HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-1576 - Ordinance - 02/28/1985ORDINANCE NO. 1576
AN OHDINANCK AMENDING SECTION 8 OF ORDINANCE 850 OF THE CITY OF
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS, RELATING TO SIGNS, GENERALLY REGULATING
THEIR LOCATION, HEIGHT, AND AREA, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS that Section 8 of Ordinance 850 of the City of College
Station, Texas, is hereby amended to read as follows:
PURPOSE: The purpose of this Ordinance is to establish clear and
unambiguous regulations pertaining to signs in the City of
College Station and to promote thereby an attractive community,
foster traffic safety, and enhance the effective communication
and exchange of ideas and commercial information. The City
Council of the City of College Station hereby finds the following
legislative facts:
The proliferation of signs creates commercial confusion
and makes it difficult for travelers and motorists to
locate the goods and services they seek.
The increasing height of signs within the City is an
endless battle for a higher and more visible sign, and a
reasonable limitation on the height of signs is
necessary to prevent visual pollution, potential
windstora damage, injury or death.
Excessive height in signs creates clutter and is
unsightly and offensive to the members of this council
and many, if not most, of the citizens in College
Statxon. The establishment of a reasonable maximum
height for signs will allow effective communication,
prevent altitude competition, and will not penalize
smaller business concerns which may not be able to
compete for aerial superiority.
Reasonable provisions pertaining to size, scale,
location, design, lighting, permanency, and maintenance
are necessary to avoid visual clutter, preserve and
improve the appearance and character of the community,
to avoid traffic problems caused by distracting signs or
structures in close proximity to streets, which compete
with traffic signs and signals for the attention of
motorists, and to prevent deterioration, disregard, and
abandonment of signs or structures.
This ordinance will complement the provisions of the
Federal Highway Beautification Act of 1972.
The Council recognizes that signs are necessary for
visual communication for public convenience, and that
businesses and other activities have the right to
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Ordinance No. 1576
identify themselves by using signs which are incidental
to the use on the premises where the signs ere located.
The City Council herein seeks to provide a reasonable
balance between the right of a person to identify him or
her business or activity, and the right of the public to
be protected against visual discord and safety hazards
that result from the unrestricted proliferation,
location and construction of signs. This ordinance will
insure that signs are compatible with adjacent land uses
and with the total visual environment of the community,
in accordance with the City's comprehensive plan for
zoning and land use.
The City Council finds that the right of residents of
this City to fully exercise their rights of free speech
by the use of signs containing non-commercial messages
are subject to miniBum regulation regarding structural
safety and setbacks for purposes of traffic protection.
The Council seeks herein to provide for the reasonably
prompt removal and disposal of such signs after they
have served their purpose, and yet to avoid any
interference with First Amendment freedoms, especially
as to persons who are of limited financial means.
The Council finds that instances may occur in the
application of this ordinance where strict enforcement
would deprive a person of the reasonable use of a sign,
or the reasonable utilization of a sign in connection
with other related property rights, and herein provides
for such persons to have the right to seek variances
from the requirements of this chapter for good cause.
The Council finds that it is imperative that enforcement
officials apply this ordinance as it is written, in the
interest of equality and fair and impartial application
to all persons, and that the use of the variance
procedure shall remain the sole administrative means to
obtain any exception to the terms hereof.
1 DEFINITIONS:
SIGN means any written or graphic representation, decoration,
form, emblem, trademark, flag, banner, or other feature or
device of similar character which is used for the
communication of commercial information, or communication of
ideas or subjects of political significance, and which:
A. Is a structure or any part thereof, including the roof or
wall of a building, or a free standing wall or fence;
la written, printed, projected, painted, constructed or
otherwise placed or displayed upon or designed into a
building, board, plate, canopy, awning or vehicle, or
upon any material, object or device whatsoever; and
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Ordinance No. 1576
Ce
By reason of its form, color, wording, symbol design,
illumination or motion attracts or ia designed to attract
attention to the subject thereof, or is used as a means
of identification, advertisement or announcement.
APARTMENT/CONDOMINIUM IDENTIFICATION SIGN: An attached sign
or a freestanding sign with permanent foundation or moorings,
designed for identification of a multi-family residential
project, and where adequate provision i8 made for permanent
maintenance hereunder.
