Sign Regulations in Corsicana, Texas
Corsicana, Texas has specific sign regulations covering 30 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Name Plate, Institutional Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts), Apartment Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts Permitting Apartments). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: April 27, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Corsicana, Texas
Sample Sign Requirements in Corsicana
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate | — | 2 sq ft | — |
| Institutional Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts) | 30 ft (functional standards for Institutional/On Site) | 30 sq ft | — |
| Apartment Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts Permitting Apartments) | 30 ft | 50 sq ft (Sec. 14-101); 80 sq ft maximum for apartment signs in free-standing context (Sec. 3.928(k)(1)); apply stricter where both apply. | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for CorsicanaFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
30
- Name Plate
- Institutional Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts)
- Apartment Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts Permitting Apartments)
- Real Estate Sign (Residential – On Site)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Corsicana
Other Cities in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Corsicana 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 Corsicana, 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 Corsicana, regulated sign types include Name Plate, Institutional Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts), Apartment Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts Permitting Apartments), Real Estate Sign (Residential – On Site), 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 Corsicana 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 Corsicana are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Corsicana has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Corsicana, Texas Sign Rules at a Glance
Corsicana, Texas regulates 30 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Business Sign (On-Site General Business/Primary Sign)s in the All Districts Except Residential (O, NS, GR, C, CA, I-1, I-2, PD, P, and any non-residentially used A/MF) zoning district are capped at 30 ft (100 ft on I-45 corridor if qualifying). tall and 150 sq ft for free-standing general business sign; wall signs see General Regulations., with a 15 ft from right-of-way to leading edge for primary sign (Sec. 3.922(a)); exceptions for monument signs. setback (Sec. Sec. 14-101(D); Functional Standards Table (General Business/On Site); Sec. 3.921; Sec. 3.922; definition of Primary Sign.). Most commercial signs in Corsicana require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Corsicana, Texas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Corsicana (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Residential Districts (A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, 2F, MF-1, MF-2 where used as residential) | 8 | 30 ft (functional standards for Institutional/On Site) | 400 sq ft (Sec. 14‑101(I)); functional table leaves area blank but confirms temporary nature. | — |
| All Districts Except Residential (O, NS, GR, C, CA, I-1, I-2, PD, P, and any non-residentially used A/MF) | 16 | 100 ft along I-45 (interstate height). | 400 sq ft | — |
| All Districts Permitting Apartments | 1 | 30 ft | 50 sq ft (older table) or 80 sq ft (current free-standing apartment sign standard); apply more recent when interpreting free-standing apartment ID signs. | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | Cannot extend above the wall to which attached; overall sign height also subject to general 30 ft maximum where applicable. | 150 sq ft area per sign (except I‑45 corridor free-standing signs are exempt from 150 sq ft limit). | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Corsicana(sample of 3 of 4 zones)
All Residential Districts (A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, 2F, MF-1, MF-2 where used as residential)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name Plate | — | 2 sq ft | — | — | — | On premises, identifying occupant/use; permitted in all residential districts | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(A), table (Name Plate – 2 Square Feet – All Residential Districts) |
| Institutional Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts) | 30 ft (functional standards for Institutional/On Site) | 30 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage (on-site); plus up to 2 off-site institutional signs citywide (see General Regulations). | On site at schools, churches, hospitals, or similar public institutions within residential districts; one per street frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(B) (Institutional Sign – 30 Square Feet – All Residential Districts); Sec. 3.928(l)(1); Functional Standards Table (Institutional/On Site). |
