HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 1001
ORDINANCE NO. 1001
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS WITHIN THE
CITY LIMITS OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS; DEFINING TERMS;
REQUIRING A PERMIT FOR ERECTION OF A SIGN AND PROVIDING FOR
A SCHEDULE OF FEES; REGULATING THE AREA OF SIGNS PERMITTED;
PROVIDING FOR A SERIES OF GENERAL CONDITIONS; REGULATING
TEMPORORY SIGNS; REGULATING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF
SIGNS; REGULATING BILLBOARDS; PROHIBITING OBNOXIOUS
SIGNS AND SIGNS EXPLOITING SEX; PROVIDING FOR A PENTALTY
FOR VIOLATION OF A FINE NOT IN EXCESS OF $200.00 AND
PROVIDING FOR A SAVINGS CLAUSE.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 24th day of January, 1983.
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ex McEntire, City Attorney
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS,
TEXAS, that:
ARTICLE 1.
PREAMBLE: PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE
The sign regulations as herein established have been rnade for the purpose
of prornoting health, safety, rnorals and general welfare of the City of North Richland
Hills. The Ordinance contains standards regulating the use, size, location,
construction and rnaintenance of signs. The intent of the regulations is to protect
values within the City of North Richland Hills, to enhance the beauty of the City
and to protect the general public frorn darnage and injury which rnay be caused by the
unregulated construction of signs.
ARTICLE 2.
For the purpose of this Ordinance the words and phrases set forth shall have
a rneaning ascribed to thern as follows:
SECTION 2.1
AREA OF SIGN
"Area of Sign" shall rnean the total area within the extrerne perirneter of the
attraction area intended to draw attention to the sign, including all open spaces and
supports which the sign rests upon if said supports are designed to attract attention
to sign. The area of the sign with two (2) faces, approxirnately opposed, shall be
that of the larger face if such condition prevails; but, if the angle between the
planes of the faces exceeds forty-five (45) degrees the total area of both faces shall
be considered the sign area. For rnulti-sided or circular signs, the area shall be the
total projected area.
SECTION 2.2
BILLBOARD
"Billboard" shall rnean any freestanding sign, signboard or outdoor advertising
display which is used for advertising purposes or display purposes, except advertising
displays used exclusively:
(a) To advertise the sale or lease of the property upon which such advertising
displays are to be placed.
(b) To designate the narne of the owner or the occupant of the prernises
upon which such advertising display is placed, or to identify such prernises.
(c) To advertise goods rnanufactured, produced, or for sale or service
rendered, on the property upon which such advertising display is placed.
SECTION 2.3
BUILDING LINE
"Building Line" shall be established by the Zoning Ordinance.
SECTION 2.4
FACE OF BUILDING
"Face of Building" shall mean the general outer surface not including cor-
nices, bay windows, or other ornamental trim, of any main exterior wall of the build-
ing.
SECTION 2.5
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 and restricted by the State of Texas
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 820 and Airport
Freeway (SH 121) only.
SECTION 2.6
GROUND SIGNS
"Ground Sign" shall mean a sign not wholly supported on a building or which
has its main supporting structure depending upon the ground for attachment.
SECTION 2.7
PROJECTING SIGN
"Projecting Sign" shall mean a sign suspended from or supported from a build-
ing or structure and projecting out therefrom more than one (1) foot.
SECTION 2.8
ROOF SIGN
"Roof Sign" shall mean any sign supported by the roof of a building or placed
above the apparent flat roof or eaves of a building as viewed from any elevation.
SECTION 2.9
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.
SECTION 2. 10
TEMPORARY SIGN
"Temporary Signs" shall mean a sign, banner, pennant or advertising display
constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard or other light mate-
rial with or without frames intended to be displayed for a short period of time only.
Trailer and portable signs are classified as "Temporary Signs."
SECTION 2.11
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 foot from the surface of the
wall.
SECTION 2.12
MARQUEE SIGN
"Marquee sign" shall include any hood or awning of permanent construction
projecting from the wall of a building or other structure.
