HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 93-05 - Sign RegulationsORDINANCE NO, exy r
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!; ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE,
WHEREAS, Section 216.901 of the Local Government Code authorizes home rule
municipalities to license, regulate, control, or prohibit the erection of signs or billboards;
WHEREAS, Section 54.004 of the Local Government Code authorizes home rule
municipalities to enforce ordinances necessary to protect health, life, and property and to
preserve the good government, order, and security of the municipality and its inhabitants;
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on November
19, 1992, to hear testimony from proponents and opponents of such regulations;
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has compiled a report of findings and submitted it to the
City Council regarding to the proposed enactment of such regulations;
WHEREAS, the City Council has found that this action implements growth and physical
development policies 1 & 2 of the Century Plan - Policy Plan Element and Policy 8 Goal B
Objective 1 of the Century Plan - Development Plan, and is not found to be inconsistent or in
conflict with any other Century Plan Policies, as required by Section 2.03 of the Administrative
Chapter of the Policy Plan;
NOW, i ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCILOF
*F GEORGETOWN,
SECTION 1.
The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this ordinance are hereby found
and declared to be true and correct, and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made
a part hereof, as if copied verbatim.
SECTION 2.
The attached Exhibit "A", relating to the Regulation of Signs, is hereby adopted by the
City Council of the City of Georgetown, Texas, and incorporated herein for all purposes.
Sign Regulations Ordinance No. `+
Page 1 of 2
SECTION 3.
If any provision of this ordinance or application thereof to any person or circumstance,
shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, or application thereof,
of this ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to
this end the provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable.
11
1
Sunset Provision. Unless subsequent action extends the application and enforcement of
the attached regulations, they shall expire (3) three years after the effective date of this
ordinance. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall meet no less frequently than every two
years in the month of January to review the effect of these regulations and to recommend
subsequent revisions to the attached regulations for the consideration of Council.
SECTION 5:
This ordinance shall become effective and be in full force and effect 10 days on and after
its passage on second reading by the City Council and duly signed by the Mayor and attested
by the City Secretary. Publication in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the City
of Georgetown is accordingly so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED on First Reading on the day of 1993.
PASSED AND APPROVED on Second Reading on the day of fir, 1993.
ATTEST: THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN:
44
ByA:
Elizabeth Gray LEO WOOD
City Secretary Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
{
Marianne Landers Banks
City Attorney
Sign Regulations Ordinance No
Page 2 of 2
Purpose and Objectives
Applicability and Effect .... .
Jurisdiction ............ .
Town Square District
Definitions ............ .
2
S Residential Single Family ......................... .. 9
RE Residential Estate ............. . ................ .. 9
A Agricultural ................................. .. 9
4 Multi Family Residential .................... . .... .. 9
-2 Dense Multi Family 9
R-P Residential Planned ............................. 11
-3 Office and Service Use 13
RO Residential Office ............................... 15
C-1 Local Commercial 17
C-2A Commercial First Height 17
C-2B Commercial Second Height ........................ . 17
1 Industrial ................................... . 20
Interstate Highway (I-H 35) Corridor Regulations 22
Landmark Signs ......................................... 22
Temporary Signs 23
Specially Permitted Signs .................................. . 23
Exempt Signs ............................... . .......... 23
Prohibited Signs ........................................ 27
Definition and Purpose . 28
Retention of Non -conforming Signs ............................. 28
Removal of Non -conforming Signs 28
Removal of Illegal and Dangerous Signs 29
Other Signs Forfeited ...... 29
ON"- [il,iIW117►�N�''�.`71Y:7: tT�l ft�►1
Principals of Sign Area Computations .......................... 1 30
Permits Required . I . I .... ,sole .......................... . 31
General Permit Procedures 32
Master Signage Plan ......................... . ........... . 33
Design, Construction and Maintenance .......................... . 34
Georgetown Sign Review Board Created .......................... 35
Jurisdiction .......................................... 1 . 35
Appeals..............................................37
Appeals from the Board of Sign Appeals ......................... 37
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The purpose of this Ordinance is to provide clear regulations for the permitting,
design, location, construction, erection, modification, use, maintenance and removal
of signs in the City of Georgetown and its Extra -Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). The
objectives are: to encourage the effective use of signs as a means of communication
in the City; to maintain and enhance the community's overall aesthetic environment
and the City's ability to attract sources of economic development and growth; to
improve pedestrian and traffic safety; to minimize the possible adverse effect of signs
on nearby public and private property; and to enable the fair and consistent
enforcement of these sign regulations.
A sign may be erected, placed, established, painted, created or maintained in the
jurisdiction only in conformance with the standards, procedures, exemptions and other
requirements of this ordinance. These regulations apply to both commercial and non-
commercial messages.
The effect of this ordinance is:
1. To establish a permit system to allow a variety of types of signs subject to the
standards and the permit procedures of this ordinance; and
2. To prohibit all signs not expressly permitted by this ordinance, except as
approved through the appeals process established by this ordinance.
C. Jurisdiction
These regulations shall be applied to all areas within the corporate limits of the City
of Georgetown and those areas within the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). For
those areas within the ETJ, the allowable signage shall be determined by the
regulations from the most restrictive Zoning District in which the use would be
allowed as if within the Corporate Limits,
1 Adopted February 9, 1993
E.
Signs within the Town Square Historical district shall only be subject to the design
guidelines, approval procedures and other requirements of Ordinance Number 75.12,
commonly referred to as the Historic Preservation Ordinance, as the same may be
amended from time to time.