| Apartment Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts Permitting Apartments) | 30 ft | 50 sq ft (Sec. 14-101); 80 sq ft maximum for apartment signs in free-standing context (Sec. 3.928(k)(1)); apply stricter where both apply. | — | — | 1 per street frontage. | On site at apartment buildings/complexes in residential districts that permit apartments; one identification sign per street frontage. | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(C) (Apartment Sign – 50 Square Feet – All Districts Permitting Apartments); Sec. 3.928(k); Functional Standards Table (Apartment/On Site). |
| Real Estate Sign (Residential – On Site) | — | 12 sq ft (Sec. 14-101(G)); more restrictive 5 sq ft (+3 sq ft riders) in detailed temporary sign section; use 5+3 sq ft in Art. 3.900 context. | — | — | One per platted lot/tract; for acreage, one per each 200 ft of street frontage. | On site for sale/lease of property in residential districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(G) (Real Estate Sign – 12 Square Feet – All Residential Districts); Sec. 3.918(c)(1) (Residential real estate – 5 sq ft + 3 sq ft riders). |
| Construction Sign (On-Site – Residential Districts) | — | 60 sq ft | — | — | 1 per site + 1 stake sign (4 sq ft) per subcontractor. | On site, identifying project participants for construction on premises; allowed in all districts including residential. | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(H); Sec. 3.918(a), (h)(1)-(3); Functional Standards Table (Construction/On Site; Sub Contractors/On Site). |
| Development Sign (On-Site – Residential) | — | 400 sq ft (Sec. 14‑101(I)); functional table leaves area blank but confirms temporary nature. | — | — | One per project or per 100 acres; effectively one per street frontage on-site. | On site pertaining to development of land in residential areas; one per project or per 100 acres; one per street frontage under Art. 3.900. | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(I); Sec. 3.918(i); Sec. 3.928(j); Functional Standards Table (Development/On Site; Subdivision). |
| Political Sign (Residential) | — | 6 sq ft (functional standards for Political/Off Site – Residential) | — | — | — | Off site or on private residential property (not in right-of-way, not on public property or utility poles). | — | Unlock | Functional Standards Table (Political/Off Site – Residential – 6 sq ft, no lighting); Sec. 3.918(b). |
| Model Home Sign (On-Site – Residential) | — | 4 sq ft | — | — | 1 per model home. | On-site at model homes in residential subdivisions. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.918(j); Functional Standards Table (Model Home/On Site – 4 sq ft, temporary, 1 per home). |
All Districts Except Residential (O, NS, GR, C, CA, I-1, I-2, PD, P, and any non-residentially used A/MF)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Sign (Non-Residential) | 30 ft (functional standards institutional/on-site) | No restriction (Sec. 14‑101(B) for non-residential districts) | — | — | 1 per street frontage (on-site) + up to 2 off-site per institution. | On site at institutions in non-residential districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(B) (Institutional Sign – No Restriction – All Districts Except Residential); Functional Standards Table (Institutional/On Site). |
| Business Sign (On-Site General Business/Primary Sign) | 30 ft (100 ft on I-45 corridor if qualifying). | 150 sq ft for free-standing general business sign; wall signs see General Regulations. | — | 15 ft from right-of-way to leading edge for primary sign (Sec. 3.922(a)); exceptions for monument signs. | 1 ground or pole sign per street frontage. | On site in NS, GR, CA, C, I-1, I-2, PD; in O only by Specific Use Permit; not listed for P directly but P is a district where ground/primary signs may still be used subject to zoning table. | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(D); Functional Standards Table (General Business/On Site); Sec. 3.921; Sec. 3.922; definition of Primary Sign. |
| Advertising Sign / Billboard (Off-Site) | 30 ft; up to 100 ft for Interstate 45 corridor billboards (within 1,000 ft of ROW). | No restriction in Sec. 14‑101(E); but free-standing sign area limit 150 sq ft does not apply to Interstate 45 corridor signs. | — | — | No specific count; controlled by distance from residences and I‑45 corridor limits. | Permitted only in CA, C, I‑1, I‑2 (Sec. 14‑101(E)); further restricted to within 1,000 ft of I‑45 ROW for billboards (off‑premise advertising). | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-101(E); Sec. 3.928(f) (Billboard/Off Premise Advertising); Functional Standards Table (Advertising/Off Site). |
