Section 4.9. Sign regulations.

A.   Purpose.  The regulations established in this section are intended to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, property, and public welfare regulating and controlling the use, materials, construction, location, number, maintenance, and the permitting of certain signs and sign structures. In addition, the ordinance is intended to enhance the beauty of the city by limiting visual clutter. The provisions of this section are not intended to permit a violation of any provision of any other ordinance or federal or state law. 

B.   Definitions.  For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: 

Area of sign.  The total area within the extreme rectangular perimeter of the attraction area intended to draw attention to the sign. Supporting structures shall not be included in calculations. The area of the sign with two faces, approximately opposed, shall be that of the larger face if such condition prevails; but, if the angle between the panes of the opposing faces exceeds 30 degrees, the total area of both faces shall be considered the sign area. For multisided or circular signs, the calculation shall include allof the projected area. 

Awning.  An architectural projection which provides weather protection, identity, or decoration, and is supported by the building to which it is attached. It is composed of a lightweight rigid or retractable skeleton structure over which another cover is attached, which may be of fabric or other material. Such sign may be raised or retracted to a position against the building, and may be illuminated. 

Banner.  A sign made of paper, plastic, or fabric, with or without a frame, containing characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to paper, plastic, or fabric. Banner does not include a flag. 

Billboard.  A sign which directs attention to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, commodity, product, or service conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located. 

Builder's directional sign.  A temporary sign which provides direction or instruction to guide persons to sites where new homes are under construction, usually off-premise. 

Canopy.  A structure made of metal or other material with a frame supported by either one or more columns or the building to which it is accessory, and is open on two or more sides. 

Construction sign.  A temporary sign identifying individuals or companies involved in design, construction, wrecking, financing, or improvements of the premises where work is under construction. 

Directory sign.  A sign which indicates the name and/or address of the tenants or occupants, the address of the premises, and/or identification of any business or occupation which may exist on the premises. 

External illumination.  Illumination of a sign by an artificial source of light which is not contained within the sign itself. 

Flag.  Any fabric containing distinctive color, pattern, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision, nonprofit organization, or corporation that is flown from flagpoles. 

Flashing sign.  An illuminated sign on which the artificial source of light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when the sign is illuminated. For the purpose of this ordinance, any moving illuminated sign affected by intermittent lighting shall be deemed to be a flashing sign. 

Gross surface area.  The area of the smallest rectangle enclosing the extreme limits of characters, lettering, illustrations, ornamentation, or other fixtures, material, or color forming part of the sign. Structural supports bearing no sign copy shall not be included in gross surface area; however, if any portion of the required structural supports become enclosed for decorative or architectural purposes, that portion will be included in the total gross surface area of the sign. Gross surface area shall be measured on one sideonly of a two-faced (back to back) sign carrying the same image and message on both faces. Two-faced signs carrying different messages and images on each side shall be considered as separate signs. 

Ground sign.  A sign not wholly supported on a building, or which has its main supporting structure depending on the ground for attachment. 

Illuminated sign.  A sign which has characters, letters, figures, or designs illuminated by electric lights, luminous tubes, or other means that are specifically placed to draw attention to, or provide night time viewing of, the subject matter on the sign face. 

Illumination, external.  Lighting by means of an unshielded light source (including neon tubing) which is effectively visible as an external part of the sign. 

Illumination, internal.  Lighting by means of a light which is within a sign having translucent background, silhouetting opaque letters or designs, on which letters or designs are placed, which are themselves made of translucent material. 

Incidental signs.  Small signs of a noncommercial nature, intended primarily for convenience of the public. Included are signs designating restrooms, address numbers, hours of operation, entrances to buildings, directions, help wanted, public telephones, and so forth. 

Inflatable sign.  Any display capable of being expanded by air or other gas and used on a permanent or temporary basis to advertise a product or event. 

Instructional sign.  A sign limited to directional messages, principally for pedestrian and vehicular traffic, such as one-way, entrance, and exit. 

Logo.  Any design or insignia of an organization, individual, company, or product which is commonly used in advertising to identify that organization, individual, company, or product. 

