Travis County, TX Sign Regulations: Political Signs (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- TX Elec §259.002
- Max Size
- 36 sq ft protected
- HOA Preempt
- TX Elec. Code §259.002
- Timing
- 90 days pre to 10 post
- ROW
- Removal allowed
Summary
Political signs are broadly protected under Texas Election Code §259.002 and the First Amendment. Travis County and Austin cannot ban political signs on private residential property, though size and duration limits apply.
Sec. 259.003. REGULATION OF POLITICAL SIGNS BY MUNICIPALITY. (a) In this section, "private real property" does not include real property subject to an easement or other encumbrance that allows a municipality to use the property for a public purpose. (b) A municipal charter provision or ordinance that regulates signs may not, for a sign that contains primarily a political message and that is located on private real property with the consent of the property owner: (1) prohibit the sign from being placed; (2) require a permit or approval of the municipality or impose a fee for the sign to be placed; (3) restrict the size of the sign; or (4) provide for a charge for the removal of a political sign that is greater than the charge for removal of other signs regulated by ordinance.
Full Breakdown
Texas Election Code §259.002 prohibits political-subdivision sign ordinances from restricting political signs of 36 square feet or less on residential property during the 90-day pre-election period through 10 days post-election. Election Code Section 259.002 forbids HOAs from banning political signs. Signs cannot be illuminated, have moving parts, or be placed in public right-of-way. Austin City Code Chapter 25-10 otherwise regulates temporary signs but exempts compliant political signs. TxDOT removes political signs from state highway ROW; Travis County removes signs from county road ROW.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Travis County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas sign regulations overview
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