1986S28-Sign Ordinance
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ORDINANCE NO. 86-5-28
AN ORDINANCE
BY CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ REGULATING THE
T~PE, LOCATION, SIZE AND NUMBER OF SIGNS TO PROVIDE
UNIFORM SIGN STANDARDS ~bR THE CITY OF SCHERTZ;
PROVIDING DEFINITIONS, PROHIBITIONS, NON-CONFORMING
SIGNS: PROVIDING FOR PERMITS: PROVIDING A SAVINGS
CLAUSE; PENALTY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
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INDEX
ARTICLE I. PURPOSE 1
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS 1
ARTICLE III DEFINITIONS 3
ARTICLE IV PROHIBITED SIGNS 7
ARTICLE V SIGNS PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS 7
Section 1 Realty 7
Section 2 Name Plate 7
Section 3 Street Numbers 7
Section 4 Neighborhood Crime Watch Signs 7
Section 5 Development Signs 7
Section 6 political Signs 8
Section 7 Multi-Family, Residential subdivision
and P.U.D.'s Mobile Home Park/Subdivision 8
ARTICLE VI SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL BUSINESS,COMMERCIAL
AND MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS 8
Section 1 All Signs Authorized in a Residential District 8
Section 2 Advertising Vehicles 9
Section 3 Banners, Flags, Pennants 9
Section 4 Community Services 9
Section 5 Free-Standing 9
ARTICLE VII ABANDONED OR DAMAGED SIGNS 17
ARTICLE VIII NON-CONFORMING SIGNS 18
ARTICLE IX PERMITS 20
ARTICLE X SPECIAL PROVISIONS 24
ARTICLE XI EFFECTIVE DATE 24
ATTACHMENT SCHEDULE OF FEES
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ARTICLE I PURPOSE
The purpose of this Section l.S to provide
uniform S1.gn standards which promote a positive
City l.mage reflecting order, harmony and pride,
thereby strengthening the econom1.C stability of
Schertz's business, cultural and residential
areas. Objectiv~s to be pursued l.n applying
specific standards are as follows:
1. To identify individual business,
residential and public uses without creating
confusion, unsightliness or visual obscurity of
adjacent businesses.
2. To assure that all S1.gns l.n terms of S1.ze,
scale, height and location are properly related
to the overall adjacent land use and character
development lot size.
3 . To assure that all S1.gns, l.n terms of
color, form, material and design are compatible
with other structural forms on the development
lots.
4. To assure that off-premise advertising is
compatible with adjacent land uses and does not
obscure views of adjacent on-premise signs.
5 . To assure that all S1.gns, S1.gn supports
and S1.gn bases shall be so constructed and
designed to provide for design compatibility
\oJ i th the development. Where possible, the
materials used, the form, color, lighting and
style should be similar to the materials used l.n
the development.
ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS
1. All businesses shall be authorized two ( 2 )
S1.gns - one (1) sign on the building and one (1)
free-standing sign.
2. All S1.gns shall pertain to the
identification of the pr1.mary uses and/or
pr1.mary services provided or pr1.mary products
sold on the prem1.ses, except for billboards,
auxiliary, governmental or community service
signs as provided..
3. All S1.gns, where applicable, shall meet the
standards of the City Building Code and have the
sign permit number and approveq date affixed.
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4. Except as herein provided, no person or
business firm, . acting either as principal or
agent, shall alter the copy, face or lettering
of any S1.gn, except for Section Sl.gns with
temporary messages made from interchangeable
characters attached to tracks or grooves on the
sign board, either by changing the message or by
renovating an existing message, or shall erect
any S1.gn or S1.gn structure until a S1.gn permit
for such work has been issued by the Building
Official to a bonded contract or the owner or
occupant of the premises where the work is to be
done.
5. No more than two sides of a s1.gn
structure may be used for display.
6 . No s1.gn, , s1.gn structure, or sl.gn support
shall project over any property line.
7. Trees, rocks, bridges, fences, windmill
towers and dilapidated buildings shall not be
used as sign supports.
8. All business locations shall be identified
by a street address S1.gn which l.S clearly
visible from the street.
9. Signs with flashing, blinking or traveling
lights shall have light bulbs which do not
exceed thirty-five ( 35 ) watts each.
10. In the event that more than one sign-related
defin'ition applies to a non-prohibited proposed
Sl.gn, resulting l.n conflicting regulations
thereon, the stricter definition shall apply.
Where the proposed sign l.S of a type that is
prohibited, it shall rema1.n prohibited
notwithstanding that it may also come within the
definition of an approved type of S1.gn.
11. No Signs on Public Property. No sl.gns are
to be attached, placed, painted, or otherwise
erected upon any lamp post, telephone poles,
fire hydrants, bridges, public buildings, or any
other proper.ty belonging to Schertz or within
any park located l.n Schertz (excluding police
officers and other public officials from posting
S1.gns for public purposes).
12. No Signs on Property Without Owner's
Consent. No s1.gns are to be located on any _
property without the consent of t,he owner,
lessee,_ agent or occupant of such-property.
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13. Maintenance of Signs. Every sign, including
those specifically exempt from this Ordinance,
l.n respect to permits and permit fees, shall be
maintained l.n good structural condition at all
times. All signs shall be kept neatly painted,
including all metal parts and supports thereof
that are not galvanized or of rust resistant
material. The Building Official, or his
authorized representative, shall inspect and
shall have the authority to order the painting,
repa1.r, alterations or removal of a S1.gn which
shall constitute a nU1.sance, a hazard to safety,
health, or public welfare by reason of
inadequate maintenance, dilapidation or
obsolescence.
ARTICLE III DEFINITIONS
1. Banner, Flag or Pennant: Any S1.gn exposed
to weather and which l.S made from or on cloth or
other limp material. A flag shall be any such
S1.gn which l.S flown from one flag staff. Any
s1.gn made from or on cloth or other limp
material and which is displayed behind glass and
within a building shall be deemed a wall S1.gn.