AREA IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A freestanding or wall sign with
permanent foundation or moorings, designed for identification
of subdivisions of ten (10) to fifty (50) acres, or
identification of a distinct area within a subdivision, and
where adequate provision is made for maintenance hereunder.
ATTACHED SIGN: A sign attached to or applied on and totally
supported by a part of a building, that does not project more
than one (1') foot from any exterior building face or
mansard.
BANNER/FLAG: A piece of fabric used for decoration
(contains no copy or logo) or for identification (contains
copy and/or logo).
DEVELOPMENT SIGN: A sign announcing a subdivision which has
been platted, or a separately platted phase of development
therein, or a land development for which a site plan has been
approved.
DIRECTIONAL TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGN: A sign utilized as a
traffic control device in off-street parking or access areas.
FREESTANDING SIGN: A sign supported by one or more columns,
poles or bars extended from the ground or from an object on
the ground, or that is erected on the ground; the term
includes all signe which are not substantially supported by a
building or part thereof, or which are substantially
supported by a building or part thereof, when the sole
significant purpose of the building or part thereof, is to
support or constitute the sign.
FURL PRICE SIGN: A sign used to advertise the current price
of fuel at locations where fuel is sold.
HOME OCCUPATION SIGN: A sign used to identify the name and
occupation of a person with a legal home occupation.
LOW PROFILE SIGN: A sign with a permanent foundation which
is not attached to a building, but is a stand-alone sign and
which does not exceed 60 S.F. in area and 4 feet in height.
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Ordinance No. 1576
"NUMBER' OF SIGNS: For the purpose of determining the number
of signs which are subject to the provisions of this chapter,
a sign shall be considered to be a single display surface, a
double-faced display surface, or display device containing
elements clearly organized, related and composed to form a
unit. Where latter is displayed in a random manner without
organized relationship of elements or where there is
reasonable doubt about the relationship of elements, each
element shall be considered to be s single sign; provided,
however, that the display of merchandise through glass
windows in any zone where such merchandise may be sold in the
ordinary courze of business shall not constitute a sign or
signs.
OFF PREMISE SIGN: A sign which identifies the primary uses
of, or primary services, products or goods sold or provided
on premises other than where the sign is located.
POLITICAL SIaN: Any sign which promotes a candidate for any
public office or which advocates a position on any social
issue as its primary purpose.
PORTABLE SIGN: A sign which is not affixed or attached to
real property by poles, stakes or other members which are
placed into the ground, or upon some other type of permanent
foundationl trailer sigas, any sign with wheels or skids,
and any sign which is constructed so as to sit upon the
surface of the ground, without subsurface attachment or
extension.
PREMISES: An area of land planned and designed as a single
comprehensive project, considered from the time the plan is
first submitted to the Planning Department either at plat
stage or site plan stage.
REAL ESTATE, FINANCE and CONSTRUCTION SIGN: An attached or
freestanding sign erected upon a lot or parcel of land
for the purpose of advertising same for sale or lease, or
advertising the furnishing of interim or permanent financing
for a project, or for the furnishing of labor, materials or
the practice of crafts on the job site.
ROOF LINE: The line at the save of the building or at the
top of an attached mansard or wall extension no more than six
(6') feet above the save.
ROOF SIGN: An outdoor advertising display sign erected,
constructed, or maintained above or attached to the roof of a
building.
SUBDIVISION IDENTIFICATION SIGN: A freestanding or wall sign
with permanent concrete foundation or mooringz, designed for
permanent identification of a subdivision of greater than
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Ordinance No. 1576
fifty (50) acres, and where adequate provision is made for
permanent maintenance hereunder.
2 GENERAL PROVISIONS
2.A. BUILDING PERMITS: A permit shall be required for the
following types of signs:
Apartment/CondoBinium Identification Signs
Attached Signs
Development Signs
Freestanding Signs
Roof Signs
Subdivision and Area Identification Signs
Permits shall be issued by the Building Official with
approval by the Zoning Official upon receipt of a
properly completed application which demonstrates that
the applicant's request is in accordance with the
provisions of this ordinance and the City's Building
Code. The fee for such permits shall be established by
the City Council from time to time by resolution.
No permit shall be required for the following signs:
Real Estate, Finance and Construction signs
Directional traffic control signs
Political signs
Rome Occupation signs
SUBDIVISXON AND AREA IDENTIFICATION SIGN: Area
Identification signs shall be permitted upon private
property in any zone to identify subdivisions of ten (10)
to fifty (50) acres in size and subject to the
requirements set forth in Table IX. Area Identification
signs may also be used within a large subdivision to
identify distinct areas within that subdivision, subject
to the requirements in Table II.