1. For the purpose of these regulations certain terms and words used herein shall be
used, interpreted and defined as set forth in this section unless the context clearly
indicates to the contrary:
A) words used in the present tense include the future tense
B) words used in the plural number include the singular and words in the
singular include the plural
O) the word "shall" is always mandatory
D) the word "herein" means "in these regulations"
E) the word "regulations" mean "these regulations"
2. For the purpose of these regulations, certain words and terms herein are defined
as follows:
(Illustrations are provided as representations of various signs and are not intended to be used exclusive
of the written definitions provided.)
abandoned sign® A sign that advertises or announces a
business or service that has been closed for 90 days or
more; or, the structural supports of a sign with the
advertising face or copy removed for 90 days or more.
advertise.* To make something known, to draw attention
to,
animated sign: Any sign that uses mechanical
movement or change of lighting to depict action or create
a special effect or scene,
banner* Any sign made of fabric, plastic or other non-
rigid material designed to hang from rope or wire or
suspended from a pole to advertise a business, service,
or special event and not mounted in a permanent, rigid
frame.
2
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animated sign
banners
Adopted February 9, 1993
beacon® Any light either permanent or portable and
either stationary or moving with one or more beams
directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more
points not on the same lot as the light source; also, any
light with one or more beams that rotate or move, whose
purpose is to attract attention,
building marker: A type of incidental sign placed to
commemorate or recognize significant achievements or
styles in architecture or construction technique and made
of or placed in a permanent material,
building sign: Any sign attached to any part of a
building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.
canopy: An awning, canopy, or other fabric, plastic, or
structural protective cover over a door, entrance,
window, or outdoor area,
canopy sign: Any type of building sign attached to, in
any manner, or made a part of a canopy,
changeable copy: A sign designed to allow the
manipulation of messages through manual, mechanical,
or electrical means, including time and temperature
messages,
commercial message: Any sign wording, logo, or other
representation that, directly or indirectly, names,
advertises, or calls attention to a business, product,
service, or other commercial activity.
Director: The City of Georgetown's Director of
Development Services or his or her designee.
electronic message center: Any sign which contains an
array of lights which can be programmed to create an
image, either textual or graphic. These lights can be
programmed in a "fixed mode" which remains constant
in size, location and brightness or in a "traveling mode"
which remains constant in size, relative location and
brightness but moves horizontally from right to left at a
constant rate across the display area.
3
canopy sign
electronic message center
Adopted February 9, 1993
exposed bulb/neon: An illumination system, sometimes
used in signage, consisting of glass tubes or bulbs
containing a primarily inert gaseous element and charged
by electric current.
flag® Any fabric, banner or bunting containing
distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol
of a government or political subdivision.
garage sale: A private sale of personal property used to
dispose of personal household possessions. Not for the
use of any commercial venture.
Georgetown Sign Board of Appeals: The body,
appointed pursuant to State law, which shall hear cases
involving the required relocation, reconstruction or
removal of non -conforming signs.
Georgetown Sign Review Board: Shall be the Planning
and Zoning Commission of the City of Georgetown,
high -profile freestanding sign: Any sign supported by a
structure permanently secured to the ground and not
attached to a building with a height greater than eight
feet,
identification sign: An incidental sign of identification
or of informational nature bearing no advertising.
ilia ` ated: A sign utilizing an artificial or a reflective
light source illumination, internal: mounted or operated
from the inside of the frame of the sign for proposed for
the purpose of lighting the sign.
illumination external: A sign utilizing an artificial or a
reflective light source, mounted or operated from the
outside of the frame of the sign, for the purpose of
lighting the sign,
incidental sign: A sign, generally informational, that
has a purpose secondary to the use of the lot on which it
is located, such as "no parking, " "entrance," "loading
only," "telephone," an address, and other similar
directives limited to five (5) square feet.
high -profile freestanding sign
4 Adopted February 9, 1993
institutional: see quasi -public
integral roof sign: Any sign which is placed on a
sloping roof surface in such a manner that no part of the
sign projects above the highest part of a roof, including
parapet walls, (See for comparison "roof -mounted sign",)
landmark sign: Signs officially designated by the
Georgetown Sign Review Board as meeting specific
criteria for community significance,
logo:
Any
sign that
is a trademark or symbol identifying
the use of a
building
or structure,
low -profile freestanding sign: Any sign supported by a
structure permanently secured to the ground and not
attached to a building and not incidental in nature, with a
maximum height of eight feet or less,
marquee: Any permanent roof -like structure projecting
beyond a building or extending along and projecting
beyond the wall of the building, generally designed and
constructed to provide protection from the weather. (See
for comparison "canopy sign" . )
marquee sign: Any sign attached to, in any manner, or
made a part of a marquee,
master signage plan: A coordinated program for one or
more signs on a property, identifying the size, height,
location and color scheme of all signage proposed for the
location, and based upon total signage allocation
established through this ordinance,
menu sign: Any sign which provides information on the
selection and or price of goods offered for sale at a
restaurant,
nonconforming sign: Any sign existing on the date of
the adoption of this ordinance and that does not conform
to the requirements of this ordinance,
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integral roof sign
freestanding sign
marquee sign
DRIVE-THRU
Adopted February 9, 1993
oMprernise advertising sign® Any sign advertising a
business activity or use that is not conducted on the
property on which the sign appears.
person. Any association, company, corporation, firm,
organization, or partnership, singular or plural, of any
kind,
portable sign. Any sign not permanently attached to the
ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed
to be transported, including, but not limited to, signs
designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs
converted to A- or T-frames; sandwich board signs;
balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising,
and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and
visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle
is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the
business.
principal building. The building in which is conducted
the principal use of the lot on which it is located. Lots
with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal
buildings, but secondary uses shall not be considered
principal buildings,
principal use® The use which is conducted as the
primary activity upon the lot on which it is located.
projecting sign: Any sign affixed to a wall of a building
in a non -parallel manner.
quasi -public: Uses owned or operated by non-profit,
religious, or charitable institutions and providing
educational, cultural, recreational or similar types of
public programs,
residential sign: Any incidental sign for a residential
structure that contains no commercial message except for
legal home occupations.
roof® The top covering of a building. For the purposes
of this ordinance, a roof shall be defined as having a
slope of less than 65 degrees. A roof having a slope of
greater than 65 degrees, including mansard roofs, shall
0
portable signs
projecting sign
residential sign
Adopted February 9, 1993
be treated as a wall surface for the placement of signs.
