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1. I would like to advertise my business’s grand opening or a special promotion, what types of signage is permitted?

Temporary sign options include temporary display signs (i.e. - banners); A-Frame signs; and window signs. Allowances for these types of signs and more can be found online in the city’s Sign Ordinance (Section 13, Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance, City Code of Ordinances). Some temporary signs are conditionally exempt meaning that a permit is not required for placement; however, some temporary signs require the issuance of a permit before location. All temporary signs have requirements on maximum size, placement, and duration subject to the city’s Sign Ordinance. It is important to check the Sign Ordinance to ensure you are following the appropriate regulations.

2. Do I need a permit for signage?

Generally, yes; although there are some signs that are conditionally exempt while some signs require the issuance of a permit. The city regulates the use of signage in a manner that promotes safety, the efficient transfer of information, and the protection of public welfare by enhancing the appearance and economic value of the landscape.  The regulations provide for signage that does not create traffic hazards or nuisance while allowing businesses to identify themselves and customers are able to locate them.

Conditionally exempt signs include: 

• A-Frame
• Directional
• Flag
• Garage Sale
• Political
• Real Estate
• Residential Contractor Identification
• Vehicle
• Warning
• Window

Signs that require the issuance of a permit include:

• Awning
• Canopy
• Changeable Message
• Construction site (temporary)
• Entry
• Model Home Directional (temporary)
• Monument
• Off-Premises
• Searchlight
• Special Event
• Temporary Display (i.e., Banners) (temporary)
• Theater
• Vacant Property (temporary)
• Wall

3. Can I advertise using an inflatable sign, feather flag sign, or bandit sign?

Certain types of signs are prohibited within the City of Missouri City and its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Prohibited sign types include the following:

• Home occupation signs.
• Human signs.
• Inflatable signs.
• Portable signs except as permitted in the city’s sign ordinance.
• Signs that move and signs that contain visible moving parts, including signs that blink, flash, flutter, rotate, spin, swing, travel, undulate, otherwise have ribbons, strings of light bulbs, moving lights or messages, or simulate movement.
• Signs affixed to, attached to, or located upon exposed benches, trash containers, fences, trees, shrubs, and utility poles.
• Pole signs and pylon signs.
• Signs attached to or located on roofs.
• Signs that are posted on or attached to any public right-of-way, public sidewalk, curb, hydrant, bridge, street light, traffic control device, or street sign.
• Signs that interfere with, obstruct the view of, or may be confused with any official traffic control sign, signal, marking, or device.
• Signs violating the corner visibility triangle and the sight line triangle.
• Signs that emit an odor or produce an audible message.