HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 2005-08 Title: An ordinance of the City of Friendswood amending the City's zoning
ordinance with regard to regulation of signs within the City,providing for a penalty,
and providing for severability.
ORDINANCE NO. 2005-08
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING APPENDIX A OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS, SAID
APPENDIX A ALSO BEING AN APPENDIX TO SUBSECTION K
OF SECTION 8 OF ORDINANCE NO. 84-15, AS AMENDED, SAID
ORDINANCE NO. 84-15 BEING THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF
THE CITY, SAID APPENDIX A CONTAINING RULES AND
REGULATIONS GOVERNING SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES
WITHIN THE CITY, BY DELETING FROM SECTION 1
THEREOF THE DEFINITIONS OF ENERGIZED SIGN, MAJOR
THOROUGHFARE, AND MAJOR INTERSECTION, AND BY
ADDING TO SECTION 1 THEREOF DEFINITIONS OF
ANIMATED SIGN, AWNING, BANNER SIGN, CHANGEABLE
COPY SIGN, CIVIC SIGN, COMMERCIAL MESSAGE, FLASHING
SIGN, MASTER SIGN PLAN, NONCOMMERCIAL MESSAGE,
NONCONFORMING SIGN, NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICT,
OBSOLETE SIGN, OFF-PREMISES SIGN, ON-PREMISES SIGN,
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, AND STREET BANNER, BY
AMENDING SECTION 2 THEREOF TO REQUIRE THE
SUBMISSION OF A SIGN PLAN DRAWN TO A STANDARD
ARCHITECTURAL OR ENGINEERING SCALE, TO REQUIRE
SIGN PERMIT APPLICATIONS TO BE SIGNED BY THE
PROPERTY OWNER AND THE SIGN INSTALLER, TO DELETE
CERTAIN PERMIT EXEMPTIONS, AND TO EXEMPT FROM
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS THE CHANGING OF THE MESSAGE
OF A CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN, BY DELETING THEREFROM
SECTION 7 REGARDING FIRE/SAFETY HAZARDS IN ITS
ENTIRETY, BY AMENDING SECTION 8 THEREOF TO
PROHIBIT THE ALTERATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS, BY
AMENDING SECTION 9 THEREOF TO PROHIBIT OBSOLETE
SIGNS, ANIMATED SIGNS, FLASHING SIGNS, AND GROUND
SIGNS THAT ARE NOT MONUMENT SIGNS, BY AMENDING
SECTION 10 THEREOF TO ALLOW THE CITY'S COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO DESIGNATE A PLACE TO
HOLD IMPOUNDED SIGNS, BY AMENDING SECTION 12
THEREOF TO DELETE THE PROHIBITIONS AGAINST
ENERGIZED SIGNS AND TO INSTITUTE REGULATIONS
CONCERNING CHANGEABLE COPY SIGNS, BY AMENDING
SECTION 13 THEREOF TO REQUIRE ALL WIRING TO
MONUMENT SIGNS TO BE INSTALLED UNDERGROUND, BY
AMENDING SECTION 15 THEREOF TO REGULATE THE
LOCATION, PERMITTING AND SIZE OF TEMPORARY SIGNS,
TEMPORARY REAL ESTATE SUBDIVISION SIGNS,
TEMPORARY DIRECTION SIGNS, TEMPORARY POLITICAL
SIGNS, GARAGE SALE SIGNS, OPEN HOUSE SIGNS, AND
TEMPORARY STREET BANNER SIGNS,BY DELETING
THEREFROM SECTIONS 16, 17, 18, 19, AND 20 IN THEIR
ENTIRETY, BY AMENDING SECTION 21 THEREOF TO
CHANGE THE ALLOWED SIZE OF PERMANENT SIGNS IN
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, BY AMENDING SECTION 22
THEREOF TO REQUIRE A MASTER SIGN PLAN FOR ALL
WALL SIGNS AND GROUND SIGNS IN NONRESIDENTIAL
DISTRICTS, AND TO ALLOW OFF-PREMISES SIGNS AND
DIRECTIONAL SIGNS IN NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS IF
THE PERMIT APPLICATION IS SIGNED BY BOTH PROPERTY
OWNERS, BY DELETING THEREFROM SECTION 23 IN ITS
ENTIRETY, BY AMENDING SECTION 25 THEREOF TO USE
THE DEFINITION OF OBSOLETE SIGNS AND TO DELETE THE
REQUIREMENT OF REMOVING AN ABANDONED SIGN PRIOR
TO APPROVAL OF A NEW SIGN PERMIT ON THE SAME
PROPERTY, BY AMENDING SECTION 26 THEREOF TO
REQUIRE THE REMOVAL OF NONCONFORMING SIGNS
ASSOCIATED WITH NONRESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES WHICH
HAVE BEEN VACATED FOR 90 DAYS OR MORE, AND BY
AMENDING SECTION 27 THEREOF TO EXCEPT FROM
REGULATION HEREUNDER ALL SIGNS CONTAINING A
NONCOMERCIAL MESSAGE; PROVIDING A PENALTY IN AN
AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000.00 FOR EACH VIOLATION
HEREOF; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES, OR PARTS OF
ORDINANCES, IN CONFLICT HERE WITH TO THE EXTENT
OF SUCH CONFLICT; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FRIENDSWOOD, STATE OF TEXAS:
Section 1. Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, as adopted by Ordinance No. 91-15, said Ordinance No. 91-15
being an amendment to Ordinance No. 84-15, the zoning ordinance of the City, and same
also containing rules and regulations governing signs and sign structures within the City,
is hereby amended by deleting from Section 1 thereof the definitions of energized sign,
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major thoroughfare, and, major intersection and by adding definitions of animated sign,
awning, banner sign, changeable copy sign, civic sign, commercial message,flashing
sign, master sign plan, noncommercial message, nonconforming sign, nonresidential
district, obsolete sign, off-premises sign, on premises sign, residential district, and street
banner, as follows:
"Sec. 1. Definitions.
For the purposes of this appendix A to subsection K of section 8 of
Ordinance No. 84-15, as created by Ordinance No. 91-15 ('Appendix"),
the following definitions shall apply:
Animated sign shall mean a sign that uses movement to depict action or
create a special effect or scene, or contains visible moving or rotating
parts.
Awning shall mean a shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior
wall of a building constructed of non-rigid materials on a sup ortin
framework.
Banner sign shall mean a temporary sign made of fabric or other non-
rigid material that is fire retardant.
[a.]Billboard shall mean any sign that directs attention to a business
establishment, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or
offered elsewhere than on the premises where such sign appears. If such
business establishment, commodity, service, or entertainment is merely
incidental to the use of such property where such sign appears, such sign
shall be deemed a billboard.