SECTION 2.13
DEVELOPMENT
erties
mente
"Development" shall mean any nonresidential property improvement or prop-
improved as a unit with a common parking area that is contiguous to the develop-
A shopping center under single or multiple ownership constitutes a development.
SECTION 2. 14
QUALIFIED STREET FRONTAGE
"Qualified street Frontage" shall mean the width of property of a commercial
or industrial development fronting on a major or secondary thoroughfare.
SECTION 2.15
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS
"Traffic Control Signs" shall be any sign used only to control and direct
traffic on private property (e.g., "ENTER" or "EXIT").
SECTION 2.16
ZONING DISTRICTS
"Zoning Districts" referred to in this ordinance shall be as defined in the
Zoning Ordinance of the City of North Richland Hills, Texas, Ordinance Number 179.
ARTICLE 3
SIGN PERMIT AND FEES
SECTION 3.1
SIGN PERMIT REQUIRED
(a) No person shall erect, alter or add to a sign or sign structure, except
as provided by this Code and unless a permit for the same has been issued by the Direc-
tor of Public Works or other person he/she may authorize of the City. Where signs are
illuminated by electric lighting, a separate electrical permit shall be obtained as
required by the Electrical Code of the City.
(b) No sign permit shall be issued for any additional signs or alterations
to existing signs until all signs on the property or development conform to the pro-
visions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3.2
OFFICIAL, QUASI-OFFICIAL AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNS
(a) 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 of North Richland Hills 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 of North Richland Hills 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 with-
out a permit being issued.
(c) Nonadvertising, directional or informational signs less than six (6)
square feet in area may be used without permit in zoning districts MF, NR, LR, C, I
and PD as defined in the Zoning Ordinance of the City of North Richland Hills.
SECTION 3.3
APPLICATION FOR SIGN PERMIT
Application for sign permit shall be made to the Public Works Department
accompanied by the filing fee in the amount provided for by Section 3.9 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 near-
by 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 is
designed for deadload and wind pressure in any direction in the amount required
by this and all other laws and ordinances of the City. The Building Code of the
City, which is the 1981 Edition of the Uniform Building Code, shall apply for
design of any sign structure;
(f) Name of person, firm, corporation or association erecting structure
or painting the sign;
(g) Written consent of the owner of the building, structure or land to
which or on which the structure is to be erected or sign to be painted.
(h) Any electrical permit required and issued for such sign;
(i) Estimated sign value;
(j) Detailed plans of all existing signs, including photos and/or other
pertinent data which will aid in the determination of the sites conformance with
this Ordinance;
(k) Such other information as the Director of Public Works shall require
to show full compliance with this and all other laws and ordinances of the City;
(1) In addition to the filing fee, a sign permit shall be collected in
accordance with the schedule of Section 3.
SECTION 3.4
NONCONFORMING SIGNS
All applications for sign permits for signs which do not conform to the pro-
visions of this Code or are located on the same property or development on which other
signs do not conforrn with the provisions of this Code shall be subrnitted by the
Director of Public Works to the City Manager forre~iew in accordance with the
provisions of Article 10 of this Ordinance.
SECTION 3.5
APPROVAL OF TRAFFIC ENGINEER
If in the opinion of the Director of public Works the plans and specifica-
tions indicate that the sign or sign structure might interfere with, mislead or con-
fuse traffic, or in any place where a ground sign is to be placed on a corner lot,
then the applicant shall submit a traffic engineer certification with the application.
SECTION 3.6
APPROVAL OF FIRE CHIEF
The issuance of a sign permit shall be subject to approval by the Fire Chief,
if in the opinion of the Fire Chief the plans and specifications show that the sign or
sign structure might be erected in conflict with the provisions of the Fire Prevention
Code of the City.
SECTION 3.7
ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
If it shall appear the proposed sign structure is in compliance with all the
requirements of this Ordinance and all other laws and ordinances of the City of North
Richland Hills and has received approval where necessary of the Fire Chief and Traffic
Engineer, the Public Works Department shall then issue the sign permit. If the work
authorized under a sign permit has not been completed within one hundred eighty (180)
days or a proper extension granted thereto after date of issuance, the said permit
shall become null and void. Issuance of the sign permit shall be conditioned upon
the applicant's acceptance of any conditions imposed thereon by the City. No sign
permit issued with conditions shall be valid until all conditions have been com-
plied with by the applicant.
