For years, Karl Kuby says, his customers have been entertained by the cuckoo clocks in his German restaurant and market.

He and his son would like to provide the same kind of amusement to shoppers throughout Snider Plaza by installing a clock on top of his building at the southern end of the shopping center.

University Park's sign regulations prohibit such displays, but the idea could be kept alive if the city changes its sign law.

As early as next month, a city committee will study whether to allow exceptions for special signs. The ordinance bans signs such as clocks that move, rotate, flash, reflect or blink, so unless the change is made, the Kubys won't be able to install the 10-foot-tall, 6 ½ -foot-wide cuckoo clock.

"We feel that it would be an asset to Snider Plaza and an asset to University Park and to Dallas," Mr. Kuby said, noting that such outdoor clocks are common in European towns but almost unheard of in Texas.

The city's community development manager, Harry Persaud, said he didn't want to reject the clock outright and instead took the idea to the City Council on Tuesday.

"We thought this was an interesting idea for Snider Plaza," Mr. Persaud said. "We thought maybe it's worthy of further consideration."

Council members on Tuesday had generally positive comments about the proposed clock, which would extend 8 feet above the roofline at Kuby's Sausage House. The clock would face southeast diagonally from the corner of the store.

It would chime hourly, and lights from the building would illuminate it at night. But the clock could be shut off at certain hours, such as late at night.

Council member Syd Carter said the clock was "clearly authentically German," while council member Jerry Grable said it would be reminiscent of a city square in Munich.

It's just such aspects – a distinctive look or an addition to the historic or cultural feel – that Mr. Persaud and City Attorney Rob Dillard said could be required for the city to grant exceptions to the sign law.

City officials estimate that it could take a couple of months for the Urban Design and Development Advisory Committee to discuss the issue. So it might be October or November before the council considers the committee's recommendation about whether to allow for the special signs and, if so, how to regulate them.

Mr. Persaud said he also might seek comment from business owners around Snider Plaza. At least one, Max Fuqua, said the clock would add to the shopping center's ambience.

"It's exactly the type of architectural feature we should look for," said Mr. Fuqua, who owns Plaza Health Foods. "The ordinance is a good one, and the people that did it did a fantastic job. But there's always room for exceptions."