Seabrook City Council on Aug. 19 accepted a report from the citywide signage ad hoc committee that recommends phased work to restore coastal-themed branding, install gateway entry signs and light-pole banners, and repair or replace damaged wayfinding signs across the city.

Russell Hatfield, chair of the citywide signage committee, told the council the committee reviewed consultant work completed in 2017 and plans to leverage that baseline to save cost and time. The committee’s Phase 1 priorities include gateway and entry signs, logo banners on existing light poles and cleaning or repairing existing sign installations.

Hatfield said the committee examined district-specific treatments — for example, different logo birds or icons in park areas, the Old Seabrook District and the fish market area — and suggested a permanent banner structure over Nassau Road 1 for rotating event signage. He emphasized using existing consultant data to expedite design and to ensure compliance with TxDOT, Harris County and city permitting requirements.

City Manager Gil said the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) previously approved a $1,900,000 budget and has identified $500,000 toward Main Street enhancement and $296,500 for gateway and directional signage in its CIP. Council members noted the EDC previously reviewed a proposal near $93,000; the committee and staff plan to solicit proposals that reflect the scope in the accepted report and to phase work so short-term items like pole banners can go up quickly.

Council member discussion focused on timeline and phasing: Hatfield estimated an initial two-year horizon for the larger signage rollout if fully scoped by a consultant, while pole banners were described as a “low hanging fruit” that could be installed within months to begin visible branding changes.

The council vote to accept the report was unanimous. Staff said next steps are to prepare a consultant scope, solicit proposals and return to council with a phased implementation plan and estimated costs.