Houston may be the only major American city that does not have zoning laws, but development is regulated by ordinances including some strict signage laws.
“The story of Houston’s land-use policies is a lot more complicated than “no zoning.” In reality, Houston is a big mixture of ordinances, policies, tactics by neighborhoods and independent efforts by nonprofits, all of which play a role in determining how land is used,” says Rice University’s Urban Edge.
The City of Houston Building Code Chapter 46, known as the Houston Sign Code, regulates on-premises commercial advertising signs that are visible from the public right of way (i.e., alleys, streets and sidewalks).
“These are the everyday exterior business signs which display names and/or logos, or advertise goods, services or merchandise sold or offered for sale on the premises where the sign is installed,” says the Houston Permitting Center.
It’s important for businesses to understand Houston’s signage laws so they can stay in compliance and avoid fines or removal orders. This guide will help you navigate the rules and regulations governing business signage in Houston.
Houston’s signage laws are governed by the Houston Sign Code, which regulates on-premises commercial advertising signs visible from public rights-of-way such as streets and sidewalks.
These laws aim to balance business needs with community aesthetics, safety and functionality.
The short answer is yes — most business signs in Houston require a permit.
Permits are issued by the City of Houston Sign Administration and must be obtained before installation. The application process ensures compliance with zoning laws, construction codes and safety standards.
Houston signage laws require plan reviews and inspections for commercial advertising signs on premises.
Houston has some strict regulations regarding the type and number of business signs allowed as well as height, placement and lighting restrictions.
Houston limits businesses to five on-premises signs per property. These can include ground signs, wall signs, projecting signs and marquee signs. However, there are specific restrictions:
The height of a sign depends on its location and type. The tallest ground signs allowed can be 42.5 feet in height with flag signs allowed to be 60 feet.
The maximum height of your business sign is also governed if you are a single business or part of a multi-tenant business, and the location of your business as it pertains to local streets, major thoroughfares and freeways, as well as other considerations such as residential rights-of-way and scenic and historical rights-of-way and districts.
Table 4609 of the Houston Sign Code shows the variations of allowable on-premises ground sign heights and sizes by sign type and category or right-of-way:
Category A: Shall remain visible from and located on premises with frontage on local streets, predominantly residential rights-of-way and scenic and historical rights-of-way and districts.
Category B: Shall mean visible from and located on premises with frontage on major thoroughfares other than predominantly residential rights-of-way and scenic and historical rights-of-way and districts.
Category C: Shall mean visible from and located on premises with frontage on freeways other than predominantly residential rights-of-way and scenic and historical rights-of-way and districts.
Illuminated signs are subject to brightness limits to prevent distractions for drivers or disturbances in residential areas. Producing these types of signs can take months, so plan accordingly once your permit is approved.
While the Houston Sign Code does not require anyone be licensed to sell signs or manufacture signs, it does require licensure to install signs or to do sign work for other people in the field.
Bottom line: You must hire a person or company that is a licensed sign contractor to get your sign permit and perform the work.
Here are the steps:
Before applying for a sign permit, businesses must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. The name on this certificate must match the business name on the proposed sign. This ensures that signage corresponds to the entity officially occupying the property.
Submit your application online through the Houston Permitting Center. Include detailed drawings and site plans showing dimensions, design elements, lighting specifications and placement locations.
The city reviews applications for compliance with zoning laws and safety standards. This process typically takes 4 to 11 business days. If adjustments are needed, applicants must revise their plans and resubmit them.
Once the plans are preliminary approved, the site inspection is performed to confirm that the scope of work and the business situation is and will remain code-compliant. Upon approval of the site inspection, a senior inspector will notify the contractor that the site is approved, permits will be granted and work may begin.
Once approved, businesses have six months to install their sign before the permit expires. Electrical signs require final inspections by city officials before they can be operational.
Houston’s Sign Administration enforces these regulations rigorously:
To ensure compliance:
Adhering to Houston’s signage laws isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about enhancing your brand while respecting community standards. Properly permitted signage ensures safety, maintains urban aesthetics and creates a positive impression on customers.
4D Signworx can help you navigate Houston sign laws, guiding your business from the planning stages to manufacturing of the sign to the proper signage permits to installation. Contact us today for custom signage that will make your business stand out while complying with all Houston sign laws.