2. Billboard: Any flat surface erected on a
frameback or on any structure, or attached to
posts and used for, as designed to be used for,
the display of belts, posters or other
advertising material for the purpose of
advertising a business or activity not located
on the same prem1.ses as the said advertising
material. . Mobile advertising, handcarried S1.gns
and political S1.gns shall not be considered a
billboard.
3 . Building: A structure having a roof
supported by columns or walls and designed or
intended for the shelter, support, enclosure or
protection of persons or chattels, except for
tents and canopies.
4. Sign: Any words, numbers, figures, devices,
designs, trademarks or other symbols which
attract attention to or make known such things
as an individual, firm, profession, business,
commodity or serV1.ce, and which are visible from
any publ ic street. This definition of "sign"
shall include any structure designed to be used
for said display. Fc;>r the purpose of removal,
"sign" shall also include sign supports.
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'4a. Sign, Abandoned: Any s1.gns including
off-premise S1.gns unless owned and operated
by a bona fide billboard company, which no
longer correctly directs or exhorts any
person or advertises a bona fide business
lessor, owner, product, serV1.ce or activity.
4b. Sign, Advertising Vehicle or Trailer:
Any vehicle or trailer which has as it's
basic purpose the advertisement of products
or direction of people to a business or
activity, whether located on or off-premise.
4c. Sign Area: The area of any free-
standing S1.gn or billboard shall be the sum
of the areas enclosed by the minimum
. , rectangles, triangles or circles
l.mag1.nary
which ful'ly contain all extremeties of the
S1.gn, including the frame but excluding any
supports. Sign area for all other S1.gns
shall be the sum of the area of the minimum
imaginary rectangles, triangles or circles
which fully contain all words, numbers,
figures, devices, designs or trademarks by
which anything is made known. To compute the
allowable square footage of S1.gn area, only
one ( 1 ) side of a double face S1.gn shall be
consldered.
4d. Sign, Auxiliary: Any S1.gn indicating
general information, such as pr1.C1.ng, trading
stamps, credit cards, official notices or
serv1.ces required by law, trade associations,
and S1.gns g1.v1.ng directions to offices, rest
rooms, exits and like facilities.
4e. Sign, Bench: Any s1.gn painted on or
affixed to a bench normally used for seating,
indoor or outdoor.
4f. Sign, Community Services: Any s1.gn
which solicits support for or advertises a
non-profit community use, public use or
social institution. Such signs may include,
but shall not be limited to, seasonal
holidays such as Christmas or Easter, school
activities, charitable programs or religious
activities.
4g. Sign, Damaged: Any s1.gn which has
become so deteriorated or dilapidated as to
require more than minimal reconditioning to
restore it to. a,n aver.age, normal state of
repair.
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4h. Sign, Free-Standing: Any s1.gn
permanently affixed to the ground and which
l.S not affixed to a building and which l.S not
used for off-premises advertising.
4i. Sign, Governmental: Any S1.gn indicating
public works projects, public serV1.ce or
other programs or activities conducted or
required- by any governmental subdivision.
4j. Sign, Height: Sign height shall be the
vertical distance between the highest part of
the S1.gn or it's supporting structure,
whichever l.S higher, and the average
established ground level beneath the s1.gn.
4k. Sign, Political: Any device announc1.ng
or promoting the candidacy of one or more
persons for elective public office or
concern1.ng any political l.ssue appear1.ng, or
which is to appear, on the ballot l.n any
public election.
41. Sign, Portable or Mobile: Any S1.gn
designed or constructed to be easily moved
from one location to another, including S1.gns
mounted upon or designed to be mounted upon a
trailer, wheel carr1.er or other non-motorized
mobile structure. A portable S1.gn which has
it's wheels removed shall still be considered
a portable S1.gn hereunder: used for a short
period of time to announce a special event or
ac~ivity.
4m. Sign, Realty: Any sign used to advertise
a real estate development site or to
advertise that real estate l.S for sale or
lease.
4n. Sign, Roof: Any s1.gns which are
affixed to building roofs, except sloping
roofs.
40. Sign, Setback: Sign setback shall
be the horizontal distance between a S1.gn
and the front lot line, as measured from that
part of the S1.gn excluding it's extremities
and supports, nearest to any point on an
l.mag1.nary vertical plane projecting from the
front lot line.
4p. Sign Sloping: Any s1.gn affixed to
sloping roof.
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4q. Sign, Temporary Business Promotion:
Any s1.gn which l.S designed to produce
revenue by advertising serV1.ces, sales -or
other temporary promotional programs and
which have limited duration not to exceed
sixty (60) consecutive days.
4r. Sign, Wall: Any sign affixed flat
against and parallel to a building wall. For
the purposes of this definition, wall shall
include window areas.
4s. Visibility Triangle: Triangle sight
area would be from the corner of converg1.ng
streets to a distance of twenty-five (25' )
feet along each street with the triangle
completed by drawing a line through the
property ,from both twenty-five (25' ) foot
street setbacks.
5. Variance: An exceptional condition which
poses a practical difficulty or particular
hardship l.n such a way as to prevent an owner
from displaying his/her S1.gn as intended by this
Ordinance. Such practical difficulty must be
clearly exhibited and must be a result of an
external influence and not self-imposed.
Sa. Hardship: A condition that would result
l.n the closing or eliminating of any lawful
business not created by personal difficulties
of the owner.
6. Shopping Center: Two ( 2 ) or more retail
stores and/or serV1.ce establishments, or one (1 )
retail store and one (1) serV1.ce establishment,
sharing customer parking area, and entrance
ways, regardless of whether said stores and/or
establishments occupy same or separate
structures or are under separate ownership.
