HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 6820: REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 82, SIGNS, AND ALL ARTICLES, OF THE SIGN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR 4
Cityof
, ,,, im
urt rlltttG _
rr.tus
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Department of Development Services
Department of Inspections & Code Compliance
Building Inspections Division
Date: January 13, 2020
To: Ron Burton City Manager
Mayor and City Council
From: Phillip Vilardi, Building Official
Re: P. O. NO. 6820 —An Ordinance repealing and replacing Chapter 82, Signs, and all articles, of the
sign Ordinance of the City of Port Arthur
COMMENT
Nature of the Request:
The intent of this Agenda Item is to seek the City Council's approval of Proposed Ordinance No. 6820,
repealing and replacing Chapter 82, of the Code of Ordinances, thereby adopting the updated sign
ordinance (chapter 82 signs), and ensuring cohesive aesthetic construction standards for the City of Port
Arthur.
Staff Analysis/Considerations:
The City of Port Arthur's new Sign Ordinance draft takes into consideration the principles and
requirements of the Scenic City Program so that (a) the City may be eligible for applying to the Program
in the future, if desired; and (b) sign regulations contribute to improved safety and aesthetic standards
within the city limits and the ETJ.
The Scenic City Certification Program is administered through Scenic Texas, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit
organization dedicated to the preservation of our state's visual environment, particularly as seen by the
traveling public. The mission of the Scenic City Certification Program is to support and recognize
municipalities that implement high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces, with
the long-term goal of improving the image of all cities.
A city may apply for certification if it already has the following regulations in place:
1) Strict enforcement of sign regulations (limits on size, placement, and quantity of signs. Permanent
signs must have separate permits from the building permit)
2) Prohibition of new outdoor general advertising off-premise signs or devices (i.e. billboards)
3) Program for trees and/or landscaping along major roadways, city streets, street medians or in
parking lots
As described in the following analysis, the new Sign Ordinance addresses numerous signage-related
criteria found in the Scenic City Certification Program application:
P.O.BOX 1089 •PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS 77641-1089.409/983-8209•FAX 409/983-8130
a) Prohibition of new off-premise signs/billboards (mandatory requirement): The draft Sign
Ordinance prohibits new off-premise signs, including billboards, in the Prohibited Signs
section.
b) Mechanism to bring existing (grandfathered) signs into conformity with the city's current
sign code: The draft includes sections addressing modifications of nonconforming signs
and procedures for nonconforming signs that are deemed destroyed.
c) Signs require permits separate from the building permit (mandatory requirement): Permits
are required in the draft ordinance and application requirements and procedures are also
provided for.
d) Strict limitation on quantity and size per business, including placement, and limitations of
quantity per side/property frontage: The draft regulates signs by zoning district and type of
sign, and provides clear limitations on total of signs allowed; locations of signs; and area
as well as height limitations.
e) Ban on wind devices and portable signs: Balloons, inflatable, and portable signs are all
listed under Prohibited Signs.
f) Restrictions on digital signs: Electronic signs are listed under Prohibited signs, as well as
signs with blinking or flashing lights.
g) No advertising allowed on street furniture: Signs on bus benches are prohibited under
Prohibited Signs.
h) Vehicular signs that have the sole purpose of displaying commercial message: Under
Authorized Signs, vehicular signs are permitted to be displayed on commercial trucks,
buses, trailers or other vehicle as long as they are less than 32 square feet and provided that
the primary purpose of the vehicle is not for the display of signs.
i) Ban on posting of signs on public property: Signs are prohibited to be located in or project
over right-of-way or across right-of-way line extended across a railroad right-of-way,
except when attached to and projecting no more than 18 inches from a building wall
legally located at or near the right-of-way line in the city limits or in the extraterritorial
jurisdiction or are an authorized marquee sign attached to a building.
The City's new Sign Ordinance draft will assist the City achieve its aesthetic and safety goals, as well as
Scenic City status, if so inclined. Even if the City decides not to pursue the Scenic City Certification
Program, the program criteria provide a good benchmark for the establishment and enforcement of
regulations that will attract quality development and promote safety and aesthetic standards.
The City is currently operating under chapter 82 with most recent changes adopted in 1995.
Budget Consideration:
Not Applicable
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve Proposed Ordinance No. 6820, repealing and replacing
Chapter 82, of the Code of Ordinances, thereby adopting the updated sign ordinance (chapter 82 signs),
and ensuring cohesive aesthetic construction standards for the City of Port Arthur.
"Remember we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P.O.BOX 1089 •PORT ARTHUR,TEXAS 77641-1089.409/983-8209•FAX 409/983-8130
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 1 OF 42
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 82 SIGNS, OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR,THEREBY ADOPTING
THE UPDATED CHAPTER 82 SIGNS; PROVIDING CERTAIN
AMENDMENTS THERETO;REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS
OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH;PROVIDING A PENALTY
FOR VIOLATION BY FINE NOT EXCEEDING TWO THOUSAND
DOLLARS($2,000),AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 18-43 OF THE CODE OR
AS OTHERWISE IMPOSED BY STATE LAW; AND PROVIDING FOR
PUBLICATION AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE IMMEDIATELY AFTER
PUBLICATION
WHEREAS,Chapter 82 Signs, of the City of Port Arthur's Code of Ordinances sets forth
requirements for placement and constructing signs;and it contains the specific zoning requirements;
and
WHEREAS,the existing sign ordinance has to be uniform and agree with the city's zoning
requirements; and
WHEREAS,the City Council deems it in the best interest of the citizens of the City of Port
Arthur to adopt the updated sign code, as presented;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PORT ARTHUR:
Section 1. THAT the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct.
Section 2.THAT the City of Port Arthur hereby amends the existing Chapter 82 Signs of the
code of ordinances,as delineated in Exhibit"A".The draft document was submitted by the creating
law firm Bojorquez Law Firm, PC with city staff revisions.
Section 3. THAT all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are herein
repealed, but only to the extent of said conflict.
Section 4. That any person who violates any provisions of this Ordinance or who shall
neglect to comply with the terms hereof shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall on conviction
P.O. NO. 6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 2 OF 42
thereof be fined in any sum not less than One Dollar($1.00)nor more than Two Thousand Dollars
($2,000.00) as provided in the Code of Ordinances. and each violation shall constitute a separate
offense.
Section 5. THAT this Ordinance or its caption and penalty shall be published one(1)time
within ten(10) days after final passage hereof in the official newspaper of the City of Port Arthur.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately after date of publication.
Section 6. THAT a copy of the caption of this resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the
City Council.
READ,ADOPTED,AND APPROVED this the day of January,A.D.,2020,at a
Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur,Texas by the following vote:AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers:
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartie, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, TRMC, City Secretary
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 3 OF 42
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Valecia"Val" Tizeno, City Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ronald"Ron" Burtgn, City Manag
Ai r,a v• Jevelopment
Pamela D. Langford, Director of Services
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 4 OF 42
EXHIBIT "A"
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 5 OF 42
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
SIGN ORDINANCE
DIVISION 1 —GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 82-1 Findings, purpose, and intent; interpretation.
Section 82-2 Sign Code.
Section 82-3 Geographic Scope and Applicability.
Section 82-4 Definitions.
Section 82-5 Prohibited Signs.
Section 82-6 Authorized Signs.
Section 82-7 Lessors.
Section 82-8 Permit Required.
Section 82-9 Signs Permits Not Required.
Section 82-10 Design Review Guidelines.
Section 82-11 Applicability of Other Codes Not in Conflict.
DIVISION 2—SPECIFIC SIGN REGULATIONS BY DISTRICT
Section 82-20 Residential Districts (SF, 2F).
Section 82-21 Multifamily Residential District (MF).
Section 82-22 Manufactured Home District (MH).
Section 82-23 Light Commercial (LC), Heavy Commercial (HC), and Neighborhood
Services (NS).
Section 82-24 Industrial (I), Agriculture (A), and Offshore Water(OW).
Section 82-25 Multi-Unit Complex in a Non-Residential District.
Section 82-26 Neighborhood Services (NS).
Section 82-27 Downtown District (Placeholder).
Section 82-28 Master Sign Plans.
DIVISION 3 —ADMINISTRATION
Section 82-30 Permit Required.
Section 82-31 Permit Not Required.
Section 82-32 Variances.
Section 82-33 Board of Adjustment.
DIVISION 4 —EXISTING SIGNS
Section 82-40 Maintenance of Existing Signs.
Section 82-41 Newly Annexed Signs.
Section 82-42 Off-Premise Pole Signs (Billboards)
Section 82-43 Destroyed Nonconforming Signs.
Section 82-44 Abandoned or Discontinued Signs.
Section 82-45 Signs and Modifications.
Section 82-46 Altered, Relocated, or Replaced Signs.
DIVISION 5—VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Section 82-50 Violations.
Section 82-51 Offense.
P. O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 6 OF 42
Chapter 82 - SIGNS
ARTICLE I. -IN GENERAL GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 82-1 Findings, Purpose and Intent, and Interpretation.
(a) Signs obstruct views, distract motorists, displace alternative uses for land, and pose other
problems that legitimately call for regulation. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate the
size,illumination,movement,materials,location,height,and condition of all signs placed on
private property for exterior observation,thus ensuring the protection of property values,the
character of the various neighborhoods, the creation of an attractive and harmonious
community, and protection against interference with the historic character of designated
areas,including the downtown district.This chapter allows adequate communication through
signage while encouraging aesthetic quality in the design, location, size,and purpose of all
signs.This chapter shall not be interpreted in a manner consistent with the First Amendment
guarantee of free speech. If any provision of this chapter is found by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid,such finding shall not affect the validity of other provisions of this
chapter that can be given effect without the invalid provision.
(b) Signs not expressly permitted as being allowed by right or by permit under this chapter, by
specific requirements in another portion of this chapter,by master sign plan or agreement,or
otherwise expressly allowed by the City Council or Board of Adjustment are not allowed
within the City.
(c) These sign regulations are intended to:(1)promote compatibility with the use of the property
to which the signs are appurtenant; (2) promote compatibility with the landscape and
architecture of surrounding buildings;(3)be appropriate to the activity to which they pertain;
(4) ensure that signs are not distracting to motorists; and (5) ensure that all signs are
constructed and maintained in a structurally sound, safe, and attractive condition.