Subdivision signs shall be permitted upon private
property in any zone to identify subdivisions of greater
than fifty (50) acres, subject to the requirements set
forth in Table II.
Both area identification and subdivision signs must be
located on the premises as identified by a preliminary or
master preliminary plat of the subdivision. Subdivision
signs will be permitted only at major intersections on
the perimeter of the subdivision (intersection of two
collector or larger streets). At each intersection
either one or two subdivision signs may be permitted so
long aa the total area of the signs does not exceed 150
square feet. Banners or flags may be utilized as
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Ordinance No. 1576
subdivision identification signs but the overall
height shall not exceed sixty (60) feet.
Indirect lighting is permissible but no optical effects,
moving parts or alternating, erratic or flashing lights
shall be permitted. Landscaping valued at 250 points (as
described in Section II of the Zoning Ordinance) shall be
installed around each subdivision sign. Adequate
arrangements for permanent maintenance of all signs end
any landscaping in conjunction with such signs shall be
made, which may be through an owners association if one
exists or is created for this purpose.
APARTMENT/CONDOMINIUM IDENTIFICATION SIGN: An
apartment/condominium identification sign may be either
an attached sign or a freestanding sign. It shall be
placed upon the private property of a particular multi-
family project in an R4, R5 or R6 sons subject to the
requirements set forth in Table II. The
apartment/condominium identification sign shall list the
name and facilities available and may have leasing or
sales information incorporated as a part of the sign. A
multi-family project must have a minimum of 24 dwelling
units to qualify for an apartment/condominium
identification sign. Indirect lighting is permissible,
but no optical affects, moving parts, or alternating,
erratic or flashing lights or devices shall be permitted.
DEVKLOPMENT SIGN: A development sign shall be placed
upon private property subject to the requirements set
forth in Table II. A development sign may only be
located upon a lot or lots or a platted common area
within the boundaries of the platted subdivision to which
it pertains. The development sign for a project shall be
removed if the project has not received e building permit
at the end of 6 months. If the project has received a
building permit the sign may stay in place until 75~ of
the project is leased or until a permanent sign is
installed, whichever comes first. The development sxgn
permit must be reviewed by the Zoning Official for
possible renewal at the end of 12 months.
A development sign permit for a subdivision is valid as
long as the master preliminary plat is valid according to
the subdivision regulations, or in the absence of a
master preliminary plat, for twelve (12) months after the
filing of a final plat. The permit may be approved for
renewal for one (1) additional twelve (12) month period
by the Zoning Official. The sign must be oriented to the
nearest major right-of-way adjacent to the subdivision as
shown on the master preliminary plat or the final plat,
whichever is applicable.
2.E. DIRECTIONAL TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGN: Directional Traffic
6 00442P.
Ordinance No. 1576
Control signs may be utilized as traffic control devices
in off-street parking areas subject to the requirements
set forth in Table II. Logo or copy may be permitted but
shall be less than 50~ of the area of the directional
sign. No directional traffic control sign shall be
permitted within or upon the right-of-way of any public
street unless its construction, design, and location have
been approved by the City Traffic Engineer.
2.F. PORTABLE SIGNS: Portable Signs are not permitted within
the City Limits of the City of College Station.
REAL ESTATR/FINANCE/CONSTRUCTION SIGNS: One real estate
sign not exceeding sixteen (16) square Feet in total area
(exclusive of stakes and posts) may be erected at any time
while a property is offered for sale or lease to the
public. Properties with n minimum of 150 feet of
frontage shell be allowed one real estate sign not
exceeding 32 square feet in total area. Properties with
a minimum of 2 acres and frontage on 2 streets shall be
allowed one real estate nign on each frontage street with
the area of the sign to be determined by the amount of
frontage as stated above.
One finance sign and three construction signs (for a
total of 4 signs), not exceeding 16 square feet in total
area each (exclusive of stakes and posts) may be erected
once a building permit has been issued on a property.
Properties with a minimum of 10 acres and 1,000 feet of
frontage shall be allowed one finance sign and three
construction signs not exceeding 32 square feet in total
nren erich.
Real estate, finance and construction signs may be either
attached or freestanding and only those visible from the
street are limited in number (see exempt signs Section
2.P.).
