Political Signs

A political sign is any type of sign that refers only to political candidates or issues involved in a political election. 

Political Sign Placement

No signs are permitted in a right-of-way or on public property. Also, signs cannot be attached to street signs, utility poles, or other fixtures within a public right-of-way or on public property, including City parks. Generally, the right-of-way is 10'-15' from the edge of the roadway, State highways are generally further. The utility and telephone poles and fencing usually sit at the edge of the right-of-way and serve as a good marker for the closest permitted area. These regulations are identified in both the City Ordinance No. 704-I, as amended, and in the State of Texas Election Laws as cited by the Texas Ethics Commission. Further, State law requires that certain signs able to be seen from the roadway, even if they are not in a public right-of-way, must contain certain notices printed on them stating that such signs are prohibited in the right-of-way.

• Right of Way Exhibit
• Excerpt from Sign Ordinance No. 704
• Southlake Interactive Map

Please contact the property owner for permission. No one can give authorization except the person in charge of that property. It is best to get permission in writing whenever possible. 

Contact the Texas Ethics Commission at 512-463-5800 for information on the specific wording requirements.

Enforcement

If signs are reported or observed within a prohibited area, city code enforcement staff will make one attempt to notify the campaign manager/office to advise of the rules and allow four (4) hours for correction.  Any signs not corrected within that time frame or signs from previously warned campaign groups that involve the same violation will be removed by city code enforcement staff and held for 72 hours before being disposed of without notification.  

Violations such as the willful destruction of signs or property may result in more serious action by code enforcement or police services, including the issuance of a citation and/or arrest.  In addition, the Texas Ethics Commission may take separate action in accordance with state law.

How do I report violations?  Contact code enforcement at 817-748-8215 or 817-748-8222 or 817-748-8397. 

Texas Department of Transportation - rules for posting campaign signs

What you need to know:

• It is illegal to place any signs on or within the right-of-way.  This includes posting signs on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the right-of-way.
• Campaign signs along Texas roads can be placed on private property with the owner's permission.  Signs must be made of lightweight material and be no larger than 50 square feet.
• Campaign signs may be posted as early as 90 days before an election (no earlier) and must be removed within 10 days after the election.
• Before placing a sign inside of incorporated city limits, check with the city for applicable ordinances.

What happens after the election? The signs should be removed within seven days.