Sign Regulations in Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas has specific sign regulations covering 712 sign types across 88 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Window Sign, Vehicular Sign, Marquee Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 5, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Dallas, Texas
Sample Sign Requirements in Dallas
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Sign - Single-Tenant Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | No minimum setback for single-tenant monument signs. |
| Detached Sign - Single-Tenant Non-Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | Minimum 15 ft setback |
| Detached Sign - Multi-Tenant Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 1:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10:1 area:height ratio) | Minimum 5 ft setback |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for DallasFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
712
- Window Sign
- Vehicular Sign
- Marquee Sign
- Detached Sign - Single-Tenant Monument
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
88
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Dallas
Other Cities in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
In Dallas, monument signs are limited to Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope). Height limits vary by zoning district and sign type. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your specific location.
To get a sign permit in Dallas, 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 Dallas, regulated sign types include Window Sign, Vehicular Sign, Marquee Sign, Detached Sign - Single-Tenant Monument, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Dallas, monument signs typically require a No minimum setback for single-tenant monument signs. setback from property lines. Setbacks may increase near residential zones or intersections. Wall signs attached to buildings generally don't have setback requirements. Use PermitPal for location-specific setback data.
Digital and LED signs in Dallas are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Dallas has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Dallas, Texas Sign Rules at a Glance
Dallas, Texas regulates 712 sign types across 88 zoning districts. Street Construction Alleviation Sign (Temporary Detached Premise)s in the MC-1 zoning district are capped at 8 ft tall, 16 sq ft, and 4 ft (square sign, 4x4 ft) wide, with a No minimum setback, but cannot be located in a public right‑of‑way. setback (Sec. Dallas Dev. Code §51A-7.212(c)-(g)). Most commercial signs in Dallas require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Dallas, Texas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Dallas (88 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR | 29 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| RR | 29 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| CS | 29 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| MC-1 | 34 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| MC-2 | 34 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| MU-1 | 34 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| SAH | 34 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| MU-2 | 34 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| A | 22 | 25 ft | 100 square inches (approx. 0.6944 sq ft) per sign | — |
| CH | 17 | 25 ft | 700 sq in per sign; cumulative 1,300 sq in per entrance for attached protective signs in Downtown SD but for non-business districts use protective sign general limit | — |
| O-2 | 6 | 25 ft | 50 sq ft effective area | — |
| GR | 6 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — |
| R(A) Single Family Residential District | 15 | 8 ft | Protective sign ≤100 sq in (detached); attached protective permitted; letters ≤4 in | — |
| TH(A) Townhouse District | 11 | 25 ft | 100 sq in (detached); letters ≤4 in | — |
| MF(A) Multifamily District | 12 | 25 ft | 100 sq in (detached); letters ≤4 in | — |
| CA-1 Central Area District | 16 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area-to-height ratio) | — |
| CA-2 Central Area District | 14 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft | — |
| SC Shopping Center District | 11 | Per tier; with allowed extension (cap 60 ft AGL) | Up to 200 sq ft | — |
| LC Local Retail District | 11 | Up to 35 ft | Up to 200 sq ft | — |
| HC Heavy Commercial District | 11 | As per tiers (with extension, cap 60 ft AGL) | Up to 200 sq ft | — |
| I-1 Industrial District 1 | 14 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area-to-height ratio cap) | — |
| I-2 Industrial District 2, I-3 Industrial District 3 | 14 | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area-to-height ratio cap) | — |
| Downtown Special Provision Sign District | 1 | — | — | — |