7. Mall: Any concentration of retail stores
and/or serV1.ce establishments which share
customer parking area and are located within an
enclosure having public walkways, whereby a
customer l.n one ( 1 ) store or establishment may
walk to another store or establishment without
leaving the enclosure.
8. Directory Sign: A sign which indicates the
name and/or address of the occupant, _ the address
of the pr,emises, and/or identification of any
legal business 'or occupation which may exist at
the ,premises.
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ARTICLE IV SIGN PROHIBITED
Signs not listed l.n this regulation are
prohibited, and the placement of S1.gns anywhere
other -than specified l.n this regulation l.S
prohibited.
ARTICLE V SIGNS PERMITTED IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
The following S1.gns shall be permitted in all
residential areas:
Section 1 Realty Signs.
A temporary sign pertaining to the lease, rental
or sale of prem1.ses or structure located
thereon. Such S1.gns shall not be lighted and
shall not exceed fifteen <15 ) square feet l.n
area. No permit l.S required. (Ordinance 79-s-
15, 1979)
Section 2 Name Plate.
A name plate may be displayed on the face of the
building or porch. The name plate will contain
only the name of the person. It shall be
attached directly to and parallel to the face of
the building or porch. It shall not exceed one
( 1 ) square foot l.n area, and shall not be
illuminated l.n any way. No permit l.S required.
(Ordinance 79-S-15, 1979)
Section 3 Street Numbers.
A street number l.S required for all residences.
It must be readable from the street and may be
on the building or l.n the yard and may include
the name of the occupant. No permit l.S
required. (Ordinance 79-S-15, 1979)
Section 71, Neighborhood Crime Watch Signs.
Crime Watch Signs should be permitted on speed
limit and/or street name sign posts. Each Crime
Watch Organization will contact the City manager
on the proposed location of s1.gns. The
organization will pay for the S1.gn and the City
Street Department will install the S1.gns as
authorized at no cost to the organization.
Section 5 Development Signs.
"Ground Signs" - announc ing or describing a
legally approve~ subdivision or land development
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may be temporarily erected until the subdivision
l.S seven1~.y,...five (75%) percent compliance or five
( 5 ) years whichever is sooner. Such signs shall
not exceed three hundred (300) square feet in
area and may be indirectly lighted. Signs
having flashing or mOV1.ng parts are not
permitted. Prior approval by the Planning and
Zoning Commission is required. (Ordinance 70-S-
15, 1979)
Section 6 Political Signs.
,- Political signs may be displayed sixty (60 ) days
pr1.or to the election, which includes any run-
off election. Prior approval of the occupant
must be obtained pr1.or to the placement of the
S1.gn. The placement of the S1.gn will not
obscure or in any manner block the vision of any
driver of a vehicle US1.ng the public street or
entering any such street. All political S1.gns
will be removed within ten (10 ) days after the
election. No political S1.gn will be placed
within the right-of-way of any street or
roadway.
Section 7 Multi-Family, Residential Subdivision and
P.U.D.'s, Mobile Home Park/Subdivision.
Residential developments may be identified by
ground S1.gns at each entrance/exit to the
development no more than thirty (30 ) square feet
l.n area and will not exceed S1.X ( 6 ' ) feet l.n
height. The sign will contain only the name of
the development. The placement of the sign will
not obscure, or l.n any manner, block the vision
of any driver of a vehicle US1.ng the public
street or entering any such street. Two ( 2 )
S1.gns (one (1) double-sided or two ( 2 ) single-
sided) are authorized per entrance/exit. Signs
may be indirectly illuminated. They shall have
no flashing lights or mov1.ng parts. Permit
required.
ARTICLE VI SIGNS PERMITTED IN ALL BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL AND
MANUFACTURING DISTRICTS
The following S1.gns shall be permitted l.n all
Business/Commercial Manufacturing Districts:
Section 1 All Signs Authorized In A Residential District.
Signs authorized in residential districts shall
be permitted in business/commercial districts.
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Section 2 Adver~isingVehicles.
No person shall park an advertising vehicle or
-trailer on a public right-of-way or on public
property. When an advertising vehicle l.S located
on private property, so as to be visible from a
public right-of-way, it shall not be for a
period of time longer than forty-eight (48)
hours and a permit shall be required.
Section 3 Banners, Flags, Pennants.
3a. Banners and pennants are permitted to
announce a grand open1.ng not to exceed ten (10 )
days, and will not be permitted over public
property or a public right-of-way. Permit
required.
3b. Cloth banner S1.gns without frame may
project over and across street right-of-way
provided they are of a non-commercial nature,
. not for private profit event. The banner shall
be at least fourteen (14' ) feet from the street
grade. Permit required.
3c. National and/or State flags are permitted.
Flags which show an emblem or logo of a firm or
corporation are permitted. No flag shall exceed
thirty-two (32) square feet, and the top of the
pole will not exceed twenty-five (25') feet l.n
height from the ground. Permit required for the
construction of a flag pole.
Section 4 Community Service Sign.
Any community serV1.ce S1.gns for seasonal
celebration shall have no S1.ze limitation if
placed in or on a window. Any community serV1.ce
S1.gn, not of a seasonal celebration nature,
shall be placed l.n or on windows and shall have
a combined area not exceeding ten (10% ) percent
of the area of all the windows on the same wall.
Section 5 Free-Standing Signs.
One ( 1 ) free-standing S1.gn for each building,
not to exceed one (1) free-standing S1.gn per
development lot (except as provided l.n Section
Sa. below) :
Sa. "GB" , "NS", "OP", "M-1" and "M-2" Districts
with frontage on a th~roughfare.
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Sa. ( 1 ) Area: The total area of a free-
standing S1.gn shall not exceed two hundred
fifty (250) square feet.
Sa. ( 2 ) Height: In no case shall S1.gn
height exceed forty (40') feet.
Sa. ( 3 ) Setback: The base of the S1.gn shall
be set back a minimum of five ( 5 ' ) feet from
the property line, and will meet the
structural requirements set forth l.n the
Southern Building Code.
