As election season draws closer, Lakeway and Bee Cave residents looking to show their support for ballot items or candidates may opt to install political signage.

Both cities generally follow state law when it comes to regulating political signage, but they also have specific rules regarding permitting, sign location and size.

Here's a helpful guide on how local entities regulate temporary signs.

Bee Cave

Bee Cave city code establishes the following additional restrictions:
  • Signs are prohibited in the public right of way.
  • Signs are prohibited on private property without permission from the property owner.
  • In any zoning district, each property is allowed one temporary ground sign per road frontage, per year.
  • Size restrictions vary by zoning district and are intended to prevent a hazard to drivers.
The city’s code enforcement department is responsible for removing illegal signs in Bee Cave, according to a city spokesperson.


If a resident suspects a sign violates city code, they can reach Code Enforcement within the Planning and Development Department at 512-767-6675.

Lakeway

Lakeway city code says:
  • Signs are prohibited in the public right of way.
  • Signs are prohibited on private property without permission from the property owner.
  • A property owner in a commercial district may display one or more temporary signs on private property without a permit if the sign contains a noncommercial message and is no more than 8 feet high, no more than 36 square feet, not illuminated and does not contain any moving elements.
  • A property owner in a residential district may display one or more temporary signs on private property without a permit if the sign contains a noncommercial message and is no more than 3 feet high, no more than 12 square feet, not illuminated and does not contain any moving elements.
  • Political signs posted on city property are limited to yard signs (no larger than 24 inches by 24 inches), and cannot be attached to structures, fences or trees.
If a resident thinks a political sign violates the city ordinance, they can reach out to a code compliance officer through this portal.

If someone believes their sign was damaged or stolen, they can contact the police at the department's nonemergency line 512-261-2800.


Travis County

For unincorporated areas of Travis County, state law is generally applicable.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not allow campaign signs in public right of ways, according to the agency's website. However, they are allowed to be placed on private property with the owner's permission.

Political signs posted near established polling locations have to follow the Texas Election Code.