Scenic Houston ProgramsScenic Houston is involved in a number of programs and initiatives to make our city and our region more visually appealing, to highlight the historic development of Houston, and to get the word out on how citizens can join in making our city a truly scenic Houston. Click a link below to jump to that topicBillboard Takedown Billboard TakedownUnder the terms of the April 2008 billboard agreement between Clear Channel Outdoor and the City of Houston, Clear Channel has until February 2009 to remove 831 billboards located throughout the city. Scenic Houston understands that the implementation process can be fraught with delays and problems, and therefore will remain engaged as a resource to Mayor White and his team. We will also act as a source of information to citizens on the progress of this significant achievement.
Strengthening Houston’s Sign OrdinanceAt Scenic Houston, we are working towards the strengthening of the City of Houston Sign Ordinance relating to both on-premise business signs and off-premise signs (billboards). The following five proposed revisions to off-premise sign regulations will better position the City to preserve the no-new-billboard provisions of the ordinance which have been in place since 1980, avoid sign-related lawsuits, and make the city more visually appealing.
Eliminating Attention Getting DevicesScenic Houston supports the City in its efforts to eliminate the provision in the Houston Sign Ordinance that allows businesses to use “attention-getting devices,” or AGDs. Scenic Houston believes that eliminating the prolific use of attention-getting devices by small and large businesses in Houston will have the following benefits:
Elimination of attention-getting devices should be applied across the City, putting all businesses on a level playing field. Adoption of such an ordinance will go a long way toward achieving the goal to make our great city become a truly scenic Houston. Click here to see pictures of AGDs and communities that prohibit AGDs! Click Here to tell City Council you want stronger sign ordinances! Prohibiting LED SignageScenic Houston is a strong advocate for a complete prohibition on off-premises LED (electronic) signs, not only in the city of Houston and its outlying areas, but throughout rural Texas. In addition, Scenic Houston has called upon City Council and the Administration to institute a ban on permits for on-premise LED signs, until such time that the on-premise sections of the City Sign Code – last updated in 1992 -- can be revised to “catch up” with this technology. Scenic Houston believes the driver distraction, light pollution, excessive power usage, and detrimental carbon footprint that LED signage creates represents the very worst visual clutter. To allow them is poor public policy, and we support the City in its consideration of a moratorium of these signs, giving City Council time to update the sign code without allowing new signs to crop up before a thoughtful policy is in place. Click Here to tell City Council you want stronger sign ordinances! Designating Scenic DistrictsScenic Houston will continue our support for and leadership in the creation of scenic right-of-way designations for all major transportation corridors. The establishment of these scenic districts serves to limit the height and size of on-premises signs within scenic district boundaries and will prevent the relocation of billboards along any federally designated highways that fall within the borders of a scenic district. A specific target for scenic designation includes the newly rebuilt I-10 from Washington Avenue west to the city limits at Highway 6 (likely to be dubbed “Gateway 10”). Click here to learn more about Scenic Districts in Houston! Scenic City Certification ProgramThe Mission of the Scenic City Certification Program is to support and recognize municipalities that implement high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces, with the long-term goal of improving the image of all Texas cities. The program recognizes those cities in the Houston area which already have high standards, and will provide an incentive to others to adopt and implement the kind of stringent criteria that has been proven to improve economic development, foster a sense of place, and increase land values. Certification not only depends on approving ordinances that meet minimum standards for preservation of green spaces, litter and graffiti control, sign control, and natural environment enhancement, but also strong enforcement of those codes. Certified Scenic Cities show a commitment to a well-maintained community. Click Here to request more information about certification requirements! Historic Texas Avenue Walking TourAs one of Houston’s first thoroughfares, Texas Avenue has been a key east-west link since it began as a dirt lane in 1839. Discover Houston’s history through the 55+ historic markers that show the locations of the hotels, restaurants, businesses, skyscrapers, fine arts venues and sports facilities that have called Texas Avenue home. Your walk through history begins at Texas and Bagby and extends east all the way to Hamilton Street. Walk Texas Avenue and enjoy one of Houston’s greatest civic spaces! Click here to download Part One of the Texas Avenue Walking Tour Guide Click here to download Part Two of the Texas Avenue Walking Tour Guide Speakers BureauFace-to-face communication is the best way to energize our region’s citizens and businesses to become advocates for the kind of city we are all entitled to. Our trained Speakers Bureau is happy to meet with groups small and large throughout the region to give targeted presentations. Informed citizens are the best advocates for a scenic Houston! |
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