Sa. ( 4 ) Spacing: Free-standing signs shall
not be placed closer to a side lot line than
a distance equal to five ( S ' ) feet plus one
( 1 ' ) foot for each foot of sign height above
five ( S ' ) 'feet.
5b. "GB", "NS", "OP", "M-1" and "M-2" Districts
with frontage on an expressway or interstate
right-of-way.
5b. ( 1 ) Area: The total area of a free-
standing S1.gn shall not exceed two hundred
fifty (2S0) square feet.
Sb. ( 2 ) Height: In no case shall S1.gn
,- height exceed fifty ( SO' ) feet.
Sb. (3) Setback: Setback shall be a m1.n1.mum
of five ( 5 ' ) feet plus one (1' ) foot for each
foot of sign height above five ( 5 ' ) feet.
Sb. ( 4 ) Spacing: Free-standing S1.gns shall
not be placed closer to a side lot line than
a distance equal to five ( 5 ' ) feet plus one
( 1 ' ) foot for each foot of sign height above
five ( S ' ) feet.
5c. All free-standing S1.gns permitted l.n
ARTICLE VI shall comply with the following:
Sc. ( 1 ) On corner lots, that frontage on a
major or primary street shall be construed to
be the development lot frontage. No more
than one (1) S1.gn shall be permitted, except
on a development lot located at the
intersection of two major thoroughfares or
two expressways/interstates or a major
thoroughfare and an expressway/interstate. A
free~standingsign shall be permitted on each
~thoroughfare or express~ayfinterstate or one
( 1 ) sign, 'of the same S1.ze" - height and-
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setback, may be placed on the corner,
provided it l.S not within the visibility
triangle.
Sc . ( 2 ) No s1.gn shall be placed _ within
the "visibility triangle" as defined 'in this
Ordinance unless the lowest portion of the
S1.gn l.S ten (10' ) feet above the 'average
ground level.
5c. (3) To compute the allowable square
footage of S1.gn area, only one (1) side of a
double face sign~shall be considered.
5c. (4 ) Development lot frontage shall be
defined as that frontage under one (1)
development at the time of application for
sign,permit.
5c. ( 5 ) Free-standing S1.gns may be placed
on the roof of a building provided the
height, setback, square footage and location
requirements of this Section are met.
Standards established by this Section shall
not apply where FAA regulations are in
conflict.
Sc. ( 6 ) Auxiliary S1.gns shall not be
permitted affixed to a free-standing sign.
5d. Governmental Signs: Government S1.gns not
exceeding thirty-two ( 32) square feet l.n area
and not exceeding ten (10' ) feet in height shall
be permitted. Such standards shall not apply
where State Ot" Federal requirements are l.n
conflict with these standards.
5e. Political Signs: Same as ARTICLE V,
Section 6.
Sf. Realty Signs: Same as ARTICLE V, Section 1.
5g. Roof Signs: Roof S1.gns shall be limited
to standards established l.n ARTICLE VI, Section
S c -~ ( S ) .
5h. Sloping Signs: Sloping roof S1.gns shall
not project horizontally or vertically beyond
the roof line. Not more than ten (10%) percent
of any sloping roof - shall be devoted to these
S1.gns.
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Si. Temporary Business Promotional ' Signs:
..Any 'temporary 'busine:ss _ promotional signs spall -
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only be placed in or on windo~s and shall have a
combined area not exceeding ten (10%) percent of
the area of all windows on the same wall.
5j. Wall Sign: Wall sign shall project no more
than two ( 2 ' ) , feet perpendicular from the wall
and not more than three ( 3 ') feet vertically
above the wall of a building. Not more than ten
(10%) percent of any wall shall be devoted to
wall S1.gns, except where free-standing S1.gns are
allowed but not used. This may be increased to
not more than fifteen (15%) percent.
sk. Street Number: Same as ARTICLE V, Section
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51. Neighborhood Crime Watch Signs: Same as
ARTICLE V, Section 4.
Sm. Billboards:
5m. ( 1 ) Billboards shall be-, constructed to
meet the construction standards established
by the city of Schertz.
Sm. ( 2 ) Billboards located in a "GB" District
shall be a m1.n1.mum of three hundred (300')
feet from any residentially zoned property
line. No billboard shall be located within a
distance of one hundred (100') feet of an
existing billboard on the same side of a
street. Along an expressway or interstate
highway this distance l.ncreases to fifteen
hundred <1500' ) feet.
Sm. ( 3 ) The maX1.mum area of any billboard
located in a "GB" area shall be three hundred
(300) square feet.
Sm. ( 4 ) The maX1.mum area of any billboard
located l.n a "M-1" or "M-2" District shall be
seven hundred fifty (750 ) square feet.
Sm. ( 5 ) The maX1.mum area of any billboard
located along an expressway or interstate
highway sha: 1 i'; be five hundred (500) square
feet.
Sm. ( 6 ) Billboards shall be set back at least
fifty (50' ) feet from the right-of-way of any
street, road, expressway or interstate
highway.
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5m. ( 7 ) Billboards located l.n a "GB"-, "M-1"
or "M-2" District shall have a maximum height
of thirty,-five ( 35' ) feet with an open space
of at least S1.X (6' ) feet maintained between
the bottQm of the billboard and the ground,
except that the necessary supports extending
through such space are not prohibited.
Sm. ( 8 ) Billboards along an expressway or
interstate highway shall have maximum height
of fifty (SO' ) feet and a m1.n1.mum height of
,- forty ( 40 ' ) feet, mounted on a single steel
p1.pe support.
Sm. ( 9 ) All lighting of billboards -shall be
so shielded as not to produce intrusion or
exceSS1.ve light or glare on adjacent
property. '
5m.(10) No billboards or part thereof shall
be located on or above any public property.
