Denison, Texas sign rules

Changing an existing sign. Pole and pylon signs that lawfully existed on or before the effective date of the ordinance that re-enacted the sign chapter (Ord. No. 5468) are nonconforming signs (Sec. 19-61). An older lawful sign that does not meet the current chapter can also be nonconforming (definition in Art. II). A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, changed to another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to prolong its life, changed to a different method or technology of showing a message, or moved unless it is made to meet the whole chapter. Adding illumination, adding display faces and converting to an electronic message display do not count as maintenance and are not allowed (Sec. 19-91). Outer panels may be replaced with identical panels, and single panels on multi-tenant shopping center monument signs may be changed when tenants change (Sec. 19-91(b)(2), (3)). To keep a sign's nonconforming status when it is taken down for repair, tell the building official in writing before removing it (Sec. 19-91(b)(4)). Sec. 19-61 points to article IX for these rules, but they are in Article XI. Ask the city before refacing, relighting or upgrading an existing sign.

Channel letters. Denison's sign chapter does not mention channel letter signs or say they count as wall signs. The wall sign rules in Sec. 19-51 may apply; confirm with the city. Letters forming a word or name are measured as a single sign (Sec. 19-22(a)(5)).

Changing an existing sign. Pole and pylon signs that lawfully existed on or before the effective date of the ordinance that re-enacted the sign chapter (Ord. No. 5468) are nonconforming signs (Sec. 19-61). An older lawful sign that does not meet the current chapter can also be nonconforming (definition in Art. II). A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, changed to another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to prolong its life, changed to a different method or technology of showing a message, or moved unless it is made to meet the whole chapter. Adding illumination, adding display faces and converting to an electronic message display do not count as maintenance and are not allowed (Sec. 19-91). Outer panels may be replaced with identical panels, and single panels on multi-tenant shopping center monument signs may be changed when tenants change (Sec. 19-91(b)(2), (3)). To keep a sign's nonconforming status when it is taken down for repair, tell the building official in writing before removing it (Sec. 19-91(b)(4)). Sec. 19-61 points to article IX for these rules, but they are in Article XI. Ask the city before refacing, relighting or upgrading an existing sign.

Where electronic message components are allowed. A changeable electronic message/reader board component is allowed only on a single-tenant monument sign on a lot adjacent to US 75, a principal arterial or a major arterial on the City of Denison Master Thoroughfare Plan, or on a pole or pylon sign where those are allowed (Secs. 19-52, 19-61). On pole and pylon signs it may only show static messages or pricing. These components are prohibited in the Commercial Historic Overlay District (Sec. 19-108). This site cannot check the thoroughfare plan; ask the city whether your street qualifies.

Monument signs downtown. Art. XII allows only the sign types it lists in the Commercial Historic Overlay District and does not list monument signs, but it also points to Sec. 19-52 (freestanding signs) for details of each sign type. Whether a monument sign is allowed downtown is unclear; ask the city.

Changing an existing sign. Pole and pylon signs that lawfully existed on or before the effective date of the ordinance that re-enacted the sign chapter (Ord. No. 5468) are nonconforming signs (Sec. 19-61). An older lawful sign that does not meet the current chapter can also be nonconforming (definition in Art. II). A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, changed to another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to prolong its life, changed to a different method or technology of showing a message, or moved unless it is made to meet the whole chapter. Adding illumination, adding display faces and converting to an electronic message display do not count as maintenance and are not allowed (Sec. 19-91). Outer panels may be replaced with identical panels, and single panels on multi-tenant shopping center monument signs may be changed when tenants change (Sec. 19-91(b)(2), (3)). To keep a sign's nonconforming status when it is taken down for repair, tell the building official in writing before removing it (Sec. 19-91(b)(4)). Sec. 19-61 points to article IX for these rules, but they are in Article XI. Ask the city before refacing, relighting or upgrading an existing sign.

Pole and pylon signs only near US Highway 75. Pole and pylon signs are allowed only within a set distance of US Highway 75 frontage, measured from the right-of-way line, and are prohibited everywhere else in the city (Sec. 19-61). This site cannot measure that distance; check it on your site plan. The spacing rule between pole and pylon signs states the distance in words and in figures that do not match, so it is not shown here; ask the city.

Where electronic message components are allowed. A changeable electronic message/reader board component is allowed only on a single-tenant monument sign on a lot adjacent to US 75, a principal arterial or a major arterial on the City of Denison Master Thoroughfare Plan, or on a pole or pylon sign where those are allowed (Secs. 19-52, 19-61). On pole and pylon signs it may only show static messages or pricing. These components are prohibited in the Commercial Historic Overlay District (Sec. 19-108). This site cannot check the thoroughfare plan; ask the city whether your street qualifies.

Spacing between pole and pylon signs. Sec. 19-61 states the minimum spacing between pole and pylon signs in words and in a numeral that disagree, so no spacing rule is shown. Ask the city which spacing applies.

