2010-08-23 Meeting Report (Sign Ordinance)SPIN MEETING REPORT
PROJECT NAME: Sign Ordinance Amendment Options Readerboards and
Logo Regulations
SPIN DISTRICTS: Citywide
MEETING DATE: August 23, 2010
MEETING LOCATION: 1400 MAIN STREET, SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
MEETING ROOMS 3C 3D
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: Fifteen (15)
SPIN REPRESENTATIVE(S) PRESENT: Ray Tremain #9), Ron Evans #10), Vic
Awtry #7), Mike Terry #6)
STAFF PRESENTING PRESENT: Ken Baker, Director of Planning
Development Services, Jenny Crosby, Planner II, Clayton Comstock, Planner II, and
Daniel Cortez, Planner I
STAFF CONTACT: Daniel Cortez, (817)748 -8070; dcortez(a�ci.southlake.tx.us
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Current regulations may not adequately address the detrimental impacts of readerboard
signs located throughout the City. A moratorium was approved by City Council on July 6,
2010 to allow time to research the use and regulation of readerboard signs and to propose
revisions and possible options to the Sign Ordinance. This moratorium expires October 4,
2010.
Amendment Options
Option 1:
Prohibit all types of readerboard signs, including menuboards, bulletin boards,
institutional signs, and gasoline pricing signs.
Allow readerboards only by variance.
Option 2:
Prohibit readerboards along major roadways (S.H. 114, F.M. 1709, F.M. 1938,
arterials and collectors).
Allow readerboards along neighborhood streets (bulletin boards) and internal
drives (menuboard signs).
Option 3:
Allow certain readerboards:
Gasoline pricing, but readerboard section limited to only displaying price per
gallon of gasoline.
Menuboards.
Bulletin boards.
Option 4:
Allow readerboards as currently permitted, but regulate brightness and intensity.
QUESTIONS CONCERNS
Does any of this ever include content, do we intend to?
We do currently have regulations in place for explicit language and content. We
check with our attorneys regarding content and it is difficult to prohibit unless it's
explicit.
One thing we can do is eliminate logos, I'm thinking of the taco stand where the female is
underneath the umbrella.
Existing signs would be grandfathered?
Yes, but if they replace it they will need to conform to today's regulations or any
changes done if the ordinance is modified.
If the approach is taken where variances are used there would be a 300 dollar charge for
each sign.
What's the cost to them if they get caught for violating the ordinance?
We can write them a citation and fine them.
If you're not careful, signs can destroy the appearance of the city.
So lit up digital letter sign in neighborhoods are readerboards?
Yes, there are two different types of readerboards, electronic and manual.
It seems when you're going northbound on Carroll towards 114, there are a lot of signs on
that portion that makes it look unattractive.
When the urban design plan and sign plan were developed those things were looked
at particularly along Carroll because it was identified as a primary entrance into the
city. Expect to see some signage enhancements soon.
You mentioned something about signs glaring, maybe adding some non -glare glass to
reduce the brightness would help; was that considered?
No, but we can definitely put that as an option for amending the current ordinance.
What if no pictures can go into a sign and only letters?
We can write that into the regulations if that's what Council wishes to add.
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.