Winstead News Alert

On September 1, 2009, several changes to the Houston Sign Code take effect. Those changes include major restrictions on electronic signs, reductions in the allowable size of on-premise signs and elimination of roof signs.

Signs with automatically changing date, time, temperature, weather or stock market information are no longer allowed. Blinking, rotating, moving, chasing, flashing, glaring, strobe, scintillating, or spot light signs are prohibited.

Changeable message signs are restricted to one per business with location and height restrictions; size is restricted to 50% of the allocable sign face area, not to exceed 100 square feet. A changeable message sign may not change the message more often than every five minutes and must change the message within one second or less; a high technology sign may not change the message without a new permit. Daylight and night maximum brightness limits are set for signs.

Roof signs are prohibited. Wall signs are significantly restricted by size and location. Projecting signs may not extend above the roof line and downtown height restrictions are added. Signs that appear in windows in a manner visible from the right-of-way are now regulated.

The following table sets new height and size restrictions for new on-premise signs:

Contact:
David F. Staas | 713.650.2662 | dstaas@winstead.com

Disclaimer:  Content contained within this news alert provides information on general legal issues and is not intended to provide advice on any specific legal matter or factual situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.