Sign Regulations in Cleveland, Tennessee
Cleveland, Tennessee has specific sign regulations covering 46 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Regulated sign types include Window Sign, Incidental Sign, Entrance/Exit Sign. Height restrictions apply. Permits are required for most commercial signs. Use PermitPal to get instant access to the complete regulations.
Data last verified: November 18, 2025
Sign Regulation Overview for Cleveland, Tennessee
Sample Sign Requirements in Cleveland
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (General standards) | 25 ft max for all signs except billboards and ground signs allowed in the IGC; may be extended to 35 ft by official for unusual topography/congestion | Per sign-type tables and zone-specific allowances | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥4 ft from utilities/drainage unless approved |
| Wall/Canopy/Awning Signs (General standards) | — | ≤20% of facade area per elevation (includes banners as wall signs and counts mansard/roof signs toward wall cap) | — |
| Projecting Sign (General standards) | — | ≤50 sq ft | — |
* Sample data shown. Actual requirements may vary by zone. Use PermitPal for complete, location-specific regulations.
PermitPal Coverage for ClevelandFull Coverage
Sign Types Covered
46
- Window Sign
- Incidental Sign
- Entrance/Exit Sign
- Temporary Sign - Type A
- +2 more types
Zoning Districts
11
Different zoning districts with specific sign regulations
Data Includes
- Permit requirements
- Height restrictions
- Illumination rules
Official Resources for Cleveland
Other Cities in Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions
Sign height limits in Cleveland vary by zone and sign type. Wall signs typically range from 25-40 feet, while monument signs are usually limited to 6-10 feet. Use PermitPal to get exact requirements for your property.
To get a sign permit in Cleveland, submit an application to the local building or planning department with sign dimensions, location, and design specifications. Our data confirms permits are required for most commercial signs. Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks. PermitPal helps you identify specific requirements and prepare complete applications.
In Cleveland, regulated sign types include Window Sign, Incidental Sign, Entrance/Exit Sign, Temporary Sign - Type A, and 2 more types. Most commercial signs require permits. Temporary signs and certain small signs may be exempt. Use PermitPal for specific exemptions.
Sign setback requirements in Cleveland vary by zone and sign type, typically ranging from 5-15 feet from property lines. Use PermitPal for specific setback requirements at your location.
Digital and LED signs in Cleveland are regulated with specific requirements for brightness, animation, and message duration. Cleveland has documented illumination rules in our database. Use PermitPal to see the exact requirements for electronic message centers.
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Cleveland, Tennessee Sign Rules at a Glance
Cleveland, Tennessee regulates 46 sign types across 11 zoning districts. Entrance/Exit Signs in the General Regulations For All Zones zoning district are capped at ≤30 inches tall and ≤2 sq ft, with a ≥0 and <5 ft from ROW allowed; not within ROW setback (Sec. 5.2.2.H). Most commercial signs in Cleveland require a permit.
