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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 Appendix B Sign RegulationSIGNS CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS This pamphlet contains the Sign Regulations of the City of Friendswood, Texas, adopted June 17,1991, by Ordinance Number 91-15 with subsequent amendments. MUNICIPAL CODE CORPORATION Tallahassee, Florida 1991 r I i v1 0 • SIGNS PAMPHLET REPUBLICATION November 1991 APPENDIX B SIGNS City of FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS Looseleaf Supplement This pamphlet is issued as a "replacement" copy and contains all ordinances deemed advisable to be included at this time through Ordinance No. 91-15, adopted June 17, 1991. See Com- parative Table, page 71. Place this instruction sheet inside front cover of Pamphlet. Re- tain until each subsequent Supplement is inserted. MUNICIPAL CODE CORPORATION Post Office Box 2235 1700 Capital Circle, S.W. Tallahassee, FL 32316 (904) 576-3171 1-800-262-CODE (National) 1-500-342-CODE (Florida) • 0 SIGNS CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS This pamphlet contains the Sign Regulations of the City of Friendswood, Texas, adopted June 17,1991, by Ordinance Number 91-15 with subsequent amendments. MUNICIPAL CODE CORPORATION C1 Tallahassee, Florida 1991 E. SIGNS* Section 1. Definitions. For the purposes of this subsection the following definitions shall apply: (a) Billboard: Any sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than on the premises where such sign appears. If such business, commodity, service, or entertainment is 'merely inci- dental to the use of such property where such sign appears, such sign shall be deemed a billboard. (b) Business establishment. A project or undertaking which in- volves the use of any property, building or structure, permanent or temporary, for the primary purpose of conducting on said prop- erty a legitimate comhlercial 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 estab- lishment shall be considered one business establishment for the purposes of this Subsection. (c) Business frontage: The linear measurement of the side of the building which contains the primary entrance of the building. (d) Business Park: Businesses located in the Business Park Dis- trict. (e) Community sign. A sign on which the sign area is shared by two (2) or more businesses. (f) Double-faced sign: A single sign with two (2) parallel sign faces back-to-back. (g) Energized sign: A sign energized from artificial sources for the purposes of self -illumination or sustaining motion. *Editor's note —Section 1 of Ord. No. 91-15, adopted June 17, 1991, amended Ord. No. 84-15, the zoning ordinance, subsection K of section 8 thereof (which adopted by reference Ord. No. 323, sign regulations) by repealing subsection K and enacting in lieu thereof a new subsection K to read as herein set forth. Section 2 of Ord. No. 91-15 specifically repealed Ord. No. 323, adopted Jan. 22, 1979, which had been amended by Ord. No. 84-24, §§ 1A—G, Ord. No. 85-6, § 1, and Ord. No. 85-12, § 1. 0 § 1 FRIENDSWOOD CODE MW (h) Flagpole: A freestanding structure permanently mounted on the ground and designed and constructed for the purpose of hanging flags. W Freestanding sign or ground sign: Any sign supported by one (1) or more columns, poles, uprights, or braces anchored in or on the ground and not attached to any building. 0) 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) footcandles. (1) Grand opening: The formal offering by a new business of its goods, wares, merchandise, service, entertainment, or activity. (m) Identification sign: Any sign which carries only the firm, business, or corporate name, the major enterprise on the pre- mises, or the principal products offered for sale on the premises. (n) Integrated business development. A development consisting of two (2) or more interrelated business establishments using common driveways and onsite parking facilities, including, but not limited to, shopping centers, office complexes, office build- ings, and business parks. (o) Irregular signs: Separately mounted signs on one (1) sup- porting structure. (p) Major intersection: Shall mean an intersection of two (2) major thoroughfares. (q) Major thoroughfares: Shall mean Farm to Market Roads 518, 528, and 2351. (r) Monument sign: Any sign five (5) feet or less from the nat- ural 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 involves the use of any property, building, or structure, permanent or tempo- rary, for the primary purpose of conducting in said building or 2 structure or on said property a legitimate commercial enterprise, or other nonresidential use, in 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 (50) percent 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 ex- pansion increases the size of the area devoted to the primary use, in building floor square footage, by not less, than fifty (50) percent. (u) Nonaduertising sign: Any sign posted on private property containing thereon a regulatory or warning notice and upon which no advertising matter is displayed. (v) Office complex. One (1) or more commercial buildings with multiple businesses providing services and not delivering prod- ucts directly to customers and consisting of two (2) or more ten- ants using common driveways. (w) Open house: A designated period of time during which 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 here- under. (y) Projecting sign: Any sign which is