HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 1572
ORDINANCE NO. 1572
BE IT ORDAINED by the City of North Richland Hils, Texas, that Ordinance No 1080
(Zoning Ordinance), adopted January 9, 1984 and as heretofore amended, be and
the same is hereby amended at the following section:
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SECTION XXX
SIGNS
30.1 PURPOSE
The sign regulations as herein established have been made for the purpose of
promoting health, safety, morals and general welfare of the City of North
Richland Hills. The Ordinance contains standards regulating the use, size,
location, construction and maintenance of signs. The intent of the regulations
is to protect value within the City of North Richland Hills, to enhance the
beauty of the City and to protect the general public from damage and injury
which may be caused by the unregulated construction of signs.
30.2 DEFINITIONS
30.2.1 AREA OF SIGN
"Area of Sign" shall mean the total area within the extreme
perimeter of the attraction area intended to draw attention to
the sign. Supporting structures shall not be included in
calculations. The area of the sign with two (2) faces,
approximately opposed, shall be that of the larger face if such
condition prevails; but, if the angle between the planes of the
opposing faces exceeds thirty (30) degrees the total area of both
faces shall be considered the sign area. For multi-sided or
circular signs, the calculation shall include all of the
projected area.
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30.2.2
30.2.3
30.2.4
30.2.5
30.2.6
30.2.7
BANNER SIGN
"Banner Sign" shall mean any sign painted on a strip of cloth,
canvas, or light fabric with or without frames intended to be
displayed for a short period of time only.
BUILDING LINE
"Building Line" shall be the setback lines as established by the
Zoning Ordinance of the City of North Richland Hills.
DEVELOPMENT
"Development", for the purposes of this section, shall mean any
nonresidential property improvement or properties improved as a
unit with a common parking area that is contiguous to the
development. A shopping center under single or mutiple ownership
constitutes a development. A pad site within a shopping center
under separate ownership constitutes a development. Any single
lot, single structure on nonresidential property constitutes a
development.
FLAG
"Flag" shall mean Unites States, Texas, Company, and Award type
flags flown from flag poles.
GROUND SIGN
"Ground Sign" shall mean a sign not wholly supported on a
building or which has its main supporting structure depending on
the ground for attachment.
LIMITED ACCESS FREEWAY
"Limited Access Freeway" shall be deemed to mean a highway to
which the right of access to or from abutting lands is controlled
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30.2.8
30.2.9
30.2.10
30.2.11
30.2.12
and restricted by the State Department of Highways and Public
Transportation or the City of North Richland Hills, further, a
"Limited Access Freeway" shall be bordered on each side by access
roads (or right of way for access roads). "Limited Access
Freeways" within the City of North Richland Hills are Interstate
Loop 820 and State Highway 121 (Airport Freeway) only.
MAJOR DEVELOPMENT
A "Major Development" shall mean a coordinated commercial
development containing fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of
building(s) area.
MARQUEE SIGN
"Marquee Sign" shall include any hood or awning or permanent
construction projecting from the wall of a building or other
structure containing either permanent or changeable advertising.
MONUMENT SIGN
"Monument Sign" shall mean a ground sign constructed out of
brick, stone or cast concrete supported on concrete foundation.
PROJECTING SIGN
"Projecting Sign" shall mean a sign suspended from a building or
structure and projecting out therefrom more than one (1') foot.
PYLON SIGN
"Pylon Sign" shall mean a ground sign erected for the purposes of
identifying the tenants in a major development as defined by this
Section.
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30.2.13
30.2.14
30.2.15
30.2.16
QUALIFIED STREET FRONTAGE
"Qualified Street Frontage" shall mean the width of property
along the street of a commercial or industrial development which
bears the address of the property.
ROOF SIGN
"Roof Sign" shall mean any sign supported by the roof of building
or placed above the apparent flat roof or eaves of a building as
viewed from any elevation.
SIGHT TRIANGLE
"Sight Triangle", for the purposes of this section, shall be an
area of unobstructed visibility on either corner of a street
and/or driveway of at least twenty-five (25') feet in any
direction.
SIGN
"Sign" shall mean a display board, screen, structure, object or
part thereof, used to announce, declare, demonstrate, display or
otherwise advertise and attract the attention of the public to
any business, service or product provided on the premises upon
which sign is placed, other than:
(a) Official notices authorized by a court, public body or public
officer, and,
(b) Directional, warning or information signs authorized by federal,
state or municipal authority.
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30.2.17
30.2.18
30.2.19
30.2.20
30.2.21
TEMPORARY SIGN
"Temporary Sign" shall mean a sign, balloon, or other advertising
display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard,
wall board or light material with or without frames intended to
be displayed for a short period of time only.
Trailer and portable signs are classified "temporary signs".
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGN
"Traffic Control Sign" shall be any sign used only to control and
direct traffic on private property, e.g., "ENTER" or "EXIT".
WALL SIGN
"Wall Sign" shall mean any sign painted on, attached to or
projecting from the wall surface of a building (including
permanent window signs and signs on awnings and/or marquees).
A wall sign shall not project above the apparent flat roof or
eave line as viewed from all elevations, or more than one (1')
foot from the surface of the wall.
WALL SURFACE
"Wall Surface" of a building shall mean the general outer surface
not including cornices, bay windows, or other ornamental trim, of
any main exterior wall of the building.
ZONING DISTRICT
"Zoning District" shall be the Districts as designated in this
Ordinance.
