(A) Purpose. To establish regulations and minimum standards which directly relate to the function of the signs and to the intensity of development of each particular zoning district.
(B) Permit pequirements. No sign, unless herein excepted, shall be located, constructed, attached, or painted until a building permit application has been approved by the Planning Department and issued by the Development Services Department in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(C) Sign classifications and definitions. As used in the schedule of sign standards contained in Table § 155.090(D), the following sign construction types and definitions shall apply:
(1) Classifications.
(a) Wall sign. A sign which is attached or affixed to the wall of a building or is an integral part of the wall of a building with the exposed face of the sign in a plane parallel to and not more than 12 inches from said wall; providing, however, that electric wall signs may project not more than 18 inches from said wall. A wall sign shall not extend above or beyond the parallel face to which the sign is attached.
(b) Projection sign. A sign which is attached or affixed to a building wall or structure other than a pole and extends or projects there from a maximum of four feet.
(c) Pole sign. A sign supported by and placed upon not more than two poles or standards. Extra poles or standards in excess of two may be added with the approval of the Building Inspector.
(d) Directional sign. A temporary pole or ground sign that directs vehicular traffic. The sign may display arrows, words, or other symbols to indicate direction to the location of developments, subdivisions, model homes, garage sales, neighborhood information or businesses.
(e) Reader board sign. A changeable copy sign with stripes or devices attached to the face of the sign to hold readily movable letters and numerals. The sign may be internally or externally illuminated.
(f) Ground sign. A sign which is supported by more than two columns, poles, uprights or braces in or upon the ground and is not a part of a building.
(g) Monument sign. A freestanding, low profile sign with a solid base; any poles or supports must be concealed.
(h) Unified development sign. A freestanding sign that is supported from the grade to the bottom of the sign with a solid base and is used to identify multiple tenants within a unified development.
(2) Definitions.
SIGN. Any object, device, structure, or part thereof, visible from outdoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, banners, flags, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. Definitions of particular functional and locational types of signs are listed in this division.
1. ADVERTISING SIGN.A sign which is a primary use of land (not accessory use) and which directs attention to a business, product, activity or service which is not conducted, sold, offered or located on the premises where the sign is located.
2. AGRICULTURAL SIGN.An accessory sign identifying the farm or ranch on which it is placed and advertising the produce, crops, animals or poultry raised or quartered thereon.
3. APARTMENT NAME SIGN. An accessory sign for the identification of an apartment building or complex of apartment buildings and located on the premises.
4. CONSTRUCTION SIGN. A temporary sign identifying the development on the premises and/or the property owner, architect, contractor, engineer, landscape architect, decorator or mortgagee engaged in the design, construction or improvement of the premises on which the sign is located. A real estate sign shall not be construed as a construction sign.
5. DEVELOPMENT SIGN. A temporary sign related to the promotion of new development and located only on the premises involved in the development. Builder or contractor names may be displayed on the sign provided that at least 50% of the sign area is devoted towards displaying the name or promotional information of the development being advertised.
6. DIRECTORY SIGN. An accessory sign consisting of building identification and business names of the individual tenants.
7. GENERAL BUSINESS SIGN. An accessory sign or graphic device which advertises only commodities or services offered on the premises where such sign is located and where such sign is not of the billboard, poster panel or painted bulletin type but is a sign designed specifically for the location.
8. INSTITUTIONAL SIGN. An accessory sign, which provides public interest information and/or advertisement related to a school, church or similar public or quasi-public institution located on the same premise where the sign is located.
9. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER (EMC). A sign that utilizes computer generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy.
10. NAME PLATE. An accessory sign showing only the name and/or address of the owner or occupant of the premises on which it is erected or placed.
11. REAL ESTATE SIGN. A temporary accessory sign pertaining to the sale or rental of property and advertising property only for use for which it is legally zoned.
12. POLITICAL SIGN. Shall be deemed to mean any sign erected for the purpose of advertising a political candidate or ballot measure; espousing a political cause; or expressing a person's or group's viewpoint or opinion on a political issue.
13. TEMPORARY SIGN. A non-permanent sign which is intended to be displayed for a short period of time only. The term temporary sign shall include but not be limited to search lights, banners, bullhorns, pendants, spinners, balloons, streamers or other kinds of wind signs. Specific permitting and display standards for temporary signs are listed in division (K)(2) of this section.
14. WIND SIGN. A temporary accessory sign, which achieves movement and thus attracts attention by action of wind currents.
15. SIGN AREA. The entire area within a circle, triangle or parallelogram enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem or any figure of similar character, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the background against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed. Where a sign has two or more faces, the area of all faces shall be included in determining the area of the sign, except that where two faces are placed back to back and are at no point more than two feet from one another, the area of the sign shall be taken as the area of one face if the two faces are of equal area, or as the area of the larger face if the two faces are of unequal area.
16. FLASHING SIGN. A sign or part thereof, operated so as to create flashing, change in light intensity, color or copy or intermittent light impulses more frequent than one every ten seconds and further provided that electronic message centers as herein above defined shall not constitute flashing signs. It is further provided that a sign which creates intermittent light impulses which convey time of day and/or temperature only shall not constitute a flashing sign.
17. SIGN HEIGHT. The measurement from the ground level to the highest point of the sign.
18. LIGHTING. As the term is used in Table (D) hereof, the illumination of a sign face by the light source exterior to and not a part of such face or a source of light not exposed to the eye.
19. MOTION. As the term is used in Table (D) hereof, the moving or rotating of a sign or portion thereof, or the giving of the perception of motion, other than a electronic message center as herein above defined.
20. REQUIRED SETBACK. The distance from the property line, right-of-way line or street curb of all streets adjacent to the premises on which a sign is located.
21. SIGN STRUCTURE. Any part of a sign, including the base, supporting columns or braces, display surface, or any other appendage thereto.