affixed or attached to, and is suimorted solelv by a buildine. wall. or like structure. Ir § 1 FRIENDSWOOD CODE (bb) Roofline: The height above finished grade of the upper beam, rafter, ridge, or purlin of any building. (cc) Shopping center identification 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, in- cluding that portion of the supporting structure or trim which carries any wording, symbols, identifying color, or pictures; pro- vided, however, in the case of double-faced signs, only one (1) face shall be computed to determine sign area. (ee) Sign facing or surface: The surface of any sign upon, against, or through which the message is displayed or illustrated; pro- vided, however, for signs in which the words, letters, or symbols are independently mounted, the sign surface shall mean the out- side dimensions of the area containing all of the individual words, letters, and symbols. (ffl 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, direc- tion, warning, or designation of any person, firm, group, organi- zation, corporation, association, place, commodity, product, ser- vice, 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 sign: A sign which is tacked, nailed, posted, pasted, glued, or otherwise attached to trees, stakes, fences 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. 4 0 0 11 f� SIGNS § 2 y' (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. 0 (ii) Wall sign: All 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 (18) inches from the face of such building or structure, parallel to the building or structure, and having the advertisement on one (1) face only. Section 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) Sign permits: It shall be unlawful for any person, unless provided otherwise in this ordinance, to erect, place, rebuild, re- construct, or move any sign within the city without first ob- taining a sign permit. (1) Application: All applications for sign permits shall be ac- companied by a plan or plans drawn to scale which shall include the following: a. The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions of 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 (30) feet of any part of such proposed sign struc- ture. (2) Issuance: Upon the filing of an application for a sign permit, the plans, specifications, and other data shall be examined 5 WN § 2 FRIENDSWOOD CODE by the building inspector. If it appears that such proposed sign is in compliance with the requirements of this subsec- tion [appendix] and other laws of the city, the building inspector shall issue the applicant a sign permit. Upon completion of the construction of the sign, the building inspector shall inspect the sign to determine if it is in con- formity 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 prom- inently displayed at all times on the sign or sign structure. (3) Preexisting signs: Signs in existence on January 22, 1979, for which sign use permits were obtained in accordance with City of Friendswood Ordinance No. 323, shall be con- sidered 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 [section] (4) hereof, and other- wise comply with paragraph [section] (27) of this subsection relating to nonconforming signs and sign structures. (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. (5) Garage sale or open house signs. (6) Contractor and real estate signs not exceeding six (6) square feet in sign area. 6 SIGNS § 4 (c) Stop orders: The issuance of a sign permit or a validation 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. Section 3. Measurement of signs. (a) Wall signs (fixed to building): The sign facing or surface area shall be 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 surface area shall be 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 in- cluded 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) Multi faced signs: In calculating the area of multifaced signs, all faces of a multifaced sign shall be included. Section 4. Maintenance. All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good repair and neat in appearance. Signs shall be maintained at reasonable in- tervals, including replacement of defective parts, painting, re- painting, 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 evi- dencing such compliance. Validation stickers shall be promi- § 4 FRIENDSWOOD CODE nently displayed on the sign or sign structure. A validation sticker shall expire at the end of two (2) years following its issuance. Section 5. 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 (3) feet from the property line of the property upon which it is situated. (b) Signs projecting more than eighteen (18) inches 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 eight (8) feet above the pavement of fin- ished 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. Section 6. Structural requirements. (a) Compliance with building code: All signs and sign struc- tures shall comply with the pertinent requirements of the building codes of the city. (b) Transmission lines —Minimum spacing. All sign and sign structures shall have a minimum clearance of eight (8) feet ver- tically and eight (8) feet horizontally from any transmission line carrying seven hundred fifty (750) volts or greater. Section 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. 