Midland Sign Size and Lighting Rules

Land Use and Zoning Texas 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Midland, Texas businesses must follow municipal sign and lighting rules enforced at the city level. This guide summarizes where to look in the City of Midland ordinances and how to find permits and file complaints, with links to the official code and the city planning office for forms and contacts.[1]

Check the city code and planning office early in project planning.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of sign size, placement and lighting typically falls to the City of Midland Planning and Development Services and Code Enforcement. Where specific fines, escalation, or section numbers are listed in the official municipal code, those are cited below; where not shown on the cited pages the text states that explicitly.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; consult the City of Midland Code of Ordinances for numeric penalties.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offences and per-day penalties are not specified on the cited page; enforcement may include daily continuing penalties where authorized by ordinance.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: removal orders, stop-work or correction notices, permit revocation, and referral to municipal court are possible remedies referenced in city enforcement practice (specific measures not specified on the cited page).[1]
  • Enforcer and complaints: Planning and Development Services and Code Enforcement accept inspections and complaints; contact the department for inspection requests and complaint filing instructions.[2]
  • Appeals and review: procedures for administrative review or appeal of enforcement actions are governed by the city code; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the planning office.[1]
Document any permit approvals and dated notices to support appeals.

Applications & Forms

Sign permit applications, plan submittals and related checklist items are managed by the Planning and Development Services department. The specific form name, fee schedule, and electronic submission portal are provided by the city; if a form or fee is not published on the cited pages, it is noted below.

  • Sign permit application: name and fee not specified on the cited page; request the current sign permit packet from Planning and Development Services.[2]
  • Fees: specific permit fees or refundable deposits are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the planning office.[2]
  • Deadlines: standard review times and any expedited review options are provided by the department; check the permit instructions for current timelines.[2]

Common violations include unauthorized illumination, exceeding size or height limits, placement within rights-of-way, and failure to obtain a required sign permit; typical corrective actions are removal orders and permit penalties as noted above.[1]

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a new business sign?
Most commercial signs require a permit and plan approval; contact Planning and Development Services to confirm requirements and submit applications.[2]
Are there limits on sign height or brightness?
Numeric limits for sign height, area, and lighting are set in the municipal code; where specific limits are not shown on the cited page they must be confirmed in the ordinance text.[1]
What happens if my sign violates the rules?
Enforcement can include correction orders, permit denial or revocation, and monetary fines; the exact penalties and appeal timeframes should be verified with the city code and planning office.[1]

How-To

  1. Check the City of Midland Code of Ordinances for sign rules and definitions to see if your sign type is regulated.[1]
  2. Contact Planning and Development Services for the current sign permit application, fee schedule and submittal checklist.[2]
  3. Prepare scaled drawings showing sign size, height, lighting details, and site placement; obtain property owner authorization if required.
  4. Submit the application, pay fees, and schedule inspection or plan review as instructed by the planning office.
  5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow correction instructions promptly and appeal within the time allowed by the ordinance or request an administrative review from the city.

Key Takeaways

  • Most business signs in Midland require permits and plan approval.
  • Contact Planning and Development Services early to get current forms, fees and timelines.[2]
  • Enforcement can include orders, fines and court referral; verify appeal deadlines in the city code.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Midland Code of Ordinances - Signs and related provisions (Municode)
  2. [2] City of Midland Planning & Development Services - Permits and contact information

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