(d) These regulations do not regulate every form and instance of visual communication that may
be displayed anywhere within the jurisdictional limits of the City. Rather,they are intended
to regulate those forms and instances that are most likely to meaningfully affect one or more
of the purposes set forth above.
(e) These regulations do not entirely eliminate all of the harms that may be created by the
installation and display of signs. Rather, they strike an appropriate balance that preserves
ample channels of communication by means of visual display while still reducing and
mitigating the extent of the harms caused by signs.
Section 82-2 Sign Code
This chapter shall be known as the "Sign Code."
Sec. 82 2. Purpose of chapter.
P.O. NO. 6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 7 OF 42
chapter shall be erected and maintained in accordance with the standards of this chapter. The
(1) Safety. To promote the safety of persons and property by providing that signs:
a. Do not create a hazard due to collapse, fire, collision, decay or abandonment;
b. Do not obstruct firefighting or police surveillance; and
c. Do not create traffic hazards by confusing or distracting motorists,or by impairing the
driver's ability to see pedestrians, obstacles or other vehicles, or to read traffic signs.
(2) Communications efficiency. To promote the efficient transfer of information in sign
b. Customers and other persons may locate a business or service;
• -
(3) Landscape quality and preservation. To protect the public welfare and to enhance the
a. Do not interfere with scenic views;
b. Do not create a nuisance to persons using the public rights of way;
d. Are not detrimental to land or property values.
(Codc 1961, § 2A 21)
Section 82-3 Geographic Scope and Applicability.
This Ordinance applies to all property within the incorporated municipal boundaries(i.e.,City limits)
as they exist at the time this Ordinance is adopted and as may be modified in the future.
Sec. 82 3. Bus bench advertising.
Privately owned bus benches bearing advertising placed at bus stops, having received a
permit under the requirements of Ordinance No. 95 66 (adopted September 12, 1995) arc exempt
from the requirements of this article.
(Code 1961, § 2A 57)
4 p-
(Code 1961, § 2A 23)
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 8 OF 42
Sec.824 82-4. - Definitions.
The following words,terms and phrases,when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Applicant. The person or entity requesting sign permit approval,a variance,or a master sign plan
from the City. All applicants must show ownership of the property on which the sign will be located
or authorization for sign placement on the property.
Sign, Attached Sign means any sign attached to, applied on, or supported by, any part of a
building(such as a wall,roof, window, canopy, awning, arcade or marquee) which encloses or
covers usable space.
Billboard. A sign that is freestanding, attached to or part of a building, and is an off-premises
sign that is designed for a change in copy,so that the characters,letters,display,or illustrations can be
changed or rearranged within a fixed sign face.
Building means any structure built for the support, shelter and enclosure of persons, animals,
chattels goods or movable property of any kind. When subdivided in a manner sufficient to
prevent the spread of fire, each portion so subdivided may be deemed a separate building.
Commercial message means a message placed or caused to be placed before the public by a
person or business enterprise directly involved in the manufacture or sale of the products,
property, accommodations, services, attractions or activities, or possible substitutes for those
things which are the subject of the message and that:
(1) Refers to the offer for sale or existence for sale of products, property, accommodations,
services, attractions or activities; or
(2) Attracts attention to a business or to products, property, accommodations, services,
attractions or activities that are offered or exist for sale or for hire.
Commission means the planning and zoning commission of the city.
Sign, Detached Sign means any sign connected to the ground which is not an attached,
portable or vehicular sign.
Dilapidation. Dilapidation includes any sign where elements of the sign area or background have
portions of the finished material missing,broken,or illegible;where the structural support is visibly
bent,broken, dented,rusted,corroded,or loose; or where the sign or its elements re not compliance
with the adopted electrical code and/or the building code.
Downtown District. Central business district in the City of Port Arthur designated as the
Downtown District by Ordinance and in the Zoning Map.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 9 OF 42
Effective area(for detached signs)means the area of the minimum regular geometric shape
which encompass the background area of the sign using the largest sign area or silhouette visible
at any one time from any point. This area does not include the main structural support, but all
other ornamental attachments are included in determining the sign area. The effective area for
attached signs shall mean the sum of the areas of the minimum imaginary rectangles enclosing
each word to signs which are composed solely of words which identify a premises and which are
attached to freestanding walls not over six feet in height.
Electronic Sign. Any sign for which the text, letters, numbers,pictures, or symbols forming
the informational portion of the sign consists of flashing, intermittent, or moving lights, including
any LED screen or any other type of video display. This definition does not include signs that
have internal or indirect illumination that is kept stationary or constant in intensity and color at all
times when such sign is in use or any government sign located within the right-of-way that
functions as a traffic-control device and that is described and identified in the Texas Manual on
Uniform Traffic-Control Devices.
Facade means the principal face of a building, including parapet walls and omitted wall lines,
or any part of a building which encloses or covers usable space. Where separate faces are oriented
in the same direction, or in the directions within 45 degrees of one another,they are to be
considered as part of a single facade.
Government Sign. A government sign is a sign that is constructed,placed, or maintained by
the federal, state, or local government or a sign that is required to be constructed,placed, or
maintained by the federal, state, or local government either directly or to enforce a property
owner's rights.
SignrIlluminated Sign means any sign which is directly lighted by any electrical light source,
internal or external. This definition shall not include signs which are illuminated by street lights or
other light sources owned by any public agency or light sources which are specifically operated
for the purpose of lighting the area in which the sign is located rather than the sign itself.
Inflatable Sign. An inflatable device,with or without a message, figure,or design attached to
its surface designed to attract attention.
Logo. Graphic symbols used to represent or identify a business entity or organization.
Height(as applied to a sign)means as measured from the highest point of the sign to the
crown of the roadway nearest the sign.
Intersection means the junctions of the centerlines of any two public rights-of-way, other than
alleyways, crossing at grade, or, where the crossing is separated at grade, the intersection shall be
the point at which any freeway interchange ramp intersects the freeway travel pavement.
Major thoroughfare means any public right-of-way designated as a major thoroughfare by the
ordinance of the city, as amended.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 10 OF 42
Marquee Sign. A canopy or covering structure bearing a signboard or copy projecting from
and attached to a building.
Monument Sign. A sign permanently affixed to the ground at its base, supported entirely by a
base structure, and not mounted to a pole or part of a building. Pole(s)may be used to construct a
monument sign so long as the poles are not visible below the sign.
Noncommercial message means any message that is not a commercial message.
Occupancy means the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term
shall also include the building or room housing such use. Change of occupancy is not intended to
include change of tenants or proprietors.
Off-premise Sign. Any commercial sign that advertises a business, person, activity, goods,
products, or services not located on the property where the sign is installed, or that directs persons
to a location other than the property where the sign is located.
Pole Sign. A sign that is permanently supported in a fixed location by a structure of poles,
posts, stakes, uprights, or braces from the ground and is not supported by a building, fence,
vehicle, base structure, or other support.
Sign, Political Sign, means any sign promoting a candidate for any office or a position on any
issue.
Portable Sign. Any sign without a permanent foundation, or otherwise permanently attached
to a fixed location, that can be carried,towed,hauled, or driven and is primarily designed to be
moved rather than be limited to a fixed location regardless of modifications that limit its
movability.
Premises means a freestanding building or a lot or unplatted tract meeting the requirements of
section 82-107.
Projecting. A sign, other than a wall sign, which projects from and is supported by a wall
of a building or structure.
Property Owner. The owner of the property on which a sign is located. A lessor may
have the same rights and authority as the Property Owner if given such authority through written
agreement with the Property Owner.
Responsible Party. The owner/operator of the business being identified on the sign;the owner
of the property upon which the sign or sign structure is located; the owner of the sign or sign
structure;the person who installs a sign or sign structure,or contracts with a third party to accomplish
the installation; and/or the person who retrieves a sign from the impound.
Right-of-way. The area on,below, or above a public road, highway, street,public
sidewalk, alley, waterway, or utility easement in which a governmental entity has an interest.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 11 OF 42
Setback means the required distance between any point on private land and the nearest point
at the edge of the nearest public right-of-way, other than an alley. Where a public way crosses a
railroad right-of-way,the setback distance is to be measured from the public right-of-way line
extended across the railroad right-of-way.
Sign. A structure, sign, display, light device, figure, painting, drawing, message, plaque,
poster, billboard, or other object that is designed, intended, or used to advertise or inform. Signs
located completely within an enclosed building and not exposed to view from a street must not be
considered a sign. Each display surface of a sign or sign face must be considered to be a sign.
Sign means any device, flag, light, figure, picture, letter, word, message, symbol,plaque or
(2) Works of art;
•
Sign Area. The space enclosed within the extreme edges of the sign for each sign face, not
including the supporting structure or where attached directly to a building wall or surface,the space
within the outline enclosing all the characters of the words,numbers, or design.
Sign Administrator. The officer appointed by the city manager with the authority to
enforce this chapter. The employee designated by the city manager shall review sign regulations
and applications. In the absence of further action by the city manager, the Director of
Development Services shall serve as the sign administrator. The term also includes any person
designated to act on behalf of the sign administrator.
Sign face. The entire display surface area of a sign upon, against, or through which copy is
placed.
Sign, movement control means a sign which directs vehicular or pedestrian movement within
or onto the premises on which the movement control sign is located.
Sign, nonpremises means any sign which is not a premises sign.
Sign, one means any number of detached signs structurally connected above grade.
political sign, vehicular sign or a sign which refers solely to the sale or lease of the premises.
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 12 OF 42
- - -- - - . . -- .. -, . - . -, . .. . . • . . .-- . , - -
Sign,protective means any sign which is commonly associated with safeguarding the
permitted uses of the occupancy, including, but not limited to "bad dog," "no trespassing" and "no
solicitors."
Sign, real estate means any sign, temporary in nature, advertising real estate for sale or lease
or announcing contemplated improvements of real estate.
Sign, special purpose means a sign temporarily supplementing the permanent signs on a
premises.
Sign support means any pole,post, strut, cable or other structural fixture or framework
necessary to hold and secure a sign,provided that such fixture or framework is not imprinted with
any picture, symbol or word using characters in excess of one inch in height, nor is internally or
decoratively illuminated.