SECTION 3.8
UNSAFE AND UNLAWFUL SIGNS
(a) Signs and sign structures including those existing prior to this
ordinance shall ne maintained at all times in a state of good repair, safe and secure
with all braces, bolts, clips, supporting frame and fastenings free frorn deterioration,
termite infestation, rot, rust or loosening, able to withstand al all tirnes the wind
pressure for which they were originally designed.
(b) No person rnainitaing any sign, sign structure or billboard shall fail
to keep the ground space within eight (8) feet frorn the base of said sign, signboard,
billboard or advertising structure free and clear of weeds, rubbish and other flammable
waste rnaterial.
(c) If the Director of Public Works or other person he/she rnay appoint
shall find that nay sign or other advertising structure regulated herein is unsafe or
insecure, or is a rnenace to the public, or has been constructed or erected or is being
rnaintained in violation of the provisions of this section, the perrnittee or owner
thereof shall be given written notice. If the permittee or owner fails to remove or
alter the structure so as to comply with the standards herein set forth within thirty
(30) days after such notice, such sign or advertising structure may be removed or
altereed to comply by the City of North Richland Hills at the expense of the permittee
or owner of the property upon which it is located. The Director of Public Works 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 costs so assessed. The Director of Public Works may cause any sign
or other advertising structure which is an immediate peril to persons or property to
be removed by giving at least forty-eight (48) hours notice.
(d) The Director of Public Works or other person he/she may appoint may
cause any illegal temporary sign, including flags, pennants, banners and temporary
window signs to be removed within a twenty-four (24) hour period.
SECTION 3.9
FILING AND PERMIT FEES
(a) Permanent signs and billboards: application and plan filing
exanination fees shall be $50.00 for permanent signs and billboards.
Sign perrnit fees shall be based on the value of the sign in accordance
with the following:
Monetary Value of Base Fee + Percentage of
Proposed Work Estimated Cost
00 500 $ 10.00
501 1,500 15.00
1,501 3,000 20.00
3,001 5,000 25.00
5,001 50,000 0.00 + .5%
50,001 100,000 = 50.00 + .4%
100,001 500,000 = 150.00 + .3%
500,001 or more 650.00 + .2%
(b) Temporary Signs: a single filing/permit fee of $10.00 shall be required
for temporary signs.
SECTION 3.10
IDENTIFICATION
Every sign or other advertising structure erected shall have painted on, or
otherwise permanently marked upon it a number assigned by the Building Department,
which shall be not less than one (1) inch in height and shall be plainly visible from
the ground or from the roof adjacent to the sign.
ARTICLE 4
AREA OF SIGN PERMITTED
SECTION 4.1
SIGNS: COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
(a) For signing purposes, frontage on private streets that serve as public
thoroughfares and not just driveways may, with City Council approval, be considered
as qualified street frontage.
(b) Anyone (1) development may have a choice of, but not more than, one
(1) ground sign or one (1) roof sign or one (1) projecting sign, subject to the excep-
tions contained in Section 4.2 through 4.8. In the case of very large developments
(e.g., shopping centers, apartment complexes, etc.) that have substantial frontages
on two or more streets (with commercial or industrial zoning on both sides of the
streets), additional ground signs may be permitted with special approval from the
City Council.
SECTION 4.2
GROUND SIGNS
Ground signs are subject to the following provisions:
(a) One (1) ground or pole sign may be permitted for each 300 linear feet
of qualified street frontage with each development in all zoning districts except AG,
I-F, 2-F and MF.
(b) The total area of sign permitted for a ground sign shall be measured
as one (1) square foot of area of sign for each linear foot of street frontage, to
a maximum area of sign of 300 square feet for anyone sign.
(c) The maximum height of any ground sign and its supporting structure
shall be twenty-five (25) feet, except that the height of a ground sign may be in-
creased by adding one (1) foot of height for each linear foot the sign is set back
from the adjacent property lines, not to exceed a maximum height of fifty (50) feet
to the top of the sign.
