HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-1997-1501-Z
.
.
ORIGINAL
ORDINANCE NO.1501-~
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 106, SECTION 106-1 OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE ZONING ORDINANCE, BY ADDING A
DEFINITION OF TEMPORARY SIGNS, FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 106,
ARTICLE 7 SIGNS, SECTION .106-871 ET SEa. OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF
THE CITY OF LA PORTE, BY ADDING REGULATIONS RELATING TO TEMPORARY
SIGNS; AND PROVIDING THAT ANY PERSON VIOLATING THE TERMS OF THIS
ORDINANCE SHALL BE DEEMED GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SHALL UPON
CONVICTION BE FINED A SUM OF NOT MORE THAN TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS
($2,000.00) FOR EACH VIOLATION; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS LAW; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF LA PORTE:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of La Porte hereby finds, determines and
declares that heretofore, to-wit, on the 21st day of August, 1997, at 7:00 p.m., a public
hearing was held before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of La Porte,
Texas, pursuant to due notice, to consider the question of the possible amendment of the
Zoning Ordinance as herein described. There is attached to this Ordinance as Exhibit
"A", and incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof for all purposes, the
publisher's affidavit of publication of notice of said hearing.
Section 2. Subsequent to such public meeting, the City of La Porte Planning and
Zoning Commission met in special session on September 11, 1997, at 6:00 p.m. to
consider the Ordinance amendments which were the subject of such public hearing. The
City Council of the City of La Porte is in receipt of the written recommendations of the City
of La Porte Planning & Zoning Commission, by letter .dated September 12, 1997, a true
copy of which letter is attached hereto as Exhibit "B," and incorporated by reference
herein, and made part hereof for all purposes.
ORDINANCE NO. 15" Z
PAGE 2
.
ORIGINAL
Section 3. The City Council of the City of La Porte hereby finds, determines and
declares that on the 22nd day of December, 1997, a public hearing was held before the
City Council of the City of La Porte, Texas, pursuant to due notice, to consider the
recommendation of the City of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission. There is
attached to this Ordinance as Exhibit "C", and incorporated by reference herein and made
a part hereof for all purposes, the publisher's affidavit of publication of notice of said
hearing.
Section 4. The City Council of the City of La Porte hereby finds, determines and
declares that all prerequisites of law have been satisfied, and hereby determines and
declares that the amendments to Sections 106-1 and 106-871 et seq. of the Code of
Ordinance of the City of La Porte are desirable and in furtherance of the goals and
objectives stated in the City of La Porte's comprehensive plan.
Section 5. Section 106-1 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte,
Texas is hereby amended by adding the following definition in alphabetical sequence in
said section:
Temporary sign: Sign not to exceed 18 inches by 24 inches in size
which is intended for a limited period of display.
Section 6. Section 106-871 et seq of the Code of Ordinances of the City of La
Porte, Texas relating to signs is hereby amended to read as follows:
"ARTICLE VII. SIGNS*
Sec. 106-871.
General provisions.
(a) All signs shall be erected, displayed and maintained in compliance with the
requirements of this article and all other applicable state laws and city
ordinances. If there is a conflict between the regulations of this article and a state
ORDINANCE NO. 15c1 z
PAGE 3
e
ORjGi,'~r'L-
law, city ordinance, or codes adopted by ordinance, the most restrictive standard
applies and controls. All signs not expressly allowed by this chapter are
prohibited.
(b) No sign nor part of any sign may have lights which flash, move or rotate in such
a manner as to be confused with traffic control signals or emergency vehicle
signals, or in a manner that confuses, misleads or distracts traffic motorists.
Beacons may not be placed on any sign or be made a part of any sign.
Additionally, no sign that resembles an official traffic control sign, signal or device
or that bears the words stop, go slowly, caution, danger, detour, or other wording
for traffic control signs or devices may be used within the city.
(c) All signs shall be properly and continuously maintained so as not to become a
safety hazard or detract from the appearance of adjoining properties.
(d) All areas immediately below and within a radius of 15 feet shall be properly
maintained. This includes maintenance of all vegetation to the standards set
forth in section 34-126 et seq.
