Off-Premises Sign
Operating permit for an off-premise sign.
All classifications of signs, types of signs, and special function signs, and all other signs used as off-premise signs. An exception is that off-premise signs limited to 40 square feet in area, which advertise the sale or rental of real property or direct persons to the location of real property for sale or rental, are permitted for a single one-year term.
An annual, non-scheduled/unannounced inspection is conducted yearly. Renewal invoices are sent after the official annual sign list is received from the contractor every year at the beginning of the year.
No new permits can be issued for off-premise signs (Exception: Section 4612(b) of the Houston Sign Code).
- Contact Senior Inspector David Conde, 832-394-9087, or [email protected], for current requirements.
- Obtain a ticket for Sign Administration from the Information desk located on the 1st floor at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002.
- Proceed to the 4th floor and scan ticket to be placed in the queue.
- Once the number is called, submit application packet (including plan set) to the plan reviewer.
No new permits can be issued for off-premise signs. Off-premise signs are permitted, installed, maintained & operated only by a licensed sign contractor that already owns a "grandfathered" billboard. [Exception: Section 4612 (b) of the Houston Sign Code.]
- Prerequisite checklist: https://edocs.publicworks.houstontx.gov/documents/divisions/planning/en…
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Site plan and detailed drawings
For real-time review (Note: By appointment only):
- Obtain a ticket for Sign Permit - Sign Administration Permits from one of the four kiosks located on the 1st floor at 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002.
- Proceed to the 4th floor and scan ticket to be placed in the queue.
- Once the number is called, submit application packet (including plan set) to the plan reviewer.
- Receive a sales order and proceed to cashier station to pay fees or charge to the APA, if available.
- Signs must be permitted and installed by a licensed sign contractor.
- All documents must be provided from the designated assigned checklist.
- No new permits are issued for billboards.
- All relocations are mandated to a 10 year special permit only.
- Once plans are approved, a site inspection must be completed to confirm the location of the proposed sign.
- Packet is then sent to the Legal Department for approval.
- Upon approval, construction of the sign may begin.
- Once construction is complete, a final inspection must be completed and approved in order to receive the Sign Operating Permit.
Call 832-394-9087 to schedule an inspection.
All inspections are conducted the next business day.
Each person engaging in the off-premise sign business shall file with the Sign Administrator a certified list of all off-premise sign structures owned by him as of January 1 of each year. This list shall be filed on or before January 1 of each year and shall describe the location, type, dimensions, facing direction and permit number of each off-premise sign structure.
- Return the invoice amount by check (money order, cashier check, business check) to:
City of Houston - Sign Administration
P.O. Box 2688
Houston, TX 77252-2688
- Once payment is processed a permit receipt will be e-mailed to the e-mail address on file.
Any outstanding balances must be paid prior or at the same time the permit is renewed. A zero due balance is required to generate the invoice.