ordinance
704 -B. Attached with this memo is the current draft (dated November 15,
2006) of Ordinance 704 -C which includes the input from the August 24
2006 Joint City Council and P &Z work session:
• Changes to standards of "for sale /leasing signs" for new development and
existing development
• Elimination of the logo allowance of 125% of letter height
• Allowance of light pole banners within parks
• Submittal requirements for Master Sign Plans to include sign placement
information with the building context
At their meeting on September 21 2006; P &Z recommended Approval (6 -0)
as presented, with the following conditions:
• Real estate /leasing signs to be limited to 3x4 (12 sq. ft.) in area, 5' in
height and with 4" posts.
• Staff to come up with a design palette for a standard real estate
ground sign for Southlake for Council's review. This design would
specify the frame and post design only.
• Property owners may only have their leasing information on an
existing monument sign or have the standard ground sign as
established by the City but NOT on both.
• Logo height to be a maximum of 125% of the permitted letter height.
At the November 7, 2006 City Council meeting, staff presented design
options for existing building for sale /leasing signs based on P &Z
recommendations. The attached ordinance incorporates standards for semi-
permanent existing building for sale /leasing ground signs based on Council's
direction.
In addition, staff has confirmed with several sign vendors that the
recommended material palette for the leasing signs is available through
multiple sources.
In addition to the changes based on the November 7, 2006 meeting, staff is
proposing two options to deal with existing real estate signs (that will become
non - conforming with the adoption of 704 -C) based on recommendations
from the City Attorney's office:
Option 1 : Allow all existing real estate signs (as permitted under 704 -B) to
exist for a period of one (1) year after the adoption of 704 -C after which they
shall all have to be removed and /or replaced with the newly defined
"Existing Building For Sale/Leasing Ground Sign"
Option 2 : Allow all existing real estate signs (as permitted under 704 -B) to
exist for a period of one (1) year after the adoption of 704 -C after which they
shall all have to be removed and /or replaced with the newly defined
"Existing Building For Sale/Leasing Ground Sign" based on the decision
of a SIGN CONTROL BOARD as required by Chapter 216 of the Texas
Local Government Code (see Section 10 on page 33 of the attached
ordinance).
Financial
Considerations: None
P & Z Review: August 17, 2006 Recommended Approval (6 -0)
Legal Review: Yes
Supporting
Documents: Attachment 1 — Final Draft of Ordinance 704 -C dated November 15, 2006
Staff
Contact: Ken Baker, 748 -8067
2
Attachment 1
Final Draft
Ordinance 704 -C
ORDINANCE NO. 704 -C
SIGN ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 704 -B, THE
COMPREHENSIVE ORDINANCE REGULATING SIGNS WITHIN THE
CITY LIMITS OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS; PROVIDING A TITLE;
PROVIDING FOR PURPOSE AND INTENT FOR THE ADOPTION OF
THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR AMENDED DEFINITIONS;
PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR STANDARDS
FOR TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR
STANDARDS FOR SIGNS REQURING PERMITS AND NOT REQURING
PERMITS; PROHIBITING CERTAIN SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR
EXEMPT SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR MASTER
SIGN PLANS; ALLOWING NONCOMMERCIAL (IDEOLOGICAL)
COPY ON SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR ADMINISTRATION AND
ENFORCEMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND
REVOCATION OF SIGN PERMITS; PROVIDING FOR THE REMOVAL
OF SIGNS; PROVIDING FOR APPEALS AND VARIANCES;
PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF
ALL ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE;
PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS HEREOF;
PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION
IN PAMPHLET FORM; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Southlake, Texas is a home rule city acting under its charter
adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter
9 of the Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Southlake previously adopted Ordinance
No. 704 -B as the Comprehensive Sign Ordinance of the City the provisions of which have been
codified as Chapter 15.5 of the Southlake City Code; and
WHEREAS, the City staff has recommended several amendments to Ordinance No. 704-
B; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has heretofore developed and adopted a comprehensive
plan guiding the orderly and proper growth of the City in order to promote the public health,
safety, welfare and aesthetics; and
DRAFT November 15, 2006
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the orderly and uniform regulation of signs is a
substantial factor in guiding the attractive and aesthetic development of properties in accordance
with the comprehensive plan and thereby avoiding detrimental impacts of signs on the
appearance of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council further finds that the regulations adopted herein allow for
a reasonable use of signs by businesses, residences and other properties for advertisement,
dissemination of protected speech and other purposes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council deems it necessary to amend Ordinance No. 704 -B
in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
The Sign Ordinance of the City of Southlake is hereby amended and shall be and read as
set forth in Exhibit "A," attached hereto and incorporated by reference herein, which shall
replace in full the regulations contained in Ordinance 704 -B and Chapter 15.5 of the Southlalce
City Code.
SECTION 2.
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the City of
Southlalce, Texas, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the
provisions of such ordinances, in which event the conflicting provisions of such ordinances are
hereby repealed.
SECTION 3.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs and sections of this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid
judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not
affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this
DRAFT November 15, 2006 ii
ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the
incorporation in this ordinance of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph
or section.
SECTION 4.
Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to
comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be
fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each offense. Each day that a violation
is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 5.
All rights and remedies of the City of Southlake are expressly saved as to any and all
violations of the provisions of Ordinance No. 704 -B, Chapter 15.5 of the Southlake City Code,
or any other ordinances affecting the regulation of signs which have accrued at the time of the
effective date of this ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both
civil and criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be
affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts.
SECTION 6.
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby authorized to publish this ordinance
in book or pamphlet form for general distribution among the public, and the operative provisions
of this ordinance as so published shall be admissible in evidence in all courts without further
proof than the production thereof.
SECTION 7.
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby directed to publish the proposed
ordinance or its caption and penalty together with a notice setting out the time and place for a
public hearing thereon at least ten (10) days before the second reading of this ordinance, and if
this ordinance provides for the imposition of any penalty, fine or forfeiture for any violation of
any of its provisions, then the City Secretary shall additionally publish this ordinance or its
DRAFT November 15, 2006 iii
caption and penalty in the official City newspaper one time within ten days after passage of this
ordinance, as required by Section 3.13 of the Charter of the City of Southlake.
SECTION 8.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publication
as required by law, and it is so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON FIRST READING ON THIS DAY OF
, 2006.
MAYOR
ATTEST
CITY SECRETARY
PASSED AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING ON THIS DAY OF
, 2006.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY SECRETARY
EFFECTIVE:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
City Attorney
DRAFT November 15, 2006 iv
EXHIBIT A
Sign Ordinance
Table of Contents
Section 1 — Title 1
Section 2 — Purpose and Intent 1
Section 3 — Noncommercial Signs and Messages 1
Section 4 — Definitions 1
Section 5 — Applicability
5.1— Nonconforming Existing Sins
5.2 — Prohibited Signs
5.3 — Exemptions
5.4 — Limited Exemptions
Table I —Sign Regulations for Sims Exempt from the Requirement of a Sign Permit
9
9
9
10
11
11
Table 2 Standards for Window Signs
14
Section 6 — Pennitted Temporary Signs and Specific Sign Regulations
14
6.1 — Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit
14
Table 3 Regulations for Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit
15
Section 7 — Permanent Signs Requiring a Pernut
16
7.1 — Wind Pressure and Deadload Requirements
16
7.2 — Sign Regulations
16
Table 4 Attached Signs
16
Table 5 Special Attached Sign Standards
18
Table 6 Monument Signs for Businesses
19
Table 7 Special Monument Sign Standards
20
Section 8 — Master Sign Plans
23
8.1— Purpose
23
8.2 — Application Process
23
8.3 — Application Requirements
23
8.4 — Design Guidelines
24
Section 9 — Administration
29
9.1 — Role of the Administrative Official
29
9.2 — Sign Permit Required
29
9.3 — Application
29
9.4 — Fees
29
9.5 — Permit Expiration
30
9.6 — Appeals and Variances
30
9.7 — Responsibility for Enforcement
30
9.8 — Penalty for Violation
32
Section 10 — Sign Control Board (OPTION 2)
33-2
Section 11 - Severability
33
Section 142 — Conflicting Ordinances
3-24
Section 13-2 — Savings Clause
344
Section 144 — Publication Clause
344
Section 154 — Effective Date
344
Appendix A — Design Guidelines for Existing Building For Sale/Leasing Ground Signs
35
DRAFT November 15, 2006 v
SECTION 1. TITLE
This ordinance shall be known as the City of Southlake Sign Ordinance.
SECTION 2. PURPOSE AND INTENT
The purpose of this ordinance is to create the legal framework for a comprehensive and balanced system of signage
in the City. These regulations are intended to provide an easy and pleasant communication between people and their
environment and avoid visual clutter that is potentially harmful to traffic and pedestrian safety, property values,
business opportunities, and community appearance. In addition to protecting the health, welfare, and safety of the
community, these standards are adopted in order to:
2.1 Maintain and enhance the aesthetics of our community,
2.2 Enhance automobile and pedestrian safety;
2.3 Encourage the integration of signage with landscaping and building design;
2.4 Protect and enhance scenic views and natural landscapes,
2.5 Protect and enhance economic viability of the City's commercial corridors by assuring aesthetic appeal to
businesses and residents alike;
2.6 Promote the use of aesthetically pleasing sign materials, colors, and types; and
2.7 Require safe and effective signage.
SECTION 3. NONCOMMERCIAL SIGNS AND MESSAGES
Any sign that can be displayed under the provisions of this ordinance may contain a noncommercial message.
SECTION 4. DEFINITIONS
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL The department director
appointed by the City Manager to administer this Ordinance,
or the department director's designee.
