Provisions for the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Sign District.

Dallas City Code ch. 51A, art. VII, div. 51A-7.2000

in effect

Dallas City Code § 51A-7.2001 DESIGNATION OF THE WEST COMMERCE STREET/FORT WORTH AVENUE SIGN DISTRICT.

SEC. 51A-7.2001. DESIGNATION OF THE WEST COMMERCE STREET/FORT WORTH AVENUE SIGN DISTRICT. A sign district is hereby created to be known as the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Sign District. The boundaries of the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Sign District are the same as Planned Development District No. 714, the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Special Purpose District, and generally described as the property located approximately one-eighth to one-fourth of a mile to the north and south of West Commerce Street and Fort Worth Avenue, from North Beckley Avenue to Westmoreland Road. (Ord. 25899)

Dallas City Code § 51A-7.2002 DESIGNATION OF SUBDISTRICTS.

SEC. 51A-7.2002. DESIGNATION OF SUBDISTRICTS. This district is hereby divided into Subdistricts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The boundaries of Subdistricts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are the same as the boundaries of Subdistricts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in Planned Development District No. 714, the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Special Purpose District. (Ord. 25899)

Dallas City Code § 51A-7.2003 PURPOSE.

SEC. 51A-7.2003. PURPOSE. (a) The purpose of this division is to regulate both the construction of new signs and alterations of existing signs with a view towards enhancing, preserving, and developing the unique character of the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue corridor while addressing the diversity of businesses and promoting the economy of the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue corridor. (b) The objectives of this division include those listed in Section 51A-7.101 as well as the objectives of ensuring that signs are appropriate to the architecture within the district; do not obscure significant architectural features; lend themselves to developing mixed office, retail, and residential projects; and preserve the pedestrian character of the area. (c) These sign regulations have been developed to achieve the following objectives: (1) To protect the historical and architectural character of this district from inappropriate signs in terms of number (clutter), style, color, and materials. (2) To ensure that significant architectural features are not obscured. (3) To encourage signs that are complementary to the architectural styles and historical nature of the buildings. (4) To attract the public to the goods and services available by enhancing the aesthetic quality of signs. (5) To encourage artistic, creative, and innovative signs that reflect the themes of the area. (6) To promote safety, communications efficiency, and landscape quality. (Ord. 25899)

Dallas City Code § 51A-7.2004 DEFINITIONS.