22. PORTABLE SIGN. A sign whose principal supporting structure is intended, by design, use or construction, to be used by resting upon the ground for support and which may be easily moved or relocated for reuse. Portable signs shall include but not be limited to signs mounted upon or designed to be mounted upon a trailer, bench, wheeled carrier or other non-motorized mobile structure, with or without wheels, and A-frame and other similar signs, resting or leaning on the ground or other structures, but not permanently attached thereto.
23. KIOSK SIGN. A free-standing structure located in public rights-of-way that features the City of Mansfield Identification Panel at the top of each structure and displays directional information to new homes, Mansfield Independent School District facilities, and municipal or community events or facilities.
24. SIGN PANEL. An individual sign placard displaying directional information on a kiosk sign.
25. SUBDIVISION SIGN. A sign located at the entrance of a subdivision that displays the name of the subdivision.
26. NEIGHBORHOOD INFORMATION SIGN. A temporary sign erected within the boundaries of a platted residential subdivision at the subdivision entrance or on homeowner's association lots for the sole purpose of providing information to property owners concerning events within the subdivision.
27. WINDOW SIGN. Any sign that is plainly visible from the outside of the building and located on either the external surface of the window or on or within 25 inches of the internal surface of the window. This definition does not apply to the display of building addresses, business hours of operation, the logos of accepted credit cards, "closed" and "open" signs, "for sale", "for lease", and similar real estate signs, and "now hiring" signs.
28. HUMAN SIGN. A sign held by or attached to a human being who stands or walks on the ground at a business or other location. A human sign includes a person dressed in a costume for the purpose of advertising or otherwise drawing attention to an individual, business, commodity, service, activity or product.
29. TEMPORARY REALTOR OPEN HOUSE DIRECTIONAL SIGN. A temporary sign used for directing realtors and potential homebuyers to homes for sale within the city which are open for public viewing.
30. INFLATABLE SIGN. A sign made from a non-porous bag or tube of tough, light material, including fan-blown and lighter-than-air or gas filled inflatable objects that may be connected with a tether, displaying graphics, symbols or written copy, or a combination of graphics, symbols and written copy.
31. BLADE BANNER SIGN. A sign made of non-rigid material such as canvas or vinyl supported by a single vertical pole or frame mounted on the ground, and shall include a feather, teardrop, wave or flag sign, or any sign of similar construction and use.
(D) Schedules of sign standards. No sign shall be erected, placed, displayed or located except in accordance with the schedules of sign standards contained in Table (D) and the provisions of divisions (E) through (K).
Table (D): Schedule of Sign Standards
(1) Permanent signs.
Type of Sign | Zoning District Where Permitted* | Sign Classification Permitted | Max. Area in Square Feet | Max . Height in Feet | Max. Width in Feet | Min. Setback from Street Right-of-way Line in Feet ** | Min. Setback from Side or Rear Property Line in Feet** | Max. Quantity / Min. Spacing | Lighting | Flashing | Motion | Additional Regulations |
Type of Sign | Zoning District Where Permitted* | Sign Classification Permitted | Max. Area in Square Feet | Max . Height in Feet | Max. Width in Feet | Min. Setback from Street Right-of-way Line in Feet ** | Min. Setback from Side or Rear Property Line in Feet** | Max. Quantity / Min. Spacing | Lighting | Flashing | Motion | Additional Regulations |
Institutional | All Districts | M, W | 50 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 15 | One per street frontage plus one wall sign on the principal building | Yes | No | No | See notes (2) (6) (7) (10) & (11) |
Apartment name | MF-1, MF-2 | M, W | 50 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 15 | One per street entrance | Yes | No | No | See notes (2) (3) (4) (7) (10) & (11) |
Name plate | All Districts | P, W | 2 | N/A | None | N/A | N/A | None | No | No | No | See note (6) |
General business | C-1, C- 2, C-3, I-1, I-2 | W | None | N/A | See note (1) | N/A | N/A | One per street frontage per individually owned lot or tract plus one wall sign per tenant who occupies such lot or tract | Yes | No | Yes | See § 155.090( E) |
M, PR | 50 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 15 | Yes | No | Yes | See notes (7) (10) & (11) | |||
Advertising | C-3, I-1, I-2 | P,G | 600 | 40 | None | 10 | 15 | See § 155.090( F) | Yes | No | Yes | See note (5) |
Agricultural | A | M, W | 32 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 15 | One per street frontage | No | No | No | See note (10) |
Subdivision | All Districts | M, W | 32 | 6 | 10 | N/A | N/A | One sign per street entrance to the subdivision | No | No | No | See notes (6) & (10) |
Directory | OP | M, W | 32 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 15 | One per street frontage | Yes | No | No | See notes (10) & (11) |
Window | All non-residential districts | N/A | See note (12) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes | No | No | Temporary |
Electronic Message Center/ Reader Board Sign | C-2, C-3, I-1, I-2 | M | Limited to 50% of the sign area | See notes (8) (9) (10) & (11) | ||||||||
NOTES: 1. Width not to exceed 75% of building or store front. 2. Permitted on face of fence or wall in required front setback. 3. For building identification only. 4. Not applicable to rental single-family or two-family dwellings. 5. Specific use permit required. 6. Signs permitted in residential districts are also permitted in the PR district. 7. On lots with direct frontage along U.S. 287 and S.H. 360 monument signs may have a maximum height of 15 feet and a maximum sign area of 75 square feet. The sign must be located along the highway frontage of the lot. 8. Electronic message centers/reader boards may be used by institutional uses in any zoning district. 9. Signs for theaters advertising current and coming attractions shall be exempt from the percentage restriction on electronic message center and reader board signs. 10. See § 155.099(K)(13) for further regulations on monument signs. 11. No freestanding sign may be located within 400 feet of another freestanding sign on the same lot or tract, measured along the street right-of-way lines. * Signs in any Historic Landmark District must comply with the provisions and approval procedures shown in § 155.069. 12. The total sign area of window sign(s) shall not obscure more than 25% of the total window area on each facade. Doors shall not contain signage for any message other than business name, hours of operation and payment method, and such signage shall not exceed four square feet in total area. ** Where the width of an easement is greater than the required setback, the sign must be located outside of the easement. | LEGEND: M - Monument sign P - Pole sign W - Wall sign G - Ground sign PR - Projection sign | |||||||||||
(2) Temporary signs.
