Sign Permits.
(a) A sign permit shall be required prior to installing, changing the height, increasing the area or structurally altering any sign for which a permit is required. Before such a permit is issued, an inspection shall be made to determine that the sign location complies with the provisions of this article.
(b) As a condition to approval of a sign permit, all signs to be located along state road right-of-way shall obtain the proper state sign permit or written non-objection from the Texas Department of Transportation, and a copy shall be provided to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(c) For an off-premise sign, written consent of the property’s owner or legal representative shall be submitted with the application for a sign permit.
(d) The sign permit shall be valid for a period of 180 days. The sign must be installed within that time period or the permit shall expire, provided the Planning and Zoning Commission may grant an extension for an additional 90 days. When a sign permit is issued in connection with an improvement location permit for a structure on the site, the sign permit validity shall run concurrent with the improvement location permit.
(e) No permit shall be required for ordinary servicing or repainting of an existing sign message, cleaning of a sign, or changing the message on the sign where the sign is designed for such changes (such as lettering on a marquee or numbers on a gasoline price sign). A permit shall not be required for signs which are stated as being allowable without a permit.
Application Procedure.
(a)
Application Form. Application for a permit for a sign shall be filed with the City Secretary and shall provide the following information:
(1) Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant.
(2) Location of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign is to be attached or erected.
(3) Position of the sign in relation to buildings, structures, and property lines within 100 feet of the proposed sign.
(4) Plans showing the dimensions, materials, method of construction, and attachment to the building or in the ground.
(5) Copies of stress sheets and calculations, if deemed necessary, showing the structure as designed for dead load and wind pressure.
(6) Name and address of the person, firm, or corporation owning, erecting, and maintaining the sign.
(7) Information concerning required electrical connections.
(8) Written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected.
(9) Other information required by the City Secretary to make the determination that the sign is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
(b) Application Review.
(1) Location Improvement Permit Review.
All locations for placement of a sign submitted in conjunction with the proposed construction of a new building or addition to an existing building shall be reviewed as a part of the required location improvement permit review. The location, size and height of all existing and proposed signs must be shown on the site plan.
(2) Planning and Zoning Commission Review. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall review the sign permit application for any sign proposed on a site or existing building where no other new construction is proposed.
(3) Issuance of a Permit. Following review and approval of a sign application, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall have the authority to issue a sign permit upon payment by the applicant of the required fees.
(4) Denial of a Permit. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall deny the application for any sign that does not comply with the requirements of this article.
