Sign Regulations in Cleburne, Texas

Cleburne, Texas has specific sign regulations covering 16 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Landmark Sign, Post and Panel Sign, Multi-Pylon Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.

Data last verified: April 19, 2025

Sign Regulation Overview for Cleburne, Texas

Sample Sign Requirements in Cleburne

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaSetback
Electronic Message Board or Kinetic Message SignPercentage of total permitted sign area determined by sign type and enclosure (see Additional Requirements)
Portable Sign20 sq ft (if not otherwise specified)
Temporary Post and Panel Sign (Election/Non-Commercial)8 ft (election); height not specified for other36 sq ft (election); 20 sq ft (realty/rent non-election)

* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.

PermitPal Coverage for CleburneFull Coverage

Sign Types Covered

16

  • Landmark Sign
  • Post and Panel Sign
  • Multi-Pylon Sign
  • Perimeter Wall Sign
  • +2 more types

Zoning Districts

18

Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations

Data Includes

  • Permit requirements
  • Height restrictions
  • Illumination rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Sign height limits in Cleburne 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 Cleburne, 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 Cleburne, regulated sign types include Landmark Sign, Post and Panel Sign, Multi-Pylon Sign, Perimeter Wall Sign, 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 Cleburne 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 Cleburne are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cleburne has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.

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Cleburne, Texas Sign Rules at a Glance

Cleburne, Texas regulates 16 sign types across 18 zoning districts. Temporary Post and Panel Sign (Election/Non-Commercial)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 8 ft (election); height not specified for other tall and 36 sq ft (election); 20 sq ft (realty/rent non-election) (Sec. § 156.41(D)). Most commercial signs in Cleburne require a permit.

Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cleburne, Texas

Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cleburne (18 zones)

Zoning DistrictSign Types RegulatedMax HeightMax AreaPermit Required
General Regulations For All Zones58 ft (election); height not specified for other50 sq ft or 50% of facade, whichever is less
Regional Corridor District640 ft200 sq ft
Approach Corridor430 ft150 sq ft
Central Corridor318 ft200 sq ft
Regional Node (Lots fronting a freeway)240 ft200 sq ft
Regional Node (Lots not fronting a freeway)230 ft450 sq ft
Community Commercial Node (Lots fronting an arterial)233 ft150 sq ft
Community Commercial Node (Lots not fronting an arterial)215 ft75 sq ft
Transportation and Industry Node (Lots fronting an arterial)233 ft150 sq ft
Transportation and Industry Node (Lots not fronting an arterial)118 ft90 sq ft
Downtown TDA18 ft35 sq ft
Industrial TDA430 ft150 sq ft
Lakefront TDA330 ft150 sq ft
Villages215 ft60 sq ft
Center City Communities215 ft60 sq ft
Preservation District236 ft24 sq ft
Traditional Neighborhood18 ft24 sq ft
Sustainable Communities18 ft24 sq ft

Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cleburne(sample of 3 of 18 zones)

General Regulations For All Zones

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
BillboardNot allowed in any zone. Existing legal, non-conforming billboards may remain but cannot be converted to digital display.Unlock§ 156.04(G); § 156.20(L)
Electronic Message Board or Kinetic Message SignPercentage of total permitted sign area determined by sign type and enclosure (see Additional Requirements)Unlock§ 156.38(D)(4)
Portable Sign20 sq ft (if not otherwise specified)Permitted on all premises except within visibility triangles/ROW (see Additional Requirements)Unlock§ 156.41(C)
Temporary Post and Panel Sign (Election/Non-Commercial)8 ft (election); height not specified for other36 sq ft (election); 20 sq ft (realty/rent non-election)Not in ROW/roadway medians/city property, except on polling place days.Unlock§ 156.41(D)
Accessory Structure Sign50 sq ft or 50% of facade, whichever is lessVisible surface(s) of auxiliary building/structure (gas canopy etc)Unlock§ 156.38(D)(1)

Regional Corridor District

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Landmark Sign40 ft200 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(1)
Elevated Sign25 ft100 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(1)
Ground Sign8 ft50 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(1)
Perimeter Wall Sign8 ft35 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(1)
Horizontal Mast Sign18 ft15 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(1)
Sign on Glass40% of window areaBuilding glass/fenestrationUnlock§ 156.40(C)(1)

Approach Corridor

Sign TypeMax HeightMax AreaMax WidthSetbackSigns AllowedLocationPermit RequiredPremium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account)Ordinance Citation
Landmark Sign30 ft150 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(2)
Post and Panel Sign18 ft90 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(2)
Pole Sign15 ft50 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(2)
Ground Sign6 ft45 sq ftUnlock§ 156.40(C)(2)

PermitPal covers all 18 zoning districts in Cleburne — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.

