Sign Regulations in Melissa, Texas
Melissa, Texas has specific sign regulations covering 51 sign types across 4 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Charity - Civic Event Sign, Movement Control Signs, Scoreboards. 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 Melissa, Texas
Sample Sign Requirements in Melissa
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charity - Civic Event Sign | — | 16 square feet | — |
| Movement Control Signs | — | 5 square feet | — |
| Weekend Directional Sign | 3 feet | 6 square feet | Min 3 ft from curb |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MelissaFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
51
- Charity - Civic Event Sign
- Movement Control Signs
- Scoreboards
- Weekend Directional Sign
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
4
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Melissa
Other Cities in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Melissa 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 Melissa, 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 Melissa, regulated sign types include Charity - Civic Event Sign, Movement Control Signs, Scoreboards, Weekend Directional 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 Melissa 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 Melissa are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Melissa has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Melissa, Texas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Melissa (4 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 6 | 8 feet | 30 square feet | — |
| Non-Residential Zoning Districts (A, C-1, C-2, I-1, I-2, PD, DOD, CC/O) | 24 | 30 feet | 96 square feet | — |
| Residential Zoning Districts (SF-1, SF-2, SF-3, MF, MH, TH) | 17 | 16 feet | 96 square feet | — |
| Historic Overlay District (HO) | 4 | Max building height of district | 60 square feet per flag | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Melissa(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 | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charity - Civic Event Sign | — | 16 square feet | — | — | — | Any zoning district, not in public right-of-way or sight visibility triangles | — | Unlock | § 3.1009d |
| Movement Control Signs | — | 5 square feet | — | — | — | On-site only | — | Unlock | § 3.1009o |
| Scoreboards | — | — | — | — | — | Within athletic field or stadium limits | — | Unlock | § 3.1009y |
| Weekend Directional Sign | 3 feet | 6 square feet | — | Min 3 ft from curb | — | Private property with permission or public right-of-way (min 3 ft from curb); no visibility triangle or median | — | Unlock | § 3.1009z |
| Instructional/Informational Signs | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Unlock | § 3.1010e |
| Political Sign | 8 feet | 30 square feet | — | Min 10 ft from street | — | Private property with consent; min 10 ft from street pavement | — | Unlock | § 3.1010g(10) |
Non-Residential Zoning Districts (A, C-1, C-2, I-1, I-2, PD, DOD, CC/O)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Real Estate Sign (CRES) | 8 feet | 32 square feet | 4 feet | Min 15 ft | 1 per property (spaced if more) | Min 15 ft from property line | — | Unlock | § 3.1009e |
| Inflatable Device Signs (IDS) | 30 feet | 48 square feet (banner on IDS) | — | — | 1 per business (staggered if multiple) | Non-residential districts or certain residential uses; not in parking/driveways/right-of-way | — | Unlock | § 3.1009h |
| Menu Board Sign - Drive-thru Menu Board | 6 feet | 60 square feet | — | Min 25 ft front | 1 per drive-thru | With drive-thru; min 25 ft front setback | — | Unlock | § 3.1009j(c)(1) |
| Menu Board Sign - Drive-thru Pre-Order | 6 feet | 24 square feet | — | Min 25 ft front | 1 per lot | At drive-thru lane entrance | — | Unlock | § 3.1009j(c)(2) |
| Menu Board Sign - Drive-in | 6 feet | 9 square feet | — | Min 25 ft front | 1 per station | Per ordering station; may attach to canopy columns | — | Unlock | § 3.1009j(c)(3) |
| Monument (Individual) Signs (MIS-1) | 8 feet | 60 square feet (incl. 1 ft masonry border) | — | Min 15 ft front; = height side/rear | 1 per frontage | Non-res districts or certain residential uses; min 15 ft front setback, height = side/rear | — | Unlock | § 3.1009l |
| Monument (Unified Development) Signs (UDMS) | 16 feet | 60-168 square feet | — | Min 15 ft front; 75 ft from others | 1 per 750 ft frontage | Unified development zone; min 15 ft front, min 75 ft from other | — | Unlock | § 3.1009n |
| Project/Development Signs (PDS) - Commercial | 16 feet | 96 square feet | — | Min 15 ft | 1 per frontage | Min 15 ft from property line; min 200 ft between | — | Unlock | § 3.1009q |
Residential Zoning Districts (SF-1, SF-2, SF-3, MF, MH, TH)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Home Sign | 8 feet | 48 square feet | — | Min 15 ft front, 10 ft side/rear | 1 per lot | On lot with building permit for dwelling/trailer; min 15 ft front, 10 ft side/rear | — | Unlock | § 3.1009k |
| Project/Development Signs (PDS) - Residential | 16 feet | 96 square feet | — | Min 15 ft | 1 per frontage | Min 15 ft from property line; min 200 ft between | — | Unlock | § 3.1009q |
| Monument (Individual) Signs (MIS-1) - Residential Uses | 8 feet | 60 square feet (incl. 1 ft masonry border) | — | Min 15 ft front; = height side/rear | 1 per frontage | For apartment, daycare, school, church, etc.; min 15 ft front, height = side/rear | — | Unlock | § 3.1009l |
| Construction Trade Signs - Residential | 3 feet | 6 square feet | — | — | 1 per lot | Residential districts; on-site where work occurs | — | Unlock | § 3.1010a(2)(c)(1) |
| Stake Signs - Apartment | 4 feet | 6 square feet | — | Min 30 ft side | — | Front yard of apartment complex; min 30 ft side, 60 ft from other; not public property | — | Unlock | § 3.1010g(1) |
| Stake Signs - Garage Sale | 4 feet | 6 square feet | — | Min 10 ft | — | Private property; min 10 ft from pavement | — | Unlock | § 3.1010g(4) |
| Stake Signs - Home Improvement | 4 feet | 6 square feet | — | Min 10 ft | 1 per lot | On lot where work occurs; min 10 ft from pavement | — | Unlock | § 3.1010g(8) |
| Stake Signs - Residential Real Estate (RRES) | 4 feet | 6 square feet | — | Min 10 ft | 1 per lot | On lot for sale/lease; min 10 ft from pavement | — | Unlock | § 3.1010g(11) |
PermitPal covers all 4 zoning districts in Melissa — 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 Melissa — start freeProhibited Signs in Melissa
- No sign is permitted vertically less than ten (10) feet above the curb grade in a triangle formed by legs of forty (40) feet extending horizontally in each direction parallel to or along the right-of-way from the property corner at any street intersection.
