# Sign Regulations in Terrell, Texas

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

- **Jurisdiction:** Terrell, Texas (TX)
- **Canonical page:** https://permitpal.io/sign-regulations/texas/terrell
- **Data last verified:** 2025-05-09
- **Source:** [municode municipal code](https://library.municode.com/tx/terrell/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH4BURE_S4-22SICO)

## At a glance

Terrell, Texas regulates 122 sign types across 20 zoning districts. Awning Signs in the CBD zoning district are capped at Max awning height = 1/3 of facade height up to 15 ft above sidewalk; clearance ≥ 8 ft above sidewalk tall, ≥ 10% of facade or 60 sq ft, and ≤ 75% of facade width; projection ≤ 4 ft from building face wide, with a ≥ 2 ft from curb/obstructions setback (Sec. Sec. 4-22(6)(h)3). Most commercial signs in Terrell require a permit.

## Sign rules by zoning district (20 zones)

| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| AG | 13 | ≤28 ft from grade | Up to 200 sq ft (based on street frontage) | — |
| TX | 11 | Flagpoles: up to 20 ft in single-family residential zones; up to 35 ft in all other zones; or lower than the highest point of the principal building roof, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft (sign face); base landscaping required | — |
| EE | 11 | Flagpoles: up to 20 ft in single-family residential zones; up to 35 ft in all other zones; or lower than the highest point of the principal building roof, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft (sign face); base landscaping required | — |
| SF-16 | 12 | Flagpoles: up to 20 ft in single-family residential zones; up to 35 ft in all other zones; or lower than the highest point of the principal building roof, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft (sign face); base landscaping required | — |
| SF-10 | 12 | Flagpoles: up to 20 ft in single-family residential zones; up to 35 ft in all other zones; or lower than the highest point of the principal building roof, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft (sign face); base landscaping required | — |
| SF-7.5 | 12 | Flagpoles: up to 20 ft in single-family residential zones; up to 35 ft in all other zones; or lower than the highest point of the principal building roof, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft (sign face); base landscaping required | — |
| SF-6 | 12 | Flagpoles: up to 20 ft in single-family residential zones; up to 35 ft in all other zones; or lower than the highest point of the principal building roof, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft (sign face); base landscaping required | — |
| General Regulations For All Zones | 67 | Up to 50 ft (excluding foundation and supports) | Up to 740 sq ft per face | — |
| TH-12 | 8 | 20 ft pole height, or lower than highest point of principal roofline, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft per sign (residential subdivision entry) | — |
| MF | 6 | Up to 35 ft pole height, or lower than the highest point of the principal roofline, whichever is lower | Up to 150 sq ft per flag | — |
| MH | 6 | 20 ft pole height, or lower than the highest point of the principal roofline, whichever is lower | 80 sq ft per sign (residential subdivision entry) | — |
| O | 7 | Up to 35 ft pole height, or lower than the highest point of the principal roofline, whichever is lower | Up to 150 sq ft per flag | — |
| NS | 8 | Up to 35 ft pole height, or lower than the highest point of the principal roofline, whichever is lower | Up to 150 sq ft per flag | — |
| R | 10 | Up to 35 ft pole height, or lower than the highest point of the principal roofline, whichever is lower | Up to 150 sq ft per flag | — |
| CBD | 28 | 50 ft (excluding foundation/supports) | 740 sq ft per face | — |
| HC | 16 | ≤ 50 ft | ≤ 740 sq ft per face | — |
| C | 11 | ≤ 50 ft | ≤ 740 sq ft per face | — |
| LI | 12 | ≤ 50 ft | ≤ 740 sq ft | — |
| PD | 4 | Max height of any element extending above roof line ≤ 10 ft unless PD document provides otherwise | ≤ 64 sq ft per lot/parcel | — |
| SUP | 32 | 50 ft (excluding foundation/supports) | 740 sq ft per face | — |