[b.]Business establishment shall mean a project or undertaking that
involves the use of any property, building or structure, permanent or
temporary, for the primary purpose of conducting on said property a
[legitimate] commercial enterprise, or other nonresidential use, in
compliance with all ordinances and regulations of the city. Multiple
services and/or goods offered by a business establishment shall be
considered one business establishment for the purposes of this appendix.
[c.]Business frontage shall mean the [linear measurement of the] side of a
building that [which] contains the primary entrance of the building.
[d.]Business park shall mean business establishments located in a
business park district.
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Changeable copy sign (automatic) shall mean a sign on which the copy
changes automatically, such as electrical or electronic time and
temperature units.
Changeable copy sign (manual) shall mean a sign on which copy is
changed manually in the field, such as reader boards with changeable
letters.
Civic sign shall mean a sign that identifies a nonprofit institution or
organization that contains (a) the name of the institution or organization,
(b) the name(s) of the persons) connected with it, and/or (c) greetings,
announcements of events or activities occurring at the institution, or
similar message.
Commercial message shall mean a message that, directly or indirectly,
names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other
commercial activity that is conducted for profit by a person or entity
business for profit.
[e.]Double faced sign shall mean a single sign with two parallel sign faces
back-to-back.
[f. Energized sign: A sign energized from artificial sources for the
purposes of self-illumination or sustaining motion.]
Fire Retardant shall mean not capable of supporting combustion or flame.
[g.]Flagpole shall mean a freestanding structure permanently mounted on
the ground and designed and constructed for the purpose of hanging flags.
Flashing sign shall mean a sign that contains an intermittent or sequential
flashing light source used primarily to attract attention, but not including
changeable copy signs, animated signs or signs which, through reflection
or other means, create an illusion of flashing or intermittent light.
[h.]Garage sale shall mean the sale of items that [which] a resident or
group of residents wish to dispose of at discount prices, conducted from a
garage and/or yard, and which items offered for sale are used or discarded
by or from those residents offering them for sale.
[L]Grand opening shall mean the formal offering by a new business of its
goods, wares,merchandise, service, entertainment, or activity.
U.]Ground sign shall mean any sign mounted on the ground or supported
by one or more columns, poles, uprights, or braces anchored in or on the
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ground and not attached to any building, including [reader panels]
changeable copy signs.
[k.]Identification sign shall mean any sign that [which] carries only the
firm, business establishment, or corporate name, the major enterprise on
the premises, or the principal products offered for sale on the premises.
[l.]Integrated business development shall mean a development consisting
of two or more interrelated business establishments using common
driveways and onsite parking facilities, including, but not limited to,
shopping centers, office complexes, office buildings, and business parks.
[m. Major intersection shall mean an intersection of two major
thoroughfares.
n. Major thoroughfares shall mean Farm-to-Market Roads 518, 528,
and 2351.]
Master sign plan shall mean a plan depicting the location, size, height
and materials of all signs to be placed on a building and on the site.
[o.]Monument sign shall mean a ground sign not more than seven(7) feet
in height from natural ground level to the highest portion of the sign,[.]
[Such signs shall be] designed and constructed to substantially appear as a
solid mass, such as a block, rectangle, or square, and supported by an
integral structural framework.
[p.]Multifaced sign shall mean a single sign with two or more faces,
which are not parallel or back-to-back.
[q.]New business shall mean a business establishment new to the premises
on which it is located[; provided however], a business establishment
having a change in ownership of[at least 50] fifty percent (50%) or more
[of a business establishment shall constitute a new business for the
purposes herein, and provided further], or the expansion of an existing
building or structure [shall constitute a new business] if such expansion
increases the size of the area devoted to the primary use, in building floor
square footage [not less than 50 percent] fifty percent(50%) or more.
Noncommercial message shall mean any message other than a
commercial message.
Nonconforming sign shall mean a sign lawfully erected and maintained
prior to the adoption of this Subsection, or any pplicable amendment
thereto, that does not conform with the requirements hereof.
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Nonresidential district shall mean any district that is not a residential
district.
Obsolete sign shall mean any sign that identifies or advertises any product
accommodation, service, or business which is no longer available to the
public at the location indicated on the sign.
[r.]Offzce complex shall mean one or more commercial buildings with
multiple business establishments providing services but [and] not
delivering products directly to customers, and consisting of two or more
tenants using common driveways.
O(f-premises sign shall mean a sign that directs attention to a business
commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a
location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
On-premises sign shall mean a sign identifying or advertising a business
person, activity, og ods, products, or services, located on the premises
where the sign is located.
[s.]Open house shall mean a designated period of time during which a
property is open for viewing by prospective purchasers.
[t.]Portable sign shall mean any sign designed or constructed to be easily
moved from one location to another, including signs mounted upon or
designed to be mounted upon a trailer, wheeled carrier, or other
nonmotorized mobile structure. A portable sign which has its wheels
removed shall still be considered a portable sign hereunder.
[u.]Public service sign shall mean a sign that [which] provides a service or
message to the public, such as time,temperature, or charity appeals.
[v.]Reader panel/Reader board shall mean a permanently constructed
changeable copy bulletin board lighted or unlighted with detachable precut
letters and figures.
Residential district shall mean those districts zoned Single-Family
Residential Dwelling District (SFR), Single-Family Residential Dwelling
District — Estate (SFR-E), Multi-Family Residential Dwelling District —
Low (MFR-L), Multi-Family Residential Dwelling District — Medium
(MFR-M), Multi-Family Residential Dwelling District — High (MFR-H)
Multi-Family Residential Dwelling District — Garden Home District
(MFR-GHD), and Mobile Home Residential Dwelling District (MHR) in
the Zoning Ordinance of the City, contained in Appendix C of the City's
Code of Ordinances.
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[w.]Roofline shall mean the height above finished grade of the upper
beam,rafter,ridge, or purlin of any building.
[x.]Shopping center identification sign shall mean a monument [ground]
sign identifying an integrated business development, which may also
include identification signs on which the names and nature of business
establishments within the development are uniformly displayed.
[y.]Sign area shall mean the total square footage of all sign facing,
including that portion of the supporting structure or trim that carries any
wording, symbols, or pictures; provided however, in the case of double-
faced signs, only one face shall be computed to determine sign area;
provided further however, in the case of multi-faced signs, all faces shall
be computed to determine sign area.
[z.]Sign facing shall mean the facing of any sign upon, against, or through
which the message is displayed or illustrated; provided however, for signs
in which the words, letters, or symbols are independently mounted, the
sign facing shall mean the smallest regular geometric form containing all
of the individual words, letters, and symbols. Size of the sign shall be
determined by its lettering,[.] provided however, if there is background in
addition to the lettering, background material shall be included if the
background is uniquely associated with the letters.