Type of Sign | Zoning District Where Permitted | Sign Classification Permitted | Max. Area in Square Feet | Max. Height in Feet | Max. Width in Feet | Min. Front Setback in Feet | Min. Side Setback in Feet | Max. Quantity/ Min. Spacing | Lighting | Flashing | Motion | Max. Duration | Additional Regulations |
Type of Sign | Zoning District Where Permitted | Sign Classification Permitted | Max. Area in Square Feet | Max. Height in Feet | Max. Width in Feet | Min. Front Setback in Feet | Min. Side Setback in Feet | Max. Quantity/ Min. Spacing | Lighting | Flashing | Motion | Max. Duration | Additional Regulations |
Real Estate | All Residential Districts | P, W, G | 16 | 6 | None | 10 | 15 | One per 60' of street frontage; maximum two per street frontage | No | No | No | Temporary - Until sale or rental of property | See notes (1) (4) & (11) |
All Non-residential Districts | P, W, G | 32 | 12 | None | 10 | 15 | Yes | No | No | ||||
Construction | All Residential Districts | P, W, G | 32 | 12 | None | 10 | 15 | One per site or street frontage | Yes | No | No | Temporary - Until construction is completed | See note (4) & (5) |
All Non-residential Districts | P, W, G | 32 | 12 | None | 10 | 15 | Temporary - Until certificate of occupancy is issued, or until multi-tenant developments are 75% complete | See note (5) & (6) | |||||
Development | All Districts | P, G | 100 | 20 | None | 10 | 15 | Maximum two per developm ent | Yes | No | No | Temporary for duration of permit | See notes (2) (3) & (4) |
Window | All Non-residential Districts | N/A | See note (9) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes | No | No | Temporary | See note (9) |
Neighborhood Information | All Residential Districts | P, G | 4 | 3 | None | None | None | Two signs per street entrance to a residential subdivisio n; maximum of three signs on any Homeown er's Associatio n lot with a minimum 50' distance between signs | No | No | No | Temporary | See notes (4) (7) & (8) |
Political | All Districts | All | 36 | 8 | None | None | None | N/A | No | No | No | Temporary | See note (10) |
NOTES: 1. Size limited to 4 square feet on occupied residential property. 2. For new residential subdivisions only. 3. Must be setback at least 50 feet from the nearest single-family home. 4. Signs permitted in residential districts are also permitted in the PR district. 5. For developments larger than 25 acres, one additional sign may be added for each 25 acres. 6. See § 155.090(K)(14) for further regulations on non-residential construction signs. 7. See § 155.090(H) for further regulations on neighborhood information signs. 8. Properties in a PR district that are occupied by a residential use or subdivision shall be treated the same as it is in a residential district. 9. The total sign area of window sign(s) shall not obscure more than 25% of the total window area on each facade. 10. These regulations only pertain to political signs on private property; see § 155.090(K)(7) for regulations pertaining to political signs on public property, easement or right-of-way. 11. See § 155.090(K)(16) for further regulations on real estate signs. | LEGEND: M - Monument sign P - Pole sign W - Wall sign G - Ground sign PR - Projection sign | ||||||||||||
(E) Special sign standards for multi-tenant office or retail strip buildings. One additional wall sign may be permitted for a business at the corner or end of a multi-tenant office or retail strip building subject to the following regulations:
(1) The additional wall sign shall be located on the side facade of the multi-tenant office or retail strip building. The side facade shall be defined as any facade that is at an angle of more than 45 degrees to the front facade. The front facade shall be defined as the facade on which most of the tenant spaces have their main entrances.
(2) The additional wall sign shall not be allowed on the following:
(a) On the rear facade of a multi-tenant office or retail strip building;
(b) On any facade that is parallel or nearly parallel to the front facade of the multi-tenant office or retail strip building; or
(c) On any facade that faces an abutting residential zoning district or an abutting PR zoning district occupied by single-family homes.
(3) The location of an additional wall sign on an irregular or non-traditional shape building shall require the approval of the Zoning Administrator for compliance with the intent of this section of the zoning ordinance.
(4) The size of the additional wall sign shall not exceed the size of the primary sign on the front facade of the tenant space; and in no case shall the additional wall sign exceed 75% of the width of the wall or store front on which the additional wall sign is placed.
(5) The additional wall sign shall be located on the tenant space served by the sign.
(6) The additional wall sign shall only advertise a single tenant.
(7) The additional wall sign shall not co-exist with any other signs on the same building facade that advertise other tenants or the multi-tenant office or retail strip building.
(F) Special standards for advertising signs.
(1) Advertising sign structures erected in the C-3, I-1 and I-2 Districts shall be placed a minimum of 400 feet apart when erected so as to face the same direction. No such structure shall be located within 400 feet of a residential zoning district boundary line if the face of the sign is placed at an angle of less than 90 degrees to the district boundary line, nor shall such structure be located within 200 feet of a general business sign (i.e. pole sign or ground sign).
(2) Advertising sign structures erected in the C-3, I-1 and I-2 Districts placed within 600 feet of the right-of-way of a state or federally controlled highway or freeway shall be permitted when in compliance with the following:
(a) Placed a minimum of 500 feet from any interchange or intersection.