Nor shall any billboard be located on private
property without the written consent of the
owner, holder, leasee, agent or trustee.
Sn. Portable or Mobile Sign:
5n.(1) Portable or mobile S1.gn shall not
exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. The s1.gn
may be electric or non-electric, however,
flashing lights will not be permitted.
Sn. ( 2 ) A permit will be issued for a sixty
(60 ) day time limit, renewable for an
additional thirty (30 ) day period.
5n. ( 3) No part of any S1.gn may be located
within ten ( 10 ' ) feet of any public street,
road or public easement. (Ordinance 79-S-1S,
1979)
5n. ( 4) No more than one (1) portable sign
shall be allowed on any one (1) building
plot. (Ordinance 79-S-15, 1979)
Sn. (5) Electrical permit will be required
, ,- for electric
S1.gns.
Section 6 Shopping Center and Mall Signs
6a. Wall Signs l.n "GB","NS", "OP", "M-1", and
"M-2" Districts with frontage on a thoroughfare.
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6a . ( 1 ) Number: There shall not be more than
'one ( 1 ) wall S1.gn per each principal tenant
or use contained in a shopping center or mall
except that where a tenant or use abuts two
( 2 ) or more streets, additional such Sl.gns,
one (1) oriented to each abutting street,
shall be permitted.
6a. ( 2 ) Area: The gross surface area of a
wall sign shall not exceed ten (10% ) percent
of the tenant's or user's proportionate share
of the building wall to which the s1.gn l.S to
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be affixed or two hundred (200) square feet,
whichever l.S less.
6a. ( 3 ) Uniformity: All wall Sl.gns located
l.n a shopping center or mall will utilize
lettering ,and background uniform in style and
color.
6a. ( 4 ) Location: A wall sign may be located
on the outermost wall of any principal
building, but shall not project more than
twelve (12") inches from the wall to which
the Sl.gn l.S to be affixed. The location and
arrangement of all wall Sl.gns shall be
subject to the reVl.ew and approval of the
city Building Inspector.
6a. ( 5 ) Height: A wall Sl.gn shall not
project higher than the parapet line of the
wall to which the sl.gn l.S to be affixed or
twenty ( 20' ) feet, as measured from the base
of " the building wall to which the Sl.gn l.S to
be affixed, whichever l.S lower.
6b. Directory Sign l.n "GB", "NS", "OP", "M-1"
and tlM-2" Districts with frontage on a
thoroughfare.
6b. ( 1 ) Number: There shall be not more than
one (1) directory Sl.gn for each shopping
center or mall.
6b. ( 2 ) Area: The gross surface area of a
directory Sl.gn shall not exceed ten <10 )
square feet for each exposed face for each
tenant nor exceed an aggregate gross surface
area of twenty (20 ) square feet. However,
all tenants' S1.gns within the directory sign
shall contain the same number of square feet.
6b. ( 3 ) Height: In no case shall sign
,height exceed t~irty ,( 30 ' ) feet. '
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-14-
6b. (4.> Contents: Each shopping center or
mall directory sign shall be limited to the
name and address of the shopping center or
mall (at the top) and the names of the
tenants of the shopping center or mall l.n
which the sign is to be located.
6c. Wall Signs l.n "GB", "NS", "OP", "M-1" and
"M-2" Districts with frontage on an expressway
or interstate right-of-way.
6c. (). ) Number: There shall not be more than
one (1) wall S1.gn per each principal tenant
or use contained in a shopping center or mall
except that where a tenant or use abuts two
( 2 ) or more streets, additional such S1.gns,
one (1) oriented to each abutting street,
shall be permitted.
6c. ( 2 ) Area: The gross surface area of a
wall Sl.gn shall not exceed ten (10%) percent
of the tenant's or user's proportionate share
of the building wall to which the Sl.gn l.S to
be affixed or two hundred (200) square feet,
whichever l.S less.
6c. ( 3 ) Uniformity: All wall Sl.gns located
l.n a shopping center or mall will utilize
lettering and background in style and color.
6c . ( 4 ) Location: A wall sign may be located
on the outermost wall of any principal
bU,ilding, but shall not project more than
twelve (12") inches from the wall to which
the S1.gn l.S to be affixed. The location and
arrangement of all wall signs shall be
subject to the reV1.ew and approval of the
City Building Inspector.
6c. ( 5 ) Height: A wall Sl.gn shall not
project higher than the parapet line of the
wall to which the sign l.S to be affixed or
twenty (20' ) feet, as measured from the base
of the building wall to which the S1.gn l.S to
be affixed, whichever l.S lower.
6d. Directory Signs l.n "GB", "NS", "OP", "M-l"
and "M-2" Districts with frontage on an
expressway or interstate right-of-way.
6d. (1 ) Number: There shall be not more than
one ( 1 ) directory S1.gn for each shopping
center or marl.
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.-
-15-
6d. ( 2 ) Area: The gross surface area of a
directory Sl.gn -sha II not exceed twelve (12 )
square feet for each exposed face fbr each
tenant nor exceed an aggregate gross surface
area of twenty-four (24) square feet.
However, all tenants' S1.gns within the
directory sign shall contain the same number
of square feet.
6d. ( 3 ) Height: In no case shall Sl.gn
height exceed fifty ( 50' ) feet.
6d. ( 4 ) Contents: Each shopping center or
mall directory S1.gn shall be limited to the
name and address of the shopping center or
mall (at the top) and the names of the
tenants of the shopping center or mall l.n
which the ,sign is to be located.
6e. Free-Standing Sign for Anchor Business.
One ( 1 ) free-standing S1.gn l.S authorized for an
anchor bus~n~ss of 50,000 square feet or more l.n
a shopping center.
6e. ( 1 ) Area: The total area of a free-
standing Sl.gn shall not exceed two hundred
fifty (250) square feet.
6e. ( 2 ) Height: In no case shall Sl.gn
height exceed fifty ( 50 ' ) feet.
