# Sign Regulations in Ferris, Texas

Sign permit rules, size and height limits, setbacks, and ordinance citations for Ferris, Texas, compiled by PermitPal from the jurisdiction's published municipal code.

- **Jurisdiction:** Ferris, Texas (TX)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/texas/ferris
- **Data last verified:** 2025-04-19

## At a glance

Ferris, Texas regulates 40 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Message Board Sign (By SUP, Not-For-Profit/Educational/Religious/Government)s in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 7 ft (unless SUP approval) tall and 50 sq ft, with a Minimum 10 ft from any property line fronting state road/highway; 50 ft from property line adjoining another property setback (Sec. § 154.084(A), § 154.085 Chart (Message board)). Most commercial signs in Ferris require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (4 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 11 | 42.5 ft | 675 sq ft | — |
| Non-residential C-O to I-H | 22 | 50 ft | 400 sq ft max with maximum bonuses | — |
| Residential: all R | 4 | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| MF-18 | 6 | 50 ft | 100 sq ft | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 4 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Message Board Sign (By SUP, Not-For-Profit/Educational/Religious/Government) | 7 ft (unless SUP approval) | 50 sq ft | — | Minimum 10 ft from any property line fronting state road/highway; 50 ft from property line adjoining another property | 1 per lot | On lot adjacent to a state road or highway; must be placed adjacent to road or highway; must be primary freestanding sign. | — | § 154.084(A), § 154.085 Chart (Message board) |
| Billboard (Relocated from Original Town Square Overlay District via SUP) | 42.5 ft | 675 sq ft | — | — | 1 | Lot adjacent to Interstate 45 frontage road, must be placed adjacent to such road | — | § 154.084(E), § 154.085 Chart (Billboard) |
| Political Sign (<3 sq ft) | — | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | On private property — not right-of-way except at polling place within rules | — | § 154.087(I), § 154.086 (Political) |
| U.S., Texas, or Patriotic Flag (Temporary & Exemption) | 35 ft residential, 75 ft non-residential | 12 sq ft residential, 100 sq ft non-residential | — | — | 1 per flag type | — | — | § 154.087(E); § 154.086 (U.S., Texas, or patriotic flag) |
| Decorative Flag (Color Only, Logo Allowed, No Text Allowed) | 25 ft max, 6 ft min to bottom of flag | 6 sq ft | — | — | Varies by street frontage | — | — | § 154.086 (Decorative flag) |
| Directional Sign (Exempt, less than 3 sq ft) | 3 ft | 3 sq ft | — | — | — | — | — | § 154.087(B) |
| Window Sign (Exempt, as defined) | — | 25% of window area (temporary), any size if exempt under § 154.087(F) | — | — | — | On or in window or door, visible from exterior | — | § 154.087(F), § 154.086 (Window) |
| Real Estate Sign (Exempt <6 sq ft for individual properties; see temp sign chart for larger) | — | 6 sq ft (exempt); 100 sq ft (temporary land sale sign) | — | — | 1 per frontage (land sale) | — | — | § 154.087(J); § 154.086 (Real estate land sale) |

### Non-residential C-O to I-H

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Primary Wall Sign | Top of parapet wall or roof eave | 200 sq ft | — | See setback requirements for wall sign edge (twice sign height from edge of wall); wall sign setback bonus applies with min. 150 ft setback from ROW. | Not specified; total area applies; 2 wall max. | Primary wall (with major entrance or common street address) | — | § 154.085 Chart (Primary wall (attached)); § 154.083(J,K) |
| Primary Wall Sign (Wall Sign Setback Bonus) | Top of parapet wall or roof eave | 400 sq ft max with maximum bonuses | — | Setback >150 ft, >250 ft, >350 ft, >450 ft | 2 wall max | Building walls set back over 150, 250, 350, or 450 feet from ROW | — | § 154.083(K) |
| Secondary Wall Sign | Top of parapet wall or roof eave | 100 sq ft | — | — | 2 wall max | Secondary wall facing street, ROW or parking lot | — | § 154.085 Chart (Secondary wall (attached)) |
| Freestanding Freeway Pole Sign | 50 ft | 200 sq ft | — | Subject to general sign set back rules; not in ROW | 1 per street frontage | On property, not in or projecting into public right-of-way. | — | § 154.085 Chart (Freestanding freeway pole (pylon)) |
| Freestanding Non-Freeway Pole Sign | 25 ft | 100 sq ft | — | Subject to general sign set back rules; not in ROW | 1 per street frontage, 2 maximum | On property, not in or projecting into public right-of-way. | — | § 154.085 Chart (Freestanding non-freeway pole (pylon)) |
| Freestanding Monument Sign | 7 ft | 75 sq ft | — | Subject to general sign setback rules; not in ROW | 1 per street frontage, 2 maximum | On property, not in or projecting into public right-of-way. | — | § 154.085 Chart (Freestanding monument) |
| Canopy Sign | Top of canopy fascia | 100 sq ft | — | — | On 2 sides of canopy only | On canopy covering gas pumps, drive thru lanes or parking areas | — | § 154.085 Chart (Canopy) |
| Monument Sign (Message Board Option via SUP) | 7 ft or as approved by SUP | 50 sq ft | — | 10 ft from property line fronting state road or highway, 50 ft from property line adjoining another property | 1 | Must be on lot adjacent to a state highway/road | — | § 154.084(A), § 154.085 (Message Board) |