## Zone-by-zone sign requirements (sample of 3 of 20 zones)

### General Regulations For All Zones

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | Top no higher than roofline of one-story or top of second floor on multi-story; functional height up to 15 ft above sidewalk; clearance ≥8 ft | Up to 60 sq ft unless 10% of façade yields more | ≤75% of façade width | — | One awning per window and door/entrance | Projecting from building façade | — | Sec. 4-22(h)3 a–m |
| Marquee Sign (Changeable Message; Entertainment Uses) | Up to one-third of building height, not exceeding 20 ft above sidewalk; and not exceeding 5 ft above existing roof line | Up to 100 sq ft | — | ≥2 ft from back of curb; no encroachment into ROW; ≥30 ft from neighboring signs | 1 per premises | Mounted to building for entertainment-oriented uses | — | Sec. 4-22(h)6 a–h |
| Blade Sign | Up to two-thirds of building height | Up to 60 sq ft | — | ≥2 ft from back of curb; no ROW encroachment | 1 per building | Affixed projecting perpendicular to storefront/building | — | Sec. 4-22(h)7 a–e |
| Roof Sign | One-third of eave-to-ridge distance | Up to 60 sq ft unless 10% of façade yields more | Up to 60% of roof width | — | 1 per premises | On sloped/eave roofs | — | Sec. 4-22(h)9 a–f |
| Monument Sign (Nonresidential and Multifamily Districts) | Single tenant: 8 ft; Multitenant: 15 ft | Single tenant: 48 sq ft (80 sq ft including frame); Multitenant site ≤75,000 sq ft: 120 sq ft (150 sq ft incl. frame); Multitenant shopping center: 180 sq ft (220 sq ft incl. frame) | — | ≥10 ft from property line | 1 per building; additional allowed if frontage exceeds 300 ft and spacing ≥150 ft | On private property in nonresidential and multifamily districts | — | Sec. 4-22(i)1 a–h |
| Highway Signs (including Billboards, Pole, Pylon, Integral, Flat Wall) — Limited Access Freeways/Toll Roads Only | Up to 50 ft (excluding foundation and supports) | Up to 740 sq ft per face | Up to 48 ft | ≥250 ft from residential property; outside required side/rear yards; spacing per formula | — | Adjacent to or within 80 ft of a limited access freeway or toll road right-of-way; anywhere on premises except required side or rear yard; ≥250 ft from any residential property | — | Sec. 4-22(m)1–9; Sec. 4-22(n)1–6 |
| Monument Sign (General Detached; Nonresidential and MF Districts) | 8 ft (single-tenant); 15 ft (multi-tenant) | Single-tenant: 48 sq ft sign face (80 sq ft including frame). Multi-tenant site up to 75,000 sq ft: 120 sq ft sign face (150 sq ft including frame). Multi-tenant shopping center: 180 sq ft sign face (220 sq ft including frame). | — | ≥10 ft from property line | One per building; add one additional per >300 ft frontage if ≥150 ft from nearest monument sign | On private property in nonresidential and multiple-family zoning districts. | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(i)1(a)–(h); (4)(d)2 |
| Flags (Non-Advertising) | Single-family zones: 20 ft pole height; All other zones: 35 ft pole height; in commercial zones advertising flag poles up to 48 ft, but non-advertising flags must still meet 'all other zones' height or lower of building roofline. | Single-family zones: 12 sq ft per flag. All other zones: 150 sq ft per flag. | — | ≥15 ft from property line; must meet principal building yard setbacks | Up to three flags per premises | On private property; flagpoles must meet principal building yard setbacks. | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(j)1(a)–(f) |

