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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 7247 � e REVISED OCTOBER 23, 1975 7 ORDINANCE NO. —7L AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH (1964) , AS AMENDED, BY ADDING THERETO AN APPENDIX G, WHICH APPENDIX SHALL CONSTITUTE "THE SIGN CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH" , BY PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF SUCH CODE; BY PROVIDING FOR DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS ; BY PROVIDING FOR PERMITS, FEES AND INSPECTION OF SIGNS; BY PROVIDING FOR THE DESIGN AND CON- STRUCTION OF SIGNS; BY PROVIDING FOR TEMPORARY SIGNS ; BY PROVIDING FOR SIGN ENCROACHMENTS WITH- IN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND FEES THEREFOR; BY DEFINING AND PROHIBITING TRAFFIC HAZARDS CAUSED BY SIGNS; BY PROVIDING FOR BONDING AND LICEN- SING OF SIGN ERECTORS; BY PROVIDING STANDARDS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL SIGN AND OUTLINE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 3510 AND THE REPEAL OF OTHER CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING A SEVERA- BILITY CLAUSE ; PROVIDING A PENAL CLAUSE; AND NAMING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS: SECTION 1 . That the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1964) , as amended, is hereby further amended by the addition thereto of a new appendix which shall be designated as Appendix G, which appendix, after being so added , shall be and shall read as follows : "APPENDIX G "SIGN CODE "Article 1 . SCOPE AND ENFORCEMENT. "Section 1 .01 . This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as 'The Sign Code of the City of Fort Worth' and is referred to herein as ' this code. ' "Section 1 .02. 'fhe purpose of this code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health , property and public welfare regulating and controlling the use , quality of materials , construction, location , electri- fication and maintenance of certain signs and sign structures . The provisions of this code are not in- tended to permit a violation of any provisions of any other ordinance. "Section 1 . 03. (a) AUTHORITY. The Building Official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all of the provisions of this code. " (b) RIGHT OF ENTRY. Upon presentation of proper credentials , the Building Official may enter at rea- sonable times any building, structure or premises in the City to perform any duty required by this code. . ^ . . . , ' " (u) THE BOARD OF APPEALS. For the purpose of de- termining questions of fact as to the acceptability and adequacy of materials , equipment and method of construc- tion and for providing for factual interpretation of this code, there is hereby recognized the Building Code Board of Appeals , same being created , authorized and empowered by the Building Code of the City of Fort Worth. The provisions of Section 204 of such Building Code shall govern such Board, the Building Official and appellants before such Board. "Section 1 .04. The following signs and sign structures are specifically exempt from the provisions of this code : "a. Those designed , displayed or used upon motor vehides . "b. Those designed and used for display upon or with lighter-and/or heavier-than-air crafts. "c. Those located inside a building (Exception : electrical signs) . "d. Those erected by municipal , state or federal governments. "p. Those erected by public utility or transpor- tation organizations operating pursuant to a franchise agreement with the City of Fort Worth, where such signs are erected or dis- played for the purpose of public instruction , traffic control and similar uses incidental to the public interest and are not business signs. "f. Those otherwise in conformance with the pro- visions of the Zoning Ordinance and molded , chiseled, etched or otherwise indented into walls or structural members of buildings or structures. "g. Any temporary sign placed on private property of dimensions not exceeding four feet by four feet (4' x 4' ) , supported by not more than two (2) wooden stakes. "h. Those signs located on active construction Job sites. "i ' Those advertising that the property upon which such sign is located is for sale, for rent or for lease. "J . 0n-premise nameplates containing the name and/ or occupation and/or address of the occupant of the premixes when otherwise in conformance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. ^ ' ` ` "Section 1 .05. There shall be placed and maintained in plain view on each sign not herein specifically exempt u permanent marker that identifies the per- son , firm or corporation owning and/or in possession and/or in control of the sign and/or structure. "Section 1 .06, All signs and sign structures which are structurally unsafe or which constitute a fire hazard or are otherwise dangerous to human life or which, in relation to existing uses , constitute a hazard to safety or health or public welfare by rea- son of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obso- lescence, fire hazard, disaster damage or abandon- ment as specified in this code or any other ordi - nance in full force and effect are hereby declared unsafe and declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation , demoli- tion or removal in accordance with those procedures provided by law. ` "Article 2. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS. "Section 2'01 . For the purpose of this code , certain abbreviations , terms , phrases, words and their de- rivatives shall be construed as herein defined in this article and as defined elsewhere in such code; however, any such abbreviations , terms , phrases , words and their derivatives, if not so specifically defined, shall be construed in light of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Fort Worth and/or in light of the Building Code of the City of Fort Worth and/ or as a trade term and/or by those rules of construc- tion governing all civil statutory enactments of the State of Texas. "Section 2.02. ACCESSORY USE. A use which is clearly incidental to the use of the principal building or the main use of the property. "Section 2.03^ APPROVED PLASTICS. Those plastics specified in U.B.C. Standard No. 52-1 which have a flame-spread rating of 225 or less and a smoke density not greater than that obtained from the burning of untreated wood under similar conditions when tested in accordance with U.D.C. Standard No. 42-1 in the way intended for use. "Section 2.04. BUILDING CODE. City of Fort Worth Building Code, such code being Volume l of the latest edition of the Uniform Building Code, (published by the International Conference of Building Officials) , as adopted and as amended by the City Council of the City of Fort Worth. "Section 2^05. BUILDING OFFICIAL. That officer or his duly authorized deputy, identified in the Building Code of the City of Fort Worth , charged with the administra- tion and enforcement of this code. "Section 2.06. BUILDING SIGN. A sign which is sup- ported by a building or by a structure other than poles. Building signs may include, by way of example but not of limitation, roof signs and wall signs . "Section 2.07. BUSINESS SIGN. An on-premise sign which advertises only the business name and/or owner and/or commodities and/or services offered on the premises , where such signs are located and where at least ninety percent (QO%) of the sign is devoted to the advertisement of such business name and/or owner and/or commodities and/or services offered at such locatiun. "Section 2,08. COMBINATION SIGN. Any sign incorpo- rating any combination of the features of a ground and building sign. "Section 2.09. COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING SIGN. A sign which is a primary use and advertises commodities , services or persons , such commodities , services or , / y persons not being solely available or present upon the premises upon which such sign is located . Any sign with more than ten percent (10%) of the sign devoted to such use shall be deemed to be a commer- cial advertising sign. "Section 2.10. DISPLAY SURFACE. For the purpose of computing sign permit fees , that area made available by a sign structure for the purpose of displaying an advertising message, such area to exclude nonstruc- tural trim. "Section 2.11 . ELECTRICAL SIGN. Any sign containing electrical wiring in or upon such sign or its sign structure , but not including any sign illuminated by an exterior light source not attached to such sign. "Section 2.12. GROUND SIGN. A sign , the structure of which is supported directly upon or in the ground . "Section 2.13. LEGAL NONCONFORMING SIGN. A sign existing legally at the time of passage of this code which does not conform to the provisions of this code. Such sign may continue in use, provided that such use does not consitute a hazard or public nuisance and provided that such use is not in contravention of pro- visions of other ordinances . Any sign erected , con- structed , enlarged , altered or converted after the passage of this code, which does not conform to the provisions thereof, shall be considered an illegal , nonconforming sign. "Section 2. 14. MARQUEE. A permanent roofed structure which is attached to and supported by a building and which projects over public property. "Section 2.15. MARQUEE SIGN. A sign projecting over public property displayed as a part of a marquee. Any such sign may be used only for identification or location of the supporting building or of a place of business located in such building . The height of the message thereon shall not exceed three (3) feet. "Section 2. 16. NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL. Any material which will not ignite at or below a temperature of 1200 degrees F. during an exposure of five (5) minutes and which will not continue to burn or glow at that temperature. Tests shall be made as specified in U.B.C. Standard No. 4-1 . "Section 2.17. NONSTRUCTURAL TRIM. The molding , bat- tens , caps , nailing strips , latticing or base, cutouts or letters and walkways which are attached to the sign structure. "Section 2.18. PERSON. Any person, firm, partnership, association , corporation , company or organization of any kind . "Section 2.19. PLASTIC MATERIALS. Those materials made wholly or principally from standardized plas- tics listed and described in U.B.C. Standard No. 52- 1 -70. (See definition of approved plastics . ) "Section 2.20. PORTABLE SIGN. A sign designed and/ or constructed and/or used to facilitate the placing or moving of same from one location to another or from one lot, tract or parcel of land to another lot, tract or parcel of land. Such sign shall contain no electrical wiring. Such sign shall have temporary anchors to the ground to withstand the windload speci - fied in this code. Such portable sign shall be classified as a temporary sign. "Section 2 .21 . PRIMARY USE. The principal or main purpose for which land is arranged, designed or in- tended or for which land is or may be occupied or maintained. "Section 2.22. PROJECTING SIGN. A sign extending over public property or beyond a building line. "Section 2.23. SIGN. Any visual medium or graphic device, including its structural and component parts , which is used or intended to be used to attract at- tention to the subject matter of such medium or device. Signs may advertise, identify, inform, direct or provide location. "Section 2.24. SIGN, ANIMATED. A sign employing visible moving parts or the changing of colors . "Section 2.25. SIGN , FLASHING. A sign or part of a sign that contains units which cause such sign or part thereof to appear to flash. Flashing signs shall not include running light signs , twinkle signs or those signs having only one on-off cycle in any period exceeding six (6) seconds. "Section 2.26. SIGN , REVOLVING. A sign which revolves on or around or about a structural support. A struc- tural support can be a pole, pylon, building or other type of support. Revolving parts within or upon a display surface shall not be construed as a revolving sign. "Section 2.27. SIGN, RUNNING LIGHT OR TWINKLE. A sign with low wattage outline lighting which appears to flash. Any sign employing more than four (4) com- plete on-off cycles per second shall be considered a running light or twinkle sign. "Section 2.28. SIGN STRUCTURE. Any structure which supports or is capable of supporting any sign as de- fined in this code. Sign structures , by way of exam- ple but not of limitation , may include single poles and may be an integral part of a building. "Section 2.29. STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground or at- tachment to an object having a location upon the ground , but exclusive of customary fences or boundary or retaining walls , sidewalks and curbs . ' . "Section 2.30. TEMPORARY SIGN. Any sign intended to be displayed for u limited period of time only' in- cluding by way of example but not of limitation , any sign , banner, pennant, valance or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric , cardboard , wallboard or other light materials , with or without frames . "Section 2.31 . U.B.C. STANDARDS. The Uniform Building Code Standards as promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials (I .C.8.U. ) . ` "Article 3. PERMITS` FEES AND INSPECTIONS "Section 3.01 . No d0o shall hereafter be erected , constructed , enlarged , altered or converted , except as otherwise provided by this code, until u permit for same has been issued by the Building Official . It shall be unlawful for any person to so erect , construct, enlarge, alter or convert any sign with- nut first obtaining such permit' A separate permit shall be required for each such sign and/or for each group of signs on any single supporting structure. "Section 3.02. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the Building Official . Such application shall include the location , by street and number, of the proposed sign or sign structure, as well as the name and address of the owner and the sign contractor or erector. A plot plan shall be filed concurrently with such application, such plan showing the size and location of such sign and whether such sign is an electrical sign. The Building Official may require the filing of other plans or other pertinent informa- tion when, in his opinion ` such information is necessary to insure compliance with this code. Stan- dard plans may be filed with the Building Official . "Section 3.03. Persons engaged in the following activity are exempt from obtaining a sign permit: "a. The changing of the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign , including theater marquee signs and simi - lar signs specifically designed for the use of replaceable copy. Any electrical wiring work shall be specifically excepted from this exemption' "h. Painting , repainting or cleaning of a sign structure or the changing of the advertising copy or message on a display surface unless a structural change is made or the sign display surface is enlarged. Fenestrations may be added without permit fees provided the added area does not exceed twenty (20) percent of the display surface. "Such exemptions , however, shall not relieve any owner, lessor or agent in control of any sign from complying with other provisions of this code and any other law or ordinance regulating signs . "Section 3.04. A sign inspection fee, calculated pursuant to the schedule specified in Table 3-A, shall he paid by each applicant for such sign permit prior to the issuance of any such permit. Such fee shall include all costs of inspection incurred by the City as a result of the application for such sign permit. ° _ ' ' . "TABLE 3-A. SIGN INSPECTION S Minimum Fee, $5.00 or, 5d Per Square Foot Per Each Display Surface Plus Height Above Grade l ' through 20' 5'00 Over 20' through 30' 10.00 Over 30' through 40' 15.00 Over 48' through 60' 20.00 Over 50' through 60' 25.00 Over bU' where approved 35.80 Pluo Electrical l through 40 amps 7.00 Over 40 through 00 amps 10.00 Over 00 through 80 amps 15.00 Over 80 through 100 amps 20.00 Over lUU amps 30.00 Area Height Elec. Total "Section 3,05 (a) . The application , plans and speci - fications filed by an applicant for such a permit shall be reviewed by the Building Official . Such plans may be reviewed by the departments of the City to check compliance with the laws and ordinances under their jurisdiction. If the Building Official is satisfied that the work described in such an ap- plication and such plans filed therewith conform to the requirements of this coda and other pertinent laws and ordinances and that the fee calculated pur- suant to the schedule specified in Table 3-A has been paid, he shall issue a permit therefor to the appli - cant. "When the Building Official issues the permit, he shall endorse in writing or stamp on all sets of plans and specifications the word "APPROVED. " Such approved plans and specifications shall not be changed, modified or altered without authorization from the Building Official , and all work shall be done in ac- cordance with such approved plans. "The Building Official may issue a permit for work on part of a sign before the entire plans and speci- fications for the complete sign have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and de- tailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of such code' The holder of such permit shall proceed at his own risk without assurance that the permit for the entire sign will be granted. . . "(b) One set of approved plans , specifications and computations shall be retained by the Building Official for a period of not less than ninety days from date of completion of the work covered therein, and one set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant, which set shall be kept on the site of such work at all times during which the work autho- rized thereby is in progress. "Plans submitted for review for which no permit is issued and on which no action is taken by the appli - cant for ninety days shall be returned to the lust known address of the applicant. "(o) The issuance or granting of such permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for or an approval of any violation of any provisions of this code. No permit presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code shall be valid, except insofar as the work or use which it authorizes is lawful . "The issuance of such permit, based upon plans and specifications shall not prevent the Building Official from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in such plans and specifications ur, from preventing work being carried on thereunder when in violation of this code or any other ordinance of the City. "(d) Every permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code shall expire by limi- tation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not commenced within sixty days, from the date of issuance of such permit or if the work au- thorized by such permit is Suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred and twenty days at any time after the work is commenced. Before such work can be recommenced, o new permit shall be first obtained, and the fee therefor shall be one-half of the amount re- quired for original application for permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work.; and provided, further, that such suspension or abandonment has not, exceeded one year. " (e) The 8uilding Official may, in writing, suspend or revoke such permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever such permit is -issued in error or issued on the basis of incorrect information supplied or issued where work is done in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any pruviafums of this code. "Section 3.06, All signs regulated by this code and other laws , nodes and ordinances governing signs shall he subject to inspection and reinspeotiun by the Building Official in order to ascertain continued compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws , codes and ordinances governing signs. Inspeu- tivn of electrical signs and outline lighting equip- ment shall be accomplished pursuant to procedures ` ' . established by the Electrical Code of the City of Fort Worth for inspection of the installation, repair or replacement of any electrical wiring or equipment subject to such code. Each and every sign , together with its support braces, guys , anchors and footings , shall be kept in repair and in a proper state of pres- ervation. The display surface of each sign shall be kept neatly painted or posted at all times. Should the Building Inspector find that any such sign is not m maintained, is unsafe or insecure, or is a menace to the public, or has been constructed or erected or is being maintained in violation of the provisions of this code, he shall give written notice and order to the permittee or owner thereof, such notice and order containing substantially the follnwing� " (a) The street address and description sufficient for identification of the location of such sign, " (b) A