EMC Sign Laws in Harris County, Texas
✅ Yes. Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs are permitted in unincorporated areas of Harris County, including designated ETJ Scenic (A), Major Thoroughfare (B), Freeway (C), and Toll Road frontage zones. Signs must comply with Harris County’s sign permitting standards regarding size, height, setbacks, and placement.
"Permits are required for all new and renovated signs in the unincorporated areas of Harris County. The regulations are intended to ensure public safety, traffic visibility, and compliance with local code."
🔗 Harris County Sign Permitting Portal
🔗 Harris County Engineering Department – Signs
EMC Sign Summary Table
| Feature | Answer |
|---|---|
| Zoning districts that allow EMCs | ETJ Scenic (A), Major Thoroughfares (B), Freeways (C), Toll Road frontage |
| EMC sign styles allowed | Wall, Freestanding, Ground |
| Off-premise EMCs allowed | ❌ No (billboards separately regulated) |
| EMCs in ROW | ❌ Not allowed – must be entirely behind property line/ROW boundary |
| Minimum setback required | Scenic (A): ≥10 ft from ROW; Thoroughfare (B): 5–10 ft from ROW; Freeway (C): ≥10 ft from ROW; Toll Roads: ≥10 ft or more depending on site review |
| Use restrictions | Additional limits apply near toll roads, scenic corridors, and residential frontage |
| Illumination | Allowed; flashing or animated content restricted if hazardous or distracting |
Zoning District Overview
Harris County regulates EMC signs by roadway type and frontage. Categories include:
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ETJ Scenic (A): Signs visible from scenic corridors or byways.
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ETJ Major Thoroughfares (B): Signs along arterial/collector roads with commercial frontage.
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ETJ Freeways (C): Signs along designated freeway corridors.
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Toll Road Frontage: Signs visible from Harris County toll roads.
📍 View Harris County ETJ & Scenic District Maps
Zoning-Specific Standards
ETJ Scenic District (A)
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Ground |
| Maximum height | ≤20–30 ft (engineered plans if >30 ft) |
| Maximum area | Varies by frontage; subject to site plan approval |
| Setback | ≥10 ft from ROW |
| Illumination | Permitted, but no nuisance or glare onto roadways |
ETJ Major Thoroughfares (B)
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Ground |
| Maximum height | ≤20–30 ft (engineered plans if >30 ft) |
| Maximum area | Typically ≤50 sq ft (freestanding) |
| Setback | 5–10 ft from ROW |
| Illumination | Permitted, flashing/animated restricted |
ETJ Freeways (C)
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Wall, Freestanding, Ground |
| Maximum height | ≤30 ft (engineered plans required if taller) |
| Maximum area | Larger allowances based on frontage |
| Setback | ≥10 ft from ROW |
| Illumination | Permitted, must not create hazard or distraction |
Toll Road Frontage
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| EMC allowed | ✅ Yes |
| Permitted sign types | Freestanding, Ground |
| Maximum height | ≤30 ft (engineering required if taller) |
| Maximum area | Subject to review and frontage |
| Setback | ≥10 ft or more, depending on site and safety review |
| Illumination | Permitted; subject to traffic safety restrictions |
Permit Filing Requirements
Required Steps:
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Application – File through E-Permits Portal.
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Identify Category – Scenic (A), Thoroughfare (B), Freeway (C), or Toll Road.
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Site Plan – Must show ROW boundaries, property lines, easements, building footprints, proposed sign location, and setbacks.
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Sign Detail Plans – Dimensions in feet/inches; engineered foundation plans required if sign ≥30 ft tall.
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Fire Code Permit – Business must have a valid fire code permit number.
Permit Duration: 180 days. Expired/void permits are nonrefundable.
Inspections: Required for all signs. Hole inspection mandatory for freestanding signs ≥30 ft.
Full Ordinance Notes
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Signs must be on-premise and outside the ROW.
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EMCs are allowed in designated ETJ zones but restricted in residential/scenic overlap areas.
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Engineered drawings are required for tall signs (≥30 ft).
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Inspections must be scheduled before the sign is considered compliant.
🔗 Harris County Sign Regulations – Standards & Details
External Reference Links
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📞 Harris County Permit Office – (713) 274-3933 | signs@hcpid.org