HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance No. 91-15 K �ti � ' 4 C
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ORDINANCE N0. 91--15
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS,
ORDINANCE N0. 84-15, AS AMENDED, ORIGINALLY ADOPTED
THE 19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1984, A.ND BEING THE 70NING
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY, BY STRIKING ALL OF SUBSECTION K
OF SECTION 8 THEREOF (SAID SUBSECTION K OF SECTION 8
BEING THE PROVISIONS OF CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD ORDINANCE
N0. 323, AS AMENDED, ORIGINALLY ADOPTED THE 22ND DAY
OF JANUARY, 1979, AND BEING AN ORDINANGE PROVIDING
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ERECTION AND USE
OF SIGNS AND SIGN STRUCTURES WITHIN THE CITY, AND
WHICH ORDINANCE N0. 323 WAS INCORPORATED INTO THE
AFOREDESCRIBED ORDINANCE N0. 84-15, BY REFERENCE, AS
SUBSECTION K OF SECTION 8) AND SUBSTITUTING THEREFOR A
NEW SUBSECTION K OF SECTION 8; PROVIDING RULES AND
REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ERECTION AND USE OF SIGNS
AND SIGN STRUCTURES WITHIN THE CITY; REPEALING CITY OF
FRIENDSWOOD ORDINANCE N0. 323 AND ALL OTHER ORDINANCES
OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING
A PENALTY OF AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1 ,000 FOR EACH
DAY OF VIOLATION OF ANY PROVISION HEREOF; AND
PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY.
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BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD,
STATE OF TEXAS :
Section 1. City of Friendswood, Texas, Ordinance No.
84-15, as amended, originally adopted the 19th day of November,
1984, is hereby amended by striking all of Subsection K of
Section 8 thereof (said Subsection K of Section 8 being , by
reference therein, the provisions of City of Friendswood
Ordinance No. 323, as amended , originally adopted the 22nd day
of January, 1979) and substituting therefor a new Subsection K
of Section 8 to provide as follows :
"K. Sign Regulations .
1 . Definitions : For the purposes of this Subsection the
�lo Towing efinitions shall apply:
a. Billboard: Any sign which directs attention to a
uslness, commodity, service, or entertainment
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conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than on the
premises where such sign appears. If such
business , 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 : A project or undertaking
w ic invo ves t e 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
non-residential 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 Subsection.
c. Business Frontage : The linear measurement of the
si e o t e ui ding which contains the primary
entrance of the building.
d. Business Park: Businesses located in the Business
ar istrict.
e. Communi_t�y_�__S�_i�_gn_� : A sign on which the sign area is
s�re�lc y�(2) or more businesses .
f. l�ouble-Faced Sign: A single sign with two (2)
paralle?sig�aces back-to-back.
g . Energized Sign: A sign energized from artificial
sources _or t e purposes of self-illumination or
sustaining motion.
h. �Fla po�le_: A freestanding structure permanently
mount� on the ground and designed and
constructed for the purpose of hanging flags.
i. Freestandin Si n or Ground Si n: Any sign
supporte y one or more co umns , poles ,
uprights , or braces anchored in or on the ground
and not attached to any building.
j . Garage Sale : The sale of items 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.
k. Glare : Emitted light which exceeds sixty (60)
o� otcandles .
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1 . Grand Openin : The formal offering by a new
usiness o its goods , wares , merchandise,
service, entertainment, or activity.
m. Identification Si n: Any sign which carries only
t e irm, usiness , or corporate name, the major
enterprise on the premises , or the principal
products offered for sale on the premises .
n. Inte rated Business Development : A development
consisting of two 2 or more interrelated
business establishments using common driveways
and on-site parking facilities , including, but
not limited to, Shopping Centers , Office
Complexes , Office Buildings , and Business Parks .
o. Irre ular Si ns : Separately mounted signs on one
supporting structure.
p. Major Intersection: Shall mean an intersection
o two Ma�or Thoroughfares .
q. Major Thoroughfares : Shall mean Farm to Market
Roa s , 5 , and 2351 .
r. Monument Sign: Any sign five feet (5' ) or less
from the natural ground level to the top of the
sign.
s . Multifaced Sign: A single sign with two (2) or
more faces which are not parallel or back-to-back.
t. New Business : A project or undertaking which
invo ves t e use of any property, building, or
structure, permanent or temporary, for the
primary purpose of conducting in said building or
structure or on said property a legitimate
commercial enterprise, or other nonresidential
use, �_n compliance with all ordinances and
regulations of the City of Friendswood, and when
such project or undertaking is new to the
premises. Provided however, a change in
ownership of at least fifty percent (50%) of an
ongoing project or undertaking shall constitute a
new business for the purposes herein and,
provided further, 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 s uare footage, by not less than fifty
percent �(50%) .