statement that the Building Official has found such sign to be in violation of this code or other laws , codes and ordinances governing signs , together with a general description of such conditions found to cause such sign to be in violation of this code or laws or ordinances. " (u) A statement of the action required to be taken as determined by the Building Official : " (l ) If the permittee wr, owner fails to begin to alter or remove such sign m as to comply with this code or laws or ordinances within ten (lO) days after such notice, such sign may be altered or removed by the Building Official to effect compliance, such alteration or removal to be assessed against such peirmfttee or owner of the property upon which such sign is located; "(2) That the Building Official shall refuse to issue arty other permit to permittee or owner who refuses to pay such cost so assessed; a statement advising that any such permittee, owner or any person having legal title to or a legal interest in such sign may appeal such notice and order or any action of the Building Official to the Build- ing Code Board of Appeals , as provided by Section 204 of the Building Code of the City of Fort Worth. "The Building Official may cause any sign which is an immediate peril to persons or property to be removed summarily and without notice. "Section 3.07. No person shall be issued such sign permit for work concerning a nonelectrical sign un- less such person in a licensed and bonded sign erec- tor, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 8 of this code. No person shall be issued a sign permit for work concerning an electrical sign unless such person is licensed and bonded, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter lO of the Electrical Code ef the City of Fort Worth. , ` ^ "Section 3.08. The Building Official may delegate any of his powers or dudes to any building inspector. It shall be unlawful fnr, any person, firm or corpora- tion to hinder or interfere with such inspector or the Building Official in the discharge of duties under this code. Such inspectors or officials shall have full police powers , including the power to arrest or to cause the arrest of any person violating any of the provisions of this code. ^ "Article 4. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION "Section 4'01 . (a) GENERAL. As specified in this section, signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist wind forces. All bracing systems shall be designed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foundation. The dead and lateral loads of building signs shall be transmitted through the structural frame of the building to the ground so as to not over-stress any of the elements thereof. "The overturning moment produced from lateral forces shall in no case exceed two-thirds of the dead-load resisting moment. Uplift due to overturning shall be adequately resisted by proper anchorage to the ground or to the structural frame of the building, The weight of earth superimposed over footings may be used in determining the dead-load resisting moment. Such earth shall be carefully placed and thoroughly compacted. " (b) WIND LOADS. Signs and sign structures shall be designed and constructed to resist wind forces as specified in Table 4-E. "TABLE NO' 4 T E - WIND PRESSURES FOR VARIOUS HEIGHT ZONES ABOVE GROUND HEIGHT ZONES WIND-PRESSURE-MAP AREAS 25 (pounds per square foot) Leo than 30 20 30 to 49 25 50 to 99 JO lOU to 499 40 500 to 1199 45 1200 and over 50 "(c) Signs over 20 feet in height above grade shall he designed by an architect or engineer licensed by the State of Texas. Plans of such designs shall have affixed thereto the seal of such architect or engineer. " (d) Structurally supported signs over lOU square feet in area mounted on roofs shall be designed by an architect or engineer licensed by the State of Texas. " (e) Maximum ground sign height permitted is sixty (00) feet. "f) ALLOWABLE STRESSES. The design of wood, concrete, or steel and iron members shall conform, respectively , to the requirements of Chapters 25 , 26 and 27 of the Building Code. Loads , both vertical and horizontal , exerted on the soil shall not produce stresses exceed- ing those specified in the Building Code. "The working stresses of wire ropes and fastenings shall not exceed 25 percent of the ultimate strength of such ropes or fastenings. 'The figures given are recommended as minimum. These requirements do not provide for tomadic type winds. "Working stresses for wimdlmady combined with dead loads may be increased as specified in the Building Code. "Section 4.02. (a) GENERAL. The supports of all signs or sign structures shall be placed in or upon private property and shall be securely built, con- structed , and erected in conformance with the require- ments of this code. "(b) MATERIALS. Materials of construction for signs and sign structures shall be of the gmality and grade specified for buildings hy the Building Code. "In the absence of specified requirements , the ma- terials and details of construction of all signs and sign structures shall conform to the following : "l . Structural steel shall be of that quality specified by U.B.C. Standard No. 27-1 . Secondary members in contact with or directly supporting the display surface may be formed of light gauge steel ` provided such members are galvanized and are designed in accordance with the specifications of the design of light gauge steel as specified in U.B.C. Standards No. 27-9 and No. 27-10, Secondary members , when formed integrally with the display surface, shall be not less that 0o. 24 gauge -in thickness. When not formed integrally with the display surface, the mini- mum thickness of the secondary members shall be No. 12 gauge. "The minimum thickness of hot-rolled steel members furnishing structural support for signs shall be one- fourth inch (1/4") except that if galvanized, such members shall be not less than three sixteenths inch (3/16")thiok' "Steel pipes shall be of such quality an to conform with U.B.C. Standard Na. 27-1 . Steel members may be connected with one galvanized bolt provided the con- nectiwn is adequate to transfer the stresses to the membera. "2. Anchors and supports , when wood and embedded in the soil or within six imohas (G") of the soil , shall be completely heartwood of a durable species or shall be pressure-treated with an approved preservative. Such members shall be marked or branded by an approved agency. " (o) KESTNICT7UN5 ON COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. All signs and sign structures erected in Fire Zone No. l shall have structural members of noncombustible materials . "Ground signs may he constructed of any material meeting the requirements of this code, except as provided above. "Combination signs ` building signs , projecting signs , and marquee signs shall he constructed of noncombustible materials , except as provided in Subsection (d) of this section. No combustible materials other than approved plastics shall be used in the construction of signs con- taining electrical wiring. " (d) NONSTRUCTURAL TRIM. Nonstructural trim and portable display surfaces may be wood, metal , plastics , or any combination thereof, or other approved materials . " (e) ANCHORAGE. Members supporting unbraoed signs shall be so proportioned that the bearing loads imposed on the soil , either horizontally or vertically, shall not exceed the safe values. Braced ground signs shall he anchored to resist the specified wind load acting in any direction. Anchors and supports shall be designed for safe hearing loads on the soil and for an effective resistance-to-pull -out amounting to a force 25 percent greater than the required resistance-to-overturning. Anchors and supports shall penetrate to a depth below ground greater than that of the frost line. "Signs attached to masonry, concrete, or steel shall he safely and securely fastened thereto by means of metal anchors , bolts , or approved expansion screws of sufficient size and anchorage to support safely the loads applied. "No wooden blocks or plugs or anchors with wood used in connection with screws or nails shall he considered proper anchorage, except in the case of signs attached to wood framing . "Nn anchor or support of any sign shall be connected to, or supported by, any onbraoed parapet wall , unless such wall is designed in accordance with the require- ments for parapet walls specified in Chapter 23 of the Building Code. " (f) DISPLAY SURFACES. Display surfaces in all types of signs may be made of metal , glass , plastics , or other approved materials. "Glass display surfaces shall conform to those specifi - cations in Table No. 4-A. ^ ^ . "TABLE NO. 4-A - SIZE, THICKNESS AND TYPE OF GLASS PANELS IN SIGNS Maximum Size of Exposed Minimum Glass Panel Thickneos Type of Glass Any Dimension Area of Glass (In inches) (In sq. inches) (In inches) 30 500 1/8 Plain, Plate or Wired 45 700 3/16 Plain, Plate or Wired 144 3600 1/4 Plain" Plate or 0ired Over 144 Over 3600 1/4 Wired Glass "Sections of approved plastics on wall si�ms shall not exceed one hundred and fifty square feet (l50 sq. ft. ) in area. "EXCEPTIONS : In Fire Zone No. 3, such area may be increased by 60 percent. "Sections of approved plastics on wall signs shall be separated three feet (3' ) laterally and six feet (6' ) vertically by required exterior wall construction. "Upon approval of the 8uilding Official , sections of approved plastics on signs other than wall signs may be of unlimited area. Such sections may not be re- quired to be separated by required exterior wall con- struction if approved by the Building Official . " (W) APPROVED PLASTICS. The Building Official may require that technical data be submitted to substantiate the safety and feasibility of the proposed use of any plastic sign material as a condition of approval of such proposed use. Such data shell include informa- tion concerning the strength of such material . "Section 4.03. (a) CLEARANCE FROM HIGH VOLTAGE POWER LINES, Signs shall be located so as to provide the minimum clearances in Table A~B, The term "overhead conductors" as used in this Section means any elec- trical conductor, either bore or insulated , installed above the ground, except such conductors as are em- closed in iron pipe or other material covering of equal strength. "TABLE NO. 4-B - CLEARANCE FROM OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS VOLTAGE OF SUPPLY MINIMUM CLEARANCES (FEET) CONDUCTORS HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL 300 to 81700 u 8,700 to 15,000 8 15,000 to 50,00C) 10 50,080 to l38,000 20 138°000 to 345,000 30 "Article 5. TEMPORARY SIGNS. "Section 5.01 . No temporary sign shall exceed one hundred (lOO) square feat in urea. Temporary signs of rigid material shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in area, and such temporary signs shall neither exceed six (8) feet in height nor be per- manently affixed in or upon the ground. All temporary signs shall be located in conformance with the provi- sions of the Zoning Ordinance. "Temporary signs may encroach into the public right- of-way or over public property , provided that this code and the policy of the City, Council of the City of Fort Worth concerning such encroachments are strictly followed. Such temporary signs so encroaching may re- main in place only so long as same remain in a good state of repair, but not to exceed that period speci - fically established by the City Council . All other temporary signs may remain in place only so long as same remain in a good state of repair, but not to ex- ceed that period of time contemporaneous with the purpose for which such sign was ou placed . "Section 5,02. CLOTH SIGNS. (a) S Every tem- porary cloth sign shall be aupportedand attached with wire rope of three-eighths (3/8) inch minimum diameter. No strings , fiber ropes or wood slats shall be per- mitted for support or anchorage of such sign. Cloth signs and panels shall be perforated over at least ten percent (18%) of their area in order to reduce wind resistance. "Exception: Temporary cloth signs not exceeding sixty (07 square feet erected on or over private property shall be supported and attached with wire rope so as to be in compliance with the requirements of Article 4 of this code. " (b) Cloth signs may be permitted to ex- � if ifi lly permitted by tend �ve��publiu proper�y spec ca the City Council of the City of Fort Worth. If extended over a public street, such sign shall clear such street by a minimum of twenty (20) feet and shall be further subject to all related laws , ordinances and policies . "Article 6. ENCROACHMENTS IN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-MAY AND FEES FOR SUCH ENCROACHMENTS. "Section 6.01 . REQUIREMENTS. (a) No person shall erect or locate a sign to encroach into or over public pro- perty until a consent agreement concerning such erection or location is executed and a policy of public liability insurance for each such encroachment in the following minimum amounts has been secured: Property damage $ 50,000. 00 Public Liability, each person 100,000. 00 Public liability, each accident 300,000. 00 " (b) Sign encroachments over street rights-of-way may project a distance determined by the clearance of the bottom of each sign so encroaching above the level of that sidewalk or grade immediately below, as set forth in the following table: Projection of Si ncnss Clearance Maximum Projection Less than eleven (11 ) feet Not permitted Eleven (11 ) feet or more Two (2) feet "No sign shall project to within two (2) feet or less of the curb line. "No sign less than fourteen (14) feet above grade shall project into a public alley; no signs shall project more than six (6) inches into a public alley when over fourteen (14) feet above grade. "Section 6.02. MISCELLANEOUS. No sign shall be per- mitted to project over public right-of-way if such sign : " (a) Is a flashing sign; or " (b) Is a running-light sign or twinkle sign; or " (c) Contains a source of illumination visible from ground level or by any other method than indirect illumination ; or " (d) Is a revolving sign or animated sign ; or " (e) Contains words such as "stop ," "look, " "danger," or any other word , phrase or symbol or character which may be confused with any authorized traffic control device. "Section 6.03. EXISTING SIGN ENCROACHMENTS. Owners of all such existing encroachments , including noncon- forming encroachments , shall execute such consent agreements and furnish such public liability insurance coverage within six (6) months from the effective date of this ordinance. "Section 6.04. FEES. In addition to those fees other- wise required by this ordinance, an initial application fee and annual inspection fee shall be levied for all approved sign encroachments . Such fees shall be as provided for by Table 46-A of Section 4608 of the Appendix of Exhibit B of the Building Code , as amended. "Section 6.05. REMOVAL OF SIGN ENCROACHMENTS CONSTITUTING OBSTRUCTION. Any such encroachment situated without evidence of the required liability insurance and with- out payment of applicable fees shall be deemed an obstruction on such right-of-way. The Building Official shall notify by certified mail the record owner of such sign or record owner of that property upon which such sign is located either to obtain such insurance and tender such applicable fees or to remove such obstruc- tion within thirty (30) days , after which time , absent such coverage and tender or removal , the City may abate such obstruction and affix a lien against the property for the costs involved. "Section 6. 06. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THIS POLICY. The Building Official shall be responsible for accepting, reviewing and processing all applications for sign encroachments into public rights-of-way. Exe- cution of consent agreements and collection of fees shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of Section 4608 of the Appendix of Exhibit B of the Building Code. . ^ "Article 7. TRAFFIC HAZARDS. "Section 7.07 . VEHICULAR TRAFFIC SITE CLEARANCES. The bottom portion of signs located at street or highway intersections shall be at least twelve (12) feet above grade, except for those signs located on private property outside of a triangle` two sides of which are formed by measuring outward twenty (20) feet along and with the property lines from that point of corner of such property lines at such intersection; the third side is that line connecting the respective ends of such twenty (20) foot lines. "Section 7.02. Signs with the following characteristics shall not be erected within that cross-hatched area as indicated by Figure 7-8: "(a) Flashing , running light, twinkle or revolving Signs. "(b) Signs obscuring or interfering with the operation of traffic control devices. "(c) Signs employing lights colored similarly to those used in traffic control and emergency devices. Such colors shall include , by way of example but not limita- tion , red` amber, green and blue. Cuno 1000, 1 1000, YIN STREET . F7� . , XX CURB . FIGURE Y-A . "Section 7.03. The fullowing signs are prohibftod � " (a) Those employing external lighting with a brilliance of 280 font Lamberts or more where such lighting is directed at any roadway. " (b) Those that obstruut vision of ingress or egress to property adjacent to any public street or highway. "Article 8. BONDING, LICENSING. "Section 8.01 . BONDS. Prior to the issuance of any sign permit for any purpose for which such permit is required, each applicant for such permit shall have on file with the Building Official a good and sufficient surety bond, payable to the City, in the sum of Five Thousand Dollars ($S,DOU) . The surety company shall he duly and legally authorized to do business in the City and be acceptable to the City Council . The bond shall be for the use and benefit of the City and of any person having a cause of action arising out of the erection, construction , enlargement, alteration or conversion of signs , by reason of failure to comply with the sign regulations of the City by the principal or any of his employees , agents or subcontractors . The bond shall fully indemnify and save the City whole and harmless from all costs or, damages arising out of any real or asserted claim or cause of action against it and from all costs or damages arising out of any wrongs or injuries for damages , either real or asserted , claimed against it that may be occasioned by negligence or fault of the principal of the bond, his agent, servants or employees , by reason of the work done under authoriza- tion of a permit issued to the principal . The bond shall be further conditioned that the liability of the surety under the humd shall oeas,e and terminate of its own force and effect one (1 ) year from the date of execution , saving and excepting -for expenses , losses , claims for damages , judgmants or other costs which may arise or be incurred or sustained by any citizen of the City against the principal by reason of failure to comply with the provisions of th� sign regulations of the City. "Section 8.02. Subject to scoring a passing grade of 70 percent on that examination hereinafter required , a license for a sign erector shall be issued. The fee for such original issuance and annual renewal shall be Thirty-Five Dollars ($35.00) . Such license shall he renewable on January lst of each year. "Section 8.03. Applicants for Sign Erector Licenses shall be examined on the non-electrical provisions of this code. Such examination shall be administered by the Building Official , shall be open book and shall not exceed two (2) hours, "Application for such examination shall be filed , together with an examination fee of Ten Dollars ($lO.00) , with the Building Official ' "Applicants for a Master Sign Electrician's License and Journeyman's Sign Electrician' s License shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Chapter lO of the Electrical Code of the City of Fort Worth. "Section 8.04. Erectors of signs , both electrical and non-electrical , who have regularly engaged in the business of erecting , constructing , enlarging , altering or converting signs within the corporate limits of the City of Fort Worth , Texas , within one (1 ) year prior to the adoption of this ordinance, shall be issued such license on payment of such fee without examination. "Section 8.05. Upon conviction of any licensee under this code for a violation of any provision of this code, such person so convicted shall have his license automatically suspended for a period of thirty (30) days for the first such conviction, for a period of one (1 ) year for the second such conviction, and for a period of two (2) years for the third such conviction , and , during the time of such suspension, such license shall be and become null and void. After the termination of such period of suspension, provided such suspension is for less than two (2) years , such license shall again be valid and effective, provided that renewal fees which may have become due