Irving Historic District Sign Standards & Approval
In Irving, Texas, signs on landmarked properties and within historic districts are regulated to protect character while allowing identification and commerce. Property owners, tenants, and sign contractors must follow the City of Irving sign and historic preservation requirements and obtain approvals where required. See the City of Irving Code of Ordinances for the controlling language and approval procedures (Irving Code of Ordinances)[1].
Overview of Sign Standards for Historic Districts
The historic district sign standards prioritize materials, scale, placement, illumination, and reversible installation methods. Standards typically require that signs be compatible in size and style with the building facade and surrounding historic context. Approvals are often required for new signs, changes to historic signs, and certain temporary signs.
Approval Process
Most Irving historic-sign approvals are handled through the Planning Department or the Historic Preservation Commission. Typical steps include submitting plans, illustrations, material specifications, and an application fee. If a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) or similar permit is required, work must not begin until approval is granted.
Application materials
- Scaled drawings showing sign dimensions, location on facade, and setback from street.
- Photographs of the building facade and surrounding context.
- Materials and finish samples or detailed descriptions.
- Application fee where required; see the permitting fee schedule.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for noncompliant signs on landmarked properties is conducted by the City of Irving through its code enforcement and planning divisions or other designated enforcement officers. Specific penalty amounts and escalation procedures are set out in the City Code of Ordinances or related enforcement regulations; where a specific penalty or fine is not stated on the cited page, that item is noted below as not specified on the cited page (Irving Code of Ordinances)[1].
- Fines: amounts not specified on the cited page; consult the Code of Ordinances and local fee schedule for exact figures.
- Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence procedures not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, removal or alteration orders, and court action are enforceable remedies under local ordinance language.
- Enforcer: Planning Department, Historic Preservation staff, and Code Enforcement officers handle inspections and compliance; complaints may be submitted to the Planning Department contact below.
- Appeals: appeal routes and time limits are established in the municipal code and administrative procedures; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
- Certificate of Appropriateness or sign permit application: name and form number not specified on the cited page; check the Planning Department forms portal.
- Fees: specific fees for COA or sign permits are listed on the city fee schedule or permitting page; if not shown, fee is not specified on the cited page.
- Submission: applications generally submitted to the Planning Department; electronic submission and in-person options depend on current city procedures.
Common Violations
- Installing a new sign without a required permit or COA.
- Altering historic fabric to mount a sign without reversible methods.
- Using incompatible materials, size, or lighting that detracts from historic character.
Action Steps
- Confirm whether the property is landmarked and whether the site lies within a historic district by contacting Planning or checking the municipal records.
- Request a pre-application review with Historic Preservation staff to identify required documents and likely treatments.
- Prepare scaled drawings, materials list, and photos; submit the COA or sign permit application and pay the fee.
- If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the appeal procedures in the municipal code and submit any permit applications promptly.
FAQ
- Do I need a special permit to replace a sign on a landmarked building?
- Yes, replacing or altering signs on landmarked properties typically requires a COA or sign permit; consult the Planning Department for confirmation and requirements.
- How long does review and approval take?
- Review times vary with application completeness and Commission schedules; exact review timelines are not specified on the cited page.
- What if my sign was installed before landmark designation?
- Pre-existing signs may be subject to review for maintenance versus alteration; preservation staff can advise whether changes trigger approval.
How-To
- Confirm landmark or historic district status for the property with the Planning Department.
- Request a pre-application consultation to review proposed sign design and required documentation.
- Prepare and submit scaled drawings, photos, and material descriptions with the COA or sign permit application and fee.
- Attend public meeting or Commission hearing if your application requires review; respond to requested revisions.
- After approval, obtain any building or electrical permits, then install the sign per approved plans.
Key Takeaways
- Always check historic status before planning signage on landmarked properties.
- Early consultation with Planning staff reduces risk of enforcement or redesign.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Irving Code of Ordinances
- City of Irving Planning Department - Planning & Development
- Historic Preservation Commission information