u. Nonadvertising Sign: Any sign posted on private
proper y con aining thereon a regulatory or
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warning notice and upon which no advertising
matter is displayed.
v. Office Complex: One (1) or more commercial
buildings wit multiple businesses providing
services and not delivering products directly to
customers and consisting of two (2) or more
tenants using common driveways .
w. 0 en House : A designated period of time during
w ic a property is open for viewing by
prospective purchasers .
x. Portable Sign: 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.
y. Projectin Si n: Any sign which is affixed or
attac e to, and is supported solely by a
building , wall �r like structure, which extends
beyond the building, wall , or like structure, or
parts thereof, more than eighteen inches (18")
and whose angle of incidence to said building,
wall , structure, or po rts thereof, is greater
than thirty degrees (30 ) .
z. Public Service Sign: A sign which provides a
service or message to the public, such as time,
temperature, and charity appeals .
aa. Reader Panel : A permanently constructed
changeab e copy bulletin board lighted or
unlighted with detachable precut letters and
figures .
bb. Roofline : The height above finished grade of the
upper beam, rafter, ridge, or purlin of any
building.
cc. Shopping Center ldentification Sign: A
freestanding sign structure containing the name
identifying an integrated business development
which may also include identification signs on
which the names and nature of businesses within
the development are uniformly displayed.
dd. Sign Area: The total square footage of all sign
facing, including that portion of the supporting
structure or trim which carries any wording,
symbols, identifying color, or pictures ; provided
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however, in the case of double-faced signs , only
one (1) face shall be computed to determine sign
area.
ee. Si n Facing or Surface : The surface of any sign
upon, against , or t. rough which the message is
displayed or illustrated ; provided however, for
signs in which the words , letters , or symbols are
independently mounted, the sign surface shall
mean the outside dimensions of the area
containing all of the individual words , letters ,
and symbols .
ff. Sign: 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 , 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 .
gg. Snipe Si n: A sign which is tacked, nailed,
poste , pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to
trees , stakes , fences , or other li.ke objects , the
advertising matter of which is not applicable to
the present use of the premises on which the sign
is located.
hh. Temporary Sign: Any sign constructed of cloth,
canvass , light fabric , cardboard, wallboard, or
other light materials with short life
expectancies . A portable sign shall not be
considered a temporary sign.
ii. Wall Sign: Al1 flat signs , either of solid face
construction or individual letters , symbols , or
pictures , which are placed against the exterior
wall of any building or structure and extending
not more than eighteen inches (18"), from the face
of such building or structure, parallel to the
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building or structure, and having the
advertisement on one (1) face only.
2. Permits. It shall be unlawful for any person to
erect, structurally alter, or relocate within the City
any sign without first satisfying the requirements of
this Paragraph.
a. Si n Permits : It shall be unlawful for any
person, un ess provided otherwise in this
Ordinance, to erect, place, rebuild, reconstruct,
or move any sign within the City without first
obtaining a sign permit.
1) Application: Al1 applications for sign
permits s all be accompanied by a plan or
plans drawn to scale which shall include the
following :
a) The dimensions of the sign and, where
applicable, the dimensions o.f the wall
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 the face of the building in
front of which or above which it is to
be erected.
e) The proposed location of the sign in
relation to the boundaries of the lot
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.
2) Issuance : Upon the filing of an application
o� sign permit , the plans , specifications ,
and other data shall be examined by the
building inspector. If it appears that such
proposed sign is in compliance with the
requirements of this Subsection and other
laws of the City, the building inspector
shall issue the applicant a sign permit.
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Upon completion of the construction of the
sign, the building inspector shall inspect
the sign to determine if it is in conformity
with the specifications approved at the time
the sign permit was granted. If such sign
was constructed in conformity with the
specifications approved at the time the sign
permit was granted, then the building
inspector shall issue a validation sticker.
Validation stickers shall be prominently
displayed at all times on the sign or sign
structure.
3) Preexisting Si ns : Signs in existence on
January , , for which sign use permits
were obtained in accordance with City of
Friendswood Ordinance No. 323, shall be
considered and deemed as lawfully existing
nonconforming structures and may be
continued as such pursuant to City of
Friendswood Ordinance No. 84-15.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the person or
entity holding the sign use permit for any
such lawfully existing nonconforming sign
shall be required to acquire a validation
sticker for such sign in accordance with
Paragraph 4 hereof, and otherwise comply
with Paragraph 27 of this Subsection
relating to nonconforming signs and sign
structures .
b. Exceptions : A permit shall not be required for
t e o owing :
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.
