Sign Regulations in Midland, Texas
Midland, Texas has specific sign regulations covering 134 sign types across 29 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Construction, Development, Temporary, Political, Real Estate, Non-commercial, Electronic Message Center (EMC) — AE–MF-2, Freestanding Sign — Arterial Street. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: May 26, 2026
Sign Regulation Overview for Midland, Texas
Sample Sign Requirements in Midland
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Residential subdivision main entrance) | — | 64 sq ft per sign; total of both signs per entrance may not exceed 100 sq ft combined | Must observe visibility clearance areas; no overhang into right-of-way |
| Apartment or Mobile Home Park Identification Sign (Freestanding) | 15 ft maximum for freestanding signs on AE–MF-2 properties | 64 sq ft per sign | No minimum setback for ground/pole signs if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback |
| Apartment or Mobile Home Park Identification Sign (Wall) | — | 50 sq ft per building facade | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for MidlandFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
134
- Construction, Development, Temporary, Political, Real Estate, Non-commercial
- Electronic Message Center (EMC) — AE–MF-2
- Freestanding Sign — Arterial Street
- Freestanding Sign — Non-arterial Street
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
29
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Other Cities in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
In Midland, monument signs are limited to 15 ft maximum for freestanding signs on AE–MF-2 properties. 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 Midland, 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 Midland, regulated sign types include Construction, Development, Temporary, Political, Real Estate, Non-commercial, Electronic Message Center (EMC) — AE–MF-2, Freestanding Sign — Arterial Street, Freestanding Sign — Non-arterial Street, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
In Midland, monument signs typically require a No minimum setback for ground/pole signs if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback 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 Midland are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Midland has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Midland, Texas Sign Rules at a Glance
Midland, Texas regulates 134 sign types across 29 zoning districts. Apartment or Mobile Home Park Identification Sign (Freestanding)s in the AE zoning district are capped at 15 ft maximum for freestanding signs on AE–MF-2 properties tall and 64 sq ft per sign, with a No minimum setback for ground/pole signs if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback setback (Sec. Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(b)i; Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)iv; Sec. 11-7a-7(A)). Most commercial signs in Midland require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Midland, Texas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Midland (29 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE | 15 | Up to 48 inches (4 ft) above grade for general directional signs | Up to 128 sq ft per street frontage | — |
| CE | 15 | Up to 48 inches (4 ft) above grade for general directional signs | Up to 128 sq ft per street frontage | — |
| 2F | 15 | Up to 48 inches (4 ft) above grade for general directional signs | Up to 128 sq ft per street frontage | — |
| MH | 14 | Stake: 36 in to top; 4x8: bottom ≥5 ft above grade | 128 sq ft per street frontage | — |
| TH | 12 | Stake: 36 in to top; 4x8: bottom ≥5 ft above grade | 128 sq ft per street frontage | — |
| O-1 (O1) | 14 | Political stake: 36 in; Non-commercial: 5 ft to top | Up to 300 sq ft cumulative across all frontages | — |
| O-2 (O2) | 11 | 20 ft maximum on an arterial street; no artificial height increase by berms/structures | Up to 300 sq ft cumulative across all frontages | — |
| LI | 11 | 30 ft maximum on an arterial street; no artificial height increase by berms/structures | Up to 360 sq ft cumulative across all frontages | — |
| HI | 8 | 30 ft maximum on an arterial street; no artificial height increase | Max per face: 300/400/672 sq ft based on frontage road | — |
| BP | 8 | 30 ft maximum on an arterial street; no artificial height increase | Max per face: 300/400/672 sq ft based on roadway | — |
| PD (PD) | 2 | — | Per applicable base district comparable in intensity (e.g., NS or less restrictive) unless PD ordinance overrides | — |
| 1F-1 | 6 | Political stake 36 in; Non-commercial 5 ft to top | Development 128 sq ft/frontage; Construction 64 sq ft/frontage; Temporary 35 sq ft; Political up to 32 sq ft; Real Estate 10 sq ft (res) or 32 sq ft (nonres); Non-commercial lot total 64 sq ft, single 32 sq ft/face | — |
| 1F-2 | 5 | 15 ft maximum; no berms or structures to artificially increase height | Up to 120 sq ft per sign | — |
| 1F-3 | 5 | 15 ft maximum; no berms or structures to artificially increase height | Up to 120 sq ft per sign | — |
| MF-1 | 5 | 15 ft maximum freestanding sign height | 64 sq ft per sign | — |
| MF-2 | 5 | 15 ft maximum freestanding sign height | 64 sq ft per sign | — |
| NS | 7 | 30 ft maximum on an arterial street; no artificial height increase | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage length/count | — |
| LR-1 | 10 | Loop 250/FM1788/Hwy 191 (west of Loop 250): up to 37 ft; IH-20: up to 50 ft | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage | — |
| LR-2 | 8 | 30 ft maximum on an arterial street; no artificial height increase | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage | — |
| LR-3 | 8 | 30 ft maximum on an arterial street; no artificial height increase | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage | — |
| C-1 Central Area District | 8 | 30 ft on arterials; 15 ft on non-arterials; no artificial height increase | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage | — |
| C-2 Commercial District | 8 | 30 ft on arterials; 15 ft on non-arterials | Max per face: 300/400/672 sq ft depending on roadway | — |
| C-3 | 8 | 30 ft on arterials; 15 ft on non-arterials | Max per face: 300/400/672 sq ft depending on roadway | — |
| IP | 6 | 30 ft on arterials; 15 ft on non-arterials | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage | — |
| IP-1 | 6 | 30 ft on arterials; 15 ft on non-arterials | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage | — |
| IP-2 | 6 | 30 ft on arterials; 15 ft on non-arterials | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage | — |
| IP-3 | 6 | 30 ft on arterials; 15 ft on non-arterials | Up to 240/300/360 sq ft depending on frontage | — |
| P | 6 | Political stake 36 in; Non-commercial 5 ft to top | 128 sq ft per street frontage | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 8 | Stake: 36 in to top; 4x8: bottom ≥5 ft above grade | 64 sq ft per street frontage | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Midland(sample of 3 of 29 zones)
AE
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Residential subdivision main entrance) | — | 64 sq ft per sign; total of both signs per entrance may not exceed 100 sq ft combined | — | Must observe visibility clearance areas; no overhang into right-of-way | Maximum 2 per main entrance | At each main entrance to a residential subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(a); Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-4(A),(C) |
| Apartment or Mobile Home Park Identification Sign (Freestanding) | 15 ft maximum for freestanding signs on AE–MF-2 properties | 64 sq ft per sign | — | No minimum setback for ground/pole signs if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback | 1 per street frontage | One per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(b)i; Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)iv; Sec. 11-7a-7(A) |
| General Business/Institutional Freestanding Sign (Non-residential use on AE property) | 15 ft maximum; no berms or structures to artificially increase height | Up to 120 sq ft per sign | — | No minimum setback for ground/pole if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback; must observe visibility clearance | 1 per street frontage | On private property; one per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)ii–iv; Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-7(C) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) — AE–MF-2 | 15 ft maximum if freestanding | 24 sq ft maximum EMC display area | — | Same as applicable freestanding/monument standards; visibility clearance must be observed | Maximum 1 EMC per property | Freestanding or wall; 7-ft minimum clearance if pole-mounted | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(F)(1)–(2)(a); Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)i; Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-11(D)(2) |
| Directional/On-site Directional Sign (Exempt) | Up to 48 inches (4 ft) above grade for general directional signs | Up to 4 sq ft if exempt; up to 24 sq ft allowed as a directional sign generally | — | Must observe visibility clearance areas | Max one per street access (general rule from legacy Sec. 11-7-4(D)) | On the same property to direct traffic; must not be in right-of-way or visibility triangle | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7-1 (Directional sign def.); Sec. 11-7-4(D); Sec. 11-7a-5(I); Sec. 11-7a-7(A) |
| Development Sign (Temporary On-Premises for Projects) | — | Up to 128 sq ft per street frontage | — | Must not be in right-of-way or visibility clearance areas | 1 per street frontage | On project site | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(G) |
| Construction Sign (Temporary On-Premises) | — | Up to 64 sq ft per street frontage (permit-exempt) | — | Must not be in right-of-way or visibility clearance areas | 1 per street frontage | On construction site after building permit issuance | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-5(B) |
| Political Sign (Up to 4 ft by 8 ft) | — | Up to 32 sq ft (4 ft x 8 ft) | 4 ft by 8 ft panel | 20 ft from back of curb on corner lots; 10 ft on other lots | — | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-10(B),(D) |
CE
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Residential subdivision main entrance) | — | 64 sq ft per sign; total of both signs per entrance may not exceed 100 sq ft combined | — | Must observe visibility clearance areas; no overhang into right-of-way | Maximum 2 per main entrance | At each main entrance to a residential subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(a); Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-4(A),(C) |
| Apartment or Mobile Home Park Identification Sign (Freestanding) | 15 ft maximum for freestanding signs on AE–MF-2 properties | 64 sq ft per sign | — | No minimum setback for ground/pole signs if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback | 1 per street frontage | One per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(b)i; Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)iv; Sec. 11-7a-7(A) |
