Sign Regulations in Mission, TX

If you live in Mission or are thinking about moving there, sign regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Mission has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of sign regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Window Signs

Mission lets you put signs in your windows without a sign permit, but each window sign can't be bigger than the window's own surface area under Chapter 86.

Key details: Permit: Not required for window signs. Size cap: Sign area can't exceed window area. Governing section: City Code § 86-42(b)(4). Definition section: City Code § 86-41.

Enforcement runs through the planning department under Chapter 86's general sign provisions rather than a per-window-sign penalty; a window sign that exceeds the window's surface area, or one that's damaged, illegible, or blocking a door/fire escape, can be ordered removed like any other nonconforming or unsafe sign.

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

Digital Billboards

Mission's sign code allows digital billboards only in the expressway and secondary arterial corridors, requires static non-flashing messages, and bars placement within 500 feet of schools, parks, or churches.

Key details: Message rule: Static only, no animation or flashing. Buffer distance: 500 ft from schools, parks, churches. Where allowed: Expressway and secondary arterial corridors only. Penalty: Misdemeanor, fine under Sec. 1-14.

Violating the sign chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine under Sec. 1-14; a nonconforming or improperly placed digital billboard is subject to city removal action and, per Sec. 86-42(f), the owner must correct or remove an unsafe or noncompliant sign within ten days of written notice.

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

Garage Sale Signs

Mission caps garage-sale signs at one per property, four square feet per side, and requires removal immediately after the sale ends.

Key details: Sign limit: One on-premises sign per property. Max size: 4 sq ft per side, 2 sides. Setback: 5 ft from front/side lot lines. Removal: Immediately after the sale ends. Public fixtures: No poles, signal boxes, or trees.

Placing an off-premises, oversized, or leftover garage-sale sign, or attaching one to a utility pole or public fixture, is a code violation enforced under Chapter 82's sales-permit provisions; the underlying sale itself also requires a $10 permit under Sec. 82-40.

The Bottom Line

Mission'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 Mission is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Mission's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.