Katy officials and residents discussed digital-sign rules at a workshop Wednesday, but took no action. The review followed American Furniture Warehouse’s request for a digital sign; Mayor Pro Tem Gina Hicks said churches and schools also wanted them.
Katy amended its sign rules in 2009 to allow LED-backlit or internally lit signs. Changeable electronic message signs are barred in residential districts; in commercial and industrial districts, they are allowed only outside the Old Katy District and at least 500 feet from a single-family home. “Spectacular” signs with glare, rotating strobes or spotlights are prohibited in front of businesses on general rights-of-way. Off-premise signs such as billboards cannot be changeable electronic message or spectacular signs.
Hicks and Councilmember Paul Follis requested the review. Some residents said flashy signs could be distracting, while others said digital signs at schools or churches would be easier to update. The city has not said when an ordinance update will return for discussion.