ALTER To change the size, shape or outline, or type of sign
or to change the electrical lighting, except for the replacement
of lamps not brighter than the original or the replacement of a
surface panel.
ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL Any projection, articulation,
relief, cornice, column, change of building material, window,
or door opening on any building.
ATTACH To stick, tack, nail or otherwise affix a sign to any
object.
AWNING A cloth, plastic, or other nonstructural covering
that either is permanently attached to a building or can be
raised or retracted to a position against the building when not
in use.
BANNER See SIGN, BANNER.
BUILDING A structure which has a roof supported by walls
for the shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals, or
chattel.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (C.O.) An official
certificate issued by the City which indicates conformance
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
Example of an awning with a sign
Example of an awning with no sign
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Measuring setbacks and minimum distance
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Measuring distance from the edge ofpavement
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with building, zoning, and health and safety regulations and
authorizes legal use and occupancy of the premises for which
it is issued.
CIVIC ORGANIZATION An organization which offers
community programs to citizen, City or civic affairs groups.
COMMENCEMENT OF WORK For construction of a sign,
commencement of work shall be the point in time when the
sign has been delivered to the site and attachment to a building
has begun or holes are excavated for ground installation.
DILAPIDATED OR DETERIORATED CONDITION Any
sign which in the opinion of the Administrative Official has
any of the following characteristics:
(a) Where elements of the surface or background can be seen,
as viewed from the normal viewing distance, to have
portions of the finished material or paint flaked, broken
off, or missing, or otherwise not in harmony with the rest
of the surface, or
(b) Where the structural support or frame members are
visibly bent, broken, dented, or torn, or
(c) Where the panel is visibly cracked, or in the case of wood
and similar products, splintered in such a way as to
constitute an unsightly or harmful condition, or
(d) Where the sign or its elements are twisted or leaning or at
angles other than those at which it was originally erected
(such as may result from being blown or the failure of a
structural support), or
(e) Where the message or wording can no longer be clearly
read by a person with normal eyesight under normal
viewing conditions.
DISTANCE BETWEEN SIGNS The shortest straight line
horizontal distance between the nearest elements of signs.
DISTANCE FROM EDGE OF PAVEMENT The shortest
straight line horizontal distance from the edge of the street
pavement to a vertical line to the ground from the nearest
element of the sign.
DISTANCE FROM PROPERTY LINE (also Setback from
Property Line): The shortest horizontal distance from the
nearest property line to a vertical line to the ground from the
nearest element of the sign.
DISTANCE FROM R.O.W. Distance of signs from R.O.W.
shall mean the shortest horizontal distance from the nearest
R.O.W. to a vertical line to the ground from the nearest
element of the sign.
DONATION BIN - A bin or similar structure used for the
collection of clothes or non - perishable food items.
ERECT To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or
affix. This shall also include the painting of signs on the
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
exterior surface of a building or structure
FACADE Any separate face of a building, including parapet
walls and omitted wall lines, or any part of a building which
encloses or covers usable space. Where separate faces are
oriented in the same direction, or in the directions within 45
degrees of one another, they are to be considered as part of a
single facade.
FUND RAISER An activity that takes place for the sole
purpose of raising funds to support community service
organizations, public charities, or non - profit organizations.
HEIGHT. SIGN As applied to a sign, height shall be
measured as the vertical distance between the highest part of
the sign or its supporting structure, whichever is higher, and
finished grade at the center of the base of the sign.
HEIGHT. LETTER/LOGO The height of each individual
letter, logo, symbol, and/or icon in a sign.
ILLUMINATION The enhancement of a sign utilizing
electric lights, luminous tubes or other similar means.
LEASE SPACE An area of abuilding separated internally
and intended for use by an individual tenant.
LOGO Any registered or recognized symbol, letter, or
combination of symbols and letters used by an organization,
individual, company, or product for advertising to identify that
organization, individual, company, or product.
MASONRY MATERIALS Masonry materials include brick,
stucco, cement, concrete tilt wall, stone, rack, or other
masonry or materials of equal characteristics.
OBSOLETE Any sign which
(a) For at least 12 continuous months, does not identify or
advertise a bona fide business, lessor, service, owner,
product or activity on the premises on which the sign is
located; or
(b) If the premises is leased, relates to a tenant and at least
two years have elapsed since the date the most recent
tenant ceased to operate on the premises; or
(c) No legal owner can be found and relates to a use or
purpose that is no longer in existence.
OUTDOOR SALES OR SERVICES The offer or display for
sale of any goods, wares, merchandise or services on private
property separate and apart from the main building or at a
location where there is no preexisting principal use. The
goods, wares, merchandise or services offered for sale as
outdoor sales or services are normally not offered for sale in
the main building on the lot or in association with the principal
use.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
Measuring letter and logo height
Example of a logo
PAD SITE A tract, lot, or land lease intended for the single
use of a freestanding building typically adjacent to street
R.O.W. and may also be a portion of a tract or lot.
PUBLIC PROPERTY Any property which is owned by a
governmental entity. It shall also include property for which
the primary use is for the operations of a governmental entity.
RESIDENTIALLY ZONED PROPERTY: Any platted lot
within the RCS, SF -IA, SF -113, SF -2, SF -30A, SF -3013, SF-
20A, SF -2013, R -PUD, MF -1, and XT-2 zoning districts. Also
included in this definition are all residentially designated lots
in the DT, TZD and EC zoning districts.
RIGHT -OF -WAY (R.O.W): A strip of land, other than a
drainage or utility easement, occupied or intended to be
occupied by a street, crosswalk, railroad, road, electric
transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, water main, sanitary or
storm sewer main, or for another special purpose.
SCULPTED ALUMINUM PANEL An aluminum sign panel
with text or graphic depictions cut out from the panel,
typically with a translucent material covering the cut -out from
the inner side of the panel.
SETBACK The distance from the closest portion, whether
the support or edge of the sign, to the property line.
SIDEWALK: A pedestrian walkway that is grade- separated
from the adjacent street or drive when located adjacent to a
street or drive.
SIGHT TRIANGLE Refer to the Subdivision Ordinance.
The sight triangle shall also be applicable to drives.
SIGN Every sign, name, number, identification, description,
announcement, declaration, demonstration, device, display,
flag, banner, pennant, illustration, logo, balloon, streamer,
valance, advertising display, poster, beacon, light or insignia,
and structure supporting any of the same, affixed directly or
indirectly to or upon any building or outdoor structure, or
erected or maintained upon a piece of land, which directs
attention to any object, project, service, place, activity, person,
institution, organization, or business.
SIGN AREA A two - dimensional area on a building or other
permitted sign structure that is free of architectural details and
is the area that encompasses the proposed sign in its entirety.
SIGN AREA, AGGREGATE The sum total of all the
window and interior sign area on the aggregate window area
available per tenant.
SIGN. ATTACHED Any sign attached to, applied on, or
supported by any part of a building (including canopy fascia.,
walls and awnings) which encloses or covers usable space.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
Measuring sign area on a monument sign
Measuring sign area for an attached sign
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SIGN, ATTACHED BUSINESS: A permanent attached on-
site sign that is used to identify a business, profession,
organization, institution, service, activity or other
nonresidential use conducted, sold or offered on the site where
such sign is located. This sign may also identifv the name of
the site or development or may identify the occupants within
the site or development. A primary business sign is attached
to a facade facing a street or vehicular drivewav access.
SIGN, BANNER A temporary on -site sign made of cloth,
flexible plastic or canvas material.
SIGN BASE See sign, monument.
SIGN, BLADE An attached sign oriented perpendicular to the
face of the building which projects more than twelve (12)
inches beyond the surface of the building to which it is affixed
or supported.
SIGN, BUSINESS MONUMENT A permanent on -site
monument sign that is used to identify a business, profession,
organization, institution, service, activity or other
nonresidential use conducted, sold or offered on the site where
such sign is located. This sign may also identify the name of
the site or development or may identify the occupants within
the site or development.
SIGN, DEVELOPMENT /CONSTRUCTION A temporary
on -site ground sign that pertains to a new development that is
approved or under construction.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL A permanent on -site attached sign
intended to aid in vehicular movement on the site.
SIGN, DIRECTORY A permanent on -site attached or
monument sign providing direction to or identifying the
buildings in the development.
SIGN, DRIVE THROUGH A permanent on -site attached or
monument sign located immediately adjacent to, within, or
over a drive through lane that is associated with sales
conducted from an automobile.
SIGN, DRIVE THROUGH — NON -FOOD SERVICE A
drive through sign associated with sales from an automobile
that are not related to food service sales.
SIGN, EXISTING BUILDING FOR SALE/LEASING: An
on -site sign intended to advertise a building or buildings for
sale or lease after the building(s) have been occupied for a
year or more.
SIGN FACE The surface of one side of a sign.
SIGN, GARAGE/YARD SALE A temporary ground or
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
Example of a banner sign
Blade signs
banner sign intended to advertise garage sales or yard sales.
SIGN, GASOLINE PRICING A permanent on -site
monument sign which displays the price per gallon of fuel
sold by that business, and which may be periodically changed
to reflect changes in fuel prices.
SIGN, GOVERNMENT A sign erected by or on behalf of a
federal, state or local government or an agency thereof.
Lightpole banner sign
SIGN, GRAND OPENING BANNER A banner permitted
within 1 year of the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy
(C.O.) for a business.
SIGN, GROUND Any sign connected to the ground by legs,
poles, or other supports and which is not an attached, portable,
monument, or vehicular sign.