Marquee.  Any hood or awning or permanent construction projecting from the wall of a building or other structure containing either permanent or changeable advertising. 

Menu board.  A sign displaying the menu for a drive-up window for a food establishment. 

Monument sign.  A permanent ground sign generally constructed out of brick, stone, or cast concrete supported on a concrete foundation across the entire base of the structure. 

Moving sign.  A sign which revolves, rotates, swings, undulates, or otherwise attracts attention through the movement of parts or through the impression of movement, including automatic electronically controlled copy changes, but not including flags, banners, or pennants. 

Nameplate sign.  An on-premises non-illuminated sign identifying only the name, address, and/or profession of the occupant of the premises on which the sign is located. 

Off-premises sign.  A sign which directs attention to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, commodity, product or service not conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises on which the sign is located. 

On-premises sign.  A sign which promotes or advertises a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, commodity, product, or service which is conducted, sold, or offered upon the premises where the sign is located. 

Pennant.  A wind device usually made of lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material whether or not containing a message of any kind, usually triangular in shape and attached to a single cord. 

Permanent sign.  A sign which is fixed in nature that is erected, affixed, or maintained on a premises for a period of time which is regulated by Table 1, Schedule for permanent signs. 

Pole sign  (also called "pylon sign"). A freestanding ground sign supported by one or more poles columns, uprights, or braces placed in or upon the ground and having no guys or braces to the ground or to any other structure. 

Political sign.  A temporary sign pertaining to any national, state, county, or local election that supports or opposes an announced candidate, political party, or issue of political significance. 

Portable sign.  Any temporary sign supported by the ground but not attached to the ground, which can be regularly moved from a location at periodic intervals, and which is located upon the premises where the business, profession, activity, commodity, service, or entertainment referred to by the sign is located. The term "portable sign" shall include the following: 

1.   A sign which is mounted on a trailer or wheels or is part of a trailer and by its design can be towed from one location to another by the use of attached wheels or by attaching an axle to existing mounts;

2.   An "A-frame" type sign;

3.   A sign affixed by pole or poles to a portable base made of wood, metal, or concrete;

4.   A sign suspended or attached to a stand with an inverted "T" base; and

5.   Any sign that the base is inserted into a sleeve mounted or driven into the ground which can be easily extracted from said sleeve by simply lifting or removing bolts.

Premises.  A lot or tract, or a combination of contiguous lots or unplatted tracts if the lots or tracts or combination are under a single ownership and are reflected in the plat or deed records of Tarrant County. Multi-tenant locations shall be considered as being one premises

Projecting sign.  A sign suspended from a building or structure and projecting out there from more than one foot. 

Pylon sign.  See "pole sign". 

Qualified street frontage.  The width of property along the street of a commercial or industrial development which bears the address of the property. 

Reader board sign.  A sign comprised of non-permanent letters, numerals, or symbols which may be changed by adding, removing, or rearranging the letters, numerals, or symbols, either manually or electronically. 

Real estate sign.  A sign relating to the sale, lease, or rental of the premises upon which such a sign is placed. 

Roof sign.  A sign mounted upon, against, or directly above the roof or parapet line of a building or structure, or that is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that projects above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable, or hip roof, or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof. 

Search light.  A large outdoor lighting apparatus used to attract attention to a business or a specific location. 

Secondary sign.  A sign located on premises identifying individual uses in a mixed use multi-tenant commercial shopping center. 

Sight triangle.  An area of unobstructed visibility on either corner of a street and/or driveway of at least 25 feet in any direction. 

Sign.  Any name, number, identification, description, announcement, declaration, demonstration, device, display, flag, banner, pennant, illustration, logo, balloon, streamer, valance, advertising display, poster, beacon, light, or insignia, illuminated or non-illuminated, affixed directly or indirectly to or upon any building, window, door, or outdoor structure, which is visible to the general public and calls attention to any business, person, organization, event, commodity, object, product, service, place, or activity, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise or facsimile. 

Street grade.  The average elevation of the projected corners of a property, adjacent to a dedicated street right-of-way or roadway easement, the elevation of the corners being measured at the top of the curb, or the centerline of the street if no curb is present. 

