Adoption of Houston’s first sign code in 1980 was driven by the unchecked proliferation of business signs and billboards. This code created, for the first time, a mechanism to protect designated areas from the proliferation of signage and to create a more visually appealing urban environment.

The establishment of these scenic districts serves to limit the height and size of on-premises signs within scenic district boundaries and will prevent the relocation of billboards along any federally designated highways that fall within the borders of a scenic district. Scenic Houston has had a hand in the creation of many of Houston’s nine scenic districts and 13 scenic roads.

1. Where are the scenic districts?   Map of Houston’s Scenic Districts [1]

• Lindale Park
• Tanglewood
• Central Business (Downtown)
• Post Oak (Uptown)
• Gateway 59 / Midtown
• FM 1093
• Richmond / Weslayan
• Highway 288 (Phase 2)
• Beltway 8

2. Where are the scenic roads?

• Hardy Toll Road
• Highway 288
• Allen Parkway
• Memorial Drive
• Woodway Drive
• North & South Braeswood Blvd
• North & South MacGregor Blvd
• T. C. Jester
• Heights Boulevard
• Richmond Ave / Wilcrest Dr
• Dairy Ashford Road

3. What are the regulations for scenic districts in Houston?

• Billboard relocations are prohibited.
• Single business on-premises signs taller than 14 feet are prohibited.
• Cellular towers are prohibited.

4. How are scenic districts designated?

By ordinance, through city council sponsorship, or by a petition process of the citizens in the area.

5. By what method were the current scenic districts designated?

Gateway 59 was done by petition; others were sponsored by city council.

6. How many signatures are required for a petition?

Collect 1,000 signatures of residents in the scenic application area plus the signatures of property owners that represent at least 20% of the total area. Signatures must be obtained within a 60-day period and submitted to the City within 90 days of the date of the first signature.
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