SIGN, HOLIDAY Any sign that is associated with the
celebration of a recognized holiday or celebration.
SIGN, HOME OCCUPATION An attached on -site sign at the
entrance of a home occupation.
SIGN, INSTITUTIONAL A permanent on -site sign used to
identify governmental and municipal agencies, public schools,
churches, or similar public institutions, and used to
communicate messages of importance to the general public.
SIGN, LAND A temporary on -site ground sign on vacant
land intended to advertise land for sale ^° to aEk ise a fiew
deNT ^„H„°^* r..; ^r *^ ^ ^ stfaeti &i jncluding unplatted tracts of
land.
SIGN, LIGHT POLE BANNER A banner sign attached to a
light pole along a public street or within a public park
SIGN, MENUBOARD A drive through sign associated with
menu and pricing for food services and may include an
audible speaker and microphone integral to the sign.
SIGN, MODEL HOME A temporary on -site real estate sign
identifying a homebuilder's model home open for inspection.
SIGN, MONUMENT Any sign which is connected to the
ground and which has no clear space for the full width of the
sign between the bottom of the sign and the surface of the
ground. A monument sign includes a sign face and sign
structure, and may also include a sign base and sign cap as
described below:
(a) SIGN BASE The above - ground foundation of the sign,
which includes the exposed concrete footing for the sign.
(b) SIGN FACE The surface of the sign in which the sign
message is located.
(c) SIGN STRUCTURE The structure surrounding the sign
face.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
Elements of a monument sign
(d) SIGN CAP A part of the sign structure located above the
sign face that is constructed of a different masonry
material and/or extends horizontally from the rest of the
sign structure.
Sign Panel
Roof sign
SIGN, NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR SALE/LEASING: A
temporary on -site sign intended to advertise a newly
constricted existing building or buildings for sale or lease.
SIGN, OFF -SITE A sign which directs attention to a
business, commodity, service, good, product, or entertainment
not related to the site upon which such sign is located or to
which it is affixed.
SIGN, ON -SITE Any sign, the content of which relates to the
site on which it is located, referring exclusively to businesses,
commodities, services, products, goods, or entertainment on
the site, or the sale, lease, or construction of those sites.
SIGN PANEL: Any separate, single panel or piece of material
containing a word or symbol legend or individual message that
is affixed to the face of a sign.
SIGN, PANEL REPLACEMENT The replacement of a panel
on an existing sign that does not alter the sign.
SIGN, PARKS AND RECREATION BANNER A banner
displayed on public park property.
SIGN PERMIT The official authorization by the City to
alter, erect, or display any sign not exempted by this
ordinance.
SIGN, POLITICAL A type of off -site sign which refers only
to the candidates or issues involved in a political election.
SIGN, PORTABLE Any sign which is not attached or
affixed to the ground, a building, vehicle, or other fixed
structure or object. Portable signs include those signs installed
on wheels, trailers, skids, and similar mobile structures.
SIGN, READERBOARD (electronic) A sign that utilizes
alternating electronic data control components.
SIGN, READERBOARD (manual) A sign comprised of non-
permanent letters, numerals or symbols, which allows a
change of sign copy by adding, removing or rearranging said
letters, symbols or numerals.
SIGN, RESIDENTIAL BUILDER A temporary on -site sign
identifying the builder or general contractor of a residential
construction site.
SIGN, RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE: A temporary on -site
sign identifying existing residential buildings and /or lots for
sale or lease on all residentially zoned and platted lots.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
For Sale /Lease sign
SIGN, ROOF Any sign that is:
(a) Erected on a vertical framework supported by and located
immediately and entirely over the roof of a building; or
(b) Attached to a fascia extending above or below the
projection of the fascia.; or
(c) Painted or otherwise affixed on a roof or
(d) Displayed above the eave line of a sloped roof or parapet
of a flat roof.
Aggrieffle 'window '
L area pe r tenant A do
Aggregate window area
SIGN, SANDWICH BOARD A portable sign consisting of
two panels of equal size, which are hinged at the top and
placed on the ground or pavement so as to be self - supporting.
SIGN, SPECIAL PURPOSE A temporary sign that is either
on -site or off -site that provides identification or information
pertaining to a special event or occurrence sponsored by a
non - profit or civic organization.
SIGN STRUCTURE See SIGN, MONUMENT.
SIGN, SUBDIVISION ENTRY Any permanent on -site sign
identifying a residential subdivision.
SIGN, SUBDIVISION MARKETING /OPEN HOUSE A
temporary sign used to market or advertise residential
subdivisions /open houses within the City and to direct
interested persons to the subdivision/open house location.
SIGN, TEMPORARY Any sign constructed of cloth, canvas,
light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, or other like materials, with
or without frames, and any type sign not permanently attached
to the ground, wall, or building, intended to be displayed for a
short period of time only.
SIGN, VEHICULAR Any sign which is ^reattached to
or supported by a vehicle or trailer, or is located within a
vehicle and is yet visible,-
SIGN, WINDOW Any sign leeate - affixed to anve44 the
internal and /or external surface of a window, or is located less
than ten (10') feet from the window of any establishment.
SITE A lot, tract or building pad.
STREET TYPOLOGY MAP The component of the City's
adopted Mobility & Master Thoroughfare Plan, a component
element of the Southlake 2025 Plan, showing street
typologies, which are overlay designations to the functional
classification system of the City's roadway network linking
street functionality with design priorities for all street types.
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE A structure without any
foundation or footings.
WINDOW AREA, AGGREGATE: The sum total of all the
window area on a facade per tenant.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
- _ r
Sandwich board sign
Subdivision entry sign
SECTION 5. APPLICABILITY
With the exception of the exemptions set forth in Section 5.3 of this ordinance, no sign shall be erected, altered, or
displayed within the City of Southlake without a duly approved sign permit.
5.1 NONCONFORMING EXISTING SIGNS
All signs that are lawfully in existence on the date of adoption of this ordinance may exist in their present
form, but no such signs shall be altered or moved unless a permit is issued pursuant to the provisions of this
ordinance. Permits granted prior to the passage of this ordinance shall be renewed only if the applicant
complies with all provisions of this ordinance.
Any legal, non - conforming sign which has been substantially destroyed or dismantled for any purpose other
than maintenance shall be deemed as completely destroyed if the cost of repairing the sign is more than 60%
of the cost of erecting a new sign of the same type at the same location. Under this provision, the sign shall be
removed and a permit shall be required to erect a new sign.
5.2 PROHIBITED SIGNS
All of the following signs are prohibited unless approved by City Council.
5.2.1 Signs attached to light fixtures, poles, curbs, sidewalks, gutters, streets, utility poles, public buildings,
fences, railings, public telephone poles, or trees.
5.2.2 Signs which prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
5.2.3 Signs erected or displayed in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision at any location, street,
intersection, or driveway. All signs placed at any intersection shall prevent such problem by observing
a sight triangle as provided for in Section 4 'Definitions."
5.2.4 Any sign which interferes with vehicular or pedestrian traffic as a result of the position, size, shape,
movement, color, fashion, manner, or intensity of illumination or any other characteristics causing
such interference. No person shall erect or allow to be displayed any sign in such a manner as to
interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device,
including, without limitation, signs making use of the words "stop," "go," "look," "slow," "danger," or
any other similar word, phrase, symbol or character, or employ any red, yellow, green, or other colored
lamp or light in such a manner as to cause confusion or otherwise interfere with vehicular or pedestrian
traffic.
5.2.5 Signs erected or displayed on or over public right -of -way (R.O.W) or other public property, unless the
same be erected by the City, County, State or other authorized governmental agency, or with the
permission of the City, for public purposes.
5.2.6 Signs directly painted on buildings, except for signs less than a five (5) square foot area used for
building identification.
5.2.7 Obscene signs in which the dominant theme of material taken as a whole appeals to a prurient interest
in sex, or is patently offensive because it affronts community standards relating to the description or
representation of sexual matters, and is utterly without redeeming social value.
5.2.8 Portable signs, with the exception of sandwich board signs which comply with the regulations set forth
in Section 6.
5.2.9 Signs with exposed neon tube, except for open/closed window signs.
5.2.10 Signs illuminated to such intensity or in such a manner as to cause a glare or brightness to a degree that
it constitutes a hazard or nuisance to traffic.
5.2.11 Signs that move or flash or have moving or flashing components; signs that are intermittently lighted
or have changing colors, signs that revolve; or any other similarly constructed signs.
5.2.12 lluminated signs erected or displayed within one - hundred fifty (150) feet of a single - family
residentially zoned property unless the lighting is shielded from view of the residentially zoned
property and indirect light does not exceed the intensity as specified in Lighting Ordinance No. 693 -13,
as amended.
5.2.13 Roof signs.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006
5.2.14 Any sign attached to a trailer, skid, or similar mobile structure, where the primary use of such structure
is to provide a base for such sign or to constitute the sign itself. This provision shall not be interpreted
to prohibit identification signs on vehicles used for business purposes, nor shall it be interpreted to
prohibit bumper stickers.
5.2.15 Any sign not specifically permitted by this ordinance.
5.3 EXEMPTIONS
The following signs are exempt from the requirements of this ordinance:
5.3.1 Warning and security signs, including signs placed by a public utility for the safety, welfare, or
convenience of the public, including, but not limited to signs identifying high voltage, public
telephone, or underground cables.
5.3.2 Government signs and signs for non - profit organizations sponsored by government including flags,
insignia, legal notices, informational, directional, and traffic signs which are legally required or
necessary to the essential functions of government agencies.
5.3.3 "No Dumping" and "No Trespassing" signs, less than two (2) square feet in area per sign face.