5) Garage Sale or Open House signs.
6) Contractor and real estate signs not
exceeding six (6) square feet in sign area.
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c. Stop Orders : The issuance of a sign permit or a
val�ation sticker shall not constitute a waiver
of this Ordinance or other ordinances of the
City. The building inspector is authorized to
issue stop orders for any sign which is being
constructed or used in violation of this or any
other ordinance of the City.
3. Measurement of Signs .
a. Wall Signs (Fixed to Building) : The sign facing
or sur ace area s a11 �e computed as including
the entire area of a wall within a regular
geometric form comprising all of the display area
of the sign and including all of the elements of
the display and including the frame if applicable.
b. Ground Signs (Freestanding) : The sign facing or
sur ace area s a e computed as including the
entire area within a regular geometric form
comprising all of the display area of the sign
and including the frame.
Supporting structural members not bearing
advertising matter, identifying color, symbols ,
wording, or pictures shall not be included in
computation of surface area.
1) Irregular Signs : In calculating the area of
irregular signs or separately mounted signs
on one (1) supporting structure, the area
shall be that of the smallest regular
geometric form that will wholly contain all
of the elements , including the frame.
2) Multifaced Signs : In calculating the area
�multi�d signs , all faces of a
multifaced sign shall be included.
4. Maintenance. All signs and sign structures shall be
ept in good repair and neat in appearance. Signs
shall be maintained at reasonable intervals , including
replacement of defective parts , painting, repainting,
and cleaning. The Code Enforcement Officer shall
inspect all signs and sign structures every two (2)
years and shall require corrections of any sign deemed
in violation of this Subsection. Upon each such
biannual inspection, if such sign is deemed in
compliance herewith, a validation sticker shall be
issued evidencing such compliance. Validation
stickers sha11 be prominently displayed on the sign or
sign structure. A validation sticker shall expire at
the end of two (2) years following its issuance.
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S. Projection of Signs .
a. No sign or any portion thereof shall project or
extend over any public sidewalk, street, alley,
or other public property. A supporting member of
a sign shall be located at least three feet (3' )
from the property line of the property upon which
it is situated.
b. Signs projecting more than eighteen inches (18")
from the face of the building or supporting
structure, over private property used or intended
to be used by the general public , shall have a
minimum clearance of ei�ht feet (8' ) above the
pavement of finished grade.
c. No sign shall be attached to a building in such a
manner that the sign surface, or any part
thereof, exceeds in height the roofline of such
building.
6. Structural Requirements .
a. Compliance With Building Code : All signs and
sign structures s al�ly with the pertinent
requirements of the building codes of the City.
b. Transmission Lines - Minimum S acin : All sign
an sign structures s a ave a minimum
clearance of eight feet (8' ) vertically and eight
feet (8' ) horizontally from any transmission line
carrying seven hundred fifty (750) volts or
greater.
7. Fire Hazards .
a. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect,
structurally alter, or relocate any sign in such
a 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.
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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,
strucuturally alter, or relocate a sign in such a
manner that all or any portion of such sign or
its supporting structure will interfere in any
way with the free use of any fire escape, exit,
or standpipe, or obstruct any required
ventilator, door, or stairway.
d. Any cloth sign or banner that is attached to a
building shall be flameproofed.
e. The Fire Marshal of the City, or his duly
qualified representative, shall be the sole judge
of a violation under this Subsection.
8. Traffic Hazards.
a. It shall be unlawful for any person to erect,
strucuturally alter, or relocate 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, 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 Subsection.
9. Prohibite� Signs . Signs of the following nature are
expressly pro i ited unless specifically authorized by
this Ordinance.
a. Billboards .
b. Signs which contain statements , words , or
pictures of an obscene, indecent, or immoral
character as will offend public morals or decency.
c . Signs which advertise an activity, business , or
service no longer conducted on the premises upon
which the sign is located.
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d. Signs which move or contain visible moving parts .
e. Signs which contain or have attached thereto
banners , posters , pennants , ribbons , streamers ,
strings of light bulbs , spinners , or other
similar devices .
f. Signs attached to or located upon exposed
amenities such as benches , trash containers , or
fences .
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 visable 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.