(e) With th~:exception 'of permitted temporary signs" no Ne sign may be placed on or
over a public right-of-way, whether used or unused, a utility easement, or on
utility poles.
(f) No sign shall be located in a sight triangle so as to obstruct traffic visibility at a
level between three feet and six feet as measured above adjacent road grade.
(g) Any sign in violation of any provisions of this chapter is subject to immediate
removal by the city.
Sec. 106-872.
Portable signs.
(a) Portable signs may be located in the high density residential (R-3), manufactured
housing (MH), commercial recreation (CR), neighborhood commercial (NC),
general commercial (GC), business industrial (BI), light industrial (L1), and heavy
industrial (HI) zoning districts.
(b) A portable sign may not stand on any premise for more than 30 consecutive
days at a time or for more than 60 days in any calendar year without a period of
at least 20 intervening days.
(c) Lighted portable signs shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the
requirements of the city's electrical code. Portable signs with red, yellow, amber,
green, or blue lights or with lights that flash, blink, or vary in intensity are
prohibited.
ORDINANCE NO. 15. z
PAGE 4
e
ORIGINAL
(d) Portable signs must comply with the setback requirements that would apply to
on-premises signs in the zoning district in which the portable sign is to be
located. Portable signs may not be placed on public right-of-way and may not be
placed in such a manner as to create a hazard to traffic.
(e) A portable sign must be tied down or secured in a manner prescribed by the
building official to ensure the safe installation of said sign.
(f) A portable sign, during the required intervening periods, must be completely
removed from public view. Removal of the lettering is not considered to be in
compliance with this section.
(g) All damaged portable signs must be removed within 48 hours of notification by
the city until such sign has been repaired.
(h) Portable signs shall be used for on-premises use only.
(i) Nothing in this section shall apply to political advertising.
0) Portable signs are to be permitted through the building official of the city
consistent with the provisions of this chapter. Permitted portable signs shall have
securely affixed and plainly visible a sticker, in form prescribed by the city
showing the date the permit was issued, and the date the permit is to expire.
Portable signs shall also contain on both faces the date of expiration of the
current permit.
(k) Portable signs located on premises in violation of any of the provisions of this
chapter, including the requirement that portable signs have attached a validly
issued, current permit from the city are subject to immediate removal by the city.
(I) Portable signs removed by the city in accordance with this article shall be safely
and securely stored by the city. Portable signs removed and stored by the city
may be redeemed by their owner upon the payment of a storage fee established
by the city council and listed in appendix A. Signs not redeemed from storage
may be sold by the city in accordance with laws regulating sale of abandoned
property.
(m) Nothing in this article shall be construed as a waiver by the city on the penal
enforcement of this chapter. The remedies provided in this article shall be in
addition to, and not cumulative of, other remedies the city might have as allowed
in this chapter and state law.
ORDINANCE NO. 15~
PAGE 5
e
OR\G\\\JAL
Sec. 106-873.
Political signs.
Temporary political signs placed for the duration of an election campaign shall not be
subject to the requirements of this chapter except that:
(1) No political sign shall be placed within a sight triangle or in a manner which will
otherwise create a traffic hazard.
(2) No political sign shall be placed on or over a public right-of-way, whether used or
unused, a utility easement or on utility poles.
(3) All portable signs used for political advertising shall be anchored in a manner
which will prevent their being blown about by a strong wind.
(4) All political signs shall be removed no later than ten days after the election for
which they were placed. In the case of run-off elections, political signs may
remain in place no longer than ten days following the run-off.
Sec. 106-874.
On-premises signs.
(a) Freestanding on-premises signs.
(1) General provisions.
a. These regulations shall apply to freestanding signs only.
b. Multiple reader panels mounted on a single base shall be
considered to be a single sign.
c. For the purposes of this section, a multitenant building shall be
considered to be a single establishment and shall be restricted to
freestanding advertising signage in accordance with the regulations
governing such signs.
d. Separate buildings located on a single piece of property may be
considered to be separate business establishments with each
building being eligible for freestanding advertising in accordance
with these regulations.
e. The number of on-premises freestanding non advertising signs
intended to direct traffic and not exceeding six square feet in size
shall not be limited by this section.
f. On-premises real estate signs are allowed and shall be exempt
from all other provisions of section 106-874.
