Are LED Signs Allowed in Austin, Travis County, Texas? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Allowed?
Yes. EMC signs are permitted in Austin for on-premise commercial and industrial uses, subject to district-specific regulations.
Per §25-10-103 (Signs Prohibited):
“An off-premise sign, unless the sign is authorized by another provision of this chapter, is prohibited. A sign that uses an intermittent or flashing light source to attract attention, excluding an electronically controlled changeable-copy sign, is prohibited.”
🔗 Full Ordinance – City of Austin Sign Code
🔗 Zoning & Parcel View Map – City of Austin Zoning & Parcel View Map
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | Commercial & Industrial Sign Districts (Expressway Corridor, Downtown, Commercial) |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Roof (substituted), Flags (restricted) |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌No |
| EMCs allowed in public ROW | ❌No, except sidewalk/projecting signs in Downtown |
| Minimum setback required | Based on pole diameter: 0–12 ft (§25-10-191) |
| Use restrictions | Prohibited in Scenic Roadway & Historic districts; residential districts limited to static non-illuminated signs |
Zoning District Overview
Austin establishes sign regulations through Sign Districts, which overlay zoning and set stricter or looser rules depending on land use.
Applicable zoning districts for EMCs:
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Commercial Sign District
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Expressway Corridor Sign District
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Downtown Sign District
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Neighborhood Commercial Sign District
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Multifamily Residential Sign District
Zoning-Specific Standards
Commercial Sign District (General Business Areas)
| Requirement | Regulation |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Roof (substitute) |
| Maximum EMC area | Freestanding: 200 sq. ft. (250 sq. ft. if multi-tenant) |
| Maximum EMC height | 30 ft (or 6 ft above grade at base) |
| Illumination | Static changes only, no flashing/scrolling |
| Off-premise content | Not allowed |
| Setback | Min. based on pole size (up to 12 ft) |
Expressway Corridor Sign District (IH-35, US 183, SH 71, US 290)
| Requirement | Regulation |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding, Roof (substitute), Wall |
| Maximum EMC area | Up to 300 sq. ft. depending on frontage |
| Maximum EMC height | 35 ft or 20 ft above grade |
| Flags | 1 per curb cut |
| Off-premise content | Not allowed |
Downtown Sign District
| Requirement | Regulation |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Projecting, Freestanding |
| Maximum EMC area | Wall: 20% of façade; Freestanding: up to 200 sq. ft. |
| Maximum EMC height | 6 ft (freestanding), 30 ft (flags) |
| Projection into ROW | Up to 6 ft or ⅔ sidewalk width |
| Off-premise content | Not allowed |
Scenic Roadway & Historic Districts
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Scenic Roadways (§25-10-124): EMCs prohibited (internal lighting not allowed except individual letters).
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Historic Sign District (§25-10-121): EMCs prohibited (no rotating/roof signs).
Permit Filing Requirements
To install an EMC in Austin, applicants must obtain:
- Required forms: Sign Permit Application + Electrical Permit (if illuminated).
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Variance or Board of Adjustment approval (if requesting deviation)
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Permit Fees: Vary by size and zoning, typically $46.80- $371.70
Local Project Example
LED Sign City installed a double-sided EMC for a business on I-35 frontage in Austin. The project required a sign installation permit and electrical permit, and met the 30 ft height limit for the Commercial Sign District.
Full Ordinance Text
Refer to: City of Austin Code, Chapter 25-10 – Signs
External Reference Links
🗺️ Austin Zoning & Parcel View Map
📘 Austin Zoning Sign Code
📝 Permit Application Portal