How Garland Handles Sign Regulations: A Practical Guide

Garland maintains 154 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with sign regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Garland falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Political Signs

Texas Election Code Section 259.002 protects political sign display on private property. Garland cannot prohibit political signs on residential property. Signs must be removed by the 10th day after the election. HOAs may regulate sign size and number but cannot ban political signs under Texas Property Code Section 202.009.

Key details: State Law: TX Election Code 259.002. Private Property: Protected — no permit needed. Removal: 10 days after election. HOA Protection: TX Property Code 202.009. Right-of-Way: Subject to city restrictions.

Signs in right-of-way: removal by city, possible fine $25 to $100. Oversized signs: notice to reduce. Failure to remove post-election: fines $25 to $50 per day after grace period.

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

Garage Sale Signs

Garland regulates temporary signs through its sign ordinance and the I-Sign program that targets illegal signs. Garage sale signs may be placed on the property where the sale occurs. Signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic signs are prohibited and actively removed by Code Compliance through the I-Sign program.

Key details: On-Property: Allowed during active sale. Right-of-Way: Prohibited — I-Sign enforcement. Utility Poles: Strictly prohibited. Removal: Must remove after sale ends. Enforcement: Code Compliance I-Sign program.

Signs on utility poles: removal and fine $25 to $50. Signs not removed after sale: fine $25 per day. Excessive signs: warning, then citation.

Holiday Displays

Garland does not have specific ordinances restricting holiday displays on private residential property. Seasonal decorations are permitted as temporary displays. The city hosts Garland's annual Christmas on the Square event and has a strong holiday decorating tradition. Displays must not create traffic hazards or violate electrical safety codes.

Key details: Permit Required: None for residential displays. Duration: Seasonal — no strict city deadline. Safety: Must not create traffic hazards. Electrical: Must comply with electrical codes. HOA: May impose additional rules.

Obstruction of sidewalk or road: notice to correct. Electrical hazard: fire department may require removal. Excessive noise: noise ordinance enforcement. Displays left up past deadline: HOA fines possible.

The rules around holiday displays in Garland lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Garland gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Garland's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.