Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A01.1 TITLE.
A01.1 TITLE.
These regulations shall be known as the “Fort Worth Sign Code,” may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
SCOPE
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, art. I, subch. A
in effectFort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A01.2 PURPOSE.
A01.2 PURPOSE.
(a) Practical safeguarding. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of signs; and by regulating and licensing those persons who will install or maintain such signs. This code applies to on-premises and off-premises signs in the City of Fort Worth and to off-premises signs in the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
(b) Adequacy. This code contains provisions considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance is expected to result in an installation essentially in compliance with the minimum standards, but not necessarily efficient, convenient or adequate for good service or future expansion of any sign installation.
(c) Intent. This code is not intended as a design specification nor an instruction manual for untrained persons.
(d) Purpose. The purpose of this code is not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefitted by the terms of this code.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A01.3 SCOPE.
A01.3 SCOPE.
(a) Application. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use, location, maintenance and removal of every sign or any appurtenances connected or attached to such sign. The provisions shall also apply to the sign structure.
(b) Covered. Signs and sign structures, unless exempted under subsection (c) below, shall comply with the provisions of this code, except that all signs and sign structures must comply with the following provisions:
(1) A04.5 (Unsafe signs declared nuisances; abatement);
(2) 3.02 (Temporary signs: generally);
(3) 3.03 (Cloth signs);
(4) 4.01 (Encroachments in public right-of-way: requirements);
(5) 4.01.4 (Removal of encroachments constituting obstruction);
(6) 4.02.1 (Traffic location restrictions);
(7) 4.02.2 (Traffic location - prohibited signs); and
(8) 4.03 (Prohibited signs).
(c) Not covered. Except for compliance with subsection (b) above, the following signs and sign structures are exempt from the provisions of this code:
(1) Signs on vehicles or trailers, provided, however, signs on vehicles or trailers that are parked or located for the primary purpose of displaying the sign are prohibited pursuant to § 4.03;
(2) Temporary signs, as follows:
a. Temporary decorative flags; and
b. Temporary signs erected in accordance with temporary banner policy administered by the transportation and public works department for signs in the public right-of-way, large banner policy administered by the park and recreation department for signs on park property, policy governing erection of banners on Main Street and other temporary banner policies administered by city departments or their designees.
(3) Warning, security and directional signs for parking or vehicle access;
(4) Government signs, flags, insignia, legal notices or informational, directional or traffic signs;
(5) Political signs referring to the candidates or issues involved in a public election, subject to the following conditions:
a. Political signs shall be permitted on private property only with the consent of the property owner and provided the signs:
1. Do not exceed eight feet in height;
2. Do not have an effective area greater than 36 square feet;
3. Do not contain any moving elements; and
4. Are not illuminated.
b. Political signs, including those with messages on both sides of the sign, shall be permitted on public property during the time the public property is used as an election polling location provided the signs:
1. Are not located within 100 feet of an outside door through which a voter may enter the building of a polling location or such other distance as required by the Texas Election Code;
2. Are on individual posts, stakes or holders placed into the ground or are attached to vehicles lawfully parked at the premises of a polling location;
3. Do not have an effective area greater than four square feet;
4. Are not more than two feet in height;
5. Are posted only during the period beginning the first day the polls are open for voting and ending 24 hours after the polls close or the last voter has voted on election day;
6. Are not placed within ten feet of driveways of a polling location;
7. Are not illuminated;
8. Do not block or obscure other signs; and
9. Are not attached, placed or affixed to any building, tree, shrub, planting or landscaping areas, parking areas, driveways on medians with parking areas, pole, fence or other improvement on the public property used as a polling location.
c. Signs located in violation of subsection (c)(5)b. above may be removed by the entity in control of the public property.
(6) Other than electrical signs, signs in windows subject to the following:
a. Signs shall not exceed 10% of the window area; and
b. The window area shall be calculated by multiplying the window width times the height of the window, with a maximum calculated height of 15 feet.