- Unless otherwise permitted, no person shall post or cause to be posted, attach or maintain any sign upon: (1) Any City owned property without the written permission of the City Administrator or his/her designated representative; (2) Any utility easement (with limited exception); (3) Any tree, utility pole or structure; (4) Any railing or wall, except in accordance with paragraphs 3.1009u and 3.1009x; (5) Any sidewalk within the right-of-way or a sidewalk easement, curb, gutter, or street, except for house numbers or fire lane designation.
- No sign shall be attached in any manner to any fire escape or to the supporting members of any fire escape, nor shall it be guyed to or supported by any part of the fire escape.
- All signs shall be constructed so as to prevent the accumulation of rainwater in the sign.
- No sign shall be erected nearer than two (2) feet from any telephone cable, power line or any street light standard.
- No sign shall be so erected as to block, partially block, or interfere in any way with a required means of exit from any building nor with any window. No sign shall block, interfere, or otherwise hinder pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a public sidewalk, a public thoroughfare, a fire lane easement, or a driveway required to access parking.
- Signs constructed of glass or other materials which may shatter upon impact are prohibited over public right-of-way.
- All banner, wood frame, inflatable, panel, and sandwich board signs permitted after adoption of this article shall have attached, written, or painted in a weatherproof manner and in a conspicuous place thereon, in letters easily discernable by an inspector, the date of erection and the permit number of the sign.
- For the purposes of design of structural members in signs, an assumed wind load of twenty (20) pounds per square foot shall be used.
- No sign shall be permitted to remain on any vacant building, except a sign pertaining to the lease or sale of the building, or a sign which is under lease from an owner or his agent, when such sign is maintained by a person operating under his own bond.
- No person shall suspend from any building, or pole, structure, sidewalk, parkway, driveway, parking area, or fuel pump island or its supports, bridge or overpass any goods, wares, merchandise or other advertising object or structure for the purpose of advertising such items, other than a sign as defined, regulated and prescribed by this article, except as otherwise allowed by any ordinance of Melissa.
- Any sign that emits music, talking, words, or other sound or amplification.
- No person shall erect, maintain or permit the erection of any floating device anchored to the ground, vehicle, structure, or any other fixed object for the purpose of advertising or drawing attention to a business, commodity, service, sale, or product, except as permitted in paragraph 3.1009f or 3.1009h.
- Any CEVMS or LED billboard located, relocated, or upgraded along a regulated highway within the corporate limits or extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of the City.
- Any visible airtight or air-flow through, inflatable apparatus that exceeds one (1) square foot in total area made of latex, Mylar, or other similar material that extends higher than ten (10) feet into the sky by a cord, rope, string, wire, or other similar material commonly used to attract passerbys/patrons to a location having a promotion, sale, or other function.
- A large sign, generally supported by a metal frame and consisting of a single sign or two (2) parallel or nearly parallel sign faces oriented in opposite directions, used for the display of posters, printed or painted advertisements that generally direct attention to goods, merchandise, entertainment, or services conducted, sold, or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
- A wind device that contains a harpoon-style pole or staff driven into the ground for support. Feather flags are prohibited unless located on a property with single-family or two-family zoning for which a certificate of occupancy has been issued for the sole purpose of expressing patriotism or for a celebration or seasonal decoration.
- Pictures, words, slogans, images, or other artwork painted, drawn, scratched or applied in any manner to exterior walls, fences, structures, vehicles, stone, statues, buildings, or other item in public view. Graffiti includes the illegal or unauthorized defacing of a building, wall, or other edifice or object by painting, or otherwise, marking it with words, pictures, or symbols, advertising, logos, relations with a group, indecent/vulgar images or offensive language(s).
