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El Paso, TX Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

New billboards
Banned citywide and in ETJ
Digital signs
CEVM. LED/electronic displays
Digital allowed
Only by removing existing billboards
Enforcing agency
Planning Division
Permit decision
Within 30 business days

Summary

El Paso bans new billboards citywide and across its extraterritorial jurisdiction. Digital billboards, defined as CEVM signs using LED or electronic displays, are allowed only by permanently removing existing static billboards under the Chapter 20.18 sign ordinance. No permit issues for a brand-new structure.

§ 20.18.140: "The following sign types are prohibited: A. New static or CEVM billboards except as provided herein." § 20.18.200.A: "no new billboards may be constructed, erected, installed or modified within the corporate limits of the city, or within its extraterritorial jurisdiction … except as authorized by this article."

View official code

Full Breakdown

El Paso City Code § 20.18.200(A) bars any new billboard from being constructed, erected, installed or modified within the city or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and forbids issuing a building permit for one, except as authorized by Article III. Section 20.18.140(A) lists "New static or CEVM billboards" among prohibited signs "except as provided herein." A changeable electronic variable message (CEVM) sign is defined to include LED and digital displays. Animated, flashing, running-light or twinkle signs are prohibited unless they are conforming CEVM signs. The Planning Division reviews sign permits and must decide within 30 business days; a new billboard must carry its permit number visible for 50 feet.

Violations & Fines

Erecting a sign without a required permit, or a prohibited new billboard, violates the Code. The building official may order removal after 10 days' notice and refer the case to the Building and Standards Commission under Chapter 2.38.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I build a new digital billboard in El Paso?
No. Section 20.18.200(A) bars any new billboard citywide and in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. A CEVM (digital) billboard is allowed only as a conforming conversion under Article III, removing existing static billboards.
Are LED and electronic signs treated as billboards?
The code defines CEVM to include LED and digital displays. New static or CEVM billboards are prohibited except as provided in Article III, and animated or flashing signs are banned unless permitted as conforming CEVM signs.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in El Paso

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsFreeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsHoliday DisplaysFew RestrictionsPolitical SignsFew RestrictionsGarage Sale SignsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All El Paso rules

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