Council hears first reading of revised sign code to add pylon, vehicular and inflatable signs

The Glen Heights City Council on March 20 received a first reading on Ordinance O-06-25, a proposed amendment to Chapter 15 to update sign and monument regulations and add several sign types to the city code.

City Planner LaSheila Jones told council the draft updates masonry pylon sign standards, revises dimensions and setbacks for signs along I-35 and FM 664, and adds rules for neon signs, vehicular signs (to be allowed by special use permit when vehicles or trailers are used primarily as sign bases), post signs along freeway frontage and temporary inflatable signs for limited periods.

Jones said the draft reduces certain previously inconsistent distances (for example, changing an older 300-foot continuous frontage minimum to 200 feet in some provisions and clarifying a 15-foot setback from public right-of-way for masonry pylon signs). She described luminance limits for illuminated signs to prevent light spillage into residential areas and proposed that vehicular sign use be controlled by SUP when a vehicle or trailer is parked in one location for extended periods for advertising.

The draft also proposed criteria for inflatable signs, including minimum setbacks, a permit term limit, anchoring requirements and restrictions on placement in rights-of-way or locations that create traffic hazards. Jones said the changes are driven by growth near I-35 and increasing commercial interest along the corridor.

Council did not take action at first reading. Members asked questions and heard staff describe examples and size limits for wall signs, neon signs, monument signs and post signs. The draft will return for further consideration and second reading.