Temporary. A banner,pennant,poster, or advertising display constructed of paper, cloth,
canvas,plastic sheet, cardboard,wallboard,plywood, or other like materials and that appears to be
intended or is determined by the code official to be displayed for a limited period of time.
Vehicle Sign. Any sign attached to or displayed on a vehicle.
W rdmeans:
(1) Any word in any language;
(2) Any alphanumeric character;
(3) Any symbol, abbreviation or logo.
Wall sign. A sign painted on or otherwise made an integral part of a wall. Typically, a
wall sign is on the same plane as the wall (i.e. flush with the wall surface). The term does not
include a sign that can be removed from the wall and remain substantially intact(e.g., banners or
projecting signs as they are defined in this chapter).
Wind device means any flag, banner, pennant, streamer or similar device that moves freely in
the wind. All wind devices are considered to be signs, and are regulated and classified as attached
or detached,by the same rules as other signs.
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 13 OF 42
Zoning district, business means any zoning district designated by this chapter as A, LC, HC
or I. Any area of a PD district providing for business uses is also included in this list, unless
specifically excluded by its provisions.
Zoning district, nonbusiness means any zoning district not designated as a business district in
accordance with the previous definition.
(Code 1961, § 2A-22)
Cross reference—Definitions generally, § 1-2.
Section 82-5 Prohibited Signs.
(a) Signs are prohibited in all Districts unless:
(1) Constructed pursuant to a valid building permit when required under this
Code; and
(2) Authorized under this Code.
(b) Signs are prohibited to be located in or project over any public right-of-way or across the
public right-of-way line extended across a railroad right-of-way, except when attached to
and projecting no more than 18 inches from a building wall legally located at or near the
right-of-way line in the city limits or in the extraterritorial jurisdiction or are an authorized
marquee sign attached to a building.
(c) Portable Signs.
(d) Electronic Signs.
(e) Off-Premise sign(including billboards) containing commercial advertising of goods or
services.
(f) Signs with lights that blink, fluctuate, or move. Light rays must shine only upon the sign
and upon the property within the premises.
(g) Signs on bus benches.
(h) Signs of a size, location, movement, coloring, or manner of illumination which may be
confused with or construed as a traffic control device or which hide from view any traffic or
street sign or signal.
(i) Signs that display blinking, flashing,or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices which
exhibit movement.
(j) Signs that display flashing or blinking lights that imitate standard public traffic regulators,
emergency signs or signals.
(k) Signs that are attached to any utility pole or wire,traffic sign,or City easement or are placed
on City-owned property unless placed by permission of the City of Port Arthur.
(1) Signs that obstruct any fire escape, required exit, window, or door opening intended as a
means of egress.
(m)Feather Banners.
(n) Handheld signs with a commercial message.
(o) Balloon Signs.
(p) Inflatable Signs.
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 14 OF 42
Section 82-6 Authorized Signs.
The following signs authorized under this Section are authorized in every District without a
permit:
(a) Government Signs.
(b) Traffic Control Devices that are erected and maintained to comply with the Texas Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
(c) Signs required by this Code.
(d) Signs required by other law, including federal, state, or local law, including a sign that a
property owner is required to post on the owner's property to warn of a danger or to prohibit
access to the property either generally or specifically;the owner must comply with the federal,
state, or local law to post a sign on the property.
(e) Official governmental notices and notices posted by governmental officers in the performance
of their duties,governmental signs to control traffic,or for other regulatory purposes such as
neighborhood crime watch areas, to identify streets, or to warn of danger.
(f) Commercial signs displayed on trucks, buses, trailers, or other vehicles that are less than
thirty-two (32) square feet and are being operated in the normal course of a business,
indicating the name of the owner,business,and location(e.g.,moving vans,delivery trucks,
rental trucks and trailers,and the like),provided that the primary purpose of the vehicles is not
for display of signs and provided that they are parked in areas appropriate to their use as
vehicles normally used in the course of business,are in operable condition,and carry a current
and valid license plate and state inspection tag. Vehicle signs shall conform to the following
restrictions:
(1) Vehicular signs shall contain no flashing or moving elements;
(2) Vehicular signs shall not be attached to a vehicle so that the driver's vision is
obstructed from any angle;
(3) Signs,lights and signals used by authorized emergency vehicles shall not be restricted
(g) Vending machine signs where the sign face is not larger than the normal dimensions of the
machine to which the sign is attached.
Section 82-7 Lessors.
For purposes of this Sign Code, the lessor of a property is considered the property owner as to the
property if the lessor holds a right to use that exclusive of others(or the sole right to occupy).If there
are multiple lessors of a property, then each lessor must have the same rights and duties as the
property owner as to the property the lessor leases and that the lessor has the sole right to occupy,and
the size of the property must be deemed to be the property that the lessor has the sole right to occupy
under the lease. Written authorization from property owner to place signage onsite may be required.
Section 82-8 Permit required.
(a) In general, a sign permit is required prior to the display and erection of any sign except as
otherwise provided in this Sign Code.
(b) Creation of Site. For all signs, the Sign Administrator shall not issue a sign permit for
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 15 OF 42
construction, erection, placement, or maintenance of a new or existing sign until a site is
established under the requirements of Section 23-100 of the zoning ordinance of the city.
(c) Application for permit
(1) An application for a sign permit must be filed with the Inspections and Permitting
Division on forms furnished by that division. The applicant must provide sufficient
information to determine if the proposed sign is allowed under this Code and other
applicable laws,regulations, and ordinances. An application for any sign must state
the date when the owner intends to erect the sign. An application shall include:
(A) Name, address,and telephone number of the owner of the sign;
(B) Name, address, and telephone number of lessor sponsoring the sign, if any;
(C) Name, address, and telephone number of the contractor,if any,installing the
sign;
(D) Name, address, and telephone number of the property where the sign is to be
installed;
(E) Date on which it is to be installed;
(F) Zoning district in which the proposed sign will be located;
(G) Any variance that will be requested or has been approved; and
(H) An illustration(drawings and site plan)including the location,appearance,and
dimensions of the proposed sign and its location from the property lines.
(2) The Sign Administrator or designee shall promptly process the sign permit application
and approve the application, reject the application, or notify the applicant of
deficiencies in the application within twenty-one (21) days after receipt. Any
application that complies with all provisions of this code, the zoning ordinance, the
building code,and other applicable laws,regulations,and ordinances shall be issued a
permit after inspection and review of the plans and the site.
(3) If the application is rejected,the Sign Administrator shall provide in writing a list of
the reasons for the rejection.An application shall be rejected for non-compliance with
the terms of this code,the zoning ordinance,building code, or other applicable law,
regulation, or ordinance.
(d) Permit fee. A nonrefundable fee as set forth in the uncodified fee schedule adopted by the
City Council shall accompany all sign permit applications.
(e) Duration and revocation of permit. If a sign is not installed within six months following the
issuance of a sign permit,the permit shall be void. The City may revoke a sign permit under
any of the following circumstances:
(1) The City determines that information in the application was materially false or
misleading;
(2) The sign as installed does not conform to the sign permit application;
(3) The sign violates this Sign Code,the zoning ordinance, building code, or other
applicable law, regulation, or ordinance; or
(4) The Sign Administrator determines that the sign is not being properly maintained
or has been abandoned.
(f) Appeals. If the Sign Administrator denies a permit,the applicant may appeal to the Board of
Adjustment under Section 25-201.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 16 OF 42
Section 82-9 Sign Permits Not Required.
(a) Signs described in Sections 82-6 with a total area of up to thirty-two (32) square feet and a
maximum height of eight(8) feet.
(b) Official notices or advertisements posted or displayed by or under the direction of any public
or court officer in the performance of official or directed duties,provided,that all such signs
must be removed no more than ten(10) days after their purpose has been accomplished.
(c) Any sign wholly within the confines of a building and oriented so as to be out of view from
outside the building.
(d) One sign per entrance door in a non-residential district which shall be limited to two (2)
square feet in size and located within five(5) square feet of the entrance door.
(e) Signs located within the grounds of public facilities such as baseball fields, stadiums,
community centers, and other public facilities.
(f) Any sign so noted in these regulations.
Section 82-10 Design Review Guidelines.
(a) Harmonious with city scale. Sign location,configuration,design,materials,and colors should
be harmonious with the Port Arthur setting and the coastal scale of the city.
(b) Materials. Sign materials shall be predominantly natural,such as native stone,Other materials
may be substituted when, in the opinion of the Sign Administrator, they meet the design
criteria of the city.
(c) Architectural harmony.The sign and its supporting structure shall be in architectural harmony
with the surrounding structures.
(d) Colors. Colors should be in harmony with surrounding structures.
(e) Landscaping. Landscaping is required and shall be designed to harmonize with the building
and surrounding natural landforms and native plants, as reflected in specific requirements
contained herein.
(f) Reflective surfaces. Glare-producing surfaces on signs are not allowed.
(g) Lighting. All lighting of signs shall be indirect lighting as defined herein,and all floodlights
shall be shielded.No sign shall be illuminated,in whole or in part,where the illumination is
intermittent or varies in color or intensity from time to time or appears to be emergency
lighting similar to public safety vehicles. The use of searchlights is prohibited. Changeable
electronic variable message signs(CEVMS),electronic signs,and light emitting diode(LED)
signs are prohibited.
(h) Moving parts. No sign shall contain any moving parts.
(i) Commercial logo/logograms.Graphic symbols,used to represent or identify a business entity
or organizations,are permitted to be displayed on signs only under the following conditions:
(1) The design and materials comprising the logo shall be consistent with the guidelines
in this section;
(2) Logos shall be permitted only on commercial sign categories in nonresidential
districts.
Section 82-11 Applicability of Other Codes Not in Conflict.
All signs erected or maintained pursuant to the provisions of this article shall be erected and
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 17 OF 42
maintained in compliance with all applicable state laws and with the building code, electrical code,
downtown revitalization plan,comprehensive plan,and other applicable ordinances of the city.In the
event of conflict between this division and other laws,the most restrictive standard applies.
[Sections 82-12-82-19 Reserved]
ARTICLE II—SPECIFIC SIGN REGULATIONS BY DISTRICT
Section 82-20 Residential Districts (LDR, MDR).
Residential Districts include property zoned as Single-Family(LDR); Two-Family (MDR);
Multiple-Family(HDR); and Mobile Home(MH).