10. Signs on Public Property.
a. Signs on Public Property. It shall be unlawful
to place a sign upon a public street, public
sidewalk, public right-of-way, public curb, or
other public improvement in or upon any public
street or public grounds , or any public bridge or
part of same, or on any public building or
structure of any kind belonging to the City, or
in any public place or on any public building or
structure belonging to the City, or in any public
place or on any public improvement unless express
consent thereof shall have been first granted by
the City Council . This Subparagraph shall not
apply to a public employee in the regular course
and scope of his employment.
b. Impoundment. Any unlawful sign found within a
pu ic rig t-of-way of a public street or public
sidewalk shall be seized and removal thereof is
hereby authorized. The Code Enforcement Officer,
employees of the Police Department, the
Department of Public Works , and Community
Development are hereby authorized to impound any
signs found on a public street, public sidewalk
and transport or cause the same to be transported
to a location to be designated by the Sign
Administrator for storage. Snipe signs which
have a value of less than fifty dollars ($50. 00)
may be disposed of immediately. The custodian of
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the storage area shall maintain records of where
such signs were located when they were so
impounded and the date on which they were so
impounded and shall hold the same in the storage
area for a period of not more than thirty (30)
days.
Any sign so held may be redeemed by the owner
thereof upon the payment of a fee to the City of
Friendswood consisting of a total of fifty
dollars ($50. 00) for hauling the same to storage,
plus ten dollars ($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 sold at public auction in the
same manner as surplus property of the City.
c. Signs on Private Property. No person shall place
a sign on private property without the consent of
the owner of said property.
d. 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 fenceline and shall face
the athletic facility.
2) Public and Private Parks . Public and
private par s may ave signs to give
information and or regulations concerning
park use.
11. Painted Si ns . Painted signs shall be on permanently
wea—�rpro�d materials , and all sign surfaces shall
be painted or treated with weatherproofed materials .
12. Energized Signs .
a. It s�all be unlawful for any person to erect,
alter, or relocate within the City any of the
following:
1) An energized sign that is rotating,
animated, or contains any moving parts ;
provided however, public service displays
shall not be prohibited by this Paragraph.
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2) Any energized sign containing flashing
li�hts , including energized signs with
lights flashing in sequence to simulate
movement ; provided however, public service
displays shall not be prohibited by this
Paragraph.
3) Any overhead wiring permitted must be at
least fourteen feet (14' ) above ground level .
13. Illumination of Signs .
a. It shall be unlawf.ul for any person to erect,
structurally alter, relocate, or maintain any
sign which creates glare upon a public street,
sidewalk, or adjacent residential 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 upon any
street , alley, driveway, parking area, or
adjacent residential property.
14. Portable Signs .
a. One (1) portable sign, not exceeding thirty-two
(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 fourteen (14)
consecutive days .
h. One (1) portable sign, not exceeding thirty-two
(32) square feet in sign area, may be displayed
on nonresidential property, in addition to that
allowed for grand openings , for twenty-one (21)
days during any calendar year; provided however,
use of any such portable sign shall be in
increments of not less than seven (7) consecutive
days .
c . A permit shall be obtained prior to installation
and display of a portable sign, and use of a
portable sign shall comply with paragraphs 3
through 13 of this Subsection.
15. Temporary Signs .
a. In lieu of using a portable sign to advertise a
grand opening as authorized by paragraph 14a
above, one (1) temporary sign not exceeding
thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area may be
displayed by a new business to give notice of its
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grand opening for a period not to exceed fourteen
(14) consecutive days .
b. One (1) temporary sign not exceeding thirty-two
(32) square feet in sign area may be displayed on
nonresidential property for twenty-one (21) days
during each calendar year; provided however, use
of such temporary sign shall be in increments of
not less than seven (7) consecutive days .
c . Pennants , spinners , and other similar temporary
devices or signs shall be prohibited.
d. A permit shall be obtained prior to installation
and display of a temporary sign, and use of a
temporary sign shall comply with Paragraphs 2
through 13 and 26 of this Subsection.
e. Banner signs may be used provided they are
affixed to a wall of the building and comply with
the requirements of Paragraph 7.
f. Contractors may place a sign on property in
residential zones where actual construction
(landscaping, roofing , pool , etc. ) is taking
place. Such sign shall not exceed six (6) square
feet in sign area and shall be removed within ten
(10) days of placement.
16. Temporary Real Estate Subdivision Signs .
a. Subdivision Entrance Signs :
1) One (1) temporary real estate subdivision
sign may be located at the main entrance of
any new residential subdivision or other
residential development not to exceed fifty
(50) square feet in sign area. Provided
further, one (1) additional temporary real
estate subdivision or development sign not
exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in
sign area may be erected at one secondary
Pntrance to such subdivision or development.