5.3.4 Signs in public parks placed inside ball field fencing by the City, which are intended for advertising to
raise funds for recreation programs which have copy on only one face with the copy facing toward the
interior of the field.
5.3.5 Signs attached to a temporary structure utilized specifically for outdoor sales or services or any other
signs which are approved in a specific use permit authorizing the outdoor sales or services.
5.3.6 Signs attached to a donation bin.
5.3.7 Signs associated with fund raisers /sales, provided that the activity is an authorized accessory use as
defined in Zoning Ordinance 480 as amended.
5.3.8 Non - illuminated names of buildings, dates of erection, monument statues, commemorative tablets and
the like when carved into stone, concrete, metal, or any other permanent type of construction and made
an integral part of an allowed structure or made flush to the ground. Monumental commemorative
sculpture and/or graphic art in any medium and including images depicting real or allegorical persons,
non - commercial themes or symbols, historical scenes and events or idealized scenes, and inscribed
dedications or quotations, permanently attached to and incorporated into the overall design of all or
part of one or more facades of a community center, religious institution, school, library, museum,
hospital, or similar public or private, non - profit, institutional or civic structures.
5.3.9 Any traffic sign, public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law,
regulation, or ordinance.
5.3.10 Traffic control signs on private property, such as Stop, Yield, and similar signs, and which contain no
commercial message.
5.3.11 Address signs no greater than five (5) square feet in area. Address signs in excess of five (5) square
feet in area shall be considered attached business signs and shall be counted toward the area of signage
permitted on a building fagade or monument sign.
5.3.12 Retail store window displays of merchandise, freestanding three - dimensional promotional items (with
or without proprietary words or symbols solely describing the merchandise and/or merchandise that is
sold in the store), and/or display fixtures not affixed to windowpanes.
5.3.13 Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 10
5.4 LIMITED EXEMPTIONS
The following signs are exempt from the requirement for a sign permit as long as they meet the corresponding standards, as listed in Tables 1 and 2.
Table 1: Summary of Sign Regulations for Signs Exempt from the Requirement of a Sign Permit
1. The angle for V- shaped ground signs shall not exceed 90 degrees.
2. Temporary ground signs may be displayed at or behind the property line. Temporary ground signs may not be displayed on public R.O.W., including
medians.
3. For temporary ground signs, sign height is measured as the vertical distance between the grade of the closest roadway surface and the top of the sign.
Type of Sign
Temporary/
Sign Structure
Maximum
Maximum
Number of Signs
Duration/Time Limitation
Other Standards
Permanent
Permitted/
Sign
Sign Area
T
Hei ht
1. Model Home
Temporary
Ground
5 feet
64 s.f. for a
1 per site
Must be removed upon sale
Sign
two -sided
of the house.
sign; 32 s.f.
p er sign face
2. Development/
Temporary
Ground
5 feet for a
64 s.f.; 32 s.f.
1 per street frontage
May be installed after
Construction
two -sided
per sign face
approval of a site plan or
Sign
sign or 7
for a two-
concept plan. Sign must be
feet for a
sided sign or
removed within 1 year of
one -sided
48 s.f. for a
erection or upon issuance of a
sign
one -side sign
C.O. for all buildings on the
site.
3. Subdivision
Temporary
Ground
3 feet
8 s.f.; 4 s.f.
1 on -site sign. Not
Signs may be displayed
All signs must
Marketing Sign/
per sign face
to exceed 4 off -site
between noon on Friday to 5
display the
Open House Sign
signs.
am Monday, prohibiting
telephone number
placement between 4 pm and
of the real estate
8 pm Friday and requiring
broker, sales agent,
pickup prior to 6 am on
homeowner, or
Monday.
builder.
4. Residential
Temporary
Ground
3 feet
8 s.f.; 4 s.f.
1 per site
After issuance of building
Builder Sign
per sign face
permit must be removed
upon issuance of CO.
c For S
C le+
Tempofafy
n14ae4e,a-+
gF8t1PA
ref
gF8t1PA
s
i , ,,,a si g14 Pe
site p er - s t oo.
N li b
O .. ,,,a,...
s4a ll also
n ..oar le
e id
Pg 6f�_
Femov edwithi vew o
.io; f�lo �.
sstlaRee
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 11
Type of Sign
Temporary/
Permanent
Sign Structure
Permitted/
T
Maximum
Sign
Hei ht
Maximum
Sign Area
Number of Signs
Duration/Time Limitation
Other Standards
elesest
st�
64 32
gal
te
s.f.' s.f.
pf-op
10% t1 0
G
for- all 44e
,a;
pfepeAies
ee o
pAow area..
65. Existing
Building For
Sale/Leasing
Sign
Temporary
or
Permanent
Ground
5 feet plus
924 s.f.: 412
1 ground sign per
No limitation
c,.,.__f,1 4 effs
fesh 1
f+ me3 to ^ ip,
a maximum
s.f. per sign
face
site per street
frontage and one
window sign per
lease space
of a 9 inch
finial on
top of each
metal posts .. 4
d eeff „ t ;.,o r;„;„ 15
Si_„ r, sh
be
metal E)F H+e4a4
Ap4s4es be
s4 a ll
iiiSee Appendix
A for standards.
• Window sign
shall not exceed
10% of the
window area.
6. Residential
Real Estate Sin
Temporary
Ground
5 feet
8 s.f.: 4 s.f.
er si n face
1 ground sign per
No limitation
site
7. Land Sign
Temporary
Ground
5 feet as
measured
from the
finished
grade of
the street in
64 s.f.: 32 s.f.
1 sign per street
frontage.
Shall be removed when a
per sign face
building permit is obtained
for development on the
subject property.
front of the
sie.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 12
Type of Sign
Temporary/
Sign Structure
Maximum
Maximum
Number of Signs
Duration/Time Limitation
Other Standards
Permanent
Permitted/
Sign
Sign Area
T
Hei ht
68. Garage/Yard
Temporary
Ground
3 feet
8 s.f.; 4 s.f.
4 per sale; not more
Noon on Thursday to noon
Sale Sign
per sign face
than 3 off -site signs
on Monday or any legal
with only one sign
holiday. Not to exceed twice
per sale along any
per year.
one of the numbered
highways (1709,
1938, 114)
-79. Political Sign
Temporary
Attached or
8 feet
72 s.f.; 36 s.f.
No limit
Signs associated with an
Ground
per sign face
election must be removed
within 7 days after the
election.
810. Home
Permanent
Attached
NA
1 s.f.
1 per site
NA
Must be non-
Occupation Sign
illuminated. Shall
be mounted flat
against the wall at
the entrance of the
home occupation.
111. Replace
Temporary/
Monument,
No permit is
Sign Panel
Permanent
ground, or
required as long as
attached
the sign is not
altered (see
definition of
"alter").
192. Vehicular
Temporary/
Vehicular
NA
NA
NA
Vehicles parked overnight
Sign
Permanent
shall not be located in front
of the building or lease space
and, when possible, shall be
located to the rear or side of
the building not facing a
public street. Vehicles may
be parked in front of the lease
space during active business
hours for loading and
unloading only.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 13
Table 2: Standards for Window Signs
Window signs that meet the following standards shall be exempt from permit requirements. Window signs that do not meet the following standards shall be
prohibited unless approved as part of a Master Sign Plan.
Number of signs
p er window"
Maximum Aggregate Area*
for all si na e
Comments
4
10% of the window area
The following shall be exempt from this limitation:
• Addresses, closed/open signs, hours of operation, credit card logos, real estate signs, and now hiring
signs
O lease ,,,,,a f r sale to ,,, ao
s aff4xed afi)
• Mannequins and storefront displays of merchandise sold.
• Interior directory si na e identifying shopping aisles and merchandise display areas.
SECTION 6: PERMITTED TEMPORARY SIGNS AND SPECIFIC SIGN REGULATIONS
6.1 TEMPORARY SIGNS REQUIRING A PERMIT
The sign regulations for temporary signs requiring a permit are outlined in Table 3.
. An individual window is defined as an area of fenestration that is totally bounded by the principal building material and may include all transparent and
translucent areas of windows and doors.
Aggregate sign area is defined as a sum total of all the window and interior sign area on the aggregate window area available per tenant.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 14
Table 3: Regulations for Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit
Sign Type
Permitted
Max.
Maximum Sign
Number of'
Location/
Duration
Additional Regulations
Sign
Sign
Face Area
Signs
Minimum
Structure
Hei ht
Setback
1. Banner
Attached
NA
0.5 s.f. for every 1
1 per lease
Attached to the
15 days, twice per
The width of the sign shall not
foot of width of
space
building
calendar year with a
exceed the storefront width.
building or lease
60 day separation
space, but not
between permits
limited to less than
20 s.f. and not to
exceed 60 s.f.
2. Grand
Attached
NA
0.75 s.f. for every 1
1 per street
Attached to the
15 days. Maybe
Permitted in addition to the two
Opening
foot of width of
frontage
building
displayed one time
banner permits allowed in a calendar
Banner
building or lease
within 1 year of
year.
space, but not
issuance of CO.
The width of the sign shall not
limited to less than
exceed the storefront width.
30 s.f. and not to
exceed 80 s.f.
3. Special
Attached or
9 feet for
64 s.f.; 32 s.f. per
5 off -site signs
At or behind the
21 days, must be
For events sponsored by non - profit
Purpose Sign
ground
ground
sign face
and 1 on -site
property line; not
removed within 3
and civic organizations. The angle
signs
sign
to be placed on
days after termination
for V- shaped signs shall not exceed
public ROW.
of event. No more
90 degrees.
than twice a year.
4. Banners
Attached or
NA
72 sq.ft.
3 per public
Cannot be placed
15 days per permit,
All banners in public parks shall be
in Public
ground
(maximum)
park
within any public
with a total of 2
approved by the Community Services
Parks
R -O -W
permits approved
Department prior to application
consecutively
submittal to the Planning
Department.
5. Light Pole
Attached
NA
10 sq. ft. per sign
1 per light pole
NA
As approved by City
All light pole banners shall be
Banners
face
Council.
approved by the appropriate utility
company prior to consideration by
City Council. Light pole banners
shall be limited to publicize
community-wide events, holiday
celebrations, public art and other
city sponsored events.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 15
Sign Type
Permitted
Max.
Maximum Sign
Number of
Location/
Duration
Additional Regulations
Sign
Sign
Face Area
Signs
Minimum
Structure
Hei ht
Setback
6. Sandwich
NA
4 feet
8 s.f.
1 per lease
Permitted only
Sign shall be
• Sign may not exceed 2 feet in
Board Signs
space
on sidewalks
removed every day
width.
along Main
Streets and
internal
after the business is
closed.
0 A minimum of 4 feet of
sidewalk shall remain clear.
driveways.
• Chalkboards may be used for
daily changing of messages. No
readerboards may be used.
7. New
Temporary
5 feet for
Ground Signs: 64
1 ground sign
At or behind the
Permit may be issued
- Attached
rground
sM
s.f.: 32 s.f. per sign
per site per
street frontage
property line: not
only after approval of
Construction
For
or ground
face for all non-
to be placed on
building permit and
and one
window sign
public ROW.
shall be removed one
Sale/Leasing
residential zone
Sign
districts.
year after erection of
the sign.
shall also be
allowed per
lease space for
commercial
properties, not
to exceed 10%
of the window
area.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 16
SECTION 7. PERMANENT SIGNS REQUIRING A PERMIT
7.1 WIND PRESSURE AND DEADLOAD REQUIREMENTS
All permanent signs shall be designed and constructed to withstand a wind pressure of not less than thirty (30) pounds per square foot of area and shall be
constructed to receive dead loads as required by the City's currently adopted Building Code. The sign permit application must include a statement signed
by the applicant which states compliance with this requirement.
7.2 SIGN REGULATIONS
The sign regulations for permanent signs requiring a permit are outlined in Tables 4 (Attached Signs), 5 (Special Attached Signs), and 6 (Monument Signs).
Table 4: Attached Signs
1. Each lease or tenant space shall be permitted only one attached building sign per street front with a maximum of two signs per tenant/lease space.
2. The dimensions of each of the two signs shall be based upon the street typology that the respective building fagade fronts on.
3. The distance from the edge of pavement shall be measured from the closest street which has clear visibility of the entire fagade /tenant space in question.
4. Each sign is limited in width to 75% of the single plane fagade.
5. Each sign shall be located in the middle 75% of the single plane fagade or centered on an articulated surface of the building fagade.
6. Signs may be illuminated with internal lighting. No exposed neon is permitted.
:74-he mw4wmm logo Wight foF aR affae4ed sign may be no more 04an 125%o of 04e max4wmm peFmiffed leffeF Wight.
Street Typology
Distance from
Maximum Letter Height
Maximum Area
Other Standards
Edge of Street
Lease space width
Sign Area per 1
Pavement
linear foot of
lease space
Freeways
< 100 feet from
24"
< 20 feet
1.20
Maximum sign area
(S.H. 114)
frontage road
21 feet— 30 feet
1.00
of 400 s.f.
>100 feet from
For every foot over 100 feet, letter /logo height
31 feet — 50 feet
0.80
frontage road
increases at a rate of 0.1" until a maximum of 42"
> 50 feet
0.70
Regional Boulevards
< 100 feet
18"
< 20 feet
1.20
Maximum sign area
(F.M. 1709 and F.M.
21 feet— 30 feet
1.00
of 300 s.f.
>100 feet
For every foot over 100 feet, letter/logo height
1938)
31 feet— 50 feet
0.80
increases at a rate of 0.1" until a maximum of 36"
>— 50 feet
0.70
Main Streets
Any distance
14"
Any distance
1.0
External lighting is
(Pedestrian- oriented
permitted.
streets)
Maximum sign area
of 100 s.f.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 17
Street Typology
Distance from
Maximum Letter Height
Maximum Area
Other Standards
Edge of Street
Pavement
Lease space width
Sign Area per 1
linear foot of
lease space
All other streets
< 100 feet
16"
< 20 feet
1.20
Maximum sign area
21 feet — 30 feet
1.00
of 200 s.f.
>100 feet
For every foot over 100 feet, letter/logo height
31 feet— 50 feet
0.80
increases at a rate of 0.1" until a maximum of 24"
> 50 feet
0.70
Internal
< 100 feet
14"
< 20 feet
1.20
Maximum sign area
driveways /parking
21 feet— 30 feet
1.00
of 100 s.f.
>100 feet
For every foot over 100 feet, letter/logo height
aisles
31 feet— 50 feet
0.80
increases at a rate of 0.1" until a maximum of 21"
> 50 feet
0.70
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 18
Measuring distance from edge ofpavement
Measuring width of a single plane fagade and lease space
Table 5: Special Attached Sign Standards
Sign Type
Street Typology Where
Number of'Signs
Maximum Area (squarefeet)
Other Standards
Permitted
1. Blade Sign
Main Streets,
1 per lease space,permitted in
8 s.f (total); 4 s.f. per sign face.
Shall not be higher than the cave line or
addition to the 2 attached
parapet wall of the top of the principal
signs allowed per lease space
building; shall be a minimum of seven feet
above grade when located adjacent to or
p rojecting over a pedestrian way.
Internal Streets/Drives,
1 per lease space in lieu of 1
Shall not be higher than the cave line or
and Internal Pedestrian
attached sign
parapet wall of the top of the principal
Way
building; shall be a minimum of seven feet
above grade; and shall be adjacent to or
p rojecting over a pedestrian way.
2. Menuboard
Internal Streets/Drives
2 per site
24 s.f. Only one sign face allowed
Must be located at the side or rear of the
per sign.
principle building. If 2 signs are erected, they
must be a minimum of 18 feet apart.
3. Subdivision
r, a4 c *r°°*^ Ln *' °r
Up to 2 attached wall signs
32 s.f.
Entry
StfeetsAll streets
per street entrance in lieu of a
subdivision entry monument
sign.
4. Drive
Internal Streets/Drives
2 per site
4 s.f.
Directional signs, height clearance signs and
Through
all signage that is not visible from all
adjoining streets shall be exempt from this
standard as long as the letter height is less
than 6 inches.
Table 6: Monument Signs for Businesses
1. The sign base and sign structure shall be brick, stone, or masonry material matching the front fagade of the building. The sign face shall be framed by a
minimum of 6" of brick, stone, or masonry material matching the front fagade of the building.
2. Signs with changeable copy may not change more than once per day.
3. Main Streets shall not have monument signs.
4. Maximum total height is measured from the finished grade at the center of the sign. If the finished grade at the center of the sign is higher than the
finished grade of the closest paved surface, then the height shall be measured from the finished grade of the closest paved surface (see illustration - to be
added).
5. The monument base shall be a maximum of 2 feet in height and shall be included in the calculation of total height.
6. Address numbers are required on business monument signs. If the area of the address number is 5 square feet or less, the area will not count toward the
maximum sign face area.
7. For multi -tenant developments, the development name, if included as an integral part of the monument structure (i.e., not a separate panel), will not
count toward the maximum sign face area as long as the area of the development name does not exceed 20% of the allowable maximum sign face area.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 19
Table 6: Monument Signs for Businesses
Street Typology
Number of Signs
Maximum
Maximum Height
Maximum Sign
Maximum
Minimum
Additional regulations
1. Menuboard
Total Height
of sign face
Face Area (square
Number of Sign
Required Setbacks
Internal lighting for
A minimum of 6 inches of sign
(f eet)
eet)
Panels
per site.
Freeways
1 per every 500 feet of
12 feet
10 feet
160 s.f. (total) and
8
15 feet
(S.H. 114)
highway frontage with a
sign face.
80 s.f. per sign face
maximum of 2
building. If two
Regional
1 per every 500 feet of
8 feet
6 feet
120 s.f. (total) and
6
12 feet
Boulevards (F.M.
regional boulevard frontage
60 s.f. per sign face
1709 and F.M.
with a maximum of 2
least 18 feet apart.
1938)
2. Drive-
3 feet
4 s.f.
8 s.f.
Two signs
Located at the
All other streets
1 per street frontage with a
6 feet 6 inches
4 feet
100 s.f. (total) and
6
10 feet
side or rear or
maximum of 2 (separated by a
or material matching the building to
Non -Food
50 s.f. per sign face
minimum 500 feet)
surround the sign face
Service
Table 7: Special Monument Sign Standards
Sign Type
Maximum
Sign
Height
Maximum
Sign Face
Area
Maximum
Sign Structure
Area
Number of
Signs
Location
Illumination
Additional regulations
1. Menuboard
6 feet
24 s.f.
70 s.f.
Two signs
Must be located at
Internal lighting for
A minimum of 6 inches of sign
per site.
the side or rear of
sign panel.
structure must completely surround
the principal
sign face.
building. If two
signs are erected,
signs must be at
least 18 feet apart.
2. Drive-
3 feet
4 s.f.
8 s.f.