Detailed Sign Ordinance Requirements for Cleveland, Tennessee
Sign Rules by Zoning District in Cleveland (11 zones)
| Zoning District | Sign Types Regulated | Max Height | Max Area | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Regulations For All Zones | 14 | ≤30 inches | ≤150 sq ft | — |
| Residential Agricultural District (RA); Single-Family Residential Dwelling District (R-1); Low Density Single and Multi-family Dwelling District (R-2); High Density Single and Multi-family Dwelling District (R-3); Mobile Home Parks District (R-4); High Rise Residential District (R-5) | 11 | ≤30 inches | ≤32 sq ft per sign | — |
| Highway Commercial District (CH) | 14 | At least 75 ft; prohibited if any other sign on the property exceeds 60 ft | One ground sign ≤300 sq ft; other ground sign(s) ≤150 sq ft | — |
| General Commercial District (CG) | 15 | ≥75 ft; prohibited if any other sign on property exceeds 60 ft | One sign ≤300 sq ft; other ground sign(s) ≤150 sq ft | — |
| Professional and Institutional District (PI) | 11 | ≤35 ft; within 660 ft of I-75, height per TDOT Rules; bottom of sign face ≥18 ft | ≤300 sq ft per face; within 660 ft of I-75, maximum size per TDOT Rules | — |
| Light Industry District (IL); Heavy Industry District (IH) | 11 | ≥75 ft; prohibited if any other sign on property exceeds 60 ft | ≤300 sq ft per face; within 660 ft of I-75, maximum size per TDOT Rules | — |
| Buffer (B) | 2 | ≤35 ft; within 660 ft of I-75, height per TDOT Rules; bottom of sign face ≥18 ft | ≤300 sq ft per face; within 660 ft of I-75, maximum size per TDOT Rules | — |
| Planned Unit Development Zoning Districts (PUD1, PUD2, ...) | 1 | ≤25 ft (may extend to 35 ft by official for unusual conditions), unless altered by PUD ordinance; billboards per 5.6 if permitted | Per general standards or as specifically altered by the ordinance establishing the PUD | — |
| Historic Preservation Zoning District | 2 | ≤25 ft (may extend to 35 ft by official for unusual conditions), unless overlay/HPC standards specify otherwise | Type A ≤4 sq ft; Type B ≤32 sq ft | — |
| Paul Huff Parkway Special Sign Control District | 1 | Per special district provisions; otherwise ≤25 ft (may extend to 35 ft by official for unusual conditions) | Per special district provisions where directly addressed; otherwise per general standards | — |
| IGC | 2 | Ground signs allowed in the IGC are exempt from the 25 ft maximum height in 5.2.1.M (specific maximum not provided in this section) | Per general ground sign tables unless IGC-specific provisions elsewhere in code apply | — |
Zone-by-Zone Sign Requirements in Cleveland(sample of 3 of 11 zones)
General Regulations For All Zones
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (General standards) | 25 ft max for all signs except billboards and ground signs allowed in the IGC; may be extended to 35 ft by official for unusual topography/congestion | Per sign-type tables and zone-specific allowances | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; ≥4 ft from utilities/drainage unless approved | — | Outside public ROW; minimum 5 ft setback from actual or presumed ROW; survey required for permitted ground signs | — | Unlock | 5.2.1.A–E; 5.2.1.C; 5.2.2.A(2)–(4) |
| Wall/Canopy/Awning Signs (General standards) | — | ≤20% of facade area per elevation (includes banners as wall signs and counts mansard/roof signs toward wall cap) | — | — | Multiple sign display areas allowed within 20% facade cap | On building facades/canopies/awnings | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.B(1)–(4); 5.2.1.J |
| Projecting Sign (General standards) | — | ≤50 sq ft | Projection ≤2 ft from mounting surface | — | — | Attached to building/canopy/awning; not above/below electric lines unless utility approves | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.D(1)–(5) |
| Window Sign | — | No limit | — | — | No limit | Inside building, visible from ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.F |
| Incidental Sign | — | Each ≤2 sq ft | — | — | Not limited by ordinance | On-premises, mounted flush or affixed to dispensing equipment | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.G; Definitions: Incidental sign |
| Entrance/Exit Sign | ≤30 inches | ≤2 sq ft | — | ≥0 and <5 ft from ROW allowed; not within ROW | One per side of each driveway | One on each side of each driveway serving a non-residential land use or multi-family residential development; may be within 5 ft of ROW but not in ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.H |
