Table 2: Smart Code Signage Module.
El Paso City Code § 21.80.020
in effect21.80.020 - Table 2: Smart Code Signage Module.
TABLE 2A: SIGN HARDWARE TYPE OVERVIEW*
* The photographs and renderings depicted herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be regulatory in nature. | Sign Style Permitted Sign Style Not Permitted
[image omitted; see the official code] | Banner: A Banner is any type of sign copy placed on a flexible material other than an awning. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Cabinet: Copy on a Cabinet is fabricated into the box, so that the hardware of the sign and copy appear to be one piece. Cabinet signs may not be internally illuminated. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Painted: Sign copy may be painted directly onto the face of a building, awning or business window. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Plaque: A Plaque consists of copy that is carved, molded, or printed onto a framing surface. A Plaque appears from the public right-of-way as one contiguous piece of hardware. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Printed: The Printed hardware type specifically refers to sign copy that is printed onto a permanent awning. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Programmable: A sign utilizing the Programmable hardware type has changeable copy area; either electronic (called CEVM in Title 20) or analog (track letter). Signs with changeable copy used in a Sidewalk orientation are not included. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Projected: A sign utilizing the Projected hardware type consists of copy that projects from the flat surface to which it is affixed. Unlike a Plaque hardware type, the copy elements of a sign using the Projected hardware type may be affixed directly to a face, and may project to a greater degree. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Stake: A sign planted in a front yard that is placed for a limited amount of time. Signs utilizing the Stake hardware type are portable, freestanding, and impermanent by design. This hardware type may only be utilized for Temporary signs. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Standing: A sign utilizing the Standing hardware type may be placed on a sidewalk to show, for example, a restaurant menu, daily specials or sales, or special event notifications, to pedestrians. Signs utilizing the Standing hardware type are portable and freestanding. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
[image omitted; see the official code] | Alternative: Signs utilizing an Alternative hardware type do not conform to any of the hardware types defined in this module, but nevertheless meet the design standards and intent of the SmartCode, as regulated by section 21.50.120.080. | Awning Blade Hanging Marquee Monument Mural | Roof Sidewalk Suspended Wall Window Yard
TABLE 2B: SPECIFIC HARDWARE TYPE STANDARDS
HARDWARE TYPE | PERMITTED MATERIALS
Banner | Vinyl
Cabinet | Any combination of wood, metal, acrylic or plastic
Painted | If applied to exterior, any paint designed for exterior applications
Plaque | Any combination of wood, metal, stone, acrylic or plastic
Printed | N/A
Programmable | Any combination of wood, metal, stone, acrylic or plastic
Projected | Any combination of wood, metal, stone, acrylic or plastic
Stake | Wood, metal, acrylic, plastic or vinyl
Standing | Wood, metal, plastic or hardboard
Alternative | N/A
SIGN ILLUMINATION STANDARDS
HARDWARE TYPE | HALO LIGHTING | EXTERNAL | INDIVIDUAL BULB | NEON TUBE | ALTERNATIVE
Banner | X | X | X | X | X
Cabinet | O | O | X | X | X
Painted | X | O | X | X | X
Plaque | O | O | O | O | O
Printed | X | O | X | X | X
Programmable | X | O | X | X | O
Projected | O | O | O | O | O
Stake | X | X | X | X | X
Standing | X | X | X | X | X
Alternative | O | O | O | O | O
O = Permitted
X = Not Permitted
TABLE 2C: ILLUMINATION TYPES OVERVIEW*
[image omitted; see the official code] | Halo Lighting: Opaque sign copy can be illuminated by diffuse light from sources mounted behind copy, creating a 'halo' effect around the copy elements. Light sources should not be visible from the public right-of-way.
[image omitted; see the official code] | External: Signage can be illuminated with spotlights aimed upward at copy, or hooded lamps that shine downward upon it. Each light source is fully independent of the sign itself.
