Richardson, TX Sign Regulations: Holiday Displays (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit Required
- No permit required for residential holiday decorations
- Up to 60
- Up to 60 days before and 14 days after a holiday
- Weather-rated UL-listed fixtures
- Weather-rated UL-listed fixtures required
- Sight Triangle
- Cannot obstruct right-of-way, hydrants, or sight triangles
- Music audible at
- Music audible at property line prohibited 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Summary
Temporary holiday lighting and decorations in Richardson are exempt from sign permits but must comply with electrical safety, setback, and noise rules.
Sec. 202.018. REGULATION OF DISPLAY OF CERTAIN RELIGIOUS ITEMS. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a property owners' association may not enforce or adopt a provision in a dedicatory instrument, including a restrictive covenant, that prohibits a property owner or resident from displaying or affixing on the owner's or resident's property or dwelling one or more religious items the display of which is motivated by the owner's or resident's sincere religious belief.
Full Breakdown
Richardson's sign ordinance exempts seasonal holiday decorations and lighting displays from sign permit requirements when they are non-commercial, temporary, and do not contain advertising content. Displays may be installed up to 60 days before a holiday and must be removed within 14 days after. All exterior lighting must use UL-listed, weather-rated fixtures; extension cords must be rated for outdoor use; and displays may not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, driveway sight triangles, or drainage structures. Inflatables and mechanical displays must not encroach onto public right-of-way or neighboring property. Audible music accompanying displays must comply with the general noise ordinance, which prohibits noise audible at the property line between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Commercial holiday banners or signs still require a temporary sign permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave Christmas lights up year-round?
Do commercial properties need a permit for holiday signs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Richardson to another location·View the Texas sign regulations overview
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Holiday Displays in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle holiday displays.