### CBD

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Wall Sign (non-CBD general standards still apply to details) | Max sign height = 1/3 of facade height up to 10 ft, or up to top of parapet or roofline at wall (whichever is higher) | ≥ 10% of facade or 60 sq ft (whichever is greater) | ≤ 75% of facade width | — | See CBD one-per-facade rule for attached signs | Mounted to exterior wall (attached) | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)2; (4)(b)1–4 |
| Awning Sign | Max awning height = 1/3 of facade height up to 15 ft above sidewalk; clearance ≥ 8 ft above sidewalk | ≥ 10% of facade or 60 sq ft | ≤ 75% of facade width; projection ≤ 4 ft from building face | ≥ 2 ft from curb/obstructions | Max 1 awning per window and per entrance | On awning/canopy attached to facade; inner edge flush to wall; ≥ 2 ft from curb, utilities, poles | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)3 |
| Marquee Sign (Changeable Message) - Entertainment Uses | ≤ 20 ft above sidewalk; ≤ 5 ft above roofline; ≤ 1/3 building height | 100 sq ft | — | ≥ 2 ft from back of curb; spacing ≥ 30 ft to next sign face | 1 per premises | Mounted on building; no encroachment into ROW | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)6 |
| Blade Sign | ≤ 2/3 of building height | 60 sq ft | — | ≥ 2 ft from back of curb | 1 per building | Projecting from building; ≥ 2 ft from back of curb; no ROW encroachment | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)7 |
| Roof Sign (CBD attached category) | ≤ 1/3 of eave-to-ridge distance | ≥ 10% of facade or 60 sq ft | ≤ 60% of roof width | — | 1 per premises | On roof | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)9 |
| Monument Sign (CBD requires monuments for any detached sign) | 8 ft (single-tenant); 15 ft (multitenant) | 48 sq ft (single-tenant face); 120 sq ft (multitenant ≤ 75,000 sq ft face); 180 sq ft (shopping center face) | — | ≥ 10 ft from property line | 1 per building; extras per 300+ ft frontage with ≥ 150 ft spacing | On private property; base landscaped | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(i)1; (6)(f)1.i |
| Non-Advertising Flags | Flagpoles ≤ 35 ft or not higher than highest point of principal building roof (whichever lower) | 150 sq ft per flag (CBD is nonresidential) | — | ≥ 15 ft from property line; must meet principal building setbacks | Up to 3 flags | On flagpoles meeting principal building setback; min 15 ft from property line | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(j)1 |
| Highway Sign (Billboard/Pole/Pylon/Integral/Flat Wall oriented to highway) - Limited Access Freeway/Toll Road Only | 50 ft (excluding foundation/supports) | 740 sq ft per face | 48 ft | ≥ 250 ft from residential property; not in required side/rear yards | As limited by spacing | Adjacent to or within 80 ft of limited access freeway/toll road ROW; not in required side/rear yards; ≥ 250 ft from any residential property | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(m)1–9; (4)(b)3 |

### SUP

| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Ordinance Citation |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Awning Sign | Awning max height one-third façade height up to 15 ft above sidewalk; minimum clearance 8 ft | Greater of 10% of façade or 60 sq ft | 75% of façade width | — | One awning per window and per entrance; one under-canopy sign per business | On awning/canopy attached to building façade | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)(3)(a)-(m); Sec. 4-22(5)(f) |
| Marquee Sign (Changeable Message, Entertainment Uses) | ≤ one-third of building height; ≤20 ft above sidewalk; ≤5 ft above existing roofline | 100 sq ft | — | ≥2 ft from back of curb; no right-of-way encroachment; ≥30 ft separation | 1 per premises | Projecting from building at entertainment-oriented land uses | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)(6)(a)-(h); Sec. 4-22(5)(f) |
| Blade Sign | Two-thirds of building height | 60 sq ft | — | ≥2 ft from back of curb; no right-of-way encroachment | 1 per building | Projecting blade mounted to building | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)(7)(a)-(e); Sec. 4-22(5)(f) |
| Roof Sign | One-third of distance from eave to ridge | Greater of 10% of façade or 60 sq ft | 60% of roof width | — | 1 per premises | On sloped/eave roof | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(h)(9)(a)-(f); Sec. 4-22(5)(f) |
| Monument Sign | 8 ft (single-tenant); 15 ft (multi-tenant) | Single-tenant 48 sq ft (80 sq ft incl. frame); Multi-tenant up to 120 sq ft (150 incl. frame); Shopping center up to 180 sq ft (220 incl. frame) | — | ≥10 ft from property line | 1 per building; extras only with frontage >300 ft and ≥150 ft separation | On private property in nonresidential and multifamily districts under SUP if use is permitted | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(i)(1)(a)-(h); Sec. 4-22(5)(f) |
| Flags (Non-advertising) | Flagpoles ≤20 ft in single-family zones; ≤35 ft in other zones; or not higher than highest point of principal roof, whichever is lower | 12 sq ft (single-family zones); 150 sq ft (all other zones) | — | ≥15 ft from property line; meet principal building yard setbacks | Up to 3 flags per premises | On flagpoles set back per yard requirements | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(j)(1)(a)-(f); Sec. 4-22(5)(f) |
| Flags (Advertising, Nonresidential Zones) | Commercial zones: flagpoles ≤48 ft and not higher than nearest principal roof; Industrial/Agricultural zones: flagpoles ≤36 ft | 24 sq ft per flag | — | Meet principal building setbacks or ≥10 ft (more restrictive governs) | Max 6 flags and 6 poles per premises; 1 organizational flag per business | On-site in nonresidential zones; vertical poles or attached to buildings | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(j)(3)(a)-(k); Sec. 4-22(5)(f) |
| Highway Sign (Billboard/Pole/Pylon/Integral/Flat Wall adjacent to Freeway/Toll Road) | 50 ft (excluding foundation/supports) | 740 sq ft per face | 48 ft | ≥250 ft from residential property; not in required side/rear yard | — | Adjacent to or within 80 ft of limited access freeway/toll road ROW; not allowed elsewhere | — | Sec. 4-22(6)(m)(1)-(9); Sec. 4-22(5)(f) |