| Downtown Special Provision Sign District | 41 | ≤60 ft | Detached ≤700 sq in each; attached per entrance cumulative ≤1,300 sq in | — |
| Downtown Sign District | 44 | ≤60 ft | Detached: ≤700 sq in each (two allowed); Attached at entrances: ≤700 sq in per sign, cumulative ≤1,300 sq in per entrance | — |
| Downtown Sign District | 31 | ≤60 ft | Detached: ≤700 sq in each (two allowed); Attached per entrance: ≤700 sq in per sign, cumulative ≤1,300 sq in per entrance | — |
| Downtown Sign District | 10 | As per slope limits; expressway signs up to 40–60 ft with setbacks | Detached ≤700 sq in each (two allowed); Attached per entrance ≤700 sq in per sign; cumulative ≤1,300 sq in per entrance | — |
| Downtown Special Provision Sign District | 35 | Up to 60 ft | Up to 700 sq in per sign (detached or attached); cumulative attached protective messages per entrance may not exceed 1,300 sq in | — |
| Downtown Special Provision Sign District | 35 | Up to 60 ft | Up to 700 sq in per sign; cumulative attached per entrance ≤1,300 sq in | — |
| Downtown Special Provision Sign District | 16 | Middle-level area not to exceed 100 ft above grade | Counts toward middle-level and district-wide caps (30,000 sq ft total middle-level cap, see below). | — |
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Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Dallas(sample of 3 of 88 zones)
MC-1
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Sign - Single-Tenant Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — | No minimum setback for single-tenant monument signs. | 1 per street frontage; detached signs on same premise must be at least 200 ft apart. | Business zoning district premise; 1 detached sign per street frontage (non-expressway). Must not be in visibility triangle. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(2)-(10), (c); Sec. 51A-7.303(a)-(c); Sec. 51A-4.602(d) |
| Detached Sign - Single-Tenant Non-Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 15 ft setback | 1 per street frontage; 200 ft separation between detached signs on same premise. | Business zoning district premise; must not be in visibility triangle; non-monument signs restricted near residential/parks. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(b), (c); Sec. 51A-7.303(a)-(c) |
| Detached Sign - Multi-Tenant Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 1:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 5 ft setback | 1 per street frontage; 200 ft separation on same premise. | Business zoning district premise. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(d)(1)(A), (d)(2), (d)(3)(A), (d)(4); Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(8) |
| Detached Sign - Multi-Tenant Non-Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 1:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 5:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 15 ft setback | 1 per street frontage; 200 ft separation on same premise. | Business zoning district premise. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(d)(1)(B), (d)(2), (d)(3)(B), (d)(4); Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(3) |
| Detached Sign - Unity-Agreement Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 0.5:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 5 ft setback | 1 unity-agreement sign per street frontage; additional single-tenant monument signs allowed per premise under the unity agreement. | One unity-agreement sign per street frontage across premises joined by unity agreement; each premise may also have one single-tenant monument sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(e)(1)-(4); Sec. 51A-7.213 |
| Detached Sign - Unity-Agreement Non-Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 0.5:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 15 ft setback | As allowed under unity agreement: 1 unity sign per street frontage. | Business zoning district premise operating under a unity agreement. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(e)(2)(B), (e)(3)-(4); Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(3) |
| Expressway Sign (Premise) - Standard | 20/30/40 ft by tier; extension rule up to 50 ft or +30 ft over travel surface, total ≤60 ft above grade | 50/150/400 sq ft depending on setback tier | — | As per three-tier standard: ≥5 ft, ≥15 ft, or ≥25 ft from ROW. | 1 per 450 ft expressway frontage or fraction thereof. | Wholly within 100 ft of an expressway right-of-way and visible from main traveled way; 1 expressway sign per 450 ft of expressway frontage or fraction thereof. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(4)-(5), (f)(1)-(2), (a)(13.1) |
| Street Construction Alleviation Sign (Temporary Detached Premise) | 8 ft | 16 sq ft | 4 ft (square sign, 4x4 ft) | No minimum setback, but cannot be located in a public right‑of‑way. | Max two per premise; max one at any motor vehicle entrance. | On premises along a street segment under construction as noticed by the director; visible and oriented to the street under construction; not in right‑of‑way. | — | Unlock | Dallas Dev. Code §51A-7.212(c)-(g) |