2) Such temporary real estate subdivision signs
shall be removed twenty-four (24) months
from the date the use permitted is issued,
or when eighty percent (80%) of the lots in
the subdivision have been sold to
homebuyers , whichever last occurs .
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b. Single-Family Units :
1) One (1) temporary sign not exceeding six (6)
square feet shall be permitted 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
oc'I atec� 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 (5' ) over the natural ground level .
3) Removal : Single-Family Residence signs
sTia7l�e removed when the unit or lot is
sold.
4) Permits : No permits shall be required for
erect on of a Single-Family Unit sign.
5) 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 (1)
monument-type sign not exceeding sixteen
(16) square feet in 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. Multi-Family Units :
1) One (1) temporary sign not to exceed twelve
(12) square feet in sign area may be
permitted 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
reestan 3ng signs shall be fifteen feet
(15' ) . Any sign attached to a building
shall not be higher than the top of the wall
(lower than the gutter line) .
3) Setbacks : Freestanding signs shall be
ocr a�at least twenty feet (20' ) from the
street edge.
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d. Off-Premises Directional Si ns : A maximum of
t ree o -premises irectional 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 (6) square feet
in sign area and are constructed with a
maximum height above ground level of four
feet (4' ) ;
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 direct the public to residential
developments located within the City;
4) The residential development to which such
signs pertain do not have frontage on a
Major Thoroughfare;
5) Such signs are removed within two (2) years
after they are erected or when eighty
percent (80%) of the units within such
developments have sold, whichever last
occurs ; and
6) Such signs otherwise comply with the
provisions of this Subsection.
e. Vacant Acreage : Temporary signs advertising
vacant acreage may be permitted 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 one (1) acre or
�, such sign does not exceed six (6)
square feet in sign area; for vacant tracts
of greater than one (1) acre but not more
than two (2) acres , such sign does not
exceed sixteen (16) square feet in sign
area; for vacant tracts greater than two (2)
acres , such sign does not exceed sixteen
(16) square feet plus one (1) square foot
for each additi�onal acre up to a maximum of
fifty (50) square feet of sign area;
2) Location: Such temporary sign may be
oc�e� anywhere on the premises except as
otherwise restricted by this Subsection;
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� � i � .ww.a � ' � � r i t' � / � �
3) Number: One (1) such sign may be allowed
o� r each street frontage;
4) Hei ht Limits : The maximum height shall be
i teen eet (15' ) ; and
S) Setbacks : Signs shall be located at least
twenty feet (20' ) from the edge of the
roadway.
f. Temporary Si ns for New Inte rated Business
Deve opments , S opping Centers , 0 ce Par s , an
u�siness ar s :
1) One (1) temporary sign may be located at the
main entrance of any new Integrated Business
Development, Shopping Center, Office Park,
or Business Park.
2) The sign facing for such temporary sign
shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet.
3) Such temporary sign shall be removed
twenty-four (24) months from the date the
use permit is issued, or when eighty percent
(80%) of the improved buildings are
occupied, whichever last occurs .
g. Permits : A permit shall be required for any
temporary sign authorized hereinabove. Such
permits shall be granted for a period not to
exceed six (6) months, and at the expiration of
the permit period all such temporary signs shall
be removed unless a new permit is obtained.
17. Temporary Direction Si ns . Temporary or portable
signs t at irect t e pu lic to a special event of
civic interest , such as parades , organized holiday
festivities , special events on the behalf of
charitable organizations , and the like are allowed
provided that :
a. Such signs do not exceed thirty-two (32) square
feet in area.
b. Signs are erected only for a time period not to
exceed ten (10) days before and two (2) days
after the event.
c. Such signs are located on private property with
the permission of the property owner. In no case
shall the sign be located on a public
right-of-way.
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. � . A .u...+. s � " r � ..+r. . • �
18. Temporary Political Signs. Temporary political signs
shal e permit� pro�ed that :
a. No political sign shall be erected prior to
forty-five (45) days before the election date on
which the office or proposition is to be
determined.
b. All such signs shall be removed within seven (7)
days following the election date on which the
office or proposition is finally determined in
accordance with the Texas Election Code.
c. No such sign shall exceed twenty (20) square feet
in sign area nor exceed six feet (6' ) in height
above natural ground level .
d. No permit shall be required for the erection of a
temporary political sign.
e. Such temporary political sign shall otherwise
comply with all provisions of this Subsection.