(a) General Regulations. When a sign is authorized on a property,the sign must not exceed four
(4) square feet in area unless otherwise authorized by code or variance for a larger sign.
(b) Residential Developments. For Residential Developments (including subdivision
identification) the sign shall be a monument sign. The sign shall be located at least fifteen
(15)feet from the right-of-way and may be indirectly lighted. The maximum size and number
of signs that the owner or owners of the residential development may erect and maintain at the
entrances to the development shall be controlled according to the following:
(1) Residential developments four(4)acres or less in area may have a monument
sign or signs with a total area of no more than twenty-four(24) square feet at
each entrance onto a major thoroughfare.
(2) Residential developments over four(4) acres but less than forty(40) acres in
area may have a monument sign or signs which have a total area of no more
than thirty-six (36) square feet at each entrance onto a major thoroughfare.
(3) Residential developments of forty (40) acres or more in area may have a
monument sign or signs with a total area of no more than sixty-four (64)
square feet onto a major thoroughfare.
(1) Before a Residential Development Sign may be installed under this section,the sign
permit application shall be reviewed the Sign Administrator shall review the permit
application for completeness and compliance with state and city codes.
(2) When a subdivision has been released for construction, one sign per subdivision
entrance which shall not exceed one hundred(100)square feet in area or twelve(12)
feet in overall height may be placed at each subdivision entrance subsequent to
applying and receiving a sign permit. A sign under this section may be a pole sign or
a monument sign. A sign permitted under this subsection must be removed when
development of lots and buildings have ceased. The Property Owner or other
Responsible Party shall be responsible for the maintenance,removal,and compliance
requirements of such signs. If a subdivision owner wishes to place model home,
selling point, or other temporary signs to advertise the lots within the subdivision,
application for a master sign plan is encouraged in lieu of submission of multiple
requests for variances.
(a) Signs on individual lots.
(1) Flags. Flags are authorized to be placed on residential property without a permit,
including two flags with noncommercial messages and one flag pole per premises shall
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 18 OF 42
be allowed on each lot. Each flag must be a maximum of fifteen(15) square feet in
area. The flag pole must be a maximum of(25) feet in height or no higher than the
highest point of the principal building's roof, whichever is lower. Flag poles must meet
the minimum yard setback requirements for a principal building.
(2) Temporary Signs. Temporary signs, including a pole sign, wall sign, or monument
sign(unless specifically designated otherwise), allowed at any time on any property
without a permit:
(A) A property owner may place one sign with a sign face no larger than two (2)
square feet on the property at any time.
(B) A property owner may place a sign no larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches in
one window on the property at any time.
(C) One additional temporary sign that may be up to nine square (9) feet in size
may be located on the owner's property for a period of ninety(90)days prior to an
election involving candidates for a federal,state,or local office that represent the
district in which the property is located or involving an issue on the ballot of an
election within the district where the property is located per issue and per
candidate. Any sign covered by this subsection may remain on the property up to
seven(7)days after the election at issue.This section does not limit the content on
the additional temporary sign.
(D) A person having a legal home occupation may display one additional sign on
the face of the building or porch. The sign shall be attached directly to, and
parallel to, the face of the building or porch. The sign shall not exceed four (4)
square feet in sign area,shall not be illuminated in any way,and shall not project
more than six(6) inches beyond the building or porch. No permit is required.
(E) One additional temporary sign,not exceeding six(6) square feet in sign area,
may be located on a property without a permit when the owner consents to the
placement of the sign and that property is for sale or lease or if an individual unit
or units is for sale or lease. A sign posted under this section must be removed
within ten (10) days following when a contract of sale has been executed or a
rental agreement has been executed.This subsection does not affect the content of
the sign allowed under this subsection.
(3) General Regulations for Signs on Individual Lots:
(A) No sign may be placed on a residential lot without the consent of the Property
Owner or a Lessor who has been given authority to place a sign on the property by
written agreement of the Property Owner.
(B) Other than those signs specifically authorized under this Section,a sign under
this Section shall not be illuminated, electronic, digital, or contain moving
elements. If lighting is allowed,no uplighting is allowed and all lighting must be
shielded.
(C) Unless otherwise specified in this Section,permitted signs may be anywhere
on the premises except in a required side yard or within the street or utility right-
of-way.
(D) Height.The following maximum heights shall apply to signs on individual lots
in a residential district:
P.O.NO. 6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 19 OF 42
(1) Unless otherwise specified in this Section,if ground-mounted,the top
must not be over four(4) feet above the ground; and
(2) If building mounted, the sign must be flush mounted and must not
project above the roof line.
(E) Each resident lot or unit within a two-family or multiple-family complex shall
display an address sign. The letters, numbers, and symbols that make up a
residential address sign must be a minimum of three(3)inches in height and shall
not be larger than eight(8) inches in height.
Section 82-21 Multifamily Residential District(HDR).
(a)Types of Signs Allowed with a Permit:
(1)Multifamily Residential Complex Sign. The sign shall be located at least fifteen(15) feet
from the right-of-way and may be indirectly lighted. The maximum size and number of signs
that the owner or owners of the residential development may erect and maintain at the entrances
to the development shall be controlled according to the following:
(A) Multifamily Residential Complexes with twenty units or less in area may have a
monument sign or signs with a total area of no more than twenty-four(24)square feet at
each entrance to the Complex.
(B)Multifamily Residential Complexes with over twenty units may have a monument sign
or signs which have a total area of no more than thirty-six (36) square feet at each
entrance to the Complex.
(C)Before a Residential Complex Sign may be installed under this section,the sign permit
application shall be reviewed by the planning and zoning commission and must be
approved by the commission. Prior to review by the planning and zoning commission,
the Sign Administrator shall review the permit application for completeness and
compliance with state and city codes.
(2)Identification Sign.There may be one(1)sign no larger than fifteen(15)square feet in sign
area identifying the complex and placed flush on the wall near the office entrance or,as an
alternative, one (1) hanging sign or one (1) ground sign containing no more than six (6)
square feet in sign area may be erected.
(b)Types of Signs Allowed without a Permit:
One additional temporary sign,including a pole sign,wall sign,or monument sign,may be
located on a property without a permit when the owner consents to the placement of the sign
and that entire property is for sale or lease or if an individual unit or units is for sale or lease.
This subsection does not affect the content of the sign allowed under this subsection.
(A) Entire Property: One additional sign, not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in
sign area,while the entire property or property is for sale or lease. A sign posted under
this section must be removed within ten(10)days following when a contract of sale has
been executed or a rental agreement has been executed.This sign shall be placed at least
fifteen(15) feet from any public right of way.
(B)Individual Unit(s): One additional sign,not exceeding nine(9)square feet in sign area,
where an individual unit or units is being offered for sale or lease. A sign posted under
this section must be removed within ten(10)days following when a contract of sale has
been executed or a rental agreement has been executed. This sign shall be placed at
P. O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 20 OF 42
least thirty(30)feet from any public right of way.
(c) Individual lessees or owners of units within Multi-Family Housing may also display any sign
allowed in a Residential District, so long as:
(1)sign is allowed by owner of Multi-Family Housing if property is owned separately;and
(2) sign is displayed within the area owned or leased by individual.
Section 82-22 Manufactured Home District(MH).
(a) Types of Signs Allowed with a Permit:
One monument sign, wall sign, or projecting sign not more than thirty-six (36) square feet in
sign area may be erected on the property of the manufactured home park at each entrance to a
major thoroughfare and may be indirectly lighted. The setback shall be a minimum of fifteen
(15) feet from public right of way. Sign placement must comply with any additional setback
that may be prescribed by the Sign Administrator when there is a potential safety issue.
(b) Types of Signs Allowed without a Permit:
One additional temporary sign may be located on a property without a permit when the owner
consents to the placement of the sign and that entire property is for sale or lease or if an individual
unit or units is for sale or lease. This subsection does not affect the content of the sign allowed
under this subsection.
(1)Entire Property:One additional sign,not exceeding one hundred(100)square feet in sign area,
while the entire property is for sale or lease. A sign posted under this section must be removed
within ten(10)days following when a contract of sale has been executed or a rental agreement has
been executed. This sign shall be placed at least thirty(30) feet from any public right of way.
(2)Individual Unit(s): One additional sign,not exceeding nine(9)square feet in sign area,where
an individual unit or units is being offered for sale or lease. A sign posted under this section must
be removed within ten(10)days following when a contract of sale has been executed or a rental
agreement has been executed. This sign shall be placed at least thirty(30) feet from any public
right of way.
(c)Individual lessees or owners of Manufactured Homes within a Manufactured Home park may also
display any sign allowed in a Residential District, so long as:
(1) Sign is allowed by owner of Manufactured Home Park if property is owned separately.
(2) Sign is displayed within the area owned or leased by individual.
Section 82-23 Light Commercial(LC),Heavy Commercial(HC), and Neighborhood
Services (NS).
(a) Types of Signs Allowed with a Permit:
(1) Wall, Canopy, Marquee, or Projecting Signs. Wall, Canopy, Marquee, and Projecting
Signs may be erected. The total sign area for all signs on each lot shall not exceed sixty-
four (64) square feet. Sign area allotment is computed by adding the sign area of all
Wall, Canopy, and Projecting Signs on the lot. Projecting signs shall project no more
than two(2)feet perpendicular from the wall and not more than three(3)feet vertically
above the wall of the building. Each sign under this section requires a sign permit. Each
sign shall be placed at least fifteen(15) feet from any public right of way.
(2) Monument Signs. One(1)non-attached sign per lot may be erected.No sign under this
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 21 OF 42
section shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in sign area and shall not exceed
thirty-five(35)feet in height. The setback shall be a minimum of fifteen(15)feet from
property lines. Sign placement must comply with any additional setback that may be
prescribed by the Sign Administrator when there is a potential safety issue. A permit is
required for this sign.
(3) Gasoline Pump Islands. For a property that contains a gasoline pump island, the owner
may exhibit one (1) logo sign not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area and
one (1)price sign per gasoline pump island not exceeding forty (40) square feet in sign
area.The signage under this subsection does not count against a non-residential property's
total signage allotment. This sign shall be placed at least twenty(20)feet from any public
right of way.