| General Business/Institutional Freestanding Sign (Non-residential use on AE property) | 15 ft maximum; no berms or structures to artificially increase height | Up to 120 sq ft per sign | — | No minimum setback for ground/pole if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback; must observe visibility clearance | 1 per street frontage | On private property; one per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)ii–iv; Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-7(C) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) — AE–MF-2 | 15 ft maximum if freestanding | 24 sq ft maximum EMC display area | — | Same as applicable freestanding/monument standards; visibility clearance must be observed | Maximum 1 EMC per property | Freestanding or wall; 7-ft minimum clearance if pole-mounted | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(F)(1)–(2)(a); Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)i; Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-11(D)(2) |
| Directional/On-site Directional Sign (Exempt) | Up to 48 inches (4 ft) above grade for general directional signs | Up to 4 sq ft if exempt; up to 24 sq ft allowed as a directional sign generally | — | Must observe visibility clearance areas | Max one per street access (general rule from legacy Sec. 11-7-4(D)) | On the same property to direct traffic; must not be in right-of-way or visibility triangle | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7-1 (Directional sign def.); Sec. 11-7-4(D); Sec. 11-7a-5(I); Sec. 11-7a-7(A) |
| Development Sign (Temporary On-Premises for Projects) | — | Up to 128 sq ft per street frontage | — | Must not be in right-of-way or visibility clearance areas | 1 per street frontage | On project site | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(G) |
| Construction Sign (Temporary On-Premises) | — | Up to 64 sq ft per street frontage (permit-exempt) | — | Must not be in right-of-way or visibility clearance areas | 1 per street frontage | On construction site after building permit issuance | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-5(B) |
| Political Sign (Up to 4 ft by 8 ft) | — | Up to 32 sq ft (4 ft x 8 ft) | 4 ft by 8 ft panel | 20 ft from back of curb on corner lots; 10 ft on other lots | — | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-10(B),(D) |
2F
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subdivision Identification Sign (Residential subdivision main entrance) | — | 64 sq ft per sign; total of both signs per entrance may not exceed 100 sq ft combined | — | Must observe visibility clearance areas; no overhang into right-of-way | Maximum 2 per main entrance | At each main entrance to a residential subdivision | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(a); Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-4(A),(C) |
| Apartment or Mobile Home Park Identification Sign (Freestanding) | 15 ft maximum for freestanding signs on AE–MF-2 properties | 64 sq ft per sign | — | No minimum setback for ground/pole signs if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback | 1 per street frontage | One per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(b)i; Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)iv; Sec. 11-7a-7(A) |
| General Business/Institutional Freestanding Sign (Non-residential use on 2F property) | 15 ft maximum; no berms or structures to artificially increase height | Up to 120 sq ft per sign | — | No minimum setback for ground/pole if no overhang into right-of-way; monument signs require 10-ft setback; must observe visibility clearance | 1 per street frontage | On private property; one per street frontage | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)ii–iv; Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-7(C) |
| Electronic Message Center (EMC) — AE–MF-2 | 15 ft maximum if freestanding | 24 sq ft maximum EMC display area | — | Same as applicable freestanding/monument standards; visibility clearance must be observed | Maximum 1 EMC per property | Freestanding or wall; 7-ft minimum clearance if pole-mounted | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(F)(1)–(2)(a); Sec. 11-7a-7(H)(1)(c)i; Sec. 11-7a-7(A); Sec. 11-7a-11(D)(2) |
| Directional/On-site Directional Sign (Exempt) | Up to 48 inches (4 ft) above grade for general directional signs | Up to 4 sq ft if exempt; up to 24 sq ft allowed as a directional sign generally | — | Must observe visibility clearance areas | Max one per street access (general rule from legacy Sec. 11-7-4(D)) | On the same property to direct traffic; must not be in right-of-way or visibility triangle | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7-1 (Directional sign def.); Sec. 11-7-4(D); Sec. 11-7a-5(I); Sec. 11-7a-7(A) |
| Development Sign (Temporary On-Premises for Projects) | — | Up to 128 sq ft per street frontage | — | Must not be in right-of-way or visibility clearance areas | 1 per street frontage | On project site | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-7(G) |
| Construction Sign (Temporary On-Premises) | — | Up to 64 sq ft per street frontage (permit-exempt) | — | Must not be in right-of-way or visibility clearance areas | 1 per street frontage | On construction site after building permit issuance | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-5(B) |
| Political Sign (Up to 4 ft by 8 ft) | — | Up to 32 sq ft (4 ft x 8 ft) | 4 ft by 8 ft panel | 20 ft from back of curb on corner lots; 10 ft on other lots | — | On private property | — | Unlock | Sec. 11-7a-10(B),(D) |
PermitPal covers all 29 zoning districts in Midland — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 29 zones for Midland — start freeProhibited Signs in Midland
- No sign may be located within any visibility clearance area.
- No sign may be designed or located so as to interfere with or confuse traffic control on public rights-of-way or create a traffic hazard.
- No sign may use rotating beacons, beams, strobe, glaring, or flashing illumination resembling an emergency signal.
