Tomball, TX Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- Private Property
- Protected under TX Election Code
- Permit Required
- No: exempt from sign permits
- HOA Limits
- Cannot ban; may limit to 4x6 ft
- Display Period
- 90 days before to 10 days after
- Code Enforcement
- (281) 290-1012
Summary
Texas Election Code Section 259.002 protects the right to display political signs on private property in Tomball. The city cannot prohibit political signs on residential lots. HOAs may regulate size but cannot ban them. Signs in the public right-of-way are subject to removal.
Sec. 259.001. NOTICE REQUIREMENT ON POLITICAL ADVERTISING SIGNS. (a) The following notice must be written on each political advertising sign: 'NOTICE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF STATE LAW (CHAPTERS 392 AND 393, TRANSPORTATION CODE), TO PLACE THIS SIGN IN THE RIGHT-OF-WAY OF A HIGHWAY.' (b) A person commits an offense if the person: (1) knowingly enters into a contract to print or make a political advertising sign that does not contain the notice required by Subsection (a); or (2) instructs another person to place a political advertising sign that does not contain the notice required by Subsection (a). (c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.
Full Breakdown
Texas Election Code Section 259.002 protects property owners' right to display political signs. Tomball cannot prohibit political signs on private residential property. The city's sign regulations exempt political signs from permit requirements when displayed on private property. Signs placed in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, traffic signs, or city property may be removed without notice by the city. Texas Election Code Section 259.002 limits HOA restrictions: associations cannot ban political signs but may impose reasonable size restrictions up to 4 by 6 feet and limit display to 90 days before and 10 days after the election. Political signs must not obstruct traffic visibility at intersections or block sight triangles. In Tomball's Historic Old Town district, political signs on private property remain protected by state law despite any overlay district standards. Contact Code Enforcement at (281) 290-1012 for questions about sign placement near rights-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Signs placed in the public right-of-way or on utility poles are removed without notice. Signs obstructing traffic visibility may be removed immediately for safety. Signs remaining more than 10 days after an election may face enforcement. HOAs banning political signs violate Texas Election Code Section 259.002.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Tomball prohibit political signs on my property?
Can my HOA ban political signs in Tomball?
Can I put political signs in the Tomball right-of-way?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tomball
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Political Signs in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle political signs.