(a) This chapter does not apply to:
(1) a sign that is allowed to be erected and maintained under the highway beautification provisions contained in Chapter 391;
(2) a sign in existence before September 1, 1985;
(3) a sign that has as its purpose the protection of life or property;
(4) a directional or other official sign authorized by law, including a sign that pertains to a natural wonder or a scenic or historic attraction;
(5) a sign that gives information about the location of an underground electric transmission line or a telegraph or telephone property or facility, a pipeline, a public sewer, or a waterline;
(6) a sign erected by an agency or political subdivision of the state; or
(7) a sign erected solely for and relating to a public election if the sign:
(A) is on private property;
(B) is erected not earlier than the 90th day before the date of the election and is removed not later than the 10th day after the election date;
(C) is constructed of lightweight material; and
(D) has a surface area not larger than 50 square feet.
(b) Subsection (a)(2) does not exempt a sign from Section 394.048 to the extent that section applies.
(c) This chapter does not apply to a directional sign for a small business, as defined by Section 2006.011, Government Code, if the sign:
(1) is on private property; and
(2) has a surface area not larger than 50 square feet.
(c) This chapter does not apply to a directional sign for a small business, as defined by Section 2006.001, Government Code, if the sign:
(1) is on private property; and
(2) has a surface area not larger than 50 square feet.
(d) This chapter does not apply to a temporary directional sign or kiosk erected by a political subdivision as part of a program approved by the department and administered by the political subdivision on a highway within the boundaries of the political subdivision.