Section 7: City Pride Signs
Anchor: #i1005686Introduction
The City Pride Sign Program (CPSP) allows cities to install and maintain a sign (at city expense) near the city limits sign. Attachment signs affixed to the city pride sign display the names of civic organizations and other messages determined by the city. The program is intended to remove non-official and non-traffic-related signing (such as SUPERIOR PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM, CLEAN CITIES 2000, etc.) from Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sign supports.
The CPSP rules allow the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's (TCEQ) SUPERIOR (or APPROVED) PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM and the CLEAN CITIES 2000 signs to be placed on a separate, independent (non-TxDOT) sign support, in addition to the city pride sign. Independently mounted non-official or non-traffic-related signing within the right-of-way must comply with the CPSP rules.
This section covers the basic procedures and requirements of the City Pride Sign Program. Complete information on the program can be found in TAC Title 43, Chapter 25, Subchapter H, Sections 25.420 through 25.425. For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), go to the City Pride Sign page on the TxDOT website.
Anchor: #i1005701Program Application and Approval
A city may obtain an application for participation in the CPSP from the TxDOT district office or the Traffic Operations Division (TRF) in Austin. The application may contain a request for more than one sign. One city pride sign and one TCEQ sign may be placed at each eligible highway entrance.
Form Available. Contact TRF for a CPSP application (Form 2020).
The city submits the CPSP application to the district office. The district approves proposed CPSP sign designs and locations if the plans meet TxDOT specifications (see "Sign Specifications" and "Sign Placement" later in this section). The district notifies the city in writing as to whether its specifications have met TxDOT criteria, noting deficiencies on the returned application. The city may resubmit the application after correcting any deficiencies.
Anchor: #i1005721Agreement
After the district approves the city's application and proposed sign, the city must enter into an agreement with TxDOT.
Anchor: #i1005736Cooperation with Contractors
While installing or maintaining the sign, the city must cooperate with any TxDOT contractor working on the state highway system at that location.
Anchor: #i1006270Sign Installation and Maintenance
The city or its contractor may install the city pride or TCEQ sign. The district inspects the installation to ensure that the sign meets TxDOT and Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD) standards. Upon completion of the installation, the city must submit as-built plans to the appropriate TxDOT district office.
The city must maintain the city pride and TCEQ signs in a safe manner and condition, in accordance with TxDOT standards.
Anchor: #i1006393Sign Removal or Relocation
If changes in the roadway or changes in highway signing require that a city pride or TCEQ sign be relocated or removed, the city must do so at its own expense.
If the district determines that a city pride or TCEQ sign is damaged, broken, faded, or no longer meets specifications, the city must remove or replace it within 60 calendar days of written notification from the district. If the sign is not removed or replaced within 60 calendar days of such notification, the city is liable for removal and disposal costs.
Anchor: #i1006482Participation of Civic Organizations
Civic organizations apply to the city to have their attachment sign placed on a city pride sign. To be eligible, a civic organization must meet both of the following criteria.
- Anchor: #PPJATERM
- be located within or have a member who resides in the city. Anchor: #JDUCKEDR
- comply with all applicable laws concerning the provisions of public accommodations without regard to race, religion, color, sex, or national origin.
Fees Not Allowed. Neither TxDOT nor the city may require fees for participation in the City Pride Sign Program.
Attachment Signs. The organization's attachment sign must be placed within the available sign space. An organization may have only one attachment sign per city pride sign, unless the city and organization agree to install additional signs.
Anchor: #i1006839Sign Specifications
Details of specific TCEQ signs are covered in this subsection.
City Pride and TCEQ signs must:
- Anchor: #YAXWCPPU
- meet the applicable provisions of the TMUTCD Anchor: #EJEFKFXD
- have background material which conforms with TxDOT specifications Anchor: #WQRWQKLJ
- be fabricated, installed, and maintained in conformance with TxDOT specifications and fabrication details (including approved breakaway supports).
The standard for city pride signs, SMD (CPS) series, shows typical sign designs. TxDOT will consider alternate designs for uniquely shaped backgrounds upon request. The sign message identifying the city may be no greater than eight inches in height. The maximum allowable sign area is 80 square feet. Attachment signs must be spaced for a balanced appearance.