ORDINANCE NO. 15. z
PAGE 6
e
ORIGINAL
(2) R-1, R-2, R-3, and MH districts.
a. One freestanding identification sign is permitted for townhouses,
multifamily developments, group care facilities, subdivisions,
education and religious facilities.
b. For a bed and breakfast facility one sign not exceeding three
square feet in area and nonilluminated shall be allowed. This sign
may be either mounted on the building or located in a landscaped
portion of the yard.
c. For a home occupation facility one sign not exceeding two square
feet in area and nonilluminated shall be allowed. This sign shall be
mounted flat against the wall of the principal building.
d. The size of the sign may not exceed 150 square feet.
e. There are no minimum yard setbacks.
f. The maximum height is 45 feet.
(3) CR, NC, and GC districts.
a. One freestanding advertising sign shall be permitted for each side
of a commercial establishment which fronts on a developed right-
of-way.
b. The following size limitations apply:
1. Freestanding signs for single tenant buildings: 150 square
feet.
2. Freestanding signs for single tenant buildings in a controlled
access corridor: 300 square feet.
3. Freestanding signs for multitenant buildings: 350 square
feet.
c. The following minimum yard setbacks apply:
1. When not adjacent to residentially zoned property, there are
no minimum setbacks.
2. When adjacent to residentially zoned property, there are
minimum side and rear yard setbacks of five feet.
ORDINANCE NO. 150' Z
PAGE 7
e
ORIGJj~AL
d. The following height limitations apply:
1. Freestanding signs: 45 feet.
e. Freestanding signs in a controlled access corridor: 65 feet.
(4) Bit Lit and HI districts.
a. One freestanding advertising sign shall be permitted for each side
of a commercial establishment which fronts a developed right-of-
way.
b. The following size limitations apply:
1. Freestanding signs for single tenant buildings: 150 square
feet.
2. Freestanding signs for single tenant buildings in controlled
access corridors: 300 square feet.
3. Freestanding signs for multi-tenant buildings: 350 square
feet.
c. The following minimum yard setbacks apply:
1. When not adjacent to residentially zoned property, there are
no minimum setbacks.
2. When adjacent to residentially zoned property, there are
minimum side and rear setbacks of five feet.
d. The following height limitations apply:
1. Freestanding signs: 45 feet.
2. Freestanding signs in controlled access corridors: 65 feet.
(b) Attached on-premises signs.
(1 ) General provisions.
a. One attached sign per building wall may be displayed for each
occupant or use on the premises.
ORDINANCE NO. 15. ~
PAGE 8
.
ORIGINAL
b. These regulations do not apply to building addresses or
supplemental signs for the purpose of identifying the apartment
buildings or units.
(2) R-1, R-2, and MH districts.
a. The size of the sign may not exceed three square feet.
b. No portion of the sign may have a luminous greater than 200
footcandles and may not move, flash, rotate or change illumination.
(3) R-3, CR, NC, GC, BI, L1, and HI districts.
a.
The cumulative size of the signs may not exceed 15 percent of the
wall area.
b.
If located closer than 50 feet to an R-1, R-2, or MH district, the sign
may not flash and must be designed so that it does not shine or
reflect light into adjacent residences.
c.
One attached canopy sign may be displayed. Such sign shall not
exceed 30 percent of the canopy area. Such sign must be
contained within the physical limits of the canopy and shall not
extend above or below the canopy.
Off-premises signs.
Sec. 106-875.
(a) Off-premises freestanding advertising signs may be erected in the BI, L1, and HI
zoning districts.
(b) Off-premises freestanding public service signs may be erected in the Ge, 81, L1,
and HI zoning districts.
(c) All off-premises signs shall be constructed with a single steel support pole.
(d) The following size limitations shall apply to all off-premises freestanding signs:
(1) In controlled access corridors, the size limitations shall be set by the
Texas Highway Beautification Act.
(2) On all other streets, the maximum size shall be 300 square feet and may
not have more than two sign faces.
(e) An off-premises sign must be located at least 50 feet from an existing
freestanding on-premises sign.
ORDINANCE NO. 15. z
PAGE 9
.