| Multiple-Tenant Sign (Free-Standing – Option 1: I-45 Frontage) | 100 ft along I-45 (interstate height). | 300 sq ft (or 360 sq ft if combined with identification sign). | — | — | 1 per street frontage. | On site along I‑45 corridor in business-zoned areas; one per street frontage for multiple-tenant sites. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.928(g)(1)-(4); Functional Standards Table (Multiple-Tenant/On Site – I‑45). |
| Multiple-Tenant Sign (Free-Standing – Option 2: Other Roads) | 30 ft | 200 sq ft (or 260 sq ft if combined with identification sign). | — | — | 1 per street frontage. | On-site multiple-tenant sites fronting roads other than I‑45. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.928(g)(2)-(4); Functional Standards Table (Multiple-Tenant/On Site – Other). |
| Identification Sign (Free-Standing – Option 1: I-45 Frontage) | 100 ft (interstate height). | 300 sq ft; up to 360 sq ft if also used as multiple-tenant sign. | — | — | 1 per street frontage. | On site at shopping centers, industrial/commercial parks, retail districts along I‑45 corridor. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.928(i)(1)-(3); Functional Standards Table (Identification/On Site – I‑45). |
| Identification Sign (Free-Standing – Option 2: Other Roads) | 30 ft | 200 sq ft; 260 sq ft if also used as multiple-tenant sign. | — | — | 1 per street frontage. | On-site along roads other than I‑45 for centers/parks/districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.928(i)(1)-(3); Functional Standards Table (Identification/On Site – Other). |
| Monument Sign (Free-Standing Low Profile) | 30 ft | — | — | Not in ROW; not within 8 ft of curb; outside sidewalk area. | 1 per street frontage. | On-site monument base sign in non-residential districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.928(h)(1)-(3); Functional Standards Table (Monument/On Site). |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Sign (All Districts) | Cannot extend above the wall to which attached; overall sign height also subject to general 30 ft maximum where applicable. | 40 sq ft minimum cap; otherwise 2 × wall/storefront lineal footage; must not exceed 75% of wall/storefront width. | — | — | — | Must be located on building of the business it advertises, in any zoning district. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.929(a)-(d); Sec. 3.919; Sec. 14-104; Sec. 3.912. |
| Free-Standing Signs, Pole or Ground (Primary Signs – All Districts) | 30 ft overall height; 100 ft along I‑45 corridor within 1,000 ft of ROW. | 150 sq ft area per sign (except I‑45 corridor free-standing signs are exempt from 150 sq ft limit). | — | 15 ft from ROW to leading edge for primary sign; monument sign special setbacks; movement control signs exempt from setback. | 1 free-standing sign per free-standing building; multiple-tenant sites must present tenants on one multiple-tenant sign per frontage. | Each free-standing building allowed one free-standing sign; multiple-tenant sites must use multiple-tenant sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.928(a)-(e); Sec. 3.921; Sec. 3.922; Sec. 3.912. |
| Traffic Movement Control Sign | — | 12 sq ft | — | Exempt from setback; still must be off ROW. | No limit. | On any premises (other than single-family residence) to direct vehicles/pedestrians; cannot be in ROW and cannot obstruct traffic view at window height. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.924(1)-(4). |
| Prohibited Signs (General Prohibition Category) | — | — | — | — | — | All zoning districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 3.917(1)-(10); Sec. 14-104; Sec. 3.925(a). |
| Non-Conforming and Obsolete Signs (Regulatory Category) | — | — | — | — | — | All districts. | — | Unlock | Sec. 14-105; Sec. 3.914; Sec. 3.915. |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Corsicana — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 4 zones for Corsicana — start freeProhibited Signs in Corsicana
- No sign shall be constructed to exceed the maximum building height permitted in the specific district where the sign is located, except that in shopping centers or similar commercial or office centers containing six acres or more, pylon or major identification signs not to exceed seventy‑five feet in height may be erected when set back from the side and rear property line a distance equal to the height of the sign and when such signs comply with the Building Code.
- No sign shall be located or constructed so as to interfere with or confuse the control of traffic on the public streets.
