Sign & Billboard Permits
Free standing signs, electric signs and any sign over 32 square feet on a building or fence requires a Sign Plan Review and permit. Only licensed sign contractors can request a sign permit.
Sign permits apply to the following signs:
- Across the street banners
- Banner signs
- Billboard demolitions and relocations
- Electric signs
- Inflatable signs
- Temporary weekend signs
- Free standing signs
- Marquee signs
- Non-electric commercial signs
- Projecting signs
- Refaces
- Pole signs
- Roof signs
- Wall signs
All sign permits applications can be submitted in person, by mail or online. If your application requires a Plan Review, you can submit your drawings and details using our Electronic Plan Review System.
NOTE: Temporary weekend sign permits do not require a license.
Sign Permit Clarifications
Any sign requiring electrical work or water features may require additional reviews before your permit can be issued.
Monument signs over 8 feet and pole signs over 12 feet require engineering documents and engineering calculations. These must be prepared by a Texas registered professional engineer and shall be signed and sealed.
Roof signs shall be evaluated on a case by case basis.
The Unified Development Code, Chapter 35 and Chapter 28, provide additional sign requirements for certain zoning districts.
Sign Types and Approval Process
Sign Master Plan Development Agreement
A Sign Master Plan Agreement allows commercial property owners flexibility in locating on premises signs. Once approved, the applicant must record the signed Master Plan Agreement in the official deed records for Bexar County, Texas.
This agreement allows flexibility in sign locations for two contiguous lots or more. They must also have a cumulative reduction in total sign area and sign height within the master plan area.
For more information, review Section 28-49 or contact the Development Services Specialist Supervisor.
Billboards (Off-Premise)
We do not allow new off-premise billboards unless you agree to remove two existing billboards. Billboard owners are required to have annual inspections of their signs.
Please see IB 191 (PDF) for requirements and applications for these permits.
Digital Signs (Off-Premise)
New off-premise digital displays are not allowed in the city.
Digital Signs (On-Premise)
On-premise digital displays are allowed in the City, but are subject to certain restrictions and regulations. These include:
Temporary Weekend Signs
You may place a temporary weekend sign from Friday until the following Monday. You can apply for a permit online or by submitting a sign application (PDF).
Temporary weekend sign permit holders must abide by the requirements outlined in the Temporary Weekend Signs Summary Sheet (PDF). You can learn about Open House Temporary Signs by reading our IB 230 (PDF).
Bandit Signs
The following signs are illegal and have violation fees:
- Signs placed on telephone poles
- Signs placed on right of ways without a temporary weekend sign permit
Portable Signs
The City does not allow any portable signs.
Feather Signs
Feather Signs are signs in a feather, flutter, square, teardrop and half drop shape. They are usually self-supported or supported by poles and affixed to the ground.
These signs are installed on non-residential zoned and/or non-residential used private property. They may not be located on the public right of way.
For more information, see our Feather Sign Application (PDF).
You can find more information the Sign Permit Application Process and the necessary permit applications in IB 191 (PDF).