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30.3 SIGN PERMIT AND FEES
30.3.1 SIGN PERMIT REQUIRED
(a) No person shall erect, alter, add to a sign or sign structure,
except as provided in this Section and unless a permit for the
same has been issued by the Building Permit Department. Where
signs are illuminated by electric lighting requiring permanent
wiring connections, a separate electrical permit shall be
obtained as required by the Electrical Code of the City.
Temporary signs may be permitted to businesses possessing a
current Certificate of Occupancy.
30.3.2
(a)
(b)
OFFICIAL, QUASI-OFFICIAL AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
Nothing herein contained shall prevent the erection, construction
and maintenance of official, traffic, fire and police signs,
signals, devices and markings of the State, City or other
appropriate governmental authorities, nor the posting of notices
required by law. Private and quasi-public signs shall be
prohibited upon public property unless authorized by the City or
other appropriate governmental authority.
(b) Legal notices, telephone and other underground utility warning
signs not exceeding one (1') square foot in size and other
safety signs may be erected without a permit being issued.
(c) Nonadvertising, directional or informational signs less than six
(6') square feet in area may be used without a permit in zoning
Districts R-7MF, 0-1, LR, C-1, C-2, OC, I-I, 1-2 and PD as
designated in this Ordinance.
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30.3.3
APPLICATION FOR SIGN PERMIT
Applications for sign permits shall be to the Building Inspection
Office for each development on which the sign or signs are to be
erected and shall contain or have attached thereto the following
information:
(a) Name, address and telephone number of the applicant.
(b) Location of building, structure or lot to which or upon which the
sign or advertising structure is to be attached or erected.
(c) Position of the sign or advertising structure in relation to
nearby buildings or structures.
(d) Two (2) blueprints or ink drawings of the plans and
specifications and method of construction and attachment to the
buildings or in the ground.
(e) Copy of stress sheets and calculations showing the structures are
designed for dead load and wind pressure in any direction in the
amount required by the Codes and Ordinances of the City. The
Building Code of the City, which is the current edition of the
Uniform Building Code, shall apply for design of any sign
structure. All structural calculations and design drawings are
to be by a professional engineer registered by the State of
Texas.
(f) Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting
structure or painting of sign.
(g) Any electrical permit required and issued for such sign.
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(h) Detailed plans of all existing signs, including photos and/or
other pertinent data which will aid in the determination to the
site's conformance with this Ordinance.
(i) Such other information as the Building Official shall require to
show full compliance with this and all other Codes and Ordinances
of the City.
(j) In addition to the filing fee, a sign permit fee shall be
collected in accordance with the schedule contained in Section
30.3.4
(a)
30.3.8.
NONCONFORMING SIGNS
The lawful use of any sign at the time this Ordinance was adopted
may be continued for a period of five (5) years, after which any
sign not in compliance with this Ordinance shall be considered
non-conforming.
(b) Except as this Ordinance may otherwise require, any nonconforming
sign use may be continued in operation on the same land and/or on
the same structure which was in use on the effective date of
these regulations or on the effective date of any amendment by
which the use became nonconforming, but such sign area
advertising and/or structure shall not be changed.
(c) No new permit may be issued for a sign which does not conform to
the provisions of this section.
30.3.5
APPROVAL OF TRAFFIC ENGINEER
If, in the opinion of the Building Official, the plans and
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specifications indicate that the sign or sign structure might
interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic, and if a ground sign
is to be placed on a corner lot and in the opinion of the
Building Official, could create a potential hazard to traffic,
the applicant shall be required to submit a certification from a
qualified Traffic Engineer that the sign location and structure
will not constitute a hazard.
30.3.6
ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
If it shall appear that the proposed sign structure is in
compliance with all the requirements of this Section and all
other Codes and Ordinances of the City and has received approval
where necessary, the Building Department shall then issue the
sign permit. If the work authorized under the permit is not
prosecuted and has not been completed within one hundred eighty
(180) days or a proper extension granted thereto after the date
of issuance the said permit shall become null and void. Issuance
of a sign permit shall be conditioned upon the applicant's
acceptance of any conditions imposed thereon by the City.
30.3.7 UNSAFE AND UNLAWFUL SIGNS
(a) Signs and sign structures including those existing prior to this
Section shall be maintained at all times in a state of good
repair, safe and secure with all braces, bolts, slips, supporting
frame and fastenings free from deterioration, termite
infestation, rot, rust or loosening, able to withstand at all
time the wind pressure for which they were originally designed.
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(b) No person maintaining any sign, sign structure or billboard shall
fail to keep the ground space within eight (8') feet of the base
of the sign, signboard, billboard, or advertising structure free
and clear of weeds, rubbish and other flammable waste materials.
30.3.8 FILING AND PERMIT FEES
(a) Permanent Signs:
Sign permit fees for permanent signs shall be based on square
footage of the sign in accordance with the following:
SQUARE FOOTAGE
FEE
1 to 50
51 to 100
101 to 200
201 to 300
301 and above
$ 50.00
100.00
200.00
300.00
300.00
(b) Temporary Signs:
A single filing/permit fee of $25.00 shall be charged for each
application for temporary signs.
Permits for trailer and other types of portable signs shall be in
form of a sticker label which shall be applied by owner to sign.
Label shall show date of Permit issue and expiration.
30.4 AREA OF SIGNS PERMITTED
30.4.1 SIGNS: COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
(a) For signing purposes, frontage on private streets that serve as a
public thoroughfare and not just as driveway may be considered as
qualified street frontage.