All such signs shall be maintained by the persons in
control of the premises so as to remain erect and in good
repair. Such signs shall be removed by the property
owner or other person in control of the premises if they
are damaged, broken or incapable of remaining erect.
Such signs must be removed by the owner or person in
control of the premises when either the property has sold
or been leased and/or when performance under the
construction contract or subcontract (in the case of
construction signs) has been completed. Xn all cases,
financing and construction signs shall be removed prior
to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
2.H. POLITICAL SIGNS: This ordinance does not regulate the
7 0044 3.
Ordinance No. 1576
nize, content or location of political nignn except an
follown:
1. No commercial message shall be shown on any political
sign.
2. No political nigh which in in excenn of 2 square feet
in area may be located:
(a)
Within public road right-of-way at a distance of
lenn than ten (10) feet from the traveled portion
of the roadway;
(b)
On a corner lot within a triangle defined by the
right-of-way linen and a line joining 2 points
located twenty (20) feet back from the right-of-
way lines intersection.
Thin provinion in necessary to avoid dangeroun
dintraction to drivers caused by clone proximity of
much nighs to automobile traffic, to avoid damage to
automobilen which may leave the paved surface
intentionally or by accident, and to avoid the
necessity for pedestrians to step into the roadway to
bypass such signs. No regulatory alternative exists
to accomplish this police power obligation. In the
event that any political sign is located in the above
referenced areas, it shall be removed by the City.
All political signs shall be removed within ten (10)
days after the election.
HOMH OCCUPATION SIGNS: A person having a legal home
occupation may display a home occupation sign on the face
of the building or porch of a residence. The sign may
contain only the name and occupation of the resident. It
shall be attached directly to the face of the building or
porch. It shall not exceed 2 square feet in area, shall
not be illuminated in any way, and shall not project more
than 24 inches beyond the building or porch. No permit
ia required. No display of merchandine or other formn of
commercial communication shall be allowed within a
residential area, unless name are in existence prior to
the adoption of this ordinance in connection with a uae
which ia presently a lawful non-conforming uae within the
district. Such non-conforming signs may be maintained
until the non-conforming uses of the building cease,
nubject to the requirements for maintenance herein.
Discontinuance of the uae of such a sign for more than 3
monthn shall prevent future uae, even if the non-
conforming uae of the preminen in continuous.
2.J. ROOF SIGNS: Roof signs shall be regulated an
freentanding nignn.
8 0044 4
Ordinance No. 1576
FREESTANDING SIGNS: Freestanding signs ere allowed only
in A-P, C-l, C-2, C-3, M-! and M-2 zones. One
freestanding sign shall be allowed in an A-P zone only
when the premise has a minimum of 2 acres, subject to the
requirements set forth in Table II. One low profile sign
shall be allowed in an A-P zone when the premise has less
than two (2) acres subject to the requirements set forth
in Table II. Height, area and setback requirements for
all other freestanding signs are found in Tables I and
II. See Section 2.N. concerning banners and flags.
A premise with less than 75 feet of frontage shall be
allowed to use one low profile sign.
A premise with more than 75 feet
allowed to use Table I standards
sign rather than one low profile
of frontage shall be
for one freestanding
sign.
A premise with more than 150 feet of frontage shall be
allowed to use Table I standards for one freestanding
sign or any number of low profile signs as long es there
is e minimum separation between signs of 150 feet.
Premises with less than 75 feet of frontage may be
combined in order to utilize signage corresponding to
resulting frontage as described in the preceeding two
paragraphs.
the
The sign applicant may elect the frontage street where
two streets at the corner are classified the same on the
thoroughfare plan. If on two differently classified
streets, then the greater shall be considered the
frontage street.
No sore then one freestanding sign shall be allowed on
any premises except when all of the following conditions
are met:
1. The site must be zoned C-l, C-2, C-3, M-1 or M-2.
2. The site must be twenty-five (25) acres or more in
3. The site must have 1,000 feet (or more) of continuous
unsubdivided frontage on any major arterial street
(as classified in the thoroughfare plan) toward which
one additional freestanding sign is to be displayed.
