Houston, TX Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Chapter 46
- Sign Limit
- 5 per business
- Self-Install
- Under 60 sq ft, under 8 ft
- Deed Rules
- Usually prohibit commercial signs
- Adopted
- 1980, revised 2020
Summary
Houston's Chapter 46 Sign Code regulates all signage within city limits. Home-based businesses generally cannot display commercial signage without a Certificate of Occupancy. Each business is limited to five signs total under the Sign Code.
Sec. 394.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "On-premise sign" means a freestanding sign identifying or advertising a business, person, or activity, and installed and maintained on the same premises as the business, person, or activity. ... Sec. 394.0201. ERECTING OFF-PREMISE SIGN WITHOUT LICENSE; OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person wilfully erects or maintains an off-premise sign on a rural road without a license under this subchapter. ... (c) A person is not required to obtain a license to erect or maintain an on-premise sign.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 46 of the Code of Ordinances (Houston Sign Code, adopted May 1980, revised July 2020) regulates all signage within city limits. Before submitting a sign permit application, a business must have a current Certificate of Occupancy with the business name matching the proposed sign. Each business is limited to five signs total, typically a combination of ground, projecting, wall, and marquee signs. Self-installed non-electrical ground signs are allowed under limited circumstances if no larger than 60 square feet and no taller than 8 feet. Deed restrictions in most residential neighborhoods prohibit commercial signage, effectively barring visible signs for home businesses. Illuminated signs are subject to brightness limits to prevent disturbances in residential areas.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted commercial sign: removal order and fines. Deed restriction violation: civil enforcement via Legal Department hotline (832-393-6333).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a business sign at my home?
What size sign can I self-install?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
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Signage Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle signage rules.