6e. ( 3 ) Setback: Setback shall be a ml.nl.ffiUm
of five ( 5 ' ) feet plus one (1 f ) foot for each
foot of sign height above five ( 5 ' ) feet.
6e . ( 4 ) Spacing: Free-standing signs shall
not be placed "closer to a side lot line than
a distance equal to five ( 5 ' ) feet plus one
( 1 ' ) foot for each foot of sign height above
five ( 5 ' ) foot.
6f. Compliance. Any shopping center or ma 11 ,
as defined in this Ordinance, within the City on
the effective date of this Ordinance, shall have
two ( 2 ) years from the effective date of this
Ordinance to come l.n compliance. Shopping
Centers or Malls annexed into the City shall
have two ( 2 ) years from the effective date of
such annexation to bring their Sl.gns into
compliance with this Ordinance.
. -.
."
-16-
Section 7 Main Street Special Sign District
7a. On-Premises Sign Restrictions. Businesses
located on Main Street between Schertz Parkway
and Aviation Boulevard ( low water crOSS1.ng to
U.C.) with rear property line abutting the
Southern Pacific Railroad property will be
permitted one ( 1 ) additional on-premises sign.
7b. Types of Signs. The s1.gn may be a free-
standing 51.gn designed and constructed l.n
accordance with this .ordinance, or a wall Sl.gn
(Para. 5j, Sec. 5, this Article). attached to
the rear of building, or a roof sign (Para. Sg,
Sec. 5, this Article).
7c. placement of Additional Sign. The
additional , S1.gn permitted l.n this special
district will only be allowed l.n the rear area
of the property so that the S1.gn will be
visible to motorists and pedestrians traveling
on FM 78.
7d. Other Restrictions. Provisions of this
Ordinance \oJhich are not effected by this
special district shall continue to apply l.n
this designated special district.
ARTICLE VII ABANDONED OR DAMAGED SIGNS
1. All abandoned signs and their supports shall
be removed within thirty <30 ) days from the date
of abandonment. All damaged Sl.gns shall be
repaii-ed or removed within thirty ( 30) days.
The Building Official shall have the authority
to grant a time extension not exceeding an
additional thirty ( 30 ) days from abandoned,
undamaged sign.
2. Should the responsible party or parties,
after due notice, fail to correct a violation of
this Section, the Building Official shall cause
such Sl.gns and their supports to be demolished
and removed. If such Sl.gn cannot be demolished
because it 1.5 painted on a building or other
non-sign structure, such S1.gn shall be painted
over or re'moved by sandblasting. The Building
Official shall also file against the property a
lien in the amount of the cost of all such work.
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-- -17-
ARTICLE VIII NON-CONFORMING SIGN ABATEMENT
The following signs and/C?r advertising items
shall become non-conforming on the effective
date of this Ordinance and shall be brought into
compliance or removed within Sl.X ( 6 ) mOn'ths of
the effective date of this Ordinance.
1- Signs with flashing, blinking or traveling
lights, regardless of wattage, which are located
within fifty ( 50' ) feet of any street right-of-
way. Signs with flashing, blinking or traveling
lights, - regardless of wattage, and excepting
time and temperature s i g ns which are located
within one thousand (1,000' ) feet of any street
intersection.
2. Any sign, which is affixed to sign supports
prohibited in ARTICLE VI, Section 5.
? Banners, pennants, search lights, twirling
J .
Sl.gns, sandwich or "A" frame Sl.gns, sidewalk or
curb Sl.gns, balloon or other gas-f~lled objects,
except as provided in ARTICLE VI, Paragraph ?
-' .
4. Flags, other than those of any nation, state
or political subdivision, or one flag which
shows an emblem or logo of a firm or
corporation.
5 . Any signs which resemble an official traffic
Sl.gn or signal or which bear the words "stop",
"Go Slow", "Caution" , "Danger", "Warning" or
similar words.
6 . Signs which by reason of their Sl.ze,
location, movement, content, coloring or manner
of illumination may be confused with or
construed as a traffic control Sl.gn, signal or
device, or the light of an emergency or road
equipment vehicle, or which hide from Vl.ew of
any traffic or street sign or signal or device.
7. Bench signs located in a public right-of-way
or not properly maintained.
8 . Any sl.gn which emits sound, odor or visible
matter, which serves as a distraction to persons
within the public right-of-way.
9. Any signs and their supports in violation of
ARTICLE VII are hereby deemed to be l.n trespass
of public property and -shall be immediately
removed by the',?uilding Official or his agent ..
--
- -
-18-
'" "
This removal shall be done l.n a manner, if
reasonably possible, to preserve the value of
such Sl.gns and supports. If _ the Building
Official directs an independent contractor to
remove said signs and supports, the cost of such
work shall be minimized by the Building Official
to whatever extent is reasonably possible.
10. The owner of any removed S1.gns and supports,
except for Sl.gns made of paper or cardboard or
their supports, shall be notified. The first
attempt"at notice shall be within three ( 3 ) days
of the remoVal of the S1.gn and supports. The
manner of notice shall be that which will best
achieve notice under the circumstances,
including the use of certified mail which has
been properly addressed and posted. Hand
delivery may,be employed where the addressee l.S
within the City limits and when his whereabouts
are specifically known. Publication may be used
when the addressee or his whereabouts are
unknown and said publication shall be done l.n
the same manner as prescribed l.n Vernon's
Annotated Civil statutes for serV1.ce of process
by publication. Notice by publication shall be
deemed sufficient regardless of it's effect as
actual notice.
Said notice shall inform the recipient that the
City of Schertz l.S in possession of that certain
Sl.gn and supports, why they were removed, and
where they may be reclaimed, as well as the
information contained l.n the remainder of this
Secti~n.
with the exception of Sl.gns made of paper or
cardboard and their supports which may be
disposed of immediately, removed S1.gns and
supports shall be stored a period not to exceed
fourteen (14 ) days beginning the first day of
effective notice, whether actual or
constructive. A storage charge of five ($5.00)
dollars per day will be levied beginning the
fourth day of that fourteen (14) day period.