Temporary event.  An event such as a "grand opening," or a "going out of business sale" which lasts for a period of time not to exceed 60 days. 

Temporary sign.  A nonpermanent sign designed or intended to be displayed for a short period of time erected, affixed, or maintained on a premises and regulated by Table 2, Schedule for temporary signs. Trailer and portable signs are classified as temporary signs. 

Vehicular sign.  Any sign, not including bumper stickers, on or in a vehicle moving along the ground or on any vehicle parked temporarily, incidental to its principal use for transportation. This definition shall not include signs which are being transported to a site of permanent erection or lettering of company vehicle that advertises only the company name, address, and/or logo, or temporary signs (with an area less than three feet) attached to vehicles which may be removed daily. 

Wall sign.  A sign attached or affixed to an exterior wall of a building or structure or dependent upon a building for support with the exposed face of the sign located in a place substantially parallel to the exterior building wall to which it is attached or by which it is supported and not extending more than 12 inches from said wall. A wall sign shall not extent above the wall or parapet to which the sign is attached. For the purpose of this section, awnings, canopy fascias, mansards extending along a building sideshall be considered a part of the wall. 

Warning sign.  A sign containing no advertising material, warning the public of the existence of danger. 

Window sign.  A sign attached to, placed upon, or painted on the exterior or interior of a window or door of a building, which is intended for public viewing from the exterior of such building. 

Yard sign.  Any sign of a temporary nature other than a development, real estate, builders or construction sign, which includes the advertisement of a service which has been performed on premise, or construction/repair that has been performed on premises. 

C.   General standards. 

1.   The Uniform Sign Code, as enacted by the International Conference of Building Officials, 1994 edition, a copy of which is on file in the office of the city secretary, is adopted by reference as though such code were copied at length in this section, except as such code may be amended by the provisions in this article.

2.   Height of signs: Sign height shall be measured from ground level at the base of the sign to the highest part of the sign.

3.   Building and electrical codes applicable: All signs must conform to the regulations and design standards of the building code and other ordinances of the city. Wiring of all electrical signs must conform to the electric code of the city.

4.   Illumination of signs: Signs shall be designed, located, shielded, and directed to prevent the casting of glare or direct light from artificial illumination upon adjacent public right-of-way and surrounding property.

5.   Requirement to repair: Whenever a sign is damaged by wind, is inadequately maintained, is of faulty construction, or is damaged by any other cause, it shall be considered a public nuisance and the owner shall be required to repair such sign substantially to its original condition as determined by the designated official, or at the owner's election such sign shall be removed. A sign which has been permitted to remain in place as a nonconforming use shall be removed when the sign, or a substantial part of it,is blown down or otherwise destroyed or dismantled for any purpose other than maintenance operations or for changing the letters, symbols, or other material on the sign. For purposes of this ordinance, a sign or a substantial part of it is considered to have been destroyed if 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.

6.   Placement of signs: No sign may be erected or placed on public right-of-way. Any signs so erected or placed may be removed by the designated official without notice. No sign may be erected or placed on vacant lots or tracts unless written permission has been given by the property owner and such documentation is provided to the designated official upon the official's request.

7.   Sight triangle: No permanent or temporary sign shall be located to block the visibility in the required sight triangle as defined above.

8.   Noncommercial messages: Any sign authorized in this ordinance is allowed to contain a noncommercial message in place of any other authorized message.

9.   Off-premises signs: Off-premises signs shall be prohibited in the City of Crowley, with the exception of builders directional signs or instructional signs, when written permission has been given by the property owner and such documentation is provided to the designated official upon the official's request.

10.   Painted signs: No sign shall be permitted which is painted on the wall of any building or on any part of a building.

11.   Weekend advertising: The city policy for weekend advertising, as expressed in this chapter is extended to homebuilders for the purpose of guiding the weekend motoring public to available residential properties in the city. The policy is intended as a benefit also to the buying public. These provisions are designed to allow temporary directional signs without resulting in excess that may prove offensive to others of the public. The policy should also serve as common sense guidelines in places where direct application is unclear.