0 0 L ■ 1 SIGNS § 9 (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, 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 represen- tative, shall be the sole judge of a violation under this subsection. Section 8. Traffic hazards. (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, structurally 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 inter- fere with, mislead, or confuse vehicular or pedestrian traffic. (b) The chief of police of the city, or his duly qualified repre- sentative, shall be the sole judge of a violation under this subsec- tion. Section 9. Prohibited signs. Signs of the following nature are expressly prohibited 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. § 9 FR.IENDSWOOD CODE (c) Signs which advertise an activity, business, or service no 49 longer conducted on the premises upon which the sign is located. (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 siTnllar 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 con- junction 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. Section 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 be- longing to the city, or in any public place or on any public im- provement 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 employ- ment. (b) Impoundment: Any unlawful sign found within a public right-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 four4d on a public street, public sidewalk and transport or cause the same to be transported to a location to 10 0 SIGNS § 11 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 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 im- pounded and shall hold the same in the storage area for a period of not more than thirty (30) days. Any sign so Meld 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 d4y storage fee for each day the sign is stored. Such fee shall be ip 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 m4y 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 prop- erty. (d) Exceptions: (1) Public athletic facilities. Public athletic facilities may have signs attached to fences surrqunding 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 con- cerning park use. Section 11. Painted signs. Painted signs shall be on permanently weatherproofed mate- rials, and all sign surfaces shall be painted or treated with weath- erproofed materials. 0 § 12 FRIENDSWOOD CODE Section 12. Energized signs. (a) It shall 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 dis- plays shall not be prohibited by this paragraph. (2) Any energized sign containing flashing lights, including energized signs with lights flashing in sequence to simu- late movement; provided, however, public service displays shall not be prohibited by this paragraph. (3) Any overhead wiring permitted must be at least fourteen (14) feet above ground level. Section 13. Illumination of signs. (a) It shall be unlawful 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 indepen- dent artificial source provided such illumination is concentrated of upon the area of the sign only, and does not cause glare upon any street, alley, driveway, parking area, or adjacent residential prop- erty. Section 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. (b) 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 [sections] 3 through 13 of this subsection. 12 40 SIGNS § 16 49 Section 15. Temporary signs. (a) In lieu of using a portable sign to advertise a grand opening as authorized by paragraph [section] 14(a) above, one (1) tempo- rary 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. (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, how- ever, 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 [sections] 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 para- graph [section] 7. M 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. Section 16. Temporary real estate subdivision signs. (a) Subdivision entrance signs: (1) One (1) temporary real estate subdivision sign may be lo- cated at the main entrance of any new residential subdi- vision or other residential development not to exceed fifty (50) square feet in sign area. Provided further, one (1) ad- ditional temporary real estate subdivision or development sign not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area may be erected at one (1) secondary entrance to such sub- division or development. (2) Such temporary real estate subdivision signs shall be re- moved twenty-four (24) months from the date the use per- 13 L_J § 16 FRIENDSWOOD CODE mitted is issued, or when eighty (80) percent of the lots in the subdivision have been sold to homebuyers, whichever last occurs. (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 located anywhere on the premises except as restricted by the zoning ordi- nance, provided that such sign may not project beyond the property line and shall not be more than five (5) feet over the natural ground level. (3) Removal: Single-family residence signs shall be removed when the unit or lot is sold. (4) Permits: No permits shall be required for erection 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) Multifamily 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 freestanding signs shall be fifteen (15) feet. Any sign attached to a building shall not be higher than the top of the wall (lower than the gutter line). 