SEC. 51A-7.2004. DEFINITIONS. Unless otherwise stated, the definitions in Article VII, “ Sign Regulations,” apply to this section. In this section: (1) ARCADE means any walkway that is attached to a building, not fully enclosed on all sides, and covered with a canopy or roof structure having the primary function of weather protection. (2) ARCADE SIGN means an attached sign suspended below the roof of an arcade. (3) AWNING means a projecting fabric or vinyl surface supported by a metal (or other similarly strong material) structure, which is applied to the face of a building. (4) AWNING SIGN means an attached sign applied to an awning. (5) BANNER means a sign applied to a strip of cloth or similar material. (6) CANOPY means a permanent, non-fabric architectural element projecting from the face of a building. (7) CHANGEABLE MESSAGE means LED/LCD elements, slide lettering, slated rotating surfaces, or other changeable message technology that displays different designs or messages. (8) DISTRICT means the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue Sign District. (9) DISTRICT IDENTIFICATION SIGN means a detached sign that contains the logo or name of the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue corridor or welcomes people to the West Commerce Street/Fort Worth Avenue corridor. (10) DISTRICT PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE means a message that identifies, promotes, or advertises a cultural activity, special event, event in an entertainment facility, or event that will benefit the city, and that will take place in this district. Benefit to the city is established by: use of city property in accordance with a contract, license, or permit; the receipt of city monies for the activity or event; or an ordinance or resolution of the city council that recognizes the activity or event as benefiting the city. (11) EFFECTIVE AREA means: (A) For a detached sign, other than outlined in Subparagraph (B) below, the area within a minimum imaginary rectangle of vertical and horizontal lines that fully contains all extremities of the sign, excluding its supports. This rectangle is calculated from an orthographic projection of the sign viewed horizontally. The viewpoint for this projection that produces the largest rectangle must be used. If elements of the sign are moveable or flexible, such as a flag or a string of lights, the measurement is taken when the elements are fully extended and parallel to the plane of view. (B) For signs placed on a fence, non-enclosing wall, planter, or other similar structure that is designed to serve a separate purpose other than to support the sign, the entire area of such structure shall not be computed. In such cases, the sign area shall be computed as the entire area within a single continuous rectilinear perimeter of not more than eight straight lines enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblems, or figures together with all material, color, or lighting forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate the sign background against which it is placed. (C) For an attached sign, the sum of the areas within minimum imaginary rectangles of vertical and horizontal lines, each of which fully contains a word. If a design, outline, illustration, or interior illumination surrounds or attracts attention to a word, then it is included in the calculation of effective area. (D) An awning or canopy is not included in the calculation of the effective area. (12) ENTERTAINMENT FACILITY means a structure or building used for sports events or the performing arts, including indoor motion picture theaters, theaters for live musical or dramatic performances, indoor or outdoor concert halls, and exhibition halls. (13) EXPRESSWAY SIGN means a detached sign that is wholly within 100 feet of an expressway or new expressway right-of-way and whose message is visible from the main traveled way. (14) FACADE means any separate face of a building, including parapet walls and omitted wall lines, or any part of a building which encloses or covers usable space, chimneys, roof-mounted equipment, mounted antennas, or water towers. Where separate faces are oriented in the same direction or in directions within 45 degrees of one another, they are to be considered as part of a single facade. A roof is not a facade or part of a facade. Multiple buildings on the same lot will each be deemed to have separate facades. (15) FLAT ATTACHED SIGN means an attached sign that is parallel to the building facade. (16) GENERIC GRAPHICS means any pattern of shapes, colors, or symbols that does not commercially advertise. (17) HIGHWAY BEAUTIFICATION ACT (HBA) SIGN means a non-premise sign that is within 660 feet of an expressway or new expressway right-of-way and whose message is visible from the main traveled way. (18) MARQUEE means a permanent canopy projecting over the main pedestrian entrance of a building. A marquee is considered to be part of the building. (19) MARQUEE SIGN means an attached sign applied to a marquee, and consisting primarily of changeable panels, words, or characters. (20) MONUMENT SIGN means a detached sign applied directly onto a grade-level support structure (instead of a pole support) with no separation between the sign and grade. (21) PREMISE means a lot or unplatted tract that is reflected in the plat books of the building inspection division of the city. See Section 51A-7.208. (22) PREMISE SIGN means any sign the content of which relates to the premise on which it is located and refers exclusively to: (A) the name, trade name, or logo of the owner or occupant of the premise or the identification of the premises; (B) accommodations, services, or activities offered or conducted on the premise; or (C) the construction, lease, remodeling, or sale of the premise. (23) PROJECTING SIGN means an attached sign projecting from a building. (24) SIGN HARDWARE means the structural support system for a sign, including the fastening devices that secure the sign to a building facade or pole. (25) SPECIAL PURPOSE SIGN means an attached or detached sign temporarily supplementing the permanent signs on a premise. (26) WINDOW SIGN means a sign applied to the internal or external surface of a window. (27) WORD means any of the following: (A) Any word in any language found in any standard unabridged dictionary or dictionary of slang. (B) Any proper noun or any initial or series of initials. (C) Any separate character, symbol, or abbreviation such as “&”, “$”, “%”, and “Inc.”. (D) Any telephone number or commonly used combination of numerals and symbols such as “$5.00" or “50%”. (E) Any internet website, network, protocol address, domain name, or universal record locator. (F) Any symbol or logo that is a registered trademark but which itself contains no word or character. (G) A street number is not considered to be a word. (Ord. 25899)

Dallas City Code § 51A-7.2005 SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.