(7) Other than electrical signs, all signs not visible from off the property;
(8) Nameplate and street address signs not exceeding one square foot in area;
(9) One non-illuminated real estate sign, temporary in nature, advertising the sale or lease of real property on which the sign is located or announcing contemplated improvements of real property on which the sign is located; provided, however, that said sign shall not exceed eight square feet in any one- or two-family dwelling district or 60 square feet in area and eight feet in height in any other district; provided, further, however, on corner lots and through lots, one such sign shall be allowed for each street on which the lot has frontage. The sign shall be removed within 30 days after the sale or occupancy of the property;
(10) One non-illuminated estate or garage sale sign, not to exceed two square feet in area, temporary in nature, advertising the sale of items on property for which a garage sale permit has been obtained. The sign shall be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends;
(11) One construction sign, not exceeding four square feet in area in any one- or two-family dwelling district or 40 square feet in area and 12 feet in height in any other district, denoting the owner, architect, financial institution, general contractor, subcontractor or any statement pertaining to the project on the real property on which the sign is located; provided, however, on corner lots and through lots, one such sign shall be allowed for each street on which the lot has frontage. The sign shall be removed within 30 days after completion of the project;
(12) “No dumping,” “No Trespassing,” and “No Solicitation” signs;
(13) Noncommercial residential signs. In addition to the other noncommercial signs permitted by the zoning code, a maximum of four signs not exceeding a total of 16 square feet in area may be erected on any lot used for residential purposes and may contain noncommercial copy. No one sign shall exceed eight square feet in area.;
(14) Signs depicting or relating to a national, local or religious holiday or season if installed, maintained or displayed for not more than 45 consecutive days;
(15) Signs designed and used for display upon or within lighter than air objects, such as balloons, or in conjunction with aircraft;
(16) Signs of not more than two square feet with a ground clearance (total height) of not more than four feet within 20 feet of a driveway or other ingress/egress to private property which restricts parking on said property. Corners of this type of sign shall be mitered or rounded corner signs; and
(17) Signs erected by public utility or transportation organization operating pursuant to a franchise agreement with the city, where such signs are erected or displayed for the purpose of public instruction, traffic control and similar uses incidental to the public interest.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A01.4 SEVERABILITY.
A01.4 SEVERABILITY.
If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A02.1 GENERAL.
A02.1 GENERAL.
The provisions of this code shall apply to all matters affecting or relating to structures and premises, as set forth in § A01. Where, in a specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A02.2 EXISTING INSTALLATIONS.
A02.2 EXISTING INSTALLATIONS.
Except as otherwise provided for in this code, signs and sign structures lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their use, maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design, if no hazard to life, health or property has been created by such sign or sign structure or electrical system and equipment, and if the electrical system and equipment are maintained in good repair.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A02.3 MAINTENANCE.
A02.3 MAINTENANCE.
Signs and sign structures, both existing and new, and parts thereof shall be maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe, hazard-free condition. Devices or safeguards that are required by this code shall be maintained in compliance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the signs and sign structures. To determine compliance with this provision, the building official shall have the authority to require that the sign or sign structure be reinspected.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A02.4 ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS.
A02.4 ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS.
(a) Additions, alterations, renovations and repairs to signs and sign structures shall conform to that required for new installation without requiring that the existing sign or sign structure to comply with all of the requirements of this code. Additions, alterations, renovations and repairs shall not cause existing sign or sign structure to become unsafe, hazardous or overloaded.
(b) Minor additions, alterations, renovations and repairs to existing electrical systems and equipment shall be permitted in the same manner and arrangement as was in the existing system, provided that such repairs or replacement are not hazardous and are approved.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A02.5 REQUIREMENTS NOT COVERED BY CODE.
A02.5 REQUIREMENTS NOT COVERED BY CODE.
For any requirements necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation of an existing or proposed electrical system, or for the public safety, health and general welfare, not specifically covered by this code, the electrical code or the building code shall be determined by the building official.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A02.6 ZONING CODE.
A02.6 ZONING CODE.
The provisions of the zoning code shall also apply to signs and sign structures. When provisions are duplicated in the zoning code and this code, staff shall determine who is the appropriate interpretation official and board of appeals using the following guidelines:
(a) Provisions based upon location, size, appearance and content would normally fall under the zoning code;
(b) Provisions based upon permits, construction requirements and life safety issues would normally fall under this code; and
(c) If no clear authority exists, the zoning board of adjustment will be the default forum since it offers a more public notification and input process.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A02.7 ENFORCEMENT BY OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
A02.7 ENFORCEMENT BY OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
Enforcement of these sections may be performed by other departments or divisions of the City of Fort Worth. However, as provisions of this code, final interpretation, appeals of interpretation, requests for variances, etc. shall be handled as described in this code.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A03.1 MODIFICATIONS.
A03.1 MODIFICATIONS.
Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the building official shall have the authority to grant modifications for individual cases, provided the building official shall first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and that the modification is in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code and does not lessen health, life and fire-safety requirements. The details of action granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the inspection department.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A03.2 ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS, METHODS, EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES.
A03.2 ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS, METHODS, EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES.
(a) The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved by the building official.
(b) The building official may approve any alternate, provided that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this code and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A03.3 REQUIRED TESTING.
A03.3 REQUIRED TESTING.
Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the code official shall have the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A03.3.1 TEST METHODS.
A03.3.1 TEST METHODS.
Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the building official shall approve the testing procedures.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A03.3.2 TESTING AGENCY.
A03.3.2 TESTING AGENCY.
All tests shall be performed by an approved agency.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A03.3.3 TEST REPORTS.
A03.3.3 TEST REPORTS.
Reports of tests shall be retained by the building official for the period required for retention of public records.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A03.4 MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCE REUSE.
A03.4 MATERIAL, EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCE REUSE.
Materials, equipment, appliances and devices shall not be reused unless such elements have been reconditioned, tested and placed in good and proper working condition and approved.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.1 UNLAWFUL ACTS.
A04.1 UNLAWFUL ACTS.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, repair, remove, demolish or utilize any sign or sign structure, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.1.1 UNSAFE SIGN OR SIGN STRUCTURE.