ORIG\NAL
(f) Off-premises signs, when illuminated, must be constructed with upward shielded
directional illumination.
(g) The following height limitations shall apply:
(1) Off-premises public service signs: 18 feet.
(2) Off-premises advertising signs: 45 feet.
(h) All off-premises freestanding advertising signs shall be spaced in intervals of not
less than 1,000 feet.
Sec. 106-876.
Subdivision marketing signs.
(a) For the purpose of marketing a recorded subdivision, one on-premises
freestanding sign of not more than 150 square feet for each road abutting the
respective subdivision shall be permitted, provided that such sign shall not be
placed within any required yard nor within 25 feet of any property line abutting a
street or road right-of-way, and further provided that such sign shall not exceed
20 feet in height.
(b) For the purpose of marketing a recorded subdivision, one off-premises sign of
not more than 150 square feet may be permitted for each recorded subdivision in
any zoning district. Such sign shall not be placed within 25 feet of any property
line and shall not exceed 20 feet in height. The permit for such sign shall expire,
unless renewed, two years after the date of issuance of such permit, and
provided that each request for permit shall be accompanied by a license and
permit fee posted by the respective sign hanger in the amount of $300.00 for the
purpose of ensuring proper location, maintenance, and removal of the respective
sign.
Sec. 106.877 . i
Temp'orary S'igns.
(a) Subject to the provision of this section, temporary signs are prohibited except in
the foll9win.9 i!1stances:
" -. ..
1. Temporary signs small be a maximum of 18 inches by 24 inches in size
and constructed of all-weather corrugated plastic sheeting with a wooden
stake or greater; as ~upport.
2. Temporary signs may only be placed between the hours of 5:00 p.m. on
Friday and 7:00:p;m. on the following Sunday.
3. TemporarY signs shall be free of balloons, banners, or streamers.
ORDINANCE NO. 15. z
PAGE 10
(p) Location of temporary signs:
e
ORIGINAL
1. Temporary signs s~all not be placed in a manner that will interfere with a
site tria'ngle: pr othe[Wise'create a tr:affic hazard.
- " ,
2. Temporarysig_n~ l1'1?y nqt be located ""ithin five (5) feet of the edge of any
pavement.
3. Temporary'signs may only be placed at the following locations within the
City, with a maximum of two temporary signs permitted at anyone time at
any specified intersection: ..
SH 146 at
$H 146 at
SH 146 " at
Sft 225 at
SH 225
:..~
Spencer
Spencer
Spencer
Spencer
Spencer
'I.
F~lIrmont
'; at
at
at
, I , at
, at
Fairmont ' at
$~ Broadway at
S. Broadw~y at
N. "L" at
t;3~y Area Bh.~d. at
Fairmont {northeast; southwest & southeast corners)
Wharton Weems (northeast & southeast corners)
'McCabe {northeast corner and feeder & southeast
'" Corner of northbound SH 146 & McCabe)
Underwood {southwest corner of Underwood
eastbound lane & southeast corner of Underwood
,.. eastbound,lane of SH 225) ,
at 'pens (nort~west and northeast corners SH 225 &
southwest 'corner of SH 225 on westbound feeder on
Sens)
at Sens {northwest and northeast corners SH 225 &
southwest ;corner of SH 225 on westbound feeder on
Sens)
Sens {northwest & southeast corners)
Valleybrook {southeast corner)
Driftwood {southeast corner)
L.uella {southeast corner)
:Luella (nor1;hwest corner Luella, eastbound lane W.
Fairmont) :
Driftwood {northwest corner westbound on Fairmont)
Fairmont (northwest and southwest corners)
Wharton Weems (northwest and southwest corners)
Underwood: {northeast and southeast coners)
Fairmont {northwest corner of Bay Area Blvd. and
eastbound lane on W. Fairmont & southeast corner
of Bay Area ~Ivd. eastbound lane on W. Fairmont)
(~) Temporary Sign Permits:
1. No temporary sign ,maybe erected within the city limits of the City of La
Porte without a permit first having been obtained from the Building Official.
