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!