ATTACHED SIGNS: Attached signs in areas zoned A-P, C-l,
C-2, C-3, M-I, and M-2 are commercial signs under this
section. An attached sign shall advertise only the name
of, uses of, or goods or services available within the
building to which the sign is attached. Such sign shall
not extend above the roof line, shall be parallel to the
face of the building, shall not be cantilevered away from
9 0044
Ordinance No. 1576
the structure, and shall not extend more than one foot
from the primary surface of the building. There shall be
no painted roofs.
BANNERS/FLAGS: A banner or flag used as the permanent
identification sign in non-residential zones shall be
regulated under Section 2.H. or 2.L., whichever is
applicable.
SIGNS FOR CONDITIONAL USES: Signs for conditional uses
shell comply with the regulations for the zoning district
in which the conditional use is permitted. An applicant
wishing to propose signage using the requirements of a
zoning district different from the one in which the
conditional use is permitted must receive approval from
the Planning and Zoning Commission az part of the
conditional use permit process.
After receipt of a recommendation of the City Planner,
the Commission may permit the requirements of n different
zoning district to be used for the purposes of zignage
when the Commission finds:
That the proposed signage is compatible with signage
allowed in surrounding zoning districts.
That the proposed signage meets the intent of this
ordinance; and,
That the proposed zignage is in harmony with the
development policies, and goals and objectives embodied
in the Comprehensive Plan for development of the City.
2.0. PROHIBITED SIGNS: The following signs shall be
prohibited in the City of College Station:
1. Portable and Trailer Signs.
2. Off premise signs.
3. Signs painted on roof tops.
4. Balloons or gas filled objects attached to any
premise or structure.
Banners or flags, excluding the United States and
Texas flags, are prohibited in residential zones
(except when flags are used az subdivision signs).
Signs and displays with flashing, blinking or
traveling lights, or erratic or other moving parts,
either internal or external to the premise, and
oriented and visible to vehicular traffic, provided
that time and temperature signs are permissible if
Ordinance No. 1576
the maximum area and setback requirements of this
ordinance are met and if the commercial information
or content of such signs is restricted to no more
than 8 square feet.
Any signs which are intended to or designed to
resemble traffic signs or signals and bear such
words as "stop", "slow", "caution", "danger",
"warning", or other words, and which are erected
for purposes other than actual traffic control or
warning to the public.
8. Any sign which emits sound, odor or visible matter.
2.P. EXEMPT SIGN: The following signs are exempt from the
requirements of this chapter:
Signs that are not easily read from beyond the
boundaries of the lot or parcel on which they are
located or from any public thoroughfare or traveled
right-of-away. Such signs are not exempt from the
satiety regulations contained herein and in City
building and electrical codes.
Official notices posted by government officials in
the performance of their duties; government signs
controlling traffic, regulating public conduct,
identifying streets,or warning of danger.
(Bulletin boards or identification signs accessory to
government buildings or other buildings are subject
to the provisions of this chapter.)
Temporary signs erected by private property owners
for the purpose of warning of a dangerous deflect or
condition, or other hazard to the public.
Works of art that in no way identify or advertise a
product or business, or by their location and
placement impede traffic safety.
Temporary decorations or displays, if they are
clearly incidental to and are customarily and
commonly associated with any national, local or
religious celebration.
Temporary or permanent signs erected by public
utilities or construction companies to warn of the
location of pipelines, electrical conduits, or other
dangers or conditions in public rights-off-way.
Signs that are displayed on motor vehicles that are
being operated or stored in the normal course of a
business, such as signs indicating the name or the
type of business, that are located on moving vans,
ll 0044 7
Ordinance No. 1576
delivery trucks, trailers and other commercial
vehicles; but only if the primary purpose of such
vehicles is not for the display of the signs thereon,
and only if such vehiclez are parked or stored in
areas appropriate to their use as commercial or
delivery vehicles, such an service areas or locations
close to the busineze building(s) away from public
traffic areas.
Signs carried by a person and not set on or affixed
to the ground.
Outdoor advertising display signs for sponsors of
charitable events held on public properties. These
signs may be displayed for the duration of the event
or not more than 3 days with approval of the City
Nanager.
10. Flags used as political symbols being the
United States and Texas flags only.
11.
Banners or flags used solely for decoration and
not containing any copy or logo and located only
non-residential zones.
in
FURL PRXCB SIGN: Service stations will be allowed one
sign per site, the area of which shall not exceed 16
square feet and will not be included in the allowable area
of any freestanding sign. This sign cannot be located
within the right-of-way.
