Bridal Morris, compliance director for the City of Garland, summarized the city's temporary-sign permitting and enforcement rules during the Development Services Committee meeting on Oct. 14.

Morris said temporary commercial signs fall into two categories: short-term promotional signs tied to special events and grand openings, which may display for up to 20 days with a permit; and temporary banners used while awaiting a permanent sign, which may remain up to 60 days. She said the city caps temporary signage at 200 square feet total, which may be split across up to three signs, and that freestanding signs must be set back at least 15 feet from the curb. Morris also described placement and construction rules: signs must be on the business premises, not on trees, utility poles or in easements; building-mounted banners must be securely fastened to the vertical face; and temporary signs must not obstruct sidewalks, parking, fire lanes, site triangles or utilities.

Morris told the committee that enforcement is complaint-driven and that temporary signs found out of compliance are typically given 72 hours to be removed. Permanent-sign violations are allowed longer, typically 15 days, unless there is an immediate life-safety hazard, she said. In extreme cases an improperly placed sign may be impounded and stored for up to 20 days, with a required payment for release. Repeat violations can lead to escalated citations and enhanced enforcement.

Committee members asked for clarifications about attaching temporary banners to existing permanent sign structures, processing times for permits and whether window signs are permitted. Morris said banners attached to a previous permanent sign would not be allowed unless the applicant had applied for a permanent-sign permit and was using the 60-day temporary category while the permanent sign was pending. Staff said many temporary permits can be processed quickly and advised applicants to apply at least a couple of weeks in advance so the permit can be issued in time for the event. On window signage, Morris said building-attached signs on the vertical face of a building are technically allowed, but cautioned about the GDC's 20% rule that limits how much of a storefront window may be covered.

The presentation closed with staff advising business owners to plan ahead, keep permits on site for inspection, and design temporary campaigns within the 20-day and 60-day windows. Staff said they will continue to provide education to businesses on the rules and enforcement expectations.

A copy of the city's temporary sign permit form and the compliance guidance was discussed but not appended to the record; the committee did not take a formal vote on the ordinance review.