§ 32-332. Certain content or displays unlawful.

The following sign content or signs are prohibited:

(1)

Phrases on advertising signs located on I-30, FM 549, SH 276, SH 205, John King Boulevard and SH-66 that may be in conflict with the city's own promotion program, welcoming newcomers to the area. Phrases that include "Welcome to Rockwall" or of similar meaning and intent or contain the city motto and/or logo will require city council approval.

(2)

Signs illuminated to such an intensity or in such a manner as to cause glare or brightness to a degree that they constitute hazards or nuisances. Flashing, intermittently lighted, changing color, beacons, revolving, moving or similarly constructed signs shall not be allowed. Revolving barber poles may be allowed. For regulations pertaining to changeable electronic variable message signs, see section 32-233.

(3)

Signs, which by reason of their size, location, movement, shape, content, coloring, or manner or intensity of illumination, may be confused with or construed as a traffic control sign, signal or device, or the light of an emergency or road equipment vehicle, or which hide from view any traffic or street sign, signal or device. This includes signs making use of the words "stop," "go," "look," "slow," "danger," or any other similar words, phrases, symbols, or characters, or employ any red, yellow, orange, or green colored lamps or lights in such a manner as to cause confusion with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

(4)

Lighted signs erected within 150 feet of a residential district or residential use unless the lighting is shielded from view from the residential district or residential use.

(5)

Signs, which emit sound, odor or visible matter, which serve as a distraction to persons within the public right-of-way.

(6)

Flags, other than those of any nation, state or political subdivision or one which depicts any motto, saying, emblem, or logo of a firm or corporation. The above-mentioned flags are not considered signs under the terms of this chapter.

(7)

Any balloon, air flow through device, inflatable apparatus, or other floating device anchored to the ground or to any other structure for advertising purposes other than those allowed in subsection (9) of this section.

(8)

Goods, wares, merchandise or other advertising objects or structures placed on or suspended from any building, pole, structure, sidewalk, parkway, driveway, or parking area, except as otherwise allowed by ordinance.

(9)

Permanent banners, pennants, searchlights, twirling signs, sandwich or "A" frame signs, sidewalk or curb signs, balloons or other gas-filled objects, cloth, paper, flag, device or other similar advertising matter anchored to the ground, attached to, suspended from, or hanging from any sign, building, or structure. Temporary window signs, posters, pennants, searchlights, balloons not exceeding one foot in diameter when inflated, and other similar items may be permitted for a period not to exceed 14 days for grand openings and promotional events with permission of the sign inspector.

(10)

Signs attached to a trailer, skid, or similar mobile structure where the primary use of such structure is to provide a base for such sign or constitutes the sign itself. A sign removed from its trailer, skid or similar mobile structure shall be prohibited. This provision does not restrict identification signs on vehicles used for any bona fide transportation activity.

(11)

Signs attached to or upon any such vehicle allowed to remain parked in the same location or in the same vicinity, at frequent or extended periods of time, where the intent is apparent to be using the vehicle and signs for purposes of advertising an establishment, service, or product. It shall be prima facie evidence that the primary purpose of a vehicle or trailer is to display a sign if the vehicle or trailer is parked on a site for a continuous period exceeding 72 hours.

(12)

Signs, paper and other material or paint, stencil or writing of any name, number (except hours, numbers) or other marks on or attached to any sidewalk, curb, gutter, street utility pole, public building, public bench, tree, fence, or structure except as otherwise allowed by ordinance.

(13)

Signs, which prevent free ingress from any door, window, or fire escape.

(14)

Signs attached to a standpipe or fire escape.

(15)

Freestanding signs erected upon or over public property unless erected by the city, with the permission of the sign inspector for public purposes, or with the permission of the sign board of review.

(16)

No changeable electronic variable message signs shall be allowed within this chapter's application area other than the changeable electronic variable message signs provided for in section 32-233.

(17)

Any sign not referenced in, not governed by, not allowed or not defined by this chapter. Also, any sign that does not comply with this or other applicable municipal ordinances, or which does not comply with federal or state laws.

(Ord. No. 10-07, § 1(exh. A(15-235(A)(1)—(11)(intro. ¶), (12))), 3-15-2010; Ord. No. 14-09, § 1, 3-3-2014)