MC-2
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Sign - Single-Tenant Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 setback-to-height slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — | No minimum setback for single-tenant monument signs. | 1 per street frontage; detached signs on same premise must be at least 200 ft apart. | Business zoning district premise; 1 detached sign per street frontage (non-expressway). Must not be in visibility triangle. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(2)-(10), (c); Sec. 51A-7.303(a)-(c); Sec. 51A-4.602(d) |
| Detached Sign - Single-Tenant Non-Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 2:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 8:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 15 ft setback | 1 per street frontage; 200 ft separation between detached signs on same premise. | Business zoning district premise; must not be in visibility triangle; non-monument signs restricted near residential/parks. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(b), (c); Sec. 51A-7.303(a)-(c) |
| Detached Sign - Multi-Tenant Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 1:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 5 ft setback | 1 per street frontage; 200 ft separation on same premise. | Business zoning district premise. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(d)(1)(A), (d)(2), (d)(3)(A), (d)(4); Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(8) |
| Detached Sign - Multi-Tenant Non-Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 1:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 5:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 15 ft setback | 1 per street frontage; 200 ft separation on same premise. | Business zoning district premise. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(d)(1)(B), (d)(2), (d)(3)(B), (d)(4); Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(3) |
| Detached Sign - Unity-Agreement Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 0.5:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 5 ft setback | 1 unity-agreement sign per street frontage; additional single-tenant monument signs allowed per premise under the unity agreement. | One unity-agreement sign per street frontage across premises joined by unity agreement; each premise may also have one single-tenant monument sign. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(e)(1)-(4); Sec. 51A-7.213 |
| Detached Sign - Unity-Agreement Non-Monument | Up to 35 ft (subject to 0.5:1 slope) | Up to 200 sq ft (subject to 10:1 area:height ratio) | — | Minimum 15 ft setback | As allowed under unity agreement: 1 unity sign per street frontage. | Business zoning district premise operating under a unity agreement. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(e)(2)(B), (e)(3)-(4); Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(3) |
| Expressway Sign (Premise) - Standard | 20/30/40 ft by tier; extension rule up to 50 ft or +30 ft over travel surface, total ≤60 ft above grade | 50/150/400 sq ft depending on setback tier | — | As per three-tier standard: ≥5 ft, ≥15 ft, or ≥25 ft from ROW. | 1 per 450 ft expressway frontage or fraction thereof. | Wholly within 100 ft of an expressway right-of-way and visible from main traveled way; 1 expressway sign per 450 ft of expressway frontage or fraction thereof. | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.304(b)(4)-(5), (f)(1)-(2), (a)(13.1) |
| Street Construction Alleviation Sign (Temporary Detached Premise) | 8 ft | 16 sq ft | 4 ft (square sign, 4x4 ft) | No minimum setback, but cannot be located in a public right‑of‑way. | Max two per premise; max one at any motor vehicle entrance. | On premises along a street segment under construction as noticed by the director; visible and oriented to the street under construction; not in right‑of‑way. | — | Unlock | Dallas Dev. Code §51A-7.212(c)-(g) |
Downtown Sign District
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Projecting Attached Sign - Lower | No part lower than 10 ft above grade and not higher than roof line or 25 ft above grade, whichever is lower | 30 sq ft effective area | — | Minimum 2 ft from back of curb if overhanging right-of-way | Max one per pedestrian entrance | Lower projecting zone at pedestrian entrances (max one per pedestrian entrance) | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.911(g)(1)-(2) (Retail A/B values); Sec. 51A-7.907(a) |
| Attached Non-Premise District Activity Videoboard Sign (SUP required) | Mounting clearance 15–35 ft above sidewalk for projecting formats | 100–150 sq ft effective area | — | 2 ft min from back of curb for projecting; subject to ROW licensing | Max one per block face; citywide cap 15 across Retail A/B | Only within defined Retail A/B area (bounded by Jackson St, Lamar St, Pacific Ave, Cesar Chavez Blvd) | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.909(a)-(g); Sec. 51A-7.910(a)-(c), (e) |