[aa.]Sign shall mean any structure, part thereof, or device or inscription
which is located upon, attached to, or painted or represented on any land,
or on the outside of any building or structure, or on an awning, canopy,
marquee, or similar appendage, or permanently affixed to the glass on the
outside of the building or structure, and which displays or includes any
numeral, letter, word, model, banner, emblem, insignia, symbol, device,
monogram, heraldry, trademark, light, or other representation used as or in
the nature of an announcement, advertisement, attention arrester, direction,
warning, or designation of any person, firm, group, organization,
corporation, association, place, commodity, product, service, business
establishment, profession, enterprise, industry, activity, or any
combination thereof, where the word sign is used herein without further
modification, the same shall be understood to embrace all regulated signs
and replicas.
[bb.]Snipe sign shall mean a sign that is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted,
glued, or otherwise attached to trees, stakes, fences, utility poles, or other
like objects, the advertising matter of which is not applicable to the
present use of the premises on which the sign is located.
Street banner shall mean a sign constructed of porous material of at least
eighty percent(80%) cotton mesh with tie down ropes on each corner.
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[cc.]Temporary sign shall mean any sign constructed of materials with
short life expectancies. A portable sign shall not be considered a
temporary sign.
[dd.]Wall sign shall mean a sign [all signs], either of solid face
construction or individual letters, symbols, or pictures, which is [are]
attached to the exterior of any building or structure."
Section 2. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within the brackets and adding the material that is underlined, said
Section 2 to read as follows:
"Sec. 2. Permits.
a. Sign permits. It shall be unlawful for any person, unless provided
otherwise in this appendix, to erect, structurally alter, relocate, lease, rent,
or own any sign within the city without first obtaining a permit for such
sign.
(1) Application. All applications for sign permits shall be
accompanied by a plan or plans drawn to a standard architectural
or engineering scale,which shall include the following:
(a) The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable,
the dimensions of the surface of the building to which it is
to be attached.
(b) The dimensions of the sign's supporting members.
(c) The maximum and minimum height of the sign.
(d) The proposed location of the sign in relation to all
buildings on the premises where the sign is to be located.
(e) The proposed location of the sign in relation to the
boundaries of the premises upon which it is to be situated.
(f) The location of all electrical transmission lines
within thirty feet (30') of any part of such proposed sign
structure.
(g) Each Permit application shall be signed by the
property owner, or his agent, and the sign installer.
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(2) Issuance. Upon the filing of an application for a sign
permit, the plans, specifications, and other data shall be examined
by [the Code Enforcement Officer] the Community Develo ment
Division. If it appears that such proposed sign is in compliance
with the requirements of this appendix and other laws of the city,
and the applicant is in compliance with all building ordinances of
the city and other permits issued by the city, [The Code
Enforcement Officer] the Community Development Division shall
issue the applicant a permit for such sign. Such sign shall
thereafter be constructed in accordance with the plans,
specifications and other data submitted to [the Code Enforcement
Officer] the Community Development Division.
b. Exceptions. A permit shall not be required for the following:
[(1) The changing of the advertising copy or message of a
painted sign.
(2) The changing of the advertising message or copy of an
electric sign, if such electric sign is specifically designed for the
use of replaceable copy.
(3) The electrical, repainting, or cleaning maintenance of a
sign.
(4) The repair of a sign]
(1) The electrical, repainting, or cleaning maintenance of a
sign.
(2) The changing of the message of a changeable copy sign.
(3) Temporary real estate subdivision signs for single-family
units pursuant to subsection 15.2.b of this ordinance.
(4) Temporary real-estate signs for multifamily units urp suant
to subsection 15.2.d of this ordinance.
(5) Temporary political signs pursuant to subsection 15.4 of
this ordinance.
(6) Garage sale signs pursuant to subsection 15.5 of this
ordinance.
(7) Open house signs pursuant to subsection 15.6 of this
ordinance.
C. Stop orders. The issuance of a permit under this Appendix shall
not constitute a waiver of this ordinance or other ordinances of the city.
[The Code Enforcement Officer] Community Development Division is
authorized to issue stop orders for any sign that is being constructed or
used in violation of this or any other ordinance of the city."
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Section 3. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 6
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 6. Structural requirements.
a. Compliance with building code. All signs and sign structures shall
comply with the pertinent requirements of the building codes of the city,
including, but not limited to all structural, electrical, and windstorm
requirements.
b. Transmission lines, minimum spacing. All signs and sign
structures shall have a minimum clearance of eight feet (8 ) vertically and
eight feet (8 ) horizontally from any transmission line carrying 750 volts
or greater.
C. Wiring. Any wiring to an energized sign shall be installed
underground [except where impractical or infeasible, as determined by the
Building Official, and in such instances shall be at least 14 feet above
ground level]."
Section 4. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting therefrom
all of Section 7,which Section 7 provides as follows:
[Sec. 7. Fire/safety hazards.
a. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, structurally alter,
relocate, lease, rent or own any sign in such as manner as to obstruct or in
all probability cause to obstruct:
(1) Ingress or egress.
(2) Lighting or ventilation.
(3) Firefighting.
(4) Escape from a building.
(5) Free passage from one part of a roof to any other part thereof
b. It shall be unlawful for any person to attach any sign to an exterior
stairway, fire escape,fire tower, or balcony serving as a horizontal exit.
C. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, structurally alter,
relocate, lease, rent or own any sign in such as manner that all or any
portion of such sign or its supporting structure will interfere win any way
with eth free use of any fire escape, exit, standpipe, or obstruct any
required ventilator, door or stairway.
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d. An cloth sin or banner that is attached to a building shall be
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flame proof.
e. The fire marshal of the city, or his duly qualified representative,
shall be the sole judge of a violation under this section]
Section 5. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 8
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 8. Traffic hazards.
a. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, structurally alter,
relocate, lease, rent, or own any sign in such a manner as to constitute a
hazard to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or in such a manner as to obstruct
free and clear vision, regardless of location, by reason of the position,
shape, color, or movement which may interfere with, obstruct the view of
or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device. Nor
shall such sign make use of any word, phrase, symbol, or character in such
a manner as to interfere with, mislead, distract or confuse vehicular or
pedestrian traffic.
b. The chief of police of the city, or his duly qualified representative,
shall be the sole judge of a violation under this section.
G. Attaching, placing, affixing, or leaning any material onto, painting
over, changing the wording of, or covering a traffic sign (regulatory or
informational) shall be prohibited."
Section 6. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 9
to provide as follows:
"See. 9. Prohibited signs.
Signs of the following nature are expressly prohibited unless specifically
authorized by this ordinance:
a. Billboards.