(d) The height of any ground sign may not exceed one-half (1) the shortest
linear distance from the location of the sign to the nearest boundary of any AG, I-F,
2-F, or MF zoning district.
(e) The sign shall not project over the property line of the development
or over any area within ten (10) feet of the curb of a public street or thoroughfare.
(f) A minimum qualified frontage of 100 feet shall be required to erect a
ground sign.
(g) Permanent attachment to the ground shall be required for all ground
signs.
SECTION 4.3
ROOF SIGNS
Roof signs permitted are subject to the following provisions:
(a) One (1) roof sign may be permitted with each development in all zoning
districts except AG, I-F, 2-F, and MF.
(b) Roof signs shall not project over the edge of the roof or eave.
(c) The maximum permitted area of roof signing shall be one (1) square
foot of sign area for each linear foot of property frontage not to exceed a maximum
of 100 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.
SECTION 4.4
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, I-F, 2-F and MF.
(b) projecting signs shall not project over the property line of the develop-
ment or over any area within ten (10) feet of the curb of a public street or thorough-
fare.
(c) projection of 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 property frontage not to exceed
a maximum of 100 square feet.
SECTION 4.5
THEATER MARQUEES
Theater marquees need not be limited to projecting sign criteria, but shall
be subject to individual approval by the City Council.
SECTION 4.6
WALL SIGNS: COMMERCIAL ZONES
Wall signs shall be permitted in any NR, LR, C or I zoning district develop-
ment provided the total area of all wall signs on anyone (1) wall face shall not ex-
ceed twenty-five (25%) percent of the exposed area of the wall on which they are located,
said twenty-five (25%) percent also to include valance and permanent window signs.
A wall sign shall not project above the apparent flat roof or eave line.
SECTION 4.7
SIGNS: RESIDENTIAL/AGRICULTURAL ZONES
All signs are prohibited in zoning districts AG, I-F, 2-F and MF except as
follows:
(a) Multi-family developments in MF zoning districts shall be allowed one
(1) wall or ground sign for identification purposes only for each street frontage.
The area of such signs shall not exceed one (1) square foot per residential unit, or
thirty-two (32) square feet, whichever is least. Ground signs in MF zoning districts
shall not exceed a height of four (4) feet above grade. A permit is required for these
signs.
(b) Wall signs may be used with any residential use in AG, l-F, or 2-F zoning
districts, with a maximum area of sign of two (2) square feet per sign with a limit of
two (2) signs for anyone (1) occùpancy, and may be erected without a permit being
issued.
(c) In AG zoning districts, legitimate agricultural businesses or enterprises
shall be permitted ground, roof, projecting or wall signs in accordance with the re-
strictions of Sections 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.6 except that the total area of all signs
shall not exceed 100 square feet and the height of any ground sign shall not exceed
fifteen (15) feet above grade. A permit is required for these signs.
SECTION 4.8
TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS
Traffic control signs are permitted without a sign permit, subject to the
following provisions:
(a) The maximum area of anyone traffic control sign shall be two (2) square
feet.
(b) Traffic control signs are not permitted in zoning districts AG, I-F,
or 2-F.
(c) Traffic control signs shall not include any advertising or attention
attracting lighting, symbols, logos or shapes.
Cd) Traffic control signs may pertain to either vehicular or pedestrian
traffic.
ARTICLE 5
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 5.1
INTERFERENCE WITH BUILDING REGULATIONS
No sign shall be erected in such a manner that any portion of its surface
or supports will interfere in anyway with the free use of any fire escape, exit, stand-
pipe, or windows or obstruct any required ventilator or door stairway.
SECTION 5.2
ENCROACHMENT PERMIT
(a) No sign permit shall be issued for any sign or billboard which en-
croaches upon or over any City owned or controlled property unless an encroachment
permit therefor is obtained from the City councilor State agency in charge.