(b) Placed a minimum of 500 feet from any other advertising sign on the same side of the highway or freeway and 200 feet from any general business sign, pole sign or wall sign (on premise).
(c) Placed no closer than 500 feet to any park, forest, playground or scenic area as designated by a governmental agency having and exercising such authority, which is adjacent to any highway.
(3) Review of advertising signs. Prior to the issuance of a sign permit by the Development Services Department, a sign permit application for an advertising sign shall be submitted, reviewed and approved for a specific use permit by both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. Additionally, applicants proposing advertising signs shall obtain an Outdoor Advertising License from the Texas Department of Transportation, prior to the issuance of any sign permits for advertising signs in compliance with the Federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
(4) Before the issuance of a sign permit, an Outdoor Advertising License shall be obtained for an off-site development sign from the Texas Department of Transportation by the sign owner in compliance with the Federal Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
(G) Special sign standards for unified development signs.
(1) Eligible properties. A unified development sign may be erected in the C-2, C-3, I-1, or I-2 District for a unified development consisting of two or more abutting platted lots that are used for a retail center or a combination of retail/commercial establishments.
(2) Criteria for approval. In determining whether to approve multiple lots as a unified development, the Director of Planning must find that the following criteria have been met:
(a) All areas to be included in a unified development must be part of a clearly defined, comprehensively planned retail/commercial development. Attributes of a unified development include:
1. Common name identification to the public;
2. Shared driveway access and parking; and
3. Physical layout of the development results in a cohesive development.
(b) A unified development shall consist of at least ten acres.
(c) At least one of the lots being included in a unified development must have frontage on U.S. 287 or State Highway 360.
(d) The area shall not be the combination of disparate premises joined solely for the purpose of erecting a unified development sign.
(e) Developments that are comprised of a single retail/commercial establishment shall not be considered as a unified development.
(f) Developments that are comprised of predominantly office or industrial uses shall not be considered as a unified development.
(g) There shall be no existing or future pole signs or ground signs within the unified development.
(3) Maximum sign area. The maximum area of a unified development sign shall be based on the size of the unified development as depicted in the table below:
Minimum Size of Unified Development | Maximum Area of Unified Development Sign |
10 to 19.99 acres | 100 sq. ft. |
20 to 29.99 acres | 200 sq. ft. |
30 acres or more | 300 sq. ft. |
In addition to the maximum sign area listed above, an additional sign area of 50 square feet shall be allowed on a unified development sign to display the name of the unified development.
(4) Maximum height. The maximum height of a unified development sign shall be 35 feet.
(5) Minimum setback. The minimum setback for a unified development sign shall be as follows:
(a) Ten feet from the street right-of-way line.
(b) Fifteen feet from the side or rear lot line.
(c) Where the width of an easement is greater than the required setback, the sign must be located outside of the easement.
(6) Maximum quantity. Only one unified development sign shall be permitted per unified development. Deviation from this requirement shall be accomplished only through an approved planned development.
(7) Co-existence with other signs.
(a) A unified development sign may be permitted on the same lot as a monument sign and may co-exist with other monument signs in the unified development provided that it shall not be closer than 30 feet to any monument signs in the unified development.
(b) There must be no pole or ground signs within the unified development. After the approval of a master sign plan and before the construction of a unified development sign, all existing pole or ground signs within a unified development must be removed.
(8) Master sign plan. Before obtaining a permit and erecting a unified development sign, the applicant shall submit a master sign plan to the Planning Department for review. A nonrefundable administration fee of $250 shall accompany the plan submittal. The master sign plan shall contain the following information:
(a) Name of the unified development;
(b) Site plan showing lots, street rights-of-way, driveway access, parking, and physical layout of the development;
(c) Description of the unified development demonstrating compliance with the criteria of approval shown in division (G)(2);
(d) The location, size, height and type of all proposed and existing signs in the unified development;
(e) Any existing pole or ground signs that must be removed and the consent of the sign owner for the removal; and
(f) Any other information required by the Director of Planning to ensure compliance with the provisions of this section.
(9) Approval and appeal process.
(a) The Director of Planning shall be responsible for the approval of a proposed master sign plan and unified development sign.
(b) Any decision made by the Director may be appealed to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(c) The Director may defer the approval of a unified development, a master sign plan or a unified development sign to the Planning and Zoning Commission for any reason.
(d) Any decision made by the Planning and Zoning Commission may be appealed to the City Council.
(10) Sign permit issuance. A permit for a unified development sign shall not be issued until construction starts on the first building within the unified development.
(11) Miscellaneous provisions.
(a) The unified development sign shall be located outside of any visibility sight triangle and access drives.
(b) The support base and structure for a unified development sign shall be constructed of masonry material.
(c) Electrical equipment, irrigation equipment, controller, writing or conduit on a unified development sign shall be concealed within the unified development sign base or sign structure, except that emergency power disconnects may be located on the exterior of the sign provided that they are located on the part of the sign opposite and furthest from the street.
(d) The bottom of the unified development sign shall rest directly on the support base with no space in between.
(e) The base of the unified development sign shall have the same or greater width as the sign.
(f) Only those properties and businesses within the boundaries of the unified development shall be included on the unified development sign.
(g) A unified development sign shall not be considered as an off-site sign even if some of the properties and businesses included on the sign are not located on the lot where the sign is erected.
(H) Special sign standards for neighborhood information signs. Neighborhood information signs may be erected within the boundaries of a platted residential subdivision without a permit provided the following regulations are met:
(1) No neighborhood information signs shall be erected for a period of time exceeding 14 days.
(2) All neighborhood information signs must be removed within 24 hours after the event displayed on the sign.
