2012-02-13 Meeting Report (Sign Ordinance)
SPIN MEETING REPORT
PROJECT NAME:
Sign Ordinance Amendments
SPIN DISTRICTS:
Citywide
MEETING DATE:
February 13, 2012
MEETING LOCATION:
1400 MAIN STREET, SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
MEETING ROOMS 3A & 3B
TOTAL ATTENDANCE:
Twelve (12)
SPIN REPRESENTATIVE(S) PRESENT:
None
STAFF PRESENTING & PRESENT:
Dennis Killough, Deputy Director of Planning &
Development Services,Jenny Crosby, Planner II, Lorrie Fletcher, Planner I, Police Chief
Steve Mylett
STAFF CONTACT:
Jenny Crosby, (817)748-8195; jcrosby@ci.southlake.tx.us
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff periodically reviews the sign ordinance for issues that need to be addressed to maintain a
strong sign ordinance. A strong ordinance maintains and enhances the aesthetics of our
community, enhances automobile and pedestrian safety, encourages the integration of signage
with lands
commercial corridors, and requires safe and effective signage. It also prevents clutter that
distracts from building and urban design.
Proposed Amendments
Prohibited Signs:
Three types of signs are being added to the list of prohibited signs:
Boxed cabinet signs attached to buildings.
Awning signs.
feet are permitted).
Boxed Cabinet Signs:
Added a definition: An attached sign that is mounted on the face of a building that is
roughly rectangular in shape and provided for internal illumination and provides for
changing the message of the sign by replacing a single transparent or translucent
material such as a Plexiglas/lexan face.
No longer an allowed sign type.
Café Umbrella Signs:
Added a definition: A sign painted on or otherwise affixed to an umbrella at an
establishment with outdoor seating.
Added regulations:
Letter/logo height is limited to 8 inches.
Signage may only be displayed on the flap of the umbrella.
No permit required.
Development/Construction Signs:
Revised the definition (underlining indicates the new text): A temporary on-site ground
sign that pertains to a new nonresidential development or a new residential development
of 4 or more lots that is approved or under construction.
Illuminated Open/Closed Signs:
Added regulations:
1 per street frontage.
Maximum are of 4 sq. ft.
Sign(s) shall only be located in the window of the business.
Sign(s) shall be placed no higher than 7 feet above the finished floor.
Sign(s) shall not blink, flash, oscillate or intermittently turn on and off.
Attached Signs:
Revised the regulations:
Signs may be illuminated with internal lighting and backlighting (halo) illumination
is encouraged.
Removed the allowance for logos to be 125% of the maximum permitted letter
height (maximum logo height will be the same as maximum letter height)
Monument Signs:
Revised the regulations:
Address numbers are required on business monument signs and shall be located
within the top 20% of the sign structure.
Logos shall not exceed 25% of the sign panel.
QUESTIONS / CONCERNS
On monument signs, what if the logo is text?
In most instances, a letter is a letter. Logos are reviewed on a case by case basis.
What about umbrellas that already have text on them?
The existing ordinance is silent for café umbrella signs. Existing signs would need to
come into compliance unless a provision is added to grandfather those signs.
What is the rationale for phasing out boxed cabinet signs?
Primarily aesthetics.
SPIN Meeting Reports are general observations of SPIN Meetings by City staff and SPIN Representatives. The
report is neither verbatim nor official meeting minutes; rather it serves to inform elected and appointed officials,
City staff, and the public of the issues and questions raised by residents and the general responses
made. Responses as summarized in this report should not be taken as guarantees by the
applicant. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to follow the case through the Planning and Zoning
Commission and final action by City Council.