19. Gara e Sale Si ns . Temporary garage sale signs are
perm tte provi �ed'd such signs do not exceed six (6)
square feet in sign area, are removed by the owner
within seventy-two (72) hours of placement, and are
not placed on property without the permission of the
owner thereof.
20. Open House Sip�ns. Open House signs shall be permitted
or eac Open House provided:
a. No such signs exceed six (6) square feet in sign
area;
b. Such signs are erected on private property with
the permission of the property owner;
c. Such signs shall be removed within twelve (12)
hours of placement.
21 . Permanent Signs Permitted and Regulated in Residential
Zones .
a. This Paragraph shall apply to all residential
zones as given in the Zoning Ordinance : SFR,
MFR-L, MFR-M, MFR-H, MHR.
b. Multi-Family Residential Subdivision: For each
mu ti- ami y resi entia su ivision, a maximum
of two (2) signs with a combined total sign area
not exceeding fifty (50) square feet shall be
permitted.
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Permitted signs may be anywhere on the premises
except as restricted by the Zoning Ordinance and
this Subsection. They may not project beyond any
property line and, if ground mounted, the top
shall not be more than five feet (5' ) over
natural ground level . If building mounted, such
sign shall be flush mounted and shall not project
above the roofline.
c. Sin le Famil Residential Subdivisions. Each
sing e ami y resi entia su iv sion is allowed
one (1) freestanding entrance identification sign
at each entrance not to exceed fifty (50) square
feet. Provided however, signs with a maximum of
thirty-two (32) square feet may be placed on
opposite sides of the entrance in lieu of the
fifty (SO) square foot sign. As part of one (1)
sign, a reader panel shall be allowed for the
purpose of placing civic announcements by the
homeowners ' association.
22. Permanent Signs Permitted and Regulated in Commercia]_
Di�' stricts.
a. This Subparagraph "a" shall apply to all
commercial districts as given in the Zoning
Ordinance, except as otherwise provided in
Subparagraph "b" below.
1) Wall Signs :
a) Size and Number: One (1) wall sign is
permttte or each business
establishment with an allowable total
sign area of one and one-half (1-1/2)
square feet for each linear foot of
building frontage, not to exceed eighty
(80) square feet in sign area including
the frame . The maximum sign area of
all permitted signs for a given
business establishment shall not exceed
eighty (80) square feet. This shall
apply to any combination of wall and
ground signs .
b) Location: A wall sign shall not
pro ect above the roofline or the
parapet, wichever is higher. The sign
must be located on the site where the
goods or services are offered.
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2) Ground Signs (Freestanding) :
a) Size and Number: One (1) ground sign
is permitte for each business
establishment with an allowable total
sign area of fifty (50) square feet
including the frame. The combined sign
area including the wall sign and the
ground sign shall not exceed eighty
(80) square feet for any one (1)
business establishment. A reader panel
shall be treated as a ground sign.
b) Location and Hei ht : A ground sign
s a e set ac so that no part of
such sign overhangs public property.
The height including any part of the
sign or structure shall not exceed
fifteen feet (15' ) in height above the
highest finished grade at the front
property line. The sign must be
located on the site where the goods or
services are offered.
3) �0 tio_n for Greater Sign Area: A business
es a 1 s ment a�s t e opt on of having a
greater total sign area than eighty (80)
square feet if they choose to have no
freestanding sign, and use individual
letters and/or symbols attached to the
building. If such an option is exercised,
the formula calculating sign area is two (2)
square feet for each linear foot of building
f�ontage. A business establishment choosing
this option may have one (1) sign for each
main street 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.
b. Integrated Business Developments In Districts NC,
OBD, OP, BP, CSC, an RSC.
1) Wall Signs :
a) One wall sign is permitted for each
business establishment with a maximum
total area equal to one and one-half
(1-1/2) square feet for each linear
foot of business frontage up to a
maximum of one hundred (100) square
feet.
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b) No part of the wall sign shall extend
above the roofline or parapet,
whichever is higher.
c) Each business establishment ' s wall sign
must be attached to a wall of the
building in which the business
establishment is located.
d) Awning suspension signs shall count as
wall signs in determining sign area.
e) Where two or more business
establishments utilize a common
building and common entrances and
frontages they shall only be entitled
to the square footage of wall sign that
would be authorized for one building
establishment. It shall be the
responsibility of the permit holder to
allocate such sign area to each
business establishment.