## Prohibited signs in Terrell

- Any sign that is structurally unsafe, unsafely installed, or otherwise hazardous to physical safety (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign not maintained in good condition (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign that obstructs ingress/egress from required exits or fire escapes (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign that blocks a driver's clear line of sight of traffic or pedestrians, or interferes with/obscures traffic control devices (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign imitating or likely to be confused with an official traffic sign/signal, or containing words like “stop,” “slow,” “caution,” “danger,” or similar, except on private property where no confusion will occur (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign with obscenity or pornographic/indecent content as defined by law (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign or marking affixed to sidewalks, curbs, streets, public buildings, fences/railings, or structures in the public way unless specifically permitted (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign attached to utility poles, bridge abutments, or public right-of-way structures (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign attached to or painted on natural features such as trees, shrubs, or rocks (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign located on private property against the wishes of the property owner (prohibited in all districts).
- Any blinking, flashing, fluttering, animated, intermittently lighted, color-changing, rotating, moving, revolving, or similarly constructed sign (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign using posters, whirling devices, ribbons, streamers, strings of lights, spinners, or similar moving attention-getting devices (prohibited in all districts unless specifically permitted elsewhere).
- Any balloon or floating device anchored to the ground or a structure, except on a temporary basis (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign made of reflective/mirroring/glare-producing materials that could distract traffic (prohibited in all districts).
- Any goods/merchandise or advertising objects placed or suspended on buildings, poles, fences/walls, sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas for advertising, other than a permitted sign (prohibited in all districts).
- Any cloth, paper, banner, or advertising flag attached to a sign, fence/wall, building, or structure, except as otherwise allowed (prohibited in all districts).
- Any advertising sign within 50 feet of an adjacent residential district, except by special permit (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign placed, erected, or maintained on public right-of-way, utility easements, or public areas, except as otherwise allowed (prohibited in all districts).
- Any pole sign or billboard except along limited access freeways/toll roads or in industrial/technology zones as described (generally prohibited in all districts).
- Any searchlight (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign with visible gaseous elements, except authorized interior signs (prohibited in all districts).
- Any portable sign that fails to meet location, size, or use restrictions; and vehicles may not be parked with the intent to use the vehicle as advertising (prohibited in all districts).
- Any internally illuminated cabinet sign, except where specifically permitted in commercial planned development districts (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign that emits audible sound or visible matter (smoke/steam) (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign that produces a three-dimensional image (prohibited in all districts).
- Any graffiti or clutter sign (prohibited in all districts).
- Any original art display without property owner permission or that is graffiti (prohibited in all districts).
- Any sign erected without required permits or otherwise in violation of the sign code (prohibited in all districts).
- No sign may project over any public right-of-way except federal, state, or city directional/regulatory signs.
- No sign may be erected/maintained where it obstructs clear vision or creates a visual distraction hazard for vehicular/pedestrian traffic.
- No sign may obstruct required ventilation, stairways, doors, windows, or exits.
- No fluttering/swinging/rotating beacons or strobe lights with lighting interruptions of less than ten-second intervals.
- No sign may be confused with or obstruct any authorized traffic sign, signal, or device.
- No animation, video, or scrolling on programmed electronic displays; a 10-second hold time is required, with limited transitions and none between midnight and 6:00 a.m.
- Any spotlight or sign illumination must be shielded so the light source is not directly visible from streets, sidewalks, or adjacent property; no lighting spillover exceeding specified footcandle limits.
- No handwritten or spray-painted commercial signs (except painted/applied window signs as allowed).
- Temporary signs of any type may not be erected on municipally owned property, including city rights-of-way and easements, unless specifically authorized by the city.
- No illuminated sign may create a distracting or hazardous condition; exposed bulbs over 25 watts, excessive gaseous/fluorescent tube ratings, or similar hazardous illumination configurations are prohibited.