(3) No signs advertising the private sale of goods, services or real estate shall be allowed. Without limiting the foregoing, signs for garage sale events are not neighborhood information signs and must be permitted under division (J)(3).
(4) No neighborhood information signs shall be located:
(a) In city right-of-way or in the public median of any city right-of-way;
(b) Within a visibility triangle or in such a way as to block or obscure from vision any traffic or safety sign or signal;
(c) Within 50 feet from another neighborhood information sign when located on the same lot; or
(d) On private property without the permission of the property owner.
(5) No more than two neighborhood information signs are permitted at each subdivision entrance.
(6) No more than three neighborhood information signs are permitted on each homeowner's association lot.
(7) No neighborhood information sign shall exceed the following dimensions:
(a) Height: 36 inches, as measured from the ground level.
(b) Size of sign: Four square feet.
(8) Neighborhood information signs shall be made of durable, weatherproof material. Dirty, torn, faded, dented or otherwise poorly maintained signs shall be removed.
(9) Neighborhood information signs may display the neighborhood event name, date, time and contact information plus directional arrows, words or other symbols to indicate directions.
(10) No lighting shall be allowed.
(11) This section does not grant any right of access to or use of subdivision entries. Property owner permission is required before erecting any neighborhood information signs. If the property owner objects to the existence of the sign, the sign shall not be allowed on the lot of the property owner objecting to the sign. Also, the city may, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, designate certain areas as no sign zones for the purpose of protecting the public's health, safety and welfare.
(12) Neighborhood information signs found in violation of any of the above requirements may be impounded by the city and, at its option, disposed of.
(I) Special sign standards for electronic message center.
(1) Electronic message centers (EMC) shall be equipped with a sensor or other device that automatically determines the ambient illumination and shall be programmed to automatically dim to within 0.3 footcandles over ambient illumination at night as measured per the EMC Illumination Measurement Criteria of the International Sign Association.
(2) The applicant receiving a sign permit for an EMC shall provide a report demonstrating compliance with the requirements in division (1) above from a third party consultant prior to final inspection approval of the EMC.
(3) When a complaint is received, the owner or operator of an EMC shall, if required by the city, provide an updated report to verify compliance with the requirements in division (1) above within five business days.
(J) General provisions.
(1) No sign other than kiosk signs, political signs, traffic and safety signs or signals, street name signs, and other signs erected by a public officer shall be erected in the right-of-way of any public or private street or alley.
(2) The provisions herein contained are applicable to location, size, use and placement of signs and shall otherwise be considered supplementary to other City of Mansfield codes and ordinances pertaining to the erection, maintenance and operation of signs in the city, except where the provisions contained herein are in direct conflict with the provisions of such codes and such ordinances, in which event, conflicting provisions of such codes and ordinances are hereby repealed.
(3) Signs shall be permitted for all nonconforming uses in accordance with the regulations and standards specified in this chapter. Any sign used in conjunction with a nonconforming use of land or buildings, if such sign is not in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall be deemed a separate nonconforming use of land, and shall be subject to the provisions of divison (L) of this section and § 155.098.
(4) No revolving beam or beacon of light resembling any emergency vehicle light shall be permitted to be erected as part of any sign display in any zoning district.
(5) Obstruction to view. No sign shall be erected, constructed, or maintained so as to constitute an obstruction of the vision or sight of motor vehicle drivers or pedestrians at any street intersection, street crossing or point of traffic concentration. A sign in the direct line of vision or sight of any motor vehicle driver or pedestrian from any point in a traffic lane within 50 feet of any traffic control sign shall not be permitted.
(6) All signs of any nature whatsoever, whether temporary or permanent, when situated within 15 feet of the curb or edge of any street shall either:
(a) Have a clear height of eight and one-half feet from the ground to the bottom of the sign; or
(b) Have a height of not more than two and one-half feet measured from the top of curb to the top of the sign; provided, that wall signs may be permitted on a wall which complies with setback and height requirements of the zoning ordinance.
(7) No high intensity light shall be permitted as part of a sign display visible from an adjacent street in any zoning district; except signs giving public service information such as but not limited to date or temperature may be permitted. Lighting shall be shielded to prevent beams or rays from being directed at any portion of a traveled roadway or an occupied residential area and shall not be of such intensity or brilliance as to cause glare or impair vision.
(8) Sign regulations for any development placed in a Planned Development District shall be established by the Planned Development ordinance and shall specify the maximum height, setback, general types and area of such signs permitted.
(9) All signs must be constructed from substantial materials, free from defects, using accepted practices of good workmanship. All parts of a painted sign shall be painted with two coats of good quality water-resistant paint. All signs are subject to all requirements contained in the City of Mansfield's Code of Ordinances and are subject to inspections during and after construction.
(10) All signs shall be maintained in good appearance and safe structural condition. The general area in the vicinity of any sign shall be kept free and clear of sign materials, weeds, debris, trash and litter. Maintenance or replacement of sign copy or structural repairs shall be conducted in a manner to protect adjacent properties from debris and litter. Torn or ragged signs shall be repaired, covered or removed.
(11) All signs with the exception of permitted off-premise signs shall pertain only to the principal use, service rendered, or product sold on the premises on which the sign is located and contain only information pertaining to either the name of the occupant, or the kind of business, or the brand name of the principal commodity being sold, but not including information on subsidiary products or services, nor information on anything or persons not located on the premises.
(12) Notwithstanding any provision in this chapter to the contrary, any sign authorized in this chapter is allowed to contain a political or noncommercial message in lieu of any other message.
(13) A permanent sign on an awning shall be permitted in place of a wall sign, provided that the sign is affixed flat to the surface of the awning. No awning sign shall be allowed in addition to a wall sign and an awning sign and wall sign shall not be allowed on the same facade.
(14) No sign other than kiosk signs and signs erected by a City of Mansfield official shall display the registered logo of the City of Mansfield.
