Sign Regulations in Tulsa, OK: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Political Signs

Political signs in Tulsa are protected by the First Amendment and Oklahoma election laws. Tulsa's sign code regulates the size, placement, and duration of political signs while respecting constitutional free speech protections. Signs on private property are broadly permitted.

Key details: Permit Required: No permit for political signs. Private Property: Broadly permitted. Right-of-Way: Signs generally prohibited. Post-Election: Must be removed after election. Safety: Must not obstruct traffic sight lines.

Signs in the public right-of-way may be removed by the city. Content-based restrictions on political signs are unconstitutional. Failure to remove signs after elections may result in code enforcement notices. Signs creating traffic hazards may be removed immediately.

Garage Sale Signs

Tulsa regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs through its zoning code. On-site garage sale signs are permitted during the sale period. Off-site signs in the public right-of-way are generally prohibited and subject to removal.

Key details: On-Site Signs: Permitted during sale. Right-of-Way: Signs prohibited. Utility Poles: Attaching signs prohibited. Permit Required: No permit for on-site signs. Enforcement: Code enforcement removes ROW signs.

Signs placed in the right-of-way may be removed by city crews. Repeated violations can result in code enforcement citations. Attaching signs to utility poles is a separate violation.

Holiday Displays

Tulsa does not have specific ordinances restricting holiday displays on private residential property. Seasonal decorations and holiday displays are generally permitted. Standard electrical safety codes and nuisance provisions apply to larger or illuminated displays.

Key details: Specific Ordinance: None for residential displays. Permitted: Lights, inflatables, decorations. Safety: Must comply with electrical codes. Duration: No city time limits. HOA Rules: May impose additional restrictions.

Holiday displays creating traffic hazards or obstructing public ways may be subject to enforcement. Excessive lighting causing a nuisance to neighbors could be addressed through nuisance ordinances. Electrical safety violations are handled through building code enforcement.

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

The Bottom Line

Tulsa'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 Tulsa is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Tulsa 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.