Inspections & Public Service

Bandit Signs

People who staple signs to telephone poles and crowd them at intersections, sidewalks, and esplanades aren’t only creating eyesores in neighborhoods, they’re breaking the law. We call these signs “bandit signs” and residents who see what they suspect to be bandit signs should report them to the City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods by calling the 3-1-1 Houston Service Helpline or using the Houston 3-1-1 mobile app. Violators are subject to a fine between $300 -$500, can be taken to court, as well as have a warrant issued for their arrest for breaking Chapter 28 of Houston’s code of ordinances.

How to Identify a Bandit Sign
Bandit signs are typically small and placed in large quantities along public spaces as esplanades. These signs include political, real estate, developer, and garage sale signs, etc. and are placed upon a public street, public sidewalk, public right-of-way, or on any public building or structure of any kind belonging to the city. Below are some examples of bandit signs.

How to Report Bandit Signs

Call 3-1-1 or 713.837.0311
Download the Houston 3-1-1 Mobile App to report issues from you smart phone