(See for comparison "wall surface area".)
roof ounted sign: Any sign erected and constructed
wholly on and over the roof of a building, supported by
the roof structure, and extending vertically above the
highest portion of the roof. (See for comparison "integral
roof sign" . )
secondary use: Any use that is subordinate and
incidental to the primary use.
setback: The distance from the property line to the
nearest part of the -applicable building, structure, or sign,
measured perpendicularly to the property line.
sight triangle: The area of unobstructed view required
at every street intersection and at the intersection of
driveways and streets. Unobstructed view must be
maintained in an area between the heights of three feet
and seven feet above the height of the adjacent roadway
in a triangle formed by the intersection's comer and
points on the curb twenty-five feet from the intersection's
comer.
sign: Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses
any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or
writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify
the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate
information of any kind to the public.
streamer: Any light weight plastic, fabric, or other
material, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually
in series, designed to move in the wind.
street: A public strip of land or right-of-way subject to
vehicular traffic (as well as pedestrian traffic) that
provides direct or indirect access to property, including,
but not limited to, alleys, avenues, boulevards, courts,
drives, highways, lanes, places, roads, terraces, trails, or
other thoroughfares,
street banner: Any temporary sign hung over or across
a city street or other public right-of-way.
0
roof sign
Sight
,t
Triangle
streamers
Adopted February 9, 1993
street frontage: The distance for which a lot line of a
lot adjoins a public street, from one lot line intersecting
said street to the furthest distant lot line intersecting the
same street,
suspended. sign: A type of building sign that is
suspended from the underside of a predominantly
horizontal plane surface and is supported by such
surface,
temporary sign: Any sign that is not intended to be
permanent that causes signage to exceed the total
maximum allowed signage in a given district,
wall sign: Any type of building sign attached generally
parallel to a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or
erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall
of any building or structure, which is supported by such
wall or building, and which displays only one sign
surface.
waH surface area: The total vertical wall area,
including windows, of a building when seen in an
elevation view of the building. Roofs, including mansard
roofs, having a slope of greater than 65 degrees shall be
considered part of a wall surface for the purposes of this
ordinance. (See for comparison "roof".)
window sign: Any sign that is placed inside a window
or upon the window or upon the window panes or glass
and is intended to be visible from the exterior of the
window. Merchandise displays shall not be considered
window signs.
E'j
wall sign
wall surface area
window sign
Adopted February 9, 1993
1. Zoning District(s)o
A* Sign Types AllowcM
Permit Procedure
Non - Institutional
Institutional
Without Permits
Incidental
Incidental
Residential
Flag/Flag, Pole
Flag/Flag Pole
Permits Required
Temporary
Temporary
Changeable Copy
External Illumination, along
arterial roadways only.
All other sign types not listed above are prohibited.
B. Maximum Total Sign Area Per Lot
The maximum total combined sign area for all signs on a lot in the district
shall not be more than:
1. 4 total square feet.
Flags and incidental signs when erected in accordance with all other applicable
provisions contained in this ordinance shall not be counted in computing the
maximum total sign area for a given lot.
Notwithstanding the limitations set forth above, the maximum total combined
sign area for all signs on a lot having an institutional use as its primary use
shall not be more than the lesser of:
2. 100 total square feet; or
3. .25 square feet of signage per linear foot of street frontage.
9 Adopted February 9, 1993
C. Design Standards by Sign Classification
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
per Sign (sq. ft)
Maximum
Height
(Feet)
Minimum
Setback
(Feet)
Maximum
Number of
Signs per Lot
Non -Institutional Use:
Low Profile
2
5
2
1
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
Institutional Use:
Low Profile
40
5
10
1
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
2. Building Signs
a. Shall not exceed 10 % of the wall surface area of the face of the
structure to which the sign is intended to be attached. The sign
may be placed on any portion of the wall surface area, but the
height of the sign shall not exceed the height allowed for
freestanding signs or height of structure, whichever is less.
b. Only
wall height
up
to height of freestanding sign allowed in a
given
district can
be
used in surface area calculations.
c. Posters or announcements located in window areas not
exceeding 50 % of an individual window area shall not be
calculated as an element of total allowable site signage. An
excess of the 50 % will cause the entire area of the poster or
announcements to be calculated as an element of total allowable
site signage.
10 Adopted February 9, 1993
Aj
Zoning District(s):
A Agricultural
RM - 1 Multi - Family residential
2 Dense MultimaFamily residential
R - P Residential Planned
A. Sign Types Allowed
Permit Procedure
Non - Institutional
Institutional
Without Permits
Incidental
Incidental
Flag/Flag Pole
Flag/Flag Pole
Residential
,
Permits Required
Temporary
Temporary
External Illumination
External Illumination
Internal Illumination
Changeable Copy
All sign types not listed above are prohibited.
Be Maximum Total Sign Area Per Lot
The maximum total combined sign area for all signs on a lot in the district
shall not be more than the lesser of:
1. 200 total square feet; or
2. 0.5 square feet of signage per linear foot of street frontage.
Flags and incidental signs when erected in accordance with all other applicable
provisions contained in this ordinance shall not be counted in computing the
maximum total sign area for a given lot.
11 Adopted February 9, 1993
C. Design Standards By Sign Classification
1. Free Standing Signs
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
per Sign (sq. ft)
Maximum
Height
(Feet)
Minimum
Setback
(Feet)
Maximum Number
of signs per lot
(street frontage)
Less
than
600,
�j�j
600' or
Greater
Non -Institutional
Low Profile
30
8
5
1
2
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
-
Institutional Use:
Low Profile
30
8
5
1
2
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
-
2. Building Signs
a. Shall not exceed 10% of the wall surface area of the face of the
structure to which the sign is to be attached. The sign may be
placed on any portion of the wall surface area, but the height of
the sign shall not exceed the height allowed for freestanding
signs or height of structure, whichever is less.
b. Only wall height up to height of freestanding sign allowed in a
given district can be used in surface area calculations.