(1)   Registration.  In order for a builder/developer to be eligible to participate in this weekend advertisement he must be registered with the building inspection office. An annual fee as provided in appendix C must be paid by each builder/developer/owner wishing to advertise under this section. Such annual fee must be paid and/or renewed during the month of January each year. 

(2)   Schedule.  Signs will be allowed between 12:00 noon Friday and 12:00 noon Monday. A holiday falling on Friday or Monday will be considered part of the weekend. 

(3)   Sign size.  Signs shall not exceed 24 inches by 30 inches in size, not to exceed three feet above grade. 

(4)   Spacing of signs.  A minimum of 30 feet must be held between all signs, and signs for one advertiser must be at least 200 feet apart. 

(5)   Sign location.  Individual sign locations shall adhere to the following criteria: 

(a)   No closer than 40 feet to a street intersection or median opening.

(b)   Signs may be placed in the city right-of-way, but no closer than three feet from the edge of the sign to the street curb or edge of the pavement. Signs should not encroach either the sidewalks or the street.

(c)   No sign shall be placed in a visibility triangle. Generally, if a sign is close to blocking motorist visibility, it should be removed.

(d)   No signs should be placed further than three miles from the subject property.

(6)   Sign construction and criteria.  Signs should be rigid, two-dimensional displays that advertise new residential property, guiding the motorists to a specific location in the city. 

These are the guidelines under which this policy will be administered, relating particularly to the weekend/motoring customer. It is the responsibility of the builder/owner to secure permission of the property owner for placement of the signs on private property. This policy does not grant unlimited access and use of the city right-of-way. Violations of this policy will be cause for confiscation of the signs. Any signs which are confiscated by the building official and or their appointee may be reclaimed bythe owner of such sign, but each sign so confiscated will be subject to a redemption fee as provided in appendix C per sign. If signs remain unclaimed for a period of 30 days, the city will dispose of such signs as may be appropriate. Excessive general violations may require that the policy be suspended for a period of time. The building official shall notify the city council if the suspension of this policy is put into effect indicating the causes and the period of the suspension. All builders/owners areoffered the use of the provisions of this section equally. In so doing, the city asks that the builders/owners aid in maintaining a neat and orderly appearance throughout the entire city.

D.   Schedule for permanent signs.  No permanent sign shall be erected, placed, displayed or located except in accordance with Table 1, Schedule for Permanent Signs. 

City of Crowley Permanent Signs Table

TABLE INSET:

 

Type of Sign   

Districts
Permitted   

Maximum Area   

Maximum 
Height   

Number 
of Signs   

Requirements   

Individual commercial and industrial   

RC, GC, LI   

Any one development may have one sign: Choice of ground sign, monument sign, roof sign or projecting sign (see below)   

Major com./industrial development   

RC, GC and LI   

0.005 s.f. per s.f. of floor area to a 500 s.f. max.   

50 ft.   

1 pylon sign on 1 street frontage   

50,000 s.f. or greater in buildings   

Freestanding ground (pole/pylon)   

RC, GC and LI   

1 s.f. per linear ft. of qualified st. frontage, 300 s.f. max. per sign   

25 ft., plus 1 ft. for each ft. setback from property lines to a max. of 50 ft.   

1 per 300 linear ft. of qualified street frontage   

50 ft. min. qualified street frontage, must be permanently attached to ground, height may not exceed 1/2 distance to nearest AG or residential zoning   

Freestanding monument commercial   

RC, GC and LI   

150 s.f.   

6 ft.   

1 per development (choice of ground sign, monument sign, roof sign or projecting sign)   

Different regulations for monument signs in residential districts   

Roof (attached)   

RC, GC and LI   

1 s.f. per linear ft. of qualified st. frontage, 200 s.f. max.   

10 ft., above apparent flat roof or eaves line height   

1 per development (choice of ground sign, monument sign, roof sign or projecting sign)   

Shall not project horizontally over edge of roof or eaves   

Projecting (attached)   

RC, GC, LI   

1 s.f. per linear ft. of qualified st. frontage, 100 s.f. max.   