(K) Sign permitted in all zoning districts. The following regulations shall apply in addition to the requirements of divisions (D) and (I) of this section. Signs listed in this section are permitted in all zoning districts and shall not require permits unless required herein and shall not be counted when calculating the quantity of signs and the total allowable sign area, provided, that such sign shall conform with all other applicable regulations:
(1) Subdivision signs. Reserved for future use.
(2) Promotional signage. Promotional signage may be displayed for grand openings, special events, sales and promotions, provided that the following regulations are met:
(a) Before erecting or placing a promotional signage display, a permit must be obtained as required in division (M). Application for permit must be made on a form provided by the Building Inspection Department. The application must be accompanied by a sketch or diagram showing the exact location of the display, any message being displayed, plus the configuration and boundary of the premises where the display will be erected or placed. The sketch or diagram need not be professionally prepared but must be drawn to a designated scale or drawn with marked dimensions.
(b) Each business, institution or occupied tenant space shall be allowed one promotional signage display three times per calendar year, for a maximum period of 14 days per display. A minimum of 90 days shall be required between each promotional signage permit. The 14 day display period will commence on the first day promotional signage is displayed. In the case of a special promotion for a grand opening event, a display period may be extended to 21 days provided that the promotion begins within the first three months of the date of issuance of a certificate of occupancy or business license and the grand opening is limited to the address noted on the certificate or license.
(c) All signage used for a promotional signage display must be removed at the end of the display period.
(d) Promotional signage may include any temporary sign allowed by this chapter.
(e) Promotional signage shall be contained on the property of the applicant and shall not extend into the city right-of-way. In the case of a multi-tenant building, promotional signage must be placed directly in front of the lease or tenant space being advertised, and shall not be placed in front of any other lease or tenant space. Signage shall not be located in any sight visibility triangle or visibility easement, nor shall any combustible materials be placed in contact with lighted signs or any electrical fixtures.
(f) Promotional signage shall not display information on any activity, event or person not located on the premises where the signage is permitted.
(g) Torn or severely weathered promotional signage shall not be permitted.
(h) Inflatable signs may be used in a promotional signage display subject to the following regulations:
1. Inflatable signs shall be ground-mounted.
2. Inflatable signs shall not be placed in a sight visibility triangle or in a manner that obstructs visibility necessary for safe traffic maneuvering.
3. Inflatable signs must be set back from any property line, parking lot, sidewalk, or fire lane by a minimum distance equal to five feet plus the height of the inflatable sign.
4. Inflatable signs shall not be placed under any overhead utility lines.
5. Inflatable signs shall be kept in good repair and remain securely attached in such a manner to withstand wind loads.
(i) The quantity of signs in a promotional signage display shall be limited to a maximum of one inflatable sign or three of any other type of temporary sign per display.
(j) A separate permit is required for each 14 day period that promotional signage will be used.
(3) Garage sale signs. Signs pertaining to garage sales shall comply with the regulations in Chapter 98 of this code.
(4) Public information signs. Signs of a public or non-commercial nature, which shall include but not be limited to community service information signs, help wanted signs, public transit service signs, public utility information signs, safety signs, danger signs, trespassing signs, signs indicating scenic or historical points of interest, and all signs erected by a public officer in the performance of a public duty may be erected in all zoning districts without a permit. All public information signs except signs erected by a public officer shall not exceed an area of 32 square feet.
(5) Flags.
(a) Official flags of government jurisdiction, flags indicating weather conditions and flags which are emblems of on-premise business firms and enterprises, religious, charitable, public and nonprofit organizations may be erected in all zoning districts without a permit. No more than one United States flag, one State of Texas flag, and one emblematic flag shall be permitted on a single property at the same time.
(b) No single flag shall exceed 50 square feet in area.
(c) Flagpoles are accessory structures that are incidental to a principal use or building and shall not be permitted on vacant property without a principal use or building.
(d) The maximum height of a flagpole in any zoning district shall be 35 feet.
(e) A flagpole may be located anywhere on a premise provided that the flagpole shall not be located closer than ten feet to any property line or within any easement.
(6) Plaques. Commemorative plaques by historical agencies recognized by the city, County or the State of Texas may be erected in all zoning districts without a permit.
(7) Political signs. Political signs may be erected on private property with the consent of the property owner, subject to the provisions in Table (D) of this section. Political signs may also be erected on any public property, easement or right-of-way subject to the following conditions:
(a) Political signs shall be made of durable, weatherproof material. Dirty, torn, faded, dented or otherwise poorly maintained political signs shall be removed.
(b) Political signs shall not be illuminated or have any moving elements.
(c) Political signs shall not be located:
1. In any city park or city facility;
2. In any easement or right-of-way where adjacent to any city park or city facility;
3. In any easement or right-of-way where the adjacent property owner objects to the presence of the political sign;
4. In any drainage easement or right-of-way;
5. In any street median;
6. In any state or federal right-of-way;
(d) A political sign for any candidate, political, action or issue shall be located at least 100 feet from another political sign for the same candidate, political action or issue except when such signs are located at opposite corners of a street intersection.
(e) Political signs for a candidate, political action or issue for which a resident of Mansfield is not entitled to vote are prohibited.
(f) The restrictions in subdivisions (d) and (e) do not apply to political signs at a designated voting location and in the public easement or right-of-way immediately adjacent to the designated voting location.
(g) Political signs for an official election shall be removed within 14 days after the election or election runoff.
(8) Sign on vehicles. Signs on trucks, buses or passenger vehicles which are used in the normal conduct of business which are bearing current license plates, which are traveling or lawfully parked upon public right-of-ways, or any other premises for a period not exceeding four hours or for a longer period where the primary purpose of such parking is not the display of any sign.
(9) Kiosk signs.
