Sign Regulations in Wichita Falls, Texas
Wichita Falls, Texas has specific sign regulations covering 24 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Apartment Sign (Wall/Wall Ground), General Business Sign (≤10 ft from property line or back of curb), General Business Sign (10 ft to <25 ft from property line). Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: September 29, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Wichita Falls, Texas
Sample Sign Requirements in Wichita Falls
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 6 ft | 15 sq ft | Note 1 applies: On-premises signs fronting a public street within 10 ft of property line must have ≥9 ft clearance to bottom of sign face; low-profile exception if top ≤3 ft above grade; supports ≤12 inches perpendicular to street; no overhang beyond property line. Exception: Requirement does not apply to directional if placement does not create a view obstruction (§6740 Note 1). |
| Name Plate | None | 1 sq ft | None |
| Political Sign | 8 ft | 36 sq ft | 10 ft if taller than 3 ft. |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for Wichita FallsFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
24
- Apartment Sign (Wall/Wall Ground)
- General Business Sign (≤10 ft from property line or back of curb)
- General Business Sign (10 ft to <25 ft from property line)
- General Business Sign (≥25 ft from property line)
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
9
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Wichita Falls
Other Cities in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls, 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 Wichita Falls, regulated sign types include Apartment Sign (Wall/Wall Ground), General Business Sign (≤10 ft from property line or back of curb), General Business Sign (10 ft to <25 ft from property line), General Business Sign (≥25 ft from property line), 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 Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Wichita Falls has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Wichita Falls, Texas Sign Rules at a Glance
Wichita Falls, Texas regulates 24 sign types across 9 zoning districts. Directional Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at 6 ft tall and 15 sq ft, with a Requirement does not apply to directional if placement does not create a view obstruction (§6740 Note 1). setback (Sec. Table 6741 (Directional); §6720 (Directional sign definition); Note 1 (setback clearance); §6745(ii); §6747C). Most commercial signs in Wichita Falls require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Wichita Falls, Texas
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Wichita Falls (9 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 10 | 50 ft | 100 sq ft | — |
| Single-Family Residential (large lot) (SF-1); Single-Family Residential (standard lot) (SF-2) | 2 | 20 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Multifamily Residential (MFR) | 4 | 50 ft | 200 sq ft | — |
| Residential Mixed Use (RMU) | 5 | 80 ft | 900 sq ft | — |
| Limited Commercial District (LC) | 4 | 20 ft | 80 sq ft | — |
| General Commercial (GC); Central Business District (CBD) | 11 | 80 ft | 900 sq ft | — |
| Light Industrial (LI); Heavy Industrial (HI) | 9 | 80 ft | 900 sq ft | — |
| River Development (RDD) | 5 | 80 ft | 900 sq ft | — |
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Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Wichita Falls(sample of 3 of 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Directional Sign | 6 ft | 15 sq ft | — | Note 1 applies: On-premises signs fronting a public street within 10 ft of property line must have ≥9 ft clearance to bottom of sign face; low-profile exception if top ≤3 ft above grade; supports ≤12 inches perpendicular to street; no overhang beyond property line. Exception: Requirement does not apply to directional if placement does not create a view obstruction (§6740 Note 1). | None (no explicit numeric cap). | On nonresidential property to direct vehicular traffic; no goods/services for sale may be listed. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Directional); §6720 (Directional sign definition); Note 1 (setback clearance); §6745(ii); §6747C |
| Name Plate | None | 1 sq ft | — | None | 1 per business. | On-premises; 1 per business. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Name Plate); §6745(viii) |
| Political Sign | 8 ft | 36 sq ft | — | 10 ft if taller than 3 ft. | None (no explicit numeric cap). | All districts. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Political); §6745(iii); §6740 Note 9; §6747(A)-(B) |
| Noncommercial Sign | 4 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per lot. | On nonresidential property; may advertise celebrations, exhibitions, community events, or activities of churches, charitable, nonprofit, educational or philanthropic organizations. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Noncommercial sign); §6720 (Noncommercial sign definition); §6745(ii); §6740 Note 9 |
| Temporary Commercial Sign I | 6 ft | 16 sq ft | — | Note 1 applies (clearance/low-profile/support limits) if within 10 ft of property line. | None (no explicit numeric cap). | On residential property by a person/business/entity performing a service, construction, event, or sale at the premises (e.g., garage sale, contractor, real estate, auction). | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Temporary Commercial Sign I); §6720 (Temporary commercial sign I definition); §6745(vi); Note 1 (setback clearance) |
| Temporary Commercial Sign II | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | Note 1 applies (clearance/low-profile/support limits) if within 10 ft of property line. | 1 per street front. | On nonresidential property by a person/business/entity performing a service, construction, event, or sale at the premises (e.g., special event/sale, contractor, real estate, auction). | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Temporary Commercial Sign II); §6720 (Temporary commercial sign II definition); §6745(vi); Note 1 (setback clearance) |
