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Sign Regulations

Arlington's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Arlington, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Digital Billboards

Digital billboards are allowed in Arlington only in the GC, LI, and IM districts along I-20, I-30, SH 360, and US 287, and only by converting an existing billboard, each subject to strict electronic-message standards.

Key details: Governing section: UDC § 7.9.2. Minimum message hold: 8 seconds. Maximum transition: 2 seconds or less. Allowed districts: GC, LI, IM only. Brightness: Auto-dim to ambient light.

Flashing, animated video, scrolling, or messages changing faster than every eight seconds violate the UDC. Owners must staff a 24/7 contact to shut off or dim a malfunctioning board when the City or TxDOT requests.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Arlington actively enforces its digital billboards requirements.

Political Signs

Political signs in Arlington are protected by the First Amendment and Texas Election Code. Texas law (Election Code §259.003) specifically protects the right to display political signs on private property. The city's sign code applies content-neutral standards.

Key details: State Protection: TX Election Code §259.003. Display Period: 90 days before to 10 days after election. Permit Required: No permit for political signs. Right-of-Way: Signs prohibited. HOA Ban: Cannot prohibit political signs.

Signs in the right-of-way may be removed. Content-based restrictions are unconstitutional. Violations of the Texas Election Code's sign protections may result in legal action against the city or HOA.

The rules around political signs in Arlington lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Arlington's sign regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Arlington is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Arlington's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.