C. Posters or announcements located in window areas not
exceeding 50 % of an individual window area shall not be
calculated as an element of total allowable site signage. An
excess of the 50 % will cause the entire area of the poster or
announcements to be calculated as an element of total allowable
site signage.
12 Adopted February 9, 1993
3. Zoning District(s):
A. Sign Types Allowed
Permit Procedure
Non - Institutional
Institutional
Without Permits
Residential
Incidental
Incidental
Flag/Flag Pole
Flag/Flag Pole
Permits Required
Temporary
Temporary
External Illumination
External Illumination
Internal Illumination
Internal Illumination
Banner
Changeable Copy
Banner
All sign types not listed above are prohibited.
B, Maximum Total Sign Area Per Lot
The maximum total combined sign area for all signs on a lot in the district
shall not be more than the lesser of.
1. 200 total square feet; or
2. 0.5 square feet of signage per linear foot of street frontage.
Flags and incidental signs when erected in accordance with all other applicable
provisions contained in this ordinance shall not be counted in computing the
maximum total sign area for a given lot.
13 Adopted February 9, 1993
i a. •MIME•
1. Free Standing Signs
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
per Sign (sq. ft)
Maximum
Height
(Feet)
Minimum
Setback
(Feet)
Maximum Dumber
of Signs Per Lot
(street frontage)
Less
than
600'
600' or
Greater
Low Profile
50
8
5
1
2
High Profile
40
12
5
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
-
2. Building Signs
a. Shall not exceed 10 % of the wall surface area of the face of the
structure to which the sign is intended to be attached. The sign
may be placed on any portion of the wall surface area, but the
height of the sign shall not exceed the height allowed for
freestanding signs or height of structure, whichever is less.
b. Only
wall height
up
to height of freestanding sign allowed in a
given
district can
be
used in surface area calculations.
c. Posters or announcements located in window areas not
exceeding 50 % of an individual window area shall not be
calculated as an element of total allowable site signage. An
excess of the 50% will cause the entire area of the poster or
announcements to be calculated as an element of total allowable
site signage.
14 Adopted February 9, 1993
4.
G
Zoning District(s):
Sign Types Allowed
The following sign types shall be allowed:
1. Without a sign permit:
Residential
Incidental
Flag
2. Upon issuance of a sign permit:
Temporary
External Illumination
In accordance with the design standards set forth below.
All sign types not listed in 1 & 2 above are prohibited, except that in addition
to the sign types allowed above istitutional uses, as herein defined, shall be
allowed the following sign types upon the issuance of a sign permit:
re a
Maximum Total Sign Area Per Lot
The maximum total combined sign area for all signs on a lot in the district
shall not be more than
1. .32 square feet of signage per lineal foot of frontage on Williams
Drive.
Flags and incidental signs when erected in accordance with all other applicable
provisions contained in this ordinance shall not be counted in computing the
maximum total sign area for a given lot.
IN
Adopted February 9, 1993
C. Design Standards By Sign Classification
1, Free Standing Signs
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
per Sign (sq. ft)
Maximum
Height
(Feet)
Minimum
Setback
(Feet)
Maximum
Number of
Signs Per Lot
(street frontage)
Low Profile
50
3
20
2
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24
-
-
2. Building Signs
a. Shall not exceed 10 % of the wall surface area of the face of the
structure to which the sign is intended to be attached. The sign
may be placed on any portion of the wall surface area, but the
height of the sign shall not exceed the height allowed for
freestanding signs or height of structure, whichever is less.
b. Only
wall height
up
to height of freestanding sign allowed in a
given
district can
be
used in surface area calculations.
c. Posters or announcements located in window areas not
exceeding 50 % of an individual window area shall not be
calculated as an element of total allowable site signage. An
excess of the 50% will cause the entire area of the poster or
announcements to be calculated as an element of total allowable
site signage.
1. All signs shall be installed facing and parallel to Williams Drive. Signs
shall be either:
a. Attached to the principle structure below the building eaves; or
b. Installed on an earth berm not greater than 3 ft. above average
grade.
Adopted. February 9, 1993
M
5. Zoning District(s):
C-1 Local Commercial
C-2A Commercial First Height
C-2B Commercial Second Height
A. Sign Types Allowed
The following sign types shall be allowed:
1. Without a sign permit:
Residential
Incidental
Flag
2. Upon issuance of a sign permit:
Temporary
Internal Illumination
External Illumination
Banner
Changeable Copy
Electronic message centers in fixed or traveling mode
Exposed bulb/neon
Streamers, for automobile sales uses only
In accordance with the design standards set forth below.
B. Maximum Total Sign Area Per Lot
The maximum total combined sign area for all signs on a lot in the district
shall be the greater of:
1. 1_5 sq. ft. of signage per linear foot of street frontage; or
2. 225 sq. feet.
Flags and incidental signs when erected in accordance with all other applicable
provisions contained in this ordinance shall not be counted in computing the
maximum total sign area for a given lot.
17 Adopted February 9, 1993
C. Design Standards By Sign Classification
1. Free Standing Signs
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
per Sign (sq. ft.)
Maximum
Height
(Feet)
Minimum
Setback
(Feet)
Low Profile
225*
8
5
High Profile
225*
24**
5
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24**
---
* The maximum size of any individual free standing sign shall be as shown on Figure 1.
** Except as allowed by Section UI.
Figure 1. Allowable Areas for Freestanding Signs
Frontage
(Feet)
Max Area
(Sq. Ft.)
0-50
25
51-100
50
101-150
75
15l-200
100
201-250
125
251-300
150
301-350
175
351-400
200
401 or greater
225
18 Adopted February 9, 1993
I Maximum number of freestanding signs per lot by total frontage:
Sign Classification
Less than
600'
600' or Greater
Option 1
Option 2
Option 3
Low Profile
2, or
1
4
2
-
High Profile
-
1
2
3, The height of a streamer is restricted to the allowable sign height limits
of the given district. Those streamers with commercial messages shall
constitute a sign and will be counted against the total allowable signage
on a given site,
4. Building Signs
a, Shall not exceed 10% of the wall surface area of the face of the
structure to which the sign is intended to be attached. The sign
may be placed on any portion of the wall surface area, but the
height of the sign shall not exceed the height allowed for
freestanding signs or height of structure, whichever is less,
b. Only wall height up to height of freestanding sign allowed in a
given district can be used in surface area calculations.
c. Posters or announcements located in window areas not
exceeding 50 % of an individual window area shall not be
calculated as an element of total allowable site signage. An
excess of the 50 % will cause the entire area of the poster or
announcements to be calculated as an element of total allowable
site signage.