(b) No encroachment permit for any sign or billboard shall be issued unless
in the opinion of the Director of Public Works the erection and maintenance of said
sign shall not imperil the health, safety and welfare of the public. Any such permit
may be issued subject to such conditions as the City Council deems to be reasonably
necessary for the protection of the public.
SECTION 5.3
PROJECTION OVER PRIVATE PROPERTY
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 from the bottom of the sign to sidewalk or grade
immediately below the sign, or a minimum of fourteen (14) feet clearance from the bot-
tom of the sign to a vehicular trafficway immediately below the sign.
SECTION 5.4
MEMORIAL SIGNS AND HISTORICAL TABLETS
Memorial signs and historical tablets or plates commemorating a historical
event or a memorial to a deceased person may be used with any building if not exceed-
ing two (2) square feet in area and permanently fastened to the building surface;
provided, however, larger signs may be permitted with approval by the City Council.
SECTION 5.5
VEHICLE SIGN
No sign or advertising shall be erected or attached to any vehicle except
for signs painted directly on or mounted flush to the surface of the vehicle. No
roof mounted or projecting signs shall be permitted except for temporary signs used
for political advertising. All vehicles which have signs or advertising shall be
in working order and shall have current registration and inspection stickers, and
shall be regularly used for business transportation purposes.
SECTION 5.6
SPECIAL PERMITS
Nothing herein contained shall prevent the City Council from granting
special permits on such terms as it may deem proper, for signs advertising or per-
taining to any civic, patriotic or special event of general public interest taking
place within the boundaries of the City, when it is determined that the same will
not be materially detrimental to the public welfare, interest or safety, nor inju-
rious to adjacent property or improvements.
SECTION 5.7
LIGHTING
Signs may be illuminated or nonilluminated. Illumination may be either by
internal, internal-indirect or indirect lighting as defined in sections 5.7.1, 5.7.2
and 5.7.3. 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. When not
necessary for security purposes, it is suggested that lighting be turned off as soon
after business hours as is reasonable, especially for signs in close proximity to
residential areas.
SECTION 5.7.1
"Internal Lighting" means 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.
SECTION 5.7.2
"Internal-Indirect Lighting" means 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 illumination shall not be visible.
SECTION 5.7.3
"Indirect Lighting" means a source of external illumination located a
distance away from the sign, which lights the sign, but which is itself not visible
to persons viewing the sign from any normal position of view.
SECTION 5.8
ROTATING, MOVING, FLASHING, CHANGING OR BLINKING SIGNS
Rotating, moving, flashing, changing or blinking signs shall not be per-
mitted. However, "message signs" (for example: time and temperature, etc.) may be
permitted as approved on an individual basis by the City Council, giving adequate
consideration to traffic safety hazards posed by the size and location of the proposed
sign.
ARTICLE 6
TEMPORARY SIGNS
SECTION 6.1
TEMPORARY SIGNS
Except as otherwise provided in this Ordinance:
(a) No person may erect a temporary sign as defined in Section 2.10 with-
out a permit obtained 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 business, industry
or pursuit is conducted.
(c) No temporary or portable sign shall be erected or placed on any public
property or right of way, utility pole, light pole, or traffic control sign or pole.
(d) No temporary sign shall be displayed for more than thirty (30) days
per permit received.
(e) A maximum of three (3) temporary sign permits per year shall be issued
to anyone business, industry or pursuit.
(f) Temporary signs shall not exceed seventy (70) square feet in area.
(g) 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.
(h) No temporary or portable sign may be erected or placed in any location
that constitutes a safety or traffic hazard.
(i) Non-conforming temporary signs or temporary signs without permits may
be impounded by the City.
SECTION 6.2
REAL ESTATE SIGNS
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
eight (8) square feet in area; it shall be removed within one (1) week following the
close of sale or lease.
(b) On nonresidential commercial property where there is a business build-
ing, one (1) temporary unlighted sign offering all or a portion of the same for 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 100 square
feet. Such sign shall be removed within one (1) week following the close of sale
or lease.
(c) On undeveloped property, temporary unlighted signs offering the same
for sale or lease shall be allowed. Such signs shall be located at least twenty (20)
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) lineal
foot of street frontage of the property for sale or 100 square feet on each street
fronting such 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.