thereon, as hereinafter set out, were paid when due. If, within any three (3) year period , the holder of any license issued under the terms hereof shall have been convicted three (3) or more times for a violation of any of the provisions of this code, such holder of such license shall have his license auto- matically revoked and cancelled , and , upon such revoca- tion and cancellation, said license shall be and become null and void and cannot be renewed thereafter. "Section 8.06. Any such licensee who shall fail to pay the annual renewal fee due for a renewal of the required license within thirty (30) days of the date the same becomes due shall be required to pay as a renewal fee twice the amount of the annual fee. "Section 8.07. (a) Any license issued under the terms of this code shall expire thirty (30) days after the annual renewal fee due thereon becomes due and payable, unless such fee is paid before the expiration of said thirty (30) day period. " (b) Any such licensee who shall fail to pay any renewal fee for such license within one (1 ) year after the date such fee becomes due shall forfeit his right to obtain such license until he again qualifies himself by passing another examination as required by this chapter. (c) Any applicant who passes an examination for any grade of license and fails to obtain the license of that grade by paying the fee as prescribed herein with- in a period of sixty (60) days shall forfeit his right to obtain such license until he again qualifies himself by passing another examination as required by this chapter. . ` ^ "Section 8.08. It shall be unlawful for any such licensee to permit his mame or license to be used by any other person, firm or corporation , directly or indirectly, for the purpose of obtaining a permit or for performing work under such license. "Section 8,09. Any applicant failing to pass such examination an his first attempt shall not be examined again prior to the expiration of sixty (50) days from the date of such first attempt. Any applicant failing to pass such examination upon his second attempt shall not be examined again prior to the expiration of six (6) calendar months from the date of such second attempt. Any applicant failing to pass such examination on a third or subsequent attempt shall not he examined prior to the expiration of one (l ) year from the date of such third or subsequent attempt. ' "Article 9. STANDARDS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL SIGN AND OUTLINE LIGHTING EQUIPMENT "All electrical sign or outline lighting equipment installed, repaired, altered or replaced upon any building, structure, or premises shall conform to the follow1nQ requirementy � "Section 9.01 . GENERAL. (a) All such equipment shall be designed, manufactured, erected` and installed in such a manner that it is in a safe condition, both as to use and as to location, and that it does not con- stitute a hazard to life and/or property or endanger the public safety in any manner. Electrical components of such signs shall benr, the label of an approved testing agency. " (b) All such equipment shall be installed in con- formity with the provisions of this Code and the appli- cable statutes of the State of Texas and all orders , rules , and regulations issued by authority thereof, " (c) No equipment shall be installed until it has been approved by the Building Official . " (d) Such equipment shall be firmly secured to the surface upon which it is mounted. Wooden plugs driven into holes in masonry, concrete, plaster, or similar materials shall not be used to support such equipment' " (e) Conductors and equipment shall he protected against corrosion and mechanical injury. "(f) A oombinatimn gas-tube and incandescent-lamp sign shall be so constructed that uninsulated high- voltage parts will not be exposed to contact by per- sons re|amping the sign. " (g) Sign accessories such as cable supports , elec- trode receptacles, and similar devices used to isolate bare, high-voltage parts shall be capable of success- fully withstanding for one (1 ) minute without break- down the application of an alternating potential of twice the maximum voltage of the installation , plus 1 ,000 volts. "(h) Glass panels and letters , if of sufficient strength and supported so as to prevent breakage or damage to itself, may he used in incandescent signs . Letters and panels used in gas-tube signs ur, combination gas- tube and incandescent-lamp signs shall be of the safety glass or wired glass type unless breakage does not ex- pose uninuulated high-voltage parts' ` " (i ) Electrical materials , devices , fittinyy , apparu- tus ° wiring and all other electrical equipment de- signed for use under this Code shall he inspected with reference to, among others , the following considerations , which considerations shall also determine classifica- tion by types , sizes , voltages , current capacities , and uses ; (l ) Suitability for installation and use; (2) Mechanical strength and durability, including the adequacy of protection provided by party designed to enclose and prnteot other equipment; (3) Electrical in- sulation; (4) Heating effects under both normal condi- tions of use and abnormal conditions likely to arise in service; (5) Arcing effects , "Section 9.02. The voltage referred to in this Code shall be that at which the circuit operates whether the current is supplied by a battery, generator, trans- former, or rectifier. "Section 9.03. CONDUCTORS, (a) Conductor sizes re- ferred to in this Code shall be American Wire Gauge (AWG) Standards. " (b) Conductors used to carry current shall be of U. L. listed types, " (c) Unless specifically approved or rated for the pur- pose, no conductors or equipment shall be located in a dump or wet location or where exposed to gases , fumes , vapors , liquids , or other agents hawing a deteriorating effect an the conductors or equipment or whore exposed to excessive temperatures. "Section 9.04. EXPOSED WIRING. (x) Exposed live parts of equipment operating tt 24 volts or more shall be shielded froim accidental contact, either by enclosure, or when approved by the Building Official , by isolation or elevation. " (b) Parts of equipment which in normal operation pro- duce arms, sparks , flames , or molten metal shall be enclosed and isolated from combustible material . "Section 9.85. Devices designed to break current shall have an interrupting capacity sufficient to break the voltage employed and the current to be interrupted. "Section 9.106. TERMINALS. (u) Except as elsewhere required by this Code, connection of conductors to terminal parts shall insure complete connection with- out damaging such conductors . (See Sec. 9.11 for special requirements for connectors or lugs used for grounding purposes) . ' ^ " (b) Terminals for more than one conductor shall be of n type approved for such purpose. " (c) Conductors shall be spliced or joined at junc- tions so as to be mechanically and electrically secure without solder; unless an approved splicing device is used, such junction shall 'then be soldered" brazed, or welded. All splices and joints , and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equi - valent to that on the conductors . "Section 9.07. All wiring and equipment shall be so installed that when completed the system shall be free from short-circuits and from grounds other than the proper and intended system designed for equipment grounding or hereinafter specified and required by this Code. "Section 9.08. MNDUCTOR IDENTIFICATION, (a) An identified (white grounded) conductor, when run to a lamp-holder, shall be connected to the screw-shell . " (b) Conductors having a white insulated covering shall be used only as grounded neutral conductors . "(o) Conductors having a green insulated covering shall be used only as equipment grounding conductors . "Section 8.09. All devices provided with terminals for the attachment of conductors and intended for connection to more than one aide of the circuit shall have a pair of connecting terminals properly marked for identifica- tion. The grounded neutral side thereof shall be con- mected by means of a metal or metallic plated coating , such as nickel or zinc, which is substantially white in oolor. The other side shall be a different color, readily distinguishable from white, such as copper or brass. "Section 9. 10. All branch cfrcuit conductors shall conform to the following color mode; Two-wire circuits --one black and one white; three-wire circuits--one hlaok, one white, and one red ; four-wire circoits--ooe black, one white, one red, and one blue mr, yellow. All circuit conductors of the same color shall be connected to the same ungrounded feeder conductor throughout the installation. All black conductors shall be connected to phase one; all red conductors shall be connected to phase two; all blue or, yellow conductors shall be con- nected to phase three; and all white conductors shall be connected to the grounded neutral feeder. Green or bare wires shall be used for equipment grounding and for no other purpose. Control wires may ble any color ex- cept white or green. A separate neutral conductor shall be run for each phase conductor of the same polarity, ' , "Section 9.11 . GROUNDING. (a) Non-current-carrying parts of equipment such as frames and enclosures shall be grounded; such non-current-carrying parts shall not be used fmr neutrals or current-carrying conductors or for return conductors. " (b) The path to ground from equipment required to be grounded shall be permanent and continuous and shall have ample carrying capacity to conduct safely any currents likely to be transmitted and shall have im- pedance sufficiently lo* to limit the potential above ground and to facilitate the operation of the over- current devices in the circuit. "(c) Non-current-carrying equipment to be grounded shal l be grounded to grounded druuit, water pipe, or grounded metal frames of buildings . Such equipment shall riot be grounded to the neutral conductor of the uircuit. " (d) All neutral conductors shall be insulated from non-current-carrying parts and enclosures on the load side of the service switch. "(e) The size of the grounding conductor for nom- current-carrying parts required to be grounded shall be not less than specified in Table 9-1 . "TABLE g-1 Rating of overcurrent Copper Wire device in circuit ahead Size of equipment. (Amperes) l5 ---------------- 14 20 --------'— ---------- 12 3O --------------~~- lU 40 -------------------- lO 6 ---------`------- lO l00 --------------'- 8 2O8 ---------~------ G 40 --------- —----—- 3 GOO ---------------- l 88� ---------------- 8 l00O -----'----------- 2/0 1280 ------------------ 3/0 "(f) Isolated non-current-carrying metal parts of outline lighting systems ma; be bonded together by a #14 conductor if a conductor complying with Table 9-1 is used to ground the group. ` . , ' , " (g) The grounding conductor shall be attached to the grounding electrode by means of an approved bolted clamp of bronze, brass , or malleable iron. The grounding elec- trode shall be attached to the grounding fitting by means of approved snlderless pressure clamps , lugs " or connectors. These connections may be soldered , but shall be mechanically and electrically secure without solder. Clamps attached to copper pipe shall be of copper or brass. Clamps attached to galvanized pipe shall be galvanized . "(h) Ground clamps , fittings, and conductors shall be protected from mechanical injury by placement, enclo- sure, or suitable covering. " (i ) Nun-conductive coating, such as paint, dirt, and corrosion ` shall be removed from threads and contact surfaces where ground connections are made. "Section 9. 