Haltom City, TX Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)

Holiday decorations on private residential property in Haltom City are broadly permitted and generally not treated as regulated signs under the city sign ordinance. Common decorations including string lights, inflatables, lighted displays, lawn figures, wreaths, and temporary window decals are allowed without a permit. The city does not restrict the timing of seasonal displays, so owners may put up and leave displays as long as they choose, though extended display of dilapidated or damaged decorations can become a property maintenance issue. Several specific rules still apply.

Displays cannot block the public sidewalk or obstruct pedestrians. Displays cannot be placed in the public right-of-way (the strip between the sidewalk and curb, or within the street pavement). Decorations cannot encroach on a sight triangle at the intersection of a driveway with the street or at street corners, generally a 25-foot triangle measured from the curb. High-intensity or flashing lights that create nuisance glare on neighboring bedrooms or cause sleep disruption may be cited under the general nuisance ordinance if complaints are verified. Holiday lighting must be electrically safe, typically requiring outdoor-rated cords and GFCI-protected outlets for any display connected to an exterior receptacle.

Amplified holiday music is subject to the Haltom City noise ordinance and must cease between 10 PM and 7 AM if it exceeds ambient levels at neighboring property lines. Large commercial holiday displays on businesses may be subject to sign and banner permit requirements. Temporary window paintings for holidays (including businesses) are generally exempt from sign permitting under Reed v. Town of Gilbert content-neutrality principles, treated the same as other temporary noncommercial window displays. Fireworks are separately regulated and typically prohibited in the city (see the fireworks ordinance entry). HOAs may impose additional rules on timing, intensity, and display size.