# Sign Regulations in Laredo, Texas

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Laredo, Texas (TX)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/texas/laredo
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-08
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/TX/Laredo/codes/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH28STSIPUPL_ARTIISIOR)

## At a glance

Laredo, Texas regulates 20 sign types across 8 zoning districts. Freestanding Signs in the Agricultural District (AG), Single-Family Residential District (R-1), Single-Family Residential District (R-1A), Two-Family Residential District (R-2), Multi-Family Residential District (R-3), Single-Family Manufactured Home Residential District (RSM), Residential Suburban District (RS), Residential/Office District (RO) zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 12 sq. ft. (general); 36 sq. ft. (special facilities); 72 sq. ft. (digital, special facilities), with a 10 ft setback from property line setback (Sec. Sec. 28-38.a (Dimensional Table - Freestanding); Sec. 28-42 (Residential zones); Sec. 28-23 (Freestanding sign, Monument sign); Sec. 28-26(14)(c)). Most commercial signs in Laredo require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (8 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Agricultural District (AG), Single-Family Residential District (R-1), Single-Family Residential District (R-1A), Two-Family Residential District (R-2), Multi-Family Residential District (R-3), Single-Family Manufactured Home Residential District (RSM), Residential Suburban District (RS), Residential/Office District (RO) | 8 | 16 ft | 64 sq. ft. (total for 2 signs at each entrance) | — |
| Residential/Office District (RO) | 2 | 6 ft | 40 sq. ft. | — |
| Limited Business District (B-1), Restricted Business District (B-1R) | 3 | 15 ft | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| Central Business District / Arts and Entertainment District (CBD/AE) | 5 | 20% of building height | 100 sq. ft. | — |
| Business District (B-3), Business District (B-4), Light Manufacturing District (M-1), Heavy Manufacturing District (M-2), Mixed Use District (MXD) | 3 | 50 ft (all listed districts) | 150 sq. ft. (B-3); 200 sq. ft. (B-4); 350 sq. ft. (M-1, M-2, MXD) | — |
| Historic Districts | 2 | 15 ft | 72 sq. ft. | — |
| Overlay Districts | 1 | — | — | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 5 | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 8 zones)

### Agricultural District (AG), Single-Family Residential District (R-1), Single-Family Residential District (R-1A), Two-Family Residential District (R-2), Multi-Family Residential District (R-3), Single-Family Manufactured Home Residential District (RSM), Residential Suburban District (RS), Residential/Office District (RO)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 12 sq. ft. (general); 36 sq. ft. (special facilities); 72 sq. ft. (digital, special facilities) | — | — | 1 per non-residential use/facility | On building wall. Minimum 9 ft above grade, or no minimum for painted sign. Allowed only in conjunction with non-residential uses or in non-residential zoning district. For churches, parks, rec, schools, library, apartment complex of 40+ units, cultural facilities only. | — | Sec. 28-38.b (Dimensional Table - Attached); Sec. 28-42 (Signs permitted in residential zones); Sec. 28-23 (Wall sign); Sec. 28-26(14)(c); Sec. 28-43(b) |
| Freestanding Sign | 6 ft | 12 sq. ft. (general); 36 sq. ft. (special facilities); 72 sq. ft. (digital, special facilities) | — | 10 ft setback from property line | 1 per entrance/nonresidential use/special facility | On property, 10 ft setback from property line, not in right-of-way. Only for permitted nonresidential uses or facilities as designated. Subdivision entrance: 2 signs at entrance, combined total 64 sq. ft. | — | Sec. 28-38.a (Dimensional Table - Freestanding); Sec. 28-42 (Residential zones); Sec. 28-23 (Freestanding sign, Monument sign); Sec. 28-26(14)(c) |
| Monument Sign | 10 ft | 10 ft high, within provided size limits for wall/freestanding according to use | — | 10 ft setback | See Freestanding/Wall/Entrance sign limits | On property, 10 ft from property line, not in right-of-way | — | Sec. 28-42(6) |
| Directional/Informational Sign | — | 4 sq. ft. | — | — | As required | As situation requires, not in right-of-way | — | Sec. 28-38.a (Dimensional Table); Sec. 28-23 (Directional sign) |
| Subdivision Entrance Sign | 16 ft | 64 sq. ft. (total for 2 signs at each entrance) | — | Must comply with building line/setback requirements and intersection restrictions. | 2 per entrance | At subdivision entrance; on private property, offset from pavement, comply with safety and intersection restrictions | — | Sec. 28-23 (Subdivision sign), Sec. 28-42(1), Sec. 28-38 |
| Subdivision Identity Sign | — | — | — | — | 2 per entry (1 per side of street) | On or mounted to screening wall or engraved | — | Sec. 28-23 (Subdivision identity sign) |
| Kiosk Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. around perimeter | — | — | — | At subdivision or multifamily location | — | Sec. 28-42(4) |
| Banner (Temporary Sign) | — | 12 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On property | — | Sec. 28-42(7) |

