Plano, TX Sign Regulations: Digital Billboards (2026)
Key Facts
- Billboards
- Prohibited outright
- Off-premise signs
- Prohibited (Sec. 22.400.3.P)
- Electronic copy change
- No faster than 8 seconds
- Max brightness
- 0.3 footcandles above ambient
- Animation/flashing
- Not allowed
Summary
Plano prohibits billboards and off-premise signs outright, so digital billboards cannot be permitted. On-premise electronic message signs are allowed but may change copy no more than every 8 seconds, must auto-dim to 0.3 footcandles above ambient light, and cannot animate, flash, or scroll.
I. Billboard signs. ... P. Offsite/Premise signs (unless otherwise expressly allowed by this ordinance). ... B. Any electronic sign shall be allowed to change the copy every 8 seconds. C. Electronic signs shall be equipped with an automatic dimmer device and shall be programmed to automatically dim the electronic sign to a maximum illumination of no more than 0.3 footcandles above ambient light conditions... D. No electronic sign shall display animated messages including flashing, blinking, fading, ... or any other effect that gives the appearance of movement.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Article 22 of the Plano Zoning Ordinance bans billboard signs (Sec. 22.400.3.I) and offsite/off-premise signs (Sec. 22.400.3.P), so there is no legal path to a digital billboard in Plano. Electronic (variable-message) signs are allowed only as on-premise signage within a business's own sign allowance. Under Sec. 22.400.6, copy may change once every 8 seconds, an automatic dimmer must hold brightness to 0.3 footcandles above ambient light measured at the property line, and animated effects including flashing, blinking, fading, rolling, shading, or dissolving are prohibited. The Building Official issues sign permits and enforces violations.
Violations & Fines
Erecting any sign without a permit from the Building Official, or installing a billboard, off-premise sign, or animated/flashing electronic sign, is unlawful; the Building Official may order compliance or removal, impound violating signs, and issue citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a digital billboard in Plano?
Are electronic message signs allowed for a Plano business?
Who enforces Plano's sign rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Plano
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