(d) Six (6) unlighted directional "Open House" signs not to exceed six
(6) square feet each with one (1) pennant per sign, may be located on property other
than the property which is to be rented, leased, or sold, during daylight hours only,
and shall be permitted without the issuance of a sign permit; provided, however, that
such signs shall not be located upon public right of way or within the center divider
median of any roadway or be located at any location so as to interfere with the view
of traffic at any intersection or driveway.
SECTION 6.3
SUBDIVISION/NEW DEVELOPMENT SIGNS
(a) These signs are used for identification of a new project, such as a
subdivision, where 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. Such signs may be
located on any private property within the same zoning district or any zoning dis-
trict which allows the type of project being advertised. In no event shall there be
more than one on-site and one off-site sign for a project and such signs shall be re-
moved at the end of three years or completion of the project, whichever comes first.
Extension to the three year limitation may be granted by the Director of Public Works
if (1) a substantial portion of the development is not yet completed, (2) if the de-
velopment has building activity in progress, and (3) if the sign is located (or
relocated) to a position which is not offensive to the completed portions of the
development. These signs shall not exceed 20 feet in height and shall be located
at least twenty (20) feet behind the curb of any street, outside any visibility
triangle, and not within any parking area; and they shall not exceed 200 square
feet in area.
(b) A sign permit is required for subdivision or new development signs
erected or placed in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.3a.
SECTION 6.4
TRADE CONSTRUCTION SIGNS
Trade construction signs may be approved at the discretion of the Director
of Public Works to advertise the various construction trades on any construction site.
Trade construction signs shall be removed before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
SECTION 6.5
POLITICAL SIGNS
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, subject to the following restrictions:
(a) Political signs shall be located only on private property with the per-
mission of the owner. Political signs shall not be permitted on any public property
or right of way, nor on any utility, light, traffic signal or sign poles.
(b) 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 120 days prior
to a national election. All political signs shall be removed not later than seven (7)
days after the election or after the termination of candidacy, whichever occurs first.
(c) In zoning districts AG, I-F, 2-F, and MF, political signs shall not have
a height of more than three (3) feet above grade. In other zoning districts, the height
shall not exceed six (6) feet above grade.
(d) In zoning districts AG, I-F, 2-F and MF, political signs shall not exceed
six (6) square feet of area. In other zoning districts, the area shall not exceed fifty
(50) square feet.
(e) In all zoning districts, political signs shall be located no closer than
ten (10) feet to the street or curb and shall not be located to cause a safety or traf-
fic hazard.
SECTION 6.6
CIVIC AND RELIGIOUS SIGNS
Temporary signs advertising the civic or religious events of civic and reli-
gious organizations located within the City of North Richland Hills may be erected or
placed on private property without a permit.
Signs announcing civic or religious events of wide-spread community interest
may be erected on public property or right of way with special permission from the City
Council.
SECTION 6.7
GARAGE SALE SIGNS
Temporary, unlighted signs announcing the holding of a sale of household
possessions at a place of residence shall be allowed in any zoning district without
permit subject to the following restrictions:
(a) 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 sign pole.
(b) Sign area shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
(c) Signs shall not be posted more than five (5) days prior to the begin-
ning of the sale, and shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the
end of the sale.
ARTICLE 7
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
The construction of all signs shall comply to structural requirements of
the City of North Richland Hills Building Code, and also the 1981 edition of the
Uniform Building Code and Uniform Sign Code.
The design shall be related to the type of supports and shall be in harmony
with surroundings.
ARTICLE 8
BILLBOARDS
SECTION 8.1
APPROVAL BY CITY COUNCIL
(a) No billboard may be constructed unless a sign permit therefor has been
issued with the approval of the City Council.
(b) In making its determination, the City Council shall consider, among
other factors, whether or not the issuance of the permit:
(1) Will be materially detrimental to the public welfare;
(2) Will substantially interfere with the orderly develop-
ment of the City as provided for in the Official Land
Use Plan;
(3) Will be compatible with the development of property
of other persons located in the vicinity thereof;
(4) Will comply with the provisions of this Ordinance.