(4)Restaurant Menus,detached or attached to a building,used in connection with a drive-in
or drive-through,which do not attract the attention of persons not on the premises. Signs
under this subsection shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and shall not be
illuminated other than internally illuminated.This sign shall be placed at least twenty(20)
feet from any public right of way.
(b) Types of Signs Allowed without a Permit
(1)Equipment Signs. Words may be attached to machinery or equipment which is necessary
or customary to the business,including but not limited to devices such as gasoline pumps,
vending machines,ice machines,etc.,provided that words so attached refer exclusively to
products or services dispensed by the device,and project no more than one inch from the
surface of the device.
(2)Non-Commercial Signs Allowed without a Permit:
(A)Each lot may have one non-commercial sign, including a pole sign, wall sign,
or monument sign,that meets the requirements of this section.
(1)A non-commercial sign shall not have an area greater than twenty-five
(25) square feet.
(2)A non-commercial sign shall not be more than five (5) feet in height.
(B)A non-commercial sign shall not be lighted or have any moving elements.
(C)Non-commercial signs may be installed on private property only with the consent
of a Property Owner and may not be installed in,on,or over any street or right-of-
way.
(D)Non-commercial signs under this section may not advertise the sale of goods or
services available at the property.
(5) One additional temporary sign,which may be a pole sign,wall sign,or monument sign,
may be located on a property without a permit when the owner consents to the placement
of the sign and that entire property is for sale or lease or if an individual unit or units is
for sale or lease. This subsection does not affect the content of the sign allowed under
this subsection.
(A)Entire Property:One additional sign,not exceeding one hundred(100)square feet in
sign area,while the entire property or property is for sale or lease. A sign posted under
this section must be removed within ten(10)days following when a contract of sale has
been executed or a rental agreement has been executed.This sign shall be placed at least
fifteen (15)feet from any public right of way.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 22 OF 42
(B)Individual Unit(s):One additional sign,not exceeding sixteen(16)square feet in sign
area, where an individual unit or units is being offered for sale or lease. A sign posted
under this section must be removed within ten (10) days following when a contract of
sale has been executed or a rental agreement has been executed. This sign shall be
placed at least fifteen(15)feet from any public right of way.
(6) One flag per twenty-five(25)feet of frontage on a right-of-way up to a maximum of six
flags with noncommercial messages and six flag poles per premises.Each flag must be a
maximum of twenty-four(24)square feet in area.Flag poles shall be a maximum of fifty
(50)feet in height but no higher than the highest point of the nearest principal building's
roof on the premises. Flag poles must meet the minimum yard setback requirements for a
principal building or a minimum of ten feet,whichever is more restrictive.Any flag with
a commercial message shall count towards other total signage for each nonresidential
property as square footage related to the maximum amount of square feet for a monument
sign or a wall sign.
(b)No sign may be placed without the consent of the Property Owner or without a sign permit,when
required.
(c) The Responsible Party is responsible for compliance with this Code.
(d)Any sign under this section shall not advertise the sale of goods,services,or activities that are not
available on the building or property on which the sign is attached or placed.
Section 82-24 Industrial (I),Agriculture(A), and Offshore Water (OW).
(a) Types of Signs Allowed with Permit:
(1)Wall, Canopy,or Projecting Signs. Wall,Canopy,and Projecting Signs may be erected.
The total sign area for all signs shall not exceed sixty-four(64) square feet. Sign area
allotment is computed by adding the sign area of all Wall,Canopy,and Projecting Signs
on the lot.Projecting signs shall project no more than two(2)feet perpendicular from the
wall and not more than three(3)feet vertically above the wall of the building. Each sign
under this section requires a sign permit.
(2) Monument Signs. One (1) non-attached sign per lot may be erected. No sign shall
exceed one hundred(100) square feet in sign area and shall not exceed thirty-five(35)
feet in height. The setback shall be a minimum of twenty-five(25)feet from any public
right-of-way. Sign placement must comply with any additional setback that may be
prescribed by the Sign Administrator when there is a potential safety issue or conflict
with public utilities. A permit is required for this sign.
(3) Gasoline Pump Islands. For a property that contains a gasoline pump island, the owner
may exhibit one(1) logo sign not exceeding thirty-two (32) square feet in sign area and
one (1)price sign per gasoline pump island not exceeding forty(40) square feet in sign
area.The signage under this subsection does not count against a non-residential property's
total signage allotment. This sign shall be placed at least twenty-five(25)feet from any
public right of way.
(4)Restaurant Menus,detached or attached to a building,used in connection with a drive-in
or drive-through,which do not attract the attention of persons not on the premises. Signs
under this subsection shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet and shall not be
illuminated other than internally illuminated.This sign shall be placed at least twenty(20)
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 23 OF 42
feet from any public right of way.
(b) Types of Signs Allowed without Permit:
(1)Equipment Signs. Words may be attached to machinery or equipment which is necessary
or customary to the business,including but not limited to devices such as gasoline pumps,
vending machines,ice machines,etc.,provided that words so attached refer exclusively to
products or services dispensed by the device,and project no more than one inch from the
surface of the device.
(2)Non-Commercial Signs:
(A)Each lot may have one non-commercial sign,which may be a pole sign,wall sign,or
monument sign,that meets the requirements of this section.
(i)A non-commercial sign shall not have an area greater than thirty-six(36)square
feet.
(ii) A non-commercial sign shall not be more than six (6) feet in height.
(C) One additional temporary sign, which may be a pole sign, wall sign, or monument
sign, not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in sign area, may be located on a
property without a permit when the owner consents to the placement of the sign and that
property is for sale or lease or if an individual unit or units is for sale or lease. This
subsection does not affect the content of the sign allowed under this subsection. A sign
posted under this section must be removed within ten(10)days following when a contract
of sale has been executed or a rental agreement has been executed. This sign shall be
placed at least thirty(30) feet from any public right of way.
(D)One flag per twenty-five(25)feet of frontage on a right-of-way up to a maximum of
six flags with noncommercial messages and six flag poles per premises.Each flag must be
a maximum of twenty-four(24)square feet in area.Flag poles shall be a maximum of fifty
(50)feet in height but no higher than the highest point of the nearest principal building's
roof on the premises. Flag poles must meet the minimum yard setback requirements for a
principal building or a minimum of ten feet whichever is more restrictive.Any flag with a
commercial message shall count towards other total signage for each nonresidential
property. Commercial flags shall count against total allowed square footage for a
monument or wall sign for the property.
(E)A non-commercial sign shall not be lighted or have any moving elements.
(F)Non-commercial signs may be installed on private property only with the consent of a
Property Owner and may not be installed in,on,or over any street or utility right-of-way.
(c) The Responsible Party is liable for compliance with these provisions.
(d)Any sign under this section shall not advertise the sale of goods,services,or activities that are not
available on the building or property on which the sign is attached or placed.
Section 82-25 Multi-Unit Complex in a Non-Residential District-Additional Signs Requiring
Permit.
(a) In addition to the signs allowed according to the zoning district, one (1) monument or
wall sign per complex may be erected advertising the total number of office or commercial
tenants with a sign permit. On corner lots,the major or primary street shall be construed to
be the development lot frontage and no more than one (1) sign shall be permitted. On a
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 24 OF 42
development lot located at the intersection of two (2) major thoroughfares, a sign shall be
permitted for each such thoroughfare or expressway with a sign permit. The sign area of the
sign may not be larger than one hundred(100)square feet. The name of the complex and the
street address with letters no less than six (6) inches in height will appear at the top of the
copy. This sign shall be placed at least fifteen(15) feet from any public right of way.
(b) There may be one(1)sign no larger than twenty(20)square feet in sign area identifying
each tenant and placed flush on the wall near the office entrance. This sign is in lieu of the
wall,canopy,or projecting sign of sixty-four(64)square feet allowed in Sections 82-23 and
82.24.
(c) Sign placement must comply with all setback regulations and any additional setback that
may be prescribed by the Sign Administrator when there is a potential safety issue.
(d) Master Sign Plans for areas with a multi-unit complex are highly encouraged to meet the
unique needs of each multi-unit complex.All owners,tenants,subtenants and purchasers of
individual units within the development shall comply with the approved master sign plan.
Section 82-26 Neighborhood Services (NS): Additional Signs Requiring Permit.
Signs used for Neighborhood Services Centers must be allowed as follows:
(a) In addition to the signs allowed according to the zoning district, one (1) monument sign per
complex may be erected advertising the total number of office or commercial tenants with a
sign permit. On corner lots, the major or primary street shall be construed to be the
development lot frontage and no more than one(1)sign shall be permitted.On a development
lot located at the intersection of two (2) major thoroughfares, a sign shall be permitted for
each such thoroughfare or expressway. The sign area of the sign may not be larger than one
hundred(100)square feet. The name of the complex and the street address with letters no less
than six (6) inches in height will appear at the top of the copy. This sign shall be placed at
least fifteen(15)feet from any public right of way.
(b) There may be one(1) sign no larger than twenty(20) square feet in sign area identifying
each tenant and placed flush on the wall near the office entrance. This sign is in lieu of the
wall, canopy, or projecting sign of sixty-four(64) square feet allowed in Sections 82-23
and 82.24.
(c) Sign placement must comply with all setback regulations and any additional setback that may
be prescribed by the Sign Administrator when there is a potential safety issue.
Section 82-27 Downtown District.
Additional signage regulations applicable to the city's historic downtown district are included in the
design and development standards in the Downtown District Implementation Manual.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 25 OF 42
Section 82-28 Master Sign Plans.
A Master Sign Plan is a comprehensive document containing specific regulations for an entire
project's signs. Master Sign Plans are appropriate for Planned Unit Developments, Master Planned
Developments, development agreements, large residential or commercial developments,multi-unit
complexes, or in the case where a project applicant is seeking several variances to the city's Sign
Ordinance.
[Section 82-29 Reserved]
ARTICLE III. —ADMINISTRATION
Section 82-30 Permit Required.
Applications for a sign permit must be processed through the Sign Administrator or the Sign
Administrator's designee.
(a) Requirements. Except as otherwise provided for herein, no sign shall be erected,posted,
painted, or otherwise produced, changed, or reconstructed, in whole or in part,within the
City limits of the City of Port Arthur without first obtaining a permit.