| Temporary Commercial Sign III | 50 ft | 100 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per street frontage. | On-premises advertising vacant lots for sale within a residential or commercial subdivision, or advertising a pending residential subdivision or commercial development, including contractor’s sign during construction of a nonresidential project or a residential subdivision. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Temporary Commercial Sign III); §6720 (Temporary commercial sign III definition); §6745(vii) |
| Temporary Residential Sign | 6 ft | 32 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per lot. | On residential property. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Temporary Residential Sign); §6720 (Temporary residential sign definition); §6745(v); Note 6 |
General Commercial (GC); Central Business District (CBD)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Sign (Wall/Wall Ground) | 20 ft | 80 sq ft | — | Note 1 applies. | 1 per street frontage or per project. | On premises of an apartment or multifamily complex. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Apartment – 80/20 W/WG); §6720 (Apartment sign definition); Note 1 |
| Apartment Sign (Ground/Pole/Wall Ground/Wall) | 50 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per street frontage or per project. | On premises of an apartment or multifamily complex. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Apartment – 120/50 G/P/WG/W) |
| Multi-Tenant Sign (80 sq ft / 20 ft) | 20 ft | 80 sq ft | — | Note 1 applies; and Note 4 governs total area. | 1 per platted lot per each street front. | On-premises identifying individual businesses within a commercial building(s). | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Multi-Tenant – 80/20 G/P/WG/W); Note 1 & 4 |
| Multi-Tenant Sign (120 sq ft / 50 ft) | 50 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per platted lot per each street front. | On-premises identifying individual businesses within a commercial building(s). | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Multi-Tenant – 120/50 G/P/WG/W) |
| General Business Sign (≤10 ft from property line or back of curb) | 30 ft | 80 sq ft | — | Note 5 and Note 1 apply. | One per business or street frontage when ≤25 ft setback. | On-premises general business sign. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Gen. Bus.); §6720 (General business sign definition); Note 5; Note 1; §6747; CBD conditional use per §6740 Note 5/§7200 |
| General Business Sign (10 ft to <25 ft from property line) | 50 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft to <25 ft | One per business or street frontage when ≤25 ft setback. | On-premises general business sign. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Gen. Bus.); Note 5; §6747 |
| General Business Sign (≥25 ft from property line) | 80 ft | 900 sq ft | — | ≥25 ft | No explicit numeric cap when ≥25 ft setback. | On-premises general business sign. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Gen. Bus.); Note 5; §6747 |
| Message Center (10 ft to <25 ft setback) | 50 ft | 120 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft and <25 ft | One per business or street frontage. | On-premises for a general business located on the same premises. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Message Center); Note 7 |
Light Industrial (LI); Heavy Industrial (HI)
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Tenant Sign (80 sq ft / 20 ft) | 20 ft | 80 sq ft | — | Note 1 applies; and Note 4 governs total area. | 1 per platted lot per each street front. | On-premises identifying individual businesses within a commercial building(s). | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Multi-Tenant – 80/20 G/P/WG/W); Note 1 & 4 |
| Multi-Tenant Sign (120 sq ft / 50 ft) | 50 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft | 1 per platted lot per each street front. | On-premises identifying individual businesses within a commercial building(s). | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Multi-Tenant – 120/50 G/P/WG/W) |
| General Business Sign (≤10 ft from property line or back of curb) | 30 ft | 80 sq ft | — | Note 5 and Note 1 apply. | One per business or street frontage when ≤25 ft setback. | On-premises general business sign. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Gen. Bus.); §6720 (General business sign definition); Note 5; Note 1; §6747 |
| General Business Sign (10 ft to <25 ft from property line) | 50 ft | 120 sq ft | — | 10 ft to <25 ft | One per business or street frontage when ≤25 ft setback. | On-premises general business sign. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Gen. Bus.); Note 5; §6747 |
| General Business Sign (≥25 ft from property line) | 80 ft | 900 sq ft | — | ≥25 ft | No explicit numeric cap when ≥25 ft setback. | On-premises general business sign. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Gen. Bus.); Note 5; §6747 |
| Message Center (10 ft to <25 ft setback) | 50 ft | 120 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft and <25 ft | One per business or street frontage. | On-premises for a general business located on the same premises. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Message Center); Note 7 |
| Message Center (≥25 ft setback) | 50 ft | 200 sq ft | — | ≥25 ft | One per business or street frontage. | On-premises for a general business located on the same premises. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Message Center); Note 7 |
| Class I Off-Premises (Billboard) | 42.5 ft; 24 ft above roof for roof-mounted; measured from roadway grade (Note 2(D)(1)) | 672 sq ft (807 sq ft with protrusions) | — | 25 ft from right-of-way (Note 2(C)). | Subject to separation distances; no explicit per-lot cap. | Off-premises advertising sign. | — | Unlock | Table 6741 (Class I Off-Premises); Note 2(A)-(F); Note 8; §6760(A); §6750(B) |
PermitPal covers all 9 zoning districts in Wichita Falls — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 9 zones for Wichita Falls — start freeProhibited Signs in Wichita Falls
- Flashing signs are prohibited citywide (§ 6747(A)).