| Temporary Sign - Type A | ≤10 ft (except may exceed within 5 ft of a building or canopy); ≤4 ft tall if property developed only with residential uses | ≤4 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from driveway entrance | 1 if residential land use; 2 if non-residential land use; 1 if vacant land | Not within 10 ft of a driveway entrance to a public street; not on property without owner’s permission | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.C (table and items 1,3–11) |
| Temporary Sign - Type B | ≤10 ft (except may exceed within 5 ft of a building or canopy) | ≤32 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from driveway entrance | 0 if residential land use; 2 if non-residential land use; 0 if vacant land | Not within 10 ft of driveway entrance to a public street; not on property without owner’s permission | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.C (table and items 1,3–11) |
Highway Commercial District (CH)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Non-residential, <3 ac or <100,000 sf under single roof) (2-lane frontage) | ≤25 ft general cap (may extend to 35 ft by official for unusual conditions) | ≤100 sq ft per sign | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; utility/drainage separations | 1 per qualifying frontage | 1 per adjoining 2-lane street with ≥100 ft frontage; building(s) must be ≥10 ft behind ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.A(4) and table; 5.2.2.A(2)–(3) |
| Ground Sign (Non-residential, <3 ac or <100,000 sf under single roof) (4+ lanes frontage) | ≤25 ft general cap (may extend to 35 ft by official for unusual conditions) | ≤150 sq ft per sign | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; utility/drainage separations | 1 per qualifying frontage | 1 per adjoining 4+ lane street with ≥100 ft frontage; building(s) must be ≥10 ft behind ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.A(4) and table; 5.2.2.A(2)–(3) |
| Ground Sign (Non-residential, ≥3 ac or ≥100,000 sf under single roof) | ≤25 ft general cap (may extend to 35 ft by official for unusual conditions) | One ground sign ≤300 sq ft; other ground sign(s) ≤150 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; utility/drainage separations | 1 per qualifying frontage; with size limits as stated | 1 per adjoining street with ≥100 ft frontage; building(s) must be ≥10 ft behind ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.A(4) and table; 5.2.2.A(2)–(3) |
| On-Site Interstate-Oriented Ground Sign (CH sites within 1000 ft of I-75 interchange; commercial/industrial zoning; ≥2 ac) | At least 75 ft; prohibited if any other sign on the property exceeds 60 ft | Per site size and number of on-site businesses: 2.00–2.99 ac: ≤350 sq ft total, ≤100 sq ft changeable copy; 3.00–3.99 ac: ≤600 sq ft total, ≤200 sq ft changeable copy; ≥4.00 ac: ≤1000 sq ft total, ≤300 sq ft changeable copy | — | General setbacks apply | 1 per qualifying site | On-site; interstate-oriented; within 1000 ft of I-75 interchange | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.A(5) and table; 5.2.1.K |
| Entrance/Exit Sign | ≤30 inches | ≤2 sq ft | — | Within 5 ft of ROW allowed; not in ROW | One per side of each driveway | One per side of each driveway; may be within 5 ft of ROW but not in ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.H |
| Temporary Sign - Type A | ≤10 ft (may exceed within 5 ft of building/canopy) | ≤4 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from driveway entrance | 2 on non-residential land use lots | Not within 10 ft of driveway entrance to public street; property owner permission required | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.C |
| Temporary Sign - Type B | ≤10 ft (may exceed within 5 ft of building/canopy) | ≤32 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from driveway entrance | 2 on non-residential land use lots | Not within 10 ft of driveway entrance; owner permission required | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.C |
| Billboard | ≤35 ft; within 660 ft of I-75, maximum height per TDOT Rules; bottom of sign face ≥18 ft above ground | ≤300 sq ft per sign face; within 660 ft of I-75, maximum size per TDOT Rules for Control of Outdoor Advertising | — | No part overhang or within 5 ft of ROW; no part within utility easements | — | Allowed by right in CH; must meet spacing and distance requirements | — | Unlock | 5.6; 5.6.1–5.6.11 |
General Commercial District (CG)