(b) Applications: Application for a permit required by this Ordinance shall be made upon
forms provided by the Sign Administrator or the Sign Administrator's designee. The
application for sign permits shall contain all information, drawings, and specifications
necessary to fully advise the Sign Administrator, or the Sign Administrator's designee, of
the type, size, shape, location, zoning district if within city limits, construction, and
materials of the proposed sign and the building structure or premises upon which it is to be
placed. Drawings shall also show all existing signs on the property.
(c) All applications for permits shall include a drawing to scale of the proposed sign and all
existing signs maintained on the premises and visible from the right-of-way, a drawing of
the lot plan or building facade indicating the proposed location of the sign, and
specifications for its construction, lighting,motion, and wiring, if any. All drawings shall
be of sufficient clarity to show the extent of the work.
(d) Qualifications. Only those individuals who properly obtained a permit by the Sign
Administrator,the Sign Administrator's designee, or the State of Texas shall receive a
permit to erect or alter any sign. Permits for the installation, erection, or alteration of any
electrical components on a sign shall be issued only to those individuals who hold a
commercial sign contractors license and master electrician's license and who have filed
the bond and insurance required by the city. It shall be unlawful for any person licensed
under the provisions of this Ordinance to obtain a permit on behalf of or for the benefit of
any unlicensed person whose business activities are such that such unlicensed person
would need a license to obtain a permit.
(e) Conditions for issuing permits. No permit for the erection or alteration of any sign over
any sidewalk, alley, or other public property, or on or over any roof or building shall be
issued to any person except upon the condition that the permit may be withdrawn at any
time, in which case the sign shall be immediately removed by the Responsible Party,who
will also be liable under the penalties provided for in this Ordinance.
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 26 OF 42
(f) Issuance. A permit shall not be issued when:
1. An existing billboard sign is in a deteriorated, unsafe, or unsightly
condition as described below in Section 82-40.
2. A sign is not in compliance with this Ordinance.
3. A sign is proposed for construction in an area not zoned for such a
sign.
4. Authorization of the property owner has not been obtained.
(g) Inspection. Any sign for which a permit is issued shall be inspected after its erection for
conformity to the provisions of this chapter.
(h) Fees. No permit shall be issued until applicable fees have been paid to the City of Port
Arthur. Fees may be subject to change without prior notification. Sign permit fee schedule
shall be in accordance with the fee schedule enacted by the City Council and located at
City Hall.
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Sec. 82 31. Board of adjustment.
(a) Except as provided in subsection(c)of this section,the zoning board of adjustment may,
in specific cases and
(b) subject to appropriate conditions,only after the following special finding from the evidence
benefit to the city and its citizens in accomplishing the objectives of this chapter:
(1) Permit a variance for detached premises signs of up to ten percent of the setback,effective
area and height requirements of this chapter;
(3) Permit the following special variances and exceptions for movement control signs when
businessi
a. Authorize an identification message to be placed on the sign;
b. Authorize an effective area of up to four square feet; and
c. Authorize height of up to 2'/2 feet.
(b) The board of adjustment may also vary any or all other provisions of this chapter not specified
the applicant without sufficient corresponding benefit to the city and its citizens in
requirement, decision or determination made by the director of community and urban
(d) The board of adjustment may require a nonconforming sign to be brought into immediate
the evidence presented the board finds the sign to be hazardous to the public or to have been
P.O. NO. 6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 27 OF 42
(e) The board of adjustment may authorize the remodeling,renovation or alteration of a sign when
some nonconforming aspect of the sign is thereby reduced.
sign was erected and where the director ofcommunity and urban development finds no record of
a permit being issued, the board of adjustment may authorize the issuance of a replacement
arrangements were made with a sign company to obtain such permit.
(Code 1961, § 2A 82)
Section 82-31 Permit Not Required
A permit shall not be required for:
(a) Simple routine maintenance, adjustments, replacement of light globes, etc. on existing
signs.
(b) When a sign has been damaged by fire, windstorm, or other causes, immediate work may
be done to prevent damage to property or hazard to persons, and to this extent only.
Notice will be given as soon as practical to the Sign Administrator or the Sign
Administrator's designee.
(c) Changing a commercial message to a non-commercial message on any legal sign surface.
(d) Changing of permitted copy of an existing sign, provided that no increase occurs with
respect to either the sign area or the manner in which the sign is structurally supported.
(e) For any sign or display exempted from the sign ordinance or permit requirement.
Sec. 82 32. Nonconforming signs.
It is the declared purpose of this chapter that, in time all privately owned signs shall either
conform to the provisions of this chapter or be removed. By the passage of this chapter and its
amendments, no presently illegal sign shall be deemed to have been legalized unless such sign
complies with all current standards under the terms of this chapter and all other ordinances of the
city. Any sign which docs not conform to all provisions of this chapter shall be a nonconforming
sign if it legally existed as a conforming or nonconforming sign under prior ordinances; or an
illegal sign if it did not exist as a conforming or nonconforming sign, as the case may be. It is
further the intent and declared purpose of this chapter that no offense committed, and no liability,
liabilities, penalties or forfeitures may be instituted, and causes presently pending may proceed.
(Code 1961, § 2A 81)
Secs. 82 33 82 50. Reserved.
Section 82-32 Variances
(a) A Responsible Party that wants a variance from this chapter must file a request for variance
with the Sign Administrator along with a variance fee,as stated in the city's most recent fee
schedule. The Sign Administrator will indicate what documentation the Responsible Party
must provide in support of the request.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 28 OF 42
(b) Once the necessary documentation has been provided to the Sign Administrator,the Board of
Adjustment shall review the request and make a determination based on the documentation
provided by the Responsible Party as well as the recommendation of the Sign Administrator.
(c) The board of adjustment has final authority to approve a variance.
Section 82-33 Board of Adjustment.
(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the zoning Board of Adjustment may, in
specific cases and subject to appropriate conditions,and only after a special finding based on the
evidence presented that strict compliance with the requirements of this chapter will result in
substantial undue hardship or inequity to the applicant without sufficient corresponding benefit
to the city and its citizens in accomplishing the objectives of this chapter:
(1)Permit a variance for a noncommercial or commercial sign of the setback,effective area,
or height requirements of this chapter.
(2) authorize one additional sign on premises in excess of the number permitted by this
chapter;
(b) The Board of Adjustment shall consider:
(1) Special or unique hardship because of the size or shape of the property on which the
sign is to be located, or the visibility of the property from public roads.
(2) Hardship claim based on the exceptional topographic conditions or physical features
uniquely affecting the property on which a sign is to be located.
(3) Proposed sign location, configuration, design, materials and colors are harmonious
with the design review guidelines.
(4) The sign and its supporting structure should be in architectural harmony with the
surrounding structures.
(5) The city may take into consideration the demonstrated and documented correlation
between the variance and protecting the public health and safety.
(6) The city will be more inclined to consider a variance request when it is sought during an
earlier stage of the construction approval process, for instance when the Responsible
Party is submitting/obtaining a plat,planned unit development,development agreement,
or site plan.
(7) Master signage plans are highly encouraged.The city will be more inclined to favorably
consider a variance request when the variance is part of a master signage plan. There
will be a presumption against granting variances piecemeal,ad hoc,on a case-by-case
basis when the sign for which a variance is sought could have been included in a master
sign plan and considered in the course of a comprehensive review of the entire project's
signage.
(a) The board of adjustment may impose conditions upon the granting of a variance under this
chapter. Such conditions must be related to the variance sought, and be generally intended to
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 29 OF 42
mitigate the adverse effects of the sign on neighboring tracts and the general aesthetic ambiance
of the community. A non-exhaustive list of examples of conditions include increased setbacks,
added vegetation,muted colors,and decreased lighting.The board of adjustment may condition
sign variances on the Responsible Party bringing other existing, nonconforming signs into
compliance with current regulations. A Responsible Party's failure to comply with conditions
placed on a variance may result in the board of adjustment voiding the variance and authorizing
all available code enforcement actions and other remedies available in equity or at law.
(b) The Board of Adjustment may authorize the remodeling,renovation,or alteration of a sign
when some nonconforming aspect of the sign is thereby reduced.
(e) Where a permit was required for a sign's erection according to the law in effect at the time the
sign was erected and where the Sign Administrator finds no record of a permit being issued,the
Board of Adjustment may authorize the issuance of a replacement permit when, from the
evidence presented, the board finds either that a permit was issued or that arrangements were
made with a sign company to obtain such permit.
[Sections 82-34 through 82-39 Reserved]
ARTICLE IV—EXISTING SIGNS
Section 82-40 Maintenance of Existing Signs.
(a) All signs in the city shall be properly maintained at all times to the satisfaction of the Sign
Administrator. The Sign Administrator shall have the authority to order the painting,repair,
or removal of a sign which constitutes a hazard to the safety, health, or public welfare by
reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, or abandonment. The Sign
Administrator's decision shall be subject to the review of the Board of Adjustment as listed
below regarding appeal of a decision of an administrative official under Section 82-33. If
within fifteen(15)days the maintenance orders are not complied with,the City Manager may
order the sign removed at the owner's expense under the provisions of this ordinance.
(b) It is an offense for a Responsible Party to fail to maintain signs and sign structures in a good
and sound condition as determined by the building official in accordance with the
International Building Code. Responsible Parties must repair or replace signs and sign
structures that are rotting,pealing,rusting,fading,becoming discolored,covered in dirt,or
filled with holes. Responsible Parties shall not allow signs or sign structures to become
dangerous,within the meaning of the International Building Code,as a result of inadequate
design,construction,repair,or maintenance.The city can seek to compel immediate removal
of signs that are in such a state of disrepair as to constitute an imminent threat to public
health, safety and welfare.
Section 82-41 Newly Annexed Signs.
Signs in areas newly annexed into the city limits shall be treated as nonconforming signs. If required
for the type of existing sign, a permit shall be obtained.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 30 OF 42
Section 82-42 Off-Premise Pole Signs (Billboards).
Off-Premise Pole Signs(Billboards)with commercial advertising are prohibited in the City of Port
Arthur. Off-Premise Pole Signs(Billboards)in existence prior to the enactment of this Ordinance
shall be exempt from the provisions of that Ordinance for a period of six(6)years and six(6)months
after its enactment, only if they are not hazardous to the health and safety of the public and are
maintained in accordance with this Ordinance. After six (6) years and six (6) months from the
enactment of this Ordinance,all billboards in the City of Port Arthur shall conform to the restrictions
and standards of this Ordinance and any lighting regulations adopted by the City of Port Arthur.