- Signs using a revolving beam or beacon of light resembling any emergency vehicle or traffic control sign are prohibited (§ 6747(A)).
- High-intensity light as part of a sign display visible from an adjacent street is prohibited; lighted signs must not cause glare or brightness that could be a hazard or nuisance, nor obscure the visibility of traffic control devices (§ 6747(B)).
- No sign may be erected that obstructs the view of motorists; all signs must comply with the Visibility Sight Triangle (Wichita Falls Code of Ordinances § 102-40) (§ 6747(C)).
- No signs of any kind are allowed on the right-of-way of any street or alley, nor on any public place or city-owned property, except as expressly authorized; unauthorized signs on right-of-way are subject to immediate removal (§ 6766).
- No signs may be attached to utility poles in street/alley right-of-way or utility easements except by the owner of the pole (§ 6766).
- Class III off-premises signs are prohibited citywide (§ 6755(A)(1)).
- Any sign not in conformance with standards contained in the ordinance is prohibited (§ 6755(A)(2)).
Exempt Signs in Wichita Falls
- Signs required by law are exempt from the schedule of sign standards in Table 6741 (§ 6740).
- Permit is not required for directional signs (§ 6745, Exceptions to permit requirement(i)).
- Permit is not required for noncommercial signs (§ 6745(ii)).
- Permit is not required for political signs (§ 6745(iii)).
- Permit is not required for residential signs (§ 6745(iv)).
- Permit is not required for temporary residential signs (§ 6745(v)).
- Permit is not required for Temporary Commercial Signs I (§ 6745(vi)).
- Permit is not required for Temporary Commercial Signs II (§ 6745(vi)).
- Permit is not required for Temporary Commercial Signs III when 64 square feet or less in area (§ 6745(vii)).
- Permit is not required for wall signs that do not project more than 12 inches beyond the face of the wall (§ 6745(viii)).
- Permit is not required for temporary signs providing legal notice required by local, state, or federal government (§ 6745(ix)).
- Permit is not required for seasonal displays and decorations that do not advertise a product or service (§ 6745(x)).
- A property owner may display a political or other noncommercial message on any authorized commercial sign, subject to applicable fees and regulations (Note 9, § 6740).
- Temporary signs, flags, or banners may be permitted within city-controlled rights-of-way upon written request and with a permit, at the city manager’s discretion, and only for advertising celebrations, exhibitions, rodeos, fairs, or activities of churches or other charitable, nonprofit, educational or philanthropic organizations (§ 6767).
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Wichita Falls
- No master sign plan or sign plan requirement is stated in the provided sections.
- Conditional use review is required for certain CBD wall signs not in conformance with Note 5 and covering more than ten percent of the wall face (review per § 7200) (Note 5, § 6740).
- Most signs require a permit unless specifically exempted; permit applications must include construction documents and, where required by the International Building Code, engineering calculations signed and sealed by a Texas-registered professional engineer (§ 6745).
- Temporary signs, flags, or banners across streets or within city-controlled rights-of-way require a written request to the city manager or designee and a permit; time, place, duration, and manner are at the city manager’s discretion (§ 6767).
Source: ecode360 municipal code