Two signs
Located at the
Internal lighting for
A minimum of 6 inches of masonry
Through,
per site
side or rear or
sign panel
or material matching the building to
Non -Food
near a driveway
surround the sign face
Service
Directional signs, height clearance
signs and all signage that is not
visible from all adjoining streets shall
be exempt from this standard as long
as the letter height is less than 6
inches.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 20
Sign Type
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum
Number of
Location
Illumination
Additional regulations
Sign
Sign Face
Sign Structure
Signs
Height
Area
Area
3. Subdivision
Total
50 s.f. per
70 s.f.
One per
Pe
Ground lighting where
Shall meet the standards herein unless
M+tst be approved by City Council on
Entry
Height:
sign face;
street
appFo Common
the light itself and
6'6"
100 s.f.
entrance*
areas or as
supporting structure
Concept or Development Plan, �R
Base: 18"
per sign
Uprovedby City
are not visible from
deve cr_r's agr__m_fi +, or by a Sign
Council
Sign Face:
public ROW. Internal
Variance application.
4'
lighting may be
Sign
utilized for sculpted
Structure:
aluminum panels.
5'
4. Bulletin
6 feet
18 s.f.;
One per
No closer than
Bulletin board must have a lockable
Board
only one
subdivision
100 feet from an
covering.
face
entrance,
arterial. Sign
allowed
not to
must be located
A minimum of 6 inches of sign
per sign
exceed 2
on designated
structure must completely surround
per
common area and
sign face.
subdivision
maintained by
HOA.
5. Directory
Total
50 s.f. per
70 s.f.
One sign
Minimum of 75
Ground lighting where
A minimum of 6 inches of sign
Height:
sign face;
per street
feet from drive
the light itself and
structure must completely surround
6'6"
100 s.f.
entrance.
entrance at ROW.
supporting structure
sign face.
Base: 18"
per sign
are not visible from
Sign Face:
public ROW. Internal
Sign shall only be located along an
4'
lighting may be
internal drive or street within the
Sign
utilized for sculpted
development.
Structure:
aluminum panels.
5 '
6.
Total
50 s.f. per
70 s.f.
One along
Minimum of 15
Ground lighting where
Sign must be integral to the permitted
Institutional
Height:
sign face;
each street
feet from any
the light itself and
sign for the site. Messages on
6'6"
100 s.f.
frontage on
property line; 500
supporting structure
readerboards may not scroll, flash, or
Base: 18"
per sign
any site
feet distance
are not visible from
change more frequently than once a
Sign Face:
between any two
public ROW. Internal
day.
4'
business
lighting may be
Sign
monument signs
utilized for sculpted
A minimum of 6 inches of sign
Structure:
on one site
aluminum panels.
structure must completely surround
5'
sign face.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 21
Sign Type
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum
Number of
Location
Illumination
Additional regulations
Sign
Sign Face
Sign Structure
Signs
Height
Area
Area
7. Gasoline
Total
50 s.f. per
70 s.f.
One per
Minimum of 15
Sign must be integral to the permitted
Pricing
Height:
sign face;
site.
feet from any
sign for the site. Price per gallon
6'6"
100 s.f.
property line; 500
display may not scroll, flash, or
Base: 18"
per sign
feet distance
change more frequently than once a
Sign Face:
between any two
day.
4'
business
Sign
monument signs
A minimum of 6 inches of sign
Structure:
on one site
structure must completely surround
5'
sign face.
8. Directional
3 feet
4 s.f. per
10 s.f.
Two per
NA
A minimum of 6 inches of sign
sign face;
site.
structure must completely surround
8 s.f. per
sign face.
si n
9. Bulletin
6 feet
18 s.f.
30 s.f.
1 per
No closer than
Ground lighting where
Bulletin board must have a lockable
Board
subdivision
100 feet from an
the light itself and
covering.
entrance;
arterial. Sign
supporting structure
not to
must be located
are not visible from
A minimum of 6 inches of sign
exceed 2
on designated
public ROW.
structure must completely surround
per
common area and
sign face.
subdivision
maintained by
HOA.
*Two attached signs per street entrance or one monument sign per street entrance
Sign Panel
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 22
Elements of a Monument Sign
SECTION 8. MASTER SIGN PLANS
8.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of a Master Sign Plan is to allow an applicant, subject to approval of the City Council, the option
of designating an area that will define unique characteristics in all sign elements including type, design, and
location based upon specific performance criteria. The goal of a Master Sign Plan is to:
8.1.1 Promote consistency among signs within a development thus creating visual harmony between signs.
buildings, and other components of the property;
8.1.2 Enhance the compatibility of signs with the architectural and site design features within a
development; and
8.1.3 Encourage signage that is in character with planned and existing uses thus creating a unique sense of
place.
8.1.4 Encourage multi - tenant commercial uses to develop a unique set of sign regulations in conjunction
with development standards.
8.2 APPLICATION PROCESS
8.2.1 The applicant shall develop a master sign plan for all sign elements in the development based on the
sign design guidelines established in Section 8.5:
8.2.2 The Administrative official shall forward the applicant's Master Sign Plan to the City Council for
action on the application after evaluating the Master Sign Plan on the established design guidelines.
The City Council shall make the final determination on the Master Sign Plan.
8.2.3 After approval of a Master Sign Plan for a particular development, all signs in that development
shall meet the standards approved in that specific Master Sign Plan.
8.3 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A Master Sign Plan Application shall be a written and/or illustrated document to depict the proposed signs
which shall include:
8.3.1 Proposed sign palette which may include:
a. Attached Building Signs
b. Monument Signs
C. Window Signs
d. Directional Signs/Wayfinding
C. Directory Signs
f. Pedestrian Oriented Signs
g. Other
8.3.2 Location of all proposed signs included in the sign palette
8.3.3 Size and number of all proposed signs including maximum area, letter height, number, height, etc.
8.3.4 Materials proposed for all signs and sign structures.
8.3.5 Color and style palette for all signs (letter colors, background colors, text fonts, etc.) including
context of where signs are to be placed on M given facade.
8.3.6 Type of illumination proposed (external, internal, etc.)
8.3.7 Landscaping and/or ornamental structures including fences, fountains, public art, ground cover,
and other landscaping elements that are intended to complement the proposed sign palette and
design.
8.3.8 Any other information as required by the decision making bodies.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 23
8.4 DESIGN GUIDELINES
The sign design guidelines are designed to help ensure quality signs that communicate their message in a
clear fashion; however, the "guidelines" are not as strict as sign "standards." The review authority may
interpret the design guidelines with some flexibility in their application to specific signs /projects, as not all
design criteria may be workable or appropriate for each sign or project. In some circumstances, one guideline
may be relaxed to facilitate compliance with another guideline determined by the review authority to be more
important in the particular case. The overall objective is to ensure that the intent and spirit of the design
guidelines are followed.
8.4.1. Compatibility with surroundings.
a. Proportional size and scale. The scale of signs should be based on the building facade on
which they are placed and the area in which they are located. The size and shape of a sign
should be proportional with the scale of the structure. Large storefronts such as big boxes will
be allowed to have proportionally larger signs than smaller storefronts. Signs should not
overwhelm the section of the building facade on which it is placed upon.
Encouraged
Encouraged
b. Integrate signs with the building. Signs should be designed so that they are integrated with the
design of the building. A well designed building facade or storefront is created by the careful
coordination of sign and architectural design, and a coordinated color scheme. Signs in
multiple tenant buildings should be designed to complement or enhance the other signs in the
building. Sign placement and design should be reviewed within the context of building
design.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 24
Discouraged
Discouraged
Encouraged
Discouraged
C. Corporate Franchise Signage. Corporate franchise sgnage should conform to the
community's visual desires while maintaining some elements of corporate identity. Corporate
logos should fit the context, color, scale and building elements.
8.4.2 Location and mounting.
a. Signs should be mounted in locations that respect the design of a building and site, including
the arrangement of bays and openings. Signs should not obscure windows, (including second
story windows), window trim/molding, grillework, piers, pilasters, and other ornamental
features.
b. Attached signs on fascias above storefront windows should be sized to fit within existing
friezes, lintels, spandrels, and other such features and not extend above, below, or beyond
them. Typically, attached signs should be centered on horizontal surfaces (e.g., over a
storefront opening).
C. When a large building contains several storefronts, signs for the individual businesses should
relate well to each other in terms of locations, height, proportion, color, and illumination.
Maintaining continuity will reinforce the building's facade composition while still retaining
each business's identity.
8.4.3 Color
a. Avoid using too many colors. Colors or color combinations that interfere with legibility of the
sign copy or that interfere with viewer identification of other signs should be avoided.
b. Use contrasting colors. Contrast is an important influence on the legibility of signs. A
substantial contrast should be provided between the color and material of the background and
the letters or symbols to make the sign easier to read in both day and night. Light letters on a
dark background or dark letters on a light background are most legible. Light letters on a dark
background work best for both day and night time use.
`i-'
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 25
Encouraged
Discouraged
Encouraged
Discouraged
8.4.4 Materials.
a. Compatibility of materials. Sign materials should be compatible with the design of the facade
on which they are placed. Consider the architectural design of the building's facade and select
materials that complement the design. The selected materials should also contribute to the
legibility of the sign. For example, glossy finishes are often difficult to read because of glare
and reflections.
b. Appropriate materials. Sign materials should be extremely durable. Paper and cloth signs are
not suitable for exterior use (except on awnings) because they deteriorate quickly. If wood is
used, it should be properly sealed to keep moisture from soaking into the wood and causing
the sign's lettering to deteriorate.
