After some period of relative calm, Houston Sign Ordinance enforcement is back in the news.  Recent reports indicate “open house” signs photographed by city sign inspectors were later confiscated and fines levied against the listing agent (as much as $432 per sign per day) for violation of the Houston Sign Code.  Some of the violating signs had been placed in the roadway medians which are definitely off-limits.

While signs provide some quick and direct advertising for real estate sales, signs placed in the wrong place can mean extra costs to your business. Brokers and their agents must be familiar with the Houston Sign Ordinances to avoid costly fines.  Here are the critical provisions:

Sec. 4608 (c)(3) of the Houston Sign Code in part states:  any unlawful sign found within public right-of-way shall be seized and removed.  This includes the area by the side of the road and medians.

Section 28-39 of the Code of Ordinances in part states:  It shall be unlawful for any person to place or cause to be placed any advertising matter of any kind whatsoever located in the public streets, public sidewalks alleyways, easements, public property or any other public place.

Section 40-7 of the Code of Ordinances in part states:  It shall be unlawful for any person to erect, place, build, construct or maintain….sign or other obstruction upon any public street.....but the same shall be construed to prohibit and forbid every type and kind of obstruction....