14 SIGNS § 16 (3) Setbacks: Freestanding signs shall be located at least twenty (20) feet from the! street edge. (d) Off -premises directional signs: A maximum of three (3) 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 (6) square feet in sign area and are constructed with a maximum height above ground level of four (4) 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 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 (80) percent 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 less, such sign does not exceed six (6) square feet in sign area; for vacant tracts of greater than one (1) acre but no 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 additional acre up to a maximum of fifty (50) square feet of sign area; (2) Location: Such temporary sign may be located anywhere on the premises except as otherwise restricted by this sub- section; 15 § 16 FRIENDSWOOD CODE (3) Number: One (1) such sign may be allowed for each street 49 frontage; (4) Height limits: The maximum height shall be fifteen (15) feet; and (5) Setbacks: Signs shall be located at least twenty (20) feet from the edge of the roadway. (f) Temporary signs for new integrated business developments, shopping centers, office parks, and business parks: (1) One (1) temporary sign may be located at the main en- trance of any new integrated business development, shop- ping 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) 10 months from the date the use permit is issued, or when eighty (80) percent 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 peis - 10 riod 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. Section 17. Temporary direction signs. Temporary or portable signs that direct the public to a special event of civic interest, such as parades, organized holiday festiv- ities, 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 per- mission of the property owner. In no case shall the sign be located on a public right-of-way. 16 0 Ise SIGNS § 21 Section 18. Temporary political signs. Temporary political signs shall be permitted provided that: (a) No political sign shall be erected prior to forty-five (45) days before the election date on which the office or propo- sition is to be determined. (b) All such signs shall be removed within seven (7) days fol- lowing the election date on which the office or proposition is finally determined in accordance with the Texas Elec- tion Code. (c) No such sign shall exceed twenty (20) square feet in sign area nor exceed six (6) feet 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. Section 19. Garage sale signs. Temporary garage sale signs are permitted provided 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. Section 20. Open house signs. Open house signs shall be permitted for each open house pro- vided: (a) No such signs exceed six (6) square feet in sign area; (b) Such signs are erected on private property with the per- mission of the property owner; (c) Such signs shall be removed within twelve (12) hours of placement. Section 21. Permanent signs permitted and regulated in residential zones. (a) This paragraph [section] shall apply to all residential zones as given in the zoning ordinance: SFR, MFR-L, MFR-M, MFR-H, MHR. 17 § 21 FRIENDSWOOD CODE (b) Multi -family residential subdivision: For each multi -family residential subdivision, a maximum of two (2) signs with a com- bined total sign area not exceeding fifty (50) square feet shall be permitted. 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 (5) feet over natural ground level. If building mounted, such sign shall be flush mounted and shall not project above the roofline. (c) Single-family residential subdivisions: Each single-family res- idential subdivision is allowed one (1) freestanding entrance iden- tification 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 (50) 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. Section 22. Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial districts. (a) This subparagraph (a) shall apply to all commercial dis- tricts as given in the zoning ordinance, except as otherwise pro- vided in subparagraph (b) below. (1) Wall signs: a. Size and number: One (1) wall sign is permitted for each business establishment with an allowable total sign area of one and one-half QY2) 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 project above the roof - line or the parapet, whichever is higher. The sign must be located on the site where the goods or services are 0 SIGNS § 22 Aaw(2) Ground signs (freestanding): so a. Size and number. One (1) ground sign is permitted 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 height: A ground sign shall be set back so that no part of such sign overhangs public property. The height including any part of the sign or structure shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet 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) Option for greater sign area: A business establishment has the option 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 calcu- lating 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 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, and RSC. (1) Wall signs: a. One (1) wall sign is permitted for each business estab- lishment with a maximum total area equal to one and one-half (11/2) square feet for each linear foot of busi- ness frontage up to a maximum of one hundred (100) square feet. b. No part of the wall sign shall extend above the roofline or parapet, whichever is higher. 