(a) The City Council may, by duly executed license agreement, grant the exclusive right to design, erect and maintain kiosk signs within Mansfield.
(b) Kiosk signs must be designed and constructed according to the specifications contained in the aforementioned license agreement.
(c) Prior to erecting any kiosk sign, the licensee shall submit a sign location map to the Director of Planning and Director of Public Works for approval.
(d) Kiosk sign installations shall include breakaway design features as required for traffic signs in the street right-of-way.
(e) Advertisement or price information is prohibited on kiosk signs.
(f) No signs, pennants, flags or other devices for visual attention or other appurtenances shall be attached to kiosk signs.
(g) Kiosk signs shall not be illuminated.
(h) Individual sign panels on kiosk signs shall have a uniform design and color.
(i) Kiosk signs shall not interfere with the use of sidewalks, walkways, bike and hiking trails; shall not obstruct the visibility of motorists, pedestrians or traffic control signs; shall not be installed in the immediate vicinity of street intersections; and shall comply with the requirements of the 25 foot visibility triangle or other visibility easements.
(10) Holiday or festive decorations. String lights or strip lighting and banner for recognized holiday or festive decorations may be erected in all zoning districts without a permit for a period not to exceed 60 days.
(11) Signs not visible. All signs not visible from off the property may be erected in all zoning districts without a permit.
(12) On-premise informational signs. Non-commercial signage, such as "Enter," "Exit," "One-Way," or "Drive-Thru," signs, that are used to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic may be placed on the premises served by the signs provided that the following regulations are met:
(a) On-premise informational signs shall not exceed four square feet in area and three feet in height.
(b) On-premise informational signs shall not display any commercial message, including business name, graphic or logo.
(c) On-premise informational signage may be located anywhere on the premises, except in city right-of-way, easements or visibility triangles or visibility easements.
(13) Monument signs.
(a) Before erecting or placing a monument sign, a permit must be obtained as required in division (M) of this section. Application for permit must be made on a form provided by the Building Safety Department. The application must be accompanied by a sketch or diagram showing the exact location of the monument sign, any message being displayed, plus the configuration and boundary of the premises where the sign will be erected or placed. The sketch or diagram need not be professionally prepared but must be drawn to a designated scale or drawn with marked dimensions.
(b) A monument sign shall have a solid base at least two feet tall and the base shall have the same or greater width as the sign. The height of the sign base shall be included when measuring the sign height.
(c) Electrical equipment, irrigation equipment, controller, wiring or conduit on a monument sign shall be concealed within the monument sign base or sign structure, except that emergency power disconnects may be located on the exterior of the sign provided that they are located on the part of the sign opposite and furthest from the street.
(d) Except for the sign area, monument signs shall be constructed of masonry material to match the primary building material. If the primary building is not masonry, the sign shall be constructed of brick, stone or split-face cement masonry units.
(e) The street address number of the building being served by a monument sign shall be displayed on the sign where it is legible from the street. The street address number shall not be included in the calculation of the signage area.
(14) Non-residential construction signs.
(a) The provisions of this section shall apply to development on any property owned and used by the city or the Mansfield Independent School District, regardless of zoning.
(b) For developments larger than ten acres with frontage along U.S. 287, S.H. 360 or a four-lane thoroughfare or larger, as shown on the city's Master Thoroughfare Plan, construction signs may have a maximum height of 15 feet and a maximum sign area of 64 square feet.
(c) When multiple signs are permitted, the allowable sign area for each sign may be aggregated into one or more larger signs. No single sign shall have a sign area greater than 132 feet.
(d) Permits shall be valid for a period not longer than 36 months. If display exceeds this time period, the applicant must re-apply for a new permit and pay all applicable fees.
(15) Temporary realtor open house directional signs.
(a) Temporary realtor open house directional signs must be no larger than 24 inches by 18 inches in size (three square feet) and cannot be higher than three feet above grade. Sign must not be placed closer than 30 feet from an intersection, measured from the edge of the right-of-way line along any street, and must not be placed in the median. Signs must not be placed any closer than three feet from the back of the curb or from the edge of the pavement.
(b) These signs must not obstruct the vision of traffic on the roadway. Any signs determined to be in a location that causes an immediate hazard to public safety must be immediately removed by the city.
(c) Signs must only direct traffic to properties located within the city limits.
(d) The sign must contain the words "open" or "open house", as well as a directional arrow. The signs must contain the name of the realty company, the name of the listing agent and a current phone number (cell phone) in a font size and manner that is smaller and less prominent than the "open", "open house" and directional information.
(e) No more than four of these signs shall be posted for each address, including a sign on the property at which the open house is being held.
(f) These signs must be kept in good repair. These signs must be made of metal and/or plastic. These signs must not be made of wood or paper. The signs must be self-supporting and placed into the ground. The signs must not be placed on a utility pole, streetlight pole, sign pole, fence, tree, or any other manmade or natural feature. The signs must not be illuminated.
(g) Placement of these signs shall only be allowed on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and city holidays, and shall be removed no later than two hours after the open house event. For the purpose of the section, a city holiday is any day recognized as an official holiday by the City of Mansfield. The list of official holidays observed by the City of Mansfield shall be maintained for public viewing on the city's official website.
(16) Real estate signs shall comply with the following regulations:
(a) Real estate signs shall be removed within 14 days following the close of a sale of the property.
(b) Real estate signs shall be maintained in good condition. Dull or peeling paint or damage to the material used for such signs shall be sufficient cause for the city to require repair or replacement or impoundment.
(L) Prohibited signs. It shall be unlawful to erect, place, attach, paint, write, stamp, paste or maintain:
(1) Any sign, including a human sign, which is not included under the types of signs permitted in divisions (D) or (J) of this section.
