San Antonio, TX Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Texas counties generally lack authority to adopt sign ordinances in unincorporated areas, so signage for home businesses in unincorporated Bexar County is controlled by three other layers: the Texas Department of Transportation under the Highway Beautification Act and Transportation Code Chapter 391 for signs within 660 feet of interstate or primary highway rights-of-way; municipal sign codes if you fall inside or within the ETJ of a city that extends sign regulation to its extraterritorial jurisdiction; and private deed restrictions, which commonly prohibit all commercial signage in residential subdivisions and are enforceable by neighbors and HOAs. Inside San Antonio, UDC Section 35-391 limits home occupation signage to one non-illuminated nameplate not exceeding 2 square feet flush-mounted to the dwelling. Similar limits apply in Alamo Heights, Leon Valley, Windcrest, and other Bexar suburbs. Political, real estate, and temporary signs have separate rules under Texas Election Code and the cities. Illuminated, flashing, or freestanding commercial signs are broadly prohibited in residential areas throughout the region.