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b. Signs that [which] contain statements, words, or pictures of an
obscene, indecent, or immoral character as will offend public morals or
decency.
C. Obsolete signs. [Signs which advertise an activity, business
establishment, or service no longer conducted on the premises upon which
the sign is located.]
d. Animated signs. [Signs which move or contain visible moving
parts.]
e. Signs that [which] contain or have attached thereto banners,
posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, strings of light bulbs, spinners, flash
tags or other similar devices.
f. Signs attached to exposed amenities such as benches or trash
containers.
g. Any stereopticon or motion picture machine used in conjunction
with or attached to any sign in such a manner as to permit the images
projected therefrom to be visible from any public street or sidewalk.
h. Snipe signs.
i. Signs placed on the side or rear of any building or property when
such sign faces upon a contiguous residential area.
j. Signs placed on private property without the consent of the owner
of the property.
k. Flashing signs.
1. Ground signs, except monument signs."
Section 7. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 10
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 10. Signs on public property.
a. Signs on public property. It shall be unlawful to place a sign in or
upon any public property, including but not limited to a public street,
sidewalk, right-of-way, easement, curb, grounds, bridge or building,
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unless express consent therefor shall have been first granted by the city
council. This subsection 10.a. shall not apply to a public employee in the
regular course and scope of his or her employment.
b. Impoundment. Any sign in violation of subsection a. of this
section may be removed without notice to the owner thereof. [The Code
Enforcement Officer,] Employees of the police department, the
department of public works and community development are hereby
authorized to remove any such signs and transport or cause the same to be
transported to a location to be designated by [the Code Enforcement
Officer] Community Development. Snipe signs may be discarded
immediately. The custodian of the storage area shall maintain records of
where such signs were located when they were so removed and the date on
which they were so removed and, except for snipe signs, shall hold the
same in the storage area for a period of not less than 30 days.
Any sign so held may be redeemed by the owner thereof upon the
payment of a fee to the city consisting of a total of$50.00 for hauling the
same to storage, plus $10.00 per day storage fee for each day the sign is
stored. Such fee shall be in addition to and not in lieu of any fine imposed
upon such owner for violation of this subsection. Any sign impounded
and stored and not redeemed by the owner thereof within thirty (30) days
may be disposed of or sold at public auction in the same manner as surplus
property of the city.
V. Exceptions.
(1) Public athletic facilities. Public athletic facilities may have
signs attached to fences surrounding such facility to give public
information or team sponsor advertising. Except for scoreboards,
such signs shall not project above the fence line and shall face the
athletic facility.
(2) Public and private parks. Public and private parks may
have signs to give information and/or regulations concerning park
use."
Section 8. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 12
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 12. [Energized] Changeable copy signs.
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[It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, structurally alter,
relocate, lease, rent, or own within the city any of the following:
a. An energized sign that is rotating, animated, or contains any
moving parts; provided however, public service displays shall not be
prohibited by this paragraph.
b. Any energized sign containing flashing lights, including energized
signs with lights flashing in sequence to simulate movement; provided
however,public service displays shall not be prohibited by this paragraph.
C. Wiring shall be underground to independently wired signs]
a. Residential Districts. A changeable copy sign, such as a reader
board, may be integrated into the allowable sign so long as the total area
of the changeable copy message does not exceed six (6) square feet of the
sign area, subject to the restrictions set forth in subsection c. below.
b. Non-Residential Districts, and Churches and Schools in
Residential Districts. A changeable copy sign, such as a reader board,
may be integrated into a permanent ground sign so long as the total area of
the changeable copy message is limited to a maximum of twenty-five (25)
square feet of the sign area, subject to the restrictions set forth in
subsection c. below.
C. Restrictions. All changeable copy signs shall be subject to the
following restrictions:
(1) The message conveyed by the sign face shall not blink, flash, scroll or be
so animated as to be deemed a distraction to passing motorists;
(2) A maximum of two (2) lines of text copy not exceeding ten inches (10"b
height per line shall be allowed: and
(3) All changeable copy sign faces shall be limited to a maximum of twenty-
five (25) square feet in sign area, or the maximum size of the type of permanent
sign on which the face is placed, whichever is less."
Section 9. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 13
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 13. Illumination of signs.
a. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, structurally alter,
relocate, lease, rent, or own any sign which creates glare (as that term may
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otherwise be defined in the zoning ordinance of the city) upon a public
street, alley, driveway,parking area, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
b. [Nonenergized] Signs may be illuminated from an independent
artificial source provided such illumination is concentrated upon the area
of the sign only, and does not cause glare (as that term may otherwise be
defined in the zoning ordinance of the city) upon any public street, alley,
driveway,parking area, sidewalk, or adjacent property.
C. Awnings shall not be backlit. Any down lit awning shall be
opaque. The portion of an awning that contains graphics, symbols and/or
written copy, shall be included as part of the aggregate sign area
calculation.
d. All wiring to monument signs shall be installed underground."
Section 10. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said section 14
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 14. Portable signs.
a. One portable sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area, may
be displayed by a new business enterprise to give notice of its grand
opening for a period not to exceed 14 consecutive days.
b. One portable sign, not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area, may
be displayed on nonresidential property, in addition to that allowed for
grand openings, for 21 days during any calendar year; provided however,
use of any such portable sign shall be in increments of not less than seven
0 consecutive days.
c. If a changeable copy sign is located on the propertyy portable
sign is not permitted.
d. No more than one (1) portable sign shall be displayed on any one
(1)nonresidential property at a time."
Section 11. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 15
to read as follows:
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"See. 15. Temporary signs [generally.]
Sec. 15.1 Temporary Signs—Generally
a. In lieu of using a portable sign to advertise a grand opening as
authorized by section 14.a. above, one temporary sign not exceeding 32
square feet in sign area may be displayed by a new business to give notice
of its grand opening for a period not to exceed 14 consecutive days.
b. In lieu of using a portable sign as authorized by section 14.b.
above, one temporary sign not exceeding 32 square feet in sign area may
be displayed on nonresidential property for 21 days during each calendar
year; provided however, use of such temporary sign shall be in increments
of not less than seven consecutive days.
[c. Banner signs may be used provided they are affixed to a wall of
the building.]
C. Contractors may place a sign on property where actual
construction (landscaping, roofing, pool, etc.) is taking place. Such sign
may be placed on such property for the duration of construction plus ten
days, shall not exceed six�O square feet in sign area, and shall not exceed
[five] seven 7 feet in height above the natural ground level. No permit is
required for such signs.
d. Pern2its. Except as otherwise provided, a permit shall be require
for any temporary sign authorized in this section, such permits shall be
granted for a period not to exceed 24 months, and at the expiration of the
permit period all such temporary signs shall be removed unless a new
permit is obtained.
e. Location — Temporary signs shall be placed no closer than three
(3) feet from the edge of the property and/or any sidewalk, in no case shall
the temporary sign be placed in a state or city right of way or street
median.
f. Height—Temporary signs shall not exceed seven (7) feet in height
above the natural ground level.
