Kennedale planners back text change to allow larger highway billboards and limited electronic signs
June 25, 2026 | Kennedale, Tarrant County, Texas
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The Kennedale Plan & Zoning Commission on June 25 considered and recommended changes to the Unified Development Code that would allow larger pole signs along the I‑20 frontage road and permit changeable electronic variable message signs (CEVMS) in specified commercial and employment districts.
Planning staff explained the text amendment would increase allowable billboard face sizes to align with industry standards (the proposal cited a 672‑square‑foot size used in the sign industry and taller pole heights where the sign is within roughly 40 feet of the highway) and permit electronic message signs that hold static messages for roughly 8–10 seconds before changing. Mr. McCoy said the digital option can reduce the total number of signs because one electronic sign can cycle multiple messages and that the ordinance would prohibit animated or continuously moving imagery that could pose a distraction to motorists.
Commissioners asked whether sign companies would make space available for emergency messages (for example, FEMA, Amber Alerts or storm advisories) and whether remote programming would be allowed. Mr. McCoy said many sign operators already cooperate with public-safety messaging and that electronic signs are typically capable of remote uploads; he noted the proposed ordinance does not currently restrict remote programming but that operators generally accommodate public-service announcements.
The commission voted to recommend the UDC text amendment as drafted. The recommended change affects EC1, EC2, C0, C1, C2 and I zoning districts along the interstate frontage and allows monument‑style digital signs in the OT4 district for public institutions such as libraries or senior centers.
Why it matters: the amendment would change what commercial operators can build along Kennedale’s I‑20 frontage and create a limited pathway for electronic messaging at designated public sites, raising questions about public-safety access, aesthetics in older commercial areas and technical controls for remote programming.
What happens next: the commission’s recommendation will go to the city council for public hearing and final action.
Planning staff explained the text amendment would increase allowable billboard face sizes to align with industry standards (the proposal cited a 672‑square‑foot size used in the sign industry and taller pole heights where the sign is within roughly 40 feet of the highway) and permit electronic message signs that hold static messages for roughly 8–10 seconds before changing. Mr. McCoy said the digital option can reduce the total number of signs because one electronic sign can cycle multiple messages and that the ordinance would prohibit animated or continuously moving imagery that could pose a distraction to motorists.
Commissioners asked whether sign companies would make space available for emergency messages (for example, FEMA, Amber Alerts or storm advisories) and whether remote programming would be allowed. Mr. McCoy said many sign operators already cooperate with public-safety messaging and that electronic signs are typically capable of remote uploads; he noted the proposed ordinance does not currently restrict remote programming but that operators generally accommodate public-service announcements.
The commission voted to recommend the UDC text amendment as drafted. The recommended change affects EC1, EC2, C0, C1, C2 and I zoning districts along the interstate frontage and allows monument‑style digital signs in the OT4 district for public institutions such as libraries or senior centers.
Why it matters: the amendment would change what commercial operators can build along Kennedale’s I‑20 frontage and create a limited pathway for electronic messaging at designated public sites, raising questions about public-safety access, aesthetics in older commercial areas and technical controls for remote programming.
What happens next: the commission’s recommendation will go to the city council for public hearing and final action.
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