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Prohibited Signs in Cleburne

  • No sign shall be erected, installed, constructed, displayed, maintained, reconstructed, placed, located, relocated, or made use of if it is located on private property without the consent of the owner of the premises or persons holding the present right of possession and control.
  • Signs are prohibited in or interfering with the use of a required off-street parking space or maneuvering area.
  • Unsafe signs, including those that are or become deteriorated, dilapidated, in danger of falling, or otherwise unsafe, are prohibited.
  • Any private sign located on or attached to a public street light, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, traffic control device, street sign, or other public structure or building; or located in, on, over, or within a public street, sidewalk, alley, easement or right-of-way is prohibited. Exceptions: projecting signs in the downtown district, or wayfinding signs, kiosks, or banners as permitted by license.
  • Signs that do not comply with any applicable provision of a building code, electrical code, or other applicable ordinance of the city are prohibited.
  • Signs located on trees and shrubs are prohibited.
  • Signs which employ a motion picture machine, display moving images, or images which give the impression of motion, including those using digital display, are prohibited.
  • Signs located or illuminated in such a manner as to obscure or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device; or as to obstruct/interfere with the view of a driver of approaching, emerging, or intersecting traffic; or to prevent any traveler from obtaining a clear view of approaching vehicles for a distance of 250 feet along the street are prohibited.
  • No sign other than a traffic control sign or signal is permitted in a triangle sight area at all intersections, including that portion of public right-of-way and any corner lot within a triangle formed by extending 25 feet along property lines from the street corner intersection.
  • Signs illuminated (from within or without) in such a manner, to such intensity, or without proper shielding, so as to constitute a hazard to the operation of motor vehicles or substantially interfere with reasonable enjoyment of residential property are prohibited.
  • Signs with any intermittent illumination, including flashing, fading, revolving or blinking lights, or any type of moving, traveling, or changing message by means of illumination are prohibited.
  • Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers which are parked in the public right-of-way, public property, or private property so as to be visible from the public right-of-way where the apparent purpose is to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity located on the same or nearby property are prohibited. Exception: signs incidental to primary use, sale, or ownership of the vehicle or trailer.
  • Off-premise outdoor commercial advertising signs are prohibited.
  • Billboards are prohibited.
  • Signs which imitate or resemble official traffic signs, signals, or devices, including those using a revolving beam or beacon resembling any emergency vehicle, or located or illuminated in such manner as to obscure/interfere with the view of a driver approaching vehicles from a distance of 250 feet along the street are prohibited.
  • New billboards are prohibited (no new billboards and existing legal non-conforming billboards may not be converted to digital display).

Exempt Signs in Cleburne

  • Signs owned, directed, initiated, and/or required by governmental bodies or specifically authorized for a public purpose by any law, statute, or ordinance.
  • Signs warning the public of the existence of a physical hazard or danger but containing no advertising material and which are removed within three days upon the subsidence of danger. Such warning signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location or illumination as necessary to warn the public of the existence of danger.
  • Signs owned and initiated by a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or similar regulatory devices, legal notices, warning at railroad crossings, and other instructional or regulatory signs related to health, hazard, parking, swimming, dumping, etc.
  • Address numerals and other signs required to be maintained by law or governmental order, rule or regulation, provided content and size do not exceed the requirement of law, order, rule, or regulation.
  • Signs used as scoreboards in athletic stadiums.
  • Directional signs owned by and erected only by direction of a duly constituted governmental body which direct vehicles and pedestrian traffic.
  • Directory signs located in or adjacent to entrances or foyers.
  • Instructional signs providing no advertising of any kind which provide direction or instruction to guide persons to nonprofit facilities intended to serve the public (e.g., restrooms, public telephones, public walkways, parking areas, etc).
  • Wayfinding sign systems that are part of a directional system within the city or area intended to facilitate wayfinding by patrons, visitors, and residents, not for advertising purposes but may include the name and/or logo of a commercial destination.
  • A comprehensive list of items NOT considered signs (from the definition of 'sign'), including: aerial banners towed behind aircraft, decorative or architectural building features not conveying communicative content, messages on ATMs, cornerstones, inscriptions on grave markers/historical monuments, seasonal residential decorations (max 45 days/year), visual items entirely within a building and not visible outside, marks on products by manufacturers, images on transit vehicles, messages/images on news racks, personal appearance items, safety warnings on equipment, searchlights for emergency operations, messages/images on vehicles or properly licensed watercraft, flags, information placed on merchandise for sale, handheld signs not attached to the ground, and architectural integration of non-commercial symbols.
  • Certain maintenance activities: changing the face of a sign does not require a sign permit provided only the sign face changes, not the sign type, height, or shape.

Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cleburne

  • A sign permit is required for the erection, construction, relocation, alteration, repair, or maintenance of any sign, except where specifically exempted (see §156.09(A)).
  • A permit and approval are required for any sign proposed on public property; Building Official approval required (see §156.09(A)).
  • Applications for sign permits must include scaled drawings of the sign and all other signs on premises, building façade drawing showing sign placement, and structural/electrical engineering certification as required (see §156.09(B)).
  • Sign plans and additional information may be required when determined necessary by the Building Official to ensure compliance (see §156.09(B)).
  • An electrical permit is required prior to the issuance of a sign permit if electrical wiring and connections are to be used (see §156.09(C)).
  • In certain cases, such as signs in the public right-of-way, additional approval processes are required, including submittal of a sign location map, review by the Design Review Committee, placement on Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council agendas, and approval of a right-of-way or license agreement (see §156.41(F)(10)).
  • Appeals relating to denial of a sign permit, or requests for a variance to standards, are made first to the Building Official and then to the City Council as per §156.10. Variances are considered by City Council in a noticed meeting within 45 days of application.
  • Project development plans with entry signs encroaching on public right-of-way must be approved by City Council at the time the project development plan is approved (§156.41(E)(3)).
  • Signs on public property or within the right-of-way require a license or right-of-way agreement with the City Council, with full details of types, locations, sizes, and sign plans included in the application (§156.41(F)).
  • Sign districts and standards are determined according to the adopted land use districts (see §156.40). Sign type, number, size, height, and placement are regulated by district.
  • If a variance is needed from the sign chapter, a specific application and hearing at City Council is required, with possible public notice (see §156.10).