Title
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Amending Section 7100 "Sign Standards" of the Zoning Ordinance No. 671
Requested Action
Discussion and Possible Action to be taken by the City Council
Recommendation
Discussion and Possible Action to be taken by the City Council
Description/History
May 13, 2013: Based on the previous meeting discussion, the attached draft amendments were prepared to address the following issues:
- Limit the size and spacing of political signs
- prohibit unauthorized use of city logo
- prohibit signs from other cities' candidates
- deal with dilapidated political signs
- penalty for vandalism of signs
The size and spacing regulations in the proposed amendment are based on former sign regulations for weekend model homes that the city used to enforce. The proposed amendments in Table 7100D are based on the current provisions in state law and only apply to political signs on private properties.
Staff is seeking directions from the City Council prior to holding public hearings before the P&Z. After the adoption of the amendments, Staff will prepare a new handout on political sign regulations in the candidate packet, and will include a statement to be signed by candidate acknowledging the regulations.
April 8, 2013 Regular City Council Meeting: Mayor Cook asked for support from other members of Council to direct staff to work with the City Attorney to look at all options regarding political signs. Mayor Cook received support from Mayor Pro Tem Broseh and Council Members Newsom and Lindsey.
The City Secretary's Office sent an eGroup email to fellow city secretaries to obtain information related to political signs. The City Secretary's Office received information from the following cities:
Benbrook
Castle Hills
Cedar Hill
Grand Prairie
Grapevine
Horseshoe Bay
Lockhart
Midlothian
Staff is looking for specific directions from the City Council on any potential amendments to the political sign regulations. Allen Taylor will be in attendance at the meeting to advise the Council on this matter.
Justification
Regulate the placement of political signs within the city.
Funding Source
Not Applicable
Prepared By
Vicki Collins, City Secretary
City Secretary's Office
817-276-4204