### MF-18

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Multi-Family Entry Monument | 7 ft | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Entry to multi-family complex | — | § 154.085 (Multi-family entry monument) |
| Pennants (Temporary, Event/Grand Opening) | Highest point of roof | — | — | — | — | — | — | § 154.086 (Pennants) |
| Balloons over 24" (Temporary, Event/Grand Opening) | 50 ft | — | — | — | — | — | — | § 154.086 (Balloons over 24") |
| Inflatable Objects/Searchlights (Temporary, Event/Grand Opening) | 25 ft | — | — | — | — | — | — | § 154.086 (Inflatable objects/search lights) |
| Multi-Family Units For Rent or Lease Banner (Temporary) | Highest point of roof on building, or 15 ft for freestanding | 50 sq ft | — | — | 1 per street frontage, 2 max | On building or freestanding | — | § 154.086 (Multi-family units for rent or lease banner) |
| Temporary Residential Construction Sign | 15 ft | 100 sq ft | — | — | 1 per major existing street frontage | — | — | § 154.086 (Residential construction) |

## Prohibited signs in Ferris

- No person shall erect, reconstruct, alter, relocate or place any sign within the city except such signs as are permitted by this subchapter.
- No part of any sign shall be located any closer than 10 feet from the back of the curb, nor shall any part of any sign overhang the property line into the public right-of-way or into the adjacent property.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected in the 25-foot by 25-foot street visibility triangle at the intersection of two streets unless the sign projects with at least 11 feet of clearance.
- No sign or other advertising structure shall be erected in the 7-foot by 60-foot driveway visibility triangle at the intersection of a driveway with a street unless the sign projects with at least 10 feet of clearance.
- No sign shall be erected at any location where, by reason of position, shape or color it may interfere with, obstruct the view of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign or signal device, or which makes use of the words “stop,” “go,” “caution,” “look,” “danger,” or similar wording in a manner that interferes with, misleads or confuses traffic.
- All signs or other advertising structures erected where pedestrians might be endangered must have a smooth surface and no nails, tacks or wires permitted to protrude.
- Pole signs must have a minimum vertical clearance of 11 feet from the ground.
- Illuminated signs shall not be erected in such a manner as to interfere with traffic or pose health or safety hazards.
- All signs must be designed and constructed to withstand wind pressure of at least 70 mph wind load and meet building code requirements.
- All signs and support structures must be maintained in good repair and proper state of preservation. Display surfaces must be neatly painted or posted at all times. No sign is allowed to be frayed, discolored or torn.
- Off-premises advertising signs (billboards) are prohibited except as specified for relocated billboards through the SUP process.
- Roof signs are prohibited; however, signs are allowed on building towers or other architectural features.
- Projecting signs that extend more than 12 inches from the wall are prohibited.
- Searchlights or flashing lights are prohibited (except for message board signs or searchlights during approved special events or grand openings).
- Signs on utility poles or in the right-of-way are prohibited.
- Portable or moveable signs are prohibited in any zoning district or right-of-way or city easement (City of Ferris excepted).
- It is unlawful to attach a sign to a trailer, skid, or similar mobile structure if the primary use is to provide a base for the sign.
- Signs attached to vehicles are prohibited where the vehicle remains parked in the same location or vicinity for more than 3 business days, where the intent is to advertise.
- Signs placed on or affixed to vehicles or trailers parked on public right-of-way, public property, or private property to advertise a product or direct people to a business or activity are prohibited if the purpose is apparent advertisement.
- Double permit fees are required if sign installation or alteration is commenced or completed before obtaining the necessary permit.
- Violators may be fined, and noncompliant signs may be removed and destroyed or stored at owner's expense.

## Signs exempt from permit in Ferris

- Traffic control signs erected by the city or state.
- Directional signs less than 3 square feet in area and less than 3 feet in height.
- Menu board signs for drive-thru lanes at restaurants.
- Gasoline pricing signs less than 15 square feet.
- U.S., Texas or patriotic flags.
- Window signs as defined in § 154.081.
- Signs allowed by approval of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals for special events or outside sales and storage of merchandise.
- Balloons less than 24 inches in diameter.
- Political signs under 3 square feet in area.
- Real estate signs under 6 square feet in area for individual properties stating “For Sale,” “For Rent,” or “For Lease.”
- Maintenance, painting, repainting, or cleaning of an advertising structure or message thereon for an ongoing entity for which no structural changes are required (with exceptions as noted, e.g., for new businesses or lighted signs other than theater marquees with replaceable copy).
- Political signs as defined in § 154.087 (do not require sign permit fees).
- Signs permitted by the Board of Adjustment and Appeals for special events or outside sales and storage of merchandise (do not require sign permit fees).
- Church, charity, and civic signs (do not require sign permit fees).
- “Now hiring” signs (employment ads are exempt).
- Window signs as defined in § 154.087 (do not require sign permit fees).

## Sign plan & submission notes

- The application for a sign permit may require the filing of plans or other pertinent information if determined necessary by the Building Official.
- Whenever a site plan is required to be filed (per city zoning or development requirements), the site plan must show the proposed location of any signs to be erected, with size and height dimensions and elevations, and must include all existing signs.
- Standard plans reflecting the proposed scope of work may be filed with the Building Official as part of the sign permit application.
- A Master or sign plan is not universally required for all signs, but the Building Official may require plans as a condition for permit approval and compliance check.
- Variance or exceptions from sign regulations (regarding height, area, location, number) require action by the Board of Adjustment and Appeals, which involves a public meeting and formal process.

## Full detail

This page publishes an overview of every zoning district plus a sample of 3 districts in full. Complete zone-by-zone requirements for all 4 zoning districts in Ferris — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Ferris+TX&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-ferris

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