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Commission forwards ordinance allowing signs to be elevated above some overpasses
Summary
Commissioners voted 5‑0 to recommend council approve a council‑sponsored change allowing certain signs adjacent to overpasses to be elevated up to 10 feet above the driving surface so they remain visible to surface traffic, a change aimed at limited situations such as the proposed FM‑646 overpass.
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to forward a council‑sponsored amendment to Chapter 125, Article 8, that would allow signs adjacent to certain overpasses to be placed up to 10 feet above the overpass driving surface.
Staff explained the change applies in limited situations where an overpass would otherwise obscure visibility for businesses and that the amendment is not intended to change maximum freeway sign heights. The example cited in the discussion was the proposed FM‑646 overpass spanning Highway 3 and a railroad; staff said the amendment would allow businesses adjacent to an overpass to maintain visibility for surface traffic.
Commissioners asked whether the situation was widespread; staff replied it was uncommon and that the change would affect a narrow set of properties. After brief discussion, the commission voted 5‑0 to forward the amendment to city council for consideration.
The recommendation will be included in the council packet for the next ordinance review; if council adopts the change, qualifying properties adjacent to overpasses will be able to raise signs within the defined limit.
