Fort Worth, TX Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- New off-premise billboards
- Prohibited (§ 6.405(a))
- Approval required
- Board of Adjustment special exception
- Message hold time
- 20 seconds minimum
- Changeable face area
- 25% maximum
- Brightness cap
- 0.3 footcandles above ambient
Summary
Fort Worth prohibits new off-premise (billboard) signs outright. Electronic changeable copy is allowed only by special exception of the Board of Adjustment, capped at 25% of the sign face, with one message change every 20 seconds and no animation or flashing.
Electronic changeable copy signs may be permitted by special exception of the board of adjustment in commercial, industrial, mixed-use and community facility zoning districts... electronic changeable copy signs shall not be allowed within the Chisholm Trail Parkway (SH 121) freeway scenic corridor. (1) A maximum of 25% of the sign face may be devoted to changeable copy. (2) The message rate shall not change at a rate faster than one message every 20 seconds. (3) Electronic changeable copy signs shall not contain animation, rolling or running letters or message, flashing lights or displays... (5)... no more than 0.3 footcandles above ambient light...
Full Breakdown
Zoning Ordinance § 6.405(a) prohibits off-premise signs unless the sign article itself provides for them, so no new billboard can be permitted. Electronic changeable copy signs need a special exception from the Board of Adjustment in commercial, industrial, mixed-use and community-facility districts, and are barred from the Chisholm Trail Parkway (SH 121) scenic corridor. No more than 25% of the face may change; messages must hold at least 20 seconds; animation, flashing, running letters and sound are prohibited; and automatic dimming must keep the sign within 0.3 footcandles above ambient light. An existing nonconforming billboard can convert to digital only by 'upgrading' under § 6.413(b), which requires removing four off-premise signs from scenic corridors and City Council approval after a zoning-commission hearing.
Violations & Fines
Erecting a new off-premise billboard, or operating electronic changeable copy without a Board of Adjustment special exception, violates the sign code and exposes the owner to permit denial, removal orders, and enforcement by Development Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a new digital billboard in Fort Worth?
How fast can a Fort Worth electronic sign change its message?
Where are electronic changeable copy signs allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Worth
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