El Paso Campaign Sign Ordinance and Removal

Signs and Advertising Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 07, 2026 Flag of Texas

El Paso, Texas residents who plan to post campaign signs must follow city rules and state restrictions that affect placement, timing and removal. This guide summarizes how the city treats signs on private property, along public rights-of-way, and on public facilities; which departments enforce the rules; and practical steps to avoid fines or removal. For official ordinance language see the City of El Paso code linked below for details on permitted locations and prohibitions.Official Code of Ordinances[1]

Where and when you may place campaign signs

Generally, signs placed entirely on private property with the owner’s permission are allowed, subject to size and setback limits in the municipal code and any homeowner association rules. Signs on public right-of-way, medians, state highways, or city-owned property are commonly prohibited or restricted. Timing rules often limit when political signs may be displayed before and after an election, but specific time windows and setback measurements are set in local regulations or overlapping state rules; if the municipal code text is silent on a detail, the official code page should be consulted for updates.[1]

Always ask property owners for written permission before placing a sign on private property you do not own.

Prohibited locations and state right-of-way rules

Signs in TxDOT right-of-way and within certain distances of state highways are regulated by state law and are often subject to removal by state or city crews. When a sign is placed in the public right-of-way it may be removed without notice under city or state authority.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement authority for signage violations in El Paso is typically held by the Planning and Inspections Department or Code Compliance divisions; removal on state highways is enforced by the Texas Department of Transportation. The municipal code contains the operative prohibitions and procedures for removal and penalties.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal of signs, administrative orders to correct violations, and possible seizure of materials.
  • Enforcer: Planning and Inspections / Code Compliance for city property; Texas Department of Transportation for state right-of-way.
  • Inspection and complaint: report to El Paso Code Compliance or 311; TxDOT right-of-way complaints handled through TxDOT contact channels.
  • Appeal/review: the municipal code provides administrative appeal routes or judicial review; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: permits, variances, or written property-owner permission may be valid defenses where the municipal code or permitting process allows exceptions.
If you believe a sign was removed in error, document the location and timing immediately and contact Code Compliance.

Applications & Forms

Where a permit or variance is required for a political sign under local signage rules, the Planning and Inspections Department issues the form or application. If no permit is required for temporary campaign signs on private property, no form will be published. The municipal code and the department permit pages are the official sources for current forms and fees.[1]

How to avoid common violations

  • Get owner permission before placing signs on private property.
  • Avoid placing signs in sidewalks, medians, or within public right-of-way lines.
  • Remove signs promptly after the election or within any time window required by the local ordinance.
  • Do not attach signs to public fixtures like streetlights, traffic signals, or stop signs.

FAQ

Can I place a campaign sign in my yard?
Yes, on private property with the owner’s permission, subject to local size and setback rules; check the municipal code for details.[1]
Will the city remove signs in the public right-of-way?
Yes, signs placed in the public right-of-way or on city property may be removed; state highway signs may be removed by TxDOT.
What if my sign is removed or cited?
Document the removal, contact Code Compliance or the listed enforcement office, and follow the appeal instructions in the municipal code or department guidance.

How-To

  1. Check the City of El Paso municipal code and Planning and Inspections permit pages for current rules and any required permits.[1]
  2. Obtain written permission from the property owner if placing signs on private land you do not own.
  3. Locate signs outside public right-of-way and away from traffic controls and sidewalks.
  4. Remove signs promptly after the election or by the deadline required by local rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Private-property signs are usually allowed with permission; public right-of-way is restricted.
  • Enforcement is by Code Compliance and TxDOT; report violations to official contacts.
  • Consult the municipal code and Planning and Inspections for permits, forms, and exact rules.[1]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of El Paso Code of Ordinances - Official municipal code

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