SEC. 51A-7.2005. SIGN PERMIT REQUIREMENTS. (a) No person may alter, expand, maintain, or place a sign in this district without first obtaining a sign permit from the city. No sign permit may be issued for a sign in this district unless the application has first been reviewed by the director and a certificate of appropriateness has been issued in accordance with the procedure outlined in this section. (b) This section does not apply to government signs described in Section 51A-7.207. (c) Section 51A-7.504, which establishes the special sign district advisory committee for special provision sign districts, does not apply to this district. (d) Section 51A-7.505, which outlines the procedure for obtaining a certificate of appropriateness, does not apply in this district. (e) Section 51A-7.602, which lists certain signs that require sign permits, does not apply to signs in this district. All signs within this district require sign permits. (f) Upon receipt of an application for a permit to authorize a sign in this district, the building official shall refer the application to the director for review. The director shall issue a decision within 30 calendar days after the a complete application is submitted to the building official. The director shall solicit the recommendation of appropriate staff before approving or disapproving a certificate of appropriateness. (g) The director shall approve a certificate of appropriateness if the application complies with the requirements of this district and the director finds that the proposed sign is consistent with the character of this district. The director shall consider the proposed sign in terms of its appropriateness to this district with particular attention to the effect of the proposed sign upon the economic structure of this district and the effect of the proposed sign upon adjacent and surrounding premises without regard to the consideration of the message conveyed by the sign. The director shall give written notice of the director’s decision to the applicant. Notice is given when mailed to the applicant. (h) A decision to grant a certificate of appropriateness may not be appealed. A decision to deny a certificate of appropriateness may be appealed to the city plan commission only by the applicant. An appeal is made by filing a written request with the director within 10 calendar days after notice of the director’s decision is given. In considering the appeal, the sole issue shall be whether the director erred, and in this connection, the city plan commission shall consider the same standard that was required to be considered by the director. Decisions of the city plan commission are final as to administrative remedies. If the city plan commission fails to make a decision on an appeal within 30 calendar days after the appeal is filed with the director, the application shall be considered approved, provided the sign otherwise complies with all applicable city codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. (Ord. 25899)

Dallas City Code § 51A-7.2006 PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL SIGNS.

SEC. 51A-7.2006. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ALL SIGNS. (a) Balloons and wind devices. All balloons, banners, flags, inflatable objects, pennants, streamers, and wind devices are considered to be signs and may not be used except as specifically allowed in this section. (b) Changeable messages. (1) A changeable message may not change more than every eight seconds. (2) Only one sign with a changeable message is allowed per premise. (3) The changeable message portion of any sign is limited to an effective area of 50 square feet. (c) Fences. Except for special purpose signs, signs may not be attached to fences. (d) Historic overlay districts. Within a historic overlay district, the landmark commission has the sole authority to determine every aspect of a sign, other than construction and maintenance standards, including effective area, height, location, number, size, and type, and to issue a certificate of appropriateness for that sign. (e) Lighting. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this division, signs may be illuminated by internal (back) lighting or indirect lighting. (2) The use of neon or single incandescent bulbs is allowed. (3) A light source external to a sign may illuminate a sign if the light does not cross into a public right-of-way, a residential zoning district line, or the property line of a residential use. (4) Light used to illuminate a sign may not turn on or off, or change its brightness, more than twice a day. (f) Message limitation. All signs must be district identification signs, district promotional message signs, premise signs, or convey a noncommercial message. (g) Other applicable law. (1) All signs erected or maintained pursuant to the provisions of this division must be erected and maintained in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and with the building code, electrical code, and other applicable ordinances of the city. In the event of conflict between this division and other laws, the most restrictive standard applies. (2) For purposes of applying the Federal and Texas Highway Beautification Acts, this district is considered to be a commercial zoning district. Signs within this district may not be HBA signs. (3) The provisions of Division 51A-7.200, “Provisions for All Zoning Districts,” applies in this district. If the event of a conflict, this division controls. (h) Portable signs. Portable signs are prohibited. (i) Signs over the right-of-way. (1) Signs may be located in or project over the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, subject to the licensing and franchise requirements of Chapter XIV of the City Charter, Article VI of Chapter 43 of the Dallas City Code, as amended, the Dallas Building Code, and the requirements of all other applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations. (2) The traffic engineer shall review the location of any sign located in or overhanging the public right-of-way to ensure that the sign will not pose a traffic hazard or visibility obstruction. (3) No portion of a sign may be located less than two feet from a vertical plane extending upward from the back of a street curb. (Ord. Nos. 25899; 28424)

Dallas City Code § 51A-7.2007 ATTACHED SIGNS.

