Midland's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Midland, Texas, there are 4 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

Electronic billboards in Midland need both a sign permit and a City Council-approved specific use permit, and face strict height, spacing, and static-message rules under Chapter 11-7a.

Key details: Permits: Sign permit + Council-approved SUP with term. Max height: 30 ft (42.5 ft on I-20). Message hold time: At least 8 seconds per message. ETJ status: Electronic billboards prohibited in the ETJ.

Operating or modifying an electronic billboard without the required sign permit and specific use permit, or violating the static-message and lighting rules, is enforceable under §§ 11-7a-13 and 11-7a-14.

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

Window Signs

Midland exempts window signs from its sign permit requirement, but only if they are temporary. A window sign is defined in the code as a temporary sign placed on, affixed to, painted on, or located within a transparent window opening.

Key details: Permit needed: No, if the sign is temporary. Definition source: Midland Code § 11-7a-2. Exemption source: Midland Code § 11-7a-5(R). Location requirement: Must be on private property. Permanent window graphics: Treated as a wall/building sign instead.

A window display that is not temporary in nature, such as a permanently applied graphic that functions as a building sign, does not qualify for the § 11-7a-5(R) exemption and must instead meet the Chapter's regular sign-area and permit requirements under § 11-7a-4 and § 11-7a-7. Noncompliant signage is subject to a 72-hour written correction notice under § 11-7a-13, followed by impoundment and a $50.00 hauling fee plus $10.00 per day storage fee if not corrected, in addition to any penalty referenced in § 11-7a-14.

Midland is more permissive than most cities when it comes to window signs. That said, there are still limits.

Political Signs

Midland lets political signs go up on private property without a permit, but caps their size and setback by type: small stake signs, larger four-by-eight signs with curb setbacks, and oversize signs confined to commercial zoning. Every political sign must come down within 14 days of the election.

Key details: Stake sign limit: 30 in. x 30 in., max 36 in. tall. Standard sign limit: 4 ft x 8 ft, 5 ft off grade minimum. Corner lot setback: 20 ft from back of curb. Other lot setback: 10 ft from back of curb. Oversize signs: C-2 or less restrictive zoning only, 64 sq ft cap.

A political sign left up past the 14-day post-election deadline, oversized for its zoning district, or set closer to the curb than the setback allows is a Chapter 11-7a violation. The building official must give 72 hours' written notice to correct or remove it (§ 11-7a-13); an unremoved sign can then be impounded and redeemed only for a $50.00 hauling fee plus $10.00 per day of storage, in addition to any fine under the general penalty provisions of Chapter 1-3 referenced in § 11-7a-14.

Garage Sale Signs

Midland exempts temporary garage sale signs from its sign permit process, but only on the condition that they come down within one day of the sale and never go on public property or utility poles.

Key details: Permit needed: No, exempt under § 11-7a-5(P). Removal deadline: Within 1 day after the sale. Placement rule: Private property only; no public property or utility poles. Defined by: Midland Code § 6-1-22 (garage sale definition). Enforcement notice: 72-hour written removal notice, § 11-7a-13.

A garage sale sign left up more than one day after the sale, or placed on public property or a utility pole, forfeits the § 11-7a-5(P) exemption and is treated as an unpermitted sign in violation of the Chapter. The building official gives 72 hours' written notice to remove it (§ 11-7a-13); an unremoved sign can be impounded and requires a $50.00 hauling fee plus $10.00 per day of storage to redeem, in addition to any penalty under Chapter 1-3 as referenced in § 11-7a-14.

Midland is more permissive than most cities when it comes to garage sale signs. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Midland gives residents more room on sign regulations. 2 of the 4 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 Midland's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.