Sign Code Authority
Chapter 7, Billboards and Signs, of the Code of Civil and Criminal Ordinances; commercial design standards under Section 3.4 of Chapter 3 of the Unified Development Code; monument signs erected in lieu of pole signs under Chapter 33A
Permissive-List Code
Any sign not specifically authorized in Chapter 7 is prohibited — the reverse of most municipal sign ordinances
Electronic Sign Approval
Special sign permit required; applicant must show the proposed digital image meets ordinance performance standards or propose alternatives; reviewed by City Council, which may impose conditions; non-refundable fee of $750 per sign
Monument Sign Limits
7 ft including base standard, 9 ft with design enhancements; lots over 3 acres or anchor tenants over 20,000 sq ft allowed 12 ft, or 15 ft with enhancements
Prohibited Placements
Medians of any street, road, or highway; right-of-way of public roads not maintained by the city unless authorized by state law; city-owned public property outside narrow exceptions
Alcohol Advertising Restriction
No outdoor sign may bear a word, mark, description, or device advertising an alcoholic beverage or the business of a person who sells or distributes alcohol, except as provided in Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §108.52(c)
SH 356 Corridor Setback
No sign may be built, erected, or reconstructed within 25 ft of the State Highway 356 right-of-way between Irving Heights Drive and the east city limits, other than monument signs erected in lieu of pole signs under Chapter 33A
Suburban Coverage
Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, Coppell, Grand Prairie, Euless, Grapevine, Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Addison, Bedford, Hurst
Wind-Load Standard
115 mph ultimate design wind speed, Risk Category II
Severe Weather Considerations
Active severe-hail corridor — impact-resistant polycarbonate faces, reinforced retainers, and sealed cabinets specified as standard; straight-line wind and tornado-region foundation anchoring; 100°F-plus summer thermal load on drivers and power supplies
Highway Frontage
SH 114, SH 183 Airport Freeway, SH 161 President George Bush Turnpike, I-635 LBJ Freeway, Loop 12, SH 356 Irving Boulevard — TxDOT permit required separately for signage visible from the state highway system
Permit Timeline
Standard Irving sign permits typically 2 to 5 weeks; electronic sign special permits run on the City Council calendar and can add two to three months