(b) Anyone (1) development may have one sign which may be a choice
of, a ground sign, Monumment sign, roof sign or projecting sign,
subject to the requirements of Sections 30.4.2 through 30.4.8.
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(c) Major Developments, containing fifty thousand (50,000') square
feet or greater in building(s), may have one Pylon Sign
located on one street frontage.
The total amount of signage allowed on a Pylon Sign shall be
calculated at (0.005) square feet of signage for each square foot
of floor area up to a maximum of one thousand (1,000') square
feet of sign area.
Signage for such major development may reach a maximum height of
seventy-five (75') feet if the sign is located on a Controlled
Access Freeway frontage. For all other frontages of such
development the sign may reach a maximum of fifty (50') foot in
height and shall meet the general provisions of this Section.
(d) In Developments with substantial street frontages; i.e., three
hundred fifty (350') linear feet or greater, on two or more
streets, additional ground signs may be permitted for each street
providing that all signs requested must meet the provisions of
Section 30.4.2.
GROUND SIGNS
30.4.2
Ground signs are subject to the following provisions:
(a) One (1) ground or pole sign may be permitted for each three
hundred (300') linear feet or portion thereof of qualified street
frontage with each development in all zoning districts except AG
and all "R" Districts.
(b) The total area of sign permitted for a ground sign shall be
calculated as one (1') square foot of sign for each linear foot
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of street frontage, up to a maximum of three hundred (300')
square feet for anyone sign.
(c) The maximum height of any ground sign and supporting structure
shall be twenty-five (25') feet, except that the height of a
ground sign may be increased by adding one (1') foot of height
for each linear foot the sign is set back from the adjacent
property lines, not to exceed an absolute maximum of fifty (50')
feet to the top of the sign; except as noted in Section 30.4.1.
(d) The height of any ground sign may not exceed one-half (1/2) the
shortest linear distance from the location of the sign to the
nearest boundary of any AG or tJRtJ Zoning District.
(e) The sign shall not project over the property line of the
development, right-of-way or over any area within ten (10') feet
of the curb of a public street.
(f) A minimum qualified frontage of fifty (50') feet shall be
required to erect a ground sign.
(g) Permanent attachment to the ground shall be required for all
ground signs, to meet or exceed the requirements of Section
30.3.3 paragraph (e).
MONUMENT SIGNS
30.4.3
Monument Signs are subject to the following provisions:
(a) One (1) monument sign may be permitted with each development in
all zoning districts with exceptions as specified in 30.4.3(b).
(b) Monument signs in tJRtJ districts are limited to main entrances to
"R" subdivisions and/or subject to approval of the Planning and
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Zoning Commission at Final Plat submission. Monument signs are
not permitted in "AG" districts.
(c) Monument signs in all zoning districts with exception of "R"
districts shall not exceed six (6') feet in height and shall not
exceed one hundred fifty (150') square feet in sign area.
(d) Monument signs in "R" districts shall not exceed four (4') feet
in height and shall not exceed fifty (50') square feet in sign
area.
30.4.4
BANNER SIGNS
Banner Signs are subject to the following provisions:
(a) One (1) Banner Sign may be permitted with each development
without a sign permit in all zoning districts except AG and the
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-6T, and R-8 Districts.
(b) The total permitted area for banner signs shall not exceed a
maximum of fifty (50') square feet.
(c) Banner Signs may be attached to a wall surface or facia and
shall not project above the apparent roof or eave line.
(d) Banner Signs shall be attached in such a manner to withstand wind
loads.
(e) Banner Signs which have become torn, tattered or unsightly, shall
be removed.
30.4.5
FREEWAY SIGNS
On properties fronting on the Limited Access Freeways as defined
in Section 30.2 the following additional provisions shall apply
to Ground Signs erected.
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(a) The maximum height allowed for a Ground Sign located within
two hundred (200') feet of a limited access Freeway shall be
fifty (50') feet as measured from the location of the sign or
thirty-five (35') feet above the height of the adjacent main
travel lane of the Freeway, whichever is greater.
(b) The maximum size of the Ground Sign which is located within two
hundred (200') feet of the Freeway shall be two (2') square feet
of sign area for each linear foot of Freeway frontage up to a
maximum of four hundred (400') square feet.
GROUND SIGNS FOR AUTO DEALERSHIPS
30.4.6
Ground Signs erected for the purpose of advertising Automobile
Dealerships are subject to the following additional provisions:
(a) One (1) ground or pole sign may be permitted for each distinct
Dealership for each one hundred fifty (150') linear feet or
portion thereof of qualified street frontage with each
development.
(b) The total area of sign permitted for a ground sign shall be
calculated as one (1') square foot of sign for each linear foot
of street frontage, up to a maximum of three hundred (300')
square feet for anyone sign.
(c) A minimum qualified frontage of fifty (50') feet shall be
required to erect a ground sign.
30.4.7
ROOF SIGNS
Roof Signs are permitted under the following provisions:
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(a) One (1) roof sign may be permitted with each development on all
zoning districts except AG and the "R" Districts.
(b) Roof signs shall not project horizontally over the edge of the
roof or eave.
(c) The maximum permitted area of roof signage shall be one (1')
square foot of sign area for each linear foot of qualified
frontage not to exceed a maximum of two hundred (200') square
feet.
(d) The height of a roof sign shall not exceed ten (10') feet above
the apparent flat roof or eave line.
