Sign Regulations in Irving, TX

If you live in Irving or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Irving has 6 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Window Signs

Irving treats window signs as a category of wall sign under Chapter 7 of the Code of Civil and Criminal Ordinances. Section 7-3(14) caps the combined area of every wall, window, canopy, awning, and projecting sign on a building at twenty-five percent of the largest facade, so storefront window lettering, decals, and painted glass all count toward that single ceiling enforced by the inspections director.

Key details: Coverage cap: 25% of largest facade, combined with wall signs. Governing section: § 7-3(14), Code of Civil and Criminal Ordinances. Enforcing agency: City of Irving inspections director. Penalty: $1-$500 fine per day, § 7-22. Permit authority: Sign permits issued under § 7-12.

Erecting or maintaining a window sign that pushes a building's total wall-sign area over the twenty-five percent facade cap violates Section 7-3(14) and is enforced by the inspections director under Section 7-22, which fines violators between one dollar and five hundred dollars per offense, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense. Noncompliant signage can also be ordered removed under Section 7-8's unsafe-sign procedure.

Digital Billboards

Irving permits electronic message signs only as small components of an on-premise monument, multi-tenant, wall, or canopy sign. They cap at 40 square feet, sit at least 100 feet from homes, and cannot show video, animation, scrolling, or flashing, so standalone digital billboards are effectively off the table.

Key details: Maximum size: 40 square feet. Setback from homes: 100 feet from residential zoning. Message hold: 8 seconds; 2-second change. Video and animation: Prohibited. Allowed only as: Component of on-premise sign.

Owning, erecting, or maintaining a sign that violates § 7-3 is unlawful. Existing electronic signs had ninety days to meet the performance standards, and the Director can order the display dimmed within one hour for traffic safety.

Compared to other cities, Irving takes a harder line on digital billboards. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Political Signs

Irving does not carve out a separate rule for political signs: Code § 7-17 folds them into the noncommercial-sign category and holds them to the same permit, fee, time, place, and manner rules as commercial signs citywide, including the right-of-way weekend window in § 7-4(4).

Key details: Governing rule: Political signs = noncommercial signs, § 7-17. Same standards as: Commercial signs (time, place, manner, permit, fee). ROW weekend window: Thu 12:01 a.m. to Mon 12:01 a.m., ≤4 sq ft. Height near right-of-way: 2½ feet max within 15 feet of ROW. Penalty: $1-$500 fine, each day a separate offense.

Violating chapter 7's sign rules, including the noncommercial-sign standards incorporated by § 7-17, is punishable under § 7-22: a fine of not less than $1.00 nor more than $500.00 upon conviction, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Signs placed unlawfully in the right-of-way or on city property are also subject to removal.

Freeway-Facing Signs

Irving does not allow new billboards along its freeways: only billboards that stood lawfully on a controlled-access freeway before June 3, 1999, can be converted to digital displays, and only after the city council grants a special sign permit. A converted digital billboard cannot sit within fifteen hundred feet of another digital billboard on the same side of the freeway.

Key details: Eligible billboards: Only those lawful before June 3, 1999. Permit authority: City council special sign permit required. Spacing rule: 1,500 feet minimum between digital billboards. Permit fee: $1,000 per sign, plus $200 annual fee. State coordination: Applicant must also obtain TxDOT permit.

Erecting, relocating, or converting a freeway billboard without council's special sign permit and the follow-on TxDOT permit violates Section 7-4.2 and Chapter 7's general prohibition on unauthorized billboards. Violations carry the Section 7-22 penalty of one to five hundred dollars per offense, with each day a noncompliant sign remains standing charged as a separate offense, in addition to removal proceedings under Section 7-8.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Irving actively enforces its freeway-facing signs requirements.

Garage Sale Signs

Irving regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs under its sign ordinance. Garage sale signs may be placed on the property where the sale is occurring. Signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, or on traffic signs are prohibited and subject to removal by the city. Signs must be removed promptly after the sale concludes.

Key details: On-Property: Allowed during active sale. Right-of-Way: Prohibited: subject to removal. Utility Poles: Signs on poles strictly prohibited. Removal: Must remove after sale ends. Enforcement: Code Enforcement removes illegal signs.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Irving gives residents more flexibility on garage sale signs.

Holiday Displays

Irving does not have specific ordinances restricting holiday displays on private residential property. Seasonal decorations and holiday lighting are generally permitted as temporary displays. Displays must not create traffic hazards, obstruct sidewalks or fire hydrants, or violate electrical safety codes. HOAs may impose their own guidelines on holiday decoration timing and types.

Key details: Permit Required: None for residential holiday displays. Duration: Seasonal/temporary: no strict city deadline. Safety: Must not create traffic or fire hazards. Electrical: Must comply with electrical codes. HOA Rules: May impose additional restrictions.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Irving gives residents more flexibility on holiday displays.

The Bottom Line

Irving'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 Irving is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Irving can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.