19 Adopted February 9, 1993
6, Zoning District(s):
f0 0 0 Wiit`r 7 WFU
The following sign types shall be allowed:
1. Without a sign permit:
Residential
Incidental
Flag
2. Upon issuance of a sign permit:
Temporary
Internal Illumination
External Illumination
Changeable Copy
In accordance with the design standards set forth below.
B. Maximum Total Sign Area Per Lot
The maximum total combined sign area for all signs on a lot in the district
shall not be more than the lesser of:
1. 400 total square feet; or
2. 25 square feet per 50 feet of street frontage of principle building.
Flags and incidental signs when erected in accordance with all other applicable
provisions contained in this ordinance shall not be counted in computing the
maximum total sign area for a given lot.
20 Adopted February 9, 1993
C. Design Sta. rds By Sign Classification
1, Free Standing Signs
Sign Classification
Maximum Area
per Sign (sq. ft)
Maximum
Height
(Feet)
Minimum
Setback
(Feet)
Maximum Number
of Signs Per Lot
(street frontage)
Less than
600'
600' or
Greater
Low Profile
300
8
10
1
2
High Profile
200
24*
10
Flag/Flag Pole
60
24*
-
-
-
* Except as allowed in Section III.
2, Building Signs
a. Shall not exceed 10% of the wall surface area of the face of the
structure to which the sign is intended to be attached. The sign
may be placed on any portion of the wall surface area, but the
height of the sign shall not exceed the height allowed for
freestanding signs or height of structure, whichever is less.
b. Only
wall height
up
to height of freestanding sign allowed in a
given
district can
be
used in surface area calculations.
c. Posters or announcements located in window areas not
exceeding 50 % of an individual window area shall not be
calculated as an element of total allowable site signage. An
excess of the 50 % will cause the entire area of the poster or
announcements to be calculated as an element of total allowable
site signage.
21 Adopted February 9, 1993
1. Interstate Highway 35 (1-35) Corridor Regulations
properties me- established
A. Establishment of I-35 corridor properties
1. Must be located within a distance of 200 feet from the I-35
right-of-way; and
2. Must be oriented or must have it's main entrance face toward
1-35.
Be Sign location for corridor properties must be no more than 50' from the
property line nearest to I-35.
C. Signs in the I-35 corridor and having a Commercial or Industrial
Zoning classification shall not exceed a maximum height of 28 feet.
D. Additional height allowance
1. For signs in the I-35 corridor additional height may be allowed.
2. This additional allowance will be determined by measuring the
difference between the elevation of the property at the proposed
location of the sign and the elevation of I-35 _
3. Determination of the elevational difference shall be measured by
projecting a perpendicular line from the center line of the
proposed location of the sign to the I-35 main roadway section
nearest the sign.
4. The allowance will only apply for properties and sign locations
that are determined to be lower in elevation than I-35, as
measured by 3 above.
2. Landmark Signs
To be recognized and designated as landmark signs, an individual sign must be
approved by the procedures adopted by the Georgetown Sign Review Board. To be
considered for designation, these signs shall exhibit such a unique character, design
historical significance to be recognized as such to the community. The specific
criteria are listed in Section V - Administration.
22
Adopted February 9, 1993
3. Temporary Sig Any sign that is not intended to be . _ _manent.
A. Temporary signs on private property, limited to banners and window
signs, are allowed only upon issuance of a Temporary Sign Permit,
which shall be subject to the following requirements:
1. Term: A temporary sign permit allows the use of a temporary
sign for no more than thirty (30) days within a calendar year.
2. Number: Only one temporary sign will be permitted at a time
to the same business on the same lot.
3. Other Conditions: A temporary sign is allowed only in
designated districts and is subject to all other requirements of
that district.
B. Temporary Street Banners: The City Manager is authorized to establish
procedures for the permitting and installation of temporary banners
placed in public right-of-way. Such banners shall be allowed for the
following public events upon compliance with the established
procedures:
1. Events of a charitable or humanitarian nature;
2. Events of an educational, scholastic or artistic nature;
3. Other events of community or public interest which are non-
political in nature and are for the benefit of a non-profit group.
4. Specially Permitted Signs
New signs that, due to a proposed location, size, design or other characteristic fail to
meet the standards established by these regulations. It is the intent of this provision
to allow for and encourage creative signage proposals that, though not meeting a strict
interpretation of these guidelines, provide for appropriate signage given a particular
site and use. Such signs may apply for review by the Georgetown Sign Review
Board and request approval. In granting such approval, the Georgetown Sign Review
Board may impose restriction on size, location, height, color, style, etc, so to insure
compatibility and to satisfy the intent of the ordinance.
5. Exempt Signs
A. Exempt Signs - the following signs shall be exempt from regulation
under this ordinance:
1. Any public notice, or warning required by a valid and applicable
federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance;
23 Adopted February 9, 1993
a"
2. Any sign inside a building, not attac. _.4 to a window or door,
that is not legible from a distance of more than three feet
beyond the lot line of the lot or parcel on which such sign is
located;
3. Works of art that do not include a commercial message;
4. Holiday lights and decorations with no commercial message, but
only between November 15 and January 15; and
5. Decorative landscape lighting provided that lights are not
displayed in a flashing mode.
5. Traffic control signs on private property, such as Stop, Yield,
and similar signs, the face of which meet Department of
Transportation standards and which contain no commercial
message of any sort.
7. Address and postbox numerals conforming to incidental sign
regulations.
8. Government signs erected by the city, county, state, or federal
government in furtherance of their governmental responsibility.