19 § 22 FRIENDSWOOD CODE c. Each business establishment's wall sign must be at- tached 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 (2) or more business establishments utilize a common building and common entrances and front- ages 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 busi- ness establishment. (2) Option for greater sign area: A business establishment has the 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 contiguous 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. c. Location and height: A ground sign shall be set back so that no part of such sign overhangs public property. The height, including any part of the sign or sign struc- ture; shall not exceed twenty (20) feet 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. 0 20 O SIGNS § 22 d. It shall be the responsibility of the permit holder to allocate the sign area of the freestanding identifica- tion sign among the tenants. (4) Option for directory sign in office park and business park districts: a. One (1) freestanding directory sign for the sole purpose of uniformly listing the names of the tenants is per- mitted for each building in 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 two hundred forty (240) square inches per tenant. c. Directory signs shall not exceed five (5) feet in height and shall be located within twenty (20) feet of the building. (5) Options for shopping centers 40,000 square feet or greater in GSC, RSC, and OB 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 sec- ondary street to which there is access when such center is located at a major intersection. The second sign shall be no larger than 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 shop- ping 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 shop- ping center at any given time. c. The height of any sign permitted under this subpara- graph 5 shall not exceed twenty (20) feet. (c) Light industry: Areas zoned for light industry (L-1) shall have the same regulations for wall and ground signs as other 21 § 22 FRIENDSWOOD CODE 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) shall have the same regulations as other commercial areas excluding areas zoned for light industry (L-1). (e) Fast food/drive-through reader boards: Menu reader boards for fast food/drive-through 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. (fl Use of reader panels for noncommercial purposes: Any com- mercial entity 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. Section 23. Permanent signs permitted and regulated in dis- tricts zoned for specific use. (a) This paragraph [section] shall apply to areas zoned for spe- cific 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 paragraph [section] 22 above for commercially zoned areas shall also apply to areas zoned for spe- cific use. (c) Option for greater sign area: The option for greater sign area as provided in paragraph [section] 22 above shall also apply to areas zoned for specific use. Section 24. Signs on vehicles and similar types of property for sale or lease. No type of vehicle including, but not limited to, cars, trucks, motor -driven cycles, or vehicles built of miscellaneous parts of 22 0 SIGNS § 26 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. Section 25. Obsolete signs. Signs which have been abandoned due to closing of 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 ap- proval 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 aban- %V doned sign is removed. Section 26. Nonconforming signs. (a) Nonconforming signs shall be kept in good repair and vi- sual appearance and no structural alterations shall be made thereto. In the event that more than fifty (50) percent of a non- conforming 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. (c) Limitation on variance: A variance is authorized under this subsection K [appendix] 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 [appendix] unless undue hardship will result therefrom. Hardship shall mean that strict application of the re- quirements hereof relating to height and setback of signs and sign structures shall deprive the applicant of reasonable use of his property. 23 § 27 FRIENDSWOOD CODE Section 27. Exceptions and exemptions. 40 The following described signs are exempt from the provisions of this subsection K except for paragraphs (sections] 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 commer- cial building or public institutional building, and not ex- ceeding 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 (2) feet 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 pri- vate 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. (i) On -site directional signs for public and private develop- ments 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. 24 Is SIGNS § 27 (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 ap- prove 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 insti- tution may erect a maximum of four (4) directional signs as long as each does not exceed four (4) square feet. (1) On -site nonaduertising signs: Signs required by law which are necessary for operation of the business and which con- tain 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 NW 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 M) of the height of the flagpole. (p) Decorations for stores, storefronts, and yards from No- vember 20 through January 10 of each year commemo- rating the holiday season and from June 27 through July 7 of each year commemorating Independence Day. (q) Sculptures, statues, or other three dimensional works of art. [The next page is 711 25 • 0 COMPARATIVE TABLE Utor's note —This table contains ordinances amendatory of appendix B. nance ber $ection 1(1)—(26) 1A B C, D E F, G 71 Disposition 1-26 10.b.1) 15.a 20.a, b 21.a 21.e, f 16.c 20 Added 1-27 Rpld 1-26 [The