A. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BANNER. A piece of cloth, or other comparable fabric, bearing a message, motto, or other information directing attention to an activity or service of community or individual interest.
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. An organization providing benevolence and other acts of assistance to individuals and groups without charge and entitled to recognition under
§
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
INSTITUTIONAL (USE). Public or community (use).
OFF-PREMISES TEMPORARY SIGN. A temporary sign located on property other than the premises for which the sign provides advertising.
PHILANTHROPIC ORGANIZATION. An organization that provides for the well-being of others by acts of charity and service to others in the community.
SIGN. Please refer to definition of sign in Chapter A of the Unified Development Ordinances (UDO).
TEMPORARY SIGN. A sign used for a limited time and not otherwise regulated by the UDO.
B. Purpose. To permit limited use of temporary signs for philanthropic, institutional, or charitable organizations recognized under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, to ensure that temporary signage of the Town of Lewisville does not constitute a visual blight on the landscape and character of the town, and to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the general public.
C. General prohibition. No person or organization shall develop, install, locate, or construct any temporary sign in any zoning district in the Town of Lewisville, except as expressly authorized by and in conformance with the regulations of this section.
D. On-premises temporary signs. Temporary, nonpermanent signs, including wall mounted banners, are permitted by the town under the following conditions.
1. Applicability. On-premises temporary signs in compliance with the provisions of this section are allowed in all zoning districts.
2. Number. Philanthropic, institutional, or charitable organizations recognized under Chapter 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are allowed to display on-premises temporary signs that are not limited by number.
3. Duration. Organizations are entitled to display a sign for 1 or more events of their choosing. The maximum permitted amount of time which an on-premises temporary sign(s) may be displayed is 14 days prior to the event. The sign(s) must be taken down not more than 3 days after the event has taken place.
4. Standards. The following standards for on-premises temporary signs shall apply.
a. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 32 square feet in area per sign face, measured by exterior placard or exterior fabric dimensions.
b. Freestanding signs shall not exceed a height of 5 feet above the ground directly below the sign.
c. There shall be no lighting of on-premises temporary signs.
d. No temporary signs shall be placed in a public right-of-way or in a location or manner which would endanger public safety (e.g., safely anchored or installed using appropriate materials and not obstructing the safe operation of motor vehicles or endangering pedestrian traffic.)
e. Freestanding signs shall be maintained and in good repair.
f. Temporary on-premises signs may be located no closer than 100 linear feet from any other on-premises temporary signs.
5. Exemption from fees. Philanthropic, institutional, or charitable organizations recognized under Chapter 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code are exempt from any fees and/or permits as otherwise required under this section.
E. Off-premises temporary signs. Temporary off-premises signs are permitted under the following conditions.
1. Applicability. Off-premises temporary signs in compliance with the provisions of this section are allowed in all zoning districts.
2. Number. Philanthropic, institutional, or charitable organizations recognized under Chapter 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are allowed to display off-premises temporary signs that are not limited by number.
3. Duration. Organizations are entitled to display a sign for 1 or more events of their choosing. The maximum permitted amount of time which an off-premises temporary sign(s) may be displayed is 14 days prior to the event. The sign(s) must be taken down not more than 3 days after the event has taken place.
4. Standards. The following standards for off-premises temporary signs shall apply.
a. Freestanding signs shall not exceed 6 square feet in area, measured by exterior placard or exterior fabric dimensions.
b. There shall be no lighting of off-premises temporary signs.
c. No freestanding ground signs shall be placed in a public right-of-way or in a location or manner which would endanger public safety (e.g., safely anchored or installed using appropriate materials and not obstructing the safe operation of motor vehicles or endangering pedestrian traffic.)
d. Temporary off-premises signs may be located no closer than 200 linear feet from any other off-premises temporary sign.
e. Off-premises temporary signs shall not be placed within 100 linear feet, on the same side of the street, of an official "Welcome" or identification sign. Off-premises temporary signs shall not be placed on town property unless the sign is expressly permitted by the Town Council or Town Manager or is related to an event officially endorsed or sponsored by the town.
f. Persons placing off-premises temporary signs shall be responsible for obtaining signed permission from the property owner to post the signs. Property owners may remove any off-premises temporary sign permitted under the provisions of this section from their property at their discretion.
F. Other requirements.
1. Prohibited temporary signs.
a. Mobile, flashing, inflatable or tethered, and roof signs; and
b. Placards or other structures attached to or placed on a motor vehicle the effect of which is to construct an on-premises or off-premises sign.
2. Attachment to public facilities. Temporary signs shall not be attached to any utility pole or facility, street sign, or traffic-control device (e.g., sign, signal).
3. Temporary wall signs. Temporary signs attached to walls or structures may not extend beyond any outside edge of the wall where mounted.
4. Banners. Banners may be placed on all sides of buildings, and must be constructed of a material which does not constitute a fire hazard.
G. Administration.
1. Removal of temporary signs shall first be the responsibility of the organization placing the temporary sign and secondarily the responsibility of the property owner on whose property the temporary sign is placed.
2. Temporary signs in violation of this section may be ordered to be removed or removed by the Town Manager or designee, but nothing in this section shall create a legal obligation on the part of the town to remove any temporary signs.
(Am. Ord. 2005007, passed 06-09-2005; Am. Ord. 2007012, passed 05-10-2007; Am. Ord. 2007024, passed 11-01-2007; Am. Ord. 2010049, passed 12-09-2010)