Sec. 15.2 Temporary real estate subdivision signs.
16
a. Subdivision entrance signs.
(1) Allowed: Up to two temporary real estate subdivision signs
may allowed at each entrance.
(2) Location: At the Main Entrance of any new residential
subdivision or other residential development, and/or at secondary
entrances to such subdivision or development.
(3) Size: Each sign not to exceed 50 square feet in sign area
(4) Removal: Such temporary real estate subdivision signs
shall be removed 24 months from the date the permit is issued or
when 80 percent of the lots in the subdivision have been sold to
homebuyers, whichever occurs first.
(5) Permits: Required.
b. Single-family units.
nits.
(1) Allowed.• One temporaiy sign allowed for each single-
family dwelling unit or lot in order to give information concerning
leasing renting, or selling of a single-family unit or lot.
(2) Location: Such temporary sign may be located anywhe
on the premises except as restricted by the zoning ordinance,
provided that such sign may not project beyond the property line
and is only for the property upon which such sign is erected.
(3) Size: Each temporary sign not exceeding six 6) square feet
in sign area
(4) Removal: Single-family residence signs shall be removed
within ten days of the unit or lot being leased,rented or sold.
(5) Permits: Not required.
C. Model homes.
(1) Allowed: One monument sign for each model home or
model home park for each separate home building company
located in the subdivision which is used or designated as a sales
office and/or model home.
(2) Location: See See. 15.1.e.
(3) Size: Not to exceed 16 square feet in sign area.
(4) Removal: Must be removed within ten days after the time
that the model home or model home park is ceases to be used as a
sales office or model home for the subdivision.
(5) Permits: Required.
17
d. Multi amil units.
nits.
(1) Allowed: Two temporM signs shall be allowed for each
complex in order to give information concerning leasing, renting,
selling, or financing of the unit on the property upon which such
sign is erected.
(2) Location: On the property where each complex is located.
(3) Size:Not to exceed six (6)sguare feet in sign area.
(4) Removal: Must be removed within ten days after the time
that the leasing, renting selling or financing of all the units in each
complex occurs.
(5) Permits: Not required.
e. Vacant acreage
(1) Allowed: One temporary sign may be allowed for each
street frontage advertising vacant acreage in order to give
information concemin selling,ellin , lg easing, or renting of the property.
(2) Location: See Section 15.1.e.
(3) Size: For vacant tracts of two acres or less, such sign shall
not exceed 16 square feet in sign area, for vacant tracts of greate r
than two acres, such sign shall not exceed 32 square feet in sign
area
(4) Removal: Must be removed within ten days after the time
that the acreage is been sold, leased or rented.
(5) Permits: Required.
f. Temporary signs for new integrated business developments,
shopping centers o fdee parks and business parks
(1) Allowed: One temporary sign for each street frontage of
any new integrated business development, shopping center, office
park, or business park in order to give information concerning
leasing renting construction financing or selling of such propert y
upon which such sign is erected.
(2) Location: May be located at the entrance for the
development.
(3) Size: The sign area for such temporary sign shall not
exceed 32 square feet.
(4) Removal: Must be removed be removed no later than 24
months after the date the permit is issued.
(5) Permits: Required.
18
Sec. 15.3 Temporary direction signs.
a. Allowed: Temporary or portable signs that direct the public to a
special event of civic interest, such as parades organized holiday
festivities, or other special events which are conducted by and benefit
charitable or non-profit organizations.
b. Size: Such signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area
C. Location: See Section 15.1.e.
d. Removal: Such signs are erected only for a time period not to
exceed ten days before and two days after the event.
e. Permits: Required. Each application for a permit under this
section shall contain an affidavit executed by an officer of the applicant
charitable or non-profit organization certifying that the event is being
conducted by such organization, that all proceeds derived from such event
will be used to further the purpose of such organization and that the
management and supervision of such event will be under the total control
of the applicant.
Sec. 15.4 Temporary political signs.
a. Political Signs on Private Property.
(1) Allowed: On private property with the permission of the
property owner. Political signs may not be illuminated or have
moving parts.
(2) Location: See Section 15.Le.
(3) Size: No such sign shall exceed 36 square feet in sign area
or be higher than eight (8) feet from ground level
(4) Removal: All such signs shall be removed per state
regulations on political si ng age.
(5) Permits: Not required.
b. Political Signs on Public Property.
(1) Removal: All such signs shall be removed from public
Property within 24 hours following the election date on which the
office or proposition is finally determined in accordance with the
Texas Election Code; Signs outside a Polling Place not meeting
this criteria can be removed by Officials.
(2) Permits: Not required.
Sec. 15.5 Garage sale signs.
19
a. Allowed: Up to four signs can be posted no more than 24 hours
before the sale begins.
b. Location: Signs may placed on private property with the
permission of the property owner; no sign shall be placed on public
property or in the city right-of-ways. See also Section 15.1.e
C. Size: each sign shall not exceed six (6)square feet in sign area
d. Removal: Signs must be removed on the last day of the sale by
day's end.
C. Permits: Not required.
See. 15.6 Open house signs.
a. Allowed up to four signs for each Open House Once an open
house has been held on a property, open house signs shall not be placed on
the same property before the expiration of five (5) days from the removal
of the signs for the previous open house.
b. Location: Signs may be placed on private property with the
permission of the property owner; no sign shall be placed on public
property or in the city right-of-ways. See also Section 15 Le.
C. Size: each sign shall not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area
d. Removal: Signs must be removed at the close of the Open House
e. Permits: Not required.
Sec. 15.7 Temporary Street Banner signs.
a. Allowed: Charitable and non-profit organizations are allowed one
sign constructed of porous material of at least eighty percent (80%) cotton
mesh with tie down ropes on each corner.
b. Location: Banners must be erected in front of Stevenson Park and
extend across Friendswood Drive to the designated poles provided by
Texas New Mexico Power.
e. Size: Each sign shall not exceed 25 feet in width and no more than
four 4) feet in height.
d. Removal: Signs must be removed at the end of seven (7)
consecutive days following their erection. No banners shall be permitted
during the periods before and during elections when City "Vote" banners
are in place.
e. Permits: Required by both the City and Texas Department of
Transportation In addition a completed License Agreement to place a
banner on a Public Street Right-of-Way sball be submitted with the ep rmit
application with an original certificate of insurance issued by a company
authorized to do business in the State of Texas naming the City of
Friendswood as an additionally insured, in amounts of not less than the
following:
(1) Bodily injury, per person$250,000;
20
(2) Per occurrence $500,000,
(3) Property age $100,000.
Complete applications must be received 60 days in advance of the
advertised event."
Section 12. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting all of
Section 16 in its entirety as follows:
[Sec. 16. Temporary real estate subdivision signs.
a. Subdivision entrance signs.
(1) One temporary real estate subdivision sign may be
located at the main entrance of any new residential
subdivision or other residential development not to exceed
50 square feet in sign area. Provided further, one additional
temporary real estate subdivision or development sign not
exceeding 32 square feet in sign area may be erected at one
secondary entrance to such subdivision or development.
(2) Such temporary real estate subdivision signs shall be
removed 24 months from the date the permit is issued or
when 80 percent of the lots in the subdivision have been
sold to homebuyers, whichever last occurs.
b. Single-family units.
(1) Allowed signs. One temporary sign not exceeding six
square feet in sign area shall be allowed for each single-
family dwelling unit in order to give information
concerning leasing, renting, or selling of such single-family
unit or lot on the property upon which such sign is erected.
(2) Location. Such temporary sign may be located
anywhere on the premises except as restricted by the
zoning ordinance, provided that such sign may not project
beyond the property line and shall not be more than five
feet over the natural ground level.
(3) Removal. Single-family residence signs shall be
removed within ten days of the unit or lot being leased,
rented or sold.
(4) Permits. No permits shall be required for erection of a
single-family unit sign under subsection b.(1) of this
section.
(5) Model homes. The model home or model home park for
each separate home building company located in the
subdivision which is used or designated as a sales office
and/or model home may, on a temporary basis, be allowed
one ground sign five feet or less from the natural ground
level to the top of the sign not exceeding 16 square feet in
21
sign area until the model home or model home park is no
longer used as a sales office or model home for that
subdivision.
C. Multifamily units.
(1) Allowed signs. Two temporary signs, each not to
exceed six square feet in sign area, shall be allowed for
each complex in order to give information concerning
leasing, renting, selling, or financing of the unit on the
property upon which such sign is erected.
(2) Height limits. The maximum height for ground signs
shall be five feet.
(3) Setbacks. Ground signs shall be located at least 20 feet
from the street edge.
d. Off-premises directional signs. A maximum of three off-
premises directional signs may be erected giving directions to new
subdivisions and other new residential developments. Such signs
must comply with the following:
(1) Such signs do not exceed six square feet in sign area
and are constructed with a maximum height above ground
level of five feet;
(2) Such signs are located on private property with the
written permission of the property owner or agent,
submitted to the city prior to issuance of a permit;
(3) Such signs are removed within two years after they are
erected or when 80 percent of the units within such
developments have sold, whichever last occurs; and
(4) Such signs otherwise comply with the provisions of this
appendix.
e. Vacant acreage. Temporary signs advertising vacant
acreage are allowed in order to give information concerning
selling, leasing, or renting of the property provided such signs
comply with the following:
(1) Size. For vacant tracts of two acres or less, such sign
does not exceed sixteen square feet in sign area; for vacant
tracts of greater than two acres, such sign does not exceed
32 square feet in sign area;
(2) Number. One such sign may be allowed for each street
frontage; and
(3) Height limits. The maximum height shall be eight feet
above natural ground level.
f. Temporary signs for new integrated business developments,
shopping centers, office parks, and business parks.
(1) One temporary sign for each street frontage may be
located at the entrance of any new integrated business
development, shopping center, office park, or business park
in order to give information concerning leasing, renting,
22
construction, financing or selling of such property upon
which such sign is erected.
(2) The sign area for such temporary sign shall not exceed
32 square feet.
(3) Such temporary sign shall be removed 24 months from
the date the permit is issued.
(4) The maximum height shall be eight feet above natural
ground level.
g. Permits. Except as otherwise provided, a permit shall be
required for any temporary sign authorized in this section, such
permits shall be granted for a period not to exceed 24 months, and
at the expiration of the permit period all such temporary signs shall
be removed unless a new permit is obtained.]
Section 13. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting all of
Section 17 in its entirety as follows:
[Sec. 17. Temporary direction signs.
Temporary or portable signs that direct the public to a special
event of civic interest, such as parades, organized holiday festivities, or
other special events which are conducted by and benefit charitable or non-
profit organizations are permitted provide that:
a. Such signs do not exceed 32 square feet in area;
b. Such signs are erected only for a time period not to
exceed ten days before and two days after the event.
Each application for a permit under this section shall contain an
affidavit executed by an officer of the applicant charitable or non-profit
organization certifying that the event is being conducted by such
organization, that all proceeds derived from such event will be used to
further the purpose of such organization, and that the management and
supervision of such event will be under the total control of the applicant.]
Section 14. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting all of
Section 18 in its entirety as follows:
[Sec. 18. Temporary political signs.
a. Temporary political signs shall be allowed provided that:
(1)No political sign shall be erected prior to 45 days before
the election date on which the office or proposition is to be
determined;
(2) All such signs shall be removed within seven days
following the election date on which the office or
proposition is finally determined in accordance with the
Texas Election Code;
23
(3) No such sign shall exceed 16 square feet in sign area
nor exceed six feet in height above natural ground level;
(4) Such temporary political sign shall otherwise comply
with all provisions of this appendix.
b. No permit shall be required for the erection of a temporary
political sign.]
Section 15. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting all of
Section 19 in its entirety as follows:
[Sec. 19. Garage sale signs.
Temporary garage sale signs are allowed provided such signs do
not exceed six square feet in sign area, are removed by the owner within
48 hours of placement, and are not placed on property without the
permission of the property owner. No permit is required for garage sale
signs.]
Section 16. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting all of
Section 20 in its entirety as follows:
[Sec. 20. Open house signs.
Open house signs are allowed for each open house provided such
signs do not exceed six square feet in sign area, are removed within 48
hours of placement, and are not placed on private property without the
permission of the property owner. No permit is required for open house
signs. Once an open house has been held on a property, an open house
sign may not be placed for the same property sooner than five days from
removal of the signs for the earlier open house.]
Section 17. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 21
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 21. Permanent signs in residential [zones] districts.
a. Applicability. This section shall apply to all residential [zones]
districts as defined in the zoning ordinance: [Single-family residential
dwelling district, multi-family residential dwelling district low, multi-
family residential dwelling district medium, multi-family residential
dwelling district highest,mobile home residential dwelling district] as well
as PUD and SUP with residential components.
24
b. Multi family residential subdivisions. For each multi-family
residential subdivision, a maximum of two wall or monument signs with a
combined total sign area not exceeding 50 square feet shall be allowed.
