Are LED Signs Allowed in Harris county, Texas? A Guide to Permits, Sizes, and Zoning
EMC Sign Laws – Harris County, Texas
EMC Sign Allowed?
✅ Yes, Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in Harris County’s ETJ, but only as on-premise signs and subject to the Houston Sign Code (1993 version, as adopted by Harris County).
❌ Off-premise EMCs (billboards) are not allowed without special approvals.
🔗 Full Ordinance – Harris County ETJ Sign Regulations (PDF)
Quick LED Sign Ordinance Checklist
| Feature | Rule |
|---|---|
| Allowed? | ✅ Yes – EMCs are permitted for on-premise business use |
| Size | Must comply with Houston Sign Code (1993 standards). Freestanding: up to ~50 sq. ft. typical; Wall signs: 5–10% of wall area |
| Height | Freestanding signs generally ≤ 20 ft; Wall signs ≤ 8 ft |
| Setback | Minimum 5–10 ft from ROW/property line depending on location |
| Brightness | Allowed, but must not cause hazard or nuisance; auto-dimming encouraged |
| Message Rules | ❌ Flashing/scrolling/animated prohibited; minimum dwell times apply |
| Location Limits | ❌ Not allowed in Scenic Districts; banned near highways designated “Scenic” |
| Design | Both monument and pole signs allowed if compliant with Code |
| Number of Signs | Limited per parcel by Houston Sign Code |
| Permits Needed | ✔ Zoning/Construction permit ✔ Electrical permit ✔ Operating permit (County Engineer’s office) |
Zoning District Overview
Harris County does not use its own zoning map but applies Houston Sign Code rules in its ETJ. Scenic Districts are overlays with stricter bans.
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On-Premise Signs Allowed: For businesses, EMCs may be used if they comply with Houston Code standards (size, height, setback, illumination).
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Prohibited Areas: Within Scenic Districts (e.g., along Hwy 290, FM 1960, Kuykendahl Rd, etc.), EMCs are prohibited.
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Residential / Agricultural Uses: EMCs not allowed for non-commercial/residential purposes.
Zoning-Specific Standards (via Houston Sign Code 1993)
Business & Industrial Areas (ETJ, non-scenic):
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EMC allowed as wall, freestanding, or ground sign
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Maximum Area: Wall – 5–10% of wall surface (≤200 sq ft); Freestanding – ≤50 sq ft typical
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Height: Freestanding – ≤20 ft; Wall – ≤8 ft
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Setback: 5–10 ft minimum from ROW
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Illumination: Permitted if non-flashing; no hazard or glare
Scenic Districts (ETJ corridors like Hwy 290, FM 1960, Kuykendahl, Ella Blvd, etc.):
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❌ EMC signs not permitted
Permit Filing Requirements
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Required Forms: Harris County Sign Construction & Operating Permit Application; Electrical permit for illuminated signs
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Permit Office: Harris County Public Infrastructure Dept., 10000 Northwest Fwy, Ste. 102, Houston, TX 77092
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Permit Fees: Based on sign type and size; confirmed through County Engineer’s office
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Inspections: Required for structure and electrical work
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Operating Permit: Must be displayed on the sign with County-issued tag
External Reference Links
🗺️ Harris County Scenic District Map
📘 Houston Sign Code
📝 Harris County Permit Application Portal