[image omitted; see the official code] | Individual Exposed Bulb: Individual exposed bulbs can be used to highlight particular elements of sign copy, or to animate a sign to make it more eye-catching. Individual bulbs may project from a flat sign or be embedded within a Projected sign, but the light source is always visible from the public right-of-way.
[image omitted; see the official code] | Neon Tube: Sculpted neon tubes can be used to highlight particular elements of sign copy, or to animate a sign to make it more eye-catching. The light source should always be visible from the public right-of-way.
[image omitted; see the official code] | Alternative: Upon submittal of an Alternative sign style proposal, an applicant may propose the use of another illumination method not listed in the module.
TABLE 2D: SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE OVERVIEW*
Sign Hardware Permitted Sign Hardware Not Permitted
[image omitted; see the official code] | Awning: This orientation type includes signs placed atop or upon an awning, canopy, or sidewalk arcade above a storefront. Signage can be printed directly onto a fabric awning, or, if the awning is of a rigid construction, may be mounted upon it. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Blade: Signs utilizing the Blade orientation type are mounted perpendicular to, and are fully supported by, a building face. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Hanging: Signs utilizing the Hanging orientation type are fastened to and hang below any permanent eave, roof, awning, or bracket. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Marquee: This orientation type is applicable to signs that are mounted upon a marquee; a cantilevered roof-like structure that hangs over the building entrance and has a face parallel to the building face. Signs utilizing this orientation typically adorn performing arts venues. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Monument: This orientation type is applicable to freestanding signs that sit on a wall or pedestal in front of a building. A sign utilizing this orientation type may be used as a directory for multiple businesses, or just one. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Mural: This orientation type is applicable to advertising that is painted directly onto a building face, typically along a side street or alley. Any sign copy painted onto a wall is classified as a Mural sign. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Roof: A sign utilizing the Roof orientation type is erected upon, over, or above a roof. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Sidewalk: This orientation type includes any portable sign placed on sidewalks or medians. They are typically used to advertise daily specials or otherwise entice pedestrians to patronize a business. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Suspended: A sign utilizing this orientation type is suspended above a driveway, entrance, or the sidewalk, and is fastened to a building, pole, or other permanent feature on both ends. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Wall: This orientation type includes signs that are permanently affixed against a building face. Signage affixed to masonry walls, fences or gates, and individual cut letters affixed directly to a building face utilize the Wall orientation type. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Window: Signs utilizing the Window orientation type consist of copy that is painted onto a window face, or sign hardware that is displayed through the window from inside the storefront. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
[image omitted; see the official code] | Yard: This orientation type applies to freestanding signs that sit in the front yard of a business, typically in a residential type building. The Yard orientation type is distinct from the Monument orientation type in that its copy area is raised off of the ground and supported with posts or poles. | Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed | Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative
GROUND LEVEL UPPER LEVEL
TABLE 2E: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—AWNING*
[image omitted; see the official code]
AWNING This orientation type includes sign hardware placed atop or upon an awning, canopy, or sidewalk arcade above a storefront. Sign copy can be printed or painted directly onto an awning, or, if the awning is of a rigid construction, sign hardware may be mounted upon it.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
One per frontage
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
An Awning sign shall not obscure more than 20% of the total area of the second floor windows
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Sign Area: | No more than 75% of the surface of the awning face Ⓐ
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Arcades, awnings, canopies and galleries shall comply with the standards described in Title 15
TABLE 2F: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—BLADE*
[image omitted; see the official code]
BLADE Signs utilizing the Blade orientation type are mounted perpendicular to, and are fully supported by, a building face.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
One sign with a maximum of two faces per storefront
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
Minimum sidewalk clearance of 8 feet Ⓐ / 16 feet over driveways
Signs with vertically oriented copy shall not project more than 5 feet from building face Ⓑ
Signs with horizontally oriented copy shall not project more than 6 feet from building face Ⓒ