Allowed signs may be anywhere on the premises except as restricted by
the zoning ordinance and this appendix. They may not project beyond any
property line and, if ground mounted, the top shall not be more [five] than
seven 7 feet over natural ground level.
C. Single-family residential subdivisions. Each single-family
residential subdivision is allowed one [monument] entrance identification
sign at each entrance not to exceed 50 square feet. Provided however, two
signs with a maximum of 32 square feet each may be placed on opposite
sides of the entrance in lieu of a single 50-square-foot sign. The top of
such signs shall be not more than [six] seven 7 feet over natural ground
level. As part of one sign, a [reader panel] changeable copy area not
exceeding six (66) square feet shall be allowed for the purpose of placing
civic announcements by the homeowners' association."
Section 18. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 22
to provide as follows:
"Sec.22. Permanent signs in [commercial] non-residential districts.
a. [Commercial districts generally.] Applicability. This [subsection
a.] section shall apply to all commercial and non-residential districts as
defined in the zoning ordinance [, except as otherwise provided in
subsection b. below] as well as PUD and SUP with non-residential
components.
b. [(I)] Wall signs.
tD [(a)]One wall sign is allowed for each business establishment
with an allowable total sign area of one and one-half SIB square
feet for each linear foot of business frontage [up to a maximum of
80 square feet].
(2) [(b)]Where two or more business establishments utilize a
common building the total allowable wall sign area shall be equal
to one and one-half (1%2)square feet for each linear foot of
business frontage [they shall collectively only be entitled to the
square footage of wall sign that would be authorized for one
business establishment]. It shall be the responsibility of the
[permit holder] property to allocate such sign area to each
business establishment. A master sign plan drawn to a standard
25
architectural or en ing eering scale shall be submitted to Community
Development for this type project showing the exact size and
location of each sign for this project.
(3) [(c)]Each business establishment's wall sign must be attached
to that part of the building in which the business establishment is
located.
c. [(2)]Ground signs.
(1) One [ground] monument sign is allowed for each business
establishment with an allowable total sign area of 50 square feet.
The highest part of any such sign or structure shall not be greater
than [15] seven (7)_feet above the highest finished grade at the
front property line.
(2) Where two or more business establishments utilize a
common building they shall collectively only be entitled to one
monument sign that would be authorized for one business
establishment. The total sign area of such sign shall not exceed 50
square feet plus ten square feet for each business establishment in
the complex up to a maximum of 100 square feet The highest part
of any such sign or structure shall not be greater than seven(7) feet
above the highest finished grade at the front property line It shall
be the responsibility of the property owner to allocate such sign
area to each business establishment A master sign plan drawn to a
standard architectural or engineering scale shall be submitted to
Community Development for this type project showing the exact
size and location of each sign for this project.
(3) Up to 25 square feet of the allowable monument sign area
may be used for changeable copy signage.
(4) A second monument sign is allowed for buildings
consisting of development of 40,000 square feet or more
[(3) Maximum size. The maximum size of all allowed signs for
a given business establishment shall not exceed 80 square feet.
This subsection(3) shall not apply to temporary or portable signs.
(4) Option for greater sign area. A business establishment has
the option of having a total sign area greater than 80 square feet if
it chooses to have no ground sign and instead uses individual
letters and/or symbols attached to the building. If such an option is
exercised, the formula for calculating sign area is two square feet
for each linear foot of business frontage. A business establishment
choosing this option may have one sign for each major
thoroughfare frontage that will hold the sign. However, if such
street frontage is contiguous to a residential area, the option shall
not be available for a sign on the side of such building contiguous
to such residential area.
26
b. Integrated business developments in neighborhood commercial
district, original business district, office park district, business park
district, and community shopping center district.
(1) Wall signs.
(a) One wall sign is allowed for each business
establishment with an allowable total sign area of one and
one-half square feet for each linear foot of business
frontage up to a maximum of 100 square feet.
(b) Where two or more business establishments utilize
a common building they shall collectively only be entitled
to the square footage of wall sign that would be authorized
for one business establishment. It shall be the
responsibility of the permit holder to allocate such sign area
to each business establishment.
(c) Each business establishment's wall sign must be
attached to that part of the building in which the business
establishment is located.
(d) Option for greater sign area. A business
establishment has the option of having a total wall sign area
greater than 100 square feet if it chooses to use individual
letters and/or symbols attached to the building. If such an
option is exercised, the formula for calculating sign area is
two square feet for each linear foot of business frontage. A
business establishment choosing this option may have one
sign for each major thoroughfare frontage that will hold the
sign. However, if such street frontage is contiguous to a
residential area, the option shall not be available for a sign
on the side of such residential area.
(2) Ground signs.
(a) One ground sign is allowed for each integrated
business development.
(b) The total sign area of such sign shall not exceed 50
square feet plus ten square feet for each business
establishment in the complex up to a maximum of 100
square feet.
(c) The height, including any part of the sign shall or
sign structure, shall not exceed 20 feet above the highest
finished grade at the front property line.
(d) It shall be the responsibility of the permit holder to
allocate the sign area of the sign among the tenants.]
d. [(3)] Option for directory sign in office park and business park
districts.
[(a)]One ground sign for the sole purpose of uniformly
listing the names of the tenants is allowed for each building in
27
t �
which there are multiple tenants in the office complex if the
complex chooses not to use wall signs.
[(b)]The total sign area of such sign shall not exceed 240
square inches per tenant.
(3) [(c)]Such signs shall not exceed five (5) feet in height and
shall be located within 20 feet of the building.
[(4) Options for additional reader panel signage in community
shopping center districts, and original business districts.
(a) A maximum of 50 square feet of reader panel may
be included as an integral part of the ground sign with the
total sign area including the reader panel not to exceed 150
square feet.
(b) A shopping center zoned community shopping
center district or original business district consisting of
40,000 square feet in building size or greater will be
allowed a second ground sign located on the second street
to which there is access when such center is located at a
major intersection. The second sign shall be no larger than
100 square feet plus not more than 50 additional square feet
of reader panel. Provided, however, notwithstanding any
other provision contained herein to the contrary, if such
shopping center elects to erect a reader panel on such
second sign, in no event shall any permits be issued for
portable signs for business establishments within such
shopping center.
(c) The height of any sign permitted under this
subsection 22.b.(4) shall not exceed 20 feet.
C. Light industry. Areas zoned light industrial district shall have the
same regulations for wall and ground signs as provided in subsection a.
above but additionally may have one ground sign for integrated
developments of two or more separate business establishments. The
allowable sign area for such ground sign shall not exceed 50 square feet
plus five square feet for each additional business establishment up to a
maximum of 100 square feet.
d. Agricultural. Areas zoned agricultural district shall have the same
regulations for wall and ground signs as provided in subsection a. above.]
e. Fast food/drive-through menu [reader] boards. Menu boards for
fast food/drive-through restaurants shall not be considered as a ground
sign if such menu [reader] board is screened from adjacent buildings or
structures. Landscaping around menu [reader] boards shall be required so
as to screen to the degree reasonably possible such menu [reader] board
from abutting properties.