### Central Business District / Arts and Entertainment District (CBD/AE)

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign | — | 100 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On facade | — | Sec. 28-38.b (Table Attached); Sec. 28-38.d (Historic Table Attached); Sec. 28-43(b) |
| Freestanding Sign | 15 ft | 72 sq. ft. | — | 2 ft | 1 per street frontage | On property; 2 ft setback; 1 per street frontage | — | Sec. 28-38.a (Freestanding Table); Historic Table |
| Awning Sign | 4 ft | 72 sq. ft. | 75% of awning length | — | — | May encroach into right-of-way if approved | — | Sec. 28-23 (Awning sign); 28-38.b |
| Projecting Sign | — | 80 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On facade, 8 ft clearance over pedestrian areas | — | Sec. 28-38.b, 28-38.d (Historic Table); Sec. 28-23 (Projecting sign) |
| Roof Sign | 20% of building height | 100 sq. ft. | — | — | — | Only permitted when no other sign is effective; may be on top of building. | — | Sec. 28-38.b (Attached Table), Sec. 28-43(d) |

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Address Sign | — | 2 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per street frontage | Front of building; legible from street. Commercial/industrial: also at rear (min 4 in. high) | — | Sec. 28-23 (Address sign); Sec. 28-42(8); Sec. 28-43(m) |
| Construction Sign | — | 32 sq. ft. | — | — | 1 per entity per project | At property under construction only. | — | Sec. 28-23 (Construction sign) |
| Garage Sale Sign | 4 ft. | 4 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from back of curb | 1 per street frontage | On private property having sale. | — | Sec. 28-23 (Garage sale sign) |
| Political Sign | 8 ft. | 32 sq. ft. | — | 10 ft from curb | — | On private property only; at least 10 ft from curb, not in right-of-way or easements. | — | Sec. 28-23 (Political sign) |
| Incidental Sign | — | 16 sq. ft. | — | — | — | On property (not in right-of-way) | — | Sec. 28-23 (Incidental sign); Sec. 28-38.f |

## Prohibited signs in Laredo

- Any sign not specifically permitted by this chapter or code of ordinances.
- Any sign expressly prohibited in this chapter.
- Any sign erected or installed without the issuance of a permit, if a permit was required.
- Any sign that emits odor, sound, or visible matter.
- Any sign erected or installed in or over a public right-of-way or access easement, unless specifically permitted or authorized by the city.
- Any sign that does not comply with this or other applicable municipal ordinances, or those which do not comply with federal or state laws.
- Any sign erected or installed on property not platted in accordance with the Land Development Code, unless specifically permitted or authorized by the city.
- Abandoned signs that remain after the associated event, purpose, or business has ceased, beyond fourteen (14) days.
- Fence signs in or adjacent to and facing residential zoning districts (except permitted nameplate signs).
- Improperly illuminated signs, including signs that create glare, have blinking/flashing/animated illumination unless permitted, create traffic hazards, or shine directly into travel ways, public streets, or residential areas.
- Signs that obstruct doors, windows, fire escapes, or block traffic (vehicular or pedestrian) in rights-of-way or fire lanes.
- Display of any portable or vehicle signs used primarily for advertising and parked for frequent or extended periods to advertise (with exceptions for certain construction trailers and law enforcement/emergency vehicles).
- Pennants and private flags (except as part of special event signage with permit or exceptions for country flags).
- Obscene signs or advertising structures.
- Signs emitting odor, sound, or visible matter causing distraction to people within a public right-of-way.
- Signs painted or attached to sidewalks, curbs, gutters, or streets (except house or street address numbers, traffic control signs/devices, wayfinding or city/state/federal placed signs).
- Signs constituting a traffic hazard, blocking visibility triangles, or interfering with authorized traffic signs or signals.
- Signs located in any easement (utility, drainage, etc.) except with demonstrated necessity and written approval from city engineer/franchise utility.
- Signs located in or over any public right-of-way, except as provided for government signs or as otherwise authorized.
- Signs attached to or painted on any tree or public utility pole or structure (except utility provider warning signs).
- Signs posted on property not platted in conformance to city subdivision regulations.
- Signs within ten feet of any telephone cable, power line, or street light standard.
- Electronic/color video signs in residential areas, except for schools and churches.
- Signs prohibited by ordinance, including any sign not expressly permitted or permitted without a required permit.
- Abandoned, neglected, dilapidated, deteriorated, or unsafe signs are declared nuisances and are prohibited.
- Vacant building signage except for sale/lease or actively leased signs.
- Portable signs and bench signs (except government bus benches).
- Roof signs, except in the central business district.
- Audible signs or signs emitting music or amplified sound.
- Naturally energized motion signs, such as wind-driven signs (with special event exemptions).
- Electronically energized animated signs (flashing, illusionary movement, animated), except changeable electronic message signs as permitted.
- Searchlights or skylights, except as allowed by special event certificate.
- No sign shall be permitted in intersection visibility triangles.
- Signs must not simulate or interfere with official traffic control devices.
- No sign may create a hazard due to collapse, fire, decay, abandonment, or cause traffic confusion.