8.4.5 Sign legibility.
a. Concise Name Identification. A concise name or limited lines of copy should be used
whenever possible given the limited amount of time the vehicle traveling public has to
identify and read the sign. The fewer number of words, the more effective the sign. A simple
and succinct sign is easier to read and looks more attractive because it is less cluttered.
b. Use symbols and logos. Symbols and logos can be used in place of words whenever
appropriate. Pictographic images will usually register more quickly in the viewer's mind than
a written message. And, they can be an expression of the owner's creativity.
C. Limit the number of letter styles. The number of lettering styles that are used on a sign should
be limited in order to increase legibility. As a general mle, limit the number of different letter
types to no more than two for small signs and three for larger signs. Intricate typefaces and
symbols that are difficult to read reduce the sign's ability to communicate.
8.4.6 Sign illumination.
Discouraged
a. Internal illumination. Individually illuminated letters, either internally illuminated or backlit
solid letters (reverse channel) are a preferred alternative to internally illuminated plastic
cabinet signs. Signs comprised of individual letters mounted directly on a structure can often
use a distinctive element of the structure's facade as a backdrop, thereby providing a better
integration of the sign with the structure.
b. Use a projected light source. Signs along roadways with slower moving traffic or in
pedestrian oriented environment should consider illumination by a projected light source (e.g.,
spotlight). Projection lighting is usually a better alternative because the sign will appear to be
integrated with the building's architecture. Light fixtures supported in front of the sign cast
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 26
Discouraged
Encouraged
light on the sign and generally a portion of the building's face as well. Projected lighting
emphasizes the continuity of the structure's surface and signs become an integral part of the
facade. The use of small, unobtrusive fixtures for external (projection) lighting is encouraged.
Avoid the use of oversized fixtures that are out of scale with the sign and structure. Whenever
projection lighting is used (fluorescent or incandescent), care should be taken to properly
shield the light source to prevent glare from spilling over into residential areas and any public
right -of -way. Signs should be lighted only to the minimum level required for nighttime
readability.
Cabinet signs. The use of internally illuminated cabinet signs is discouraged. When such signs
are proposed, the background field is required to be opaque so that only the lettering appears
illuminated (e.g., routed or push - through lettering /graphics). When the background is not
opaque, the entire sign face becomes bright and the sign becomes visually separated from the
building. As a result, this type of sign can disrupt the continuity of the facade.
Encouraged
d. Electrical raceways and conduits. Electrical transformer boxes and raceways are required to
be concealed from public view. If a raceway cannot be mounted internally behind the
finished exterior wall, the exposed metal surfaces of the raceway should be finished to match
the background wall, or integrated into the overall design of the sign. If raceways are
necessary, they should be as thin and narrow as possible and should never extend in width or
height beyond the area of the sign's lettering or graphics. All exposed conduit and junction
boxes should also be concealed from public view.
or
Discouraged
Neon Signs. Neon/L.E.D. or similar types of lighting are discouraged.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 27
Discouraged
Discouraged
Discouraged
8.4.7 Shopping Center Monument Signs
a. Freestanding signs are allowed to display a limited number of individual tenant signs and the
name of the center. Multiple message panels make the sign ineffective in conveying a
message and could potentially be a safety hazard.
b. Individual tenant sign panels should be uniform in size. The address, the name of the center or
the major tenant may have a larger sign panel.
C. The sign structure should be architecturally designed and incorporate design details, materials,
and colors of the associated buildings.
d. Sign panels should be limited in size to the width of the architectural support elements of the
sign.
C. Signs should be externally illuminated.
f. The size of the sign should be primarily dependent on the speed of the traffic viewing the sign
and the distance from the roadway.
g. Monument signs should include a landscaping element.
Discouraged
8.4.8 Shopping Center Store Signage.
a. Require consistency (color, size, etc.) of tenant signage in shopping centers.
b. Signs should be designed to complement or enhance the other signs in the center.
C. A coordinated sign program should be encouraged for multi - tenant development.
A
Y
Discouraged
8.4.9 Multi -story corporate offices and hotels.
a. Signs should be limited to monuments signs and possibly a single fagade sign of appropriate
scale and size that identifies the name of the major tenant or building.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 28
Encouraged
Encouraged
SECTION 9. ADMINISTRATION
9.1 ROLE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL
The City Manager shall appoint the Administrative Official who shall administer and enforce the terms and
conditions of this ordinance.
9.2 SIGN PERMIT REQUIRED
No signs, unless exempted under Section 5.4 and Section 5.5, shall be erected, displayed, or altered within the
City of Southlake without a duly approved sign permit from the City. The Administrative Official or
designee shall ensure that all sign permits are granted only in compliance with the provisions of this
ordinance. Further, no sign permit shall be issued unless a Certificate of Occupancy (for existing
development) or building permit (for new development) has been issued.
9.3 APPLICATION
Application for a permit shall be made as required by this ordinance and the following information shall be
submitted as separate documents:
9.3.1 Application form shall be completed.
9.3.2 General plan that illustrates:
a. Location of the building, structure, or tract to which or upon which the sign is to be attached
or erected.
b. Position of the sign in relation to rights -of -way, easements, buildings, structures, existing
signs, etc.
C. Sign drawing that illustrates height, length, width, and all other dimensions associated with
the sign.
9.3.3 Signature of the owner of the property or the owner's representative stating that the applicant has
permission to erect such signs.
9.3.4 The Administrative Official shall review a permit application and make a decision on whether to
grant or deny the permit within fourteen (14) days of submittal of a fully completed application. If
additional information is required of an applicant in order to complete an application, the applicant
shall be notified of that fact within fourteen (14) days. Thereafter, the Administrative Official shall
make a decision on whether to grant or deny the permit within fourteen (14) days of receiving the
additional information or a written certification from the applicant that the application is complete.
Any application for which the Administrative Official fails to grant a decision within the first
fourteen (14) day period shall be deemed denied.
9.4 FEES
All fees for sign permits shall be in accordance with the current fee schedule adopted by the City Council.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 29
Encouraged
Encouraged
9.5 PERMIT EXPIRATION
If the work authorized by a permit issued under this ordinance has not been commenced within one hundred
eighty (180) days after the date of issuance, the permit shall become null and void.
9.6 APPEALS AND VARIANCES
9.6.1 APPEALS
Any decision rendered by the Administrative Official under this ordinance may be appealed to the
City Council by any person, agent, or representative affected by such decision. Such appeal must be
received within ten (10) days after the placement of a letter in the U.S. mail addressed to the address
on the permit or the address of the current owner of record in the County tax records which states the
written decision which has been rendered by the Administrative Official. Such appeal shall be filed
in writing with the Administrative Official specifying the grounds on which the appeal is based. The
Administrative Official shall forthwith transmit to the City Council all documents pertaining to the
appealed action. The City Council shall hear the appeal at a City Council meeting as soon as
practicable thereafter to determine whether the decision of the Administrative Official was in
accordance with all ordinances and regulations. The decision of the City Council shall be final.
9.6.2 VARIANCES
a. Variance Authorized. The City Council may authorize variances to any restriction set forth in
this ordinance, including but not limited to the number, type, area, height, or setback of signs,
or any other aspect involved in the sign permitting process.
b. Approval Standards. In granting any variance, City Council shall consider the following
criteria:
(i) Special conditions exist which are peculiar to the land, structure or building involved
and are not applicable to other lands, buildings or structures in the same zone. The City
may attach such conditions to granting all or a portion of any variance necessary to
achieve the purpose of this ordinance, and;
(ii) The strict interpretation of the provisions of the ordinance would deprive the applicant
of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zone under the terms of the
ordinance, and;
(iii) The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant
and such conditions and circumstances do not merely constitute pecuniary hardship or
inconveniences, and,
(iv) Granting the variance will meet the objectives of the ordinance and not be injurious to
the adjoining property owners or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare, and;
(v) The request will be the minimum variance necessary to alleviate the special hardship or
practical difficulties faced by the applicant in meeting the requirements of this
ordinance; and;
(vi) Granting of the variance will be in harmony with the spirit and purpose of this sign
ordinance.
Application Process. Any request for a variance shall be made to the Administrative Official
and be accompanied by a completed application and a non - refundable filing fee in the amount
specified in the current fee schedule adopted by City Council.
9.7 RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENFORCEMENT
It is the responsibility of the Administrative Official to interpret and administer the requirements of this
ordinance.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 30
9.7.1 The Administrative Official may suspend or revoke any permit issued under the provisions of this
ordinance whenever it is determined that the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect or
false information supplied, or whenever such permit is issued in violation of any of the provisions of
this ordinance or any other ordinance of this City or laws of this state or the federal government. Such
suspension or revocation shall be effective when communicated in writing to the person to whom the
permit is issued, the owner of the sign, or the owner of the site upon which the sign is located. Upon
such revocation, all construction related to the revoked permit shall cease.
A person may appeal the revocation of the sign permit to the City Council by filing an appeal in
accordance with this ordinance. The City Council shall affirm, reverse, or modify the suspension or
revocation and such decision shall be final.
Upon final determination that the permit is properly revoked, any portion of the sign in place as a
result of the permit shall be removed within 10 days by the owner of the sign or the owner of the site
on which the sign is located. Failure to remove the sign shall be deemed a violation of this ordinance.
9.7.2 The Administrative Official shall periodically inspect each sign regulated by this ordinance for the
purpose of ascertaining whether the same is obsolete and whether it is in need of removal or repair.
9.7.3 Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this ordinance has been commenced or
completed without first obtaining a permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may
be issued for such work. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, may be collected whether
or not a permit is then subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the
permit fee required by this ordinance.