Before the expiration of the storage period, the
owner of the Sl.gn and supports may reclaim his
property upon payment of any storage charges and
cost of removal, if such removal was done by an
independent contractor. If said Sl.gn and
support - have not been reclaimed by - the
expiration of the storage period, they may be
disposed of in whatever IT\anner the Building
--. Official shall choose.
.-
-19-
If the sign and supports, are not capable of
being sold, they may be discarded: but if sold,
the proceeds therefrom shall be first applied to
the storage charge and removal charge, if any,
and the remaining balance shall be mailed to the
past owner of the Sl.gn and supports if
reasonably possible, or if not, then to the
general fund of the 'City.
11. All Sl.gns not covered by this Ordinance
shall become non-conforming. Said Sl.gns shall
be brought into compliance by alteration or
removal by Jan. 1, 1990 unless the height,
area, location or supports of an existing Sl.gn
are altered, l.n which case the S1.gn shall be
brought into compliance at the time of
alteration. Nothing l.n this Section shall
prevent the' removal of damaged or abandoned
signs under ARTICLE VII or the termination of
non-conforming use.
ARTICLE IX PERMIT
1. The application for a sign permit shall be
made by the owner or tenant of the property on
which the Sl.gn l.S to be located, or his
authorized agent, or a Sl.gn contractor licensed
or bonded by the City of Schertz. Such
application shall be made l.n writing on forms
furnished by the Building Official and shall be
signed by applicant. Each application for a
Sl.gn will be assigned a number. If approved,
the number and date of approval will be
permanently affixed to the constructed sign.
2. The Building Official shall, within five ( 5 )
working days of ,the date of application, either
approve or deny the application or refer the
application back to the applicant in instances
where insufficient information has been
furnished.
3 . The application for a sign permit shall be
accompanied by the following plans or other
information:
3a. The name, address and telephone number of
the owner or persons entitled to possessl.on of
the sign, and of the sign contr~ctor or erector.
3b. The location by street address of the
proposed sign structure.
, -
- 20-
3c. A site plan and elevation drawing of the
proposed sign, caption of the proposed Sl.gn, and
such other data as are pertinent to the
application.
3d. plans indicating the scope and structural
detail of the work to be done, including details
of all connections, guide wires, supports and
footing and material to be used.
3e. Application for, and required information
for,. such application, and electrical permit for
all electric signs if the person building the
Sl.gn l.S to make the electricalcorinections.
3f. A statement of valuation.
4. If the work authorized under a sign permit
has not been completed within Sl.X ( 6 ) months
after the date of l.ssuance, said permit shall
become null and void, and there shall be no
refund of any fees required.
5 . when a preliminary plat for a residential
subdivision or business area.l.S submitted to the
planning and Zoning Commission for reVl.ew, it
will indicate the proposed location of Sl.gns.
The final plat will show the exact location of
,,$ Sl.gns and will be accompanied by an application
H
for sign permit.
6 . Approval of a certificate of occupancy for
each new business, facility or office desiring
to continue USl.ng or creating a new Sl.gn shall
be contingent upon approval of a sign permit.
7. when a Sl.gn permit has been issued by the
Building Official, it shall be unlawful to
change, modify, alter, or otherwise devise from
the terms of conditions of said permit without
prior approval of the Building Inspectors. A
written record of such approval shall be entered
upon th'e original permit application and
maintained l.n the files of the Building
Official.
8. The permit fee shall be based on building
permit fees presently in effect.
9. An inspection charge will be assessed for
each inspection after the first made to
determine compliance. These charges shall be
, determined by the Inspection Depqrtment.
-21-
10. Portable or Mobile S~gns:
Portable or mobile Sl.gns will be issued a
temporary building permit for a total of ninety
(90) days, either consecutively or for two
forty-five (45) day periods nonconsecutively, l.n
any twelve month time frame.
lOa. Request for a portable sign or mobile S1.gn
\..ill be accepted from a business or activity
located on the same preml.ses as the said
adyert-ising will be displayed, and will include
the name, address and telephone number of person
requesting the Sl.gn, the location and purpose of
the S1.gn.
lOb. Permit fees for portable or mobile Sl.gns.
(See Schedule of Fees)
11. List of Authorized and Non-Conformance
Signs:
The Building Inspector shall maintain a list of
Sl.gns authorized with permits and a list of
those in non-conformance.
12. Variances. It l.S the intent of this
Ordinan'ce to use varl.ances only to modify the
application of this Ordinance to achieve a
parity among S1.gns similarly located and
classified. Specifically, var1.ances are to be
used to overcome some exceptional conditions
which . pose practical difficulty or a particular
hardship l.n such a way as to prevent an owner
from displaying his/her Sl.gn as intended by this
Ordinance. Such practical difficulty must be
clearly exhibited and must be a result of an
external influence, it may not be self-imposed.
12a. Petition for Variance.
1. Filing. A variance request shall be filed
l.n writing with the City Building Inspector
and shall include the following information:
(a) The names, addresses and telephone numbers
of the petitioner, the owner of the
property on which the s1.gn l.S to be
erected or affixed, the owner of the sign,
and ,the person to be erecting or affixing
the s1.gn.
(b) A description of the requested variance.
(c) Justification ~of theiequested variance.
- .
-22-
(d) The location of the building, structure or
lot on which the sign l.S to be erected or
affixed.
(e) A site plan of the property involved,
showing accurate placement thereon of the
proposed sign.
(f) A blueprint or ink , drawing of the plans
and specifications of the Sl.gn to be
erected or affixed and method of
construction and attachment to the
building or in the ground. Such plans and
specifications shall include details of
dimensions, materials, ~olor and weight.