ORDINANCE NO. 15!*Z
PAGE 11
e
ORIGINAL
2. Application for temporary sign permits shall be made upon forms provided
by the Building qfficial,. and shall contain and be accompanied by
information sufficient to identify the location of the proposed sign,
consistent with the I,ocation criteria established in section 2{c) above.
3.' No person shall: be !issued' a temporary sign permit under this section until
such p~rson ha~ filed with the City Secretary a bond or insurance policy,
or both, in the amount. of $200.00 per sign approved, in form approved by
the City Attorney, sych bond or policy to be conditioned on the placement
of temporary signs f~ accordance with'the provisions of this ordinance, the
other qrdina.nces q~ the City of La Porte, and further providing for the
indemnification of the city for any and all damages or liability that may
accrue to or. against the city by reason of the placement, maintenance,
alteration, r~pair or: removal, or defects in any temporary sign erected by
, .~ ." .
or under the direction of such applicant, and further providing for the
indemnifica~lon of any person who shall, while on public property or public
right-of-waY'ibf the, Gity of La, Porte, incur damages for which the person
erecting any'such temporary sign is legally liable by reason of his act or
o.mission iri.~egard to erection of such temporary signage.
4. No permit issued under this ordinance shall be transferable.
(d) Number of rempQr~ry Sigl)' Permits
No, permittee for a tempor:ary sign may obtain a permit for placement of more than two
(2) temporary signs at anyone particular-location specified in Section 1 06.877{b) above
with a maximum of ten (fO) temporary signs per permittee" and a maximum of two (2)
t~rnpqraty sig,ns. p~r per{l1itte~ per locati9n.
(e) Further Limitations 'on Permit
.- ,
No permittee may obtain permits! for location of temporary signs for more than four (4)
consecutive weeks. Upon the e~piration of four (4) consecutive weeks of permits for a
particular permittee, :no permit staall be issued by the City for any temporary signs for
thirty (30) days following said fou~ (4) consecutive week period.
(f) Revocation of Permit
Upon learning of any. violation of this ordinance or the ordinances of the City of La Porte
by any temporary sign permit holder, the building official give notice of said violation to
the responsible permit holder. Two (2) or more violations of this ordinance, or other .
ordinances of the City of La Porte shall result in denia.l of future temporary sign permits
to the responsible permittee by the City of La Porte.
ORDINANCE NO. 15. z
PAGE 12
e
ORIGINAL
Sos. 108 877. 'Sec. 106-878
Permits.
(a) Any person desiring to erect or place a freestanding, attached or portable sign
on any property shall first apply to the building official for a permit. With the
exception of temporary sign permits as specified above, permits are not required
for signs less than five:(5):squa.re feet in area., Permits are not required for signs
less than five square feet in area.
(b) Any person applying to erect or place a freestanding sign on any property shall
submit to the building official the following information:
(1) A survey of the property which indicates the proposed sign location.
(2) An engineered design for signs greater than eight feet in height.
(3) A design of the sign and its support member for signs less than eight feet
in height.
(c) Permit fees shall be established by the city council and listed in appendix A.
Sas. 108 878. Sec. 106-St9' Enforcement.
Any violation of this article shall be subject to the penalties provided in section 106-6."
Section 6. Any person, as defined in Section 1.02(27) Texas Penal Code, who
shall violate any provision of this Ordinance, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor
and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not to exceed Two Thousand Dollars
($2,000.00). Each day a violation of this ordinance shall continue shall constitute a
separate violation.
Section 7. If any section, sentence, phrase, clause, or any part of any section,
sentence, phrase, or clause, of this Ordinance shall, for any reason, be held invalid, such
invalidity shall not affect the remaining portions of this Ordinance, it is hereby declared to
be the intention of the City of Council to have passed each section, sentence, phrase, or
clause, or part thereof, irrespective of the fact that any other section, sentence, phrase, or
clause, or part thereof, may be declared invalid.
ORDINANCE NO. 15c1z
PAGE 13
,\
e
ORIGlr~AL
Section 8. The City Council officially finds, determines, recites and declares that a
sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the City
Council was posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the city for the
time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by the Open Meetings Law,
Chapter 551, Texas Government Code; and that this meeting has been open to the public
as required by law at all times during which this ordinance and the subject matter thereof
has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon. The City Council further
ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice and the contents and posting thereof.