2.B. STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS:
A building permit shall be required in addition to
any permit under this ordinance, in accordance with
the provisions of the College Station Building Code.
The provisions of this ordinance shall control over
the provisions of the Building Code only where
clearly inconsistent therewith.
2. Abandoned, Damaged, or Unsafe Signs.
(e)
The provisions of this section shall apply when
in conflict with the provisions of the Building
Code, but where the provisions of both
ordinances are not inconsistent, the enforcement
of either shall be permissible end remedies or
penalties cumulative.
(b)
All abandoned signs and their supportz shall be
removed within 60 days from the date of
abandonment. All damaged signs shall be
repaired or removed within 60 days. The
Zoning Official shall have authority to grant
0.044 8
Ordinance No. 1576
a 30 day time extension where he determines
there is a reasonable necessity for same.
(c)
Discontinuance of use or removal of any non-
conforming sign or any sign in connection with a
non-conforming use shall create a presumption of
an intent to abandon said sign. A non-
conforming sign that is damaged and not repaired
within sixty (60) days shall be presumed to be
abandoned.
2.S. MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS:
No sign shall be placed in a City of College Station
drainage or utility easement unless approval is
granted by the City Engineer. Location in an
easement shall be subject to a written agreement
entered into by all parties involved. Any damage to
or relocation of signs located in easements because
of the City's use of the easement shall be the
responsibility of the owner of the sign· The City,
when possible, shall give the owner prior notice of
the use of the easement which will affect the sign.
This in also applicable to all exempt signs.
Signs may be internally or externally lighted as
long as the light is so designed as to be shielded
away from adjoining residential premises and does not
ilpair drivers' visibility on adjoining rights of
way.
2.T. AMORTIZATION AND ABATEMENT OF NON-CONFORMING SIGNS:
The following types of signs shall become non-
conforming upon passage of this ordinance, and shall
be brought into compliance or removed within 6 months
of the date of this ordinance:
Prohibited signs as defined in Section 2.0.
The City shall make no payment for the alteration,
modification or removal of any sign where required by
this ordinance.
3 VARIANCES
GENERAL PROVISIONS: The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall
have jurisdiction to hear requests for a variance from
the terms of this Ordinance. For the granting of a
variance, a favorable vote of no less than 4 of 5 members
of the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall be necessary.
The Board shall be authorised to grant a variance from
the terms hereof if, and only if, they find that the
00 4 9
Ordinance No. 1576
strict enforcement of this Ordinance would create a
substantial hardship to the applicant, by virtue of
unique special conditions not generally found within the
City, and that the granting of the variance would
preserve the spirit and intent of the Ordinance, and
would serve the general interests of the public and the
applicant.
3oB.
AMORTIZATION: The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall have
authority to grant variances to the amortization
provisions of the foregoing Section 2.?. upon request
of an applicant. An applicant must show to the
satisfaction of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, in
accordance with this substantial evidence rule, that the
investment of the applicant in the sign in question has
not been, or cannot be, recouped within the period set
forth herein; and that the strict application of the
provisions of this Ordinance are unfair as applied to the
applicant. The Zoning Board of Adjustment shall
establish a sat date for the compliance or removal as to
any such sign in the event that it grants a variance to
the terms of this Ordinaoce.
4 BNFORCBMKNT
Misdemeanor Prosecution: The Zoning Official, or duly
designated representative, shall have the authority to
issue citations for the violation of the provisions of
this ordinance. In the event that an individual signs a
copy of the citation given to him or her, he thereby
acknowledges receipt of same and promises to contact the
Municipal Court and arrange for the entry of a plea and a
hearing where necessary, within 10 days of the date of
the citation. If the defendant shall not sign a
citation, the Zoning Official shall proceed to prepare
and file a formal complaint with the Judge of the
Municipal Court, and shall seek the issuance of a
warrant, delivering same to the appropriate law
enforcement officer for the resulting arrest of the
defendant. A person commits an offense if he knowingly,
intentionally, or recklessly uses, erects, installs,
maintains, or allows a sign to remain upon premises
owned by or within his or her control, contrary to the
provisions of this Ordinance. A person commits an
offense if he or she knowingly, intentionally, or
recklessly fails to perform the actions hereunder
required, including the application for and receipt of a
permit, and any other aspect of the construction,
erection, and maintenance of any sign. An offense under
this Ordinance shall be a Class C misdemeanor and shall
be punishable by a fine of not les8 than Twenty-five
Dollars ($25.00), and not more than One Thousand Dollars
($1,000.00) for each day such offense exists. If this
Ordinance No. 1576
penalty provision is invalid, as beyond the scope of the
City's authority to enact such penalty, this Ordinance
shall be and remain valid in all other respects, and the
maximum fine shall be Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) per
day.