(c) Applications therefor shall be filed and processed as provided for
in Article 3 of this Ordinance.
SECTION 8.2
ZONING
A billboard may be placed only adjacent to a limited access freeway as
defined in Section 2.5, in zoning districts except AG, I-F, 2-F and MF.
SECTION 8.3 MAXIMUM AREA
(a) No singlefaced billboard shall be larger than 700 square feet in
area.
(b) No one face of a double-faced or V-shaped billboard shall exceed 700
square feet in area.
SECTION 8.4
MAXIMUM HEIGHT
The maximum height of billboards shall be fifty (50) feet measured from the
ground to the overall top. Approval fo~ taller billboards may be granted by the City
Council in those cases where it will reduce clutter and fit in more compatibly with
the surrounding terrain and structures. No billboard shall be located on the roof
or wall of a building.
SECTION 8.5
BILLBOARD LOCATION AND POSITION
(a) Billboards shall be erected only on private property and shall not pro-
ject over any public property or right of way. Billboards shall be located within 100
feet of the limited access freeway boundary line.
(b) Billboards shall be positioned such that the primary viewing angle is
from the freeway.
SECTION 8.6
BILLBOARDS ADJACENT TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS
(a) A billboard shall not be located closer than 100 feet from any resi-
dential zone boundary or property line.
(b) A billboard shall not be located closer than 100 feet from the property
line of any public recreation area, public or parochial school, public library or
church.
SECTION 8.7
STRUCTURE
(a) From the effective date of this ordinance, all new billboards shall
be of single post construction.
(b) All billboards shall comply structurally to the City's building code.
SECTION 8.8
MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN BILLBOARDS
A minimum distance of 500 feet shall be maintained between any two (2)
billboards located on the same side of the freeway.
SECTION 8.9
ILLUMINATION
(a) Any illumination used on a billboard shall be of an indirect type and
shall not face toward any residential building.
(b) No flashing or intermittent lights shall be used to illuminate a bill-
board.
ARTICLE 9
OBNOXIOUS SIGNS EXPLOITING SEX PROHIBITED
SECTION 9.1
VISUAL DEPICTION OF SEXUAL AREAS OF HUMAN FORM PROHIBITED
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 portion of the female breast
below the 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.
SECTION 9.2
USE OF WORDS CONNOTATING EROTIC ENTERTAINMENT PROHIBITED
No sign or signs as defined in this Ordinance, to include any temporary
signs, which in whole or part advertise any "topless," "bottomless," or "nude"
entertainment and which use the words "nude," "topless," "bottomless," "naked," or
words of like import, except that the words "adult entertainment" or "adult shows"
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.
SECTION 9. 3
DISPLAY OF OFFENSIVE SIGNS A PUBLIC NUISANCE
Any sign which is in violation of Sections 9.1 and 9.2 is declared a public
nuisance.
SECTION 9.4
ABATEMENT
(a) Any temporary sign or signs in violation of this Article shall be
abated within forty-eight (48) 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 Article.
(b) Any sign or signs in voliation of this Article which can be covered
or painted over in such a manner so the sign will comply with this Code and which
do not require rernoval or mechanical or electrical alterations of the whole or part
of the sign shall be covered or painted over within seven (7) days after written
notice has been given in writing to abate the sign or signs.
(c) Signs in violation of this Article 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 Code shall be altered or removed within
thirty (30) days after service of written notice to abate the sign or signs.
SECTION 9.5
NOTICE TO ABATE
(a) The City Manager or his designee are authorized to prepare and
deliver notice to abate any sign or signs in violation of this Article.
(b) Notice is deemed served for the purposes of this Article 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 this Article and which is responsible for the sign or signs in violation
of this Article.
SECTION 9.6
VIOLATION A MISDENEANOR
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that any person, firm or corporation which shall
violate any provision of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdernaanor, and on
conviction may be punished by fine up to Two Hundred ($200.00) Dollars, and each
day such violation occurs shall be deemed a separate offense.
