Houston, TX Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code of Ordinances Ch. 10, Art. XVII
- New billboards
- Prohibited under Sign Code § 4612(b)
- Notice period
- At least 30 days to remove
- Hearing window
- Request within 10 days of notice
- Enforcement
- City removal, lien, civil penalties
Summary
Houston prohibits construction of new off-premise signs, billboards visible from freeways and streets, under Sign Code Section 4612(b); the city treats any unauthorized new billboard as a public nuisance subject to removal and lien under Code of Ordinances Chapter 10, Article XVII.
An unauthorized off-premise sign is declared to be a public nuisance. Whenever the existence of unauthorized off-premise sign within the limits of the city or within 5,000 feet outside the limits shall come to the knowledge of the sign administrator, the sign administrator shall cause a written notice identifying the unauthorized off-premise sign and directing its removal to be sent to the owners.
Full Breakdown
Houston's Sign Code froze new billboard construction, and Code of Ordinances Chapter 10, Article XVII gives the city power to tear down any off-premise sign built after that freeze: including the freeway-facing billboards erected by outdoor advertising companies. The sign administrator serves the sign owner and property owner with written notice, giving at least 30 days to remove the structure; owners can request a hearing within ten days, held before an officer designated by the Director of Houston Public Works. If owners do not comply, the city removes the sign itself and places a lien on the property for its costs.
Violations & Fines
Failure to remove an unauthorized off-premise sign lets the city demolish it, bill the owner for the cost, and place a lien on the property; the city attorney can sue for civil penalties, attorneys' fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a new billboard facing a Houston freeway?
What happens if I don't take down an illegal billboard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas sign regulations overview
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