Sign height and area.
San Antonio City Code § 28-45
in effectSec. 28-45. - Sign height and area.
(a) Height computation. The height of a sign shall be computed as the distance from the ground level of the sign to the top of the highest attached component of the sign.
(b) Sign area.
(1) Total-sign area computation. The area of a sign shall be computed on the actual area of the sign. Included in the actual area shall be any open space which gives definition to the sign including the shape of any writing, object, representations, emblems, or other displays. Any border which forms an integral part of the background of the display, or differentiates the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed should also be included in the actual total-sign area. The computation of sign area shall not include any structure, bracing, or wall that is necessary to support the sign.
(2) Double-faced signs. The area of a sign shall be computed on a sign face basis and all requirements with respect to sign area refer to the area of a single face. A double-faced sign shall be permitted to have the allowed area for a single-faced sign on each of the two (2) faces of the sign.
(3) Three-dimensional signs. For three-dimensional signs and objects, the sign area is the rectangle within which the largest two-dimensional projection (silhouette) of the object can be enclosed.
(4) Channel letter signs. For channel letter signs, the sign area shall be the smallest rectangle that will encompass the limits of the writing, including spaces between the letters. Each advertising message shall be considered separately.
(5) Lots fronting on two (2) or more streets. Platted lots fronting on two (2) or more streets are allowed the permitted freestanding signage for each frontage, but such signage cannot be transferred from one frontage to another.
(c) Height and size limitation.
(1) For the first freestanding sign on a lot, the height and size maximum shall be in accordance with Table 1 and/or Table 2 if applicable. All subsequent freestanding signs on the lot shall not exceed seventy-five (75) percent of the allowable height and size specified in the appropriate table(s).
On lots with frontage on more than one (1) street, the same shall apply for each street.
(2) One (1) freestanding sign shall be permitted for each one hundred fifty (150) feet of street frontage. On lots with frontage on more than one (1) street, the same shall apply for each street. All allowed freestanding signs shall be in accordance with Table 1 and/or Table 2 as specified in subsection (1) above.
Table 1
Maximum-Allowable Heights and Sizes for Freestanding Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts
Street Classification | Height (Ft.) | Size (SF)
Local | 16 ft | 75 ft
Arterial Type B/ Commercial Collector | 24 ft | 150 ft
Arterial Type A | 40 ft | 240 ft
Expressway | 50 ft * | 375 ft
* Not to exceed fifty (50) feet in height above the adjacent street grade, measured from the grade level of the centerline of the main-traveled way, not including a frontage road or controlled access highway, closest to the sign at a point perpendicular to the sign location, not to exceed a maximum of sixty (60) feet above ground level.
** Note: Sign height and square footage may vary depending on special districts and overlays.
(d) Height and size limitation. Freestanding multiple tenant signs in nonresidential zoning districts shall be limited in height and size in accordance with Table 2.
Table 2
Maximum Allowable Heights and Sizes for Freestanding Multiple Tenant Signs in Nonresidential Zoning Districts
Street Classification | Height (Ft.) | Size (SF)
Local | 20 ft | 125 ft
Arterial Type B/ Commercial Collector | 32 ft | 250 ft
Arterial Type A | 50 ft | 500 ft
Expressway | 60 ft (2) | 650 ft (1)
(1) The maximum size for an individual tenant's portion of a freestanding multiple tenant sign in a nonresidential zoning district may not exceed the maximum size allowed for a freestanding sign in a nonresidential zoning district as specified in Table 1 of this section.
(2) Not to exceed sixty (60) feet in height above the adjacent street grade, measured from the grade level of the centerline of the main-traveled way, not including a frontage road or controlled access highway, closest to the sign at a point perpendicular to the sign location, not to exceed a maximum of seventy (70) feet above ground level.
** Note: Sign height and square footage may vary depending on special districts and overlays.
(e) No single tenant shall exceed three hundred seventy-five (375) square feet of advertising on a multi-tenant sign at any given time. This provision is intended to address hybrid static and changeable copy multi-tenant signs.
(f) The expressway standards set out in Tables 1 and 2, excluding the 10 ft increase for adjacent grade allowance, shall also apply to lots, or any portion of lots, located within five hundred (500) feet of an expressway where said lot or lots do not have frontage on an expressway. If an expressway size sign is erected on a lot which does not have expressway frontage, said sign shall be setback a minimum of one hundred (100) feet from the nearest street easement or right-of-way and a minimum of two hundred (200) feet from the nearest residential zone. Said sign or signs shall be oriented to the expressway.
(Ord. No. 2017-05-04-0297, § 1(Att. 1), 5-4-17; Ord. No. 2023-6-01-0369, § 1(Att. I), 6-1-23)
Source: City of San Antonio, City Code, City Charter and Unified Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH28SI_ARTIVERMARE_DIV2REBAUPSICL_SDAEMSI_S28-45SIHEARFetched: 10/27/2026