(e) Roof sign supports should be architecturally attractive or
screened from view.
30.4.8
PROJECTING SIGNS
Projecting Signs permitted are subject to the following
provisions:
(a) One (1) projecting sign may be permitted with each development in
all zoning districts except AG and the "R" Districts.
(b) Projecting signs shall not project over the property line of the
development, right-of-way, or over any area within ten (10') feet
of the curb of a public street.
(c) A projecting sign shall not extend more than four (4') feet from
any wall facing.
(d) The total permitted area of a projecting sign shall be measured
as one (1') square foot of sign area for each linear foot of
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qualified frontage not to exceed a maximum of one hundred (100')
square feet.
30.4.9 THEATER MARQUEES
(a) The maximum permitted area of a Theater Marquee shall be one (1')
square foot of sign area for each linear foot of qualified
frontage not to exceed three hundred (300') square feet of sign
30.4.10
(a)
30.4.11
area.
WALL SIGNS COMMERCIAL ZONES
Wall Signs shall be permitted in Commercial or Industrial Zoning
district developments provided the total area of all wall signs
on anyone (1) wall of a building shall not exceed twenty-five
(25%) percent of the total wall area.
Application of the area requirements shall include any valance or
permanent window signs.
(c) A wall sign shall not project above the apparent flat roof or
(b)
eave line.
(d) In Service Station/Convenience Store uses when a canopy is
provided over the pump area, wall signs located on the facia area
of the canopy, or suspended on the supports of the canopy, may be
permitted provided that the total area of all signs does not
exceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the total facia area of the
canopy.
SIGNS: RESIDENTIAL/AGRICULTURAL ZONES
All signs are prohibited in AG and All "R" Districts except as
follows:
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(a) Multi-family developments in R-7MF and R-6T Zoning Districts
shall be allowed wallar ground signs for identification purposes
only for each street frontage. The total area of such signs
shall not exceed fifty (50') square feet.
(b) Ground signs allowed in these Districts shall not exceed a height
of four (4') feet above grade.
(c) Ground signs installed in these Districts shall not be located in
the required sight triangle of a street or driveway inspection.
(d) In "R" Distict developments providing solid masonry screening
along street frontages, approved wall signs may be installed in
such screening walls.
(e) Wall signs may be used with any residential use in AG and all "R"
Zoning Districts with the exception of R-7MF, with a maximum area
of two (2') square feet per sign. No more than two (2) signs per
occupancy. No permit is required for these signs.
(f) In AG zoning districts, legitimate agricultural businesses or
enterprises shall be permitted ground, roof, projecting or wall
signs in accordance with the restrictions of Sections 30.4.2;
30.4.3; 30.4.6; 30.4.7.; and 30.4.9 with exception that such
signs shall not exceed a total of one hundred (100') square feet
and ground signs shall not exceed fifteen (15') feet in height.
30.4.12 TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS
(a) The maximum area of anyone traffic control sign shall be two
(2') square feet.
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(b) Traffic control signs are not permitted in AG and all "R"
Districts, with the exception of the R-7MF District.
(c) Traffic control signs shall not include any advertising or
attention attracting lighting, symbols, logos or shapes.
(d) Traffic control signs may pertain to either vehicular or
pedestrian traffic.
30.4.13 FLAGS
Flags permitted are subject to the following provisions:
(a) United States and Texas Flags shall be permitted in all zoning
districts.
(b) Company and Award type flags shall be permitted in all zoning
districts except AG, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-6T.
(C) Company and Award type flags shall not exceed one hundred (100)
square foot in area and if flown in conjunction with United
States and Texas Flags shall not exceed area of United States and
Texas Flags.
(d) Flags permitted in R-7MF zoning districts shall not be flown at a
height exceeding twenty (20) feet.
(e) Flags permitted in AG, R-l, R-2, R-3 and R-6T shall not be flown
at height exceeding fifteen (15) feet.
(f) Flags as described in 30.4.13 shall be permitted without sign
permit or fee.
30.5 GENERAL PROVISIONS
30.5.1 INTERFERENCE WITH BUILDING REGULATIONS
No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of
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30.5.2
(a)
its surface or supports will interfere in any way with the free
use of any fire escape, exit, standpipe, or windows or obstruct
any required ventilator or door stairway.
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT
No sign permit shall be issued for any sign which encroaches upon
or over any City-owned or controlled property unless an
encroachment permit therefor is obtained from the City Councilor
State Agency responsible for such property.
30.5.3 PROJECTION OVER PRIVATE PROPERTY
(a) No sign may project more than six (6") inches from the face of a
building over private property used or intended to be used by the
general public, unless there is a minimum of eight (8') feet
clearance provided from the bottom of the sign to sidewalk or
grade immediately below the sign, or a minimum of fourteen (14')
feet clearance from the bottom of the sign to a vehicular
trafficway immediately below the sign.
30.5.4 MEMORIAL SIGNS AND HISTORICAL TABLETS
(a) Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City Council from
granting special permits on such terms as it may deem proper, for
signs denoting properties or buildings which may have historical
or memorial significance to the community. Nor shall the City
Council be restricted from authorizing signs as they may
deem appropriate to advertise patriotic, special events or
special projects of general public interest taking place within
the boundaries of the City.
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30.5.5
(a)
30.5.6
(a)
VEHICLE ADVERTISING
The intent of this Section is to create equal and just vehicle
advertising. Vehicles may display signage in accordance with
Texas Motor Safety Laws with the following additional guidelines.