No existing billboard shall exceed forty (40) feet in height from the ground level. No existing
billboard shall interfere with the visibility of pedestrians or drivers of motor vehicles at street
intersections or otherwise obstruct traffic or create a traffic hazard.
Section 82-43 Destroyed Nonconforming Signs.
An existing non-conforming sign in the city limits may not be repaired or rebuilt in the case of
obsolescence or total destruction by fire or other causes.In case of partial destruction by fire or other
causes,where the cost of repairing the sign is less than sixty 60 percent of the cost of erecting a new
sign of the same type at the same location, the Sign Administrator, or the Sign Administrator's
designee, may issue a "no fee" permit for the necessary repairs to be made to the sign. If the
necessary repairs are not completed within sixty(60)days of the receipt of written notification to the
Responsible Party by the Sign Administrator or the Sign Administrator's designee, then the sign
shall be removed either by the Responsible Party or by the City at the Responsible Party's expense.
Criminal or civil penalties may also be initiated against the Responsible Party as provided for in this
Ordinance.Under unusual circumstances and/or where the Responsible Party has shown"good faith"
in attempting to comply with the provisions of this Ordinance,an extension period of thirty(30)days
may be granted to the Responsible Party to facilitate repairs. If the cost of rebuilding or repair of an
existing non-conforming sign exceeds sixty percent(60%)of the cost of erecting a new sign of the
same type at the same location,the sign shall be removed at the Responsible Party's expense.If the
sign is not removed within thirty(30)days of written notification to the Responsible Party,then it
shall be removed by the City or its designated agent(s)at the Responsible Party's expense.A sign so
removed under the provisions of this section shall be kept in storage for a period of sixty(60)days,
and if it is not claimed within said period, it may be disposed of in a lawful manner by the City.
Section 82-44 Abandoned or Discontinued Signs.
An abandoned or discontinued sign is a sign that advertises a business or project that has ceased
operations in excess of one (1) year, unless the property is leased, in which case the sign shall be
removed after two(2)years.The Responsible Party shall remove any sign and/or sign structure that
has not been used for advertising or promoting a going concern for at least one (1) year. For the
purposes of this section,a business or project has ceased to operate when it is no longer engaged in
the sale of products or services in the normal course of business.
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 31 OF 42
Section 82-45 Signs and Modifications.
(a) Signs lawfully in existence on the date the provisions of this Code were first advertised that
do not conform to the provisions of this Code,but which were in compliance with the applicable
regulations at the time they were constructed,erected,affixed,or maintained,must be regarded
as nonconforming.
(b) For the purpose of amortization,these signs may be continued from the effective date of this
Code for a period not to exceed ten(10)years,unless under a previous regulation the signs were
to be amortized.In that case the amortization period must be as previously required or ten years,
whichever is less.
(c) Signs which were nonconforming to the prior Ordinance and which do not conform to this
Code must be removed immediately.
Section 82-46 Altered,Relocated,or Replaced Signs.
Any sign which is altered,relocated,or replaced must be brought immediately into compliance with
all provisions of this Code.
[Sections 82-47 through 82-49 Reserved]
ARTICLE V—VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Section 82-50 Violations.
Should the Responsible Party or parties after due notice fail to correct a violation of this Section,the
Sign Administrator or the Sign Administrator's designee shall cause such signs and supports to be
removed. This Official, on behalf of the City, shall also take necessary action to file against the
property a lien in the amount of the cost of such work if such costs are not paid by the property
owner within fifteen(15)days after the property owner is billed.The Sign Administrator,or the Sign
Administrator's designee,may also pursue criminal and/or civil penalties as provided for under this
Ordinance.
Section 82-51 Offense.
It is an offense for any individual to violate or cause,allow or permit a violation any provision of this
chapter and the individual who violates or causes, allows or permits a violation of this ordinance
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in section 1-13 of the Port Arthur
Code of Ordinances.
DIVISION 2. PERMIT
Sec. 82 51. Required; inspection.
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 32 OF 42
(1) Changing of permitted copy of an existing sign, provided that no increase occurs with
respect to either the area of any such sign or the manner in which it is structurally
(2) Vehicular signs;
(3) Nameplate and street address signs;
(') Weather flags;
(5) Nonilluminatcd real estate signs;
(6) Window signs;
(7) Construction signs;
(8) Movement control signs;
(9) Protective signs;
(10) Political signs;
(11) Nonilluminatcd residential signs as allowed under section 82 163(b).
(b) Any sign for which a permit is issued shall be inspected after its erection for conformity to the
provisions of this chapter.
(Code 1961, § 2A 72)
Sec. 82 52. Permit fees for signs.
(Code 1961, § 2A 72.1)
Sec. 82 53. Applications.
All applications for permits shall include a drawing to scale of the proposed sign and all
construction, lighting motion and wiring, if any. All drawings shall be of sufficient clarity to
show the extent of the work.
(Code 1961, § 2A 73)
Secs. 82 54 82 80. Reserved.
ARTICLE III. REGULATIONS
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Secs. 82 81 82 100. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. ALL ZONING DISTRICTS
Footnotes:
(3)
Cross rcfcrcnec Zoning, app. A.
Sec. 82 101. Application of division provisions.
The provisions of this division shall apply to all areas of the city, without regard to zoning.
(Code 1961, § 2A 31)
Sec. 82 102. Limitation of traffic and emergency signs.
P. O. NO. 6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 33 OF 42
No persons shall cause to be erected or maintained any sign using any combination of forms,
signals.
(Code 1961, § 2A 32)
Cross reference Traffic, ch. 106.
Sec. 82 103. Signs over right of way or roof.
(a) No attached sign shall be located on or project over a building, except as provided in section
82 135(5).
(b) No sign shall be located within or project over any public right of way, or across the public
right of way line extended across a railroad right of way, except when attached to and
projecting no more than 18 inches from a building wall legally located at or near the right of
(c) Notwithstanding any other provisions in this section,a sign may be located in the city right of
way if a license to use is issued by the city council.
(Code 1961, § 2A 33; Ord. No. 04 13, § 2, 3 30 2004)
Sec. 82 104. Other codes not in ;
(Code 1961, § 2A 34)
p
(a) Movement control signs may be erected by any occupancy or on any premises, other than a
single family or duplex premises,may be attached or detached,and may be erected without limit
(1) Each sign must not exceed two square feet in effective area;
(3) The signs must contain no advertising or identification message.
(b) The occupancy of any premises may erect not more than two-o-pcotectivc signs, in accordance
(1) Each sign must not exceed one square foot in effective area;
(2) Detached signs must not exceed two feet in height.
(c) Vehicular signs shall conform to the following restrictions:
(2) Vehicular signs shall not be attached to a vehicle so that the driver's vision is obstructed
(3) Signs, lights and signals used by authorized emergency vehicles shall not be restricted;
(1) Vehicular signs shall conform to all the regulations for detached signs if:
a. The vehicular sign is so placed as to constitute a sign as defined in section 82 1; and
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 34 OF 42
(5) The owner of the vehicle upon which a vehicular sign is placed is responsible for ensuring
that the provisions of this section arc adhered to and commits an offense if any vehicular
sign on the vehicle violates this section. If such a vehicle is found unattended or
by the named individual.
(d) Real estate signs may be erected at any occupancy or premises in addition to any other signs
(1) Bc illuminated;
(3) Exceed 32 square feet in effective area in business districts or tracts of land greater than
one acre;
(1) Exceed one sign per street frontage.
(e) Political signs may be erected at any occupancy or premises, in addition to any other sign
(1) Not be illuminated;
(3) Not exceed 32 square feet in effective area in business districts;
('1) Be removed within one week following the election for which the sign was erected or any
runoff resulting therefrom.
(Code 1961, § 2A 35)
Sec. 82 106. Governmental signs.
governmental entity; or to limit flags, insignia, legal notices or information, directional or traffic
signs which arc legally required or necessary to the essential functions of government agencies.
(Code 1961, § 2A 36)
Sec. 82 107. Creation of site.
-- . . _ . - . -, - -- - , . . - - -
maintenance of a sign until a site is established under the requirements of section 23 100 of the
(Code 1961, § 2A 37)
•
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, or other ordinance, any sign that may
(Code 1961, § 2A 38)
Sec. 82 109. Signs to be attached to the ground.
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 35 OF 42
(Code 1961, § 2A 39)
Sec. 82 110. Signs to be maintained.
Any sign creating a hazard, as determined by the superintendent of inspectors, due to
collapse, fire, collision, decay or abandonment shall be removed or repaired within 30 days of
notice of such hazard.
(Code 1961, § 2A 40)
Secs. 82 111 82 130. Reserved.
DIVISION 3. BUSINESS ZONING DISTRICTS
Feetnetesi
(4)
Cross reference Businesses, ch. 22; zoning, app. A.
Sec. 82 131. Application of division.
The provisions of this division apply to all signs in business zoning districts unless the sign
is within 25 feet of either a nonbusiness zoning district boundary or a public park of more than
one acre.
(Code 1961, § 2A 51)
Sec. 82 132. Other provisions govern exceptions.
(Code 1961, § 2A 52)
Sec. 82 133. General provisions applicable to signs in business zoning districts.
(a) Signs which arc illuminated by flashing, intermittent or moving lights are prohibited.
as to cause glare or impair vision.
visual image including,but not limited to,illusion of moving objects,moving patterns or bands
of light, expanding or contracting shapes, rotation or any similar effect of animation.
_ .. ;.. -•ay move or rotate at a r - . - . - - ., -- . - - -
seconds, or change its message more often than once each 20 seconds, except time and
motion of which is not restricted.
(Code 1961, § 2A 53)
Sec. 82 131. Detached signs.
(1) Detached signs may.be either premises or nonpremises signs.
a. Premises which have more than 450 feet of common boundary with any dedicated and
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 36 OF 42
- , I -- -
common boundary with more than one public street right of way is used in
determination of additional signs permitted,at least one sign must be placed adjacent
have two dctachcd premises signs. If a second dctachcd sign is permitted by the
any additional detached signs.
c. Any newly opened premises or any nonresidential occupancy may be granted a
temporary permit not to exceed six months from the date of original opening for no
more than one detached special purpose sign,provided that such sign conforms to all
additional detached sign, provided that sign provides for changeable copy. This sign
shall be in addition to any sign permitted by the application of subsection(2)a or(2)b
of this section.
