Item 4ECITY OF
SOUTH LAKE
MEMORANDUM
December 30, 2014
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Ken Baker, Senior Director of Planning and Development Services
Subject: Item 4E — Ordinance 704-G
Action Requested: Consider 1" reading for amendments to Sign Ordinance No. 704,
as amended.
Background
Information: At the December 4, 2014, joint City Council and Planning and
Zoning Commission meeting, the City Council and the Planning
and Zoning Commission reviewed proposed amendments to the
sign ordinance.
The amendments include clarification of definitions, outdoor patio
lighting, real estate signage, vehicular signage, window signs and
displays, menu -board signage, business monument signs,
corporate flags and master sign plan design guidelines. Sign
Ordinance 704-G also includes the creation of a Sign Board.
Financial
Considerations: None
Strategic Link: Quality Development — C-3 Provide attractive & unique spaces for
enjoyment of personal interests.
Citizen Input /
Board Review: None
Legal Review: The draft ordinance has been sent to the City Attorney for review;
it is anticipated to be returned prior to second reading.
Supporting
Document: Attached — Ordinance No. 704-G
Staff
Recommendation: Approve as presented or provide feedback for modification(s)
ORDINANCE NO. 704-E
SIGN ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 704-€ , 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 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. 704-9 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 amendments to Ordinance No. 704-
€ ; 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
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-E 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-€ and Chapter
15.5 of the Southlake City Code.
SECTION 2.
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances of the City of
Southlake, 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,
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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.
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-€ , 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 post the
proposed ordinance in its entirety on the City website 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
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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.
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
2014.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY SECRETARY
PASSED AND APPROVED ON SECOND READING ON THIS DAY OF
2014.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY SECRETARY
EFFECTIVE:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
City Attorney
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EXHIBIT A
Sign Ordinance
Table of Contents
Section 1 — Title
Section 2 — Purpose and Intent
Section 3 — Noncommercial Signs and Messages
Section 4 — Definitions
Section 5 — Applicability
5.1 — Nonconforming Existing Signs
5.2 — Prohibited Signs
5.3 — Exemptions
5.4 — Limited Exemptions
Table 1 —Sign Regulations for Signs Exempt from the Requirement of a Sign
Permit
Table 2 — Standards for Window Signs
Section 6 — Permitted Temporary Signs and Specific Sign Regulations
6.1 — Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit
Table 3 — Regulations for Temporary Signs Requiring a Permit
Section 7 — Permanent Signs Requiring a Permit
7.1 —Wind Pressure and Deadload Requirements
7.2 — Sign Regulations
Table 4 — Attached Signs
Table 5 — Special Attached Sign Standards
Table 6 — Monument Signs for Businesses
Table 7 — Special Monument Sign Standards
Section 8 — Master Sign Plans
8.1 — Purpose
8.2 — Application Process
8.3 —Application Requirements
8.4 — Design Guidelines
Section 9 — Administration
9.1 — Role of the Administrative Official
9.2 — Sign Permit Required
9.3 — Application
9.4 — Fees
9.5 — Permit Expiration
9.6 — Appeals and Variances
9.7 — Responsibility for Enforcement
9.8 — Penalty for Violation
Section 10 - Severability
Section 11 — Conflicting Ordinances
Section 12 — Savings Clause
Section 13 — Publication Clause
Section 14 — Effective Date
Appendix A — Design Guidelines for Existing Building For Sale/Leasing Ground Signs
Appendix B — Examples of signs
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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
Awnings
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
1 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
with building, zoning, and health and safety regulations and
authorizes legal use and occupancy of the premises for
which it is issued.
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Measuring setbacks and minimum distance
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Distance to Edge
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Measuring distance from the edge of
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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
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
2
Measuring letter and logo height
Example of an illuminated sign
d. 6-__
Example of an illuminated sign
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 a building 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.
MAIN STREET: Pedestrian oriented street located within
the DT (Downtown), TZD (Transitional Zoning District) or
ECZ (Employment Center Zoning) Districts.
MASONRY MATERIALS: Masonry materials include brick,
stucco, cement, concrete tilt wall, stone, or other masonry
or materials of equal characteristics.
OBSOLETE: Any sign which
(a) For at least 6 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 6 months 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.
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 tractor 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
Measuring sign area on a monument sign
Measuring sign area for an attached sign
Attached Business Sign
entity.