9. Legal notices.
10. Memorial signs or tablets and building markers displayed on
public or private buildings and tablets or headstones in
cemeteries.
11. Signs prepared by or for the local, state or federal government
marking sites or buildings of historical significance.
Provisionally exempt signs - The signs listed below may be erected
without a sign permit provided that standards of this section shall be
met.
1. Construction Site: These shall not exceed a total of one hundred
(100) square feet or the total area permitted under Section II.
Such signs shall be removed within one (1) week following
completion of the work.
2. Directional: The sign shall not exceed two (2) square feet in
sign face area. The sign(s) may be used to direct vehicles or
pedestrians to public facilities or hospitals/emergency care
facilities.
24
Adopted February 9, 1993
3. "For Sale" signs placed on vehicles, Y:.ovided that the area of
the sign does not exceed two (2) square feet.
4. "Garage Sale" signs not larger than four (4) square feet on the
site of a garage sale and off -site when not more than 1000 feet
from the site of the sale.
5. "No Trespassing" or "Posted": These signs shall be allowed
subject to the following standards:
a. They shall not exceed one (1) square foot in area.
b. They shall be located on private property,
C, There shall be not more than one (1) per one hundre4
i! of property
6. Parking and Traffic: These signs shall conform to.the Manual
of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, as published by the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
Signs shall not exceed four (4) square feet in area and may be
placed on private property to direct and guide traffic and
parking on same private property. Such signs shall not include
advertising visible from any location outside of the property on
which the sign appears.
7. Political: Temporary signs advertising political parties or
candidates for election may be erected or displayed and
maintained on private property provided that:
a. The signs shall not be erected or displayed earlier than
seventy-five (75) days prior to the election to which they
pertain.
b. The signs shall be removed no later than one (1) week
after the election.
c. The placement of signs shall have the consent of the
property owner.
d. No such signs shall be placed on of within
public rights -of -ways or on public property.
8. Real Estate: One (1) on -premises sign is allowed in compliance
with the following standards:
a. Sign is non -illuminated.
25 Adopted. February 9, 1993
b. Sign is removed within fifteei. , 5) days after property
closing.
ca Signs in a residential area do not exceed six (6) square
feet in area for each parcel, property, or structure.
d. Signs in a commercial area do not exceed thirty-two (32)
square feet.
e. One (1) additional sign in conformance with other
provisions of this Section may be allowed on a site
abutting more than one (1) roadway.
9. Service Entrance: An incidental sign for building identification,
provided the sign face area does not exceed four (4) square feet,
and is non -illuminated.
10. Window Signs/Advertising Posters: Posters or announcements
located in window areas not exceeding 50 % of an individual
window area. An excess of the 50 % will cause the entire area to
be calculated as an element of total allowable site signage.
11. A -frame
signs
no taller than four feet (4')
nor wider than
three
feet (T)
with
a maximum area per side of
twelve square
feet:
a. Along sidewalks abutting the advertised businesses in
retail centers having at least 20,000 square feet of gross
leasable area when the property manager has approved
the sign in writing. The owner of a business shall be
responsible for maintaining a copy of said written
approval on the premises of the advertised building.
12. Signs in the Public Right -of -Way: No signs shall be allowed in the
public right-of-way, except for the following:
a. Permanent signs, including: Public signs erected by or on
behalf of a governmental body to post legal notices, identify
public property, convey public information, and direct or
regulate pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
b. Pus stop signs erected by a public transit company. No
advertising is permitted at bus stops except for a single sign no
larger than two (2) square feet that advertises the bus stop;
c. Informational signs of public utility regarding its poles, lines,
pipes, or facilities; and
26 Adopted February 9, 1993
d, Canopy, projecting, and suspended signs projecting over a
public right-of-way in confoi y with the conditions of Section
I1 of this ordinance.
e. Emergency warning signs erected by a governmental agency, a
public utility company, or a contractor doing authorized or
permitted work within the public right-of-way.
5. Signs Prohibited Under this Ordinance
All signs not expressly permitted under this ordinance or exempt from regulation hereunder in
accordance with the previous section are prohibited in the city. Such signs include, but are not
limited to:
B. Portable Signs;
C, Roof Signs above the lesser of the height of the structure or allowable free-standing
sign height within the district in which it is located;
D, Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, except those exempt
under the previous section;
E, Inflatable signs and tethered balloons greater than 18" in diameter;
F, Flashing, fluttering, undulating, swinging, rotating, or otherwise moving signs;
G, Signs, temporary or otherwise, affixed to a tree or utility pole,
H, Signs violating the "sight triangle" provisions.
I, Off -premise advertising signs,
L Streamers, except as provided in Section II.
K, Flags/Flag Poles in excess of the maximum height for the specified zoning district,
27 Adopted February 9, 1993
A non -conforming sign is a sign that was lawfully established prior to the effective date or
applicability of these regulations or subsequent amendments, but does not comply with
current sign regulations. In order to achieve the purposes of the sign regulations, there is
established herein a process for the removal of non -conforming signs over time.
Non -conforming signs, except as otherwise provided by this ordinance, may be continued
subject to the following limitations:
1. The owner of a non -conforming sign, upon receipt of a notice of non -conformity,
may register the sign with the City as an existing, non -conforming sign.
2. Registered, non -conforming signs may be maintained and repaired with like materials
and the sign message may be changed, provided that there is no extension,
enlargement, change in location, or structural modification to any non -conforming
aspects of the sign.
3. When a non -conforming sign is demolished or damaged to the extent that the cost of
repairing the sign is more than 60 percent of the cost of erecting a new sign of the
same type at the same location, such sign shall be eliminated or made to conform to
the current sign regulations.
4, Any non -conforming sign abandoned for more than 90 days shall be eliminated or
made to conform to current sign regulations.
Ce Removal of !f fi li 1 1 Al
The following non -conforming signs shall be eliminated or made to conform to the current
sign regulations within 30 days of the receipt of a notice of non -conformity. Signs subject to
this section are those whose characteristics constitute a public safety hazard.