Section 9. This Ordinance shall become effective fourteen (14) days after its
passage and approval. The City Secretary shall give notice to the passage of the notice
by causing the caption to be published in the official newspaper of the City of La Porte at
least twice within ten (10) days after the passage of the Ordinance.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS THE J.;#JQ DAY OF
Otr efft~e ( ,1997.
CITY OF LA PORTE
By: ~~ ~
t<J RMAN MALON , ayor
ATTEST:
CITY OF LA PORTE
l~ir~ilillllll!l!irjllllil:i:II!llllllllllllll~ii!illll11111111!1!1:1111111111111!1~!!!I!IIIIIIIII:I:ii!I!111111111:1-1
e
e
ORIGINAL
November 19, 1997
TO:
Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Robert T. Herrera, City Manager
~\~
Temporary Signs
SUBJECT:
I am forwarding to you a report from staff that addresses the request of City Council on
June 23, 1997, for the Planning and Zoning Commission to look at developing some
regulations, which would allow the permitting of temporary signs within the City on
weekends.
. .
.
There is a difference of opinion on this matter that I must share with you. The Planning
and Zoning Commission did look at the use of weekend real estate signs within the City's
rights-of-way on a temporary basis. The Commission voted 4 to 1 on forwarding to
Council a proposed set of regulations that govern this subject.
The Chairperson voted against making a change to the existing ordinance because there
was little citizen input supporting this measure. Her letter was dated September 12, 1997,
and I am unsure if you received a copy of her letter. I was not aware of her letter until
November 4, 1997.
The attached report from the Planning Department outlines a plan, which allows the
placement of temporary signs on weekends within the City. The City Attorney's office has
advised us 'that he believes the City should not allow one type of market to benefit from
use of City rights-of-way and not others.
Staff's opinion is that the current sign ordinance, as adopted, treats the sign industry fairly,
and to change it for one special interest group may not be in our best interest.
RTH:cjb
Attachment
1. Memorandum from Guy Rankin dated November 3, 1997.
2. Letter from Planning and Zoning Commission Chairperson Betty Waters dated
September 12, 1997.
3. Minutes from September 11, 1997, Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting.
c John Joems /
Guy Rankin V
e
e
ORIGINAL
City of La Porte
Memo
IrnJ & @ ~ a w ~ @
l1lJ NO\! - h --:- U
....
To: Robert T. Herrera, City Manager .
John Joems, Assistant City Manager
'ri'\.:~
From: Guy Rankin, Director of Planning 1.J1
ASST. CITY MANAGE
OFFICE
Date: 11/03197
Re: Temporary Signs
err:' LH"fY'pEi~
_&-~
._~t-rJi_..;j/L9kL
The City Council has directed the Planning and Zoning Commission to make a
recommendation regarding the use, placement, number and pennilting of temporary
advertising signs on weekends, within the City of La Porte. It was the Commission's
understanding that Council, mae specifically, was requesting a review of the QJrrent
sign ordinance in order to make a recommendation as to the pradicality of amending
the ordinance allowing for temporary placement of real estate signs within the City's
rights-of-way.
The Commission met several times to discuss the possibility of allowing placement of
real estate signs within the City's rights-of-way. It was also determined that a legal
issue could arise as to the constitutionality of regulating a sign's content (permitting
only real estate signs or a particular type of industry). After several hours of
discussion, it was determined that it would be unfair to allow subdivision marketing
signs and not allow signs for marketing other types of businesses.
The Commission did aeate some standards as to the size, construdion, and
placement of signs. For example, signs would be limited to 18" x 24" in size and
constructed of all-weather corrugated plastic sheeting with a steel rod frame or
wooden stake. Approximately 20-25 locations throughout the City where the signs
could be placed were agreed on.
During discussions, it became apparent that permitting, placement, and enforcement
of these signs would be difficult to monitor.
