Lubbock Sign Ordinance: Outdated Rule or Key to Keeping the City Beautiful?

I am not going to pretend I fully understand Lubbock's sign ordinance. I attempted to read it, but it's actually much more complicated than "a sign can only be X big."

However, I am aware that Lubbock has a strict and heavily enforced sign ordinance, applicable to both businesses and outdoor advertising.

Read More: Do We Need A Welcome To Lubbock Sign Now?

What the Lubbock Sign Ordinance Says Today

There are rules about lighting, how far offset from the street a sign can be, what you can use to support your sign (no rocks), and my favorite provision, which is that a sign that "emits odor" that is distracting is not allowed.

Please refrain from having a stinky sign, Lubbock.

How the Sign Ordinance Impacts Local Businesses

If I were to open a business, I'd likely need a sign permit (especially if I wanted an illuminated one). I might be able to get away with a traditional sign so long as it was just painted.

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This is certainly a hoop to jump through, but it doesn't seem overly serious considering the myriad other hoops you have to jump through anyway.

I also think it helps give the little guys a shot, as they are not competing with an enormous and expensive sign from the chain next door.

There do seem to be exceptions made for some businesses/ advertisers. I was unable to find out why the gigantic signs opposite Jones Stadium are allowed, and I'm sure the answer is, "something somthing Texas Tech."

In their isolation and uniqueness, I'll admit they look kind of cool.

The Sign Ordinance Prevents Visual "Pollution"

If you check out this photo of the 70s in Lubbock, you can see how junky a bunch of large signs can look in Lubbock, a city without a massive amount of trees, hills, etc to block them.

It keeps Lubbock from looking like a dismal "pass-through" town of Taco Bells, McDonald's, and a dozen gas stations. It's a step away from bland, corporate mediocrity.

However, I can't help but feel like it's a bit of a ruse, too. If we had more amenities and more unique buildings/ natural features, we wouldn't even notice large signs along the highway.

You have to work with what you've got, and for now, minimizing signs seems to be the best solution.