(g) The written consent of the owner of the
building, structure or property on which
the Sl.gn l.S to be erected or affixed.
(h) Such other information as the City
Building Inspector may reqU1.re to
determine full compliance with this and
other applicable ordinances of the City.
''" 2. Fees. (See Schedule of Fees)
12b. Action by Planning and Zoning Commission
1. Timing. The Planning and Zoning
Commission shall act upon a var1.ance request
within thirty (30 ) days of it's first
appearance on the agenda.
2 . Attendance. The petitioner and City
Building Inspector and/or their authorized
repr;esentatives shall attend those meetings of
the Planning and Zoning Commission at which a
var1.ance is to be heard.
12c. Standards for Variance. Planning and Zoning
Commission may grant a varl.ance when it has
been determined from evidence presented that the
variance will not:
1. Serve as a convenience to the petitioner.
2. Alleviate a hardship, or unusual
practical difficulty created by owner.
3. Be inconsistent with the intent, purpose
and objectives of this Ordinance.
4. Adversely affect the public health, safety
or welfare of the public, and will not, be
contrary to public interest.
- -
-23-
12d. Effect of Denial. No requested
varl.ance which has been denied l.n -accordance
with the prov~sl.ons established herein, may be
resubmitted for a - period of one ( 1 ) year from
the date of said denial, except on grounds of
new evidence or proof of changed conditions
found to be valid by the Commission.
12e. Revocation of Approved Variance. In any
case where a .variance has been granted, and
where no work pertinent thereto has been
initiated within Sl.X ( 6 ) months from the date
of approval of the requested var1.ance, then
without further action, said variance shall
become null and void.
12f. Maintenance of Records. The City Planning
Department shall maintain complete records of
all findings of fact and recommendations of the
Planning and Zoning Commission relative to a
requested variance. All such records shall be
open to the public for inspection.
ARTICLE X SPECIAL PROVISIONS
1. Savings Clause
If any clause or section, sentence or phrase of
this Ordinance l.S for any reason held to be
invalid or unconstitutional by the courts, such
decision shall not effect the validity or
constitutionality of the rema1.nlng portions of
this prdinance, and it l.S the intention of the
City Council in passing this Ordinance, that all
other - parts of this Ordinance shall not be
affected thereby and shall remain l.n full force
and effect
2. Penalty
That any person who shall violate any of the
prov1.sl.ons of this Ordinance, upon conviction,
shall be fined a sum not to exceed the maXl.mum
fine permitted. (See Schedule of Fees) A
separate offense shall be deemed committed upon
each day during or on which a violation occurs
or continues.
ARTICLE XI EFFECTIVE DATE
This code shall become effective from and after
the date of itts approval ,and adoption as
provided by law.
--
-24-
. . ~ -" --
--r~ -~~.....
- - ~ 1986.
. - ,
- - - - ~ day .of -...:. '_ __ __
- - '. ding the -/-
. -st ....ea
· fIr . .
APPROVED on . day of
-. th ; s the
ADO? TED,
' AND. ..
APPROVED 1986. "J' :~~
PASSED . A.D., '. ______
0i\~______ L:~ '7~, :--___ t::- Texas
L!( -. /- ______ Sch <,
'----- Ci ty 0
Mayor,
---
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<CITY ~_
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Revised 4-14-88
SCHEDULE OF FEES
ZONING ORDINANCE
1. Application for ~oning Amendment/Public Hearing/
Specific Use Permit $ 50.00
2. Certificate of Occupancy 5.00
3. Board of Adjustment Notice of Appeal 50.00
4. Violation Penalty Fee 500.00
S. Home Occupation Permit 0.00
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE:
1. Plat Filing Fee $ 75.00
a. plus $20.00 for each acre or fraction thereof
for the first five acres
b. Plus $7.50 per acre or fraction thereof for
each additional acre
c. Plus County filing fee for each sheet 50.00
per sheet
2 . Vacation of Plat and/or Replat $ 75.00
a. Plus County filing fee for each sheet 50.00
per sheet
MOBILE HOME ORDINANCE:
1. License Fee $ 40.00
a. plus $1.50 per occupied space
2. Transfer License Fee $ 15.00
BUILDING PERMIT FEES:
Total Valuation Fee
(a)
$500.00 and less Permit required. $10.00 for
each inspection shall be
charged.
$501.00 to $1,000.00 $10.00 per thousand or frac-
tion thereof.
$1,001.00 to $15,000.00 $10.00 for the first $1,000.00
plus $6.00 for each additional
~ thousand or fract'ion thereof,
tO,and including $15,000.00.
I
$15,001.00 to $50,000.00 $94.00 for the first $lS,OOO.OO
plus $5.00 for each additional
thousand or fraction thereof,
to and including,$50,000.00.
$50,001.00 to $100,000.00 $269.00 for the first
$50,000.00 plus $4.00 for each
additional thousand or fraction
thereof, to and including
$100,000.00.
$100,001.00 to $500,000.00 $469.00 for the first
$100,000.00 plus $2.50 for each
additional thousand or fraction
thereof, to and including
$500,000.00.
$500,001.00 and up $1,469.00 for the first
$500,000.00 plus $1.50 for each
additional thousand or fraction
thereof.
(b) Reinspection
For the reinspection of any building or structure, the fee shall
be $18.00 per reinspection.
(c) Moving of Building or structure
For the moving of any building or structure, the fee shall be
$100.00.
(d) Demolition of Building or structure
For the demolition of any building or structure, the fee shall be
$50.00.
(e) Portable Sign
One 90 day permit $10.00. Two 45 day permits $10.00 each.
WATER AND SEWER CONNECTION FEES:
1. Contact Water/Waste Water Superintendent, Mr. Johnny
Bierschwale at 658-7065/8343.
PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL, AIR CONDITIONING AND SPRINKLER FEES
1. Contact Inspection Department at 658-7477.
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