Richardson's Sign Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles sign regulations a little differently. In Richardson, Texas, there are 5 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.

Window Signs

Richardson caps window signage at 25 percent of the total visible window area per facade under Sec. 18-96(35), counting poster marquee signs toward the same limit, and no permit is required for a window sign that meets the section's design rules.

Key details: Coverage cap: 25% of visible window area per facade. Combined cap: Window + poster marquee together ≤25%. Zoning eligibility: Retail, commercial, office, industrial. Permit: Not required for compliant signs. Alcohol ads: Must also meet Texas ABC requirements.

A window sign exceeding the 25 percent coverage cap, or one that does not meet the section's design rules, violates Sec. 18-96(35) and Chapter 18 generally. Sec. 18-3 holds the sign owner, landowner, or installer responsible, and Sec. 18-4 sets the penalty by reference to the general penalty in Sec. 1-8: a fine of up to $500 per violation.

Holiday Displays

Temporary holiday lighting and decorations in Richardson are exempt from sign permits but must comply with electrical safety, setback, and noise rules.

Key details: Permit Required: No permit required for residential holiday decorations. Up to 60: Up to 60 days before and 14 days after a holiday. Weather-rated UL-listed fixtures: Weather-rated UL-listed fixtures required. Sight Triangle: Cannot obstruct right-of-way, hydrants, or sight triangles. Music audible at: Music audible at property line prohibited 10 p.m. to 7 a.m..

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

Digital Billboards

Electronic message signs in Richardson must hold each message at least four minutes, change it within two seconds, skip all flashing or animation, and cap brightness at one foot-candle at the property line, under Sec. 18-96(8), with a city sign permit required before installation.

Key details: Message hold time: Minimum 4 minutes. Change duration: 2 seconds or less. Brightness cap: 1 foot-candle at property line. School/residential timer: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. illumination. Setback: 150 ft (general) / 50 ft (school/timer).

Installing an electronic message sign that flashes, animates, changes faster than every four minutes, exceeds the one-foot-candle brightness cap, or sits closer than the required residential setback violates Sec. 18-96(8). Sec. 18-4 sets the penalty by reference to Sec. 1-8: a fine of up to $500 per violation, with the sign owner and landowner both responsible under Sec. 18-3.

Political Signs

Richardson regulates signs under Chapter 18. Texas Election Code Sec. 259.001 broadly protects political signs on private property. Local governments may not prohibit political signs except for reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions related to safety.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 18; TX Election Code §259.001. Private Property: Protected by state law. Right-of-Way: Signs prohibited. Permit: Generally not required for political signs.

Political signs in the right-of-way or creating safety hazards may be removed. Property owners retain the right to display political signs on their own property.

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

Garage Sale Signs

Richardson regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs under Chapter 18. Signs must not be placed in public rights-of-way or on utility poles. Garage sale signs should comply with the city's temporary sign provisions.

Key details: Code Section: Ch. 18. Right-of-Way: Signs prohibited. Utility Poles: Signs prohibited. Location: On sale property or with permission.

Improperly placed garage sale signs may be removed by the city. Violations of sign placement rules may result in citations.

The rules around garage sale signs in Richardson lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Richardson gives residents more room on sign regulations. 3 of the 5 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 Richardson's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.