5 ft., above apparent flat roof or eaves line height   

1 per development (choice of ground sign, monument sign, roof sign or projecting sign)   

Shall not extend more than 4' from any wall facing   

Theater marquee   

RC, GC, LI   

1 s.f. per linear ft. of qualified st. frontage, 300 s.f. max. per sign   

10 ft., above apparent flat roof or eaves line height   

1 per development   

May be substituted for Projecting sign   

Ground for auto dealership   

RC, GC, LI   

1 s.f. per linear ft. of qualified st. frontage, 300 s.f. max. per sign   

25 ft., plus 1 ft. for each ft. setback from property lines to a max. of 50 ft.   

1 per 150 linear ft. of qualified street frontage   

50 ft. min. qualified street frontage, must be permanently attached to ground, height may not exceed 1/2 distance to nearest AG or residential zoning   

Commercial wall (attached)   

RC, GC, LI   

15 percent of wall area   

Not above apparent flat roof or eaves line height   

Signage area can be composed of multiple signs   

Includes any valance or permanent window signs   

Canopy   

O, C, LI   

15 percent of canopy fascia area   

Top of parapet wall or roof eave height   

Signage area can be composed of multiple signs   

Includes signs suspended on the canopy supports   

Residential freestanding monument   

SF-20, SF-9.6, SF-8.4, SF-7.2 SF-6   

50 s.f.   

4 ft.   

2 matching at main entrance to subdivision   

Monument signs not allowed in AG   

Multifamily wall or ground   

MF   

50 s.f. total   

Ground--4 ft., Wall--height of masonry screening wall   

1 per street frontage   

For identification purposes only, No encroachment into sight triangle   

Residential wall (attached)   

SF-20, SF-9.6, SF-8.4, SF-7.2 SF-6   

2 s.f. each   

Roof eave height   

2 per occupancy   

No encroachment into sight triangle, No permit required   

Private traffic control   

RC, GC, LI   

2 s.f.   

3 ft.   

No number specified   

Vehicular or pedestrian, No logos symbols or shapes   

Commercial flags   

RC, GC, LI   

Company and award flags 100 s.f. or less than U.S. and state flags   

25 ft.   

1 flag of each type per site   

U.S. and state flags also allowed   

Flags in residential   

SF-20, SF-9.6, SF-8.4, SF-7.2 SF-6, MF   

No area maximum   

20 ft. in MF, 15 ft. in SF-20, SF-9.6, SF-8.4, SF-7.2 and SF-6   

1 flag of each type per site   

US & state flags only   

E.   Schedule for temporary signs.  No temporary sign shall be erected, placed, displayed, or located except in accordance with Table 2, Schedule for Temporary Signs. 

City of Crowley Temporary Signs Table

TABLE INSET:

 

Type of Sign   

Permit Req.   

Districts
Permitted   

Maximum Area   

Maximum Height   

Time Limit   

Requirements   

Portable   

Yes   

Nonresidential   

50 s.f.   

8 ft.   

60 days with 60 days between   

150 ft. separation 20 ft. from R.O.W.   

Real estate   

No   

All   

5 s.f.   

3 ft.   

Remove within 1 week of sale or lease   

1 per lot   

Commercial real estate   

No   

Nonresidential RC, GC, LI and PD   

100 s.f.   

Height of wall   

Remove within 1 week of sale or lease   

Unlighted flat against wall   

Undeveloped property   

No   

All   

1 s.f. per linear ft. of st. frontage or 100 s.f. whichever is smaller   

15 ft.   

 

1 per street frontage, unlighted   

Weekend builders advertising   

Yes, annual reg. fee   

All   

5 s.f. 24" × 30"   

3 ft.   

12 noon Friday till 12 noon Monday, except holidays   

3 ft. from curb, 30 ft. spacing, 200 ft. same builder spacing, 40 ft. min. from intersection, no lighting, within 3 miles of site   

New subdivision development   

Yes   

Residential SF-20, SF-9.6, SF-8.4, SF-7.2 SF-6 and PD   

150 s.f.   

15 ft.   

1 year or completion of project, 1 year renewal available   

1 on-site & 1 off-site, 25 ft. behind curb, 200 ft. apart   

Trade construction   

Yes   

All   

50 s.f.   

4 ft.