RESIDENTIALLY ZONED PROPERTY: Any platted lot
within the RCS, SF-1A, SF-1B, SF-2, SF-30A, SF-30B, SF-
20A, SF-20B, R-PUD, MF-1, and MF-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.
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 identify the
name of the site or development or may identify the
occupants within the site or development. A primary
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Example of a banner sign
Example of a barber pole
Example of a blade sign
Example of a directional sign
Example of a drive through sign
business sign is attached to a fapade facing a street or
vehicular driveway access.
SIGN, BANNER: A temporary on -site sign made of cloth,
flexible plastic or canvas material.
SIGN, BARBER POLE: An attached sign mounted on the
face of the building that is cylindrical in shape with striped
face, lit internally and rotates during business hours.
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, BOARD: An advisory board, under responsibility of
the Planning and Zoning Commission, that makes
recommendations to the City Council on master sign plans,
sign variances and sign ordinance amendments.
SIGN, BOXED CABINET: An attached sign that is mounted
on the face of a building that ,s F961ghly F8Gt ,.,,.ulaF OR oh-ev o
aa4 provides for internal illumination and changing of the
message of the sign by replacing a single transparent or
translucent material such as a Plexiglas/lexan face.
SIGN, BULLETIN BOARD: A permanent ground sign or
monument sign within a residential subdivision for
displaying news and information for subdivision residents.
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, CAFE UMBRELLA: A sign painted on or otherwise
affixed to an umbrella at an establishment with outdoor
seating.
SIGN, CORPORATE FLAG: A sign made of cloth or similar
material, attached to a pole used to identify a place of
business or organization. This definition does not
include the flag of any country, state, city, county or
governmental entity.
SIGN, DEVELOPMENT/CONSTRUCTION: 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.
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
Example of a light pole banner sign
Example of a menuboard sign
Elements of a monument sign
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, ESTATE SALE: A temporary ground sign intended to
advertise an estate sale, conducted primarily indoors, on
residential property.
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
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.
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, LAND: A temporary on -site ground sign on vacant
land intended to advertise land for sale including 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
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Example of a sign panel
Example of a Parks and Recreation banner
sign
(Displayed on the Rustin Park pavilion)
Example of a roof sign
Example of a sandwich board sign
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.
(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, NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR SALE/LEASING: A
temporary on -site sign intended to advertise a newly
constructed 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. Each sign
panel shall be uniform in size.
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: A sign that utilizes alternating
electronic data control components or a sign comprised of
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Exposed String Lights
Example of a subdivision entry sign
Examples of sign walkers
Example of window sign
Example of window display sign
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.
SIGN, RESTRICTED PARKING: A temporary or permanent
sign in a parking lot that restricts parking for any reason.
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.
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, EXPOSED STRING LIGHTS: Exposed visible light
bulbs on an electrical cord typically hung on a patio area for
decorative purposes.
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 attached to or
supported by a vehicle, trailer, other sign apparatus, or is
located within a vehicle and is visible.
SIGN WALKER (HUMAN DIRECTIONAL SIGN): A person,
visible from the public R.O.W. that is holding, twirling, or
Aggregate window area
wearing a sign, wearing lights, or wearing a costume to
draw attention to a business, project, place, or event.
SIGN, WAYFINDING: A government sign that provides
direction to locations and facilities.
SIGN, WINDOW: Any sign affixed to any internal and/or
external surface of a window or is located less than ten
(10') feet from the window of any establishment. In addition,
any sign displayed in window area that is used to describe
in-store sales, promotions, etc.
SIGN, WINDOW DISPLAY: Any display of goods,
merchandise, products or lifestyle images as in a window
designed to attract customers.
SITE: A lot, tract or building pad.
ADOPTED STREET TYPOLOGY MAP: The component of
the City's 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 fapade per tenant.
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, excluding political signs on private
property.
5.2.2 Signs which prevent free ingress to or egress from any door, window, or fire escape.
0
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,
excluding wayfinding signs and signs 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 Readerboard signs, with the exception of bulletin board signs, drive through signs, and
gasoline pricing signs which comply with the regulations set forth in Section 7.2.
5.2.13 Illuminated 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-B, as amended.
5.2.14 Roof signs.
5.2.15 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.