| Detached Premise Monument/Landscape Sign | 5 ft (≤15 ft setback <15 ft); 15 ft (setback ≥15 ft) | ≤20 sq ft and ≤5 ft height if within 15 ft of ROW; ≤50 sq ft and ≤15 ft height if setback ≥15 ft | — | ≥5 ft from ROW unless placed at building line as permitted | Base: 1 per frontage; +1 per 100 ft over 450 ft frontage | At or behind building line; not within 5 ft of ROW (monument/landscape may be at building line) | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.912(a)-(g); Sec. 51A-7.907(b)(1) |
| Retail Subdistrict B - Campus Identification Sign | 4 ft 6 in | 77 sq ft effective area; message area ≤70% of effective area | — | Within 15 ft of ROW | 1 | Within 15 ft of right-of-way on a building site with a single building ≥1.5 million sq ft floor area | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.912(h)(1), (5) |
| Retail Subdistrict B - Pedestrian-Oriented Concession Sign | 8 ft 8 in | 30 sq ft effective area per sign | — | ≥15 ft | Max 3 | Minimum setback 15 ft from ROW | — | Unlock | Sec. 51A-7.912(h)(4)-(5) |
| Detached Premise Signs - Standard (Retail B) | 5 ft or 15 ft respectively | 20 sq ft (≤15 ft setback) or 50 sq ft (≥15 ft setback) | — | ≥5 ft; monument/landscape may be at building line. | Per §7.912(g). | On-premise; not within 5 ft of ROW (monument/landscape at building line allowed). | — | Unlock | §51A-7.912(a)-(g) |
| Detached Premise Signs - Campus Identification (Retail B) | ≤4 ft 6 in | ≤77 sq ft | — | Within 15 ft of ROW. | 1 | Within 15 ft of right-of-way on a building site with a single building of ≥1.5 million sq ft floor area. | — | Unlock | §51A-7.912(h)(1) |
| Pedestrian-Oriented Concession Signs (Retail B) | ≤8 ft 8 in | ≤30 sq ft per sign | — | ≥15 ft | Up to 3. | Minimum setback 15 ft. | — | Unlock | §51A-7.903(24.1); §51A-7.912(h)(4),(5)(C),(G) |
PermitPal covers all 88 zoning districts in Dallas — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 88 zones for Dallas — start freeProhibited Signs in Dallas
- Signs may not use forms, words, colors, or lights that imitate standard public traffic regulatory or emergency signs or signals (Sec. 51A-7.202).
- Signs may not be located on a roof or project over a building, except as specifically allowed in Sec. 51A-7.305 (Sec. 51A-7.203(a)).
- Signs may not be located within or project over any public right-of-way, or across the public right-of-way line extended across a railroad right-of-way, except for: (1) signs attached to and projecting no more than 18 inches from a building wall legally at/near the right-of-way line, and (2) qualifying subdivision signs (Sec. 51A-7.203(b)).
- Portable signs are prohibited citywide (Sec. 51A-7.205(b)).
- Special purpose signs are prohibited in all business and non-business zoning districts unless expressly authorized in a special provision sign district or a planned development district (Sec. 51A-7.205(c)).
- Detached non-premise signs are prohibited citywide, subject to listed defenses/exceptions (e.g., nonconforming, certain sign types, SPDs/PDs authorization, lawful relocation, court/BOA orders, occasional sale signs) (Sec. 51A-7.306).
- No sign may be attached to specified rooftop/mechanical or similar structures on a building (e.g., elevator penthouse, mechanical rooms, cooling towers, tanks, cupolas, skylights, screens, chimneys, parapet walls over four feet, storage facilities), except for premise identification or a tenant occupying more than 50% of the floor area (Sec. 51A-7.211).
Exempt Signs in Dallas
- Government signs are not regulated by this article (except safe school zone signs must meet specific requirements) (Sec. 51A-7.207).
- Any sign that may display a commercial message may instead display a noncommercial message, and any sign that may display one type of noncommercial message may display any other type of noncommercial message (Sec. 51A-7.209(a)-(b)).
- Signs that contain primarily a political message are not regulated by this article when a permit is not required under Sec. 51A-7.602; such political signs on private real property with owner consent do not require a permit if they are no larger than 36 square feet, no taller than eight feet, are not illuminated, and have no moving elements (Secs. 51A-7.209(c) and 51A-7.602(b)).
- City kiosks: the display of signs on city kiosks is not regulated by this article; city kiosks must comply with the city-approved kiosk program (Sec. 51A-7.214(c)).
- Temporary street construction alleviation signs: during designated street construction periods, up to two additional detached premise signs are allowed per qualifying premise, subject to specified time, size, placement, and design limits (Sec. 51A-7.212).
Source: amlegal municipal code