Finally, during a Special Called Meeting on September 11, ,1997, the Commission
considered a recommendation to City Council regarding the use, placement, number
. Page 1
e
e
ORIGlr~AL
~u.. /\., ,
)V,
\\
,
City of La Porte
Established 1892
September 12, 1997
Honorable Mayor Norman Malone and City Council
Dear Mayor Malone:
The La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission, during a Special Called Meeting on
September 11, 1997, considered a recommendation to City Council regarding the use,
placement, number and permitting of temporary advertising signs on weekends, within
the City of La Porte.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has met two times regarding this matter and has,
by a majority vote, recommended City Council consider a proposed amendment prepared
by the Commission regarding temporary signs.
However, there is still considerable discussion on the practicality of amending an
ordinance that we have had very little citizen input. The current ordinance was
developed within the overall goals of the Comprehensive Plan creating a livible and
beautiful city. Many La Portian's spent many hours developing a sign ordinance that
protected the natural beauty of our community and allowed some signs within the
community.
Please note that it is my opinion that we have an ordinance that closely parallels the
views of the majority in our community and it would be unfortunate to change for the
views of a few.
Respectfully submitted,
~tO~
Chairperson, Planning and Zoning Commission
c: Robert T. Herrera, City Manager
John Joems, Assistant City Manager
John Annstrong, Assistant City Attorney
La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission
r.l\l'llxlll'i. Llr"rr~,T~xaJ\ii,;2.1I1'j. (;13l4il.5020
e
e
ORIGINAL
/ PIANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
/ MINUfES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 1997
Members Present: ChaiIperson Betty Waters, Commission Members Eugene Edmonds,
Dottie K::Imin~, Sandie Staniszewski, Jim Zoller, Hal Lawler
Members Absent: Melton Wolters (called away due to a family emergency)
City Staff Present: 'Director of Pl::1nning Guy Rankin, Assistant City Attorney John
Annstrong, Pbnning Secretaxy Peggy Lee
I. CAll TO ORDER SPECIAL CALLED REGULAR MEETING.
The meeting was called to order by ChaiIperson Wat~ at 6:03 PM.
ll. APPROVE MINUIES OF TIm AUGUST 21,1997, REGULAR MEETING
AND,PUBUc.HE.ARING.
, A:niOtiOD:~made~by':Eugene~Edmoncls-to'approve.the minutes'of:August21,
: '" ~ .,:'::" ,"':,' " . ,",.,< . .~~7_;..'!:lj.~1WS:~~~~by:DottieJ{::Iminski ,:,}Jl::were:in:favo~and.the:.,
::':.';-:" .' '.....::mOtio~...:".., ..,. '::'.:': ... " ,',
, .~.. ',.~:~:~.'..: :....,::~::~~~IIi::::;f;;:~~~~~~:~b~sm~(im~~MMENI>An0~To:~ .
. ~ . ..... '". "_:. e.;.1' :., _ ... '. _: . . . . . (' ..... .. '10 .
" .. "":'-. ~: ': :i-: "'..' '....-:.COUN(...:Il;;REGARDING;AN~:AMENDMENI':::'IO~.ZONING':;:.'. . .
:'.ORDINA'N'€El501iREEATING..TO':SIGNSL.: ',. .' " .
" .AJiSt:of:proposedintersea:ians::where.'m:u~Pl"ing;~be:allowe&~'_
approved).was.prepared:bythe_Commi~n:during-the1ast.meeting~. .Mr~ Rankin
reported that:-staff. had.visited all, of. the intersections' on ,the list to make.sure that
placement of'signs would not interfere with site triangles at the various locations.
Mr. Rankin mentioned that since the last meeting, staff visited with the rn::amher of
Commerce Small Business Committee. One small business owner recommended
there be no changes to the sign ordinance. He felt that a lot of wotX had been done
in the past to come up with the current sign provisions and the proposed changes
would not be beneficial.
The following are changes that were noted during the meeting, to the document
prepared by staff tided "Proposed Revision to Sign Ordinance".
1.a Temporary signs shall be a m~nmumof 18" x 24" in size and
construaed of all-weather corrugated plastic sheetingwith a steel rod
frame. Add. "orwooden stake".
2.b The statement "Temporary signs may not be located within five (5)
feet of the edge of any pavement" may need to be changed. Further
review by staff indicated that some TXDOT language might need to
be added to this statement.
.