City Pride signs may not contain:
- Anchor: #YLGRGHNG
- advertising or words that may be construed as advertising or the offering of products and services Anchor: #GFOQVCJA
- notification of municipal ordinances or regulations Anchor: #XOKCVFOG
- attachments that extend beyond the sign borders Anchor: #LMJWPKRJ
- attachments to sign supports, including banners or flags (also applies to TCEQ signs).
City Pride and TCEQ signs may not display lighting.
Attachment Signs. Attachment signs are provided by civic organizations or governmental entities. The attachment signs display points of interest or geographical, recreational, cultural, or civic information, including awards for participation in programs. Attachment signs:
- Anchor: #ECRLPDLV
- may not exceed 48 inches in width or 36 inches in height Anchor: #CAYBGEFI
- may be any color or combination of colors Anchor: #VOWSCMLU
- may not identify a commercial establishment, service or product Anchor: #GJCWVFJG
- may not display a supplemental address or directional information, such as meeting dates or locations Anchor: #YSFFMGHY
- may not display a message, symbol or trademark resembling an official traffic control device.
Sign Placement
Placement of city pride and TCEQ signs is subject to TxDOT approval. One city pride sign and approved TCEQ sign may be placed at each eligible highway entrance. The signs must be placed:
- Anchor: #YMMFPFRV
- between 300 and 800 feet from the city limits Anchor: #UAAPBSXT
- to take advantage of natural terrain so that interference with the scenery is minimal Anchor: #TMEDVNWA
- to avoid visual contact with other signs within the state highway right-of-way Anchor: #AUYMIDBX
- with a lateral offset greater than existing guide signs Anchor: #OPDSFRIB
- without blocking motorists’ view of existing traffic control and guide signs Anchor: #SNYJXRGT
- in locations other than hanging above the road.
Controlled Access Highways. City pride signs may not be placed adjacent to the main lanes of interstates and other controlled access highways. The signs can be placed between the frontage road and the right-of-way line, but not between the main lanes and the frontage road.
Anchor: #IUCWHIAGExisting Signs
Traffic Signs. The city may not remove or relocate existing traffic signs (regulatory, warning, destination, guide, recreation, or cultural interest) without the written permission of TxDOT. If TxDOT grants permission to move a traffic sign to accommodate a city pride or TCEQ sign, the city bears both the responsibility and expense.
Non-Traffic Signs. Although a city's participation in the CPSP is voluntary, cities must remove all non-traffic-related (civic organization) signage not in compliance with the CPSP rules from TxDOT right-of-way. Non-official or non-traffic-related signs and attachments cannot be attached to TxDOT sign supports. Information explaining the CPSP is available from TRF and on the TxDOT website.
At the city's request, districts may remove non-official and non-traffic related signs from TxDOT supports and return the signs to the city. However, districts should not remove these signs without first contacting the city and allowing the city a chance to remove the signs voluntarily. Signs removed by TxDOT forces should be returned to the city or stored until the city (or others) can be contacted. TxDOT forces should not discard signs that are property of the city (or others) unless there has been no effort to contact TxDOT or retrieve the signs within 60 days of notification.
Anchor: #i1008980Program Operation
The city is responsible for selecting the civic organizations and placing the attachment signs. Civic organization, government agencies, etc. apply to the participating city for inclusion in the CPSP. Districts should direct requests for non-official or non-traffic-related signage to the appropriate city.
Anchor: #i1009105Examples of Signs Under the CPSP
Signs under the CPSP include:
- Anchor: #CNVPILTR
- CLEAN CITIES 2000 signs Anchor: #VXIKDMPH
- SOURCE WATER PROTECTION AREA signs Anchor: #TXJAHWXQ
- SUPERIOR PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM signs Anchor: #WYAEEPJA
- LONE STAR CITY signs
Other Structures
If a city wishes to erect other permanent structures within the right-of-way, such as walls or berms, displaying "WELCOME TO (CITY NAME)" or other messages as an integral part of the overall landscape design, the requests should be forwarded to the TxDOT Design Division (DES). DES evaluates such requests under the rules of existing landscape programs with regard to project design, adequate sight distance, adequate clear zone, and maintenance.
Figure 8-4. Example of City Pride Sign