On-premise electronic message centers in Dallas must hold each message for a minimum dwell time and may not exceed nighttime brightness limits set by Chapter 51A-7. Off-premise digital billboards remain prohibited; static-billboard lighting must avoid sky glare.
Dallas Chapter 51A-7 governs illumination of all signs. On-premise electronic message centers (LED menu boards, gas-price signs, marquee displays) must keep each static message on screen for a minimum dwell time of eight seconds, transition instantly without animation, and dim automatically at sunset to a luminance not exceeding roughly 0.3 foot-candles above ambient measured at the prescribed distance. Off-premise digital billboards remain banned. Conventional static billboards may be externally illuminated only by shielded, downward-aimed fixtures so light is confined to the sign face and no glare or sky-glow spills onto adjacent property or interstate travel lanes. TxDOT lighting standards under Transportation Code Chapter 391 apply concurrently to highway-facing signs.
Brightness, dwell-time, or unshielded-fixture violations are Class C misdemeanors under Chapter 51A-7 with fines up to $2,000 per day. Repeated violations can result in permit revocation and physical removal of the sign by Code Compliance.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance rules under Dal...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right-...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Amplified outdoor...
Dallas, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Dallas require multiple permits through the Department of Sustainable Development and Construction: a building permit for the st...
Dallas, TX
Dallas has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by general nuisa...
Dallas, TX
Dallas adopts the 2021 International Fire Code under Dallas City Code Ch. 16 (Fire Prevention). IFC § 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas...
See how Dallas's billboard lighting rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.