1. Signs that violate the sight triangle provision.
2. Signs using the words "stop", "slow", "caution","danger" or any other word, phrase,
symbol or character in such a manner as is reasonably likely to be confused with
traffic, directional and regulatory signs.
28 Adopted February 9, 1993
3. Signs erected
so that by their location, color, nature
or message are likely to be
confused with
or obstruct the view of traffic signals
or signs, or is
likely to be
confused with
the warning lights or an emergency or public safety
vehicle.
4. Strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid background, except those exempt
under Section III.
5. Signs affixed to trees or utility poles.
6. Temporary and portable signs, except those provisionally exempt signs listed in
Section III, which violate building code provisions for wind loading, structural
stability, electrical wiring or other code provisions.
I • i11 . iii . f t � ;• r : � `ice
Except as otherwise provide by this ordinance or by law, the Director sliall cause the
removal of:
1. Any sign constructed, erected or placed in violation of the provisions of this or prior
ordinances,
2. Any sign expressly prohibited by Section III;
3. Any sign that represents a clear and
public due to its structural condition.
present danger to the health or safety of the
Any sign installed or placed on public property, except in conformance with the requirements
of this section, shall be forfeited to the public and subject to confiscation. In addition to
other remedies hereunder, the city shall have the right to recover from the owner or person
placing such a sign the full costs of removal and disposal of such sign.
m
Adopted February 9, 1993
The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and sign height,
1. Computation of Area of Individual Signs: The area of a sign face (which is also the
sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed as the
area of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, or triangle in a horizontal plane that will
encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, or other
display, together with any material or color forming an integral part of the
background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or
structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework,
bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets zoning
ordinance regulations and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
2, Computation of Area of Multifaced Signs: The sign area for a sign with more than
one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from
any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed back to back, so that both
faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces
are substantially similar, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure
the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces,
3. Computation of Height: The height of a sign shall be computed as the mean distance
from the base(s) of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached
component of the sign. formal grade shall be construed to be the lower of (1)
existing grade prior to construction or (2) the newly established grade after
construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding, or excavating solely for
the purpose of locating the sign.
4, Computation of Maximum Total Permitted Sign Area: The permitted sum of the area
of all individual signs shall be computed by applying the Zoning District formulae
contained in Section II, Maximum Total Sign Area, to the lot frontage, building
frontage, or wall area, as appropriate. Lots fronting on two or more streets are
allowed to calculate both street frontages into the allowable allocation to be identified
by the Master Signage Plan,
30 Adopted February 9, 1993
If a sign requiring a sign permit under the provisions of this ordinance is to be placed,
constructed, erected, or modified the owner of the lot shall secure a sign permit prior to the
construction, placement, erection, or modification of such a sign in accordance with the
requirements of Section IV.
No signs shall be erected in the public right-of-way except in accordance with Section III and
the permit requirements of Section V.
No sign permit of any kind shall be issued for an existing or proposed sign unless such a
sign is consistent with the requirements of this ordinance (including those protecting existing
signs) in every respect and with the Master Signage Plan in effect for the property.
1. Permits Required:
Signs identified in Section II shall be erected, installed, or created only in accordance
with a duly issued and valid sign construction permit from the Director. Such permits
shall be issued only in accordance with requirements and procedures set forth by this
ordinance.
2. Information Required:
An application for construction, creation, or installation of a new sign or for
modification of an existing sign shall be accompanied by detailed drawings to show
the dimensions, design, structure, and location of each particular sign, to the extent
that such details are not contained on a Master Signage Plan then in effect for the lot.
One application and permit may include multiple signs on the same lot.
3. Inspection:
The Director shall cause an inspection of the lot for which each permit for new sign
or for modification of an existing sign is issued during the sixth month after the
issuance of such permit or at such earlier date as the owner may request. If the
construction is not substantially complete at the time of inspection, the permit shall
lapse and become void. If the construction is substantially complete but not in full
compliance with this ordinance and applicable codes, the Director shall give the
owner or applicant notice of the deficiencies and shall allow an additional 30 days
from the date of inspection for the deficiencies to be corrected. If the deficiencies are
not corrected by such date, the permit shall lapse.
31 Adopted February 9, 1993
'Ehe following procedures
shall govern the application for, and
issuance
of, all sign permits
under this ordinance, and
the submission and review of Master
Signage
Plans,
1. Applications
All applications for sign permits of any kind and for approval of a Master Signage
Plan shall be submitted to the Director on an application form or in accordance with
application specifications published by the Director.
2, Fees
Each application for a sign permit or for approval of a Master Signage Plan shall be
accompanied by the applicable fees, which shall be established by the governing body
of the City from time to time.
3. Completeness
Within five (5) work days of receiving an application for a sign permit or for a
Master Signage Plan, the Director shall review it for completeness. If the Director
finds that it is complete, the application shall then be processed. If the Director finds
that it is incomplete, the Director shall, within such five-day period, send to the
applicant a notice of the specific ways in which the application is deficient, with
appropriate references to the applicable sections of this ordinance.
4. Action on Plan
On any application for approval of a Master Signage Plan, the Director shall take
action on the one of the following dates:
a. Ten (10) work days after the submission of a complete application if the
application is for signs for existing buildings; or
b. On the date of final action on any related application for building permit, site
plan, or development plan for signs involving new construction.
On or before such applicable date, the Director shall either:
a. Approve the proposed plan if the sign(s) as shown on the plan and the plan
itself conforms in every respect with the requirements of this ordinance; or
32 Adopted February 9, 1993
b. Reject the proposed plan if the sign(s) as shown on the plan or the plan itself
fails in any way to conform with the requirements of this ordinance. In case
of a rejection, the Director shall specify in the rejection the section or sections
of the ordinance with which the plan is inconsistent.