Changing an existing sign. Pole and pylon signs that lawfully existed on or before the effective date of the ordinance that re-enacted the sign chapter (Ord. No. 5468) are nonconforming signs (Sec. 19-61). An older lawful sign that does not meet the current chapter can also be nonconforming (definition in Art. II). A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, changed to another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to prolong its life, changed to a different method or technology of showing a message, or moved unless it is made to meet the whole chapter. Adding illumination, adding display faces and converting to an electronic message display do not count as maintenance and are not allowed (Sec. 19-91). Outer panels may be replaced with identical panels, and single panels on multi-tenant shopping center monument signs may be changed when tenants change (Sec. 19-91(b)(2), (3)). To keep a sign's nonconforming status when it is taken down for repair, tell the building official in writing before removing it (Sec. 19-91(b)(4)). Sec. 19-61 points to article IX for these rules, but they are in Article XI. Ask the city before refacing, relighting or upgrading an existing sign.

Projecting signs. Sec. 19-51 has a projecting sign table with no district limit, but Sec. 19-101 says projecting signs are allowed only within the Commercial Historic Overlay District. These sections conflict, so projecting sign limits outside the overlay are not shown here; ask the chief building official whether a projecting sign is allowed at your address. Blade signs have their own rules in Sec. 19-51 and, within the Commercial Historic Overlay District, Sec. 19-102.

Changing an existing sign. Pole and pylon signs that lawfully existed on or before the effective date of the ordinance that re-enacted the sign chapter (Ord. No. 5468) are nonconforming signs (Sec. 19-61). An older lawful sign that does not meet the current chapter can also be nonconforming (definition in Art. II). A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, changed to another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to prolong its life, changed to a different method or technology of showing a message, or moved unless it is made to meet the whole chapter. Adding illumination, adding display faces and converting to an electronic message display do not count as maintenance and are not allowed (Sec. 19-91). Outer panels may be replaced with identical panels, and single panels on multi-tenant shopping center monument signs may be changed when tenants change (Sec. 19-91(b)(2), (3)). To keep a sign's nonconforming status when it is taken down for repair, tell the building official in writing before removing it (Sec. 19-91(b)(4)). Sec. 19-61 points to article IX for these rules, but they are in Article XI. Ask the city before refacing, relighting or upgrading an existing sign.

Changing an existing sign. Pole and pylon signs that lawfully existed on or before the effective date of the ordinance that re-enacted the sign chapter (Ord. No. 5468) are nonconforming signs (Sec. 19-61). An older lawful sign that does not meet the current chapter can also be nonconforming (definition in Art. II). A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, changed to another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to prolong its life, changed to a different method or technology of showing a message, or moved unless it is made to meet the whole chapter. Adding illumination, adding display faces and converting to an electronic message display do not count as maintenance and are not allowed (Sec. 19-91). Outer panels may be replaced with identical panels, and single panels on multi-tenant shopping center monument signs may be changed when tenants change (Sec. 19-91(b)(2), (3)). To keep a sign's nonconforming status when it is taken down for repair, tell the building official in writing before removing it (Sec. 19-91(b)(4)). Sec. 19-61 points to article IX for these rules, but they are in Article XI. Ask the city before refacing, relighting or upgrading an existing sign.

Where electronic message components are allowed. A changeable electronic message/reader board component is allowed only on a single-tenant monument sign on a lot adjacent to US 75, a principal arterial or a major arterial on the City of Denison Master Thoroughfare Plan, or on a pole or pylon sign where those are allowed (Secs. 19-52, 19-61). On pole and pylon signs it may only show static messages or pricing. These components are prohibited in the Commercial Historic Overlay District (Sec. 19-108). This site cannot check the thoroughfare plan; ask the city whether your street qualifies.

Changing an existing sign. Pole and pylon signs that lawfully existed on or before the effective date of the ordinance that re-enacted the sign chapter (Ord. No. 5468) are nonconforming signs (Sec. 19-61). An older lawful sign that does not meet the current chapter can also be nonconforming (definition in Art. II). A nonconforming sign may not be enlarged, changed to another nonconforming sign, structurally altered to prolong its life, changed to a different method or technology of showing a message, or moved unless it is made to meet the whole chapter. Adding illumination, adding display faces and converting to an electronic message display do not count as maintenance and are not allowed (Sec. 19-91). Outer panels may be replaced with identical panels, and single panels on multi-tenant shopping center monument signs may be changed when tenants change (Sec. 19-91(b)(2), (3)). To keep a sign's nonconforming status when it is taken down for repair, tell the building official in writing before removing it (Sec. 19-91(b)(4)). Sec. 19-61 points to article IX for these rules, but they are in Article XI. Ask the city before refacing, relighting or upgrading an existing sign.