-
.
e
Planning and Zoning Commission
Minutes of September 11, 1997
Page 2 on
.:..L
ORJGli~AL
3.b Regarding the temporary sign permit application, a fonn is currently
being prepared by staff.
3.c Replace the word "erection" with "placement". Strikeout the words
"an location" .
5. Strikeout "laws of the State of Texas".
Based on site triangles, the following locations could be acceptable:
2.c.:
SHH6
SH 146
SH.146
SHJ46
. Slf225:'"' .. . .
- "::-i:':-:": ::"..::: . -. .
..
. ..
. a:. :~. "'., . .~ ."
SH225.. :
..
. Spencer:: "
Speaeer
Spmea-
Spencer
Spencer
Spencer
Fairmont
Fairmont
Fairmont
Fairmont
Fairmofit at
S. Broadway at
s. Broadway at
S. Broadway at
N. ilL" at
N. ilL" at
Bay Area Blvd. at
Spmeer/Main .
Fairmont (northeast, southwest, & southeast comers)
WhartonWeems' (northeast, & southeast:comers)
MLGbe'.(northeast comer~andfeedec.&. southeast
comecofnorthbound.SHl46 ,& Md:abe)
.at-. .' Uride;~ocxf(SOUthWesr.comer:of.Underwood
eastboundJane.&:southeast-.comer, of Underwood
. ,'. ._eastbou.nd:lane:ofSH~225..
>'at.. -' " ~"::Sens:'(i:i.~and:Uortlieas.::comers-:SH225 &
, . . sout:hWest::comer:olSHl25:on.westbound feeder
on:SeIJ:S)
- Sens:: (notthwest;:southeast:'comers),
Fmiagttm
U~
Valleybrook. (southeast comer)
Driftwood (southeast comer)
Luella (southeast comer)
Luella (nonhwest comer LueUa, eastbound lane
W. Fainnont)
Underwood (southeast comer Underwood, eastbound
on W. Fairmont)
F arriagtoa
Driftwood (nonhwest comer westbound on
Fairmont)
Pam
Fairmont (nonhwest and southwest comers)
Md:abe
Wharton Weems (northwest and southwest comers)
Sea:;
Underwood (northeast and southeast comers)
Fairmont (nonhwest comer of Bay Area Blvd. and
eastbound lane on W.Fairmom & southeast comer of
Bay Area Blvd. eastbound lane on W. Fairmont
.at
at
at
at
at
at
at
at
at
at
at
at
at
at
.. ./ .
/ PlamDng and Zoning CoIllDlissioD
Minutes of September 11, 1997
Page3of3 .
e
ORIGINAL
4. Replace the word "erection" with "placement". Replace the word
"intersection" with "location". (New # 5:include wording to address
partirolars about permitting and also include map with permit
application)
5. Change #5 to #6. Str.ikeout "Laws of the State of Texas".
A motion was made by Eugene Edmonds to recommend City Couna1 approval of
an amPnrtment (including discussed changes) to Zoning Ordinance 1501 relating to
signs. The motion was seconded by Dottie I<~minl:'k; The motion passed..
Chaixperson Waters voted in opposition and all other members that were present
voted in favor of the motion.
IV. STAFF"REPORTS
... - ::.::~..~';"::.' "." ';1
. ." "~.:'Rankin:not~that"duringthe regular.sch~J,led 'roPflting onS~ember lSdl we
,.. '. "-wowilrevieW,the:ZOriing Oniinance. and'the;iPfn~mi;:;g:sectiOI1S"ofthe
. .':,:," ~rehecsive.Plan."
, : ::Do1rie.K~~i~!dti~~~eda copy of the propo~:gi-affiti axrtin2nr~;.
~ . . . ~-" - '.:' .
~ ".:'.-:. :.:'-. -.'.
"':.:~...:'..:~~~~..,..:~.~';;. ::-:-
I., ". .
v. " '.ADJOURN-
CbaiIpersonW:iters declared the meeting duly:acljoumed at. 7:20 PM.
];Z
Peggy
Secretary
Phnning and Zoning Commission
Approved on this the 16th day of October, 1997.
&4 t{/;J;;../
Betty W~ers
CbaiIperson
Phnning and Zoning Commission