ARTICLE 10
ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 10. 1
ENFORCEMENT
It shall be the duty of the Director of Public Works to enforce the
prov~s~ons of this Ordinance. The Chief of Police and all officers charged with the
enforcement of the law shall assist the Director of Public Works.
SECTION 10.2
RIGHT OF ENTRY
Upon presentation of proper credentials, the Director of Public Works or
his duly authorized representative may enter at reasonable times, any buildings,
sturcture, or premises in the City to preforrn any duties irnposed upon him by the
Ordinance.
SECTION 10.3
ABATEMENT OF NONCONFROMING SIGN
(a) A period of ten (10) years subsequent to the date of the adoption
of this Ordinance is hereby established for the abatement of signs legally existing
prior to said date but which signs become nonconforming as a result of regulations
contained herein, This provision applies to signs otherwise established. Illegally
erected signs are subject to immediate abatement.
(b) Nonconforming painted wall signs are subject, in addition to the
abatement procedures set forth, to immediate abatement when the business occupying
the premises changes to a different business or different owner necessitating
repainting of the signs.
(c) Abatement periods established herein are subject to appeal before
the City Council.
ARTICLE 11.
SECTION 11.01 SAVINGS CLAUSE
(a) If any portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid by any Court
of conpetent jursdiction it shall not affect the remaining valid portion.
Passed and approved this 24th day of January, 1983.
ern
ATTEST:
~~c~~
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
//) /// ð
~p~c-----.-.~"
Rex McEntire, City Attorney
LEGAL AFFIDAVIT
THE STATE OF TEXAS:
COUNTY OF Tarrant:
Before me, the undersigned authority on this day personally ap-
peared Carolyn Rutledge
known to me to be a credible person, who
first being sworn, deposed and upon her oath said:
Adv. & Bus. Mgr.
That she is the
Mid Citief Daily News
of the
, a newspa-
per which has been regularly and continuously published and of general
circulation in the City/Town of
Hurst
, for a period of
more than one year next preceding the first publication of the attached
Legal Notice
and that he caused said notice to be published in
1-28-83
said newspaper on the following date(s).
That the attached is a true and correct copy of said notice as
published on said date(s) in said -7T ~~
(;;~ar;~
1st. Feb.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this the _ day of _,
83
19_.
U~þ-,~
Eleanor M.Lewi.s t P bI·
'No ary u IC,
TarraDb
ounty, Texas
ORDINANCE
NO~l(J(jl.;
AN'.~R~J"N;.ANCE
R E G"tJ :C''AT IN G
e SIGNS ANf:J',BILL~
g BOARDS WITHIN
i THE CITY LIMITS
OF NORTlf RICI:\-
t LAND HILLS,rft)Q.·
1 AS; DEFI",¡J!rfð
~ TERMS; REttm\-
- ING A PERMIt
, FOR ERECTI(JN or
. A,SIGN. AND~.
; VJDINGF<)R,.
SGHEDULE' Ó'
FEES; REGtJ.'A'ff-
ING THE'ARø+ or
~ SIGNS PERMI~
T. ED; PR .0.. VID.......N....i......
FOR A S&RIi$ O.
GENERAV' cltlD
TrONS;'RÉG~~
ING TEMPOItAR
SIGNS; REGVLIIA
INGDE$IGt{ ....
CONSl'RiIC1'lØ:_
OF SIGNS; REGU-
LATING' j'~Lt
B' 0 <A'R ·,D·
PRO~IßITJN'
NO"IOUS SJ
AND ~SIGNS
PLOITINGS
PROVIDING'
PE NTAl/l',~
VIOL^~JÐN
FIN&:NOT,I
GESSOF$
ANnPROV
FOR A SAV.
CLAUSE.
PASS~·.AN
PROVER,.th'
day ofJánüary~
/s/ Jim RænseYh .}~
Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST:
/s/ JeanJ),e~teMoore,
City Seèretary .
APPROY:ED AS TO
F OWM\~/'" ; . AND
LEG.MjITiY:
/s/Re~.. McEntire,
City Attörrte)'
MCDNPN 11777
PÙb:l/28/83