| Sign Type | Max Height | Max Area | Max Width | Setback | Signs Allowed | Location | Permit Required | Premium Details(Illumination, Size Formula, Permit Requirements, Additional Requirements — available with a free PermitPal account) | Ordinance Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Sign (Non-residential, <3 ac or <100,000 sf under single roof) (2-lane frontage) | ≤25 ft (may extend to 35 ft by official for unusual conditions) | ≤100 sq ft per sign | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; utility/drainage separations | 1 per qualifying frontage | 1 per adjoining 2-lane street with ≥100 ft frontage; building(s) ≥10 ft behind ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.A(4) and table; 5.2.2.A(2)–(3) |
| Ground Sign (Non-residential, <3 ac or <100,000 sf under single roof) (4+ lanes frontage) | ≤25 ft (may extend to 35 ft) | ≤150 sq ft per sign | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; utility/drainage separations | 1 per qualifying frontage | 1 per adjoining 4+ lane street with ≥100 ft frontage; building(s) ≥10 ft behind ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.A(4) and table; 5.2.2.A(2)–(3) |
| Ground Sign (Non-residential, ≥3 ac or ≥100,000 sf under single roof) | ≤25 ft (may extend to 35 ft) | One sign ≤300 sq ft; other ground sign(s) ≤150 sq ft | — | ≥5 ft from ROW; utility/drainage separations | 1 per qualifying frontage | 1 per adjoining street with ≥100 ft frontage; building(s) ≥10 ft behind ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.A(4) and table; 5.2.2.A(2)–(3) |
| On-Site Interstate-Oriented Ground Sign (CG sites within 1000 ft of I-75 interchange; commercial/industrial zoning; ≥2 ac) | ≥75 ft; prohibited if any other sign on property exceeds 60 ft | 2.00–2.99 ac: ≤350 sq ft total, ≤100 sq ft changeable copy; 3.00–3.99 ac: ≤600 sq ft, ≤200 sq ft CC; ≥4.00 ac: ≤1000 sq ft, ≤300 sq ft CC | — | General setbacks apply | 1 per qualifying site | On-site within 1000 ft of I-75 interchange | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.A(5) and table |
| Entrance/Exit Sign | ≤30 inches | ≤2 sq ft | — | Within 5 ft of ROW allowed; not in ROW | One per side of each driveway | One per side of each driveway; may be within 5 ft of ROW but not in ROW | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.H |
| Temporary Sign - Type A | ≤10 ft (may exceed within 5 ft of building/canopy) | ≤4 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from driveway entrance | 2 on non-residential land use lots | Not within 10 ft of driveway entrance; owner permission required | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.C |
| Temporary Sign - Type B | ≤10 ft (may exceed within 5 ft of building/canopy) | ≤32 sq ft | — | ≥10 ft from driveway entrance | 2 on non-residential land use lots | Not within 10 ft of driveway entrance; owner permission required | — | Unlock | 5.2.2.C |
| Billboard - General CG | ≤35 ft (TDOT max applies if within 660' of I-75; bottom of sign face ≥18 ft) | ≤300 sq ft per face (TDOT max applies if within 660' of I-75) | — | No overhang/within 5 ft of ROW; no part within utility easement | — | Not permitted in CG unless within 200 ft of I-75 ROW or within 1200 ft with 4+ lane street frontage directly connecting to an I-75 interchange (see separate CG special zones) | — | Unlock | 5.6 (intro paragraph re: CG allowances); 5.6.1–5.6.11 |
PermitPal covers all 11 zoning districts in Cleveland — full sign requirements for every zone, plus illumination rules, size formulas, and permit requirements for every sign type — with a free account.
See all 11 zones for Cleveland — start freeProhibited Signs in Cleveland
- No part of any sign may be located within the public right-of-way or within 5 feet of any public right-of-way, except where expressly allowed elsewhere in the ordinance.
- No sign may be located so as to impede pedestrian travel on public sidewalks or force pedestrians into travel or turning lanes.
- No sign may be produced, erected, installed, or located in a manner that violates any applicable building, electrical, fire, or life safety code; any required plan review or permits must be obtained prior to installation.
- No sign may be located so as to interfere with the safe and convenient operation or maintenance of utilities; in the absence of stricter easement or code conditions, no part of a sign structure may be within 4 feet of any utility or drainage facility unless approved in writing by the affected utility and the City Engineer; Tennessee One Call must be used for underground utility location when otherwise required.
- No sign may be located so as to impede visibility for motorists; required sight triangles/window for intersections and exits must be preserved per TDOT standards and sign placement must maintain clear sight.
