Dallas billboards rewrite aims for stricter enforcement and reduction of signs

Billboard regulations took center stage at the Dallas Special Sign District Advisory Committee meeting on February 12, 2025, as members discussed ongoing efforts to manage the city's billboard landscape. With approximately 830 billboards currently in Dallas—though not all are legal—the committee is working on a comprehensive rewrite of the existing regulations to streamline enforcement and encourage the removal of deteriorating signs.

The discussion highlighted the challenges posed by federal regulations, which complicate the city's ability to enforce billboard removal. Members noted that the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 restricts local authorities from easily regulating billboards, leading to a stagnant situation where many signs remain in place despite efforts to clean up the city’s visual environment.

In a bid to modernize the billboard framework, the committee is exploring a fee alternative that would allow billboard operators to pay a substantial fee in exchange for maintaining their signs. This approach aims to incentivize the removal of older billboards in favor of digital alternatives, which could enhance the aesthetic appeal of major thoroughfares.

The committee also plans to engage with the community regarding upcoming changes, particularly in the Arts District, where significant revisions to signage regulations are anticipated. As the committee prepares for further discussions, the focus remains on balancing the interests of billboard operators with the community's desire for a cleaner, more visually appealing urban landscape.