Signs shall not extend above the roofline of the associated building
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Sign Area: | No more than 8 square feet per every 10 lineal feet of associated frontage Ⓓ
Height: | No more than 40% the height of associated building Ⓔ, except signs above a marquee, then no more than 60% the height of associated building
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Signs encroaching into the public right-of-way shall be subject to the special privilege license and permit requirements of Title 15
TABLE 2G: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—HANGING*
[image omitted; see the official code]
HANGING Signs utilizing the Hanging orientation type are fastened to and hang below any permanent eave, roof, awning, or bracket.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
One sign with a maximum of two faces per business entrance
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
Minimum sidewalk clearance of 8 feet Ⓐ
Minimum sidewalk clearance of 16 feet over driveways or alleys
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Height: | Maximum 5 feet Ⓑ
Width: | No more than 80% the width of the associated permanent eave, roof, awning, or bracket Ⓒ
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Signs with Cabinet hardware shall have sign copy on no more than two faces
All sign copy shall be oriented perpendicular to the building face
Not permitted on upper floors
Arcades, awnings, canopies and galleries shall comply with the standards described in Title 15
TABLE 2H: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—MARQUEE*
[image omitted; see the official code]
MARQUEE This orientation type is applicable to signs that are mounted upon a marquee; a cantilevered roof-like structure that hangs over the building entrance and has a face parallel to the building face. Signs utilizing this orientation typically adorn performing arts venues.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
Maximum 3 per marquee, and one per face
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
Signs shall be mounted atop or upon a marquee
Signs shall not extend above the roofline of the associated building
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Sign Area: | No more than ¾ the area of the marquee per sign Ⓐ
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Signs encroaching into the public right-of-way shall be subject to the special privilege license and permit requirements of Title 15
TABLE 2J: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—MONUMENT*
[image omitted; see the official code]
MONUMENT This orientation type is applicable to freestanding sign hardware that sits on a wall or pedestal in front of a building. A sign utilizing this orientation type may be used as a directory for multiple businesses, or just one.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
One sign with a maximum of four faces per building
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
Permitted within landscaped areas only
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Sign Area: | No more than 48 square feet Ⓐ
Height: | 6 feet maximum Ⓑ
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
The area of a sign shall be calculated to exclude the base of the structure on which the sign is mounted or within which the sign is integrated.
TABLE 2K: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—MURAL*
[image omitted; see the official code]
MURAL This orientation type is applicable to advertising that is painted directly onto a building face, typically along a side street or alley.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
One per building face
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
N/A
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Ground Level Signs
Sign Area: | No more than 196 square feet
Upper Level Signs
Sign Area: | No more than 10% of the total area of the associated façade Ⓐ
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
A Mural sign shall not obscure any fenestration
TABLE 2M: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—ROOF*
[image omitted; see the official code]
ROOF A sign utilizing the Roof orientation type is erected upon, over, or above a roof.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
One sign with a maximum of two faces per building
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
Sign copy must be parallel to a public right-of-way adjacent to the building
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Sign Area (Flat Roof): | No more than ⅓ the total area of the associated roof Ⓐ
Sign Area (Pitched Roof): | No more than ⅓ the total area of the associated roof face
Height: | No more than 25 feet Ⓑ
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
A Roof oriented sign shall include advertising copy for one business only
TABLE 2N: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—SIDEWALK*
[image omitted; see the official code]
SIDEWALK This orientation type includes any portable sign placed on sidewalks or medians and are intended to attract passers-by to a particular business.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE BannerCabinetPaintedPlaquePrintedProgrammableProjectedStakeStanding Alternative [image omitted; see the official code]
One sign with a maximum of two faces per storefront
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
A minimum area of 5 feet of any City sidewalk with no more than a 2% cross-slope and a 5% running slope shall remain unobstructed for pedestrian access at all times.
