Keeping Houston Beautiful: Use the 311 App to Fight Visual Clutter
- Scenic Houston
- Nov 28
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever noticed those “We Buy Houses” or “Cash for Cars” signs stuck on utility poles or seen damaged billboards after a storm, you know the kind of visual clutter Scenic Houston works to eliminate. These small eyesores add up, and they can make our city’s streets look messy and neglected while posing serious safety threats for drivers and pedestrians. Thankfully, there’s an easy way for all Houstonians to help — the Houston 311 App.
What Is the 311 App?
The City of Houston’s 311 system lets residents report non-emergency problems to the right department for faster processing. With the free mobile app, you can snap a photo, mark your location, and submit a service request in less than a minute. You can even track your report to see when it’s resolved.
Why It Matters for a More Scenic Houston
Scenic Houston’s mission is to protect and improve the city’s visual environment. Illegal “bandit signs,” downed billboards, and damaged public spaces all hurt Houston’s appearance and property values. By using 311, you help city crews find and remove these problems faster.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
1. Report Bandit Signs – These are illegal signs placed on poles or medians. Open the 311 App, take a photo, tag the location, and select “Illegal Signs” or “Right-of-Way Violation.”
2. Flag Damaged Billboards or Signs – If you see a leaning or broken billboard, report it as a safety or sign-structure concern.
3. Protect Scenic Spaces – Use 311 to report litter, overgrown medians, or dumped debris that block views or green space.
A Small Step with Big Impact
Every report creates data that helps the city prioritize cleanup and enforcement. One photo might seem small, but together, thousands of reports can keep neighborhoods cleaner, safer, and more beautiful. We believe a more scenic city is a more livable one — and every Houstonian can play a part. Next time you see a bandit sign or visual blight, take a minute to open the 311 App. Your quick action helps keep Houston looking its best.