Hosting an open house in Mansfield? The right directional signs can bring in serious traffic, but a misplaced sign in a median or state right of way can be removed fast. If you are selling or planning to list, you want every detail buttoned up, including signage that follows local rules. In this guide, you will learn Mansfield’s exact requirements, simple do’s and don’ts, and a quick checklist to keep your event compliant and effective. Let’s dive in.
Mansfield rules at a glance
- Size limit: 24 inches by 18 inches, no more than 3 square feet.
- Height limit: 3 feet above grade.
- Days allowed: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and official City of Mansfield holidays only.
- Removal: Take signs down no later than two hours after the open house ends.
- Quantity: Maximum of four signs per address, including the sign on the property.
- Required wording: Include “Open” or “Open House” and a directional arrow.
- Labeling: Brokerage name, listing agent name, and current phone number, in a smaller and less prominent font than the directional message.
- Materials: Metal and or plastic, self-supporting, placed in the ground, no illumination.
- Locations to avoid: No medians, no utility poles or trees, and do not obstruct driver visibility.
These requirements come from the city’s sign standards for temporary realtor open house directional signs. You can review the ordinance details in the Mansfield Code of Ordinances Section 155.090 on sign standards. See the city’s sign code reference.
Placement basics that prevent removals
- Keep signs at least 30 feet from intersections, measured from the edge of the right of way.
- Stay at least 3 feet back from the back of curb or edge of pavement.
- Never place signs in medians or on sidewalks.
- Do not attach to utility poles, streetlights, traffic signs, fences, or trees.
- Check sight lines. If a sign blocks a driver’s view, the city can remove it immediately.
- Direct only to properties within Mansfield city limits.
Wording and construction requirements
- Make “Open” or “Open House” with a directional arrow the most prominent message.
- Include the realty company name, listing agent name, and a current phone number in smaller type.
- Use metal or plastic, self-supporting stakes, and place the sign in the ground.
- No illumination and keep signs in good repair.
Timing and number limits
- You may place open house directional signs only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and official city holidays.
- Remove all signs within two hours after your open house ends.
- Do not exceed four total signs for the address, including the on-property sign.
Watch out for state and county rights of way
Some Mansfield corridors are state highways, such as U.S. 287 and SH 360. Signs placed in state highway right of way can be removed under Texas Transportation rules. If a location might be TxDOT right of way, do not place a sign there without authorization. Review TxDOT’s right of way guidance before placing any sign near a highway. Check TxDOT right of way information.
HOA and private property rules
HOAs often restrict signs on common areas and subdivision entrances, and they can be stricter than the city. Always review the neighborhood’s CC&Rs and get written permission if you plan to place a sign on HOA property. See an example of typical CC&R language for context. Review sample HOA CC&Rs.
Note that Texas Election Code protections for political signs do not apply to real estate signs, so HOA covenants generally control on HOA property. Read the Texas Election Code reference.
Who enforces the rules
Mansfield’s Code Compliance team enforces sign standards and can remove signs that violate the ordinance or create a safety hazard. If you need clarification or help with permits for other sign types, visit the city’s Code Compliance and permitting page. See Mansfield Code Compliance.
If your open house is on a weekday
Mansfield limits open house directional signs to Friday through Sunday and city holidays. If your event is on a weekday, skip off-site arrows and consider your on-property sign strategy under the city’s separate real estate sign rules. You can review those standards in the same sign code section. Review Mansfield sign standards.
Do’s and don’ts
Do:
- Use a 24 by 18 inch sign, no taller than 3 feet, built of metal or plastic, self-supporting.
- Make “Open” or “Open House” and an arrow the primary message, with your brokerage, name, and cell number in smaller type.
- Place signs only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and city holidays, then remove them within two hours after the event.
- Keep signs out of medians, at least 30 feet from intersections, and 3 feet from the back of curb.
- Confirm you are not placing signs in state or county right of way, especially near highways.
Don’t:
- Do not attach signs to poles, fences, trees, or public fixtures.
- Do not block visibility for drivers or cover traffic control devices.
- Do not leave signs overnight or beyond two hours after the open house.
- Do not exceed four total signs per address.
- Do not use paper or wood signs, and do not illuminate signs.
Quick compliance checklist
- Property is inside Mansfield city limits.
- Signs are 24 by 18 inches, no higher than 3 feet, metal or plastic, self-supporting.
- Wording shows “Open” or “Open House” with an arrow, plus smaller brokerage, agent, and current phone number.
- Placement is at least 30 feet from intersections and at least 3 feet from the back of curb, not in medians, and clear of sight lines.
- Signs go out on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or a city holiday, and come down within two hours after the event.
- Locations avoid TxDOT and county right of way and comply with any HOA CC&Rs.
What happens if you break the rules
The city can remove noncompliant or hazardous signs and may issue fines or assess removal costs. State authorities also remove unauthorized signs in highway right of way. Across Texas, enforcement attention to illegal bandit signs has been increasing, which raises the risk for repeat violations. See statewide enforcement context.
Ready to host a smooth, compliant open house in Mansfield? If you want a signage plan that draws traffic without risking removals, let’s build it together along with a winning marketing strategy and on-site experience. Reach out to Move 2 DFW to get started.
As a trusted Mansfield real estate agent, Linn Contreras with Move 2 DFW is committed to helping clients find the perfect property to fit their lifestyle. Her expertise in Mansfield homes for sale and personalized approach make her a go-to professional for anyone looking to buy or sell in the area.
FAQs
What size and height are allowed for Mansfield open house signs?
- Mansfield limits open house directional signs to 24 inches by 18 inches and no more than 3 feet tall under the city’s sign standards.
How many open house directional signs can I use per address?
- You can use up to four signs total per address, which includes the sign placed on the property being shown.
When can I place open house directional signs in Mansfield?
- Only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and official City of Mansfield holidays, and you must remove them within two hours after the event ends.
Where are open house signs prohibited within Mansfield?
- Do not place signs in medians, within 30 feet of intersections, within 3 feet of the back of curb, or attached to poles, fences, or trees, and never where they block driver visibility.
Can I put signs near U.S. 287 or SH 360 in Mansfield?
- Avoid state highway right of way because TxDOT prohibits unauthorized signs there and can remove them; confirm the right of way before placing any sign near a highway.
Do HOA rules affect where I can place signs?
- Yes, HOA covenants can be stricter than the city and often restrict signs on entrances or common areas, so review the CC&Rs and get written permission if needed.