' - - ' - ---
Area Setback Height
(Square Feet) (in Feet) (in Feet)
048-50 5 2.0
50+ to 150 15 30
1-50+te-409 2 I 49
(Code 1961, § 2A 54)
Sec. 82 135. Attached signs.
(1) All attached signs must be premises signs or must convey a noncommercial message.
(2) All signs and their words shall be mounted parallel to the building surface to which they
are attached, and shall project to no more than 18 inches from that surface except as
provided in subsection(5) of this section.
(3) Any premises of any nonresidential occupancy may temporarily display one special
purpose sign on each facade.
(1) The total effective arca of all attached signs per premises or occupancy shall not exceed
two square feet per one linear foot of occupancy facade or 120 square feet, whichever is
greater.
(5) Attached signs may project more than 18 inches from building surfaces as follows:
sign projecting up to maximum of four feet from a vertical building surface, but not
P.O. NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 37 OF 42
the premises,and that the sign does not exceed 20 square feet in effective area,and that
public right of way;
b. On any premises or nonresidential occupancy, a sign may be erected at the eaves or
parallel to the facade, and does not project more than four feet above the surface to
which ;t ; attached
dispensed by the device,and project no more than one inch from the surface of the device.
(Code 1961, § 2A 55)
Sec. 82 136. Special provisions for nonpremises signs.
Radial measurement is a measurement taken along the shortest distance between a sign or
bei
(b) Nonpremises signs shall comply with the area, setback and height requirements as outlined in
section 82 134(3) except that nonpremises signs that exceed 400 square feet shall:
(1) Not exceed 40 feet in height; and
(2) Bc set back not less than 25 feet.
or more major thoroughfares, or freeway travel lanes or ramps, or freeway service roads
(d) A nonpremises sign that exceeds 72 square feet or is illuminated externally may not:
(1) Exceed 672 square feet in effective area;
(2) Bc located within 200 feet of a residential structure or residential zoning district
boundafYi
' -•. ... -- --• - • - - -- --
that exceeds 72 square feet; or
(1) Be located within 500 feet of another nonpremises sign on the same side of the street that
does not exceed 72 square feet.
(1) Two hundred fifty feet of another nonpremises sign on the same side of the street;
(2) Thirty feet of any residential structure or nonbusiness zoning district; or
(Code 1961, § 2A 56)
Secs. 82 137 82 160. Reserved.
DIVISION 4. NONBUSINESS ZONING DISTRICTSM
Footnotes:
(5)
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 38 OF 42
Sec. 82 161. Application of division.
The provisions of this division apply to all signs located:
(1) In any nonbusiness zoning district;
(3) Within 25 feet of a public park of more than one acre, measured radially.
(Code 1961, § 2A 61)
Sec. 82 162. General provisions applicable to signs.
-
(b) An occupancy in a nonbusiness zoning district may erect only signs that convey a
(c) In approving any single family,duplex or residential subdivision plat,the planning and zoning
provisions of section 82 163. The maximum effective area of such signs-shall-net-exceed 40
, . . _-, . . . . . .. .
section, an applicant must present an instrument approved by the planning and zoning
commission of the city and the city attorney as to form,and filed for record in the decd records
of the county, which identifies the lot or specific property on which any sign is to be located in
the subdivision,
(Code 1961, § 2A 62)
Sec. 82 163. Detached signs.
(a) Multifamily and nonresidential premises may display detached signs,subject to the following
restrictions:
a. Be a premises sign; or
b. Convey a noncommercial message.
(2) Number of signs. Each premises may have no more than one detached sign; provided,
an alley, may have not more than one additional detached sign for each 500 feet of
(3) Area, setback and height. A sign permitted by this section must comply with the
Arca Setback Height
(Square Feet) (In Feet) (In Feet)
0-te-1-0 44
P.O.NO. 6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 39 OF 42
10+to20 1-0 1S
20+to 50 � 2e
(b) A single family or duplex residential premises may display detached signs, subject to the
following restrictions:
(1) Type of signs. A sign permitted by this subsection must:
a. Refer to the sale or lease of the premises;
c. Convey a noncommercial message.
(2) Number of signs. Each occupancy or premises may have no more than one detached sign.
(3) Setback. A sign permitted by this subsection must comply with the following setback
requirements:
a. A minimum setback of five feet is required for all detached signs unless the premises
or five feet in height.
(Code 1961, § 2A 63)
Sec. 82 164. Attached signs.
(a) Attached signs arc permitted for multifamily premises, nonresidential premises and
(1) All attached signs must be premises signs or must convey a noncommercial message.
(2) All signs erected pursuant to this section shall be limited to one per facade per occupant or
premises and 40 square feet of effective area.
('1) Each attached sign erected pursuant to this exception may have an additional 40 square
building height.
(5) All signs shall be mounted parallel to the building surface to which they are attached and
(6) A nonresidential premises may erect one attached sign that projects no further than four
feet from the vertical building surface, provided that the sign may not be illuminated,
exceed 20 square feet in effective arca,extend above the roof or over any public right of
way, be located within the space ten feet above the grade, or be on a premises with a
d
(b) A single family or duplex residential premises may not display an attached sign except a
(Code 1961, § 2A-64)
P.O. NO. 6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 40 OF 42
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
SIGN ORDINANCE CHART
Section 82-20 Residential Districts (LDR, MDR)
Total Sign Area Type of Sign(s) Setback Permit
Residential
(Subdivision) 4 24 sq ft Monument Sign 15 feet Y
acres or less
Residential
(Subdivision) 4 to 36 sq ft Monument Sign 15 feet Y
39 acres
Residential
(Subdivision) 40 64 sq ft Monument Sign 15 feet Y
acres or more
Subdivision-
During 100 sq ft Pole Sign or 15 feet Y
Construction Monument Sign
(Temporary Sign)
15 sq ft Flags (2) ROW
2sgft Any ROW _
Residential 9 sq ft Any (temporary) ROW
Individual Lots 4 sq ft Wall Sign (if Attached N
home occupation)
8.5 x 11 inches Window Sign Attached
6 sq ft Any (temporary) ROW
Residential Numbers 3-8
Address Signs- inches Any ROW N
Required
Section 82-21 Multi-Family Residential Districts (HDR)*
Total Sign Type of Sign(s) Setback Permit
Area
Multifamily
Residential- 20 24 sq ft Monument Sign 15 feet Y
units or less
Multifamily 36 sq ft
Residential- 21 Monument Sign 15 feet Y
units or more
15 sq ft Wall Sign, Attached
Identification Sign Y
6 sq ft Ground or 15 feet
Monument
Multifamily 100 sq ft Any 15 feet N
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 41 OF 42
Temporary Sign—
Entire Property
Multifamily
Temporary Sign— 9 sq ft Any 30 feet N
Individual
*Individual residents may also place any sign allowed in a residential district pursuant to written permission from
property owner.
Section 82-22 Manufactured Home District(MH)*
Total Sign Type of Sign(s) Setback Permit
Area
Manufactured Monument Sign,
Home District 36 sq ft Wall Sign, 15 feet Y
Sign Projecting Sign
Temporary Sign— 100 sq ft Any 30 feet N
Entire Property
Temporary Sign— 9 sq ft Any 30 feet N
Individual
*Individual residents may also place any sign allowed in a residential district pursuant to written permission from
property owner.
Section 82-23 Light Commercial (LC),Heavy Commercial(HC), and Neighborhood
Services (NS).
Total Sign Area Type of Sign(s) Setback Permit
Commercial Sign 64 sq ft(total Wall, Canopy,
Marquee, 15 feet Y
(s) signage) Projecting
Monument Sign,
Monument Sign 100 sq ft Non-Attached 15 feet Y
Sign
32 sq ft(sign Pump Island
Gasoline Pump area) Logo 20 feet Y
Island 40 sq ft(sign Price
area)
Restaurant Menu 32 sq feet Attached or 20 feet Y
Detached
Size of Attached to
Equipment Signs ROW N
equipment equipment
Non-Commercial 25 s ft Pole, Wall, or ROW N
Sign q Monument Sign
Temporary Sign
100 sq ft Any 15 feet N
—Entire Property
Temporary Sign - 16 sq ft Any 15 feet N
P.O.NO.6820
01/13/2020 PAV
PAGE 42 OF 42
Individual
Flags 24 sq ft Flag Minimum yard N(noncommercial)
setback
Section 82-24 Industrial (I),Agriculture(A), and Offshore Water (OW).
Total Sign Area Type of Sign(s) Setback Permit
Commercial Sign 64 sq ft(total Wall, Canopy, or 25 feet Y
(s) signage) Projecting
Monument Sign 100 sq ft Monument Sign 25 feet Y
32 sq ft(sign Pump Island
Gasoline Pump area) Logo 25 feet Y
Island 40 sq ft(sign
Price
area)
Restaurant Menu 32 sq feet Attached or 20 feet Y
Detached
Size of Attached to
Equipment Signs ROW N
equipment equipment
Non-Commercial 36 s ft Pole, Wall, or ROW N
Sign q Monument Sign
Temporary Sign 100 sq ft Any 30 feet N
Flags 24 sq ft Flag Minimum yard N(noncommercial)
setback
Section 82-25 Multi-Unit Complex in a Non-Residential District-Additional Signs
Requiring Permit.
Total Sign Type of Sign(s) Setback Permit
Area
Complex Tenants 100 sq ft Monument Sign 15 feet Y
Identification Sign or Wall Sign
Individual Tenant 20 sq ft Wall Attached Y
Sign
*In lieu of wall,canopy,or projecting sign of sixty-four(64)square feet allowed in Sections 82-23 and 82-24
Section 82-26 Neighborhood Services (NS): Additional Signs Requiring Permit.
Total Sign Type of Sign(s) Setback Permit
Area
Complex Tenants 100 sq ft Monument Sign 15 feet Y
Identification Sign
Individual Tenant 20 sq ft Wall Attached Y
Sign*
*In lieu of wall,canopy,or projecting sign of sixty-four(64)square feet allowed in Sections 82-23 and 82-24