5. Action on Permit
a. Within five (5) work days of the submission of a complete application for a
sign permit, the Director shall either:
1. Issue the sign permit, if the sign(s) that is the subject of the application
conforms in every respect with the requirements of this ordinance and
of the applicable Master Signage Plan; or
2. Reject the sign permit if the sign(s) that is the subject of the application
fails in any way to conform with the requirements of this ordinance and
of the applicable Master Signage Plan. In case of a rejection, the
Director shall specify in the rejection the section or sections of the
ordinance or applicable plan with which the sign(s) is inconsistent.
No permit shall be issued for an individual sign requiring a permit unless and until a Master
Signage Plan for the property on which the sign will be erected has been submitted to the
Director and approved by the Director as conforming with this section. If no master signage
plan has been submitted then the City shall allot the amount of signage allowed for each
building on a given lot.
1. For any lot on which the owner proposes to erect one or more signs requiring a
permit, the owner shall submit to the Director a Master Signage Plan containing the
following:
a. An accurate site plan of the lot, at such scale as the Director may reasonably
require;
b. Location of buildings, parking lots, driveways, and landscaped areas on the
lot;
c, Computation of the maximum total sign area, the maximum area for individual
signs, the height of signs and the number of freestanding signs allowed on the
lot(s) included in the plan under this ordinance; and
d. An accurate indication on the site plan of the proposed location of each present
and future sign of any type, whether requiring a permit or not, except that
33 Adopted February 9, 1993
2. Consent
The Master Signage Plan shall be signed by all owners or their authorized agents in
such form as the Director shall require.
3. Procedures
A Master Signage Plan may be included in any development plan, site plan, planned
unit development plan, or other official plan required by the City for the proposed
development and shall be processed prior to issuance of any permit for construction of
any sign on property,
Master Signage Plan may be amended by filing a new plan that conforms with all
requirements of the ordinance then in effect.
5. Affect
After approval of a Master Signage Plan, no sign shall be erected, placed, painted, o;
maintained, except in conformance with such plan, and such plan may be enforced in
the same way as any provision of this ordinance. In case of any conflict between the
provisions of such a plan and any other provision of this ordinance, the ordinance
shall control.
All signs shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the following
standards:
1. All signs shall comply with applicable provisions of the City code at all times.
2. Except for banners, flags, temporary signs, and window signs conforming in all
respects with the requirements of this ordinance, all signs shall be constructed of
durable materials and shall be permanently attached to the ground, a building, or
another structure by direct attachment to a rigid wall, frame, or structure.
3. All signs shall be maintained in good structural condition, in compliance with all
building and electrical codes, and in conformance with this code, at all times.
4. Any spotlights allowed to illuminate signs or sign illumination shall be shielded such
that their light source cannot be seen from abutting roads or properties.
34 Adopted February 9, 1993
Fe Georgetown Sign Review Board Create4i
The City hereby appoints the Planning and Zoning Commission to act in the capacity of the
Georgetown Sign Review Board. The word "Board" when used in this and other Sections
shall be construed to mean the Sign Review Board.
The Board shall have the following powers and it shall be its duty:
I. To hear requests for variances from the literal provisions of this Ordinance for the
erection of a new sign in instances where strict enforcement of this Ordinance would
cause practical difficulties due to circumstances unique to the individual sign under
consideration, and grant such variance only when it is demonstrated that such action
will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of this Ordinance.
The Board shall meet these requirements by making findings that:
a. The public convenience and welfare will be substantially served; and
b. The appropriate use of surrounding property will not be substantially or
permanently impaired or diminished; and
c. The applicant has not created the hardship from which relief is sought; and
d. The variance will not confer upon the applicant a special right or privilege not
commonly shared or available to the owners of similar and surrounding
property; and
e. The hardship from which relief is sought is not solely of an economic nature.
Approval of any
variance
shall require
the affirmative vote of a majority
plus one
of the
Board members
attending
the meeting
at which a quorum is present and
action is
to be taken.
The Board may also impose reasonable conditions in the granting of a variance to insure
compliance and to protect adjacent property. A violation of such conditions shall constitute a
violation of this Ordinance.
35 Adopted February 9, 1993
2. Designate Landmark Signs in a manner described herein:
a. Any sign owner may apply to the Georgetown Sign Review Board for
designation of an existing sign as a Landmark Sign. If a sign is designated as
a Landmark Sign it is exempted from the provisions of this ordinance. An
owner of a Landmark Sign must ensure that the sign is not structurally
dangerous nor a fire hazard, and does not cause electrical shock nor other
hazardous conditions.
b, An application provided by the City must be made by the owner of the sign.
The Georgetown Sign Review Board shall review the application in a public
hearing and it's recommendation can be appealed to the City Council.
c. To qualify for designation as a Landmark Sign, the sign should satisfy one or
more of the following guidelines, or other criteria as determined applicable by
the Board:
1. Be easily recognizable and well known in the community; and
2. Have significant levels of community sentiment or public pride
connected with the sign; and
3. Have an owner willing to maintain the sign in good, operating and safe
condition.
3. Rule on non -conforming signs
4. Make rulings and determinations on Special Sign Permits as provided for herein:
a. The applicant shall submit an application established by the City for Board
review.
36 Adopted February 9, 1993
b* The application shall provide the Board an alternative to the strict enforcement
of theset account specificsof - site, aestheticsand
overall compatibility with neighboring uses.
Within ninety (90) days of the receipt of a notice of non -conformity, the owner of the
affected sign has the right to:
1. Bring the sign into conformance;
I Register the sign's continued use with the City.
3• Appeal the staff s determination that the sign is a non -conforming sign subject to
removal or reconstruction under the provisions of these sign regulations to the Sign
Review Board; or
4. File an appeal to the period prescribers for removal or reconstruction to the Sign
Board of Appeals. Under this option, the applicant must provide the Board of
Appeals with specific evidence of the cost and age of the sign; income derived from
the sign; and any other information relevant to the Board's determination of an
appropriate removal period. The Sign Board of Appeals will be established and shall
make ruling based on the State provisions regarding their creation.
Any person or persons aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Sign Appeals may seek
review by a Court of record of such decision, in the manner provided by the laws of the
state.
37 Adopted February 9, 1993