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Council approves amendment allowing pre‑1990 nonconforming monument signs to be rebuilt with same size if architecturally compatible
Summary
Coppell amended its sign code to allow nonconforming monument signs built prior to 1990 (excluding pole signs) to be rebuilt in the same location with the same height and width provided the replacement is architecturally compatible with the main structure. Planning & Zoning recommended approval; council approved the ordinance by roll call (5‑1).
The Coppell City Council on April 8 adopted an amendment to the city sign ordinance allowing certain legal nonconforming monument signs built before 1990 to be rebuilt with the same height and width, as long as the rebuilt sign is architecturally compatible with the main structure on site. Pole signs are excluded from the allowance.
Staff said the amendment responds to a 2023 retail roundtable in which retail property owners told the city that older, large monument signs are unlikely to be removed voluntarily and that owners would be willing to rebuild them with more compatible architectural treatments if allowed to maintain the existing size and height. Planning and Zoning recommended the change unanimously on Oct. 17, 2024, staff reported.
Under the amendment, qualifying signs must have been built prior to 1990 and continuously used; they cannot be pole signs as defined in the code. The ordinance therefore preserves the preexisting legal nonconforming status for qualifying monument signs while allowing property owners to replace deteriorated signs in the same location and dimensions provided the new sign is architecturally compatible.
Council discussion included an objection from one member who said the city should explore funding incentives to bring older signs into full conformity rather than perpetuating legal nonconforming status. Other councilmembers said the ordinance offers a practical path to improve commercial signage aesthetics while avoiding forcing owners to demolish and rebuild to smaller modern limits.
The council closed the public hearing and approved the ordinance by vote: Walker, Heinehasa Smith, Carol, Nevills and Matthew Hill in favor; Prime Kumar opposed. The amendment will be codified as part of Chapter 12 (signs) of the Coppell Code of Ordinances.
Ending: Staff said the change will permit property owners to rebuild older monument signs to a more compatible appearance while maintaining the existing location and dimensions; councilmembers indicated staff could pursue separate incentives or outreach if the council wanted to encourage voluntary modernization beyond the ordinance change.