## Signs exempt from permit in Terrell

- Government signs: signs erected, maintained, or posted by federal, state, or city governments under legal authority are not subject to this section.
- Government-required protective/warning or access-control signs on private property (e.g., no trespassing, vicious dog, buried cable) as required by law; if size not specified by law, limited to 3 square feet and appropriately located.
- Official legal notices, advertisements, required-by-law postings, and historical plaques posted under authority; must be removed within 10 days after purpose is accomplished or as required by law.
- Mandatory building/street address identification numbers as required by code (subject to size/location limits) are authorized.
- Signs inside buildings (temporary or permanent) do not require a sign permit and are exempt from sign allotments and fees.
- Yard, estate, and garage sale signs do not require a sign permit.
- Temporary contractor/construction identification signs on the premises under development up to 16 sq ft do not require a permit.
- Temporary contractor/construction signs up to 16 sq ft giving construction entrance or permitted construction hours information do not require a permit.
- One temporary banner or sign on-premises announcing a community, civic, charitable, or organizational event does not require a permit.
- Flags of governments, institutional, or noncommercial flags on approved flagpoles; holiday emblems/insignia/decorative displays without advertising do not require a permit.
- On-site directional signs up to 2 sq ft do not require a permit (must meet visibility/safety standards).
- Changing sign content/copy on otherwise allowed signs does not require a permit.
- Customary and usual maintenance of any sign does not require a permit.
- Incidental signs in nonresidential zoning districts do not require a permit.
- Window signs do not require a permit.
- Bulletin boards up to 12 sq ft for public/charitable/religious institutions on their premises do not require a permit.
- Nonresidential occupational name/profession signs up to 2 sq ft inside commercial/public institutional buildings do not require a permit.
- Memorial signs/tablets (e.g., building name/date) cut into masonry or constructed of incombustible materials do not require a permit.
- Protective signs for safeguarding property/life (e.g., high voltage, bad dog) do not require a permit.
- Utility location signs/markers for underground lines and similar utilities do not require a permit.
- Temporary signs on private residential property up to 6 sq ft advertising the sale/rental/lease of the premises do not require a permit.
- Inflatable signs safely attached to the ground or a building are exempt from sign permits under the listed exemptions (still subject to other provisions).
- A-frame signs may be placed on public sidewalks without a sign permit if at least 4 feet of clear pedestrian passage is maintained and the sign is displayed only during the establishment’s business hours.
- Signs not in an enclosed building and not exposed to view from a street, public right-of-way, public place, or other property (i.e., not visible from public areas) are allowed.
- Regulatory scope exemptions: provisions of the section do not apply to (1) government signs; (2) lightweight signs/decals/stickers/paint on vehicles with owner’s permission; (3) signs approved with a special event permit; (4) street number signs not exceeding 1 sq ft; (5) signs approved with a temporary use permit; (6) temporary signs on residential property not exceeding 2 sq ft; (7) signs in or on athletic fields oriented to spectators and not visible outside the fields.
- Message substitution: any sign displayed in compliance with the code may have its message changed without additional approval, permitting, or notice, provided the change does not cause noncompliance.
- Small always-allowed temporary signs: one on-premises sign up to 2 sq ft at any time; one window sign up to 8.5 by 11 inches at any time.
- Seasonal/holiday allowances: during Nov 25–Jan 10, up to three temporary signs and decorative lights (subject to spillover limits); one temporary sign on July 4 and Easter and during the two weeks immediately preceding those holidays.
- Temporary on-site event sign allowance: one temporary sign on the day prior to and the day of a public open event on the property (limited annual frequency by zoning as specified).

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

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