Signs must be permanently attached to vehicles by either being
painted, bolted, screwed or magnetically fixed.
Cloth or other light materials secured with rubber, rope, string,
tape, or other similar adhesives shall not be permitted.
(d) No sign or advertising shall be erected or attached to any
(b)
(c)
vehicle except for those signs which are painted directly or
mounted flush to the surface or mounted directly on the roof of
the vehicle.
(e) No roof mounted signs shall project more than twelve (12") inches
above the roof of the vehicle.
(f) All vehicles which have signs or advertising shall be in working
order and shall be in compliance with all applicable vehicle
safety laws when signs are in place. All such vehicles shall
have current registration and inspection stickers and shall be
regularly used for transportation purposes.
LIGHTING
Signs may be illuminated or non-illuminated. Illumination may be
either by internal, internal-indirect or indirect lighting as
defined below. Lighting shall be so installed as to avoid any
glare or reflection into adjacent property, or onto a street or
alley to create a traffic hazard.
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(b) When not necessary to satisfy security purposes, it is suggested
that lighting be turned off as soon after business hours as is
reasonable, especially where signs are in close proximity to
residential areas.
(c) "Internal lighting" shall mean a source of illumination entirely
within the sign which makes the contents of the sign visible at
night by means of the light being transmitted through a
translucent material but wherein the source of the illumination
is not visible.
(d) "Internal-indirect lighting" shall mean a source of illumination
entirely within the sign (generally a free-standing letter) which
makes the sign visible at night by means of lighting the
background upon which the free-standing character is mounted.
The character itself shall be opaque, and thus will be
silhouetted against the background. The source of the
illumination shall not be visible.
(e) "Indirect lighting" shall mean a source of external illumination
located a distance away from the sign, which lights the sign, but
which itself is not visible to persons viewing the sign from any
normal position of view.
ROTATING, MOVING, FLASHING, CHANGING OR BLINKING, BILLBOARD SIGNS
30.5.7
(a)
Rotating, search lights, flashing, blinking, or billboard signs
shall not be permitted.
30.5.8 MESSAGE SIGNS
(a) Message signs containing changeable messages, i.e., Time and
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Temperature, etc, may be permitted on an individual basis by
submittal of a request to the Building Official.
30.6 TEMPORARY SIGNS
30.6.1 EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS SECTION:
(a) No person may erect a temporary sign as defined in Section
30.2.10 without a permit from the Building Inspection Department.
(b) No temporary or portable sign shall be erected or placed to
advertise a business, industry or pursuit except on the premises
on which the referenced business, industry or pursuit is
conducted.
(c) All temporary type fragile displays or signage that might
separate from itself or become separated from either line under
the guidelines of the 1988 Uniform Building Code, Section 23-4,
Figure 4, Page 137 shall not be allowed. These restrictions are
to protect the general public from flying debris generated by
dismembered displays.
(d) No temporary or portable sign shall be attached to any utility
pole, light pole, or traffic control sign or pole,
(e) The complete sign package must be removed at termination of the
permit. Removal of letters from the sign board does not abate a
non-permitted sign.
(f) No temporary sign shall be displayed for more than thirty (30)
days per permit received.
(g) A maximum of three (3) temporary sign permits per year shall be
issued to anyone business, industry, or pursuit. However
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consecutive permitting is not allowed. There shall be a
forty-five (45) day period between permitting.
(h) Temporary signs shall not exceed fifty (50') square feet in area.
(i) No temporary or portable sign shall be erected or placed within
fifteen (15') feet of the curb or street except for those which
may be mounted on the wall of a building which is closer than
fifteen (15') feet to the curb or street.
(j) No temporary or portable sign may be erected or placed in any
location that constitutes a safety or traffic hazard.
(k) No temporary or portable sign may be erected or placed in a
fire zone, fire lane, handicap parking area or required loading
zone.
(I) No temporary or portable sign may be placed in any location that
blocks view from any permitted permanent signage.
(m) Temporary or portable signs shall be place at least one hundred
(100')feet apart.
(n) Non-conforming temporary signs or temporary signs without permits
may be impounded by the City forty-eight (48) hours after notice
is given to the owner or party responsible for the sign.
(0) Each temporary sign may advertise one or more individual
businesses. However, for each business advertised a separate
permit fee will be required and each business will be charged
for the advertisement against its allotted three (3) permits per
year as stated in Subsection (g).
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(p) Trailer and portable signs shall bear in letters of not less than
one (1) inch in height the company name of the sign owner and
telephone number on each unit. This information must be current.
Any sign not containing current information shall be classified
as non-conforming signs and may be impounded by the City
forty-eight (48) hours after notice is given to the owner or
party responsible for the sign.
REAL ESTATE SIGNS
30.6.2
Permits shall not be required for the following types of real estate
signs:
(a) One (1) temporary sign announcing the offering for sale or rental
of individually platted residential or commercial property on
which it is placed shall be allowed in any District and may be
placed in any yard. Such sign shall not exceed five (5') square
feet in area. Such sign shall be removed within one (1) week
following the close of a sale or lease.
(b) On nonresidential commercial property where there is a business
building, one (1) temporary unlighted sign offering all or a
portion of the same sale or rental shall be allowed flat against
any wall of the business building. Such sign shall be no taller
than the wall and shall have an area no larger than one hundred
(100') square feet. Such sign shall be removed within one (1)
week following the close of a sale or lease.