The City Attorney is hereby authorized to proceed by
civil suit in the instance of any violation of this
Ordinance and to seek the issuance of a temporary or
permanent injunction, mandating compliance herewith, or
prohibiting future violations hereof, without respect to
efforts to prosecute misdemeanor violations hereunder,
or the pendency of a formal complaint or charges
alleging such violations.
Removal by Zoning Official: The Zoning Official is
hereby empowered to take up and remove any sign which
will not be damaged by such removal, when such sign has
been erected, placed, or is being maintained in
violation of this ordinance. The Zoning Official shall
take custody of such sign, and shall preserve and
maintain such sign as the property of the owner thereof.
The Zoning Official 8hall make a diligent effort to
locate the owner of said sign, to notify the owner of
the violation and the owner's right to reclaim the sign
within 30 days after notification that it has been
removed by the Zoning Official. The owner of a sign, or
the person previously in possession or control of same,
shall be entitled to a hearing on the issue of his right
to erect, place or maintain the sign at the location
from which it was removed. The Zoning Official shall
additionally notify the owner or other person of such
right. Such a hearing shall be conducted at the next
available scheduled docket for the College Station
Municipal Court, and the decision of the Municipal Judge
shall be final.
The Zoning Official or delegate shall have the right to
remove, dismantle, and/or destroy any sign erected,
placed or maintained in violation of the provisions of
this Ordinance, after written notice to the owner or
person otherwise in custody or control of the sign,
actually delivered or mailed by certified mail, return
receipt requested, to the last known address(es) of the
owner or other person, and providing for a hearing upon
request. The request for a hearing shall be made in
person or in writing to the Municipal Clerk within 10
days of actual service of the notice of intention to
remove, dismantle or destroy, or within 15 days of the
mailing of such notice by certified mail. Issuance of a
citation which also informs the owner of the intention
to remove, dismantle, and/or destroy shall suffice.
Said hearing shall be conducted by the Judge of the
Municipal Court in like manner as set forth in the
004431
Ordinance No. 1576
preceding section, and the decision of the Municipal
Judge shall be final an to the right of the Zoning
Official to remove, dismantle or destroy said sign.
5 EFFECTIVE DATE
It is ordained that this ordinance shall become effective
from and after its passage in accordance with the City
Charter of the City of College Station.
PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 28th day of February, 1985.
ATTEST:
City Secretar, y, Dian Jones
'q0443
TABLE I
ALLOWABLE AREAS FOR FREESTANDING SIGNS:
MAXIHUtl
FRONTAGE AREA'
(FEET) (SQ. FT.)
0-50 25
51-100 50
101-150 75
151-200 100
201-250 125
251-300 150
301-350 175
351-q00 200
qO1-450 225
451-500 250
501-550 275
551-600+ 300
NOTES
(1) FRONTAGE = the number of feet fronting
on a public street to which the sign
is oriented.
(2) AREA = the area in square feet of a
single-face s~gn, or (1) side of
a double-face sign, or half the sides
of a multi-face sign.
(3) Area of a freestanding sign is the area
enclosed by the minimum imaginary
rectangle of vertical and horizontal
lines which fully contain all extremities,
exclusive of supports, of a horizontal
view of the sign.
(4) The maxlmum area of any freestanding sign
may not exceed either that allowed by the
chart above or the square of (1/6) the
distance in feet from the base of the
sign to the curb or pavement edge of the
frontage street, whichever is greater. On
corner lots the frontage street shall be
the greater street as classified on the
thoroughfare plan. Where two streets are
the same the appllcant may choose the
frontage street.
ALLOWABLE HEIGHTS FOR FREESTANDING SIGNS:
DISTANCE FROM CURB OR PAVEMENT EDGE (FEET)
AT LESS
LEAST THAN HEIGHT
10 15 4.5'
15 20
20 25 11'
25 30 14'
30 35 16~
35 40
40 45 21'
45 50 23'
50 55 26'
55 60 29~
60 65 31'
65 70 34'
70+ 35'
*IO0+ ~50'
NOTES
(1) DISTANCE FROM CURB = distance in feet from
the curb or pavement edge to the nearest
part of the slgn.