## Signs exempt from permit in Laredo

- Signs required by law, street signs, traffic control signs and devices.
- Public signs or notices, or any sign related to an emergency, including signs erected by governmental entities.
- Signs or lettering on governmental buses and shelters, public/private school buses, taxis, or vehicles operating in the normal course of business (excludes vehicle/portable advertising signs).
- Temporary construction signs of thirty-two (32) square feet or less.
- Temporary directional/informational signs less than twelve (12) square feet that do not include advertising.
- Seasonal or holiday decorations within the appropriate holiday season.
- Memorial plaques.
- Nameplates less than three (3) square feet.
- Political signs.
- Athletic signs and scoreboards.
- Real estate signs located on the property advertised.
- Incidental signs.
- Temporary private signs such as, but not limited to, lost pet, birth announcements, birthdays, graduation, school activity signs, contractor signs, anniversaries.
- Governmental flags, including state, county or country flags.
- Signs not intended to be viewed from a public right-of-way.
- Window displays, product dispensers, and point of purchase displays.
- Scoreboards on athletic fields.
- Flags of any nation.
- Gravestones, barber poles, religious symbols, commemorative plaques.
- Display of street numbers or construction not defined as a sign.
- Official traffic or government signs.
- Maintenance of signs (cleaning, painting, repair, replacement of defective parts that do not alter sign copy, design, or structure) does not require a permit.
- Instructional/informational signs as defined, provided they do not advertise or draw attention to a business or product.
- Private property address signs.
- Government awareness signs and government community event signs as defined.

## Sign plan & submission notes

- A site plan (sign site plan) is required for special event signage, prior to erection of banners, stake signs, inflatable devices or similar for an event, and must be approved by the building official.
- A sign site plan is required for grand opening signage approval by the administrator.
- A sign site plan is required for large sales event signage approval by the administrator.
- A sign site plan is required for offsite promotional event signage approval by the administrator.
- A master sign coordination plan (unified development sign plan) is required for developments of one (1) acre or more.
- A unified development sign plan is required prior to the issuance of a sign permit, or as otherwise required, to determine sign locations, relationship to improvements, and uniformity among buildings/signs.
- For nonresidential and multifamily developments, a sign coordination plan must be submitted for city review with a concept/preliminary/site plan.
- For single-family and two-family developments, a sign coordination plan must be submitted for city review with a concept plan, preliminary plat, or final plat.
- A master sign plan is required for monument (unified development) signs (UDMS) prior to sign permit issuance.
- For subdivision monument signs, a site plan approved by the planning and zoning commission is required prior to sign permit issuance, unless waived by alternative documentation to city staff.
- Alternative subdivision identity signs may be approved as part of a master sign plan; the master sign plan must be submitted for review with the final plat, landscaping, and screening wall plans.
- No banners, stake signs, or inflatable devices may be erected for a special event until a site plan is approved by the building official showing locations.
- Exceptions or requests for exceeding maximum area/height for UDMS signs may be considered through review of a master sign plan and variance granted.

## 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 8 zoning districts in Laredo — every sign type, every field — are available with a free PermitPal account: https://app.permitpal.io/?address=Laredo+TX&override=true&utm_source=landing&utm_medium=city-page&utm_campaign=city-laredo

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