next page is 771 r� u r %W • INDEX I1 ABANDONED SIGNS Obsoletesigns ............................................. AGRICULTURAL Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Areas zoned agricultural ................................. ANIMATED SIGNS Energized signs, prohibitions ............................... ATHLETIC FACILITIES Signs on public property ................................... Exceptions for public athletic facilities .................... L BANNER SIGNS Temporary signs .......................................... BILLBOARDS Prohibited signs ........................................... Temporary signs .......................................... BUILDING CODE Compliance ............................................... BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Integrated business developments in districts NC, OBD, OP, CSC AND RSC...................................... Real estate subdivision signs Temporary signs for new integrated business developments, shopping centers, office parks and business parks..... . BUSINESS PARK DISTRICTS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Option for directory sign in business park districts........ . Real estate subdivision signs Temporary signs for office parks and business parks ....... 77 Section 25 22(d) 12 10(a) 10(d) 15 9 15 6 22(a)(3) 16(n 22(a)(4) 16(n FRIENDSWOOD CODE C Section MW CHURCHES Permanent signs permitted and regulated in districts zoned for specific use such as churches ........................... 23 CLOSING OF BUSINESS Obsolete signs ............................................. 25 COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in ................ 22 FE DEFINITIONS Definitions of terms ....................................... 1 DEVELOPMENTS Real estate subdivision signs Temporary signs for new integrated business developments, shopping centers, office parks and business parks...... 16(f) DIRECTION SIGNS Real estate subdivision signs Off -premises directional signs ............................ 16(d) Temporary direction signs ................................. 17 DISTRICTS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in Commercial zones ....................................... 22 Districts zoned for specific use ............................ 23 Residential zones ........................................ 21 E ENERGIZED SIGNS Erecting, when prohibited .................................. 12 ENTRANCE SIGNS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in residential zones 21 Subdivision entrance signs ................................. 16(a) EXCEPTIONS AND EXEMPTIONS Exempt signs . Listing of type signs exempt from provisions .............. 27 Permits, exceptions ........................................ 2(b) 78 INDEX F Section FAST FOOD/DRIVE THROUGH READER BOARDS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis. tricts Menu reader boards ..................................... 22(e) FIRE HAZARDS Listing of types of obstructions, fire hazards prohibited....... 7 FLASHING LIGHTS Energized signs, prohibitions ............................... 12 FRATERNAL USES Permanent signs permitted and regulated in districts zoned for specific use such as fraternal uses ...................... 23 FREESTANDING SIGNS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Ground signs, freestanding signs ......................... 22(a)(2) G GARAGE SALE SIGNS Area, placement ........................................... 19 GROUND SIGNS Measurement of signs ..................................... 3(b) Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Ground signs, freestanding signs ......................... 22(a)(2) H HAZARDS Firehazards .............................................. 7 TraMc hazards ............................................ 8 I ILLUMINATED SIGNS Illumination of signs ...................................... 13 IMPOUNDMENT Impoundment of signs on public property ................... 10(b) INSTITUTIONAL USES Permanent signs permitted and regulated in districts zoned for specific uses such as institutional uses .................. 23 79 FRIENDSWOOD CODE L Section LEASE Signs on property for sale or lease .......................... 24 LIGHT INDUSTRY Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Areas zoned for light industry ............................ 22(c) M MAINTENANCE Sign maintenance ......................................... 4 MEASUREMENT OF SIGNS Ground signs .............................................. 3(b) Wallsigns ................................................ 3(a) MOVING SIGNS Energized signs, prohibitions ............................... 12 Prohibited signs ........................................... 9 MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION Permanent signs Number permitted, area ................................. 21(a) Real estate subdivision signs; subdivision entrance signs for multifamily units 16(c) ..................................... N NEW BUSINESSES Temporary signsfor....................................... 15 NONCONFORMING SIGNS Requirements ............................................. 26 0 OBSOLETE SIGNS Abandoned, nonapplicable signs ............................ 25 OBSTRUCTIONS Listing of types of obstructions causing fire hazards.......... 7 OFFICE PARK DISTRICTS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Option for directory sign in office park .................... 22(a)(4) Real estate subdivision signs Temporary signs for new integrated business developments, shopping centers, office parks and business parks...... 