- Animated signs are prohibited, including flashing lights, strobe lights visible from public rights-of-way, and sign designs that incorporate motion by mechanical, electrical, wind, water, or similar means (applies to billboards and all other signs except as otherwise provided).
- No sign on private property that is visible from a public right-of-way may be made to resemble a traffic control device; proper traffic control signage on private driveways is not precluded.
- No sign of any type is allowed to be situated on any property except as allowed by the ordinance; signs intended to be read from the public right-of-way are regulated.
- Signs must be kept in good repair; damaged, unsafe, or visibly deteriorated signs must be repaired, replaced, or removed.
- A sign’s display area may not exceed the maximum allowed by the ordinance and must be measured per the stated procedures.
- Sign lighting may not cause discomfort or distraction for motorists or pedestrians; lighting may not produce motion or animation; flashing, blinking, or pulsing is prohibited.
- External sign lighting must be focused on the sign backing and shielded to prevent glare onto adjacent public rights-of-way or properties; low-mounted external lights must be shielded by landscaping on the side opposite the sign.
- Off-premises signs with a sign display area greater than 32 square feet are prohibited unless they comply with the ordinance’s billboard regulations.
- Maximum sign height for all signs (except billboards and certain ground signs in the IGC) is 25 feet; the Building Official or Director of Planning may allow up to 35 feet only for unusual circumstances involving topography or congestion.
Exempt Signs in Cleveland
- Display of the United States flag or the Tennessee flag is not regulated by the sign ordinance, provided they are not located so as to impair visibility by motorists or create hazards or utility impairments.
- Travel signs (traffic management and wayfinding signs placed or authorized by a government agency) are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Gravestones, historical markers, and historic monuments are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Horticultural displays configured to convey messages or images in living plant material are not regulated by this ordinance.
- Specialized seasonal decorative banners displayed on certain utility poles in a pre-approved program (Cleveland Utilities and City Council approval; Chamber-coordinated) are not regulated.
- Signs located in the interior of buildings that are not visible from public rights-of-way through ordinary observation are not regulated.
- Freestanding, traditionally recognized religious symbols displayed on private property are not counted against sign number or area limits (safety and code restrictions still apply); religious symbols incorporated into sign faces are counted toward sign area.
- Outdoor decorations with very brief, non-commercial, context-related sign copy are not counted against sign number or area limits (safety and code restrictions still apply).
- Use of lights on private property as part of emergency alarms, alerting systems for hearing-impaired occupants, or hazard warning systems mandated by law or recommended by authorized emergency officials is not prohibited by the ordinance.
- Architectural details in otherwise lawful buildings that represent on-premises goods/services or themes are not prohibited by the ordinance.
- Faux painting of architectural details to create depth on flat surfaces and coordinated wall/trim color schemes are not considered murals and are not regulated.
- Incidental signs (as defined) are allowed and are not counted toward limits on the total number of signs or total sign display area, provided they conform to general standards.
Sign Plan & Submission Notes for Cleveland
- Bench signs, bus shelter signs, and street furniture signs are prohibited in public rights-of-way and within public parks and greenways except when included in a signage plan, streetscape plan, or transit stop plan approved by the City Council.
- Kiosks require approval of an engineered site plan by the City’s site plan review committee and a building permit; kiosk designs must meet applicable code requirements (including wind load).
- In the historic preservation zoning district, any signs (except temporary signs) require review and approval by the City’s Historic Preservation Commission.
- City Council may adopt plans for special streetscape districts that include sign design elements within the public right-of-way and on adjoining private property; where such plans address a matter, those provisions control.
- Commercial complexes over 100,000 square feet in the CH district may use a signage agreement within a common development plan to allocate allowable LED wall signage area (1 sq ft per 1,000 sq ft of finished floor area; not exceeding 200 sq ft total nor 100 sq ft on any one sign).
- If a building permit for a sign is denied under the Building Code, appeals go to the Building Board of Adjustment and Appeals; if a sign permit under the sign regulations is denied or revoked, appeals go to the Board of Zoning Appeals, with further review by writ of certiorari to a court of competent jurisdiction.
Source: other municipal code