12. RAC[WAYS, CONDUITS, TUBING. (a) Metal raceways , armor, boxes, cabinets , elbows , couplings , connectors , and fittings shall he constructed of cor- rosion-resistant materials or suitably protected against corrosion inside and outside (except threads at joints ) by coating of an approved corrosion-resistant material , such as zinc , cadmium` or enamel . Ferrous raceways , fittings ` and boxes , which are protected from corrosion solely by enamel ` shall not be used out-of-doors ` in damp or wet locations , or where subject to corrosive influences. Electric metallic tubing protected from cor- rosion solely by enamel shall not he used under any circumstances. "(b) Raceways , cable assemblies , boxes , cabinets , and fittings shall be securely fastened in place. Race- ways and cable assemblies shall he mechanically secured to boxes ` fittings , cabinets , and other enclosures . "(o) Raceways and cable assemblies shall be continuous from outlet to outlet and from fitting to fitting. " (d) Conductors shall be continuous from outlet to outlet. There shall be no splice or tap within any raceway. "(e) Secondary wiring to electric discharge lamps or to rare gas tubing shall not occupy the same raceway as branch circuit conductors. " (f) The total interior cross-sectional area of a race- way occupied by conductors shall not be more than that which will permit dissipation of the heat generated and which will permit a ready installation or withdrawal of the conductors without injury to the insulation of the conductors. The number and size of conductors in conduit or tubing shall not exceed that specified by Table 9-2A and Table 9-28. Tab 9-2A Maximum Number of COndUCtors in Trade Sizes of Conduit or Tubing Conduit Trade Size 'n n4 1 111 2 21h 3 31h 4 41h 5 6 (Inch.x) Conductor Type Letter Siaz m AWG,MCM TW,T, RUH,— ..._ 19 ­15-1....25 44 - 60 99 142 RUW. 1'2 '1 12 !. 19 35 47 78 114 171 XHHW(14 thm 8) 10 1 5 9 15 26 36 60 85 131 176 8 ^ 4 7 12 17 28 40 62 84 108 �.._ , RHW and RHII 14 6 10 16 29 �40 65 93 143 12(without outer 12 4 1 a 17 2a 5J � 76 ll7 57 0 4 6 I( 19 a3 61 95 127 163 uvc 7 H W 8 1 1 5 10 13 22 32 49 66 85 106 133 'rw, 6 1 2 4 7�10 1,6 23 o-En 48 62 78 97 141 1'. 4 1 1 3 5 7 1 1- 17 27 J6 47 58 7] IU6 'I'H W, 3 1 1 2 4 6 1 10 15 23 50 63 91 IFUH (6 thm 2), 2 1 1 2 4 , 5 9 1 13 20 27 34 43 54 78 RUW (6 thm 2), 1 1 1 t a i 4 6 9 14 19 25 ]1 J9 57 ....._... 4 �-- a... _ FEPti (6 thru 2), 0 1 1 2 3 5 8 12 l6 21 27 33 49 RHW and 00 I 1 l 3 1 5 7 ID 14 lH 23 29 41 RHH(with- 0 - 1 I 1 2 4 6 9 f2 15 19 '14 3S out outer 0000 1 1 I 3 5 I 7 10 13 16 20 29 250 I fli 2 4 6 8 10 13 16 23 . 300 1 2 i 3 S 7 9 I I 14 20 350 1 1 J 4 b 8 10 12 18 400 1 2 4 .5 7 9 11 16 500 I t 3 4 6 7 9 14 F ......... — _. _ _ ..__ __ _�__....... 600 k ( 1 J 4 5 6 7.. Il 700 I 1 I 2 3 4 5 1 10 "I50 t 1 I - 2 3 4 5 6 9 Table 9-2Q Maximum Number of Conductors in Trade Sizes of Conduit or Tubing Conduit Trade Si.. th 1 1 lIla�t yy 2 21h 1 3 31h 4 4% 5 6 (Inches} wConductor _ Type Lotrr Sic. AWG,MCM 14 13 24 I 39 69 94 154 '.. 12 l0 1N 29 51 W 114 164 T'HWN, 10 11 '.. 18 32 44 73 104 160 6 8 3 5 1 9 16 22 36 51 79 106 136 THHN, 6 1 4 6 11 15 26 37 57 76 98 125 154 4 1 2 4 7 9 16 22 35 47 60 75 94 1.37 FEP(14 thru 2), 1 I 1 1 6 8 1J 19 29 39 51 64 80 116 FEPR(14 Ihm 8), 2 I 1 1 5 7 11 16 25 33 43 54 67 97 1 I 1 3 5�8 12 18 25 32 40 50 72 SDOMCM) 00 1 i 2.... 3 6 8 U 7_'12 2_.._ .._- XHHW(4 thm 0 1 13 4 7 10 15 2l 7 33 42 61 8 35 51 0Up 1 1 1 3 5 7 11 I4 18 23 29 42 0000 1 1 1 1 2 4 6 9 12 l6 19 24 JS 250 3 '.. 4 7 10 l2 16 20 28� 300 i I 1 3 4 6 8 11 13 17 24 350 1 1 1 2 3 S 7 9 72 15 21 400 i t 1 1 J 5 6 8 10 13 19 500 i i I 2 4 5 7 9 11 16 600 ' 1 I 1 I 3 4 5 7 9 13 700 i l 1 1 J 4 5 6 8 11 7.51) 1 1�+',I 1 2 3 4 6 1 I t XHHW 700 __ 1 3 F... 5 9 I; 21 30 43 64 RS_._...10� 12� .. l81 l 2 3 4 6 7 10 ' . . . " (g) Raceways shall be installed as a complete race- way system without conduutors . Conductors shall not be inserted until all mechanical work which is likely to injure the conductors has been completed . Graphite, talc , or an approved compound may be used as a lubri- oant in inserting conductors in raceways . Cleaning agents or lubricants hmvimQ a deleterious effect on conductor coverings shall not be used. "(h) Metal raceways , fittings , and other metal en- closures shall be metallically joined together into a continuous electrical conductor to provide an effective path to ground. The entire bonded assembly shall he effectively grounded. " (i ) All alternating current circuits shall be arranged within raceways so as to avoid induction overheating of the metal . " (j) All primary circuits to signs and outline lighting shall include the phase wires and neutral wires of each circuit enclosed in the same raceway. "(k) Rigid conduit and electrical metallic tubing shall be not smaller than one-half (1/2") inch trade size. " (l ) Connection of dissimilar metals shall be avoided. " (m) In wet locations, conduit and electrical metallic tubing, together with all boxes , fittings , and associ- ated equipment used therewith shall be so installed and equipped as to prevent the entrance of moisture. "(n) All ends of metallic raceways shall be reamed to remove rough edges. " (o) All metal raceways shall be cut by saws or metal - removing parting tmmls producing a clean, Square out. Pipe cutting tools which spread or crush the metal shall not be used. " (p) Where u metal raceway enters a box or fitting, a bushing shall be provided to protect the wire from abrasion unless the box or fitting is designed so as to afford equivalent protection. Such bushings shall be o the insulated type when used to protect No. 4 or larger size conductors. "Section 9. 13. CONDUCTORS. (a) Not more than twenty (20' ) feet of a single conductor from the secondary of a single sign transformer exceeding 7600 volts be- tween conductors shall be run in a metal raceway. Not more than twenty (38' ) feet of a single conductor from the secondary of each terminal of a single sign trans- former of 7500 volts or less shall be run in a metal raceway. "(b) Conductors shall have mechanical strength , insula- tion , and carrying capacity adequate for the particular conditions under which they are to be used. " (c) Primary conductors shall be not smaller than No. 14. Conductors for secondary wiring shall be of a type approved for the purpose and for the voltage of the circuit . "(d) Conductors for primary wiring shall be of a type approved for general use , unless exposed to the weather or to excessive heat. Conductors exposed to the weather shall be lead-covered , type TW, type THW, MI cable, or other type approved for wet locations. Conductors ex- posed to excessive heat in dry locations shall be of a type suitable for the location and temperature such as type AVA, AVM , TA, or MI cable. " (e) No conductor shall be used under such conditions that its temperature, even when carrying current, will exceed the temperature for which the insulation of such conductor has been approved. " (f) Conductors exposed to oils , greases , vapors , gases , fumes , liquids , or other substances having a deleterious effect on the conductor or insulation shall be of a type approved for the purpose. " (g) Conductors of sizes No. 8 and larger shall be stranded if pulled in raceways . "(h) Conductors for signs or outline lighting shall not be run in multiple. " (i ) Conductors for primary wiring shall be protected by approved metal raceways or, if sufficient mechanical protection can be afforded , by neatly racking and strap- ping or otherwise securing the conductors on the interior of sign enclosures. In no event shall conductors be installed such that same could be subject to mechanical injuries . " (j ) Conductors for primary wiring shall be terminated in an approved fitting in the sign enclosure. At least six (6" ) inches of free conductor, properly color coded , shall be left for each conductor in such terminal fitting. The number of circuits shall be clearly indicated with a neutral provided for each circuit. (See Section 9. 10) . "(k) At all points where mineral insulated metal -sheathed cable (type MI ) terminates , an approved seal shall be provided immediately after stripping to prevent entrance of moisture into the mineral insulation, and the conduc- tors extending beyond the sheath shall be insulated with an approved insulating material . When mineral insulated cable is connected to boxes or equipment, the fittings shall be approved for the conditions of service. ` ` ' . . "Section 9.14. BOXES. (a) Boxes shall be of sufficient size to provide free space for all conductors enclosed in the box. In no event shall there be provided less space than that specified by Table 9-4. "TABLE 9-4. Size of Conductor Free Space Within Box For Each Conductor No. 14 ------------- 2 cubic inches No. 12 -------------- 2,25 cubic inches No. lO ----'---------- 2.58 cubic inches No. 8 ----------'----- 3 cubic inches " (b) Unused openings in boxes and fittings shall be effectively closed to afford protection equivalent to that of the wall of the box or fitting. "(o) Junction boxes shall be installed au as to be accessible for removal , renewal , alteration , repair or inspection, without the necessity for disturbing the building structure or finish or the sign structure or finioh. "Section 9. 