16(f) 80 INDEX it OPEN HOUSE SIGNS Section Area, placement on private property ........................ 20 P, PAINTED SIGNS Requirements............................................. 11 PARKS Real estate subdivision signs Temporary signs for office parks and business parks ....... 16(fl Signs on public property ................................... 10(a) Exceptions for parks ..................................... 10(d) PERMANENT SIGNS Permitted and regulated in Commercialzones ....................................... 22 Districts zoned for specific use ............................ 23 Residential zones ........................................ 21 PERMITS Application ............................................... 2(a)(1) Condition of approval of permits re obsolete signs............ 25 Exceptions................................................ 2(b) Issuance .................................................. 2(a)(2) Portable signs, permits .................................... 14(c) Preexisting signs .......................................... 2(a)(3) Stop orders ............................................... 2(c) Temporary signs, permits .................................. 15(d) POLITICAL SIGNS Temporary political signs .................................. 18 PORTABLE SIGNS Permits................................................... 14(c) Requirements............................................. 14 PRIVATE PROPERTY Garage sales signs on ...................................... 19 Openhouse signs on ....................................... 20 Signs on private property .................................. 10(c) PROHIBITED SIGNS Listing of types of prohibited signs ......................... 9 PROJECTION Signprojection ............................................ 5 PROPERTY FOR SALE Signs on property for sale or lease .......................... 24 81 Fr N FRIENDSWOOD CODE PUBLIC PROPERTY Section Signson public property ................................... 10 It REAL ESTATE SUBDIVISION SIGNS Multifamily units ......................................... 16(c) Off -premises directional signs .............................. 16(d) Single-family units ....................................... 16(b) Subdivision entrance signs........... ....:.............. 16(a) Temporary signs for new integrated business developments, shopping centers, office parks and business parks........ 16(fl Vacantacreage ............................................ 16(e) RENTALS Signson property for sale or lease .......................... 24 RESIDENTIAL ZONES Permanent signs permitted and regulated in residential zones 21 ROTATING SIGNS Energized signs, prohibitions ............................... 12 Prohibited signs ........................................... 9 S SALE OR LEASE Signson property for sale or lease ......................... 24 SHOPPING CENTERS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Options for shopping centers 40,000 square feet or greater in CSC, RSC and OB districts ........................... 22(a)(5) Real estate subdivision signs Temporary signs for new integrated business developments, shopping centers, office parks and business parks...... 16(fl SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION Entrance identification sign ................................ 21(b) Real estate subdivision signs; subdivision entrance signs for single-family units .................................... 16(b) SPECIAL EVENTS Temporary direction signs ................................. 17 SPECIFIC USE DISTRICTS Permanent signs permitted and regulated in districts zoned for specific use :.......................................... 23 82 INDEX STREETS AND SIDEWALKS Signs on public property...... ................. Impoundment ............... !­ ......................... STRUCTURE Structural requirements ...... - ...... ................. SUBDIVISIONS Real estate subdivision signs ............................... Multifamily units ....... .................. Off -premises directional signs ....... .................. Single-family units , ....... .......... Subdivision entrance signs.. ? ................. Temporary signs for new integrat@d business developments, shopping centers, office parks and business parks..... . Vacant acreage .............. ? .. . - ............. T TEMPORARY SIGNS Displaying, when ................ ! ......................... Permitrequirements ....... ....................... Temporary direction signs ................................. Temporary political signs ... ........... I ........ Temporary real estate subdivision sigps ...................... Temporary signs for new intpqr4ted bp§jpess developments, shopping centers, office parks and business parks....... . TRAFFIC HAZARDS Signs constituting traffic haAards ........................... TRANSMISSION LINES Minimum spacing ......... ...................... VA VACANT ACREAGE Real estate subdivision signs Vacant acreage .......................................... VARIANCES Nonconforming signs ........................................ VEHICLES Signs on vehicles ......................................... W WALL SIGNS Measurement of signs ....... ...... ... ................. to 83 Section .Lvk 10a 1 160 16(( 16(l 16(1 16( 160 1 15(( 1 1 1 16( 60 160 2 2 30 FRIENDSWOOD CODE WALL SIGNS—Cont'd. Section 40 Permanent signs permitted and regulated in commercial dis- tricts Wall signs .............................................. 22(a)(1) FA $4 i