(c) On undeveloped property, temporary unlighted signs offering the
same for sale or lease shall be allowed. Such signs shall be
212
located at least twenty-five (25') feet behind any curb or ten
(10') feet behind any property line, whichever is greater; and
shall not exceed fifteen (15') feet in height. The total area of
all sign message surfaces of all such signs shall not exceed one
(1') square foot per one (1') linear foot of street frontage of
the property for sale or one hundred (100') square feet on each
street fronting the property; whichever is smaller. Only one (1)
sign per street frontage shall be permitted. Each sign shall be
removed within one (1) week following the close of the sale or
lease.
30.6.3
WEEKEND ADVERTISING
The City of North Richland Hills's policy for weekend advertising, as
expressed in this Ordinance is extended to homebuilders and apartment
owners for the purpose of guiding the weekend motoring public to
available residential properties in North Richland Hills. The policy
is intended as a benefit also to the buying public. These provisions
are designed to allow temporary directional signs without resulting in
an excess that may prove offensive to others of the public. The
policy should also serve as "common sense" guidelines in places where
direct application is unclear.
(a) Registration: In order for a builder/developer to be eligible
to participate in this weekend advertisement he must be
registered with the Building Inspection Office.
An annual fee of $50.00 must be paid by each
213
builder/developer/owner wishing to advertise under these
provisions. Such annual fee must be paid and/or renewed during
the month of January of each year.
(b) Schedule: Signs will be allowed between 12 PM Friday and 12 PM
Monday. A holiday falling on Friday or Monday will be considered
part of the weekend.
(c) Sign Size: Signs shall not exceed twenty-four (24") inches by
thirty (30") inches in size, not to exceed three (3') feet above
grade.
(d) Spacing of Signs: A minimum of thirty (30') feet must be held
between all signs, and signs for one advertiser must be at least
two hundred (200') feet apart.
(e) Sign Location: Individual sign locations shall adhere to the
following criteria.
(1) No closer than forty (40') feet to a street intersection or
median opening.
(2) Signs may be placed in City right of way, but no closer than
three (3') feet from the edge of the sign to the street curb
or edge of pavement. Signs should not encroach either the
sidewalks or the street.
(3) No sign shall be placed in a "visibility triangle" as
defined in this section. Generally, if a sign is close to
blocking motorist visibility, it should be removed.
(4) No signs should be placed further than three (3) miles from
the subject property.
214
-
(f) Sign Construction and Criteria: Signs should be rigid, two (2)
dimensional displays that advertise new residential property,
"For Sale or Lease", guiding the motorists to a specific
location in North Richland Hills.
These are the guidelines under which this policy will be administered, relating
particularly to the weekend/motoring customer. It is the responsibility of the
builder/owner to secure permission of the adjacent property owner for placement
of the signs on private property. This policy does not grant unlimited access
and use of the City right-of-way.
Violations of this policy will be cause for confiscation of the signs. Any
signs which are confiscated by the Code Enforcement Officer may be reclaimed by
the owner of such sign, but each sign so confiscated will be subject to a
redemption fee of $5.00 per sign. If signs remain unreclaimed for a period of
thirty (30) days, the City will dispose of such signs as may be appropriate.
Excessive general violations may require that the policy be suspended for a
period of time. The Building Official shall notify the City Council in the
event that the suspension of this policy is put into effect indicating the
causes and the period of the suspension. All builders/owners are offered the
use of these provisions equally.
In so doing, the City asks that the
builders/owners aid in maintaining a neat and orderly appearance throughout all
of North Richland Hills.
30.6.4
SUBDIVISION/NEW DEVELOPMENT SIGNS
(a) Subdivision/New Development Signs are to be used for the
identification of a new project, such as a subdivision, where
215
real property is being sold for the first time to a user, new
buildings, public projects and the like. These signs are not
permanent but may be required for a longer period of time than
most temporary signs.
(b) Each subdivision and/or development shall be permitted to install
one on-site sign located on the property owned by the advertiser
in the same zoning district as the project and one off-site sign
which may be located in any Commercial, Industrial, or Office
District or on unplatted vacant property.
(c) A sign permit is required for each subdivision or new development
sign erected in accordance with these provisions.
(d) Permits for such signs shall be issued for a period of one (1)
year or to completion of the project, whichever occurs first. A
second permit allowing an additional of one (1) year may be
granted by the Building Official upon payment of a renewal fee
equal to the original permit fee and conformance with the
following requirements:
(1) A substantial portion of the development is not yet
completed.
(2) If the development has building activity in progress,
(3) If the sign is relocated to a portion of the development
which is not offensive to the completed portion of the
development.
(e) These signs shall not exceed fifteen (15') feet in height and
shall be no larger than one hundred fifty (150') square feet in
size.
216
(f) Such signs shall be located at least twenty-five (25') feet
behind the curb of the street and shall not be in violation of
any visibility triangle.
(g) On larger vacant tracts where more than one project or
development may be advertised, no two signs may be closer than
two hundred (200') feet apart.
30.6.5 TRADE CONSTRUCTION SIGNS
(a) Trade Construction signs may be approved at the discretion of the
Building Official to advertise the various construction trades on
any construction site.
(b) Trade construction signs must be removed prior to the issuance of
a Certificate of Occupancy.
30.6.6 POLITICAL SIGNS
(a) Temporary, unlighted, political signs (including portable or
trailer signs) supporting an announced candidate, a party or an
issue shall be allowed in any district without a sign permit.
(b) Political signs shall not be located on any utility, light,
traffic signal or sign pole.
(c) Political signs are permitted for a period of thirty (30) days
prior to local or county elections, sixty (60) days prior to a
state election and ninety (90) days prior to a national election.
All political signs shall be removed no later than seven (7)
days after the election or after the termination of candidacy,
whichever occurs first.
217
(d) In AG and all "R" zoning districts, political signs shall not
have a height of more than three (3') feet above grade. In other
districts, the height shall not exceed six (6') feet above grade.
(e) In AG and all "R" districts, political signs shall not exceed
five (5') square feet.
(f) In all zoning districts, political signs shall not be located to
cause a safety or traffic hazard.
30.6.7 CIVIC AND RELIGIOUS SIGNS
(a) Temporary signs advertising public school, religious events of
public schools and religious organizations may be erected or
placed on their property after obtaining a permit from the
Building Department. Such permit will be at no cost. A maximum
of two permits may be issued at anyone time.
(b) Temporary signs advertising public school, civic or religious
events of public school, civic or religious organizations may be
placed on any private property with the permission of the owner.
Such off-site signs are required to be permitted.
(c) Signs announcing civic or religious events of wide-spread
community interest may be erected on public property or right-
of-way with special permission of the City Council. Such signs
will be permitted by the Building Department at no cost. Such
signs shall be located so as not to present a safety or traffic
hazard.
30.6.8
(a)
GARAGE SALE SIGNS
Temporary, unlighted signs announcing the holding of a sale of
household possessions at a place of residence shall be allowed in
218
any zoning district without permit.
(b) Garage sale signs shall be located on private property only.
Garage sale signs shall not be permitted on any public property
or right-of-way, nor on any utility, light, traffic signal or
(c)
(d)
sign pole.
Sign size shall not exceed six (6') square feet.
Signs shall not be posted more than five (5) days prior to the
beginning of the sale and shall be removed within twenty-four
(24) hours following the end of the sale.
30.7 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
30.7.1 The construction of all signs shall comply with the structural
requirements of the City Building Code and the current edition of
the Uniform Building Code as adopted by the City.
Structural design shall be by professional engineer registered by
the State of Texas.
The design of sign supports and structure shall be compatible
with and in harmony with the surrounding buildings and
30.7.2
structures.
30.8 OBNOXIOUS SIGNS EXPLOITING SEX PROHIBITED
30.8.1 VISUAL DEPICTION OF SEXUAL AREAS OF HUMAN FORM PROHIBITED.
(a) No sign or signs as defined in this Ordinance, to include any
temporary sign, which in whole or in part, depicts the human form
in such a manner that the areas of the buttocks, or the genitals,
or the pubic area, or any portions of the female breast below the
219
top of the nipple, are depicted as not covered with opaque
clothing shall be maintained, erected, or placed upon or adjacent
to the outside of any building where it is visible from public
streets or from adjacent buildings or premises.
30.8.2 USE OF THE WORDS CONNOTING EROTIC ENTERTAINMENT PROHIBITED.
(a) No sign or signs, as defined in this Ordinance, including any
temporary signs, which in whole or part advertise any "topless",
"bottomless", "naked", or words of like import, except that the
words 1fadult entertainment" or "adult shows1f will be permissible,
shall be maintained, erected, or placed upon or adjacent to the
outside of any building where it is visible from public streets
or from adjacent buildings or premises.
30.8.3 DISPLAY OF OFFENSIVE SIGNS A PUBLIC NUISANCE.
(a) Any sign which is in violation of Sections 30.8.1 or 30.8.2 is
declared a public nuisance.
30.8.4
(a)
(b)
ABATEMENT
Any temporary sign or signs in violation of Section XXX shall be
abated within twenty-four (24) hours after notice has been given
in writing to abate the sign or signs. Any sign which involves
letters placed on a marquee is considered a temporary sign for
purposes of this Section.
Any sign or signs in violation of Section XXX which can be
covered or painted over in such a manner so the sign will comply
with this Section and which do not require removal or mechanical
220
or electrical alterations, the whole or part of the sign shall be
covered or painted within twenty-four (24) hours after written
notice has been given in writing to abate the sign or signs.
(c) Signs in violation of Section XXX which require mechanical or
electrical alteration of all or part of the sign or require the
removal of part or all of the sign in order to comply with this
Section shall be altered or removed within seven (7) days after
service of written notice to abate the sign or signs.
30.8.5 NOTICE TO ABATE
(a) The City Manager or the Building Official or one of their
designees are authorized to prepare and deliver notice to abate
any sign or signs in violation of Section XXX.
(b) Notice is deemed to be served for the purpose of Section XXX if
delivered to any person who is an owner or lessee of the premises
on which the sign or signs are located or to any officer of any
corporation or any partner of a partnership which is operating a
business on the premises on which the sign or signs are located
which violates Section XXX and which is responsible for the sign
or signs in violation of this Section.
VIOLATION A MISDEMEANOR
30.8.6
(a)
Any person, firm, or corporation which is found to be in
violation of the provisions of Section XXX shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor, and on conviction may be punished by fine of not
less than ($50) dollars nor more than one thousand ($1000)
221
dollars, and each day such violation occurs shall be deemed a
separate offense.
30.9 ADMINISTRATION
The Building Official shall administer Section XXX of this Ordinance.
30.10 ENFORCEMENT
30.10.1 ENFORCEMENT
(a) If the Building Official or other person he/she may appoint shall
find that any sign or other advertising structure regulated
herein is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or
has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in
violation of the approved sign permit or provisions of this
Section, the permittee or owner thereof shall be given written
notice of the violation.
(b) If the permittee or owner fails to remove or alter the structure
so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within ten
(10) days after such notice, such sign or advertising structure
may be removed or altered to comply by the City of North Richland
Hills at the expense of the permittee and/or owner of the
property upon which it is located.
(c) The Building Official shall refuse to issue any subsequent
building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits for the
property on which the offending sign was located if any owner or
permittee shall refuse to pay the costs so assessed.
222
(d) The Building Official may cause any sign or other advertising
structure which is in immediate peril to persons or property to
be removed; by giving notice to the owner or permittee at least
forty-eight (48) hours in advance.
(e) The Building Official or other person he/she may appoint may
cause any illegal temporary sign, to be removed within
twenty-four (24) hours.
30.10.2 RIGHT OF ENTRY
(a) Upon presentation of proper credentials, the Building Official or
his duly authorized representative may enter at reasonable times,
any buildings, structures or premises in the City to perform any
duties imposed upon him by Section xxx.
30.11 ABATEMENT OF NONCONFORMING SIGNS
30.11.1 TIME PERIOD
A period of ten (10) years subsequent to the effective date of this
Ordinance is hereby established for the abatement of signs legally
existing prior to the said date but such signs which have become
nonconforming under the terms of this Section or previous Ordinances
adopted since the effective date noted. Nothing contained within this
provision shall apply to signs illegally erected. Such illegally
erected signs are subject to immediate abatement.
30 . 11 . 2
WALL SIGNS
Nonconforming painted wall signs are subject, in addition to the
abatement procedures set forth, to immediate abatement when the
223
business occupying the premises changes to a different business or
different owner necessitating repainting of the said sign.
30.11. 3
APPEAL
Abatement periods established herein are subject to appeal before the
Zoning Board of Adjustment.
APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMM~SS;~,.,,_,.ON ~~~ DAY
OF September. . ~c: C" ' ~
" ' .
Chairman Planning & Zoning Commission
~~-2-c:=L-\
Secretary Planniñg an~Z~~ssion
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS
10th
DAY OF October
, 1988.
ATTEST:
~d /'~~/$~ ~
J~e Rewis, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL ITY :
)
/)
~L
At.torney
,-.'
/"é,. ~
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I '\.. ~" ~
'- L·'
224
THE STATE OF TEXAS
Co\U\ty of Tarrant
CIT13
Before me, a Notary Public in and for said Co\U\ty and State, this day
personally appeared Suzanne Vasauez Secretary for the Fort Worth
Star-Telegram, published by the Capital Cities Comm\U\ications, Inc. at
Fort Worth, in Tarrant County, Texas, and who, after being duly sworn,
did depose and say that the following clipping of an advertisement was
published in the above named paper on the following dates:
6228251
--
AN~¿~~ro~nD.
L~~8§QI30A~ÈIðJl&Tll~
SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS
WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS
OF NORTH RICHLAND
i HILL1\ TEXASÓ1 DEFINING I
II~1.~~¥~~E}U~&Dl~~O~L
~~O~~~NJ'';-EH<tf~i ~
OF SIGNS P§HMITTE .
n PROVIDING F A sERIE~
X OF GENERAL NDITIONS¡
Signed .^ \1 P L Q' rv '.'-' IIli'LâTl!"RG JEMrNO.
, J DIðtG~ a ~ 'l;iN~~U~1
to before me, this the 2~ T4¥IIERr~ Ds~ll~':' 1988
,1/ I~g¡î, N~O~~~'L~I~f:A
Notary Public~ ~~~:..l'-ryO~~ING FCf.o~tc~
9J;.~F~~ ~2T lrà~. Texas.
ruCOOO.OO... AND RE ALING 1
A L OkDINANCES AND
~R~S OF OR.PJNANCES IN,
VI~It}Ó~JlR ll~\,rNR~.
~'t~S'Y AND PROVIDIN~ I
SH.tLL B~I'NOf&lrEA~~g I
EFFECTFROMANDAFTERI
THE DATE OF ITS ADOP·
TION AND PUBLICATION.
PASSED AND APPROVED
BY THE CITY COUNCIL THE
10TH DAY OF OCTOBER,
1988.
Isl TommvBrown .
ATTEST: NJayor
It¡¡ärel~:~sTO FORM
I R ITY.
/II¡ ex ntl
Oct. 23, 1988
CL 008
Subscribed and sworn
EVELYN W. FLETCHER
Notary Public
STATE OF TEXAS
My Comm. Exp. Sap. SO. 1992
THE STATE OF TEXAS
Co\U\ty of Tarrant
Before me, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, this day
personally appeared C in d y T r u it t Secretary for the Fort Worth
Star-Telegram, published by the Capital Cities Communications, Inc. at
Fort Worth, in Tarrant County, Texas, and who, after being duly sworn,
did depose and say that the following clipping of an advertiselllent was
published in the above named paper on the following datesr
I
T
September 21,
AM & PM
1988
r d
II nts 0 Or "IInee
#1 (Zonlnv Ordinance)
regarding SIGNS.
Isl Tommy Brown
C~iÞ¡ J,~4
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1;Y.__AS
Signed
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I:
My Go'nm. E"'p. Od. 23. ~ ¿-'t" '¡
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