5.2.16 Sign walkers.
5.2.17 Structural or non-structural additions or attachments to monument signs, excluding structural
modifications for which a valid permit has been issued.
5.2.18 Boxed cabinet signs attached to buildings.
5.2.19 Awning signs.
5.2.20 Commercial signage on grocery cart corrals ("Return cart here" signs under 6 square feet
are permitted).
5.2.21 Signs illuminated with anything other than white light or a similar type light unless approved
by the Administrative Official.
5.2.22 Any lighting projected onto a building, excluding customary exterior building and site
illumination (as determined by the Administrative Official) and permitted sign illumination.
5.2.23 Any sign not specifically permitted by this ordinance.
5.3 EXEMPTIONS
The following signs are exempt from the requirements of this ordinance:
10
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 season decroations, school, religious organizations and college periodic event signs
light and dpAepatieps with no commercial message.
5.3.14 Restricted parking signs required or authorized by city ordinance or by law, including but not
limited to handicap parking signs.
5.3.15 Outdoor exposed string lights (patio lights) are permitted in commercial outdoor dining/patio
areas per the requirements of Section 7.2, Table 5, Item 6.
5.3.16 Corporate Flags. Corporate flags are exempt from the Sign Code subject to the following
conditions:
(1) No more than one corporate flag may be flown per eligible parcel of land.
(2) The corporate flag shall not be larger than a government flag, if one is flown, and in no
case shall the flag length or width exceed 20% of the permitted flag pole height within the
zoning district.
(3) All corporate flags must be flown at the same height or below any government flag flown.
(4) Corporate flags may display only the name, corporate emblem and/or logo of a given
corporation. Slogans and tag lines are not permitted.
(5) Corporate flags are not permitted on properties used for agricultural, residential or retail
uses or activities.
11
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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 8.4.
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:
Attached Building Signs
Monument Signs
Window Signs
Directional Signs/Wayfinding
Directory Signs
Pedestrian Oriented Signs
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 any given fagade.
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.
25
Commercial signage is an integral part of the urban design fabric of Southlake. It is absolutely
necessary and shall be deemed as a tool that helps promote the health, safety and welfare of the
general public by providing guidance to both the vehicular driver and pedestrian. Due to its visual
prominence and effect on the overall design character of our city, signage as part of master sign
plans must be considered on the broader scale of community rather than on an individual site basis.
Signage is an integral part of the visual urban streetscape and shall not be designed to visually
compete with its surroundings, but rather serve to build on the quality of the traveler's and
pedestrian's experience.
The basis for submitting a master sign plan application should not be to have larger signs or logos
permitted by ordinance but should clearly be related to the sign design goals listed below:
Design Goals
1) To develop an organized hierarchy of signage design types that help identify the location and
size standards for individual signs without infringing on the capability of creative design.
2) To establish design criteria that promote the overall visual quality of the streetscape environment
for the general public while providing reasonable and improved standards for identification of
individual properties.
3) To improve the overall visual cohesive appearance of the site through signage guidelines, with
strong consideration that the visual streetscape.
4) To promote a "sense of place" for the City of Southlake while promoting creative design for
individual developments.
5) To promote signage as an architectural complement rather than being visually and thematically
disconnected.
Master Sianaae Plan Application
The master signage program application shall include, at a minimum, the following to be deemed a
completed application:
1) A master site plan showing a location of each of the proposed signage type(s). Dimension
and label the sign types and include distance measurement of the signs location from the nearest
public right -of way.
2) Provide signage elevations (dimensioned and labeled) indicating proposed text areas, materials,
material finishes, colors, lighting and identifiable references as to how the signage design relates to
the proposed architecture. Identify any landscaping elements proposed.
3) For all signage is to be mounted on building fagades, provide accurate building elevations that
show signage dimension, signage location, text areas, materials, material finishes, colors and
identifiable references as to how the signage design relates to the proposed architecture.
4) If the applicant is requesting any variances from the current regulations as part of the master sign
plan, please indicate the location of the variance, what the variance request is for and specific
reason/justification for the variance and how the variance promotes are adheres to the design goals
provided.
26
5) A master sign plan application will be considered by the City Council following a
recommendation by the Sign Board. The Sign Board's recommendation will be forwarded to the
City Council for their consideration.
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.
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.
�.�REAI
\cEncouraged
Encouraged
Discouraged
Discouraged
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.