A04.1.1 UNSAFE SIGN OR SIGN STRUCTURE.
Failure to correct an unsafe sign or sign structure as provided for in §§ A04.5, C06.4.1 or C06.4.2 shall constitute a violation of this code.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.2 VIOLATION PENALTIES.
A04.2 VIOLATION PENALTIES.
Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000 for all violations involving fire safety, or public health and sanitation in accordance with § 1-6(c) and shall be fined not more than $500 for all other violations of this ordinance. Each day or any portion thereof during which any violation of this ordinance occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as herein provided.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.3 STOP WORK ORDERS.
A04.3 STOP WORK ORDERS.
Upon notice from the building official, work on any sign or sign structure that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work or causing such work to be done. Where an emergency exists, the building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work. Such work shall not resume until authorized by the building official to proceed.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.4 ABATEMENT OF VIOLATION.
A04.4 ABATEMENT OF VIOLATION.
The imposition of the penalties herein prescribed shall not preclude the legal officer of the jurisdiction from instituting appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation, or to prevent illegal usage, structure or premises, or to stop an illegal act, conduct, business or utilization of the sign on or about any premises.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.5 UNSAFE SIGN OR SIGN STRUCTURE.
A04.5 UNSAFE SIGN OR SIGN STRUCTURE.
(a) (1) Any sign or sign structure that is structurally unsafe and any electrical system or equipment regulated by this code that is unsafe or that constitutes a fire or health hazard, insanitary condition, or is otherwise dangerous to human life is hereby declared unsafe. Any use of a sign or sign structure or an electrical system or equipment regulated by this code constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of improper installation, inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is hereby declared an unsafe use. Any such unsafe sign or sign structure or equipment is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated by repair (when permitted by this and other city codes), rehabilitation, demolition or removal.
(2) Exception: When allowed by § 6.405 of the zoning ordinance or § 5.02.3 and when done in compliance with other applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, the nuisance may be abated by repair, rehabilitation or removal and replacement.
(b) Should the building official determine that any sign is not properly maintained, is unsafe or insecure or has otherwise been constructed, erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this code, he or she shall give written notice to the permittee or owner thereof. Such notice and order shall contain substantially the following:
(1) The registration number, if available, location and business name of the sign, sufficient for identification of such sign;
(2) A statement that the building official has found such sign to be in violation of this code or other laws, together with a general description of such violation; and
(3) The amount of time required to bring the sign into compliance with this code or any other law, said time not to exceed ten days. The building official may extend the time of notice when it is shown that such corrections cannot be accomplished within the original ten-day time period.
(c) In addition to the above, the building official may issue citations or pursue any other administrative or legal remedy in order to abate any sign which is in violation of this code or any other law.
(d) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the building official may cause any sign which is dangerous to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice.
(e) All buildings or structures subjected to damage by deterioration or by fire shall be inspected by the building official, and all unsafe sign or sign structure or wiring or electrical equipment shall be repaired or replaced.
(f) Any work covered or concealed without inspection shall be considered to constitute and unsafe sign or sign structure. Such consideration as an unsafe structure shall exist every day until the work is inspected and approved as being in compliance with this code. Inspections will not be performed until a valid active permit is obtained in accordance with this code.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.5.1 AUTHORITY TO CONDEMN.
A04.5.1 AUTHORITY TO CONDEMN.
Whenever the building official determines that any sign or sign structure or electrical system or equipment, or portion thereof, regulated by this code has become hazardous to life, health or property or has become insanitary, or is otherwise dangerous to human life, the building official shall order in writing that such sign or sign structure or electrical system or equipment either be removed or restored to a safe or sanitary condition. A time limit for compliance with such order shall be specified in the written notice. No person shall use or maintain defective sign or sign structure or electrical after receiving such notice.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.5.2 AUTHORITY TO ORDER DISCONNECTION OF UTILITIES.
A04.5.2 AUTHORITY TO ORDER DISCONNECTION OF UTILITIES.
The building official shall have the authority to order disconnection of any energy source or utility service supplied to a building, structure or equipment regulated by this code when it is determined that the equipment or any portion thereof has become hazardous or insanitary. Written notice of such order to disconnect service and the causes therefor shall be given within 24 hours to the owner and occupant of such building, structure or premises, provided, however, that in cases of immediate danger to life or property, such disconnection shall be made immediately without such notice. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner or occupant of the building, structure or service systems shall be notified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.
Fort Worth City Code ch. 29, § A04.5.3 CONNECTION AFTER ORDER TO DISCONNECT.
A04.5.3 CONNECTION AFTER ORDER TO DISCONNECT.
No person shall make connections from any energy, fuel, power supply or water distribution system or supply energy, fuel or water to any equipment regulated by this code that has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the building official or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the building official until the building official authorizes the reconnection and use of such equipment.
*Chapter B is hereby deleted and replaced with the following:
Source: City of Fort Worth, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Zoning Ordinance (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ftworth/latest/ftworth_tx/0-0-0-27412Fetched: 10/26/2026