4.03.1 PROHIBITED SIGNS.

   The following signs are prohibited:

   (a)   Off-premise signs, unless provisions for such signs are contained within these regulations and the comprehensive zoning ordinance;

   (b)   Signs erected in violation of the building code, electrical code, zoning code, this code or other applicable local regulations;

   (c)   Signs erected in violation of federal or state law;

   (d)   Pole signs;

   (e)   Portable signs, except those allowed under § 3.02;

   (f)   (1)   Animated signs, flashing signs, running message, twinkle or running light signs, and revolving signs or any other sign that moves, except electronic changeable copy signs when permitted by the zoning code.

      (2)   For those electronic changeable copy signs, the message rate shall not change at a rate faster than one message every 20 seconds and the interval between messages shall be a minimum of one second.

   (g)   Signs illuminated to such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair vision. Lighting shall be shielded upward to prevent beams or rays from being directed at any portion of a traveled roadway or an occupied residential area. Nothing herein shall be construed to permit the lighting of signs near airports which would conflict with any regulations adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration in the furtherance of air safety. This requirement shall not apply to internally lit signs with a lighting intensity of less than 150-foot lamberts.

   (h)   Signs erected in or projecting into the public right-of-way except as permitted in § 4.01.

   (i)   Signs on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the sign. It shall be prima facie evidence that the primary purpose of a vehicle or trailer is to display a sign if the vehicle or trailer is parked on a site for a continuous period exceeding 72 hours.

   (j)   “V” type signs with a face that protrudes from the opposite face at an interior angle greater than 25 degrees. This restriction shall not be construed to prevent oval, cylindrical or box type signs.

   (k)   Signs with sign structure larger than is reasonably necessary to support the sign.

   Figure 4.02.1 Traffic Hazard Clearance

   Traffic Hazard Clearance

   Figure 4.02.2 Traffic Hazard Clearance

   Traffic Hazard Clearance

ARTICLE V: OFF-PREMISE SIGNS

SECTION 5.01: REGISTRATION OF OFF-PREMISES SIGNS

5.01 REGISTRATION OF OFF-PREMISE SIGNS.

   (a)   (1)   The owner of any off-premises sign existing within the City of Fort Worth on November 5, 1997, shall register such sign with the building official and pay the registration fee as required in Table 5.01 on or before January 2, 1998. The owner of any off-premises sign in the extraterritorial jurisdiction shall register such sign with the building official and pay the registration fee as required in Table 5.01 on or before October 1, 2000.

      (2)   Exceptions: Signs listed in § 6.402 of the zoning ordinance or § 5.02.2 and signs subject to a unified sign agreement shall be exempt from the registration requirements.

   (b)   (1)   The owner of any off-premise sign installed after November 5, 1997, shall submit an application for registration simultaneously with the sign permit application. This initial registration shall be exempt from the registration fee as required in Table 5.01. If the sign permit is approved and the sign constructed, this initial registration shall expire three years after the date of permit application.

      (2)   Exceptions: Signs listed in § 6.402 of the zoning ordinance and signs subject to a unified sign agreement shall be exempt from the registration requirements.

   (c)   (1)   Registrations approved under subsections (a) and (b) above and all renewals shall expire after three years. Before such registration or renewal expires the registration must be renewed and the registration fee must be paid in accordance with Table 5.01. It is the owner’s responsibility to monitor expiration dates and to renew the registration in a timely manner.

      (2)   Exceptions: Based upon staffing and work loads, the building official may adjust expiration dates to be less than three years as long as the fees are appropriately prorated.

   (d)   (1)   Registration shall be applied for on forms provided by the building official. The building official may require the filing of plans or other pertinent information when, in his or her opinion, such information is necessary to ensure compliance with this section.

      (2)   Whenever information on the form changes, including but not limited to names and addresses, a new registration form shall be filled out by the owner and submitted to the building official within 30 days, along with a change of record fee as required by Table 5.01.

   (e)   (1)   A late fee shall be assessed against the owners of off-premises signs who fail to register as required by this section. The late fee as shown in Table 5.01 shall be assessed if the registration fee is not received within ten calendar days after the due date.

      (2)   Failure to register or renew registration of a sign within 30 calendar days after the due date in accordance with the provisions of this section shall constitute a violation of this code.

 

Table 5.01
Sign registration, per 3 years	$300
Late fee	$50
Change of record	$25

 

SECTION 5.02: OFF-PREMISES SIGNS IN THE EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION