Sign Regulations in Bells, Texas
Bells, Texas has specific sign regulations covering 7 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Window Signs, Electronic Changeable Message Sign, Billboard. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 9, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Bells, Texas
Sample Sign Requirements in Bells
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Window Signs | — | 20% of the glass surface | — |
| Electronic Changeable Message Sign | — | Greater than 12 sq. ft. must be 600 ft. apart | — |
| Billboard | 30 ft. | 672 sq. ft. | Comply with accessory structure setbacks |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
Sign Types Covered
7
- Window Signs
- Electronic Changeable Message Sign
- Billboard
- Awning
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
3
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Bells vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Bells, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Bells, regulated sign types include Window Signs, Electronic Changeable Message Sign, Billboard, Awning, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Bells vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Bells are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Bells has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Bells, Texas Sign Rules at a Glance
Bells, Texas regulates 7 sign types across 3 zoning districts. Billboards in the M1– Light Industrial, C2–General Commercial zoning district are capped at 30 ft. tall and 672 sq. ft., with a Comply with accessory structure setbacks setback (Sec. § 12.04(b)(3)). Most commercial signs in Bells require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Bells, Texas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Bells (3 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresidential zoning districts | 2 | — | 20% of the glass surface | — |
| M1– Light Industrial, C2–General Commercial | 1 | 30 ft. | 672 sq. ft. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 4 | 30 ft. | 200 sq. ft. per side | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Bells
Nonresidential zoning districts
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Window Signs | — | 20% of the glass surface | — | — | — | Nonresidential districts | — | Unlock | § 12.03(m) |
| Electronic Changeable Message Sign | — | Greater than 12 sq. ft. must be 600 ft. apart | — | — | 1 per business | Nonresidential zoning districts | — | Unlock | § 12.06(d)(5) |
M1– Light Industrial, C2–General Commercial
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard | 30 ft. | 672 sq. ft. | — | Comply with accessory structure setbacks | — | Along State Highways | — | Unlock | § 12.04(b)(3) |
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awning | Must not exceed height of building | 25% of awning up to 50 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per awning | — | — | Unlock | § 12.04(a) |
| Monument or Ground | 6 ft. | 72 sq. ft. per side | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Street frontage | — | Unlock | § 12.04(a) |
| Wall Mount Sign | Must not exceed height of building | 10% of wall up to 140 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per facade facing street | Facade facing street or public right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 12.04(a) |
| Pole Sign | 30 ft. | 200 sq. ft. per side | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Street frontage | — | Unlock | § 12.04(a) |
Illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type in Bells are available with a free PermitPal account.
Start freeProhibited Signs in Bells
- Any signs not expressly permitted are prohibited.
- Unlicensed or inoperable stationary or abandoned motor vehicles, trailers or watercraft parked on public or private property used specifically for signage and not for the intended use of the vehicle are prohibited.
- Double-wide sign structures, that is, a single sign structure on which two or more billboards, or other type of signs, are placed or located side-by-side and facing the same direction are prohibited.
- Signs that simulate or could in any way be confused with the lighting of emergency vehicles or traffic signals are prohibited.
- Signs that blink, flash, are animated by lighting in any fashion or have the appearance of traffic safety signs, or lights, or municipal vehicle warnings from a distance are prohibited.
- Illuminated signs within 100 feet of a residential zoned district are prohibited unless it is designed to not reflect or shine light onto the residential district.
- Rotating signs or signs having moving members or parts, or appearance of movement are prohibited.
- Signs attached to any utility pole, light standard, street tree or any other public facility located within the public right-of-way are prohibited.
- Signs, except for billboards, which identify a use or advertises products and services not available on the premises on which the sign is located are prohibited.
- Portable signs are prohibited except where expressly allowed in this article.
- Signs erected above the roof line of a building are prohibited.
- Signs that make use of the words 'Stop,' 'Look,' 'Go,' 'Slow,' 'Caution,' or 'Danger,' or any other words, phrases, symbols, or characters, in such a manner as to interfere with, mislead, or confuse traffic are prohibited.
- Signs that prevent free and unobstructed access to any door, window, fire escape, or other required exit are prohibited.
- Signs located in such a manner as to obstruct or otherwise interfere with an official traffic sign, signal or device or obstruct or interfere with a driver’s view of approaching, merging or intersecting traffic are prohibited.
- Signs located in, encroaching upon or overhanging public rights-of-way are prohibited, except awning, marquee and wall signs overhanging the sidewalk, as permitted in section 12.04.
- Signs which are deemed structurally unsafe or are constructed in violation of the requirements of any adopted Construction Code are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Bells
- Permanent signs on vending machines or other containers, provided that the sign area of each device shall not exceed three (3) square feet.
- Flags provided there shall be no more than three (3) flags per lot, the maximum size of each flag shall be 50 square feet, and the flag poles comply with height limitations of Section 2.09.
- Help wanted signs soliciting employees for the place of business where posted, provided that the maximum total area for all such signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet.
- Any sign that is located completely within a building and is not visible from the outside.
- Plaques or signs designating a building or premises as a historic structure or premises not to exceed twelve (12) square feet.
- Signs affixed to buildings of commercial businesses that do not exceed four (4) square feet.
- Murals shall be allowed after review and approval by Planning and Zoning Commission.
- Signs for the sole purpose of identifying an assigned house number, owner name, occupant, or building name. Identification signs of two (2) square feet in surface display area shall not be counted in the total sign area allowed on the premises.
- Public signs, including the authorized signs of a government body or public utility, including traffic signs, legal notices, railroad crossing signs, warnings of a hazard, historical landmark or building designation signs, and similar signs.
- Non-commercial signs on residential property shall be permitted provided they are set back a minimum of ten (10) feet from the public right-of-way or any lot line and are limited to 32 square feet and do not exceed 3 signs per lot.
- Signs directing and guiding traffic and parking on private property, but bearing no advertising, including logos.
- No Trespassing and other types of warning signs are allowed in all areas; not to exceed three (3) square feet per sign.
- Window signs shall be permitted in all nonresidential districts, up to 20% of the glass surface.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Bells
- The application shall include a certified site plan showing compliance with the spacing and separation distances required by this Article.
- Conversion of an existing sign to a changeable message sign shall require a permit under this article.
- Application for a permit for a sign shall be filed with the City Secretary and shall provide the following information: Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant; Location of the building, structure, or lot on which the sign is to be attached or erected; Position of the sign in relation to buildings, structures, and property lines within 100 feet of the proposed sign; Plans showing the dimensions, materials, method of construction, and attachment to the building or in the ground; Copies of stress sheets and calculations, if deemed necessary, showing the structure as designed for dead load and wind pressure; Name and address of the person, firm, or corporation owning, erecting, and maintaining the sign; Information concerning required electrical connections; Written consent of the owner or lessee of the premises upon which the sign is to be erected; Other information required by the City Secretary to make the determination that the sign is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.