2) Option for Greater Si n Area: A business
esta is ent as t e option of having a
total sign area greater than one hundred
(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 (2) square feet for each linear
foot of building frontage. A business
establishment choosing this option may have
one (1) sign for each main street frontage
that will hold the sign. However, if such
street frontage is contigious to a
residential area, the option shall not be
available for a sign on the side of such
residential area.
3) Freestanding Signs :
a) One (1) freestanding community
identification sign is permitted for
each integrated business development.
b) The total sign area of such
freestanding sign shall not exceed
fifty (50) square feet plus ten (10)
square feet for each business
establishment in the complex up to a
maximum of one hundred (100) square
feet.
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c) Location and Hei ht: A ground sign
s�ia�'l�.�t ac so that no part of
such sign overhangs public property.
The height, including any part of the
sign or sign structure, shall not
exceed twenty feet (20' ) above the
highest finished grade at the front
property line. The sign must be
located on the site where the goods or
services are offered.
d) It shall be the responsibility of the
permit holder to allocate the sign area
of the freestanding identification sign
among the tenants .
4) Option for Directory Sign in Office Park and
�usiness Par c��istricts :
a) One (1) freestanding directory sign for
the sole purpose of uniformly listing
the names of the tenants is permitted
for each building in which there are
multiple tenenats in the office complex
if the complex chooses not to use wall
signs .
b) The total sign area of such sign shall
not exceed two hundred forty (240)
square inches per tenant.
c) Directory signs shall not exceed five
feet (5' ) in height and shall be
located within twenty feet (20' ) of the
building.
5) Options for Shopping Centers 40,000 sq. ft.
or reater in C , RS , and B�Districts .
a) A maximum of fifty (50) square feet of
reader panel may be included as an
integral part of the freestanding sign
with the total sign area including the
reader panel not to exceed one hundred
fifty (150) square feet.
b) A shopping center zoned CSC, RSC, or
OBD consisting of forty thousand
(40,000) square feet or greater will be
allowed a second freestanding sign
located on the secondary street to
which there is access when such center
is located at a major intersection.
The second sign sha11 be no larger than
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one hundred (100) square feet plus not
more than fifty (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 permits
be issued for more than four (4)
portable signs for businesses within
such shopping center at any given time.
c) The height of any sign permitted under
this Subparagra h S shall not exceed
twenty feet (20'� .
c. Li ht Ind�___u_�s�tr�� Areas zoned for light industry
- s al��ve the same regulations for wall
and ground signs as other commercial areas but
additionally may have one (1) freestanding
community sign for integrated developments of two
(2) or more separate businesses . The allowable
sign area for such freestanding community sign
shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet plus five
(5) square feet for each additional business up
to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet.
d. Agricultural : Areas zoned for agricultural (A-1)
s�l-� afi ve the same regulations as other
commercial areas excluding areas zoned for light
industry (L-1) .
e. Fast Food/Drive-Thru Reader Boards : Menu reader
oar s or ast oo rive-t ru restaurants shall
not be considered as a freestanding or monument
sign if such reader board is screened from
adjacent buildings or structures . Landscaping
around reader boards shall be required so as to
screen to the degree reasonably possible such
reader board from abutting properties .
f. Use of Reader Panels for Noncommercial Purposes :
y commerc�a entity uti izing a rea er oar or
panel as a part of its signage shall be entitled
to place messages upon such reader board or panel
for noncommercial purposes .
23. Permanent Signs Permitted and Regulated in Districts
oned or peci�ic se.
a. This Paragraph shall apply to areas zoned for
specific use such as churches , institutional ,
fraternal , and other as provided in the Zoning
Ordinance of the City.
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b. Size, Number, and Location: The regulations for
wa an groun signs as established by Paragraph
22 above for commercially zoned areas shall also
apply to areas zoned for specific use.
c. Option for Greater Si n Area: The option for
greater s gn area as provi e in Paragraph 22
above shall also apply to areas zoned for
specific use.
24. Si ns on Vehicles and Similar T pes of Property For
Sale or Lease. No type o vehic e including , but not
mite to, cars , trucks , motor-driven cycles , or
vehicles built of miscellaneous parts of other
vehicles , such as sand or dune buggies , and no type of
trailer, boat, or other similar type of property shall
be placed on private property within the City for the
purpose of advertising such item for rent, sale, or
lease unless such property is on the premises where
the owner of such property advertised for sale or
lease resides or conducts business or is on the
premises of a business engaged in the rental , sale, or
lease of such property.