- No sign shall use a rotating beacon, beam, or flashing illumination resembling an emergency signal.
- Any non‑conforming sign which is damaged or is deteriorated to a point where its restoration cost exceeds 50 percent of its replacement value shall be removed.
- No sign shall be erected so as to project into the public right‑of‑way of any street or alley, except in the CA, Central Area District (and in CA any projecting sign shall not extend outward more than ten feet or to within eighteen inches of the curb, whichever is more restrictive).
- No advertising sign structure shall contain more than two sign panels facing in the same direction.
- No sign shall be erected in violation of the building code of the City.
- No sign shall exceed 30 feet overall height, except Interstate 45 signs may reach a maximum height of 100 feet subject to location requirements.
- A sign used as the primary sign for a business must have a setback of 15 feet from the right‑of‑way to the leading edge of the sign (except monument signs, which still may not be located in the right‑of‑way or within 8 feet of the curb, nor in an area where a sidewalk would be placed).
- The light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that the intensity or brightness is not hazardous or objectionable to adjacent or surrounding areas and does not create a traffic hazard.
- No sign shall be located on a public right‑of‑way or public access easement, except traffic regulatory signs and government signs.
- No sign shall overhang public property unless a variance is granted by the Board of Adjustment; buildings with a zero lot line may install a sign that extends over the right‑of‑way for a maximum of eighteen inches, with the sign no closer than five feet to traffic lanes and at least ten feet of clearance under the sign, and an encroachment agreement must be executed for any sign overhanging public property.
- No person shall attach any sign, paper or material, or paint, stencil or write any name, number (except house number) or otherwise mark on any sidewalk, curb, gutter or street, except for City‑sanctioned events.
- Any sign that contains statements, words, or pictures of obscene, indecent, or immoral character that will offend community public morals or decency is prohibited.
- No revolving beam or beacon of light resembling any emergency vehicle light shall be permitted as part of a sign display in any zoning district.
- No sign shall be located so as to obstruct the vision or sight distance of motor vehicle operators or pedestrians at any street intersection, street crossing or other area of traffic concentration.
- Imitation of traffic and emergency signs is prohibited; no sign may use combinations of forms, words, colors, or lights that imitate standard public traffic regulatory or emergency signs or signals.
- Portable signs are prohibited (after the six‑month phase‑out period from adoption of the article).
- No person shall attach or maintain any sign upon any tree or public utility pole or structure in public right‑of‑way.
- Any sign that emits sound, odor, or visible matter which would serve as a distraction to persons within a public right‑of‑way is prohibited.
- Any sign not permanently or adequately attached to a building, approved sign pole, or structure is prohibited.
- Signs in or over the right‑of‑way are prohibited except for special annual festival signs approved by the City (which may not have their leading edge closer than five feet from the existing public right‑of‑way).
- Signs shall not be placed in the right‑of‑way (including traffic movement control signs and other exempt categories, unless specifically allowed).
- Signs may not be posted on any tree or public utility pole for garage sales.
- Signs are not allowed on vehicles where the vehicle remains parked in the same location or vicinity for 72 consecutive hours or more, or at frequent or extended periods of time, where the intent is apparent to use the vehicle and signs for advertising purposes.
- Free‑standing sign projections must provide a minimum of 10 feet of clearance above any walkway and 16 feet above driveways and traffic areas.
- Wall signs shall not extend above the wall to which they are attached.
- The exposed face of a wall sign shall be no more than 12 inches from the wall (18 inches for electric wall signs).
- Wall signs must be located on the building of the business they are advertising.
- In the Historic Main Street District, signs must still pass building and safety codes (and be consistent with style requirements).
Exempt Signs in Corsicana
- Permits are not required to restore or repair a sign to its original condition (provided no major structural change occurs).
- Permits are not required for temporary signs such as political signs and special event signs, provided they comply with all other applicable sections of the article.
- Business/industry real estate signs not exceeding 32 square feet, advertising the sale or lease of business/industrial property, do not require a permit, provided they comply with all other applicable sections.