A sign may be placed on that portion of the public right-of-way directly abutting the associated storefront exclusively
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Sign Area: | No more than 12 square feet Ⓐ
Height: | No more than 4 feet as measured from the ground Ⓑ
Width: | No more than 4 feet Ⓒ
OTHER STANDARDS
Signs placed on the public right-of-way shall not require a special privilege license or permit if they comply with the criteria described in Title 15
TABLE 2P: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—SUSPENDED*
[image omitted; see the official code]
SUSPENDED A sign utilizing this orientation type is suspended above a driveway, entrance, or a pedestrian pathway and is fastened to a building, pole, or other permanent feature on both ends.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
One sign with a maximum of two faces per business
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
Minimum sidewalk clearance of 8 feet / 16 feet over driveways
Shall not obscure more than 20% of the total area of windows of the associated business
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Sign Area: | No more than 48 square feet Ⓐ
Height: | No more than 3 feet Ⓑ
Width: | No more than 2/3 the lineal width of the associated storefront, OR,
No more than 3/4 the lineal width of the associated storefront when centered above an entrance Ⓒ, OR,
No more than the width of the pavement when centered above a driveway or pedestrian pathway
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Sign may be suspended above driveway or pedestrian pathway
Signs encroaching into the public right-of-way shall be subject to the special privilege license and permit requirements of Title 15
TABLE 2Q: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—WALL*
[image omitted; see the official code]
WALL This orientation type includes signs that are permanently affixed against a building or other face. Signage affixed to masonry walls, fences or gates, and individual cut letters affixed directly to a building face all utilize the Wall orientation type.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
N/A
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
N/A
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Ground Level Signs
Sign Area: | No more than 48 square feet Ⓐ
Height: | No more than 6 feet, OR, no more than 8 feet when centered above an entrance Ⓑ
Width: | No more than ⅔ the lineal width of the associated storefront, OR,
No more than ¾ the lineal width of the associated storefront when centered above an entrance Ⓒ
Upper Level Signs
Sign Area: | No more than 10% of the total area of the associated façade.
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
For properties with zero-lot lines, signs that are flush mounted on a façade and that project less than 18 inches, and meet the other standards described herein, are exempt from special privilege license and permit requirements, as per Title 15
TABLE 2R: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS - WINDOW*
[image omitted; see the official code]
WINDOW Signs utilizing the Window orientation type consist of copy that is painted onto a window face, or sign hardware that is displayed through the window from inside the storefront.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
N/A
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
Readable text on signs shall be placed 5.5 feet above the ground or higher.
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Ground Level Signs
Sign Area: | The sum area of all Window signs shall be less than 25% of the sum surface area of all window faces of the associated storefront Ⓐ
Upper Level Signs
Sign Area: | The sum area of all Window signs shall be less than 50% of the sum surface area of all window faces of the associated building face
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
Signs on paper or cardboard are prohibited
TABLE 2S: SPECIFIC SIGN ORIENTATION TYPE STANDARDS—YARD*
[image omitted; see the official code]
YARD This orientation type applies to freestanding signs that sit in the front yard of a business, typically in a residential type building. The Yard orientation type is distinct from the Monument orientation type in that its copy area is raised off of the ground and supported with posts or poles.
SIGN FREQUENCY | HARDWARE Banner Cabinet Painted Plaque Printed Programmable Projected Stake Standing Alternative ILLUMINATION Backlighting External Individual Bulb Neon Tube Alternative
One sign with a maximum of two faces per building
LOCATION RESTRICTIONS
Permitted in the First Layer exclusively
Signs shall not be located within a public right-of-way
Signs shall be mounted parallel or perpendicular to the right-of-way
DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
Sign Area: | 24 square feet maximum Ⓐ
Height: | 6 feet maximum Ⓑ
Width: | 6 feet maximum Ⓒ
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
The height of any Yard sign shall be measured from the base of the sign's supportive structure at its point of attachment to the ground, to the highest point of the sign structure.
(Ord. No. 18505, § 2, 5-17-2016)
Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT21SMCO_CH21.80TA_21.80.020TA2SMCOSIMOFetched: 10/28/2026