9.7.4 The following signs shall be removed based on the determination of the Administrative Official:
a. OBSOLETE SIGNS. Any sign, which the Administrative Official determines to be obsolete,
shall be removed by the permit holder, owner of the sign or owner of the site on which the
sign is located. For temporary signs, the sign must be removed as noted on the sign permit
application or within three (3) days after receiving written notification to do so from the
Administrative Official. For permanent signs, the sign must be removed by the permit holder,
owner of the sign, or owner of the site on which the sign is located within a reasonable time
period as determined by the Administrative Official. Upon failure to comply with such notice
or to file an appeal of the decision in accordance with this ordinance, the Administrative
Official is authorized to cause the removal of such sign, and any expense incident thereto
shall be paid by the permit holder, owner of the sign or owner of the site on which the sign is
located.
b. UNSAFE DILAPIDATED OR DETERIORATED SIGNS. If the Administrative Official
determines that any sign is unsafe or insecure, or is dilapidated or deteriorated, he shall give
written notice to remove or replace (in accordance with this ordinance) said sign to the person
or persons responsible for such sign. If the permit holder, owner of the sign or owner of the
site on which the sign is located fails to remove or repair the sign within ten (10) days after
such notice or to file an appeal of the decision in accordance with this ordinance, the
Administrative Official is hereby authorized to cause the removal of such sign. Nothing
contained herein shall prohibit the immediate removal, without notice, of any sign or portion
of a sign which is determined by the Administrative Official to be an immediate threat or
danger to the public health, safety, or welfare. Any expense incident to the removal of a sign
pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid by the permit holder, owner of the sign or owner of
the site on which the sign is located. The removal of the sign or portion of the sign shall be
limited to the extent necessary to eliminate the threat to the public health, safety, and welfare.
C. SIGNS ON UTILITY POLES. Any sign that is erected, constructed or otherwise attached to
a utility pole located upon any public right of way or utility easement may be removed by the
City unless otherwise permitted by this ordinance. The installer, owner of the sign or owner
of the site on which the sign is located shall be charged a sign recovery fee in accordance with
the City fee schedule to recover such sign from the City unless the permit holder or owner
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 31
satisfactorily establishes that such sign was not placed in the right -of -way by the owner of
such sign or by any authorized agent, representative, or employee of said owner. Any such
sign removed by City personnel may be held for a period of seventy -two (72) hours and upon
expiration of such time may be disposed. The City is not required to notify the permit holder
or owner of the sign that it has been picked up or that disposal of the sign is imminent.
d. SIGNS IN RIGHT -OF -WAY AND /OR ON PUBLIC PROPERTY: Any sign that is erected,
constructed, or otherwise located within or upon public right -of -way or on public property
unless otherwise permitted by this ordinance may be removed by the City. The owner or
installer of such sign shall be charged a sign recovery fee in accordance with the City fee
schedule to recover such sign from the City. No such fee shall be charged if the permit holder
or owner satisfactorily establishes that such sign was not placed in the right -of -way by the
permit holder or owner of such sign or by any authorized agent, representative or employee of
said owner. Any such sign removed by City personnel may be held for a period of seventy -
two (72) hours and upon expiration of such time may be disposed. The City is not required to
notify the permit holder or owner of the sign that it has been picked up or that disposal of the
sign is imminent.
e. ILLEGALLY ERECTED SIGNS. Any sign that is erected, constructed or otherwise
displayed, which the Administrative Official determines to be in direct violation of this
ordinance, may be removed by City personnel. The permit holder, owner of the sign or owner
of the site on which the sign is located shall be charged a sign recovery fee in accordance with
the City fee schedule to recover such sign from the City. Any such sign removed by City
personnel may be held for a period of seventy -two (72) hours and upon expiration of such
time may be disposed. The City is not required to notify the permit holder or owner of the
sign that it has been picked up or that disposal of the sign is imminent. For permanent signs,
the sign must be removed by the permit holder, owner of the sign, or owner of the site on
which the sign is located within a reasonable time period as determined by the Administrative
Official. Upon failure to comply with such notice or to file an appeal of the decision in
accordance with this ordinance, the Administrative Official is authorized to cause the removal
of such sign, and any expense incident thereto shall be paid by the permit holder, owner of the
sign or owner of the site on which the sign is located.
f. EXTENT OF SIGN REMOVAL. The Administrative Official shall determine to what extent
the elements of the sign must be removed to comply with this section. This may include, but
is not limited to, any of the following:
(i) Removal of the text or copy portion of the sign.
(ii) Removal of the portion of the sign excluding the structural support of the sign.
(iii) Removal of all structural elements of the sign.
9.8 PENALTY FOR VIOLATION
9.8.1 Any person who erects a sign that is in not in compliance with of anv provision in this Ordinance, shall
be assessed a penalty by the Administrator equal to Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per incidence.
Each day the violation exists shall be considered a separate incident. A violation, penalty, or
requirement of this ordinance that is not rectified within 90 days or a time period determined as
reasonable by the Administrator shall become subject to Section 9.7.4.
b
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 32
SECTION 10. SIGN CONTROL BOARD (OPTION 2)
10.1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this section is to establish a procedure, in compliance with Chapter 216 of the Texas Local
Government Code, to provide apropriate compensation where the City requires relocation, reconstruction, or
removal of a sign that was lawful at the time it was erected.
10.2 ESTABLISHMENT AND MEMBERSHIP OF BOARD
10.2.1 A Municipal Sign Control Board is hereby established in accordance with Chapter 216 of the Texas
Local Government Code.
10.2.2 The Board shall have five members, appointed by the Mayor and City Council, and shall consist of:
a. two real estate appraisers, each of whom must be a member in good standing of a nationally
recognized professional appraiser society or trade organization that has an established code of
ethics, educational program, and professional certification pram,
b. one person engaged in the sign business in the City:
c. one employee of the Texas Department of Transportation who is familiar with real estate
valuations in eminent domain proceedings, and
d. one architect or landscape architect licensed by this state.
10.2.3 Members of the Board shall serve for terns of two years and shall serve at will, removable by the Citv
Council at any time with or without cause.
10.3 DUTIES
The duties of the Board shall be those duties granted to a municipal board on sign control by Chapter 216 of
the Texas Local Government Code.
10.4 PROCEDURES
The Board shall adopt such rules and procedures as may be necessary or desirable for the conduct of its duties,
consistent with the requirements of state law.
10.5 COMPENSATION
Compensation to the owner of a sign, if any, shall be calculated according to the provisions of Chapter 216 of
the Texas Local Government, and shall be provided only where specifically required by state law.
SECTION 11. SEVERABILITY
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and
sections of this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance
shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such
unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this
ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance
of any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 33
SECTION 12. CONFLICTING ORDINANCES
This ordinance shall be and is hereby declared to be cumulative of all other ordinances of the City; and this
ordinance shall not operate to repeal or affect any of such other ordinances except insofar as the provisions thereof
might be inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance, in which event such conflicting provisions,
if any, in such other ordinance or ordinances are hereby repealed.
SECTION 13. SAVINGS CLAUSE
All rights and remedies of the City of Southlake are expressly saved as to any and all violations of the provisions of
any ordinances affecting the regulations for signs that have accrued at the time of the effective date of this
ordinance, and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in
court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted until final
disposition by the courts.
SECTION 14. PUBLICATION CLAUSE
The City Secretary of the City of Southlake is hereby directed to publish the proposed ordinance or its caption and
penalty together with a notice setting out the time and place for a public hearing thereon at least ten (10) days before
the second reading of this ordinance, and if this ordinance provides for the imposition of any penalty, fine or
forfeiture for any violation of any of its provisions, then the City Secretary shall additionally publish this ordinance
in the official City newspaper one time within ten (10) days after passage of this ordinance, as required by Section
3.13 of the Charter of the City of Southlake.
I SECTION 15. EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and its publication as required by law, and
it is so ordained. Notwithstanding any provision of this ordinance to the contrary, any Real Estate Sign, as that term
was defined in Ordinance No. 704 -B, that was lawfully erected before the effective date of this ordinance, may
remain in place for one year from the effective date of this ordinance, at which time it shall promptly be removed. If
such a sign is not removed within the time period as specified above, Section 9.8 shall apply. (Option I and 2)
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 34
Appendix A
Design Guidelines for Existing Building For Sale/Leasing Ground Signs
Existing Building For Sale/Leasing Ground Signs shall be designed in accordance with the following guidelines (see
attached Figure 1 for illustration):
1. Sign Post
a. Material: Shall be of 3 — 4 inch extruded metal with decorative finials.
b. Height: Shall not exceed 5 feet in height, excluding finials. Finials shall not exceed 9 inches in
height.
c. Color: shall be black
2. Sign Frame:
a. Same material as the sign post
b. Same color as the sign post
c. Height — Anv decorative element over the sign frame shall be limited to a maximum of 9"
3. Sign Face:
a. Material: Shall be made up of '/4" to 11 /2 ' plastic or ahuninum coated MDO or plastic cored
aluminum
b. Area - Each sign face shall not exceed 12 square feet. Sign may be hi sided.
c. Color — Background color shall be one of the following: white, grav, black, beige, cream, or
matching the sign post. Foreground color (font and logo) shall be a contrasting color limited to
white, grav, black, beige, dark green, dark blue, or cream.
FINAL DRAFT November 15, 2006 35
Min. 34nch metal
�I posts
4 feet
F
� el r i
l
(<t d 7) rtr)(;= ()()()
Changeable
�12 sqk M
3 feat
� I LEASE
(817)
ooaa000
J2
4 feet
FOR
� LEASE
�
(817) MM
Figure 1 Recommended Design Palette for Existing Building For Sale/Leasing Signs