[f. Use of reader panels for noncommercial purposes. Any business
establishment utilizing a reader board or panel as a part of its signage shall
be entitled to place messages upon such reader board or panel for
noncommercial purposes.]
28
f. Off-premises signs and directional signs Off-premise signs and
directional signs of up to a maximum of four (4) square feet are allowed if
the property on which the sign is located and the rp operty which is
described in the sign are contiguous The permit application shall be
signed by both o>l ertv owners."
Section 19. Said Appendix A is hereby finther amended by deleting therefrom
Section 23 in its entirety as follows:
[Section 23. Permanent signs in districts zoned for specific use.
a. Applicability. This section shall apply to areas zoned for specific
use such as churches, institutional, fraternal, and other as provided in the
zoning ordinance of the city.
b. Size, number, and location. The regulations for wall and ground
signs as established by section 22.a. above shall also apply to areas zoned
for specific use.]
Section 20. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 25
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 25. Obsolete signs.
Signs which have [been abandoned] become obsolete due to closing of a
business establishment, change in business establishment name, or for any
other reason rendering the sign non-applicable to the property involved,
shall be removed or rendered blank by the permit holder or other owner of
the building or premises within 30 days from the date of the action that
caused the sign to be considered [abandoned] obsolete. A condition of
approval for all sign permits shall be that the permit holder or owner of the
building or premises, at his own expense, remove or render blank all
[abandoned] obsolete signs. [New signs for a building or property on
which an abandoned sign is located shall not be approved until the
abandoned sign is removed.]"
Section 21. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 26
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 26. Lawfully existing nonconforming signs.
29
a. Signs in existence on January 22, 1979, for which permits were
obtained in accordance with city Ordinance No. 323, and signs in
existence as of the effective date of this ordinance for which permits were
obtained in accordance with Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances shall
be considered and deemed as lawfully existing nonconforming signs and
may be continued as such. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the person or
entity holding the permit for any such lawfully existing nonconforming
sign shall be required to obtain a permit for such sign and otherwise
comply with all requirements of this appendix relating to nonconforming
signs and sign structures.
b. Lawfully existing nonconforming signs shall be kept in good repair
and visual appearance and no structural alteration[s] shall be made thereto.
[Notwithstanding sections 2.b.(4) and 4. above,] In the event that a
lawfully existing nonconforming sign or sign structure is damaged or
destroyed in an amount equal to or greater than fifty-percent (50%) of the
value of the sign, the sign shall be removed, made to conform or replaced
with a conforming sign.
G. Lawfully existing nonconforming signs [advertising] associated
with non-residential properties which have [a business establishment
which has] been vacated for 90 days or more shall be removed."
Section 22. Said Appendix A is hereby further amended by deleting the
provisions contained within brackets and adding the material underlined, said Section 27
to provide as follows:
"Sec. 27. Exceptions and exemptions.
The following described signs are exempt from the provisions of this
appendix except for sections 5-13 inclusive:
a. Professional nameplates and occupational signs denoting only the
name and occupation of an occupant in a commercial building or public
institutional building, and not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
b. Identification nameplates or signs on apartment houses, boarding
or rooming houses, or similar uses, not exceeding two (2) square feet in
area.
C. One nameplate denoting only the name of the occupants of a
dwelling, and not exceeding two (2) square feet in area nor located closer
than two Q feet to the property line.
30
d. Memorial and/or historical signs as designated by federal, state, or
local governments.
e. Traffic or other municipal signs, legal notices, or danger signs by
federal, state, or local governments.
f. Warning signs or trespassing signs on private property, not
exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
g. Signs required by any law or regulation of the federal, state or
local governments.
h. Onsite directional signs for public and private developments
denoting the entrance, exit, and direction of traffic flow and not exceeding
two (2) square feet in area; provided such sign is not prohibited or further
regulated by any other ordinance of the city.
i. Street banners erected by the city advertising a bona fide public
event such as legal holidays, nonpolitical election instructions, and similar
occasions.
j. Civic and church signs: The city council may erect, or approve and
permit to be erected, entrance signs at or near the city limits for the benefit
of visitors, on which may be listed institutional names, churches, and
points of interest. Civic organizations and churches may be permitted to
place their insignias thereon. In addition, each church or institution may
erect a maximum of four directional signs as long as each does not exceed
four (4) square feet.
k. Signs on motor vehicles, as such term "motor vehicle" is defined in
Vernon's Tex. Transp. Code Ann. § 541.201(11), as amended, when the
primary use of such motor vehicle is the transportation of persons or
property.
1. Flags of the United States, the State of Texas, or any other political
subdivision; or any flag of a religious, fraternal, or charitable organization.
m. Company flags displaying only a company logo provided such a
flag is affixed to a flagpole and the length of the flag does not exceed one-
quarter of the height of the flagpole.
n. Decorations for stores, storefronts, and yards from November 20
through January 10 of each year commemorating the holiday season and
from June 27 through July 7 of each year commemorating Independence
Day.
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o. Sculptures, statues, or works of art; provided, however, that such
object or structure is not identifiable in any way, by use of a trademark or
logo, advertising campaign link, or other business activity.
P. Signs containing noncommercial messages or messages otherwise
protected by the constitutions of the United States or the State of Texas;
provided, however, that there shall be no more than four (4) such signs on
any one property and the total square footage of all such signs shall not
exceed 36 square feet."
Section 23. Any person who shall violate any provision of this Ordinance shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be fined in an amount not
to exceed $2,000.00. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense.
Section 24. All ordinances, or parts of ordinances, in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
Section 25. In the event any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase,
provision, sentence, or part of this Ordinance or the application of the same to any person
or circumstance shall for any reason be adjudged invalid or held unconstitutional by a
court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect, impair, or invalidate this Ordinance as
a whole or any part or provision hereof other any part or provision hereof other than the
part declared to be invalid or unconstitutional; and the City Council of the City of
Friendswood, Texas, declares that it would have passed each and every part of the same
notwithstanding the omission of any and every part of the same notwithstanding the
omission of any such part thus declared to be invalid or unconstitutional, or whether there
be one or more parts.
PASSED AND APPROVED on first reading this 218t day of March ,2005.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED on second and final reading this 4th
day of April 2005.
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J
l
Kimball W. Brizendine
Mayor
ATTEST: �OF FRIFp OS�p
0
s
Deloris McKenzie, TRMC A9rF OF
City Secretary
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