SEC. 51A-7.2007. ATTACHED SIGNS. (a) Provisions applicable to all attached signs. (1) Attached signs must be securely attached. (2) The maximum combined effective area of all attached signs on a facade may not exceed 20 percent of the total area of the facade. (3) Attached signs may have a maximum of eight words, which contain any character of a height equal to or exceeding four inches. Words consisting of characters less than four inches high may be used without limit. (4) Attached signs may not be painted onto the roof of a building. (5) Attached signs are not permitted on the roof of a building. (6) Banners used as attached signs may only be special purpose signs. (b) Arcade signs. (1) There is no limit to the number of arcade signs permitted on a premise. (2) Arcade signs may not exceed eight square feet in effective area. (3) The minimum linear distance between any two arcade signs is 15 feet. (4) Arcade signs may not be lower than 10 feet above the sidewalk. (5) Arcade signs may not project above the arcade to which they are attached. (6) Arcade signs may only identify the premise or occupant and provide an address. (c) Awning signs. (1) There is no limit on the number of awning signs on a premise. (2) A sign on the face of the awning may only have an effective area equal to 20 percent of the face of the awning. As used in this provision, “face” means the sloping or curved portion of an awning that provides shade over the sidewalk. (3) Awning signs may not be lower than eight feet above the sidewalk. (4) Awning signs may not project more than two inches from the surface of the awning. (5) Awning signs may not be backlit. (6) The valance of an awning may only have an address, occupant identification, or premise identification. As used in this provision, “valance” means that portion of an awning parallel to the street and perpendicular to the sidewalk. (d) Flat attached signs. (1) The maximum number of flat attached signs on any premise is one per public pedestrian entrance or one per first-floor tenant, whichever is greater. (2) The total effective area of all flat attached signs per facade may not exceed 20 percent of the facade or 400 square feet, whichever is less. (3) Flat attached signs may not project above the roofline. (4) A flat attached sign may not project more than 12 inches from the facade to which it is attached. (e) Marquee signs. (1) The maximum number of marquee signs on any premise is one per street frontage. (2) The horizontal dimension (length) of a marquee sign may not exceed two-thirds of the length of the facade to which it is attached. The vertical dimension (width) of a marquee sign may not exceed six feet. (3) Marquee signs are allowed only on an entertainment facility. (4) Marquee signs may have a changeable message. (5) Marquee signs may incorporate moving patterns or bands of light, except that the use of illumination to produce apparent motion of a visual image, such as animation or similar effects, is prohibited. (f) Projecting signs. (1) The maximum number of projecting signs on any premise is one per facade. (2) Projecting signs may not exceed 40 square feet in effective area. (3) Projecting signs may not be lower than 10 feet above the sidewalk. (4) No portion of a projecting sign may be located more than five feet from the facade to which it is attached. (5) A projecting sign may not project higher than four feet above the edge of the wall to which it is attached. (6) Projecting signs must be a minimum of five feet from another projecting sign. (7) Projecting signs may have a message on both sides of the sign structure. (g) Special purpose signs. (1) Non-window special purpose signs. (A) The maximum number of non-window special purpose signs on a facade at any time is two. (B) Non-window special purpose signs may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area. (C) Non-window special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of four times each calendar year for a maximum of 30 consecutive days each time. Each new non-window special purpose sign must have a new message. (D) Banners used as attached signs may only be non-window special purpose signs. (E) Non-window special purpose signs that relate exclusively to the construction, lease, remodeling, or sale of the premise are permitted without limit as to the number or length of time displayed. (2) Window special purpose signs. (A) There is no limit on the number of window special purpose signs. (B) No more than 25 percent of a window surface may be covered by either window signs or window special purpose signs, alone or in combination. (C) Window special purpose signs may not contain words with characters more than eight inches in height. (D) Window special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of four times each calendar year for a maximum of 30 consecutive days each time. Each new window special purpose sign must have a new message. (E) Window special purpose signs may contain a district promotional message. (F) Window special purpose signs that relate exclusively to the construction, lease, remodeling, or sale of the premises on which they are located are permitted without limit as to the number or length of time displayed. (h) Window signs. (1) There is no limit on the number of window signs. (2) No more than 25 percent of a window surface may be covered by either window signs or window special purpose signs, alone or in combination. (3) Window signs that use internal neon bulbs may not cover more than 15 percent of the window surface. (4) Window signs may not contain words with characters more than eight inches in height. (5) Window signs may not be taped to the window. Window signs must be professionally hand-painted, silk screened, or made of self-adhesive vinyl. (Ord. 25899)

Dallas City Code § 51A-7.2008 DETACHED SIGNS.