27
8.4.2
i..
Encouraged Discouraged
Corporate Franchise Signage. Corporate franchise signage 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.
Location and mounting.
8.4.3 Color
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.
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).
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.
Encouraged
Discouraged
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.
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.
NM
Encouraged
8.4.4 Materials.
Discouraged
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 rule, 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.
Encouraged
Discouraged
29
& VCHILD
ENSCRY NTICS
8.4.6 Sign illumination.
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.
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 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 are
permitted by ordinance.
Fed to be opaque se that eRly the letteriRg appears 01161MORated (e.g., FG61ted er
s o rocs 11t this fimo of Shun non GIOSF 1pt tho GGRtORi 1ity of the fonorlo
Encouraged
Prohibited
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
30
graphics. All exposed conduit and junction boxes should also be concealed from
public view.
v
Neon Signs. Exposed Neon/L.E.D. or similar types of lighting are not permitted. Only
exposed, non -flashing "OPEN" exposed non -flashing neon signs are permitted under
Section 5.4 Limited Exemptions.
Not Permitted
8.4.7 Shopping Center Monument Signs
Not Permitted
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.
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.
The sign structure should be architecturally designed and incorporate design details,
materials, and colors of the associated buildings.
Sign panels should be limited in size to the width of the architectural support
elements of the sign.
Signs should be externally illuminated.
The size of the sign should be primarily dependent on the speed of the traffic viewing
the sign and the distance from the roadway.
Monument signs should include a landscaping element.
Encouraged
wrze �uv
Summit UenEal Ce
QRIi/11[ia MR
n rr-srnv--car
Discouraged
31
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.
J.
Encouraged
8.4.9 Multi -story corporate offices and hotels.
Discouraged
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.
Encouraged
SECTION 9. ADMINISTRATION
9.1 ROLE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL
0
M M i M
Encouraged
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 5.3 and Section 5.4, 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.
32
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.
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
33
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. The sign
variance will be considered by the City Council following a recommendation by the Sign
Board. The Sign Board's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for
their consideration.
9.7 RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENFORCEMENT
It is the responsibility of the Administrative Official to interpret and administer the requirements of
this ordinance.
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.
34
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 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
35
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 any 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.
SECTION 10. 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.
SECTION 11. 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.
36
SECTION 12. 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 13. 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.
SECTION 14. 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.
37
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 — Any decorative element over the sign frame shall be limited to a
maximum of 9"
3. Sign Face:
a. Material: Shall be made up of '/" to '/2" plastic or aluminum coated MDO or
plastic cored aluminum
b. Area - Each sign face shall not exceed 12 square feet. Sign may be two-sided.
c. Color — Background color shall be one of the following: white, gray, or
beige/cream. Foreground color (font and logo) shall be black.
sae} 6 I ON Z
OW) g
14
;001 G
AS
a
a
a
a
(xew) „g I laa{ s ID)I Z
w
bJ
CG
V)
39
Attached Business Sign
Boxed Cabinet Sign
Sign
Cafe Umbrella Sign
MEpEq
Directional Sign
Sign
INW, RD PNRRmA
FULL sE8910E pRDP DFF ONLY
1
Drive Through Sign —
Sign
Non -Food Service
``3
Government Sign
Appendix B
Definition Sign Examples
OPEN �URiNG
CONSTRUCI'iON -
5print+•-
Banner Sign
IKE
W15, ,
FOR LEASE
817.909-7875
8E7.488-4333
Existing Building for Lease/Sale
AA 1
YUmliiAinyrL'Prek
Directional Sign
Ex. Building For Sale Sign
Grand Opening Banner
Barber Pole Sign
Bulletin Board Sign
Drive Through Sign
Garage Sale/ Yard Sign
Land Sign
Blade Sign
Business Monument
Drive Through
Gasoline Pricing
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Light Pole Banner
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Main Street
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Sales -._ter
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Menuboard Sign
Model Home Sign Monument Sign
Portable Sian Readerboard Sian
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Subdivision Entry Sign
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Wayfinding Sign
Sandwich Board Sign
Window Sign
Sign Walker
CHAMPION
CROSSING
Menuboard Sign
Political Sign
Residential Real Estate Sign
Special Purpose Sign
Sign Walker
String Lights
Vehicle Sign
41