§ 156.018 SIGNS REQUIRING A PERMIT.
   The following signs shall require a permit, issued prior to construction:
   (A)   Signs on property in other than residential areas.
      (1)   Single commercial building. Signs shall be permitted as follows:
         (a)   Attached or painted onto each side of a building. No single sign may be larger than 32 square feet.
         (b)   One tree standing sign not larger than 24 square feet or taller than ten feet.
         (c)   One projecting sign not to exceed 12 square feet.
         (d)   The aggregate of all signs may not exceed 80 square feet.
      (2)   Commercial complex. Signs shall be permitted as follows:
         (a)   One free standing sign not larger than 64 square feet or taller than 12 feet.
            1.   A commercial complex with a land area of two acres or more may have one freestanding sign along each street which borders the complex for a distance of 200 feet.
            2.   If the structure of a free standing sign contains or supports more than one sign, then each sign shall be of the same construction, coloring, design, and style.
         (b)   Signs housed in the complex not to exceed 50% of the front wall space.
      (3)   Flags. No flagpole may be higher than 20 feet or extend beyond the maximum allowable building height limit as established in the city building regulations, whichever is shorter. At any establishment, the entire area of all flags shall be counted toward the aggregate for signs on the premises. Flags may only be illuminated in compliance with this chapter.
      (4)   Illuminated signs.
         (a)   Neon signs are prohibited except for signs no greater than 4.5 square feet located on or inside of a window of an establishment. No more than two such signs are permitted per business.
         (b)   No sign shall be lighted to such intensity or in such a manner as to cause glare or brightness to a degree that it constitutes a traffic hazard. Any such sign shall constitute a nuisance.
         (c)   Signs may not be illuminated by mercury arc or mercury vapor light sources.
         (d)   Illuminated signs may not be installed facing adjacent or adjoining residential areas.
      (5)   Inflatable signs. Business related inflatable signs with a volume greater than 27 cubic feet are prohibited.
   (B)   Business or office signs located on property in residential areas (applicant should consider this section in conjunction with deed restrictions and property owners associations' covenants and bylaws).
      (1)   Signs shall be permitted as follows:
         (a)   One sign, no larger than 12 square feet, may be attached to or painted onto a building.
         (b)   One free standing sign not larger than 3 square feet or taller than four feet.
         (c)   The aggregate of both signs may not exceed 12 square feet.
      (2)   Flags. No flagpole may be higher than 20 feet or extend beyond the maximum allowable building height limit as established in the city building regulations, whichever is shorter.
      (3)   Internally illuminated signs are prohibited.
   (C)   Banners.
      (1)   Street banners.
         (a)   Street banners when they are clearly incidental to and are customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday or celebration, and of a non-advertising nature; provided, that such decorations are maintained in an attractive condition, do not constitute a fire or traffic or pedestrian hazard, and are removed within a reasonable time after the event or celebration has occurred.
         (b)   Street banners must conform to Texas Department of Transportation rules and regulations.
         (c)   Street banners may be displayed only at approved city locations within the city limits and the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
         (d)   No more than six street banners may be in place at any one time within the city limits and the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.
      (2)   All other banners are permitted as follows:
         (a)   Banners must be kept in good repair throughout the time of their display.
         (b)   No establishment may display more than two banners at any one time.
         (c)   Banners may not exceed eight square feet in a residential area or 24 square feet in all other areas.
         (d)   Banners may not be displayed for more than 31 days in succession, and they must be removed no more than three days following any event to which they relate.
         (e)   On-premise banners that announce the location or relocation of newly located or relocated businesses are permitted without payment of a permit fee. The banner may be exhibited during a period of no more than 45 days commencing at the time that the temporary banner permit is issued. Such banners may not exceed eight square feet in a residential area or 18 square feet in all other areas.
         (f)   Banners for commercial purposes may not face a residential area.
(Ord. 102-16, passed - -16; Am. Ord. 103-18, passed 5-15-18)