15. PROHIBITED LOCATIONS. (a) Signs and outline lighting installation shall not be installed in atmospheric mixtures of hazardous gases , vapors , dusts , easily ignitable fibers , combustible flyings or other similar mixtures , nor shall such installations be made in the near vicinity of such mixtures unless specifi- cally approved by the Building Official . "(b) No sign or outline li8hting installatiun shall be made within twenty (20) feet horizontally of a gasoline dispensing island , fill pipe, or vent pipe unless in- stalled at least four (4) feet above such island, vent or fill pipe, and then only when a guard, pan, screen or other device to catch hot particles is installed under- neath such sign or installation. When such sign or installation is installed not less than twelve (12) feet above such island or pipes , such a guard, pan, screen or device may be omitted. "S.ection 9,18. Each outline lighting installation and each sign other than portable shall be controlled by an externally-operable switch, suited for operating condi- tions, which will open all ungrounded conductors. Such switch shall be within sight of the sign or outline light- ing installation which it controls or be capable of being locked in the open position by a padlock. "Section 9.17. CURRENT LOADS. (a) Switches, flashers , and similar devices controlling transformers shall be of a type either approved for the purpose or shall have a current rating not less than twice the current rating of the transformers. " (b) Sign and outline lighting circuits having supply lamps, ballasts , transformers or combinations thereof shall be protected by approved overcurrent protective devices having a rating of not greater than twenty (20) amperes . " (c) The total load connected to a sign or outline lighting circuit shall not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the rated current-carrying capacity of the circuit. "Section 9. 18. All signs shall be marked with the maker' s name and , for incandescent-lamp signs, marked with the number of lampholders. Electric discharge signs and rare gas signs shall be marked with inout amperes at full load and input voltage. Transformers shall be marked with the maker' s name, the input rating in amperes or volt-amperes, the input voltage and the open-circuit, high- tension voltage. Such marking shall be visible for in- spection after installation without the necessity of re- moving , opening, altering or in any way changing or dis- turbing any part of the sign or structure. "Section 9. 19. ENCLOSURES. (a) Cutouts , flashers and similar devices , if a part of the sign , shall be in a separate compartment; if not a part of the sign , they shall be enclosed in approved metal boxes , the doors of which shall be arranged so that they can be opened with- out removing obstructions or finished parts of the enclo- sure. "(b) Enclosures for outside use shall be weatherproof and shall have drain holes which prevent the accumulation or condensation of water; each such drain hole shall be not larger than one-half (112) inch nor smaller than one-fourth (1/4) inch. " (c) Wiring connections shall not be made through the bottoms of enclosures which are exposed to the weather unless such connections extend upward within the sign by an unbroken raceway to a height not less than four (4) inches above the sign bottom and a substantial metal bond is made between the raceway and the sign enclosure which will insure electrical continuity. "(d) Except for portable signs of the indoor type which bear the label of an approved testing and inspection agency, enclosures of signs and outline lighting shall be constructed of metal or of an approved noncombustible, nonabsorptive material . " (e) Enclosures shall have such strength and rigidity so as to prevent the flexing, bending, distorting or altering the shape of such enclosures, to maintain the clearances between the enclosures and the wiring and equipment therein and to protect such enclosed wiring and equipment from weather damage. . ` " (f) Metal enclosures shall be of the following gaoges : sheet co per shall be at least twenty (20) ounce (0.828 fnmh ; sheet steel shall be not less than No. 28 DSS gauge (0.0149 inch) , except that for out- line lighting awd for electric discharge signs , sheet steal shall be not less than No. 24 US3 gauge (0.0239 inch) unless ribbed, corrugated or embossed over the entire surface and not less than Nn, 26 U8S gauge (0.8179 inch) . Aluminum and its alloys and copper alloys shall be not less than the thickness specified for copper. " (g) All metallic parts of enclosures shall be pro- tected from corrosion by galvanizing or by coating with porcelain, enamel or other approved corrosion-resistant material , "Section 9.20. LAMPHOLDERS. (a) For incandescent signs and outline lighting where conductors are fastened to lamphnlders other than of the pin-type, such conductors shall be soldered to the terminals and the exposed parts of conductors and terminals shall be treated to prevent corrosion. Where conductors are fastened to pin-type lamphulders which protect terminals from the entrance of water and which have been found acceptable for sign use, conductors shall be of the stranded type but need not be soldered to the terminals. " (b) Lamphulders for signs and outline lighting shall be of the unswitched type, having bodies of suitable insulating material ,, and shall be so constructed and installed as to prevent turning. Miniature or smaller lampholderu shall not be used for outdoor signs and out- line lighting. "Screw shell lampholders shall be classed accordimq to diameters of lamp bases and ratings as specified by Table 0-5. "TABLE 9-5 Ratings 0nywitched Nominel Max.Amp.at Class Qiame ter Watts Volts Any Voltage Candelabra 112 inch 75 125 l Intermediate 27/32 inch 76 250 l Medium l inch 660 250 8 Admedium 1 -1/16 inch 660 250 mogul 1 -1/2 imch 1500 250 "Section 9.2l . HIGH-VOLTAGE CONDUCTORS. (a) For secondary high-voltage wiring, conductors shall be in- stalled as open work on suitable insulators , in rigid or flexible metal conduit or in electrical metallic tubing. Conductors may be run from the ends of tubing to the grounded midpoint of transformers which are specifically deyi�,jned for such purpose and which are provided with terminals at the midpoint. Where such connections are made to the transformer grounded mid- point, the connections between the high-voltage ter- minals of the transformer and the line ends of the tubing shall be as short as possible. "EXCEPTION: When compliance, with the above section is not physically possible, such conductors may be run as concealed conductors on insulators- Such concealed conductors on insulmtars shal\ be separated from each other and from al objects nther than the insulators on which they are mounted by a spacing of not less than one and one-half (1^1/2) inches . Same shall be enclosed in channels used for no other purpose, lined with nun- combustible material . The imsulatmrs shall be of nun- combustible, nomabsorptive material such as Pyrex glass or other similar material wi th equivalent stranyth, resistance to stress and qualities of insulation. " (b) Sharp bends in the high-voltage conductors shall be avoided. "(c) Indoor, open secondary conductors shall be mounted on noncombustible, nqnabmmrptive insulators . Insulators of porcelain shall be glazed on all exposed surfaces . 8 separation of riot. less than one and one-hal f (1-112) inches shall be maintained between the individual conductors and between the conductors and other objects , Open con- ductors shall nwt be located where they will be subject to mechanical injury. Conductor supports shall be looated not over six (5) inches from tube terminal connections and at eighteen (lQ) inch intervals thereafter. " (d) High-voltage conductors in show windows need not be otherwise protected if same are suitably insulated and supported, hang freely in the air well away from combustible material and are not subject to mechanical injury. " (e) If high-voltage conductors are covered with lead or other metal sheathing, such covering shall extend beyond the end of any raceway and the surface of such conductor shall not be injured where the covering ter- minates. In damp or wet locations , insulation on all conductors shall extend beyond the metal covering or raceway at least four (4) inches , (See Section 9.13. ) " (f) Open secondary conductors outdoor shall be mounted on noncombustible, nonabsurptive inaulatoru. Insulators of porcelain shall be glazed on all exposed surfaces - A separation of at least two (2) inches shall be maintained between individual conductors and between conductors and other objects. Where subJect to mechanical injury or where within unassisted reach, cmnductors shall be en- closed in raceways or suitably guarded. (See Section 9.13. ) If guarded, a spacing of mot less than two (2) inches shall be maintained between the conductors and the pro- tective guard. . . . . ' "Section 9.22. TRAMSF0RMERS. (a) Transformer secondary open-circuit voltage shall not exceed 15,000 volts , with an allowance on teat of an additional 1 ,080 volts . For end-grounded transformers , the secondary open-circuit voltage shall not exceed 7,500 volts , with an allowance on test of an additional 580 volts. " (b) Transformers shall be of u type approved by the Building Official for the purpose and shall be limited in rating to a maximum of 4,500 volt-amperes . " (c) Open core-and-coil type transfnrmers shall be limited to 5,000 volts , with an allmwanoe on test of an additional 500 volts , and same shall be further limited to indoor applications in small portable signs bearing the label of an approved testing and inspec- tion agency. "(d) Transformers for outline lighting installations shall have secondary current ratings niot in excess of thirty (30) milliamperes unless such transformers and all wiring connected to them are installed in accor- dance with the provisions of Section 9.24. Outline lighting installations employing rare gas , such as neon , installed in dwellin occupancies shall be limited to a maximum of thirty (3O) milliamperes on a maximum open- circuit voltage of l5,0O8 volts and designed such that there shall be no exposed live party when tubing or any other section of the secondary circuit is open. " (e) Transformers used outdoors shall be weatherproof or shall be enclosed in the sign body or in a separate metal box. " (f) High-voltage windings of transformers shall not be connected in parallel and shall not be connected in series , except that two (2) transformers , each having one end of its high-voltage winding connected to the metal enclosure and grounded, may have high-voltage windings connected in series to form the equivalent of a single midpoint grounded transformer. The grounded ends shall be cwnmected by insulated conductors not smaller than No- 14. " (g) Transformers shall be accessible for removal , renewal , repair or inspection without the necessity of disturbing the building structure or finish or the sign structure or finish. "Section 9,23. TUBING: ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE, GAS. (a) Electrical discharge and rare gas tubing shall be of such length and design as to preclude a continuous over-woltage on the transformer. " (b) Such tubing shall be adequately supported on approved noncombustible, nmnabnorptive tube supports which maintain a spacing of not less than one-fourth (1/4) inch between such tubing and the nearest surface. If practicable, such supports shall be adjustable. " (c) Such tubimg shall be free from contact with flammable material and shall be located where not ex- posed to mechanical injury. " (d) Terminals of tubing shall be inannessMe to the general public and shall be either isolated from combus- tible material and grounded metal or suitably enclosed. If enclosed, they shall be separated from grounded metal and combustible material by noncombustible, nouabsorptive insulating material approved for such purpose or by one and one-half (1-112) inches of air space. " (e) Terminals shall be relieved from stress by indepen- dent support of the tubing. °(f) All live parts uf tube terminals and conductors shall terminate in approved electrode receptacles or they shall he supported so as to maintain a separation of at least one and ono-half (1-112) inches between conductors or between the conductors, and any grounded metal , " (g) Electrode receptacles for tubing shall be of non- combustible, nonabsorpti*e insulating material approved for such purpose. " (h) Where electrodes enter sign enclosures, approved bushings shall be used unless approved receptables are provided. Bushings shall be of noncombustible, non- absorptive material . " (i ) Terminals of the exposed type of show window sign shall be enclosed by receptacles approved for such purpose or, where hanging in the air and free from grounded surfaces, enclosed in sleeves of vulcanized fiber, peoolio composition or other suitable material which overlaps all live parts by at least one-half (1/2) inch. " (J) A flexible, uonconductinA seal may be used to close the opening between the tubing and the receptacle or bushing against the entrance of dust or moisture. This seal shall not be in contact with grounded con- ductive material and shall not be used for insulation of the tubing. " (k) Metal enclosures 'For electrodes shall be not less than No, 24 UG6 gauge (0.8239 inches) sheet steel . " (l ) Enclosures of insulating material shall be nun- combustible, nonabsorptfve and approved for the voltage of the circuit. "Section 9.23. Doors or covers giving access to un- -insulatad parts of signs or outline lighting exceeding 600 volts and accessible to the general public shall be pro vided with i rite rlmok switches which automatioal |y disconnect the primary circuit when such doors or covers are opmre�d or removed; or, such doors or covers shall be so fastened that the use of other than ordi- nary tools will be necessary to open or reuove them. "Section 9.24- ELECTRIC DISCHARGE LIGHTING SYSTEMS, (a) Equipment for use with electric dfscharge lighting systems , whether designed for on u;en~circuit voltage of 1 ,008 volts or less or for an open-circuit voltage of more than 1 00 volts, shall be of a type approved for such service. "(b) The terminal of an electric discharge lamp shall be considered as live when any lamp terminal is con- nected to a potential of more than 300 volts . " (o) Parts which must be removed for lamp replacements shall be hinged or fastened by an approved means . Lamps and lamphmlders shall be so designed that live parts are not exposed when lumps are being inserted or removed. "Electric discharge lampholders shall he classed au- cording to the dimensions and spacing of the pins in the lamp baaes , as specified by Table 9-6. "TABLE 9-6 Pin Dimensions C l a s s T�Lt,_i�� Diameter Lq_� '�L2Aq��9- Small B i p i n 75 watts 3/32 in. 9/32 in, 3116 in. Standard 8ipin 6§O watts 3/32 in. 9/32 -:in, 112 in. Large 8ipin 600 watts 1 /0 in. 5/8 in. 25/32 in. Standard Single Pin OGO watts 6/16 in, 5/18 in. "(d) Electric discharge lighting fixtures shall be installed un alternating currents only, unless the ffx- tures are equipped with auxiliary equipment and resis- tors especially designed and approved for direct current operation and the fixtures so marked. ^ . ^ ` " (e) Electric discharge lighting eqmipment having, an open-circuit voltage uf more than 1 00 volts shall not be installed in dwelling occupancies . Equipment having an open-circuit voltage of more than 300 volts shall not be installed in dwelling occupancies unless such equipment is designed so that live parts are not exposed when lamps are in place, are being inserted or are being removed. "(f) Fixtures having exposed ballasts or transformers shall be so installed that such ballasts or trans- formers shall not be in contact with combustible material . " (g) (l ) Transformers and ballasts shall have a secondary open-circuit voltage of riot more than 15,000 volts , with an allowance on teat of an additional 1 ,000 volts . The secondary current rating shall be not more than 120 milli- amperes when the open-circuit voltage is more than 7°580 volts and not more than 240 milliamperes when the open-circuit voltage is 7,500 volts or less . "(2) Transformers shall be of an approved, enclosed type. Transformers of other than the aokarel insulated or dry type shall riot be used. "(3) Trans-formers shall be installed as near to the lamps as practicable and so that adjacent combustible material is not subjected to temperatures in excess of 90 degrees C. Such transformers shall he accessible fwr removal , renewal , repair or, inspection without the necessity of disturbing the building structure or finish , "(h) (l ) Auxiliary equipment, including reactors , capacitors , resistors and similar equipment, where not enclosed within the fixture assembly, shall be enclosed in accessible, permanently-installed metal cabinets. Such separate equipment shall be installed as close as practicable Co the lamps. " (2) Where display oases are not permancntly installed, no portion of a secondary circuit may be included in more than one single display case. " (i ) Each fixture or each secondary circuit of tubing for electric discharge lighting having an open-circuit voltage of more than 1 ,000 vVlts shall have a clearly legible marking in letters riot less than one-fourth (1/4) inch high reading, "Caution......vu Its . " The voltage indicated shall be the rated open-circuit voltage. Connections between high-voltage conductors and electrode leads shall be soldered or made with approved solderless pressure connectors suitable for the purpose. Solderless connectors shall be of copper or of brass , containing not less than eighty percent (30!) copper. "Section 9.25. CLOCKS. (a) Clock windings shall be impregnated to exclude moisture . " (b) Clock mechanisms shall be capable of successfully withstanding an alternating potential of 900 volts applied for one (1 ) minute by a power transformer of not less than 500 volts-amperes between current-carrying parts and non-current-carrying metal parts. " (c) Clocks shall be securely mounted and be of sufficient mechanical strength or protection to minimize the likeli - hood of breakage. If movements of such clocks are secured to dials made of glass , porcelain or other fragile material , all live parts shall be enclosed separately. " (d) A clock shall be so mounted that uninsulated high- voltage parts of the sign are not exposed to contact by persons working on any part of the clock. Any hand hole provided to make the clock mechanism accessible shall be a reasonable distance away from any high- voltage parts with which contact is possible when reaching in to work on the clock. In the alternative , barriers shall be provided to prevent such contact. " SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall be cumulative of all other ordinances affecting the regulation of signs and shall re- peal Ordinance No. 3510 and the provisions of every prior ordinance in conflict herewith, but only insofar as such provisions of any such prior ordinance shall be in direct con- flict herewith. SECTION 3. That it is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs , sentences , clauses and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase , clause , sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared void , ineffective or unconstitutional by the valid judgment or final decree of a court of competent jurisdiction , � ' ~ ' ' such voidness , ineffectiveness or unconstitutionality shall out affect any of the remaining phrases , clauses , sentences , paragraphs and sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the in- corporation herein of any such void , ineffective or unconsti- tutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section . SECTION 4. That any person violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance is committed , continued or permitted , and each violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) . SECTION S. The Building Official is hereby directed to publish this ordinance in book or pamphlet form for general distri - bution among the public , and this ordinance as so published in book or pamphlet form shall be admissible in evidence as provided in Section 3 of Chapter XKVI of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth. SECTION h. That the City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth is hereby directed to engross and enroll this ordinance by copying the caption as well as Sections 2 through 7 hereof in the minutes of the City Council of Fort Worth and by filing the ordinance in the ordinance records of said City. SECTION 7. The City Secretary shall cause to be published the cap- tion as well as Sections 2 through 7 hereof in the official newspaper for five (5) days. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and publi - cation as required by law. APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY: S. G. J HNDROE,�. JRoo. , City Attorney ADOPTED: �QOYA �P12. EFFECTIVE: