What are the sign rules in Bellaire?
Short answer: Residential property may display a short list of signs: address signs, one construction sign, a realty sign, open house signs, political signs, garage sale signs under Chapter 15, and a few others. A political sign may be up to 36 square feet and 8 feet high, with no lights and no moving parts. Banners, balloons and A-frame signs are banned. Commercial and mixed-use buildings follow their own section.
Residential signs allowed
Sec. 24-1009 lists the signs permitted on property in or for residential use: two address identification signs; one construction sign; one realty sign (two on a corner lot); three open house signs; political signs; garage sale signs as permitted by Chapter 15; one residential development sign per development site; and notice of public hearing signs required under Sec. 24-611. The definitions set the sizes. "A realty sign may have an area no greater than eight (8) square feet." A construction sign also has an area limit of eight square feet and must be removed within forty-five days after a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Address numbers must be between four and eight inches high.
Rule: City Code Sec. 24-1009 and Sec. 24-1003.
Political signs
A political sign is defined as a sign on private property, with the owner's approval, that advocates candidates or a political message and that follows Texas Local Government Code Chapter 216. The city definition adds that such a sign may not have an effective area greater than 36 square feet, "may not be higher than eight (8) feet, may not be illuminated and may not have moving elements."
Rule: City Code Sec. 24-1003 (definition) and Sec. 24-1009.
Business and prohibited signs
Commercial and mixed-use buildings follow Sec. 24-1011, permitted signs for commercial or mixed-use buildings. Sec. 24-1008 bans "Banners, pennants, searchlights, twirling signs, sandwich or "A" frame signs, balloons, tethered balloons, or any other advertising sign of a similar" kind. A home occupation may not use any sign or display advertising the occupation (see the home-business page).
Rule: City Code Sec. 24-1008 and Sec. 24-1011.
What happens if you don't
Any violation of the sign article "shall constitute a Class C misdemeanor. Each day in which any violation shall occur shall constitute a separate offense" (Sec. 24-1005). The section sets its own penalty and does not state a dollar amount, so each day counts as a new offense. The city can also issue stop orders, require repair or removal of certain signs, and revoke sign permits (Sec. 24-1013).
Who to call
Development Services Department.
Sources
- City of Bellaire Code of Ordinances, Sec. 24-1003, Sec. 24-1005, Sec. 24-1008, Sec. 24-1009, Sec. 24-1011, Sec. 24-1013. library.municode.com/tx/bellaire
En español
¿Qué letreros puedo poner en Bellaire? En una propiedad residencial se permiten dos letreros de dirección, un letrero de construcción, un letrero de bienes raíces (dos en un lote de esquina, máximo 8 pies cuadrados), tres letreros de casa abierta, letreros políticos, letreros de venta de garaje según el Capítulo 15 y otros que enumera la Sec. 24-1009. Un letrero de construcción también se limita a 8 pies cuadrados y debe retirarse a los 45 días después del certificado de ocupación. Un letrero político en propiedad privada puede medir hasta 36 pies cuadrados y 8 pies de alto, sin iluminación ni partes móviles. Están prohibidos los estandartes, banderines, letreros tipo A, globos y anuncios similares. Los edificios comerciales y de uso mixto siguen la Sec. 24-1011. Una infracción del artículo de letreros es un delito menor Clase C, y cada día cuenta como una infracción nueva (Sec. 24-1005). La ciudad también puede emitir órdenes de suspensión y exigir la reparación o el retiro de letreros (Sec. 24-1013). Para preguntas, comuníquese con el Departamento de Servicios de Desarrollo.