- Public signs of a non‑commercial nature and in the public interest (such as safety, danger, trespassing, traffic, memorial, historical interest, and similar signs) erected by or on the order of a public official in the performance of public duty are exempt from all provisions of the article except structural and safety regulations required by the Building and Electrical Codes.
- Signs for City‑sanctioned events are exempt from permitting procedures but must be removed within five working days after the event.
- Governmental signs (erected or maintained pursuant to and in discharge of governmental function, required by law or regulation, or located on property owned, leased or controlled by federal or state government) are exempt from the provisions of the article, except that right‑of‑way/public access easement location rules still apply.
- Display of national or state flags, flags, insignia, legal notices, informational, directional, or traffic signs required or necessary to essential government functions is not restricted by this article (other than general location/safety codes).
- Railway signs within or on railway property placed or maintained in reference to railway operation are exempt from the provisions of this article (subject to right‑of‑way/public access easement location rules).
- Utility signs marking utility or underground communication or transmission lines are exempt from the provisions of this article (subject to right‑of‑way/public access easement location rules).
- Signs not visible from any public street are exempt from the provisions of this article, except for location limitations in public right‑of‑way or public access easement.
- Holiday signs that are temporary and contain only holiday messages with no commercial advertising are exempt from the provisions of this article, except right‑of‑way/public access easement rules.
- Hand‑held signs and signs, symbols or displays on persons or animals are exempt from the provisions of this article (subject to right‑of‑way/public access easement rules).
- Commemorative plaques of recognized historical societies and organizations are exempt from the provisions of this article (subject to right‑of‑way/public access easement rules).
- Signs located on mail boxes, newspaper vending machines and curbside residential newspaper holders that identify the owner and address of the premises or the name of the newspaper are exempt, provided they are not placed so as to interfere with safe movement of pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
- Signs on outdoor machines, devices or equipment (such as coin‑operated vending machines, fuel pumps, telephone facilities, ATMs, vacuum cleaners, amusement rides) that display trademarks, trade names, manufacturer, cost, operating instructions or similar information, and do not advertise the business where located, are exempt from the provisions of this article (subject to right‑of‑way/public access easement rules).
- Signs on the field side of scoreboards and fences of athletic fields are exempt from the provisions of this article (subject to right‑of‑way/public access easement rules).
- Traffic movement control signs on premises (other than single‑family residences) are exempt from setback requirements (though they must comply with other listed standards).
- Construction trailers with current building permits on construction sites are exempt from the prohibition on vehicular signs.
- Non‑profit and community event banners do not require a banner permit but must comply with banner standards and be removed within five business days of the event closing.
- Blade signs (banana banners), pennants, inflatable signs, and flags used as temporary signs do not require a permit, but must be in good condition, professionally made, securely anchored, not located in the right‑of‑way, and not obstruct motorists’ views.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Corsicana
- There is no explicit requirement in the provided text for a master sign plan or coordinated sign plan for a site; however, applications for sign permits must include a drawing of all existing signs and their relationship to the new sign on and adjacent to the subject property (Sec. 3.908(2)), effectively requiring a site‑level inventory with each permit application.
- Hand‑painted signs (other than those prepared by a professional sign painter and compliant political signs) must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission (Sec. 3.927), functioning as a case‑by‑case design approval rather than a master sign plan.
- Any variance or exception to the sign ordinance requires a formal application and is determined by the Zoning Board of Adjustments (Sec. 3.906); no separate variance‑specific sign plan is mentioned beyond that process.
- In the Historic Main Street District, variances for signs are determined administratively by the Main Street Director and the Code Enforcement Officer (Sec. 3.930), but no explicit master sign plan requirement is stated.
- Any projecting sign or overhanging sign on public property requires an encroachment agreement in accordance with this article and applicable codes (Sec. 3.917(1), Sec. 3.929(d)); this is an agreement, not a master sign plan, but may entail site‑specific documentation of signage.
Source: municode municipal code