Sign Regulations in Houston, TX (2026)
5 verified sign regulations for Houston, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Political Signs
Houston regulates political signs under content-neutral temporary sign rules in Chapter 28 of the Code of Ordinances. Residential properties may display temporary signs up to 36 square feet per parcel without a permit. Texas state law (Tex. Transp. Code §393.0025) preempts most local content-based political-sign timing rules, so Houston treats them as ordinary temporary signs.
Houston Sign Code – Temporary Political Signs (Ch. 28)
Few RestrictionsTex. Election Code § 259.002
Sec. 259.002. REGULATION OF DISPLAY OF POLITICAL SIGNS BY PROPERTY OWNERS' ASSOCIATION. (a) In this section, "property owners' association" has the meaning assigned by Section 202.001, Property Code.(b) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a property owners' association may not enforce or adopt a restrictive covenant that prohibits a property owner from displaying on the owner's proper...
Garage Sale Signs
Houston prohibits placing garage sale signs on public property under the bandit sign provisions of Chapter 28 and Chapter 46 (Sign Code). Signs on public streets, sidewalks, utility poles, and rights-of-way are subject to impoundment and fines of $300-$500.
Houston Garage Sale Sign Regulations
Some RestrictionsTex. Transportation Code § 394.022
Sec. 394.022. ISSUANCE OF PERMIT. (a) The commission shall issue a permit to a person:(1) whose application complies with commission rule;(2) whose sign, if erected, would comply with the requirements of this chapter; and(3) who, if the off-premise sign is located within the jurisdiction of a municipality with a population of more than 1.9 million that is exercising its authority to regulate of...
Holiday Displays
Houston does not have specific ordinances regulating residential holiday displays. General sign code provisions under Chapter 46 and electrical code safety requirements apply. HOA deed restrictions may impose neighborhood-specific rules on timing and aesthetics.
Houston Holiday Display Regulations
Few RestrictionsDigital Billboards
Houston Code Chapter 46 sign code prohibits new off-premise digital billboards citywide. On-premise digital signs face brightness, dwell-time, and proximity limits enforced by the Sign Administration division.
Houston Digital Billboard Off-Premise Prohibition
Heavy RestrictionsWindow Signs
Houston Code Chapter 46 limits commercial window signs to 25 percent coverage of any single window pane. Permanent signs may require permits; temporary promotional signs face duration limits.
Houston Commercial Window Sign Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Harris County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Houston city rules.
Sign Regulations in Harris County →