- No sign may project into or overhang the public right-of-way (streets/alleys/sidewalks), except where explicitly allowed by permit in the C-1 district with required clearances.
- No freestanding, ground, or monument sign may be placed on a berm or other structure to artificially increase its height.
- Illumination must be shaded/shielded/directed so it does not adversely affect drivers, pedestrians, aircraft, surrounding premises, or interfere with official traffic control devices; no flashing lights are allowed; between dusk and dawn illumination may not exceed 0.3 foot-candles at specified distances.
- No sign may be located within an airport runway protection zone or exceed FAA/US DOT height restrictions.
- Portable signs, inflatable signs, banners, streamers, pennants, and other temporary signs are prohibited except as allowed under the temporary/special event sign provisions.
- Signs with attached banners, posters, pennants, ribbons, streamers, balloons, strings of lights, spinners, or similar devices are prohibited except as allowed under temporary/special event provisions.
- Snipe/bandit signs or advertisements attached to trees, rocks, or other natural features are prohibited.
- Off-premises signs are prohibited within the City limits, except billboards as specifically regulated; billboards are prohibited in the City’s ETJ.
- Signs advertising a business, activity, or service no longer conducted on the premises are prohibited; after 3 months from cessation the sign face must be obscured.
- Signs may not be placed on public sidewalks, streets, alleys, or other public property except where expressly authorized (e.g., certain C-1 approvals).
- Projecting signs (or portions of signs) extending more than 15 inches over public right-of-way or public property are prohibited except where expressly authorized (e.g., certain C-1 approvals).
- Roof signs (painted, erected, or affixed on roofs) are prohibited.
- Signs may not use words, phrases, symbols, characters, or illumination that resemble or simulate official traffic signs/signals or that mislead/hazard traffic (e.g., STOP, Caution, Warning).
- Searchlights/beacons used to attract attention are prohibited (except emergency use by authorized personnel).
- Spectacular signs and signs emitting audible sound, odor, or visible matter are prohibited.
- Advertising devices attached to vehicles, trailers, or other portable structures that are parked to provide advertising visible from the right-of-way are prohibited, except for bona fide business identification vehicles meeting exemption conditions.
- Video display signs visible from any public street are prohibited.
- Stereopticon or motion picture projections used as signs visible from public streets/sidewalks are prohibited.
Exempt Signs in Midland
- Copy changes and sign face replacements (no increase in area/height; not on nonconforming signs; not converting to electronic message centers) are exempt from permits.
- Construction signs on the construction site after building permit issuance: one per street frontage, max 64 sq ft; remove within 30 days after certificate of occupancy.
- Contractor/subcontractor identification signs on active job sites, max 6 sq ft; remove when work is complete.
- Directory signs and office identification signs: up to one of each per building façade; max 64 sq ft each.
- Flags of the U.S., State of Texas, other political subdivisions; flags/banners of bona fide religious, fraternal, charitable organizations; and flags of corporations, subdivisions, or community associations.
- Incidental signs (e.g., no parking, entrance, loading, address, public safety) not exceeding 4 sq ft.
- Residential nameplate signs up to 2 sq ft.
- Non-commercial message signs: total per lot not to exceed 64 sq ft; no single sign face over 32 sq ft; max height 5 ft.
- On-site directional and street identification signs up to 4 sq ft with no advertising content.
- Political advertising signs that comply with the political sign section.
- Professional nameplates/occupational signs attached to a commercial/public institutional building façade up to 4 sq ft.
- Signs painted on or attached to vehicles, trailers, or portable structures used primarily for transporting products/delivering services, limited to business identification/contact information without specific advertising; vehicle must be operable, licensed/inspected in Texas, and not parked on the same property for more than 72 consecutive hours.
- Real estate signs advertising sale/rental/lease of the premises: up to 10 sq ft in residential districts or 32 sq ft in nonresidential districts.
- Signs on fences/structures within public parks or internally within public or private play fields, max 32 sq ft each.
- Government signs prepared by/for local, state, or federal government, including signs at sites/buildings of historical significance.
- Temporary garage sale signs removed within one day after the sale and not placed on public property or utility poles.
- Traffic/street signs, legal notices, public utility/railroad crossing/danger and other emergency, temporary, or non-advertising signs approved by the City may be located in the public right-of-way.
- Temporary window signs.
- Wall decorations and works of art with no commercial message.
Sign Permit Fees & Timelines in Midland
| Item | Details | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| temporary sign permits | An annual permit fee of $50.00 shall be charged to each business upon application for a temporary sign permit ... A separate temporary sign permit is required for each promotional period used; however, after the annual fee of $50.00 is paid, no additional fee is required for a one year term. | Sec. 11-7a-11(B)(7)-(8) |
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