The City Council of Bridgeport on Aug. 11 approved a variance to the city's sign ordinance allowing a construction sign that exceeds the usual size and height limits at Lot 2, Block 1, Dry Creek Residential.

Natalie, the city’s director of development, told the council that DR Horton had erected a construction sign on U.S. Highway 380 without a permit and later applied for a permit. Staff determined the proposed sign did not comply with the city code: "The proposed sign from Doctor Horton measures 64 square feet per side and stands 16 feet tall, significantly exceeding the allowable limits," Natalie said during her presentation. The city's sign code (Article 3.06, Section 3.06.02) limits construction signs to a maximum of 12 square feet per side and 6 feet in height.

Councilmember Susan (mover) proposed granting the variance with a time/condition that the sign not remain after 80% of the lots/buildings are built. Councilmember Bobby Rodriguez seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 5–0.

During discussion, residents and councilmembers asked whether the sign would be visible from Highway 380 at its proposed back-lot location and whether permission had been obtained from property owners where the sign had been previously placed in the right-of-way. Natalie said the unpermitted sign had been removed and that applicants had moved the sign onto their property for the new request. Council also discussed that prior variances with similar, larger signs had been granted in the city.

The variance approval includes the 80-percent construction condition; staff said it could alternatively be approved for a fixed period (12–18 months) but the council favored the percent-built trigger to ensure the sign came down as the subdivision matured.