(2) Any sign, with the exception of approved advertising signs, political signs and kiosk signs, which advertises or publicizes goods, services, establishments, persons and activities not located on the premises upon which the sign is maintained.
(3) Any search lights, bullhorns, pendants, spinners, balloons, banners, streamers, flags or other wind signs, any string lights or strip lighting except as permitted uses under the provisions of this section.
(4) Any portable sign, or directional sign which is not included under the types of signs permitted in divisions (D) through (J) of this section.
(5) Any sign, advertisement, poster, placard or handbill upon any lamp post, electric light, railway, telephone or telegraph pole, fire hydrant, shade tree, stone cliff or other natural object, or boxing covering public utilities, or on any bridge, pavement, sidewalk or crosswalk.
(6) Any sign, advertisement, poster or other matter on privately or publicly owned property without having obtained the written permission of the owner, agents, or occupants of the premises, and without having complied with other provisions of this chapter pertaining thereto.
(7) Any sign or sign structure which constitutes a hazard to public safety or health.
(8) Any sign which obstructs free ingress or egress from a fire escape, door, window or other required exit way.
(9) Any sign which interferes with any opening required for ventilation.
(10) Any sign which makes use of words such as stop, look, one way, danger, yield or any other similar words, phrases, symbols, lights or characters in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse the vehicular traffic.
(11) Any structure or part thereof, or any device or representation attached to, painted on, or represented on a building, fence, pole or other structure, which is used as or in the nature of an announcement, direction, advertisement, or other attention getting purposes, and which is not originally designed or intended to be a sign.
(12) Any wall sign except a name plate sign, on the rear facade of a building or on any facade that is parallel or nearly parallel to the front facade of a building. For the purpose of this provision, a front facade shall be defined as the face on which a business, tenant or occupant has the main entrance.
(M) Continuation and discontinuation of nonconforming signs. All non-conforming permanent signs, legally existing on the effective date of this chapter, may continue to exist, provided that no non-conforming sign:
(1) Shall be changed to another nonconforming sign.
(2) Shall be structurally altered so as to prolong the life of the sign or so as to significantly and materially change the shape, size, type or design of the sign.
(3) Shall be re-established after damage or destruction if the estimated expense of reconstruction exceeds 50% of the reproduction cost.
(4) And further, provided that signs which are nonconforming because they have flashing lights or intermittent illumination shall be given 90 days from the date of the adoption of this chapter to be brought into compliance with this chapter.
(5) And further, provided that signs which are specifically prohibited in division (K) of this section shall be discontinued or removed by the owners of said signs within 180 days from the date of the adoption of this chapter.
(N) Application for permit. The application for a sign permit shall be made by the owner or tenant of the property on which the sign is to be located, or his authorized agent, or a sign contractor licensed by the city. Such applications shall be made in writing on forms furnished by the Development Services Department and shall be signed by the applicant. Every application for approval shall be accompanied by a plan or plans drawn to scale and including:
(1) The dimensions of the sign and, where applicable, the dimensions of the wall surface of the building to which it is to be attached.
(2) The dimensions of the sign's supporting members.
(3) The proposed height of the sign.
(4) The proposed location of the sign in relation to the face of the building, in front of which, or on which, it is to be erected.
(5) The proposed location of the sign in relation to the boundaries of the lot upon which it is to be situated. This requirement shall not apply to wall signs.
(6) Any other electrical, structural and architectural data as applicable. Upon obtaining a building permit, the owner or his authorized agent shall sign a statement indemnifying and holding the city harmless for any damages which may result from the placement of said sign including attorney fees and all costs of litigation.
(O) Permit required, exceptions. No permit shall be required for the erection or alteration of the following:
(1) Signs not exceeding two square feet of display surface on a building, stating merely the name and occupation of an occupant, or other community service information.
(2) Non-illuminated and non-electrical signs not exceeding 32 square feet used solely to advertise the sale or rental of the premises on which such signs are located.
(3) Signs or markers used by a public utility holding a franchise from the city for community service information.
(4) Temporary non-commercial signs or banners authorized by the Director of Planning for a period not to exceed 30 days.
(5) The changing of the advertising copy or message of a reader board sign or a painted or printed sign. Electric signs shall not be included in this exception.
(6) The repainting, non-electrical repair or cleaning maintenance of a sign.
(P) Approval of a certificate of occupancy for each new business, facility or office desiring to continue using an existing sign shall be contingent upon approval of a sign permit.
(Q) Permit fees. A permit fee shall be paid to the Building Safety Department for each sign permit issued as set forth in the Mansfield fee schedule ordinance.
(R) Removal of signs.
(1) Signs found in violation of any of the requirements of this section shall be impounded and
disposed of.
(2) The inspector shall cause to be removed any sign that endangers the public safety, such as an abandoned, dangerous, or materially, electrically, or structurally defective sign, or a sign requiring a permit for which no permit has been issued. The inspector shall provide notice which shall describe the sign and specify the violation involved and which shall state that, if the sign is not removed or the violation is not corrected within ten days, the sign shall be removed in accordance with the provisions in this section.
(3) Any time periods provided in this section shall be deemed to commence on the date of the notice.
(4) Notwithstanding the above, in situations when the inspector determines that a dangerous or defective sign may cause imminent peril to life or property, he may order the immediate removal of such sign without notice.
(5) Any person who relocates, removes or defaces any lawfully erected sign shall be subject to the penalties as prescribed by this chapter.
(6) Notwithstanding the above, illegal banners or temporary signs may be impounded by the city after notice is attempted to the owner or party responsible for the sign.
(7) In addition to fines and charges of removal and storage of violating signs, the city may cause the removal or disposal of same found on any public property, easement or right-of-way without notice to the owner of the sign.
(Ord. 671, passed 4-15-86; Am. Ord. OR-2223-21, passed 10-11-21)