SEC. 51A-7.2008 DETACHED SIGNS. (a) Provisions applicable to all detached signs. (1) Number. Only one detached sign may be erected on any premise, except that a premise that has more than 450 feet of frontage along a public right-of-way other than an alley may have no more than one additional detached sign for each additional 450 feet of frontage or fraction thereof. (2) Height and effective area dependent upon setback. (A) Detached signs must be set back a minimum of 10 feet. (B) A detached sign set back more than 10 feet but less than or equal to 20 feet may not exceed 20 feet in height or exceed 50 square feet in effective area. (C) A detached sign set back more than 20 feet but less than or equal to 30 feet may not exceed 30 feet in height or exceed 150 square feet in effective area. (D) In Subdistricts 1, 2, and 4, a detached sign set back more than 30 feet may not exceed 30 feet in height or exceed 150 square feet in effective area. (E) In Subdistricts 3 and 5, a detached sign set back more than 30 feet may not exceed 40 feet in height or exceed 400 square feet in effective area. (3) Other requirements. (A) Except for special purpose signs, detached signs may not be placed on fences. (B) A pole-mounted detached sign must have either a pole cover that covers the entire pole and is made of masonry, metal, plastic, stucco, or wood or have a minimum three-foot-high masonry base. (C) Banners used as detached signs may only be street light banners. (b) District identification signs. (1) There is no limit on the number of district identification signs in the district. (2) The maximum effective area of a district identification sign is 12 square feet. (3) The maximum height of a district identification sign is 20 feet. (4) District identification signs may not have a changeable message. (c) Expressway signs. (1) The maximum number of expressway signs is one per premise. (2) Expressway signs may not exceed 400 square feet in effective area. (3) Expressway signs may not exceed 40 feet in height. (4) Expressway signs must be set back from the expressway and Fort Worth Avenue a minimum of 50 feet. (d) Monument signs. (1) The maximum number of monument signs is one per premise. (2) Monument signs may not exceed 150 square feet in effective area. (3) Monument signs may not exceed 10 feet in height. (4) In Subdistrict 2, monument signs must be set back a minimum of 15 feet. (5) In Subdistricts 1, 3, 4, and 5, monument signs must be set back a minimum of 10 feet. (e) Special purpose signs. (1) The maximum number of special purpose signs on a premise at any time is one per street frontage. (2) Special purpose signs may not exceed 50 square feet in effective area. (3) Special purpose signs may not exceed eight feet in height. (4) A special purpose sign must be located at least 100 feet from any other detached special purpose sign on the same premise. (5) Special purpose signs may be displayed on a premise a maximum of four times each calendar year for a maximum of 30 consecutive days each time. Each new special purpose sign must have a new message. (6) Special purpose signs may be placed on fences. (7) Special purpose signs may not be mounted on rotating wheels. (8) Special purpose signs may not be mounted on a trailer. (9) Special purpose signs may not be changeable message signs or have changeable copy. (10) Special purpose signs may not be illuminated. (11) Special purpose signs may not contain flashing or blinking lights. (12) Special purpose signs that relate exclusively to the construction, lease, remodeling, or sale of the premises on which they are located are permitted without limit as to the length of time displayed. (f) Street light banners. (1) The maximum number of street light banners is two per pole, with each banner on opposite sides of the pole. (2) Streetlight banners may not exceed 12 square feet in effective area. (3) Streetlight banners may not project more than three feet from the pole onto which they are mounted. (4) Streetlight banners must be at least 12 feet above the sidewalk. A streetlight banner that overhangs a roadway must be at least 15 feet above the roadway. (5) Streetlight banners and sign hardware must be made out of weather-resistant and rust-proof material. (6) If a streetlight banner overhangs the public right-of-way, a license must be obtained in accordance with the requirements of the City Charter and the Dallas City Code. (7) A streetlight banner must be a district identification sign, or display a district promotional message or generic graphics. (8) A street light banner having a district promotional message may not be erected more than 60 days prior to the beginning of the advertised activity or event, and must be removed no later than 30 days after that activity or event has ended. (9) The hardware for a streetlight banner may be left in place between displays of a banner. A streetlight banner and the sign hardware must be mounted on a streetlight pole and meet the sign construction and design standards in the Dallas Building Code. (10) A sign permit is not required to erect or remove a streetlight banner. (Ord. 25899)

Source: City of Dallas, Dallas City Code and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/dallas/latest/dallas_tx/0-0-0-89866Fetched: 10/26/2026