Installing commercial business signs in Texas isn’t as simple as just designing and mounting them. Local regulations, permits, and zoning laws dictate what you can (and can’t) do with your signage. Whether you’re a business owner, property manager, or developer, understanding these rules is crucial to avoid fines, delays, or forced removals.
At JetStar Signs, we’ve helped countless Texas businesses navigate sign permits and compliance. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from permit requirements to design restrictions—so your signage stays legal and effective.
Why Sign Permits & Compliance Matter
Commercial business signs are more than just branding—they’re regulated structures. Texas cities enforce sign codes to:
✔ Ensure public safety (preventing obstructed views or hazardous installations)
✔ Maintain aesthetic standards (avoiding visual clutter)
✔ Protect property values (preventing oversized or distracting signs)
Failing to comply can result in:
- Hefty fines
- Forced sign removal
- Delays in opening your business
Working with an experienced sign company like JetStar Signs ensures your signage meets all legal requirements.
Types of Commercial Business Signs Requiring Permits
Not all signs need permits, but most permanent commercial business signs do. Common examples include:
1. Monument & Pylon Signs
- Freestanding ground signs at entrances
- Typically require approval for height, size, and lighting
2. Channel Letter Signs
- Illuminated letters mounted on buildings
- Must comply with brightness and size restrictions
3. Awning & Canopy Signs
- Signs on retractable or fixed awnings
- Often regulated for projection distance from buildings
4. Digital & LED Signs
- Dynamic message boards
- Usually require special permits due to brightness and animation rules
5. Temporary Signs (Banners, Yard Signs)
- Often allowed for short durations but with strict size limits
Key Texas Sign Regulations to Know
While rules vary by city, here are some common Texas sign regulations:
1. Size & Height Restrictions
- Most cities limit freestanding signs to 6-8 feet tall in commercial zones.
- Wall signs typically can’t exceed 10-15% of the building facade area.
2. Setback & Placement Rules
- Signs must often be 5-10 feet from property lines (to avoid blocking sidewalks/roads).
- Corner lots may have stricter visibility clearance rules.
3. Lighting & Illumination
- LED signs may face brightness caps (measured in nits).
- Some cities ban flashing or moving lights near residential areas.
4. Zoning & Land Use Laws
- Historic districts often have stricter design rules.
- Highway-facing signs may require state (TxDOT) approval.
How to Get a Sign Permit in Texas
Step 1: Check Local Requirements
Each city (Houston, Dallas, Austin, etc.) has its own process. Visit your city’s planning department website or consult a sign permit expediter.
Step 2. Submit Your Application
You’ll typically need:
- Site plans (showing sign location)
- Sign design specs (dimensions, materials, lighting)
- Property owner consent (if leasing)
Step 3. Pay Fees & Wait for Approval
- Permit fees range from $100–$1,000+, depending on sign size and city.
- Approval can take 2–8 weeks (longer for digital signs).
💡 Pro Tip: Work with a sign company like JetStar Signs—we handle permits for you!
Common Reasons Sign Permits Get Denied
Avoid these mistakes:
❌ Exceeding size/height limits
❌ Installing before approval (retroactive permits cost more)
❌ Ignoring neighborhood aesthetic rules
❌ Using prohibited materials (e.g., certain vinyls in historic areas)
How JetStar Signs Simplifies Compliance
Navigating Texas sign laws can be overwhelming—but we make it easy. Here’s how:
✅ Free Permit Guidance – We advise on local rules before designing your sign.
✅ Turnkey Permit Processing – Our team submits applications for you.
✅ Compliant Designs – We ensure your sign meets all zoning and safety codes.
Whether you need a small business sign or a large-scale pylon sign, we handle the red tape so you don’t have to.
2025 Texas Sign Trends That Comply With Codes
Want a modern sign that also follows the rules? Consider these compliant 2025 trends:
1. Slim-Profile LED Channel Letters
- Energy-efficient, bright, and often permitted in most zones.
2. Low-Height Monument Signs with Landscaping
- Meets height limits while enhancing curb appeal.
3. Non-Illuminated Corten Steel Signs
- Rustic, durable, and avoids lighting restrictions.
4. Changeable Copy Signs (Where Allowed)
- Swap messages without replacing the whole sign.
Need a Compliant Commercial Business Sign in Texas?
Don’t risk fines or delays—partner with JetStar Signs, Texas’s trusted sign design and permit experts.
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation—we’ll design, permit, and install your sign, hassle-free!