(2) HEIGHT = height of sign measured from the
elevation of the curb or pavement edge.
(3) No freestanding sign shall exceed 35 feet
in height except as in (5) below.
(4) On corner lots only the frontage street
(as defined in (4) above) can be used to
determine height and area.
*(5) Tracts zoned C-1,C-2,C-3,tt-I & M-2 with a
minimum of 100 ft. of frontage on S.H.6 East
Bypass may have a sign up to a maxinlum of
50 ft. in heiqht with a minimum distance from
the right-of-way of 100 ft. The sign shall
not be closer than 200 ft. to any property
zoned R-1,R-1A,R-2 or R-3.
TABLE II
*Summary of Sign Regulations. Ordinance
SIGN CLASSIFICATION PERNITTED DISTRICT MAXINUN AREA ~AXIRUH HEIGHT SETBACK NO ALLO~ED PERMIT RE,~
Subd~ws,on & Area Subdlvlslon-ISOSF Subd~vlslon-15ft lO Et,be- ~es
Identlflcat~on All Area I.D.-16 SF Area 1.0.-4Ft h~nd ROW See Sec 2 B
Apartment/Condo~n,n~um R~,RS,R6 I00 SF I0 ft be- I per oroJect ,~
Identl ¢,cat,on 10 ft h~nd RO~/ w/mtn 24 DU
0evelopnent(Project) Ali d~strlcts 35 SF on 50'RO~ I0 Et.be- I per premise
65 SF on 60'ROW h~nd ROW
150 SF on 70'ROW 15 ft
250 SF on RO~)70'
Oevelopment(Subd,v~s~on) All districts sar as above 15 Ft Sane as I per subdvn
above
Direction Traffic Control R4~RS,R6,AP,CI,C2. 3 SF ~ ft be- I pe~ curbcut no
C3.H1,~2 4 Ft.
hind curb.
Apvl. of
Traffic Engr
If in ROW
Real Estate All d~strlcts 16 SF w/less than 8 Ft. lO Ft. be- I per premise
150 ft Frontage hlnd ROW
32 SF w/more than
150 Et.frontage
Finance/Construction All districts 16 SF w/less than I0 ft be- 3- constructl~,n
150 ~t frontage
32 SF ~/more than 8 ft h~nd RO~ I- f~nance no
150 ft.Eronta~e
lO ft be-
hind curb
if area
Roof ..... SHALL BE TREATED AS A COHHERCIAL fREESTANDING SIGN .....
h~nd RO~ more than 2 Acres
Freestanalng bc~,=rclal C1,C2,C3,rt1,/12 See Table
I See Sec 2 K.
L~ Profile AP,CI,C2,C3, 60 SF q ft io ft be- See Sec Z K
hlnd ROW
Att~¢h~J (Rq,RS,R6 See ..... Shall not ..........
apt/Condo I n J e~tend above
AP,CN.CI ,C2,C3, roof line
Exempt ..... SEE SECTION 2 P.-
Prohibited ..... SEE SECTION 2.0 .....
*See deFin,t~ons and more detailed explanation in Sectlons 1 and 2
004434
__Y
SIGN
(X~]CY] -- AREA
00~435
WALL EXTENSION ABOVE
SAVE MAY BE USED
FOR SlI:gNAGE
ROOF EAVE
EAVE
6'MAX.
004436
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Il:'.',&,"=-,, ,- :, :, ,"' ,, ,, 'i, ',
~'-'-'-': ;-'..,'-!.,.'.'..,: .~-~...'.':-.:.
LOW
~~',.,:.,~ ,, ::?.,, ;-,,,',,-',.,, :,:,. ,,.,:. ~
I ~'Ui..::.".'.':' :.2-i'..".'."-' .?:."~.'.'.-': i~...i'...-.'...;..'~ '.~
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II I _ FREESTANOINr-'-
II'~',, --',:~/
~!, i.~.,,,,~: ,,, ,~,,, , ,
ILL.. '.!-.~:~.-.
J ·eONE FREEB'rANDINQ OR ANY
NUMBER LOW PROFILE WII'H
150' SPACING
004~7
X
Cx~CY~
[] AREA
I.
(X](Y] [] 60 SQ.FEET
LOW PROFILE SIGN
004438