25. Obsolete Signs . Signs which have been abandoned due
to closing o�a business , change in business name, or
for any other reason rendering the sign nonapplicable
to the property involved, shall be removed or rendered
blank by the permit holder or other owner of the
building or premises within sixty (60) days from the
date of the action that caused the sign to be
considered abandoned. 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 all abandoned 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.
26. Nonconforming Signs.
a. Nonconforming signs shall be kept in good repair
and visual appearance and no structural
alterations shall be made thereto. In the event
that more than fifty percent (50%) of a
nonconforming sign is damaged, the sign shall be
replaced with a conforming sign rather than
repairing the damage.
b. Nonconforming signs advertising a business which
has been vacated ninety (90) days shall be
removed or made to conform.
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c. Limitation on Variance : A variance is authorized
un er t s u section K only for height of sign
and setback of signs and sign structures .
Further, it is the purpose and intent of the City
Council that no variance be granted under the
terms of this Subsection K unless undue hardship
will result therefrom. Hardship shall mean that
strict application of the requirements hereof
relating to height and setback of signs and sign
structures shall deprive the applicant of
reasonable use of his property.
27. Exce tions and Exemptions. The following described
s gns are exempt rom the provisions of this
Subsection K except for Paragraphs 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11 , 12, 13, and 14.
a. Real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square
feet in area per face pertaining to the sale or
rental of the property on which they are
displayed, but not more than one (1) such sign
for each street frontage.
b. 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.
c. Identification nameplates or signs on apartment
houses , boarding or rooming houses , or similar
uses , not exceeding two (2) square feet in area.
d. One (1) 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 feet (2' ) to the property line.
e. Memorial and/or historical signs as designated by
federal , state, or local governments .
f. Traffic or other municipal signs , legal notices ,
or danger signs by federal , state, or local
governments .
g. Nonadvertising warning signs or trespassing signs
on private property, not exceeding two (2) square
feet in area.
h. Nonadvertising signs of public utility companies
as may be required in their operations in
providing services for the health and welfare of
the general public , or as required by any law or
regulation of the state or any agency thereof.
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, , ' � �, . � , �,v.,. � �� , .__. , ;� ,
i. On-site 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 other
sections of this Ordinance or any other ordinance
of the City.
j . Street banners erected by the City advertising a
bona fide public event such as legal holidays ,
nonpolitical election instructions , and similar
occasions .
k. Civic and Church Signs : The City Council may
erect, or approve an permit to be erected,
entrance signs at or near the City limits for the
benefit of visitors , on which may be listed
institutional narnes , 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 (4) directional signs as long
as each does not exceed four (4) square feet.
1 . On-Site Nonadvertisin Si ns : Signs required by
aw w c are necessary or operation of the
business and which contain no advertising matter
are permitted. These signs are not counted in
the overall footage limit.
m. Signs on motor vehicles , as such term "motor
vehicle" is defined in article 6701d, Texas
Revised Civil Statutes , as amended, when the
primary use of such motor vehicle is the
transportation of persons or property. A motor
vehicle, or any part thereof, parked or stored
with one (1) or more signs displayed thereon,
which is not used on a regular basis for the
transportation of persons or property but is used
as a substitute sign structure, shall not
constitute an exception under this Subsection.
n. Flags of the United States , the State of Texas ,
or any other political subdivision; or any flag
of a religious, fraternal , or charitable
organization.
o. Company flags displaying only a company logo
provided such flag is affixed to a permanent
flagpole and length of flag shall not exceed
one-quarter (1/4) of the height of the flagpole.
p. I�ecorations for stores , storefronts , and yards
from November 20 through January 10 of each year
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' � ' , •• , : .
. . . , _� �
commemorating the holi�ay season and from June 27
through July 7 of each year commemorating
Independence Day.
q. Sculptures , statues , or other three dimensional
works of art. "
Section 2. City of Friendswood, Texas , Ordinance No.
323, as amended, originally adopted the 22nd day of January,
1979, is hereby repealed. Al1 other ordinances or parts of
ordinances inconsistent herewith are , to the extent of such
inconsistentcy or conflict, hereby repealed.
Section 3. 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
$1 ,000. 00. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate
offense.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be
effective as of its adoption on second and final reading.
Section 5. 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 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
such part thus declared to be invalid or unconstitutional , or
whether there be one or more parts .
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, ; , ' , � , , _ , ,• , .. , ,'
PASSED AND APPROVED on first reading this 20th day
of May , 1991 .
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED on second and final reading
this 17th day of June , 1991.
au W. Sc ra er,
Mayor
ATTE
e or s Archer, C
City Secretary
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