- Any sign, sign appendages, or apparatus designed or made to move freely in the wind or designed or made to move by an electrical or mechanical device.
- A sign that advertises, promotes, or pertains to a business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, product, etc. at a location other than where the business, person, organization, activity, event, place, service, product, etc. is located.
- Signs designed or intended to be relocated from time to time, whether or not it is permanently attached to a building or structure, or is located on the ground, are prohibited. Portable signs include signs on wheels or on portable or mobile structures, such as, among other things, trailers, skids, banners, tents, A-frame, or T-shaped signs and similar devices, and airborne signs.
- A sign mounted on and supported by the roof portion of a building and above the uppermost edge of a parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by such a building or a sign that is painted directly on or applied on the roof or top of a building or structure are prohibited. A sign that is mounted on mansard facades, pent eaves or architectural projections, such as canopies or the facia (wall) of a building or structure shall not be considered to be a roof sign.
- Any sign that turns, spins, or partially revolves or completely revolves 360 degrees on an axis.
- Any apparatus capable of projecting a beam or beams of light. Searchlights (skylights) are prohibited in the City of Melissa and its extra-territorial jurisdiction except by written permission received from the Melissa City Council.
- With the exception of inflatable signs addressed in paragraph 3.1009(h) and the flags addressed in paragraph 3.1010b, a pennant, streamer, spinners, balloon, cloud buster balloon, inflatable object or similar device made of cloth, canvas, plastic, or any flexible material that moves or is designed to move freely in the wind, with or without a frame or other supporting structure, used for the purpose of advertising or drawing attention to a business, commodity, service, sale, or product, is prohibited. Exception: Flags and grand opening balloons and/or balloon arrangements shall not be considered a wind device.
- A sign which is erected on a vertical framework consisting of one (1) or more uprights supported by the ground is prohibited, with the exception of the ground signs specifically authorized by this article such as panel signs, wood frame signs, and zoning signs.
- Signs which move and/or are animated by means of flashing, traveling or blinking lights, or other means not providing constant illumination; provided however, time and temperature signs shall be permitted.
- Skylights and searchlights and any sign lighted in such a manner as to pose a hazard to motor vehicle operators or a nuisance to nearby residents.
- Appendages to primary signs which have flashing, blinking, or traveling lights.
- Any sign which emits audible sound, odor, or visible matter.
- Any sign not referenced within this article.
- Any sign erected without a permit, either prior to or after the adoption of this article, if a permit was required.
- Any sign erected in or over a public right-of-way, unless permitted within this article.
- Any permitted conforming sign altered to become nonconforming.
Exempt Signs in Melissa
- Signs located within a building with the exception of window signs shall not be regulated by this article.
- The United States flag is exempt from the conditions applicable to flags.
- Signs erected by the municipal, state or federal government for the purpose of public instruction, warnings or other similar hazards, street or highway designation, control of traffic and similar purposes incidental to the public interests shall be considered instructional/informational signs.
- Instructional/informational signs have no restrictions on time, place, or manner.
- Vending machine signs have no restrictions on time or place, provided they are directly attached to a vending machine or gasoline pump and are flat.
- Political signs have no time restrictions, provided they are on private property with consent, not closer than ten feet from street pavement, within easement or right-of-way, not exceeding eight feet in height or thirty square feet in area, not illuminated, no moving elements, not dilapidated or hazardous.
- Government awareness signs have no restrictions on time, place, or manner.
- Seasonal decorations are excluded from place and manner requirements for yard signs.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Melissa
- A signage plan containing elevations, site plan, and other information must be approved by Development Services prior to placement of KPS-2 signs within a single-family or two-family subdivision.
- If a property averages more than two (2) MIS-2 per acre, a sign coordination plan as defined in paragraph 3.1018 shall be approved prior to placement of the signs.
- A sign permit shall not be issued to erect or place a UDMS on a property until a sign coordination plan as defined in paragraph 3.1018 has been approved with a concept plan, preliminary site plan, site plan and/or final plat for the property by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
- Alternative types of subdivision identity signs may be approved as part of a sign coordination plan as outlined in paragraph 3.1018, submitted for review with the final plat, landscaping, and screening wall plans.
- A sign coordination plan is required to be prepared for variance requests.
- A sign coordination plan is required prior to the permitting of specified signs to determine overall sign locations on a property, the relationship of the signs to surrounding existing, proposed, and future improvements, and to determine consistency and uniformity among buildings and signs within a unified development zone or residential development.
- Banner signs, stake signs, and inflatable signs may not be erected to advertise a special event until a sign coordination plan as defined in paragraph 3.1018 has been approved by the City.
- Requests for variances to sign regulations... shall be made in writing... following a public hearing and recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission... a completed Sign Coordination Plan required by Section 3.1018a...
- The sign coordination plan shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission... The Planning and Zoning Commission will forward their recommendations to the City Council for action.
Source: municode municipal code